Archive · 22 Jun 2025
Defunct NASA Satellite Emits Powerful Radio Signal After Decades
Imagine a very old, dead satellite sending a super strong radio signal!
Scientists were very surprised because the satellite, called Relay 2, hasn't worked for a long time.
The signal was so bright, brighter than anything else in the sky at the moment.
Initially, they thought they found something new in space like a dead star or a pulsar.
It may be that a small piece of space rock hit the satellite, causing the sudden burst of signal.
A powerful radio pulse was detected from the defunct Relay 2 satellite.
Relay 2 was a NASA communications satellite launched in 1964 and inactive since 1967.
The signal lasted less than 30 nanoseconds and outshone all other objects in the sky.
Scientists initially thought they discovered a new cosmic object in our galaxy.
The cause of the signal may be an external factor such as a micrometeorite impact.
- Who
- Scientists from Curtin University and the University of Bristol are investigating the cause.
- What
- A powerful radio signal was detected originating from the Relay 2 satellite.
- When
- The signal was detected on June 13th of last year.
- Where
- The signal was detected by the ASKAP in Western Australia and originated within 20,000km of Earth.
- Why
- Scientists believe the signal was caused by an external factor, such as a micrometeorite or an electrostatic discharge.
Initial Misinterpretation
Actual Source of Signal
Source of the Signal
Initial Misinterpretation
The signal came from a previously unknown cosmic object, such as a pulsar.
Actual Source of Signal
The signal came from the dead Relay 2 satellite.
- Satellite Name
- Relay 2
- Launch Year
- 1964
- Operational Years
- 1964-1965
- Last Active
- 1967
- Signal Duration
- Less than 30 nanoseconds
- Discovery Method
- ASKAP
