Tiny Satellite, Big Discovery: NASA’s BurstCube Detects First Gamma-Ray Burst
Greenbelt, MD – In a testament to the powerof miniaturization in space exploration, NASA’s shoebox-sized BurstCube satellite has detected its first gamma-ray burst, the most powerful explosions inthe universe. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the CubeSat, demonstrating its ability to observe these cataclysmic events from its perch in Earth’s orbit.
Launched on March 21, 2024, and deployed from the International Space Station (ISS) on April 18, BurstCube is designed to detect, locate, and study short gamma-ray bursts.These bursts are thought to be generated by the collision of ultra-dense objects like neutron stars, releasing intense flashes of high-energy light. These collisions also create heavy elements like gold and iodine, essential components of life as we know it.
The recent discovery, dubbed GRB 240629A, occurred on June 29th in the constellation of Microscopium. The team announced the finding on August 29th through the General Coordinate Network (GCN), a system used for rapid dissemination of astronomical observations.
We are thrilled to be collecting scientific data, said Sean Semper, BurstCube’s chief engineer at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. This is a major milestone for the team and for many early-career engineers and scientists involved in this mission.
BurstCube is a pioneeringCubeSat in its utilization of NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) system. TDRS, a constellation of dedicated communication spacecraft, relays data that helps coordinate follow-up measurements by other space and ground-based observatories through NASA’s GCN.
The satellite also uses a direct-to-Earth system for periodic data transmission back to Earth. Both TDRS and the direct-to-Earth system are part of NASA’s Near Space Network (NSN).
However, the mission has faced a challenge since its deployment. One of BurstCube’s two solar panels failed to fully deploy, obstructing the view of the spacecraft’s star tracker and hindering its ability to orient itself for minimal drag. This has led to a shortened mission duration, with the team now estimating that the satellite will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere in September, instead of the initial 12-18 months.
Despitethis setback, the team remains optimistic about the scientific value of BurstCube. I’m proud of how the team has adapted to this situation and made the most of our time in orbit, said Jeremy Perkins, BurstCube’s principal investigator at Goddard. Small missions like BurstCube not only give us the opportunityto conduct great science and test new technologies, like our mission’s gamma-ray detector, but they also provide important learning opportunities for the next generation of astrophysicists.
BurstCube’s success in detecting its first gamma-ray burst underscores the potential of CubeSats for astronomical research. These miniature spacecraft offera cost-effective and agile platform for exploring the universe, contributing to our understanding of the most extreme events in the cosmos.
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