# Reflecting on the Year in Space: Major Events of 2023
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Chapter 1: Highlights of 2023
Each week, I share insights with my email subscribers about the latest advancements in space and physics. I'm excited to present a retrospective of this year's newsletters on Medium. If you’re interested in subscribing, feel free to do so at no cost by clicking here.
As is customary, I like to revisit the key stories that have shaped the year through The Quantum Cat. This year has been rich with fascinating subjects, from delving into the Earth's core to the remnants of the largest explosion ever documented. Below, I have selected some of the most significant trends that could potentially influence our understanding of the universe.
Before diving into those developments, I’d like to express my gratitude to all my readers and subscribers of The Quantum Cat. Writing each edition has been a pleasure, and I appreciate your ongoing support.
Section 1.1: The Ancient Universe Unveiled
Just a year ago, the James Webb Space Telescope was still in its infancy. Following its launch on Christmas Day 2021, it took six months for the team to fully prepare it for its mission of exploring the cosmos. The first stunning images released in July 2022 showcased not only their beauty but also the potential for groundbreaking discoveries.
In the past year, astronomers have begun to fulfill that potential. Much of their research has concentrated on the early universe, leveraging Webb’s unparalleled ability to investigate the depths of space and the timeline of cosmic history. They have detected ancient galaxies, massive black holes, and early stars.
However, these observations have raised questions. The galaxies identified by Webb appear larger and more structured than previously anticipated, challenging existing theories of cosmic evolution. These revelations could reshape our comprehension of the early universe and may assist in addressing the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
The telescope is also redefining our position in the cosmos by examining exoplanets. In several instances, it has uncovered unusual weather phenomena, indicating a diversity of worlds that seemed unimaginable just decades ago. Some findings hint at the possibility of detecting extraterrestrial life or at least the chemical signatures that suggest its existence.
The coming year promises more exciting updates in both areas, as the James Webb is set to continue its mission for at least another two decades.
This video, titled "And with that, the 2023 year in space comes to an end," encapsulates the significant milestones in space exploration over the past year, showcasing the advancements and discoveries made.
Section 1.2: Lunar Missions and Asteroid Exploration
Three nations targeted lunar exploration this year. Russia initiated its Luna 25 mission in early August but faced a setback when the probe crashed into the Moon due to a navigational error.
India’s Chandrayaan-3 followed shortly after, successfully landing on August 23 and making India the fourth nation to achieve this feat. The Vikram lander transmitted data for nearly two weeks and deployed a small rover for exploration.
Japan took a more cautious approach, launching its SLIM mission in September to test precision landing techniques. This mission took a longer, fuel-efficient route to the Moon, achieving its goal on December 25, with a landing attempt scheduled for January of next year.
In the United States, the focus shifted to asteroids. The return of OSIRIS-REx, which visited the asteroid Bennu in 2020, was particularly noteworthy. After a successful high-speed landing in Utah, NASA retrieved samples; however, the contents of the return capsule remain unopened and shrouded in mystery.
NASA also launched the Psyche mission in October, aiming to explore the asteroid of the same name, believed to be the exposed core of a protoplanet. Additionally, the Lucy probe flew past the asteroid Dinkinesh in November, revealing it to be a twin asteroid.
Meanwhile, Europe’s efforts were directed towards the outer solar system. ESA launched JUICE towards Jupiter in April, with an eight-year journey planned, and in July, they launched Euclid, an advanced telescope designed to study dark matter and dark energy.
Chapter 2: The Superconductor Saga
In July, the announcement of LK99 generated considerable excitement online. Two papers from a South Korean university claimed the material could be a room-temperature superconductor, a discovery that would have profound implications for electrical engineering.
Speculation ran rampant on social media, with videos purporting to demonstrate LK99’s superconducting abilities. Both amateurs and professionals engaged in discussions about its potential to revolutionize technology.
Unfortunately, this excitement was short-lived. Laboratories worldwide failed to corroborate the superconducting claims, leading to alternative explanations for LK99's properties. Six months later, it is no longer viewed as a viable candidate for a superconductor.
This situation underscores the necessity of extraordinary evidence to support extraordinary claims and highlights the growing interest in superconductors. Researchers are actively pursuing the discovery of a genuine room-temperature superconductor.
The quest is regarded more as a materials challenge than a physics one. The principles governing superconductivity are well established, and many types have been identified at lower temperatures or under extreme pressures. The challenge lies in discovering the right combination of atoms and electrons.
Excitingly, AI may play a role in this pursuit. Recent efforts have utilized AI to identify potential crystal structures, resulting in over two million candidates—significantly more than previously known crystals. Among these new materials could be those that exhibit superconductivity.
Section 2.1: SpaceX and the Launch Landscape
In April, SpaceX’s Starship finally took off. Although the first launch ended in a spectacular explosion due to various issues, a second attempt in November was more successful, reaching space for a brief period.
While further refinements are necessary, the two flights indicate a promising future for Starship. Should progress continue, numerous launches are anticipated in the coming year, each advancing the technology further.
Beyond Starship, SpaceX's dominance in the launch market has become increasingly evident. In 2023, the company launched ninety-seven Falcon rockets, including five Falcon Heavy missions, accounting for nine out of ten American launches and nearly half of all global launches. Reports suggest that SpaceX aims for around 150 launches next year.
This pace will help maintain its leading position; however, the global rocket industry is entering a transformative phase. SpaceX's pioneering use of reusable rockets has significantly reduced launch costs, prompting competitors from China to Europe to develop their own rockets.
The upcoming year is likely to see these rivals attempt their first launches. While this may not immediately challenge SpaceX, the narrative over the next decade will likely center around new players fostering competition and innovation in space exploration.
The second video, titled "Space science: everything starts here," provides insights into foundational concepts in space science, exploring how various discoveries build upon one another and shape our understanding of the universe.