UK Team Plans to Orbit Moon to Detect Early Universe Radio Signals
Researchers aim to place a suitcase-sized satellite in orbit around the moon to search for the 21cm line radio frequency signal from neutral hydrogen in the early universe. Using the moon's far side will help avoid interference and shed light on the period shortly after the big bang.
The CosmoCube mission, estimated at under £50m, is slated for launch in roughly five years and will operate for two years. It has already secured over £2m in funding from the UK Space Agency, with the satellite designed to orbit the moon and gather data specifically during far-side passes.
Previous ground-based efforts, such as the Edges telescope in Australia, have claimed detections of the 21cm line, but those results remain contested. By measuring the gas temperature across the dark ages and cosmic dawn, the mission could also probe dark matter's influence on the signal's shape and amplitude.
This mission could significantly advance astrophysics by providing a cleaner signal than Earth-based observatories, potentially settling debates over prior 21cm detections. Success may validate lunar far-side astronomy as a viable platform, encouraging future space-based research. For the public, it may offer profound insights into cosmic origins, though immediate practical benefits remain speculative. The relatively modest cost could also demonstrate that small satellites can tackle major scientific questions, influencing future funding priorities.