Science News Roundup: Mongolia in talks with SpaceX to launch first national satellite; Saturn's 'Death Star' moon has a hidden secret - a subsurface ocean
Astronomers said on Wednesday that data obtained by NASA's Cassini spacecraft on the rotational motion and orbit of Mimas confirm the presence of an ocean of liquid water beneath an ice layer 12-19 miles (20-30 km) thick. This ocean, they said, appears to have formed recently, in cosmic terms - less than 25 million years ago and likely between 5 and 15 million years ago.
![Science News Roundup: Mongolia in talks with SpaceX to launch first national satellite; Saturn's 'Death Star' moon has a hidden secret - a subsurface ocean](https://devdiscourse.blob.core.windows.net/devnews/15_06_2022_11_02_34_1212006.jpg)
Following is a summary of current science news briefs.
Mongolia in talks with SpaceX to launch first national satellite
The Mongolian government said on Thursday it is in talks with Elon Musk's SpaceX to launch the country's first national telecommunications satellite, its latest move to improve connectivity and develop its "domestic space economy." The satellite, currently being constructed by French company Thales Alenia Space, is tasked with improving Mongolia's disaster management and emergency response, increasing broadband internet access and supporting its scientific research and education among other purposes, the government said in a statement.
Saturn's 'Death Star' moon has a hidden secret - a subsurface ocean
Saturn's moon Mimas is known for its uncanny resemblance to the dreaded Death Star in the original "Star Wars" movie. But it has another intriguing distinction as well, according to researchers - a subsurface ocean hidden under its icy and crater-scarred outer shell. Astronomers said on Wednesday that data obtained by NASA's Cassini spacecraft on the rotational motion and orbit of Mimas confirm the presence of an ocean of liquid water beneath an ice layer 12-19 miles (20-30 km) thick. This ocean, they said, appears to have formed recently, in cosmic terms - less than 25 million years ago and likely between 5 and 15 million years ago.
(With inputs from agencies.)
ALSO READ
EU Targets Elon Musk's X for Deceptive Blue Checkmarks
EU Calls Out Elon Musk's X for Misleading Blue Checkmarks
NASA's Webb Telescope Reveals Cosmic Ballet: The Merging of Penguin and Egg Galaxies
Elon Musk's X Faces EU Charges: Breach of Digital Services Act Threatens Hefty Fines
EU Charges Elon Musk's X for Breaching Online Content Rules