This Week in Space – October 11-18, 2025
🌍 Planetary Defense
Asteroid 2025 TF Makes Second-Closest Flyby on Record
A newly-discovered asteroid flew just 420 km (260 miles) above Antarctica on October 1, making it the second-closest asteroid flyby ever recorded. The 1-3 meter object was spotted hours after its close approach by the Catalina Sky Survey, demonstrating the impressive capabilities of planetary defense tracking systems.
ESA Spots Asteroid at ISS-Level Altitude
ESA’s Planetary Defence Office successfully tracked asteroid 2025 TF after its discovery, determining it passed at approximately 428 km altitude – similar to the International Space Station’s orbit. The feat showcases astronomers’ ability to track meter-scale objects in the vast darkness of space with high precision.
📡 Deep Space Infrastructure
ESA Inaugurates Fourth Deep Space Antenna in Australia
The European Space Agency has inaugurated its fourth deep space antenna in Australia, significantly expanding capability to communicate with scientific, exploration, and Earth observation missions. This milestone strengthens global space communications infrastructure for future deep space exploration.
🌌 Cosmic Phenomena
Odd Streak in the Universe Remains Unexplained
Astronomers have identified a mysterious streak in the universe that continues to defy explanation, raising fundamental questions about cosmic structure and our understanding of large-scale phenomena in the cosmos.
Exceptional Star is Most Pristine Object Known
Scientists have discovered an exceptional star that represents the most pristine object known in the universe, offering unprecedented insights into the early universe and the formation of the first stellar generations.
📸 ESA Highlights
Week in Images: September 29 – October 3, 2025
ESA’s stunning weekly photo collection captures the beauty and science of space exploration, featuring imagery from Earth observation satellites, deep space missions, and ground-based facilities across the globe.
☀️ Space Weather Update
ARRL Solar Activity Report
The latest solar update shows continued moderate activity levels with Active Region AR4232 remaining productive, as we progress through the current solar cycle toward solar maximum with implications for Earth’s magnetic field and communications.
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