Archive · 22 Jun 2025
NASA's Silent Satellite Emits Powerful Radio Signal to Earth
Imagine a satellite from the 1960s that went quiet for over six decades suddenly sending a burst of radio energy.
That's exactly what happened with NASA's Relay 2!
Scientists using a special telescope in Australia picked up the signal, which was incredibly bright but very short.
They figured out it came from Relay 2, which had been considered non-functional for a long time.
The signal likely wasn't the satellite turning back on, but something else, like a tiny space rock hitting it.
This could help scientists understand how space debris and static electricity affect satellites.
A NASA satellite, Relay 2, inactive for over 60 years, emitted a strong radio signal.
The signal, detected on June 13th, lasted less than 30 nanoseconds.
Researchers used the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) to detect the signal.
The signal originated from Relay 2's orbit, approximately 20,000 kilometers from Earth.
Scientists believe the signal was likely caused by an external event, like an electrostatic discharge or micrometeorite impact.
- Who
- Researchers using the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) detected the signal. The satellite was a NASA project.
- What
- Relay 2, a NASA satellite, emitted a powerful radio signal after being silent for over 60 years.
- When
- The signal was detected on June 13th, 2025. Relay 2 was launched in 1964.
- Where
- The signal originated from Relay 2's orbit, approximately 20,000 kilometers from Earth.
- Why
- The exact reason is unknown, but scientists suggest it was likely caused by an external event, such as an electrostatic discharge or micrometeorite impact.
- Satellite Name
- Relay 2
- Launch Year
- 1964
- Signal Detection Date
- June 13, 2025
- Signal Duration
- Less than 30 nanoseconds
- Detection Method
- Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP)
- Signal Source Location
- 20,000 kilometers from Earth