NASA
When is SpaceX planning to launch the AIM mission to rescue the stranded astronauts from the International Space Station?
According to SpaceX owner Elon Musk, the AIM mission to return stranded astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams from the International Space Station is scheduled to begin in four weeks from the announcement date. This mission represents a critical rescue operation to bring back the astronauts who have been stranded at the ISS. The mission marks an important development in SpaceX's capabilities for astronaut recovery and emergency response in space operations.
Watch clip answer (00:10m)
WION
00:39 - 00:50
What is the current probability that asteroid 2024 YR4 will hit Earth?
Scientists now report that asteroid 2024 YR4 has a 3.1% probability of impact, which is up about 1% from previous assessments made just days ago. The asteroid, roughly the size of the Statue of Liberty, would be large enough to wipe out a city if it were to hit Earth. However, there's still a 96.9% chance the asteroid will miss Earth entirely. Scientists have over seven years to prepare for the potential impact, as the asteroid will disappear behind the sun until 2028. The James Webb Space Telescope will be used to get a better look at the asteroid before it moves out of view.
Watch clip answer (00:47m)
NBC News
15:31 - 16:19
What is the latest information about asteroid 2024 YR4 and its potential impact with Earth?
Scientists have updated the probability of asteroid 2024 YR4 hitting Earth to 3.1%, an increase of about 1% from previous reports. The asteroid, roughly the size of the Statue of Liberty, could potentially wipe out a city if impact occurs. However, there remains a 96.9% chance it will miss Earth entirely. Scientists plan to use the James Webb Space Telescope to better observe the asteroid before it disappears behind the sun until 2028. With over seven years to prepare for the 3.1% impact possibility, NASA has time to monitor and potentially develop mitigation strategies for this city-destroying threat.
Watch clip answer (00:47m)
NBC News
15:31 - 16:19
What defines a potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA) and why are these celestial bodies scientifically important?
Potentially hazardous asteroids (PHAs) are defined based on their potential to make threatening close approaches to Earth. Specifically, asteroids with a minimum orbit intersection distance of 0.05 astronomical units (approximately 7.5 million kilometers) or less are classified as PHAs. An astronomical unit equals about 150 million kilometers, roughly the distance from Earth to the Sun, according to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The scientific interest in these objects stems from their status as relatively unchanged remnant debris from the solar system's formation process. They provide valuable insights into the early development of our planetary system, serving as cosmic time capsules that have remained largely unaltered since the solar system's birth.
Watch clip answer (00:42m)
WION
00:55 - 01:37
What are asteroids and how are they connected to planetary formation?
Asteroids are the remnants from the formation process of our inner solar system. About 4 billion years ago, the inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars) formed through an agglomeration process, and asteroids are essentially the leftover bits and pieces from this formation. Similarly, comets are the remnants from the formation of the outer planets like Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. These celestial fragments serve as valuable time capsules that help scientists understand the early development of our solar system.
Watch clip answer (00:27m)WION
01:39 - 02:07
What is the AIM mission and when will it begin?
The AIM mission is a SpaceX initiative announced by Elon Musk designed to safely return stranded astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams from the International Space Station. These astronauts are currently unable to return through conventional means. According to Musk's announcement, operations for the AIM mission are scheduled to begin in four weeks. This rescue mission represents a significant effort to bring the astronauts back to Earth after their extended stay aboard the ISS.
Watch clip answer (00:10m)
WION
00:39 - 00:50