A NASA satellite that’s been orbiting as space junk since 1967, Relay 2, emitted an unexpected, powerful radio burst that astronomers initially struggled to explain.

Long-dead satellite emits strong radio signal, puzzling astronomers NASA launched communications satellite Relay 2 in 1964. Three years later, Relay 2's mission was over.

NASA launched communications satellite Relay 2 in 1964. Three years later, Relay 2's mission was over. SOURCE: NASA via CNN Newsource Updated: 9:44 PM EDT Jun 30, 2025 Editorial Standards ⓘ ...

Long-dead satellite emits strong radio signal, puzzling astronomers NASA launched communications satellite Relay 2 in 1964. Three years later, Relay 2's mission was over.

Long-dead satellite emits strong radio signal, puzzling astronomers NASA launched communications satellite Relay 2 in 1964. Three years later, Relay 2's mission was over.

And there was only one thing in that direction, at that distance, at that time — a derelict 60-year-old satellite called Relay 2. Relay 2 was one of the first ever telecommunications satellites.