**Hosts:** Steve Dunkley and AI Assistant Hallie
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**Episode Summary:**
Blast off with Steve Dunkley and his digital co-pilot Hallie on this 26th February 2024 edition of Astronomy Daily. Today's episode is a celestial celebration as we discuss Odysseus' historic soft landing on the moon, marking a new era of lunar exploration. We also delve into the fiery reentry of the European Space Agency's ERS-2 satellite and the anticipation surrounding Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket. With a blend of humor and science, Steve and Hallie navigate the latest space news with the expertise of seasoned cosmic travelers.
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**Featured Topics:**
1. **Odysseus' Moon Landing:** A detailed look at the successful landing of the Odysseus lander near the lunar south pole, its significance for future moon missions, and the nail-biting moments leading up to this historic achievement.
2. **ERS-2 Satellite Reentry:** An exploration of the natural reentry of the ERS-2 satellite, its nearly 30-year journey in space, and the aftermath of its descent back to Earth.
3. **Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket:** Updates on the New Glenn rocket's progress as it approaches its inaugural launch, including the implications for Blue Origin's future in space exploration and its role in NASA's Artemis program.
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**Notable Quotes:**
- "What a triumph. Odysseus has taken the moon!" - Celebrating the successful landing of the Odysseus lander, as stated by NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.
- "The chances of being hit [by space debris] are so small... I'm in more danger crossing the road." - Steve Dunkley, putting the risks of satellite reentry into perspective.
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**Additional Information:**
For daily doses of space insights, subscribe to the Astronomy Daily newsletter at bitesz.com and spacenuts.io. Don't miss the chance to explore previous episodes of Astronomy Daily and the parent podcast, Space Nuts, with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson.
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**Next Episode Preview:**
Next week, Steve and Hallie will return to the airwaves with more interstellar stories and galactic updates. Expect a journey through the latest space tech developments and the unfolding narrative of our universe's exploration.
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**Closing Remarks:**
Thank you for tuning in to another episode of Astronomy Daily. Remember, whether you're dodging satellites or gazing at the moon, the cosmos is a playground of wonder. Join us again as we continue to unravel the mysteries of the universe. Until next time, this is Steve Dunkley and AI Assistant Hallie, signing off.
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**Host Sign-off:** Steve Dunkley: "Keep your eyes to the skies, and your hearts in the stars!" Hallie: "Farewell, fellow space travelers. Until our next cosmic rendezvous!
📋 Episode Chapters
(00:00) Welcome back to the 26 February 2024 astronomy daily podcast
(00:32) Steve Martin: Skylab or space debris rush over in Western Australia
(02:23) As SpaceX nears its first starship launch of 2024, the FAA is pressing regulators
(10:32) The first new Glenn test flight will likely carry a pair of small NASA satellites
(13:03) European Space Agency's ERS two satellite plummeted back to Earth yesterday
(17:03) Robot built by Houston based company intuitive machines touches down on moon
(25:53) Several nations have ambitious plans to land astronauts on the moon