Scientists have proposed a novel small-satellite mission that would offer an uncommon way to study one of the least-understood eras of our cosmic history: the very early universe immediately after the Big Bang.<\/p>\n
Dubbed CosmoCube, this mission involves placing a compact satellite into orbit around the Moon and using its far side as a shield from terrestrial radio noise. The main purpose of this satellite is to detect the very faint radio signals emitted by neutral hydrogen during the very early stages of cosmic evolution.<\/p>\n
The importance of the mission lies in the fact that there is very little information available to the scientists about what happened between the first atom formation and appearance of the very first stars and galaxies.<\/p>\n
CosmoCube is a proposed UK-based lunar orbiting spacecraft aimed at conducting research on the early universe using the methods of radio astronomy. In spite of its impressive scientific scope, the spacecraft itself is going to be approximately suitcase sized.<\/p>\n
The mission will include the installation of a sophisticated device called radiometer. Unlike ordinary space telescopes, which capture photographs of galaxies millions of light years away, it will be aimed at detecting the weak radio emissions produced by hydrogen from the early universe.<\/p>\n
It is assumed that the spacecraft will function during two years after its deployment. At present, the spacecraft is expected to be launched in about five years\u2019 time, but this is just the plan. The development of the spacecraft has been funded by the UK Space Agency to the amount of over \u00a32 million, whereas its total cost is going to be less than \u00a350 million.<\/p>\n
The universe used to be totally different in its earlier stages. The universe was cooling down after the Big Bang, forming neutral hydrogen. During some time, the universe was dark until the formation of the first stars and galaxies that started emitting light and altering their environment.<\/p>\n
It is known as the period of cosmic dark ages and cosmic dawn.<\/p>\n
It would be interesting for scientists to know how the process took place. At which stage were the first stars formed? When did the first galaxies come to life? How did the emission of energy alter their environment? What was the contribution of dark matter into the formation of the first structures?<\/p>\n
The answer will help us better comprehend how the present-day universe was created.<\/p>\n
The universe used to be totally different in its earlier stages. The universe was cooling down after the Big Bang, forming neutral hydrogen. During some time, the universe was dark until the formation of the first stars and galaxies that started emitting light and altering their environment.<\/p>\n
It is known as the period of cosmic dark ages and cosmic dawn.<\/p>\n
It would be interesting for scientists to know how the process took place. At which stage were the first stars formed? When did the first galaxies come to life? How did the emission of energy alter their environment? What was the contribution of dark matter into the formation of the first structures?<\/p>\n
The answer will help us better comprehend how the present-day universe was created.<\/p>\n
What is unique about this mission is its place.<\/p>\n