<p>In what is the most significant commercial space sector partnership between India and Australia, the Indian Space Agency would be launching a satellite built by an Australian firm. Interestingly, this mission 'Space MAITRI' (Mission for Australia-India's Technology, Research and Innovation) would be performed by India's smallest and newest rocket SSLV, and the passenger would be Australia's biggest satellite the 450kg 'Optimus'. The commercial pact for this launch, scheduled to take place in 2026, has been made between ISRO's commercial arm - NewSpace India Limited(NSIL) and the Australian firm Space Machines Company.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Optimus satellite is a unique piece of hardware, which is meant to perform in-orbit inspection of other satellites and even perform certain kinds of repair work. "Once Optimus gets into earth orbit, it will put itself in park-mode, and await its next mission. If any satellite in orbit breaks down, the operators(of the broken down satellite) will call Space Machines, who will then move Optimus towards the broken down satellite, inspect it and diagnose the issue," Space Machines Company says.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/alma-telescope-sheds-light-on-planet-formation-around-binary-stars-735025"><strong>&nbsp;</strong>ALMA telescope sheds light on planet formation around binary stars</a></p>

<p>Based on the inspection performed by Optimus, the operators of the malfunctioning satellite can be made aware of the exact technical issues faced by the craft. As this technology further evolves, Optimus satellites can also perform in-orbit repairs, refuelling, and even safe disposal of satellites that have completed their life cycle. By performing repairs and re-fuelling of satellites, it is possible to considerably extend the operational life of satellites and reduce the rapid proliferation of space debris.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This collaboration with Space Machines Company exemplifies the spirit of international cooperation in space and highlights the strategic partnership between Australia and India," said Radhakrishnan Durairaj, Chairman and Managing Director, NSIL. This mission marks a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between Australia and India in the space domain, fostering closer ties between commercial, institutional, and governmental space organisations from both nations.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Japanese scientists create living robot skin with human cells</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japanese-scientists-create-living-robot-skin-with-human-cells-735378/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"The Space MAITRI mission and our collaboration with NewSpace India Limited represents a significant leap forward for Australia's space industry. By combining our innovative spacecraft capabilities with India's proven launch expertise, we are not only strengthening the ties between our nations' space sectors but also demonstrating our shared commitment to sustainable space operations," said Rajat Kulshrestha, CEO and Co-Founder of Space Machines Company.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 'Space MAITRI' mission involves several Australian and Indian partner companies collaborating with Space Machines Company, including Digantara, Ananth Technologies, The University of Adelaide, The University of Sydney, The University of Technology Sydney, LeoLabs, Advanced Navigation, and the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI).<br />
&nbsp;</p>


In what is the most significant commercial space sector partnership between India and Australia, the Indian Space Agency would be launching a satellite built by an Australian firm.

In what is the most significant commercial space sector partnership between India and Australia, the Indian Space Agency would be launching a satellite built by an Australian firm. Interestingly, this mission 'Space MAITRI' (Mission for Australia-India's Technology, Research and Innovation) would be performed by India's smallest and newest rocket SSLV, and the passenger would be Australia's biggest satellite the 450kg 'Optimus'. The commercial pact for this launch, scheduled to take place in 2026, has been made between ISRO's commercial arm - NewSpace India Limited(NSIL) and the Australian firm Space Machines Company. The Optimus satellite is a unique piece of hardware, which is meant to perform in-orbit inspection of other satellites and even perform certain kinds of repair work. "Once Optimus gets into earth orbit, it will put itself in park-mode, and await its next mission. If any satellite in orbit breaks down, the operators(of the broken down satellite) will call Space Machines, who will then move Optimus towards the broken down satellite, inspect it and diagnose the issue," Space Machines Company says. Also Read: ALMA telescope sheds light on planet formation around binary stars Based on the inspection performed by Optimus, the operators of the malfunctioning satellite can be made aware of the exact technical issues faced by the craft. As this technology further evolves, Optimus satellites can also perform in-orbit repairs, refuelling, and even safe disposal of satellites that have completed their life cycle. By performing repairs and re-fuelling of satellites, it is possible to considerably extend the operational life of satellites and reduce the rapid proliferation of space debris. "This collaboration with Space Machines Company exemplifies the spirit of international cooperation in space and highlights the strategic partnership between Australia and India," said Radhakrishnan Durairaj, Chairman and Managing Director, NSIL. This mission marks a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between Australia and India in the space domain, fostering closer ties between commercial, institutional, and governmental space organisations from both nations. Watch: Japanese scientists create living robot skin with human cells "The Space MAITRI mission and our collaboration with NewSpace India Limited represents a significant leap forward for Australia's space industry. By combining our innovative spacecraft capabilities with India's proven launch expertise, we are not only strengthening the ties between our nations' space sectors but also demonstrating our shared commitment to sustainable space operations," said Rajat Kulshrestha, CEO and Co-Founder of Space Machines Company. The 'Space MAITRI' mission involves several Australian and Indian partner companies collaborating with Space Machines Company, including Digantara, Ananth Technologies, The University of Adelaide, The University of Sydney, The University of Technology Sydney, LeoLabs, Advanced Navigation, and the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI).

Giant leap for Ind-Aus ties: ISRO to launch biggest Australian satellite

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidTuvtax9uB7Ya" /></p>

<p>In a span of 15 months, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has completed all three autonomous landing tests of its spaceplane 'Pushpak' at the Aeronautical Test Range, Chitradurga, Karnataka. With the third and most complicated landing test accomplished at&nbsp; 7.10 am Sunday (June 23), ISRO will now have to work towards launching a larger version of this spaceplane to space on a modified rocket, testing the plane in earth orbit, and demonstrating its capability to re-enter the atmosphere, return to earth safely for a runway landing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Known as a Re-usable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstrator(RLV-TD) or 'Pushpak', the spaceplane is a sophisticated aerospace vehicle with civilian and strategic applications.</p>

<p>It must be noted that only the US and China are known to operate autonomous spaceplanes, and in the coming years, as ISRO makes further progress on 'Pushpak', India will be the third nation in this list. This is a vehicle that India eventually intends to develop and use to ferry small cargo (satellites and experiments) to space.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pushpak- The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indian</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Space</a> plane❤️ 🚀<br />
<br />
In 15 months, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> has completed all 3 fully autonomous landing tests of its <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/plane?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#plane</a>. See how it glides in for a smooth landing at 320kmph+ speeds<br />
<br />
Next test- Pushpak'll be launched to space, then it must return autonomously.. <a href="https://t.co/aiJuG19egG">pic.twitter.com/aiJuG19egG</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1804720231426003090?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the latest test, the 1.6-tonne spaceplane was underslung to an Indian Air Force Chinook heavy-lift helicopter, which carried the spaceplane to an altitude of 4.5 km and released it four-and-a-half kilometres away from the runway.</p>

<p>The plane was dropped in a position that was intentionally misaligned with the runway centreline at a sideways distance of 500 metres.</p>

<p>In the maiden landing test in April 2023, the plane was aligned straight to the runway, in the second test done in March 2024, the plane was 150 m misaligned with the runway centreline.</p>

<p>In all three tests, the spaceplane performed a flawless landing (at speeds of more than 320kmph), and performed a touchdown on the runway centreline.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2016, the RLV was carried to 65 km altitude by rocket, from there, the vehicle re-entered the denser parts of the atmosphere at Hypersonic speeds, almost five times the speed of sound and finally made a splashdown landing in the Bay of Bengal (simulated runway).</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> plane 'Pushpak' aces it's 3rd runway landing, after being dropped from an altitude of 4.5kms, distance of 4.5kms<br />
<br />
In this test, the plane was intentionally misaligned 500m from the runway- it had to adjust, steer precisely, mid-flight and land autonomously <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> <a href="https://t.co/7yzdFS3Bk5">pic.twitter.com/7yzdFS3Bk5</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1804713255891616210?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Dr&nbsp;Unnikrishnan Nair, the Director of ISRO's VSSC told WION that the latest landing trial is the most sophisticated one.</p>

<p>"At the time of drop, the space plane was intentionally at a sideways distance of 500 metres from the runway centreline. Yet again, the in-built systems performed their roles perfectly and ensured that the plane could make its third consecutive landing on the runway centreline. From an initial 500 metres distance from the runway centreline, the plane was finally at 11 cm or 0.1 metre from the runway centreline," he said, citing an image of the landed plane.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The final configuration of the RLV</strong></h2>

<p>In its present form, this RLV-TD vehicle is meant for demonstration purposes and the real vehicle would be about 1.6 times larger(comparable to an SUV). Once fully ready, the operational version of the RLV or 'Pushpak' is meant to be mounted atop a modified GSLV rocket and then launched into space, where the spaceplane would be autonomously carrying out on-board experiments and operating its payloads, or even placing small satellites in orbit.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here's an excl pic of RLV 'Pushpak- after 3rd successful landing trial<br />
<br />
At the time of drop, Pushpak was deliberately placed 500metres beside runway centerline.. Post-landing the plane was barely 11cms(0.1m) away from runway centerline..Precision autonomous landing! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> <a href="https://t.co/BCVlVhctiM">pic.twitter.com/BCVlVhctiM</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1804736258536546751?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The spaceplane could function in Low Earth orbit for up to a month and then autonomously perform de-orbiting, re-enter the Earth's atmosphere at very high speeds and temperatures and come in to land on the runway.</p>

<p>This ensures that the spaceplane can be fully re-used after carrying out a few refurbishments.</p>

<p>In many ways, the RLV is similar to the space shuttle operated by the US and the Soviet-era Buran spaceplane. However, the RLV is much smaller and not a crewed plane.</p>

<p>RLV is comparable to the American Boeing X-37B spaceplane and the Chinese 'Shenlong' (Divine dragon), which have been performing classified unmanned missions autonomously for many years.</p>


In a span of 15 months, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has completed all three autonomous landing tests of its spaceplane 'Pushpak' at the Aeronautical Test Range, Chitradurga, Karnataka.

In a span of 15 months, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has completed all three autonomous landing tests of its spaceplane 'Pushpak' at the Aeronautical Test Range, Chitradurga, Karnataka. With the third and most complicated landing test accomplished at 7.10 am Sunday (June 23), ISRO will now have to work towards launching a larger version of this spaceplane to space on a modified rocket, testing the plane in earth orbit, and demonstrating its capability to re-enter the atmosphere, return to earth safely for a runway landing. Known as a Re-usable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstrator(RLV-TD) or 'Pushpak', the spaceplane is a sophisticated aerospace vehicle with civilian and strategic applications. It must be noted that only the US and China are known to operate autonomous spaceplanes, and in the coming years, as ISRO makes further progress on 'Pushpak', India will be the third nation in this list. This is a vehicle that India eventually intends to develop and use to ferry small cargo (satellites and experiments) to space. Pushpak- The #indian #Space plane❤️ 🚀 In 15 months, #isro #India has completed all 3 fully autonomous landing tests of its #space #plane. See how it glides in for a smooth landing at 320kmph+ speeds Next test- Pushpak'll be launched to space, then it must return autonomously.. pic.twitter.com/aiJuG19egG — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) June 23, 2024 × In the latest test, the 1.6-tonne spaceplane was underslung to an Indian Air Force Chinook heavy-lift helicopter, which carried the spaceplane to an altitude of 4.5 km and released it four-and-a-half kilometres away from the runway. The plane was dropped in a position that was intentionally misaligned with the runway centreline at a sideways distance of 500 metres. In the maiden landing test in April 2023, the plane was aligned straight to the runway, in the second test done in March 2024, the plane was 150 m misaligned with the runway centreline. In all three tests, the spaceplane performed a flawless landing (at speeds of more than 320kmph), and performed a touchdown on the runway centreline. In 2016, the RLV was carried to 65 km altitude by rocket, from there, the vehicle re-entered the denser parts of the atmosphere at Hypersonic speeds, almost five times the speed of sound and finally made a splashdown landing in the Bay of Bengal (simulated runway). India's #space plane 'Pushpak' aces it's 3rd runway landing, after being dropped from an altitude of 4.5kms, distance of 4.5kms In this test, the plane was intentionally misaligned 500m from the runway- it had to adjust, steer precisely, mid-flight and land autonomously #isro pic.twitter.com/7yzdFS3Bk5 — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) June 23, 2024 × Dr Unnikrishnan Nair, the Director of ISRO's VSSC told WION that the latest landing trial is the most sophisticated one. "At the time of drop, the space plane was intentionally at a sideways distance of 500 metres from the runway centreline. Yet again, the in-built systems performed their roles perfectly and ensured that the plane could make its third consecutive landing on the runway centreline. From an initial 500 metres distance from the runway centreline, the plane was finally at 11 cm or 0.1 metre from the runway centreline," he said, citing an image of the landed plane. The final configuration of the RLV In its present form, this RLV-TD vehicle is meant for demonstration purposes and the real vehicle would be about 1.6 times larger(comparable to an SUV). Once fully ready, the operational version of the RLV or 'Pushpak' is meant to be mounted atop a modified GSLV rocket and then launched into space, where the spaceplane would be autonomously carrying out on-board experiments and operating its payloads, or even placing small satellites in orbit. Here's an excl pic of RLV 'Pushpak- after 3rd successful landing trial At the time of drop, Pushpak was deliberately placed 500metres beside runway centerline.. Post-landing the plane was barely 11cms(0.1m) away from runway centerline..Precision autonomous landing! #isro #india pic.twitter.com/BCVlVhctiM — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) June 23, 2024 × The spaceplane could function in Low Earth orbit for up to a month and then autonomously perform de-orbiting, re-enter the Earth's atmosphere at very high speeds and temperatures and come in to land on the runway. This ensures that the spaceplane can be fully re-used after carrying out a few refurbishments. In many ways, the RLV is similar to the space shuttle operated by the US and the Soviet-era Buran spaceplane. However, the RLV is much smaller and not a crewed plane. RLV is comparable to the American Boeing X-37B spaceplane and the Chinese 'Shenlong' (Divine dragon), which have been performing classified unmanned missions autonomously for many years.

After acing three autonomous landings, India's 'Pushpak' plane awaits ride to space

<p>As&nbsp;intense heatwave sweeps across parts of the world, the Indian and French space agencies are working on a unique satellite to study the effects of human-induced climate change, water use, snow melting etc. Abbreviated as 'TRISHNA' (Thermal Infra-Red Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural Resource Assessment), the satellite&nbsp;would enable high-resolution monitoring of earth's surface and various environmental parameters and&nbsp;anomalies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the occasion of Environment Day on June 5th, the Indian Space agency shared insights on TRISHNA. It stated that the craft that is expected to operate for five years, would be placed in a sun-synchronous orbit that's 761kms&nbsp;above the earth. ISRO did not mention any specific status of the mission of its expected launch. In August 2023, based on conversations with French Space agency CNES, WION had reported that TRISHNA could be launched in 2026.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the objectives of TRISHNA, ISRO said "detailed monitoring of the energy and water budgets of the continental biosphere for quantifying terrestrial water stress and water use and high-resolution observation of water quality and dynamics in coastal and inland waters. In addition, as secondary objectives, the TRISHNA mission will also help in a comprehensive assessment of urban heat islands, detection of thermal anomalies linked to volcanic activity and geothermal resources, and precise monitoring of snow-melt runoff and glacier dynamics. The mission will also provide valuable data on aerosol optical depth, atmospheric water vapor, and cloud cover".</p>

<p>By collecting such extensive amounts of data, TRISHNA would be able to help in agricultural water management- assess irrigation water use, issue advisories for water savings and enhance crop water productivity through efficient and sustainable water management practices, and better micro-watershed management.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In terms of climate monitoring, the mission will track key indicators such as droughts, permafrost changes, and evapotranspiration rates. Urban planners will benefit from detailed urban heat island maps and heat alerts; while water quality monitoring will aid in detecting pollution in coastal and inland water bodies. It will also help in identifying sub-marine groundwater discharge at the coastal fringes.</p>

<p>"TRISHNA satellite is equipped with two primary payloads. The Thermal Infra-Red (TIR) payload, provided by CNES, features a four-channel long-wave infrared imaging sensor capable of high-resolution surface temperature and emissivity mapping. The Visible - Near Infra-Red - Short Wave Infra-Red (VNIR-SWIR) payload, developed by ISRO, includes seven spectral bands designed for detailed mapping of surface reflectance of VSWIR bands for generating important biophysical and radiation budget variables," ISRO said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The data generated from TRISHNA would contribute to several global initiatives, such as Group on Earth Observations Global Agricultural Monitoring (GEOGLAM) for agricultural monitoring, the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and targets, and the Global Water Watch. Some of the mission’s outputs will serve as Essential Agricultural Variables (EAVs), and Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) for the global community.</p>


As intense heatwave sweeps across parts of the world, the Indian and French space agencies are working on a unique satellite to study the effects of human-induced climate change, water use, snow melting etc.

As intense heatwave sweeps across parts of the world, the Indian and French space agencies are working on a unique satellite to study the effects of human-induced climate change, water use, snow melting etc. Abbreviated as 'TRISHNA' (Thermal Infra-Red Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural Resource Assessment), the satellite would enable high-resolution monitoring of earth's surface and various environmental parameters and anomalies. On the occasion of Environment Day on June 5th, the Indian Space agency shared insights on TRISHNA. It stated that the craft that is expected to operate for five years, would be placed in a sun-synchronous orbit that's 761kms above the earth. ISRO did not mention any specific status of the mission of its expected launch. In August 2023, based on conversations with French Space agency CNES, WION had reported that TRISHNA could be launched in 2026. On the objectives of TRISHNA, ISRO said "detailed monitoring of the energy and water budgets of the continental biosphere for quantifying terrestrial water stress and water use and high-resolution observation of water quality and dynamics in coastal and inland waters. In addition, as secondary objectives, the TRISHNA mission will also help in a comprehensive assessment of urban heat islands, detection of thermal anomalies linked to volcanic activity and geothermal resources, and precise monitoring of snow-melt runoff and glacier dynamics. The mission will also provide valuable data on aerosol optical depth, atmospheric water vapor, and cloud cover". By collecting such extensive amounts of data, TRISHNA would be able to help in agricultural water management- assess irrigation water use, issue advisories for water savings and enhance crop water productivity through efficient and sustainable water management practices, and better micro-watershed management. In terms of climate monitoring, the mission will track key indicators such as droughts, permafrost changes, and evapotranspiration rates. Urban planners will benefit from detailed urban heat island maps and heat alerts; while water quality monitoring will aid in detecting pollution in coastal and inland water bodies. It will also help in identifying sub-marine groundwater discharge at the coastal fringes. "TRISHNA satellite is equipped with two primary payloads. The Thermal Infra-Red (TIR) payload, provided by CNES, features a four-channel long-wave infrared imaging sensor capable of high-resolution surface temperature and emissivity mapping. The Visible - Near Infra-Red - Short Wave Infra-Red (VNIR-SWIR) payload, developed by ISRO, includes seven spectral bands designed for detailed mapping of surface reflectance of VSWIR bands for generating important biophysical and radiation budget variables," ISRO said. The data generated from TRISHNA would contribute to several global initiatives, such as Group on Earth Observations Global Agricultural Monitoring (GEOGLAM) for agricultural monitoring, the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and targets, and the Global Water Watch. Some of the mission’s outputs will serve as Essential Agricultural Variables (EAVs), and Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) for the global community.

Indo-French satellite 'TRISHNA' to study climate change. Here are details

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidmlIjIfFwXIr7" />The Indian space agency ISRO will soon be able to triple the number of launches of its largest rocket LVM3 - going from a maximum of two LVM3 launches a year, to six launches a year. This is significant, given that ISRO performs just about 10 launches in a calendar year, using its entire existing fleet of four rockets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The possible increase in launch capability is a result of the Government-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) scaling up its manufacturing facilities that cater large components for the three-stage, 640-tonne rocket, which India uses to launch 4-tonne class communication satellites and commercial missions involving dozens of small satellites that are part of large constellations.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Space</a> agency <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> can soon go from 2 launches/yr of largest 🚀 LVM3 to 6 🚀/yr, thanks to capacity scale up at Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd<br />
Propellant tank Production, CNC machining facilities inaugurated today in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengaluru?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bengaluru</a> by IDRO Chief &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/HALHQBLR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HALHQBLR</a> offcls<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tech</a><br />
Thread: <a href="https://t.co/ABUVZz2Tmc">pic.twitter.com/ABUVZz2Tmc</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1798316298499444816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Wednesday, in Bengaluru, in the presence of top officials from HAL and the space agency, ISRO Chief Dr S. Somanath inaugurated the HAL Aerospace Division facilities that make the fuel tanks and precision components for the LVM3 rocket. HAL will play a larger role in ISRO's future missions and must focus on emerging technologies, designing challenges, and taking up end-to-end tasks to ease pressure on ISRO, he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>CB Ananthakrishnan, the Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, said that the ongoing collaboration between ISRO and HAL will accelerate India's human spaceflight missions and the development of Next-Generation launch vehicles. "The day is not far off when Space becomes an important vertical of HAL," he added. HAL is predominantly a maker of aircraft and helicopters that are operated by the Indian Armed Forces. HAL is responsible for delivering both Indian-origin military aviation platforms and licence-built foreign ones.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Of the newly inaugurated facilities, the Propellant Tank Production Facility would specialize in the manufacturing of fuel and oxidizer tanks for the LVM3 launch vehicle. These tanks measure 4 metres in diameter&nbsp;and 15 metres in length.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiY1vPMgMWGAxWhSWwGHQyjBkkQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-begins-countdown-for-launch-of-pslv-c58-to-study-black-holes-neutron-stars-675176" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-begins-countdown-for-launch-of-pslv-c58-to-study-black-holes-neutron-stars-675176&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiY1vPMgMWGAxWhSWwGHQyjBkkQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">ISRO begins countdown for launch of PSLV-C58XPoSat, to study black holes, neutron stars</a></strong></p>

<p>The Computer Numerical Control (CNC) facility houses machines that can handle high-precision fabrication of 4.5-metre rings and fuel tank domes for the LVM3 rocket. It is common for ISRO to source thousands of pieces of rocket hardware from the Indian industry, be it private ones or&nbsp;government-run ones. ISRO has been following this approach to ensure that they can source components faster from the industry and thereby carry out more launches per year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiY1vPMgMWGAxWhSWwGHQyjBkkQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-delayed-chandrayaan-3s-launch-by-four-seconds-to-avoid-massive-collision-in-space-716278" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-delayed-chandrayaan-3s-launch-by-four-seconds-to-avoid-massive-collision-in-space-716278&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiY1vPMgMWGAxWhSWwGHQyjBkkQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">ISRO delayed Chandrayaan-3's launch by four seconds to avoid massive collision in space</a></strong></p>

<p>Taking this further, ISRO is also completely outsourcing the building of rockets to the Indian industry. As part of this, a consortium of L&amp;T and HAL would be entirely building five PSLV rockets and offering them to ISRO in a ready-to-launch condition. In the long run, ISRO hopes to outsource routine activities (building of an existing fleet of rockets) to the industry and use its resources to focus on the core Research and Development work. This approach also offers opportunities for industry and helps establish a space ecosystem in the country and expands the space economy.&nbsp;</p>


The Indian space agency ISRO will soon be able to triple the number of launches of its largest rocket LVM3 - going from a maximum of two LVM3 launches a year, to six launches a year.

The Indian space agency ISRO will soon be able to triple the number of launches of its largest rocket LVM3 - going from a maximum of two LVM3 launches a year, to six launches a year. This is significant, given that ISRO performs just about 10 launches in a calendar year, using its entire existing fleet of four rockets. The possible increase in launch capability is a result of the Government-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) scaling up its manufacturing facilities that cater large components for the three-stage, 640-tonne rocket, which India uses to launch 4-tonne class communication satellites and commercial missions involving dozens of small satellites that are part of large constellations. 🇮🇳 #Space agency #isro can soon go from 2 launches/yr of largest 🚀 LVM3 to 6 🚀/yr, thanks to capacity scale up at Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd Propellant tank Production, CNC machining facilities inaugurated today in #Bengaluru by IDRO Chief & @HALHQBLR offcls#tech Thread: pic.twitter.com/ABUVZz2Tmc — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) June 5, 2024 × On Wednesday, in Bengaluru, in the presence of top officials from HAL and the space agency, ISRO Chief Dr S. Somanath inaugurated the HAL Aerospace Division facilities that make the fuel tanks and precision components for the LVM3 rocket. HAL will play a larger role in ISRO's future missions and must focus on emerging technologies, designing challenges, and taking up end-to-end tasks to ease pressure on ISRO, he said. CB Ananthakrishnan, the Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, said that the ongoing collaboration between ISRO and HAL will accelerate India's human spaceflight missions and the development of Next-Generation launch vehicles. "The day is not far off when Space becomes an important vertical of HAL," he added. HAL is predominantly a maker of aircraft and helicopters that are operated by the Indian Armed Forces. HAL is responsible for delivering both Indian-origin military aviation platforms and licence-built foreign ones. Of the newly inaugurated facilities, the Propellant Tank Production Facility would specialize in the manufacturing of fuel and oxidizer tanks for the LVM3 launch vehicle. These tanks measure 4 metres in diameter and 15 metres in length. Also read: ISRO begins countdown for launch of PSLV-C58XPoSat, to study black holes, neutron stars The Computer Numerical Control (CNC) facility houses machines that can handle high-precision fabrication of 4.5-metre rings and fuel tank domes for the LVM3 rocket. It is common for ISRO to source thousands of pieces of rocket hardware from the Indian industry, be it private ones or government-run ones. ISRO has been following this approach to ensure that they can source components faster from the industry and thereby carry out more launches per year. Also read: ISRO delayed Chandrayaan-3's launch by four seconds to avoid massive collision in space Taking this further, ISRO is also completely outsourcing the building of rockets to the Indian industry. As part of this, a consortium of L&T and HAL would be entirely building five PSLV rockets and offering them to ISRO in a ready-to-launch condition. In the long run, ISRO hopes to outsource routine activities (building of an existing fleet of rockets) to the industry and use its resources to focus on the core Research and Development work. This approach also offers opportunities for industry and helps establish a space ecosystem in the country and expands the space economy.

ISRO gears up for 6 launches per year of its largest rocket LVM3

<p>Reinforcing the wide-ranging strategic partnership between India and Russia, the chiefs of the Nuclear power agencies from both nations met at an upcoming Nuclear power facility in Seversk, Russia's Tomsk region.</p>

<p>During the meeting, Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Chairman India's Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy, and Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation, explored the areas of cooperation in peaceful uses of Nuclear Energy.</p>

<p>As pioneers in the field of Nuclear power, exports of nuclear goods and services are a major Russian policy and economic objective.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alleged-russia-north-korea-arms-trade-south-korea-japan-impose-sanctions-724787">Alleged Russia-North Korea arms trade: South Korea, Japan impose sanctions</a></p>

<p>According to the Chief of Rosatom, the bilateral discussion touched upon "serial construction of the Russian-designed high-capacity nuclear power units at a new site in India, implementation of land-based and floating low-power generation projects, cooperation in the nuclear fuel cycle area, as well as in the field of non-power applications of nuclear technologies".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Officials also discussed the progress of India's largest Nuclear power project at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu, of which two 1000Megawatt reactors are already operational and four more of 1000Megawatt capacity are in various stages of construction.</p>

<p>The development and operationalisation of the Kudankulam Nuclear power generating facility is the flagship project of the Russian-Indian technological and power industry cooperation, with Rosatom State Corporation providing fuel to the power units of Kudankulam NPP throughout their entire life cycle.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Debate on allowing Kyiv to 'attack' Russia</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-debate-on-allowing-kyiv-to-attack-russia-724697/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Notably, this bilateral meeting took place at the Seversk site of the Pilot Demonstration Energy Complex (PDEC), which is being carried out as part of the Russian 'Proryv' (Russian for breakthrough) strategic industry project.</p>

<p>The 'Proryv' project is focused on the creation of a new technological platform for the nuclear industry with the closed nuclear fuel cycle and resolving the problems of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste.</p>

<p>Simply put, the closed nuclear cycle means that the spent nuclear fuel(from which power has been generated in the reactor) can be re-processed and partially re-used. In the open nuclear cycle, the spent fuel is disposed after use.&nbsp;</p>


Reinforcing the wide-ranging strategic partnership between India and Russia, the chiefs of the Nuclear power agencies from both nations met at an upcoming Nuclear power facility in Seversk, Russia's Tomsk region.

Reinforcing the wide-ranging strategic partnership between India and Russia, the chiefs of the Nuclear power agencies from both nations met at an upcoming Nuclear power facility in Seversk, Russia's Tomsk region. During the meeting, Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Chairman India's Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy, and Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation, explored the areas of cooperation in peaceful uses of Nuclear Energy. As pioneers in the field of Nuclear power, exports of nuclear goods and services are a major Russian policy and economic objective. Also Read: Alleged Russia-North Korea arms trade: South Korea, Japan impose sanctions According to the Chief of Rosatom, the bilateral discussion touched upon "serial construction of the Russian-designed high-capacity nuclear power units at a new site in India, implementation of land-based and floating low-power generation projects, cooperation in the nuclear fuel cycle area, as well as in the field of non-power applications of nuclear technologies". Officials also discussed the progress of India's largest Nuclear power project at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu, of which two 1000Megawatt reactors are already operational and four more of 1000Megawatt capacity are in various stages of construction. The development and operationalisation of the Kudankulam Nuclear power generating facility is the flagship project of the Russian-Indian technological and power industry cooperation, with Rosatom State Corporation providing fuel to the power units of Kudankulam NPP throughout their entire life cycle. Watch: Russia-Ukraine war: Debate on allowing Kyiv to 'attack' Russia Notably, this bilateral meeting took place at the Seversk site of the Pilot Demonstration Energy Complex (PDEC), which is being carried out as part of the Russian 'Proryv' (Russian for breakthrough) strategic industry project. The 'Proryv' project is focused on the creation of a new technological platform for the nuclear industry with the closed nuclear fuel cycle and resolving the problems of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste. Simply put, the closed nuclear cycle means that the spent nuclear fuel(from which power has been generated in the reactor) can be re-processed and partially re-used. In the open nuclear cycle, the spent fuel is disposed after use.

Indian, Russian nuclear power agency chiefs discuss future roadmap, tech

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidDkAB0hxxPrrn" />In what could be the most unique use-case of the Apple Vision Pro headset, a team of surgeons in India has&nbsp;performed at least 30 laparoscopic surgeries (including stomach cancer, and&nbsp;gall bladder surgeries) with very high levels of precision and surgeon comfort, using the features offered by the Cupertino-based tech firm's latest wearable device. Launched in February 2024, this wearable device from Apple is regarded as an offering for work and personal entertainment in a mixed-reality setting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Laparoscopic or keyhole surgeries are performed by making a small cut in the patient's abdomen and&nbsp;inserting a tube-like camera to get a real-time video from inside the body. This internal view from the tubular camera is displayed on a surgical monitor, which helps the surgeons and their team to carefully carry out the procedure.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi7l6DJlf6FAxVkrlYBHabKDeIQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/doctors-perform-c-section-using-mobile-flashlight-at-mumbai-hospital-mother-and-newborn-both-die-717808" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/doctors-perform-c-section-using-mobile-flashlight-at-mumbai-hospital-mother-and-newborn-both-die-717808&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi7l6DJlf6FAxVkrlYBHabKDeIQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE">Doctors perform C-section using mobile flashlight at Mumbai hospital; mother and newborn both die</a></strong></p>

<p>"Usually, we have a single 55-inch 4K resolution surgical monitor in the operation theatre. Two surgeons and two support staff must view that single monitor, which means that each one needs to turn towards the monitor and watch the real-time video. This requires more time and effort from the operating team," Dr. R. Parthasarathi, Surgical Gastroenterologist &amp; COO, GEM Hospitals told WION. For more than two months, he has been using the Apple Vision Pro headset for performing laparoscopic and open surgeries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Whatever the Laparoscopic probe sees, I can see real-time in my headset, in a mixed reality format. In mixed reality, the user can see both the digitally created image and have full awareness of their real-world surroundings. I can enlarge the view of the patient's internal organs to the size of a wall and see them in the greatest detail, Dr. Parthasarathy adds.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi7l6DJlf6FAxVkrlYBHabKDeIQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/rising-cases-of-silent-heart-attacks-linked-to-long-covid-wion-decodes-687662" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/rising-cases-of-silent-heart-attacks-linked-to-long-covid-wion-decodes-687662&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi7l6DJlf6FAxVkrlYBHabKDeIQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Rising cases of silent heart attacks linked to long Covid? WION decodes</a></strong></p>

<p>While performing the surgery, Dr. Parthasarathi uses the Apple Vision Pro, while his assistants view the video on the standard 4K monitor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Queried about the other advantages of using this device, he told WION that the headset can virtually show the user multiple screens of his/her choice. "While performing the surgery, I keep multiple tabs open and simultaneously view the patient's CT scan, MRI scan and other data, by just looking around. When the need arises, I can also stream the view of this headset to other senior doctors via video calling and seek their opinion,"&nbsp;Dr.&nbsp;Parthasarathi said.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Surgeons in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chennai</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> are using <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Apple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Apple</a> Vision Pro headset to perform key-hole surgeries..Vision Pro shows a wall-size virtual screen, both-eye 4K view of internal organs, shows multiple tabs etc.<br />
<br />
Dr. Parthasarathi GEM Hosp has done 30+ surgeries using AVP <a href="https://t.co/ZtwkDyhdjB">pic.twitter.com/ZtwkDyhdjB</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1788175880138977621?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Even in the case of open surgeries, where a large incision must be made in the body, we can wear this headset and record the entire procedure using the headset's multiple built-in cameras. This footage can be used to train budding surgeons and medical students, the surgeon adds.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The operation theatre has multiple bright lights, and they often cause reflections on the regular display and cause minor inconveniences to the operating team and affect&nbsp;their viewing angles. Viewing a mounted monitor for long time also causes neck strain, whereas the headset offers greater flexibility. While using a mixed reality headset, we get only the actual view, without any visual disturbances and reflections," says&nbsp;Dr.&nbsp;Parthasarathi.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Launched in February 2024, Apple's $3499 Vision Pro headset is not officially available in India. The team of surgeons from Chennai say that they have written to Apple and to multiple Apple-user forums regarding how this mixed reality&nbsp;cum&nbsp;spatial computing device has been useful for surgical procedures. They are awaiting a response from the California-based Tech firm.&nbsp;</p>


In what could be the most unique use-case of the Apple Vision Pro headset, a team of surgeons in India has performed at least 30 laparoscopic surgeries (including stomach cancer, and gall bladder surgeries) with very high levels of precision and surgeon comfort, using the features offered by the Cupertino-based tech firm's latest wearable device.

In what could be the most unique use-case of the Apple Vision Pro headset, a team of surgeons in India has performed at least 30 laparoscopic surgeries (including stomach cancer, and gall bladder surgeries) with very high levels of precision and surgeon comfort, using the features offered by the Cupertino-based tech firm's latest wearable device. Launched in February 2024, this wearable device from Apple is regarded as an offering for work and personal entertainment in a mixed-reality setting. Laparoscopic or keyhole surgeries are performed by making a small cut in the patient's abdomen and inserting a tube-like camera to get a real-time video from inside the body. This internal view from the tubular camera is displayed on a surgical monitor, which helps the surgeons and their team to carefully carry out the procedure. Also read: Doctors perform C-section using mobile flashlight at Mumbai hospital; mother and newborn both die "Usually, we have a single 55-inch 4K resolution surgical monitor in the operation theatre. Two surgeons and two support staff must view that single monitor, which means that each one needs to turn towards the monitor and watch the real-time video. This requires more time and effort from the operating team," Dr. R. Parthasarathi, Surgical Gastroenterologist & COO, GEM Hospitals told WION. For more than two months, he has been using the Apple Vision Pro headset for performing laparoscopic and open surgeries. Whatever the Laparoscopic probe sees, I can see real-time in my headset, in a mixed reality format. In mixed reality, the user can see both the digitally created image and have full awareness of their real-world surroundings. I can enlarge the view of the patient's internal organs to the size of a wall and see them in the greatest detail, Dr. Parthasarathy adds. Also read: Rising cases of silent heart attacks linked to long Covid? WION decodes While performing the surgery, Dr. Parthasarathi uses the Apple Vision Pro, while his assistants view the video on the standard 4K monitor. Queried about the other advantages of using this device, he told WION that the headset can virtually show the user multiple screens of his/her choice. "While performing the surgery, I keep multiple tabs open and simultaneously view the patient's CT scan, MRI scan and other data, by just looking around. When the need arises, I can also stream the view of this headset to other senior doctors via video calling and seek their opinion," Dr. Parthasarathi said. Surgeons in #chennai #TamilNadu #India are using #Apple Vision Pro headset to perform key-hole surgeries..Vision Pro shows a wall-size virtual screen, both-eye 4K view of internal organs, shows multiple tabs etc. Dr. Parthasarathi GEM Hosp has done 30+ surgeries using AVP pic.twitter.com/ZtwkDyhdjB — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) May 8, 2024 × Even in the case of open surgeries, where a large incision must be made in the body, we can wear this headset and record the entire procedure using the headset's multiple built-in cameras. This footage can be used to train budding surgeons and medical students, the surgeon adds. "The operation theatre has multiple bright lights, and they often cause reflections on the regular display and cause minor inconveniences to the operating team and affect their viewing angles. Viewing a mounted monitor for long time also causes neck strain, whereas the headset offers greater flexibility. While using a mixed reality headset, we get only the actual view, without any visual disturbances and reflections," says Dr. Parthasarathi. Launched in February 2024, Apple's $3499 Vision Pro headset is not officially available in India. The team of surgeons from Chennai say that they have written to Apple and to multiple Apple-user forums regarding how this mixed reality cum spatial computing device has been useful for surgical procedures. They are awaiting a response from the California-based Tech firm.

Not just fun and games, Apple’s Vision Pro headset used to perform surgeries in India

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidfhKfOQJO6mUX" /></p>

<p>As humanity looks to establish a long-term presence on the&nbsp;moon,&nbsp;several attempts are&nbsp;being made&nbsp;to explore the Lunar South polar region, which&nbsp;is believed&nbsp;to hold vast reserves of water ice.&nbsp;Water ice is crucial - for sustaining life and&nbsp;for&nbsp;use as cryogenic rocket fuel (a combination of supercooled liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen).&nbsp;This&nbsp;is why India's Chandrayaan-3 and the American private lander Odysseus landed in the south polar region. Several upcoming missions&nbsp;are also aimed&nbsp;at exploring this mysterious south-polar region, which could offer insights into the&nbsp;origins of the&nbsp;moon. However, the latest international study says that "the extent of water ice in the northern polar region is twice that in the southern polar region".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-have-discovered-evidence-of-human-activity-altering-deep-subsurface-of-earth-717083">Scientists have discovered evidence of human activity altering deep subsurface of Earth</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Conducted by&nbsp;the scientists of Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO, in collaboration with researchers at IIT Kanpur, University of Southern California, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, the study reveals evidence for enhanced possibility of water ice occurrence in the polar craters of the&nbsp;Moon.&nbsp;It suggests that the&nbsp;amount of&nbsp;subsurface ice in the first couple of metres is about five to eight times more than&nbsp;the that on the surface at both poles.&nbsp;Therefore, extracting lunar water ice would require considerable drilling, as the ice is likely to be buried beneath the lunar surface.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Regarding the possible origin of this lunar water ice, the study shared by ISRO said, "It&nbsp;confirms the hypothesis that the primary source of subsurface water ice in the lunar poles is outgassing (gases coming from deep within the moon) during volcanism in the Imbrian period (3,800 to 3,850 million years ago)".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-forewarn-timing-of-triple-whammy-extinction-that-will-eradicate-humankind-716974">Scientists forewarn timing of 'triple whammy extinction' that will eradicate all life from Earth</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>As part of this study, the research team used seven instruments comprising radar, laser, optical, neutron spectrometer, ultra-violet spectrometer, and thermal radiometer onboard the NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter to understand the origin and distribution of water ice on the&nbsp;Moon. Accurate knowledge of the distribution and depth of water ice occurrence in the lunar poles can help plan future lunar exploration missions and their lading sites accordingly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ISRO says that the latest international study also supports a previous study of SAC, ISRO pointing out the possibility of the presence of water ice in some of the polar craters, utilising polarimetric radar data from the Chandrayaan-2 Dual-frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar instrument.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Based on the success of the Indian Chandrayaan-3 Lunar soft-landing, in-situ exploration and the Japanese Lunar soft-landing mission 'SLIM', the space agencies of both nations are working on a Lunar polar exploration mission (LUPEX), which&nbsp;is aimed&nbsp;at studying the lunar poles.&nbsp;Even the planned series of American Artemis crewed lunar&nbsp;missions&nbsp;and Chinese crewed lunar missions&nbsp;are hoping&nbsp;to make breakthroughs that enable a long-term human presence on the&nbsp;moon.&nbsp;Situated around 4 lakh kilometres&nbsp;away&nbsp;from the earth, as humanity's nearest celestial neighbour, the&nbsp;moon&nbsp;could&nbsp;potentially&nbsp;serve as an outpost in space from where mankind could undertake exploration missions into the further reaches of space.&nbsp;</p>


As humanity looks to establish a long-term presence on the moon, several attempts are being made to explore the Lunar South polar region, which is believed to hold vast reserves of water ice.

As humanity looks to establish a long-term presence on the moon, several attempts are being made to explore the Lunar South polar region, which is believed to hold vast reserves of water ice. Water ice is crucial - for sustaining life and for use as cryogenic rocket fuel (a combination of supercooled liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen). This is why India's Chandrayaan-3 and the American private lander Odysseus landed in the south polar region. Several upcoming missions are also aimed at exploring this mysterious south-polar region, which could offer insights into the origins of the moon. However, the latest international study says that "the extent of water ice in the northern polar region is twice that in the southern polar region". Also read: Scientists have discovered evidence of human activity altering deep subsurface of Earth Conducted by the scientists of Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO, in collaboration with researchers at IIT Kanpur, University of Southern California, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, the study reveals evidence for enhanced possibility of water ice occurrence in the polar craters of the Moon. It suggests that the amount of subsurface ice in the first couple of metres is about five to eight times more than the that on the surface at both poles. Therefore, extracting lunar water ice would require considerable drilling, as the ice is likely to be buried beneath the lunar surface. Regarding the possible origin of this lunar water ice, the study shared by ISRO said, "It confirms the hypothesis that the primary source of subsurface water ice in the lunar poles is outgassing (gases coming from deep within the moon) during volcanism in the Imbrian period (3,800 to 3,850 million years ago)". Also read: Scientists forewarn timing of 'triple whammy extinction' that will eradicate all life from Earth As part of this study, the research team used seven instruments comprising radar, laser, optical, neutron spectrometer, ultra-violet spectrometer, and thermal radiometer onboard the NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter to understand the origin and distribution of water ice on the Moon. Accurate knowledge of the distribution and depth of water ice occurrence in the lunar poles can help plan future lunar exploration missions and their lading sites accordingly. ISRO says that the latest international study also supports a previous study of SAC, ISRO pointing out the possibility of the presence of water ice in some of the polar craters, utilising polarimetric radar data from the Chandrayaan-2 Dual-frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar instrument. Based on the success of the Indian Chandrayaan-3 Lunar soft-landing, in-situ exploration and the Japanese Lunar soft-landing mission 'SLIM', the space agencies of both nations are working on a Lunar polar exploration mission (LUPEX), which is aimed at studying the lunar poles. Even the planned series of American Artemis crewed lunar missions and Chinese crewed lunar missions are hoping to make breakthroughs that enable a long-term human presence on the moon. Situated around 4 lakh kilometres away from the earth, as humanity's nearest celestial neighbour, the moon could potentially serve as an outpost in space from where mankind could undertake exploration missions into the further reaches of space.

Moon's north pole could have more water ice than south, says study

<p>ANZAC Day, celebrated every year on&nbsp;April 25, is a day of national remembrance for Australia and New Zealand, as it marks the landing of the Australian &amp; New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) on the shores of Gallipoli, Türkiye on 25th April 1915. Every year since 1916, Australians and New Zealanders gather in solidarity to honour the sacrifice, courage and camaraderie of the original ANZACs.</p>

<p>On April 25, 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the Allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula from the Ottoman Turks. Their plan to knock Türkiye out of the war quickly became a stalemate and the campaign dragged on for eight months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the end of 1915, the Allied forces were evacuated. Both sides suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers were killed. Anzac Day is held in remembrance of all Australians killed in military operations. Commemorative services are held at war memorials at dawn- the time of the original landing in Gallipoli.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>ANZAC Day Commemorative events&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Australian Consulate-General in Chennai held a dawn service at the Madras War Cemetery, where 15 Australians and six New Zealanders are laid to rest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“ANZAC Day is a time to reflect on the contributions made by past and present service personnel who have displayed great courage and self-sacrifice in serving our country. We remember not only the Australians and New Zealanders but also the 16,000 Indian Army soldiers who served in Gallipoli,” said Ms Silai Zaki, the Australian Consul-General in Chennai.</p>

<p>&nbsp;Ms Zaki added, “Each year on ANZAC Day we recall the toll of war in numbers that are beyond reckoning. And we re-dedicate ourselves to maintaining peace. A peace that enables Australia and other countries to have the freedom to decide our own futures, free of interference.”</p>

<p>Top officials from the Indian Armed Forces attended the commemorative event at the Madras War Memorial, where there are graves of 856 Commonwealth service people who died in the Second World War. Lieutenant General Karanbir Singh Brar, General Officer Commanding, Dakshin Bharat Area, Indian Army, and Rear Admiral Ravi Kumar Dhingra, Flag Officer Commanding, Tamil Nadu Puducherry Naval Area participated in the ceremony. Australian and New Zealand communities in Chennai were represented by cricketers Michael Hussey, and Stephen Fleming.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The ANZAC Biscuit</strong></h2>

<p>During World War One, friends and families sent food to the fighting men. Due to the time delays in getting food items to the front lines, they had to send food that would remain edible for long periods of time and retain high nutritional value. The Anzac biscuit met this need.</p>

<p>Initially known as the Soldiers’ Biscuit, the current name, Anzac Biscuit, has as much to do with Australia’s desire to recognise the Anzac tradition and the Anzac biscuit as part of the staple diet at Gallipoli.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Anzac biscuit is one of the few commodities that are able to be legally marketed in Australia using the word ‘Anzac’, which is protected by Federal Legislation.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


ANZAC Day, celebrated every year on April 25, is a day of national remembrance for Australia and New Zealand, as it marks the landing of the Australian & New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) on the shores of Gallipoli, Türkiye on 25th April 1915.

ANZAC Day, celebrated every year on April 25, is a day of national remembrance for Australia and New Zealand, as it marks the landing of the Australian & New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) on the shores of Gallipoli, Türkiye on 25th April 1915. Every year since 1916, Australians and New Zealanders gather in solidarity to honour the sacrifice, courage and camaraderie of the original ANZACs. On April 25, 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the Allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula from the Ottoman Turks. Their plan to knock Türkiye out of the war quickly became a stalemate and the campaign dragged on for eight months. At the end of 1915, the Allied forces were evacuated. Both sides suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers were killed. Anzac Day is held in remembrance of all Australians killed in military operations. Commemorative services are held at war memorials at dawn- the time of the original landing in Gallipoli. ANZAC Day Commemorative events The Australian Consulate-General in Chennai held a dawn service at the Madras War Cemetery, where 15 Australians and six New Zealanders are laid to rest. “ANZAC Day is a time to reflect on the contributions made by past and present service personnel who have displayed great courage and self-sacrifice in serving our country. We remember not only the Australians and New Zealanders but also the 16,000 Indian Army soldiers who served in Gallipoli,” said Ms Silai Zaki, the Australian Consul-General in Chennai. Ms Zaki added, “Each year on ANZAC Day we recall the toll of war in numbers that are beyond reckoning. And we re-dedicate ourselves to maintaining peace. A peace that enables Australia and other countries to have the freedom to decide our own futures, free of interference.” Top officials from the Indian Armed Forces attended the commemorative event at the Madras War Memorial, where there are graves of 856 Commonwealth service people who died in the Second World War. Lieutenant General Karanbir Singh Brar, General Officer Commanding, Dakshin Bharat Area, Indian Army, and Rear Admiral Ravi Kumar Dhingra, Flag Officer Commanding, Tamil Nadu Puducherry Naval Area participated in the ceremony. Australian and New Zealand communities in Chennai were represented by cricketers Michael Hussey, and Stephen Fleming. The ANZAC Biscuit During World War One, friends and families sent food to the fighting men. Due to the time delays in getting food items to the front lines, they had to send food that would remain edible for long periods of time and retain high nutritional value. The Anzac biscuit met this need. Initially known as the Soldiers’ Biscuit, the current name, Anzac Biscuit, has as much to do with Australia’s desire to recognise the Anzac tradition and the Anzac biscuit as part of the staple diet at Gallipoli. The Anzac biscuit is one of the few commodities that are able to be legally marketed in Australia using the word ‘Anzac’, which is protected by Federal Legislation.

Aus & NZ commemorate ANZAC Day. Here's the history behind it

<p>After a seven-year-long wait and multiple court battles in India, Premakumari, a senior citizen hailing from Kerala, has been able to meet her daughter Nimisha Priya, a nurse who is on death row in a Yemeni Prison.</p>

<p>Priya's India-based lawyer Subhash Chandran confirmed that the mother-daughter duo met at the jail in Sana'a, Yemen, during the afternoon hours of Wednesday. He said that the jail authorities permitted the mother-daughter duo to spend a few hours together and even allowed them to have lunch on the premises.</p>

<p>Since 2017, India strictly prohibited its nationals from travelling to Yemen, owing to the deteriorating internal security situation there. Only those with special permission from the Indian Government can undertake travel to Yemen. For others, it is a punishable offence.</p>

<p>Hopeful of meeting her daughter, who is on death row in a prison in Houthi-controlled Sana'a, Premakumari travelled from Kochi in Kerala to Aden, Yemen, during the weekend. She was accompanied by Samuel Jones, who has been helping the family in getting access to Priya and attempting to get her released from jail. On Monday, April 22, Premakumari and Samuel undertook an overnight car journey from Aden to Sana'a and reached the Houthi-controlled region on Tuesday.</p>

<p>With the support from Indian diplomatic representatives, they completed the formalities that were required to meet Priya, which eventually led to their meeting on Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In a huge relief for Premakumari from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/palakkad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#palakkad</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kerala</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>, she has been able to meet her daughter Nimisha Priya at the jail in Sana'a, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/yemen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#yemen</a><br />
<br />
Priya is in a Yemeni jail on death row, for alleged murder of her local sponsor (who had harassed her, seizer her passport) <a href="https://t.co/xGwiBe4gD2">pic.twitter.com/xGwiBe4gD2</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1783119341879427094?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Recalling the emotional reunion, Nimisha Priya's mother&nbsp;Premakumari&nbsp;told WION,&nbsp;"When she first appeared and walked towards us, my daughter Nimisha came wearing a purdah and I couldn't recognise her... then I got up and she came towards me and hugged me and said mummy... I had initially feared that I wouldn't be able to meet her directly..."</p>

<p>"On seeing her, I broke into tears and hugged her... Nimisha offered me hope and courage and asked me not to cry and expressed optimism that things will improve... she was also in tears.."</p>

<p>"We haven't met in so many years and I'm seeing her now in 2024, after getting her married off many years ago... due to the grace of God and Yemeni authorities, she is doing well," she added.</p>

<p>Priya's India-based lawyer Subhash Chandran told WION that they are making attempts to meet the family of Talal (the victim) and plead for mercy. This is a possibility, owing to the concept of 'Diyah' or 'Blood Money', which is practised in Islamic Sharia Law.</p>

<p>'Diyah' is the compensation paid by the perpetrator's family, as demanded by the victim's family. Recently, thousands of people from Kerala and even non-resident Keralites crowdfunded Rs. 34 crore or around USD 4 million&nbsp;to pay 'Diyah' and free Keralite Abdul Rahim, who has been on death row in Saudi Arabia. Rahim is said to have accidentally caused the death of a differently abled child that he was taking care of.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hailing from a poor family in Kerala's Palakkad district, Nimisha went to Yemen in 2008 and worked as a nurse in a Government-run hospital in Sana'a. Eyeing better earning opportunities, she quit her job and started her own clinic.</p>

<p>Priya's lawyer maintains that Priya and another woman had started a clinic with Talal, who later subjected them to physical and mental abuse, and confiscated their passports. In a desperate bid to escape the abuse and flee, it is said that Priya and the Yemeni woman drugged Talal, which is suspected to have led to his death.</p>

<p>The case got further complicated after Talal's mutilated body was found by the authorities in Yemen. Nimisha's lawyer maintains that she was only responsible for drugging the abuser and that she isn't aware of what transpired after her escape bid.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


After a seven-year-long wait and multiple court battles in India, Premakumari, a senior citizen hailing from Kerala, has been able to meet her daughter Nimisha Priya, a nurse who is on death row in a Yemeni Prison.

After a seven-year-long wait and multiple court battles in India, Premakumari, a senior citizen hailing from Kerala, has been able to meet her daughter Nimisha Priya, a nurse who is on death row in a Yemeni Prison. Priya's India-based lawyer Subhash Chandran confirmed that the mother-daughter duo met at the jail in Sana'a, Yemen, during the afternoon hours of Wednesday. He said that the jail authorities permitted the mother-daughter duo to spend a few hours together and even allowed them to have lunch on the premises. Since 2017, India strictly prohibited its nationals from travelling to Yemen, owing to the deteriorating internal security situation there. Only those with special permission from the Indian Government can undertake travel to Yemen. For others, it is a punishable offence. Hopeful of meeting her daughter, who is on death row in a prison in Houthi-controlled Sana'a, Premakumari travelled from Kochi in Kerala to Aden, Yemen, during the weekend. She was accompanied by Samuel Jones, who has been helping the family in getting access to Priya and attempting to get her released from jail. On Monday, April 22, Premakumari and Samuel undertook an overnight car journey from Aden to Sana'a and reached the Houthi-controlled region on Tuesday. With the support from Indian diplomatic representatives, they completed the formalities that were required to meet Priya, which eventually led to their meeting on Wednesday afternoon. In a huge relief for Premakumari from #palakkad in #kerala #India, she has been able to meet her daughter Nimisha Priya at the jail in Sana'a, #yemen Priya is in a Yemeni jail on death row, for alleged murder of her local sponsor (who had harassed her, seizer her passport) pic.twitter.com/xGwiBe4gD2 — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 24, 2024 × Recalling the emotional reunion, Nimisha Priya's mother Premakumari told WION, "When she first appeared and walked towards us, my daughter Nimisha came wearing a purdah and I couldn't recognise her... then I got up and she came towards me and hugged me and said mummy... I had initially feared that I wouldn't be able to meet her directly..." "On seeing her, I broke into tears and hugged her... Nimisha offered me hope and courage and asked me not to cry and expressed optimism that things will improve... she was also in tears.." "We haven't met in so many years and I'm seeing her now in 2024, after getting her married off many years ago... due to the grace of God and Yemeni authorities, she is doing well," she added. Priya's India-based lawyer Subhash Chandran told WION that they are making attempts to meet the family of Talal (the victim) and plead for mercy. This is a possibility, owing to the concept of 'Diyah' or 'Blood Money', which is practised in Islamic Sharia Law. 'Diyah' is the compensation paid by the perpetrator's family, as demanded by the victim's family. Recently, thousands of people from Kerala and even non-resident Keralites crowdfunded Rs. 34 crore or around USD 4 million to pay 'Diyah' and free Keralite Abdul Rahim, who has been on death row in Saudi Arabia. Rahim is said to have accidentally caused the death of a differently abled child that he was taking care of. Hailing from a poor family in Kerala's Palakkad district, Nimisha went to Yemen in 2008 and worked as a nurse in a Government-run hospital in Sana'a. Eyeing better earning opportunities, she quit her job and started her own clinic. Priya's lawyer maintains that Priya and another woman had started a clinic with Talal, who later subjected them to physical and mental abuse, and confiscated their passports. In a desperate bid to escape the abuse and flee, it is said that Priya and the Yemeni woman drugged Talal, which is suspected to have led to his death. The case got further complicated after Talal's mutilated body was found by the authorities in Yemen. Nimisha's lawyer maintains that she was only responsible for drugging the abuser and that she isn't aware of what transpired after her escape bid.

Nimisha Priya case: Mother, daughter reunite in Yemeni jail after a wait of 7 years

<p>After a seven-year-long wait and multiple court battles in India, Premakumari, a senior citizen hailing from Kerala, has been able to meet her daughter Nimisha Priya, a nurse who is on death row in a Yemeni prison. Priya's India-based lawyer Subhash Chandran confirmed that the mother-daughter duo met at the jail in Sana'a, Yemen, in&nbsp;the afternoon hours of Wednesday. He said that the jail authorities had permitted the mother-daughter duo to spend a few hours together and even allowed them to have lunch on the premises.</p>

<p>Since 2017, India strictly prohibited its nationals from travelling to Yemen, owing to the deteriorating internal security situation there. Only those with special permission from the Indian Government can undertake travel to Yemen, for others it is a punishable offence.</p>

<p>Hopeful of meeting her daughter who is on death row in a prison in Houthi-controlled Sana'a, Premakumari travelled from Kochi in Kerala to Aden, Yemen, during the weekend. She is being accompanied by Samuel Jones, who has been helping the family in getting access to Priya and attempting to get her released from jail.</p>

<p>On Monday, 22nd April, Premakumari and Samuel undertook an overnight car journey from Aden to Sana'a and reached the Houthi-controlled region on Tuesday. With the support from Indian diplomatic representatives, they completed the formalities that were required to meet Priya, which eventually led to their meeting on Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In a huge relief for Premakumari from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/palakkad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#palakkad</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kerala</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>, she has been able to meet her daughter Nimisha Priya at the jail in Sana'a, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/yemen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#yemen</a><br />
<br />
Priya is in a Yemeni jail on death row, for alleged murder of her local sponsor (who had harassed her, seizer her passport) <a href="https://t.co/xGwiBe4gD2">pic.twitter.com/xGwiBe4gD2</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1783119341879427094?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Priya's India-based lawyer Subhash Chandran told WION that they are making attempts to meet the family of Talal (the victim) and plead for mercy. This is a possibility, owing to the concept of 'Diyah' or 'Blood Money', which is practised in Islamic Sharia Law. 'Diyah' is the compensation paid by the perpetrator's family, as demanded by the victim's family.</p>

<p>Recently, thousands of people from Kerala and even non-resident Keralites crowdfunded Rs. 34 crores or around USD 4 million, to pay 'Diyah' and free Keralite Abdul Rahim who has been on death row in Saudi Arabia. Rahim is said to have accidentally caused the death of a differently-abled child that he was taking care of.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hailing from a poor family in Kerala's Palakkad district, Nimisha went to Yemen in 2008 and worked as a nurse in a Government-run hospital in Sana'a. Eyeing better earning opportunities, she quit her job and started her own clinic.</p>

<p>Priya's lawyer maintains that Priya and another woman had started a clinic with Talal, who had later subjected them to physical and mental abuse and confiscated their passports. In a desperate bid to escape the abuse and flee, it is said that Priya and the Yemeni woman had drugged Talal, which is suspected to have led to his death. The case got further complicated after Talal's mutilated body was found by the authorities in Yemen. Nimisha's lawyer maintains that she was only responsible for drugging the abuser and that she isn't aware of what transpired after her escape bid.&nbsp;</p>


After a seven-year-long wait and multiple court battles in India, Premakumari, a senior citizen hailing from Kerala, has been able to meet her daughter Nimisha Priya, a nurse who is on death row in a Yemeni prison.

After a seven-year-long wait and multiple court battles in India, Premakumari, a senior citizen hailing from Kerala, has been able to meet her daughter Nimisha Priya, a nurse who is on death row in a Yemeni prison. Priya's India-based lawyer Subhash Chandran confirmed that the mother-daughter duo met at the jail in Sana'a, Yemen, in the afternoon hours of Wednesday. He said that the jail authorities had permitted the mother-daughter duo to spend a few hours together and even allowed them to have lunch on the premises. Since 2017, India strictly prohibited its nationals from travelling to Yemen, owing to the deteriorating internal security situation there. Only those with special permission from the Indian Government can undertake travel to Yemen, for others it is a punishable offence. Hopeful of meeting her daughter who is on death row in a prison in Houthi-controlled Sana'a, Premakumari travelled from Kochi in Kerala to Aden, Yemen, during the weekend. She is being accompanied by Samuel Jones, who has been helping the family in getting access to Priya and attempting to get her released from jail. On Monday, 22nd April, Premakumari and Samuel undertook an overnight car journey from Aden to Sana'a and reached the Houthi-controlled region on Tuesday. With the support from Indian diplomatic representatives, they completed the formalities that were required to meet Priya, which eventually led to their meeting on Wednesday afternoon. In a huge relief for Premakumari from #palakkad in #kerala #India, she has been able to meet her daughter Nimisha Priya at the jail in Sana'a, #yemen Priya is in a Yemeni jail on death row, for alleged murder of her local sponsor (who had harassed her, seizer her passport) pic.twitter.com/xGwiBe4gD2 — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 24, 2024 × Priya's India-based lawyer Subhash Chandran told WION that they are making attempts to meet the family of Talal (the victim) and plead for mercy. This is a possibility, owing to the concept of 'Diyah' or 'Blood Money', which is practised in Islamic Sharia Law. 'Diyah' is the compensation paid by the perpetrator's family, as demanded by the victim's family. Recently, thousands of people from Kerala and even non-resident Keralites crowdfunded Rs. 34 crores or around USD 4 million, to pay 'Diyah' and free Keralite Abdul Rahim who has been on death row in Saudi Arabia. Rahim is said to have accidentally caused the death of a differently-abled child that he was taking care of. Hailing from a poor family in Kerala's Palakkad district, Nimisha went to Yemen in 2008 and worked as a nurse in a Government-run hospital in Sana'a. Eyeing better earning opportunities, she quit her job and started her own clinic. Priya's lawyer maintains that Priya and another woman had started a clinic with Talal, who had later subjected them to physical and mental abuse and confiscated their passports. In a desperate bid to escape the abuse and flee, it is said that Priya and the Yemeni woman had drugged Talal, which is suspected to have led to his death. The case got further complicated after Talal's mutilated body was found by the authorities in Yemen. Nimisha's lawyer maintains that she was only responsible for drugging the abuser and that she isn't aware of what transpired after her escape bid.

Nimisha Priya case: Kerala mother reunites with nurse daughter on death row in Yemen jail

<p>In a step forward for the Indian private space sector, SpaceX has launched an Earth-Imaging satellite assembled and tested in India, by a Tata Group firm. The ‘TSAT-1A’ satellite was launched on the Bandwagon-1 mission, which SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, United States, at 23:16 UTC on April 7.</p>

<p>A collaborative effort between India’s Tata Advanced System Limited (TASL) and foreign firm Satellogic, the TSAT-1A has been assembled at the Tata group’s Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT) facility at Vemagal, Karnataka. In November 2023, TASL and Satellogic had inked a pact to develop and integrate an advanced earth observation satellite.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-successfully-launches-second-military-spy-satellite-amid-race-with-north-korea-709008">South Korea successfully launches second military spy satellite amid race with North Korea</a></strong></p>

<p>TSAT-1A is a sub-metre resolution satellite, which means that it produces images where it is possible to clearly distinguish between objects that are less than one metre apart. Satellites that are used for defence and strategic purposes have resolutions in the range of one metre to even 30 centimetres or lower. This helps in clearly distinguishing even the smallest of objects and deriving maximum information from the image.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This milestone shows TASL’s commitment to the space sector. This is a first step. We are grateful for the support we have received from various Indian Government authorities for required permissions," said Sukaran Singh, CEO and MD, TASL.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-receives-fresh-batch-of-igla-s-hand-held-anti-aircraft-missiles-from-russia-report-708996">Indian Army receives fresh batch of Igla-S hand-held anti-aircraft missiles from Russia: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>In the year 2020, the Indian government rolled out reforms in the government-only space sector and permitted private firms to undertake end-to-end space activities. This is a step aimed at increasing India’s overall share in the lucrative global space economy. As part of the reforms, private firms are allowed to design, build and launch their own satellites, rockets, and offer space-based services.</p>

<p>Prior to the reforms, only the Indian government-run space agency was permitted to perform end-to-end space activities, whereas private firms could only supply hardware and provide services to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Aimed at boosting the homegrown industry, startups, and opening it up to foreign entities, the Indian government also recently permitted Foreign Direct Investment in the country’s space sector.</p>


In a step forward for the Indian private space sector, SpaceX has launched an Earth-Imaging satellite assembled and tested in India, by a Tata Group firm. The ‘TSAT-1A’ satellite was launched on the Bandwagon-1 mission, which SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, United States, at 23:16 UTC on April 7.

In a step forward for the Indian private space sector, SpaceX has launched an Earth-Imaging satellite assembled and tested in India, by a Tata Group firm. The ‘TSAT-1A’ satellite was launched on the Bandwagon-1 mission, which SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, United States, at 23:16 UTC on April 7. A collaborative effort between India’s Tata Advanced System Limited (TASL) and foreign firm Satellogic, the TSAT-1A has been assembled at the Tata group’s Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT) facility at Vemagal, Karnataka. In November 2023, TASL and Satellogic had inked a pact to develop and integrate an advanced earth observation satellite. Also Read | South Korea successfully launches second military spy satellite amid race with North Korea TSAT-1A is a sub-metre resolution satellite, which means that it produces images where it is possible to clearly distinguish between objects that are less than one metre apart. Satellites that are used for defence and strategic purposes have resolutions in the range of one metre to even 30 centimetres or lower. This helps in clearly distinguishing even the smallest of objects and deriving maximum information from the image. “This milestone shows TASL’s commitment to the space sector. This is a first step. We are grateful for the support we have received from various Indian Government authorities for required permissions," said Sukaran Singh, CEO and MD, TASL. Also Read | Indian Army receives fresh batch of Igla-S hand-held anti-aircraft missiles from Russia: Report In the year 2020, the Indian government rolled out reforms in the government-only space sector and permitted private firms to undertake end-to-end space activities. This is a step aimed at increasing India’s overall share in the lucrative global space economy. As part of the reforms, private firms are allowed to design, build and launch their own satellites, rockets, and offer space-based services. Prior to the reforms, only the Indian government-run space agency was permitted to perform end-to-end space activities, whereas private firms could only supply hardware and provide services to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Aimed at boosting the homegrown industry, startups, and opening it up to foreign entities, the Indian government also recently permitted Foreign Direct Investment in the country’s space sector.

SpaceX launches TATA Group satellite assembled and tested in India

<p>Across the United States, Mexico and Canada, observers would get a feel of "day turning into night" during Total Solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. This is an astronomical phenomenon that occurs once in few years and attracts a huge amount of public enthusiasm, as day suddenly turns into night and the temperature dips, owing to sunlight being blocked. People in India would not be able to get a feel of this Total Solar Eclipse, but India's Sun-study mission Aditya-L1 has been witnessing a round-the-clock Total Solar Eclipse, since the craft became operational earlier this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>WION spoke to experts from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics to explain how Aditya-L1 can see a Total Solar Eclipse, even when there is no Eclipse taking place.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The way the relatively smaller Moon blocks the Earth's view of the massive Sun, is the same as bringing a thumb in front of the eye and blocking the view of a large building that is in front. The thumb is no way comparable to the size of the building, but it is closer to the eye and blocks the large building that is at a distance" Jayant Murthy (Retd), Senior Professor from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that across North America, it would appear as though a disc (Moon) had covered the Sun.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is Aditya-L1?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Aditya-L1 is India's first dedicated mission to study the Sun and its various phenomena. Launched on September 2,&nbsp;2023, the craft reached its destination on January 6, 2024. Aditya-L1 has been placed at a vantage point known as 'L1' or 'Lagrange point 1', from here it can have an unobstructed view of the Sun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This vantage location in interplanetary space is situated 1.5 million (15 lakh) kilometres from earth. For context, the moon is only 4 lakh kilometres away from the earth. The Lagrange point 1 is at one percent of the Earth-Sun distance which is about 150 million kilometres.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Sun is visible from the ground, what is the need for a Space-based study?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Studies related to the Sun can be carried out from ground-based observatories, but on a given point on earth, the sun is visible during the day and is not visible at night, due to the alternating day-night cycle. &nbsp;So, an agency would require multiple stations across the earth to view and study the sun continuously.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even if there are multiple observatories on the ground, each one of them would record different kinds of observations. The unique characteristics of the equipment, the dust particles that scatter the radiation, the distortion caused by the earth's atmosphere are among the factors that bring in inconsistencies in the sun-study data collected from different ground-based observatories. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The layers of the Sun and what a Solar Eclipse does</strong></h2>

<p>The Sun's Photosphere is what emits the strongest light. The &nbsp;Photosphere is then covered by the Chromosphere (which extends 1000s of kms) and finally there is the Corona (Sun's outermost layer).</p>

<p>"The Sun's Corona emits light, but it is million times less intense than that of the Photosphere. Therefore, it is only during a solar eclipse(when moon covers the sun's Photosphere by coming in the path between earth and Sun) that we are able to study the faint light from the Corona" Prof. Ramesh from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, explained to WION. He added that eclipses are phenomenon that occurred once in few years and that studying the Solar Corona during the few minutes of the eclipse would be insufficient to gather any meaningful data and inferences.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why is it&nbsp;important to study the Solar Corona?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Professor Ramesh said that the interest in studying the Solar Corona is owing to its dynamic nature and the regular eruptions from the Corona (Coronal Mass Ejections). Coronal Mass Ejection is a phenomenon when charged particles from the sun are ejected at speeds of 3000km/second. At this speed, it can reach the earth in around 15hours, he explained.</p>

<p>Such phenomena can affect the electronics and solar panels of satellites orbiting the earth, it can also cause geomagnetic storms that can temporarily swell up earth's atmosphere and drag satellites that are flying as low as 200km orbit. In recent years, such an incident had damaged a few dozen Starlink satellites.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India sun mission Aditya-L1 begins collecting data from distance of 50,000 kms</strong></p>

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<p>When such high-speed, charged particles from the Sun reach the earth's atmosphere, the upper layers of the atmosphere act as a barrier and divert the charged particles to earth's poles, thereby causing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and Southern Lights (Aurora Australis), a dazzling display of vibrant and colorful lights. These are often seen in shades of blue-green-yellow-red in the winter night skies near the earth's north polar and south polar regions.</p>

<h2><strong>How does Aditya-L1 create a '24/7 Solar Eclipse'?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>We know that the moon blocking the earth's view of the sun helps observe the faint light of the Solar Corona. However, it is possible to use technological advancements and block the bright light from the Sun, while only viewing the faint light emitted from the Corona.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"On the Aditya-L1 craft, we have a device known as Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), which is capable of artificially blocking the light of the Photosphere and studying the light from the Corona. This is the same as the view during a Solar eclipse" Prof Ramesh added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The VELC has been contributed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and Prof. Ramesh is the Principal Investigator for the VELC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>By using the VELC, Aditya-L1 can view the Solar Corona throughout its multi-year mission at the L1 point.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Solar Eclipse 2024: Why Aditya L1 won't catch a glimpse of total solar eclipse</strong></p>

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<p>However, it must be noted that the Aditya-L1 craft can never see the naturally-caused Solar Eclipse, like it is visible from Earth. This is because the Aditya craft sits at the L1 points, which offers an unobstructed view of the Sun. Also, it must be remembered that the L1 point is several lakh kilometres beyond the moon and the moon cannot obstruct the Aditya craft's view of the Sun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From the L1 vantage point, around which the spacecraft will be circling, the VELC instrument will be able to image the sun's corona every single minute and help researchers understand the fast changes in Solar atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Using a Polarimeter, we can also measure and predict which sun spots(dark regions with strong magnetic fields, where even light cannot enter) can erupt and lead to Coronal Mass ejections. in future, this could help us predict any danger to satellites around earth, assess which CMEs will reach earth and which won't.</p>


Across the United States, Mexico and Canada, observers would get a feel of "day turning into night" during Total Solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. This is an astronomical phenomenon that occurs once in few years and attracts a huge amount of public enthusiasm, as day suddenly turns into night and the temperature dips, owing to sunlight being blocked.

Across the United States, Mexico and Canada, observers would get a feel of "day turning into night" during Total Solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. This is an astronomical phenomenon that occurs once in few years and attracts a huge amount of public enthusiasm, as day suddenly turns into night and the temperature dips, owing to sunlight being blocked. People in India would not be able to get a feel of this Total Solar Eclipse, but India's Sun-study mission Aditya-L1 has been witnessing a round-the-clock Total Solar Eclipse, since the craft became operational earlier this year. WION spoke to experts from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics to explain how Aditya-L1 can see a Total Solar Eclipse, even when there is no Eclipse taking place. "The way the relatively smaller Moon blocks the Earth's view of the massive Sun, is the same as bringing a thumb in front of the eye and blocking the view of a large building that is in front. The thumb is no way comparable to the size of the building, but it is closer to the eye and blocks the large building that is at a distance" Jayant Murthy (Retd), Senior Professor from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics told WION. He added that across North America, it would appear as though a disc (Moon) had covered the Sun. What is Aditya-L1? Aditya-L1 is India's first dedicated mission to study the Sun and its various phenomena. Launched on September 2, 2023, the craft reached its destination on January 6, 2024. Aditya-L1 has been placed at a vantage point known as 'L1' or 'Lagrange point 1', from here it can have an unobstructed view of the Sun. This vantage location in interplanetary space is situated 1.5 million (15 lakh) kilometres from earth. For context, the moon is only 4 lakh kilometres away from the earth. The Lagrange point 1 is at one percent of the Earth-Sun distance which is about 150 million kilometres. Sun is visible from the ground, what is the need for a Space-based study? Studies related to the Sun can be carried out from ground-based observatories, but on a given point on earth, the sun is visible during the day and is not visible at night, due to the alternating day-night cycle. So, an agency would require multiple stations across the earth to view and study the sun continuously. Even if there are multiple observatories on the ground, each one of them would record different kinds of observations. The unique characteristics of the equipment, the dust particles that scatter the radiation, the distortion caused by the earth's atmosphere are among the factors that bring in inconsistencies in the sun-study data collected from different ground-based observatories. The layers of the Sun and what a Solar Eclipse does The Sun's Photosphere is what emits the strongest light. The Photosphere is then covered by the Chromosphere (which extends 1000s of kms) and finally there is the Corona (Sun's outermost layer). "The Sun's Corona emits light, but it is million times less intense than that of the Photosphere. Therefore, it is only during a solar eclipse(when moon covers the sun's Photosphere by coming in the path between earth and Sun) that we are able to study the faint light from the Corona" Prof. Ramesh from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, explained to WION. He added that eclipses are phenomenon that occurred once in few years and that studying the Solar Corona during the few minutes of the eclipse would be insufficient to gather any meaningful data and inferences. Why is it important to study the Solar Corona? Professor Ramesh said that the interest in studying the Solar Corona is owing to its dynamic nature and the regular eruptions from the Corona (Coronal Mass Ejections). Coronal Mass Ejection is a phenomenon when charged particles from the sun are ejected at speeds of 3000km/second. At this speed, it can reach the earth in around 15hours, he explained. Such phenomena can affect the electronics and solar panels of satellites orbiting the earth, it can also cause geomagnetic storms that can temporarily swell up earth's atmosphere and drag satellites that are flying as low as 200km orbit. In recent years, such an incident had damaged a few dozen Starlink satellites. Also watch | India sun mission Aditya-L1 begins collecting data from distance of 50,000 kms × When such high-speed, charged particles from the Sun reach the earth's atmosphere, the upper layers of the atmosphere act as a barrier and divert the charged particles to earth's poles, thereby causing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and Southern Lights (Aurora Australis), a dazzling display of vibrant and colorful lights. These are often seen in shades of blue-green-yellow-red in the winter night skies near the earth's north polar and south polar regions. How does Aditya-L1 create a '24/7 Solar Eclipse'? We know that the moon blocking the earth's view of the sun helps observe the faint light of the Solar Corona. However, it is possible to use technological advancements and block the bright light from the Sun, while only viewing the faint light emitted from the Corona. "On the Aditya-L1 craft, we have a device known as Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), which is capable of artificially blocking the light of the Photosphere and studying the light from the Corona. This is the same as the view during a Solar eclipse" Prof Ramesh added. The VELC has been contributed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and Prof. Ramesh is the Principal Investigator for the VELC. By using the VELC, Aditya-L1 can view the Solar Corona throughout its multi-year mission at the L1 point. Also watch | Solar Eclipse 2024: Why Aditya L1 won't catch a glimpse of total solar eclipse × However, it must be noted that the Aditya-L1 craft can never see the naturally-caused Solar Eclipse, like it is visible from Earth. This is because the Aditya craft sits at the L1 points, which offers an unobstructed view of the Sun. Also, it must be remembered that the L1 point is several lakh kilometres beyond the moon and the moon cannot obstruct the Aditya craft's view of the Sun. From the L1 vantage point, around which the spacecraft will be circling, the VELC instrument will be able to image the sun's corona every single minute and help researchers understand the fast changes in Solar atmosphere. Using a Polarimeter, we can also measure and predict which sun spots(dark regions with strong magnetic fields, where even light cannot enter) can erupt and lead to Coronal Mass ejections. in future, this could help us predict any danger to satellites around earth, assess which CMEs will reach earth and which won't.

India's Sun-study craft Aditya-L1 can 'create a 24/7 Total Solar Eclipse'

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