CosmoCube Mission

Why in News?

The CosmoCube is a proposed suitcase-sized satellite being developed at the University of Cambridge to study the early Universe by detecting extremely faint radio signals emitted by hydrogen atoms more than 13.5 billion years ago. The mission is proposed to operate near the Moon, using its far side as a natural shield from radio interference generated on Earth.

About CosmoCube Mission 

• Mission: CosmoCube
• Development: University of Cambridge
• Size: Approximately suitcase-sized satellite
• Location: Proposed operation near the Moon
• Key advantage: The far side of the Moon provides a naturally radio-quiet environment by shielding instruments from Earth-based radio interference.
• Objective: Detect the faint 21-centimetre radio signal (21-cm line) produced by neutral hydrogen in the early Universe.
• The signal could provide information about the period between the Big Bang and the formation of the first stars, known as Cosmic Dawn.
• Before the first stars formed, the Universe passed through the Cosmic Dark Ages, lasting roughly 150 million years.
• During this period, the Universe was largely filled with hydrogen, whose atoms emitted the 21-cm signal.
• Why space-based observation?
  • Earth’s ionosphere interferes with the relevant low-frequency radio waves.
  • Human-made signals from radio, telecommunications and satellites can overwhelm the extremely weak cosmic signal.

21-Centimetre Line

The 21-cm line is a radio emission associated with neutral hydrogen atoms. Studying it can help scientists reconstruct the conditions and evolution of the early Universe, including the Cosmic Dark Ages and Cosmic Dawn.

Big Bang Theory  

• Georges Lemaître: Belgian cosmologist and Catholic priest; widely regarded as the father of the Big Bang theory.
• Edwin Hubble: Provided observational evidence for an expanding Universe through the relationship between the distance of galaxies and their recession velocity.
• Important distinction: Hubble did not formulate the Big Bang theory; his observations supported the idea of an expanding Universe.

Sources: IE & Universe Today

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