Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

NASA's Vintage Satellite Captures Mysterious Radio Burst

6/28/2025

23 1

Summary

Story summary

In June 2024, a fleeting yet powerful radio burst was captured from NASA's long-abandoned Relay 2 satellite, which soared into space in 1964. Lasting just 30 nanoseconds, this intriguing signal may stem from an electrostatic discharge or a micrometeoroid strike. This finding sheds light on satellite safety in our debris-laden cosmos and promises to improve future monitoring strategies.

1 of 1

Story summary

In June 2024, a fleeting yet powerful radio burst was captured from NASA's long-abandoned Relay 2 satellite, which soared into space in 1964. Lasting just 30 nanoseconds, this intriguing signal may stem from an electrostatic discharge or a micrometeoroid strike. This finding sheds light on satellite safety in our debris-laden cosmos and promises to improve future monitoring strategies.