Dead NASA satellite unexpectedly emits powerful radio pulse

On June 13, 2024, astronomers using the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder detected an extraordinarily brief and intense radio pulse—lasting less than 30 nanoseconds and peaking at over 300 kilojanskys—originating from the defunct NASA Relay 2 satellite launched in 1964 and decommissioned in 1967. The burst, which briefly outshone all other celestial radio sources, is believed to have been caused by either a sudden electrostatic discharge as the satellite accumulated charge in orbit or by a micrometeoroid impact that created a plasma plume. This unexpected emission from a long-silent space relic highlights a rare and intriguing phenomenon, offering new insights into dormant spacecraft behavior, potential space debris monitoring techniques, and the risks posed by electrostatic events. More

(Source: New Scientist - Jun 21)