Scientists Uncover Mysterious Radio Burst from Deep Space—But Wait, It’s a Satellite! What Happens Next Leaves Them Astounded!

A recent study published on Cornell University’s arXiv reported a fascinating phenomenon: a radio burst lasting just 30 nanoseconds. Initially, scientists believed it came from deep space. However, they later discovered it originated from a satellite. To add to the intrigue, that satellite, NASA’s Relay 2, had been inactive for decades. So, in essence, it seems like a “zombie satellite” was sending signals from beyond the grave. Strange, right?

The Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) telescope made this detection in June 2024. Fast radio bursts (FRBs)—the type of signal it picked up—have puzzled scientists for nearly 20 years. They usually last microseconds or longer, whereas this burst was significantly shorter, raising many questions.

Upon closer investigation, researchers found that the signal’s origin was surprisingly close to Earth. This realization came after they cross-referenced its coordinates with known satellite orbits. Yes, it was a satellite, but one that’s been out of commission since 1967.

Relay 2 was launched in 1964, designed to experiment with communications and collect data on the Van Allen radiation belt. It had a short life—its transponders failed within three years. Now, people wonder how this long-lost satellite managed to emit a signal at all. Its onboard equipment shouldn’t even have the capability to transmit a 30-nanosecond pulse.

Researchers proposed two theories to explain the sudden burst. One possibility is an electrostatic discharge (ESD). This may occur when charged particles build up—imagine getting a static shock after walking on a carpet. In the vacuum of space, charged particles in the atmosphere could spark a brief burst. If valid, this discovery could help identify issues in satellite functionality.

The other theory is even more curious: the satellite might have been struck by a tiny micrometeorite, traveling at speeds of up to 44,000 mph. Even a small impact could create enough charged plasma to produce the detected signal.

These theories are still under investigation. Many experts, including astrophysicists, stress that the universe is full of mysteries. According to a recent NASA report, FRBs could help scientists understand gravitational waves and cosmic events. As exciting as that sounds, this incident with Relay 2 shows that space holds even more surprises than we realize.

So, whether it’s from zombies in space or just an ancient satellite acting up, one thing is clear: the universe continues to be a wild and unpredictable frontier.