Space exploration recently got a significant breakthrough after the astronauts in the International Space Station were able to generate clean water successfully by distilling urine and capturing moisture.&nbsp;

This milestone was achieved by the team by utilising the space station's Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS).&nbsp;

The system was designed to collect wastewater, which included moisture released from the sweat and breath of the crew. The wastewater was sent to the Water Processor Assembly (WPA), where the astronauts produced drinkable water.&nbsp;

Additionally, water from urine was recovered by the Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) through vacuum distillation. However, urine brine was generated from this distillation process, which contained some water components. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mysteries-of-universe-to-be-revealed-by-euclid-telescope-say-scientists-605804">Mysteries of universe to be revealed by Euclid telescope, say scientists</a>

<h2>A step ahead in the advancement of the life support system</h2>

The new technology, the Brine Processor Assembly (BPA), is being tested by scientists to further enhance the recovery of water from the brine. The BPA, which is a subsystem for extracting wastewater, is being evaluated by experts in a zero-gravity environment.

Through the technology brine, after it is produced by the UPA, is subjected to special membrane technology, after which warm, dry air is blown over the brine to evaporate the water.&nbsp;

In this process, humid air is created, which along with the breath and perspiration of the crew members, is collected by the water collection systems of the station.&nbsp;

Team member at Johnson Space Centre Christopher Brown, hailing the achievement, called it an important step in the advancement of life support systems.&nbsp;

He further emphasised the importance of recycling water in space, adding that it is a remarkable accomplishment to launch with a limited water supply and lose only two pounds of water while allowing the remaining 98 per cent to circulate.

WATCH |&nbsp;First Saudi Arabian woman travels to space

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<h2>Water cleaner compared to drinking water on Earth</h2>

Scientists stated that the water produced from urine and sweat is far cleaner compared to the drinking water which is available on Earth.&nbsp;

He stated that crew members are not directly drinking urine but are actually consuming reclaimed, filtered, and thoroughly cleaned water.

This historic feat underscores the rigorous ground testing done and sophisticated processes adopted to ensure that clean and potable water is being produced in space.&nbsp;

Water, because of its multifaceted significance, remains critical for long-duration space travel. Firstly, water is essentially important for the well-being and survival of astronauts. It is needed for food preparation, hydration, food preparation, and personal hygiene.

The crew's health and performance can be severely compromised without the constant supply of clean water. Water also plays an important role in the sustenance of life support systems on spacecraft.&nbsp;

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Space exploration recently got a significant breakthrough after the astronauts in the International Space Station were able to generate clean water successfully by distilling urine and capturing moisture.

Space exploration recently got a significant breakthrough after the astronauts in the International Space Station were able to generate clean water successfully by distilling urine and capturing moisture. This milestone was achieved by the team by utilising the space station's Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS). The system was designed to collect wastewater, which included moisture released from the sweat and breath of the crew. The wastewater was sent to the Water Processor Assembly (WPA), where the astronauts produced drinkable water. Additionally, water from urine was recovered by the Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) through vacuum distillation. However, urine brine was generated from this distillation process, which contained some water components. ALSO READ | Mysteries of universe to be revealed by Euclid telescope, say scientists A step ahead in the advancement of the life support system The new technology, the Brine Processor Assembly (BPA), is being tested by scientists to further enhance the recovery of water from the brine. The BPA, which is a subsystem for extracting wastewater, is being evaluated by experts in a zero-gravity environment. Through the technology brine, after it is produced by the UPA, is subjected to special membrane technology, after which warm, dry air is blown over the brine to evaporate the water. In this process, humid air is created, which along with the breath and perspiration of the crew members, is collected by the water collection systems of the station. Team member at Johnson Space Centre Christopher Brown, hailing the achievement, called it an important step in the advancement of life support systems. He further emphasised the importance of recycling water in space, adding that it is a remarkable accomplishment to launch with a limited water supply and lose only two pounds of water while allowing the remaining 98 per cent to circulate. WATCH | First Saudi Arabian woman travels to space Water cleaner compared to drinking water on Earth Scientists stated that the water produced from urine and sweat is far cleaner compared to the drinking water which is available on Earth. He stated that crew members are not directly drinking urine but are actually consuming reclaimed, filtered, and thoroughly cleaned water. This historic feat underscores the rigorous ground testing done and sophisticated processes adopted to ensure that clean and potable water is being produced in space. Water, because of its multifaceted significance, remains critical for long-duration space travel. Firstly, water is essentially important for the well-being and survival of astronauts. It is needed for food preparation, hydration, food preparation, and personal hygiene. The crew's health and performance can be severely compromised without the constant supply of clean water. Water also plays an important role in the sustenance of life support systems on spacecraft. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Can you drink it? Astronauts use their own urine, sweat to make clean water in space

Extended space adventures are damaging astronauts' brains, according to experts. Astronauts&nbsp;who spend a lot of time in space should give their brains three years to recuperate from the alterations brought on by their missions.

These are the conclusions of a recent research that examined how the brain responds to gravity outside of Earth. It comes before what is anticipated to be a new age of protracted space travel, including the initial expeditions to Mars.

<h2>Long space mission leading to enlarged ventricles</h2>

As many as 30 astronauts' brain scans from both before and after their space missions were examined by researchers. They discovered that trips lasting more than six months resulted in considerably enlarged brain ventricles, which might take up to three years to recover from.

The ventricles are hollow spaces in the brain that are filled with a fluid that purifies, hydrates, and protects the brain. Normally, the fluid is helpfully dispersed throughout the body, but because there is no gravity in space, it is sometimes forced upward, which causes the brain to be pushed higher in the skull.

“We found that the more time people spent in space, the larger their ventricles became,” said Rachael Seidler, a professor of applied physiology and kinesiology at the University of Florida and an author of the study told the Independent.

“Many astronauts travel to space more than one time, and our study shows it takes about three years between flights for the ventricles to fully recover,” she said.

Also watch |&nbsp;WION exclusive: ISRO to launch joint Indo-US space mission in early 2024

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Eight of the 30 astronauts in the research had spent two weeks in space, 18 had completed six-month missions, and four had spent a full year in orbit. The brain had not altered much after two weeks, and after six months the modifications seemed to have ceased.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/french-fries-in-space-astronaut-puff-up-menu-as-esa-learns-to-fry-food-602281">French fries in space: Astronauts puff up menu as ESA learns to fry food</a>

That is advantageous for individuals taking part in quick excursions of the sort being promoted by tourist initiatives like those from SpaceX.

Additionally, it may be useful for astronauts embarking on lengthy missions, like those to Mars. The absence of alterations between six and twelve months may also be good news for those long excursions, but researchers have not yet looked at persons who have gone for more than a year.

“We were happy to see that the changes don’t increase exponentially, considering we will eventually have people in space for longer periods,” said Professor Seidler.&nbsp;

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Extended space adventures are damaging astronauts' brains, according to experts. Astronauts who spend a lot of time in space should give their brains three years to recuperate from the alterations brought on by their missions.

Extended space adventures are damaging astronauts' brains, according to experts. Astronauts who spend a lot of time in space should give their brains three years to recuperate from the alterations brought on by their missions. These are the conclusions of a recent research that examined how the brain responds to gravity outside of Earth. It comes before what is anticipated to be a new age of protracted space travel, including the initial expeditions to Mars. Long space mission leading to enlarged ventricles As many as 30 astronauts' brain scans from both before and after their space missions were examined by researchers. They discovered that trips lasting more than six months resulted in considerably enlarged brain ventricles, which might take up to three years to recover from. The ventricles are hollow spaces in the brain that are filled with a fluid that purifies, hydrates, and protects the brain. Normally, the fluid is helpfully dispersed throughout the body, but because there is no gravity in space, it is sometimes forced upward, which causes the brain to be pushed higher in the skull. “We found that the more time people spent in space, the larger their ventricles became,” said Rachael Seidler, a professor of applied physiology and kinesiology at the University of Florida and an author of the study told the Independent. “Many astronauts travel to space more than one time, and our study shows it takes about three years between flights for the ventricles to fully recover,” she said. Also watch | WION exclusive: ISRO to launch joint Indo-US space mission in early 2024 Eight of the 30 astronauts in the research had spent two weeks in space, 18 had completed six-month missions, and four had spent a full year in orbit. The brain had not altered much after two weeks, and after six months the modifications seemed to have ceased. Also read | French fries in space: Astronauts puff up menu as ESA learns to fry food That is advantageous for individuals taking part in quick excursions of the sort being promoted by tourist initiatives like those from SpaceX. Additionally, it may be useful for astronauts embarking on lengthy missions, like those to Mars. The absence of alterations between six and twelve months may also be good news for those long excursions, but researchers have not yet looked at persons who have gone for more than a year. “We were happy to see that the changes don’t increase exponentially, considering we will eventually have people in space for longer periods,” said Professor Seidler. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Prolonged space missions are damaging astronauts' brains, claims study

A photo of SpaceX's lift button was shared by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Twitter which symbolised ‘Space Elevator’, a thing of fiction which has fascinated humans for years.

However, the concept of the space elevator which can transport things from earth to space has not materialised in reality. Representing this imagined concept, the elevator buttons have been designed in Elon Musk's SpaceX which will be used by the crew members to board spaceships.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/one-day-starship-will-take-us-to-mars-optimistic-elon-musk-says-after-latest-spacex-fire-test-560627">‘One day, Starship will take us to Mars’, says Elon Musk after latest SpaceX fire test</a>

The photo of the elevator's button was tweeted by SpaceX CEO Musk with the caption “Space Elevator”. A Crew-6 mission has been scheduled by SpaceX on Monday and the photo shared by Musk is from inside the tower elevator which will be used by astronauts to access arm from the pad and board the Dragon spacecraft for their space journey.

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Space Elevator <a href="https://t.co/RNbdSzXSGz">https://t.co/RNbdSzXSGz</a>
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<h2>Theory of space elevators</h2>

The concept of creating space elevators is based on the idea of making access to space possible on a daily basis where the origin point is Earth and the destination is space. Space elevators, if built in future, can allow the transfer of people and objects from the surface of the Earth to space without the need for rockets.

As per various calculations, the space elevators once created can reduce space travel costs by hundred dollars per kilogramme of payload, which is comparatively very less compared to the rockets that run on chemical fuel.

WATCH | Exclusive: Musk’s SpaceX says it can no longer pay for satellite services in Ukraine

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<h2>Musk's take on space elevators</h2>

Elon Musk, who wishes to ‘colonise Mars’ one day, believes that space elevators cannot exist in reality. In an interview, Musk had said that it is comparatively easier to build a bridge between Tokyo and Los Angeles than to create an elevator to orbit. However, Musk hopes that his assessment can be proved wrong someday.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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A photo of SpaceX's lift button was shared by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Twitter which symbolised ‘Space Elevator’, a thing of fiction which has fascinated humans for years.

A photo of SpaceX's lift button was shared by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Twitter which symbolised ‘Space Elevator’, a thing of fiction which has fascinated humans for years. However, the concept of the space elevator which can transport things from earth to space has not materialised in reality. Representing this imagined concept, the elevator buttons have been designed in Elon Musk's SpaceX which will be used by the crew members to board spaceships. ALSO READ | ‘One day, Starship will take us to Mars’, says Elon Musk after latest SpaceX fire test The photo of the elevator's button was tweeted by SpaceX CEO Musk with the caption “Space Elevator”. A Crew-6 mission has been scheduled by SpaceX on Monday and the photo shared by Musk is from inside the tower elevator which will be used by astronauts to access arm from the pad and board the Dragon spacecraft for their space journey. Space Elevator https://t.co/RNbdSzXSGz — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 24, 2023 × Theory of space elevators The concept of creating space elevators is based on the idea of making access to space possible on a daily basis where the origin point is Earth and the destination is space. Space elevators, if built in future, can allow the transfer of people and objects from the surface of the Earth to space without the need for rockets. As per various calculations, the space elevators once created can reduce space travel costs by hundred dollars per kilogramme of payload, which is comparatively very less compared to the rockets that run on chemical fuel. WATCH | Exclusive: Musk’s SpaceX says it can no longer pay for satellite services in Ukraine Musk's take on space elevators Elon Musk, who wishes to ‘colonise Mars’ one day, believes that space elevators cannot exist in reality. In an interview, Musk had said that it is comparatively easier to build a bridge between Tokyo and Los Angeles than to create an elevator to orbit. However, Musk hopes that his assessment can be proved wrong someday. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Space Elevator | Musk’s SpaceX lift has button to take astronauts from Earth to space?

Europe on the moon! The lunar aspiration could soon become a reality, courtesy of the Americans, Europe is planning on playing a key role in NASA's Orion spacecraft program. This will give European astronauts a chance to walk on the moon for the first time in years.

Europe shoots the moon! US join hands with Europe for Space mission

The word space debris can commonly be interpreted as man-made objects in space that are no longer serving a useful purpose. This could include large and small defunct satellites, spent upper stages of rockets, etc. However, the larger objects are far lesser in number, and it is far easier to track and predict their movement, whereas the real threat to space assets is posed by millions of millimetre-sized space debris, said a top NASA scientist.&nbsp;

"The biggest objects 10cm and larger are tracked by the US Department of Defense, using their global sensor network. Currently, they track about 47,000 big objects in space, 27,000 of them are 10cm and larger. There are many more debris too small to be tracked, but still large enough to threaten human spaceflight and robotic space missions (satellites)" said Dr. Jer Chyi Liou, NASA Chief Scientist for Orbital Debris.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionnews.com/science/narrow-escape-international-space-station-dodges-space-debris-from-russian-anti-satellite-test-490218" hreflang="en">Narrow escape! International Space Station dodges space debris from Russian anti-satellite test</a>

He was speaking at a space science workshop organised by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Astronautical Society of India (ASI) in India, about Space Situational Awareness and Space Traffic Management. Sharing data about the orbital debris, Dr. Liou said that are 500,000 objects measuring 1cm or larger and over 100 million objects over the size of 1 millimetre.

Pointing out the hazards posed by objects measuring less than a millimetre, he said that even an object as small as 0.4 mm could penetrate some parts of the spacesuit of a spacewalking astronaut and cause serious damage to space missions.

Explaining why space debris of varying sizes is a constant cause of concern, Dr. Liou mentioned that the average impact speed between two orbiting objects in Low Earth orbit (up to 200 km above the earth's surface) is 10km/second. For context, that is ten times the speed of a bullet and any collision at such high impact speeds could prove catastrophic.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/videos/expanding-problem-of-space-debris-what-is-space-junk-why-is-it-a-problem-472289" hreflang="en">Expanding problem of space debris: What is space junk? Why is it a problem?</a>

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Speaking of the total mass of orbital debris, he said that it had exceeded 9500 metric tonnes and 4000 tonnes of this was in Low Earth Orbit alone. He mentioned that the major man-made events that caused significant fragmentation of space debris were a Chinese Anti-Satellite missile test in 2007, an accidental collision between a Cosmos and an Iridium satellite in 2009 and the Russian Anti-Satellite Missile test in 2021.

He said that orbital debris was not distributed uniformly in space, as Low Earth Orbit (up to 2000 km from the Earth's surface) had the highest concentration, followed by the Geosynchronous orbit (around 36,000 km&nbsp;above the earth's surface). This is explained by the highest concentration of satellites operating in low earth orbit and the rapid growth in the number of cube satellites and constellations in the last two decades.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The word space debris can commonly be interpreted as man-made objects in space that are no longer serving a useful purpose. This could include large and small defunct satellites, spent upper stages of rockets, etc.

The word space debris can commonly be interpreted as man-made objects in space that are no longer serving a useful purpose. This could include large and small defunct satellites, spent upper stages of rockets, etc. However, the larger objects are far lesser in number, and it is far easier to track and predict their movement, whereas the real threat to space assets is posed by millions of millimetre-sized space debris, said a top NASA scientist. "The biggest objects 10cm and larger are tracked by the US Department of Defense, using their global sensor network. Currently, they track about 47,000 big objects in space, 27,000 of them are 10cm and larger. There are many more debris too small to be tracked, but still large enough to threaten human spaceflight and robotic space missions (satellites)" said Dr. Jer Chyi Liou, NASA Chief Scientist for Orbital Debris. Also Read | Narrow escape! International Space Station dodges space debris from Russian anti-satellite test He was speaking at a space science workshop organised by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Astronautical Society of India (ASI) in India, about Space Situational Awareness and Space Traffic Management. Sharing data about the orbital debris, Dr. Liou said that are 500,000 objects measuring 1cm or larger and over 100 million objects over the size of 1 millimetre. Pointing out the hazards posed by objects measuring less than a millimetre, he said that even an object as small as 0.4 mm could penetrate some parts of the spacesuit of a spacewalking astronaut and cause serious damage to space missions. Explaining why space debris of varying sizes is a constant cause of concern, Dr. Liou mentioned that the average impact speed between two orbiting objects in Low Earth orbit (up to 200 km above the earth's surface) is 10km/second. For context, that is ten times the speed of a bullet and any collision at such high impact speeds could prove catastrophic. Watch | Expanding problem of space debris: What is space junk? Why is it a problem? Speaking of the total mass of orbital debris, he said that it had exceeded 9500 metric tonnes and 4000 tonnes of this was in Low Earth Orbit alone. He mentioned that the major man-made events that caused significant fragmentation of space debris were a Chinese Anti-Satellite missile test in 2007, an accidental collision between a Cosmos and an Iridium satellite in 2009 and the Russian Anti-Satellite Missile test in 2021. He said that orbital debris was not distributed uniformly in space, as Low Earth Orbit (up to 2000 km from the Earth's surface) had the highest concentration, followed by the Geosynchronous orbit (around 36,000 km above the earth's surface). This is explained by the highest concentration of satellites operating in low earth orbit and the rapid growth in the number of cube satellites and constellations in the last two decades. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

100mn+ millimetre-sized space debris a serious threat to astronauts, says NASA Chief Scientist

Walter Cunningham, the last surviving astronaut from the first successful crewed space mission in NASA's Apollo programme has died at the age of 90.

Last surviving Apollo 7 astronaut Walter Cunningham passes away at 90

Astronauts who spend over six months in space can lose a decades' worth of bone mass. Recovery could take significant time. A study claims that astronauts may not recover even after a year back on earth. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: How space travel can make your bones weak

The study examined bone loss in astronauts, its effects, and their recovery after returning to Earth.

Astronauts lose bone while in space, new study reveals

Boeing’s Starliner space capsule landed in the New Mexico desert Wednesday, completing a six-day mission in which it finally reached the International Space Station and that could lead to flights with astronauts.

Boeing Starliner capsule returns to Earth from ISS

Scientists have identified concerning changes that remain with astronauts between missions in a new study published in Scientific Reports.

They have highlighted that humans are exposed to extreme environmental stressors during spaceflight and return with alterations in brain structure.

It is the first study to evaluate the effects of spaceflight on perivascular spaces (PVSs) within the brain, which are believed to facilitate fluid drainage and brain homeostasis.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/voyager-station-worlds-first-space-hotel-to-be-fully-functional-in-just-three-years-476770" hreflang="en">Voyager Station: World's first space hotel to be fully functional in just three years</a>

During the study, 15 astronauts underwent MRI scans, twice prior to launch and four times following their return to Earth after six-month missions to the International Space Station.&nbsp;

According to Juan Piantino, a neurologist at the Oregon Health and Science University, "Experienced astronauts may have reached some kind of homeostasis."

"We all adapted to use gravity in our favor," says Piantino.

"Nature didn't put our brains in our feet – it put them high up. Once you remove gravity from the equation, what does that do to human physiology?" he added.

After their analysis, researchers found that novice astronauts exhibited an increase in PVS volume from pre- to post-flight, whereas experienced flyers did not.

"It also forces you to think about some basic fundamental questions of science and how life evolved here on Earth," says Piantino.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Scientists have identified concerning changes that remain with astronauts between missions in a new study published in Scientific Reports. They have highlighted that humans are exposed to extreme environmental stressors during spaceflight and return with alterations in brain structure.

Scientists have identified concerning changes that remain with astronauts between missions in a new study published in Scientific Reports. They have highlighted that humans are exposed to extreme environmental stressors during spaceflight and return with alterations in brain structure. It is the first study to evaluate the effects of spaceflight on perivascular spaces (PVSs) within the brain, which are believed to facilitate fluid drainage and brain homeostasis. Also see | Voyager Station: World's first space hotel to be fully functional in just three years During the study, 15 astronauts underwent MRI scans, twice prior to launch and four times following their return to Earth after six-month missions to the International Space Station. According to Juan Piantino, a neurologist at the Oregon Health and Science University, "Experienced astronauts may have reached some kind of homeostasis." "We all adapted to use gravity in our favor," says Piantino. "Nature didn't put our brains in our feet – it put them high up. Once you remove gravity from the equation, what does that do to human physiology?" he added. After their analysis, researchers found that novice astronauts exhibited an increase in PVS volume from pre- to post-flight, whereas experienced flyers did not. "It also forces you to think about some basic fundamental questions of science and how life evolved here on Earth," says Piantino. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Scientists identify concerning changes that remain with astronauts between missions

Two Russian astronauts ventured outside the International Space Station on April 18 for a spacewalk to install a control panel for a 37-foot-long robotic arm.

Russian astronauts take a spacewalk to install robotic arm controls on ISS

Three Chinese astronauts returned to earth on Saturday after 183 days in space, state television reported, completing the country's longest crewed space mission to date. Here are ten things you should know.

10 things about China's recent space mission

Three Chinese astronauts on Saturday returned to Earth after completing the country's longest crewed space mission till now. The astronauts remained in space for 183 days.

While in orbit, the Shenzhou-13 mission astronauts took manual control in the Tianhe living quarters module for what state media called a "docking experiment" with the Tianzhou-2 cargo spacecraft.

The astronauts - Zhai Zhigang, Ye Guangfu and a female crew member Wang Yaping - were launched into space in October. They remained in space for 183 days and completed fifth of 11 missions needed to finish the space station by the end of the year.

Shenzhou-13 was the second of four planned crewed missions to complete construction of the space station, which began last April. Shenzhou-12 returned to Earth in September.

Going forward, China will launch two missions, Tianzhou-4 and Shenzhou-14. The former would be a cargo spacecraft while the latter would be a three-person mission, as per Shao Limin, deputy technology manager of Manned Spaceship System. Shao Limin was quoted by Chinese state media.

Barred by the United States from participating in the International Space Station (ISS) in orbit, China has spent the past decade developing technologies to build its own space station, the only one in the world other than the ISS.

China, which aims to become a space power by 2030, has successfully launched probes to explore Mars and became the first country to land a spacecraft on the far side of the Moon.

(With inputs from agencies)

Three Chinese astronauts on Saturday returned to Earth after completing the country's longest crewed space mission till now. The astronauts remained in space for 183 days.

Three Chinese astronauts on Saturday returned to Earth after completing the country's longest crewed space mission till now. The astronauts remained in space for 183 days. While in orbit, the Shenzhou-13 mission astronauts took manual control in the Tianhe living quarters module for what state media called a "docking experiment" with the Tianzhou-2 cargo spacecraft. The astronauts - Zhai Zhigang, Ye Guangfu and a female crew member Wang Yaping - were launched into space in October. They remained in space for 183 days and completed fifth of 11 missions needed to finish the space station by the end of the year. Shenzhou-13 was the second of four planned crewed missions to complete construction of the space station, which began last April. Shenzhou-12 returned to Earth in September. Going forward, China will launch two missions, Tianzhou-4 and Shenzhou-14. The former would be a cargo spacecraft while the latter would be a three-person mission, as per Shao Limin, deputy technology manager of Manned Spaceship System. Shao Limin was quoted by Chinese state media. Barred by the United States from participating in the International Space Station (ISS) in orbit, China has spent the past decade developing technologies to build its own space station, the only one in the world other than the ISS. China, which aims to become a space power by 2030, has successfully launched probes to explore Mars and became the first country to land a spacecraft on the far side of the Moon. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese astronauts return to Earth after longest crewed mission

NASA’s Artemis I moon mission explained

The concept of the spacewalk is fascinating, to say the least. Yes, its less of a walk and more of 'space-floating'. The idea of being outside the protective spacecraft with almost nothing between you and the stars is surreal to imagine. There is an element of thrill as well. There have been enough movies showing the tether connecting the astronaut and the spacecraft snapping and the hapless bro (or sis) doing all they can to prevent being drifted into unending space.

Till now we had to rely on videos shot by space agencies of astronauts as they spacewalked. It's almost unimaginable to look up from Earth and see astronauts doing their thing.

But a fascinating new development has enabled us to take a 'human's-eye view' of the recently concluded spacewalk.

On March 23, NASA astronaut Raja Chari and European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Matthias Maurer conducted a spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS). The spacewalk lasted for 7 hours during which the astronauts performed maintenance work at the ISS.

An astrophotographer has captured what he says is a "once in a lifetime" photo of this spacewalk. He was on Earth, and incidentally in Maurer's hometown in Germany.

"Yesterday I witnessed the #spacewalk shortly after sunset. Here comes a first photo. #ESA #astronaut Matthias Maurer was just 'climbing' at this moment. The rod-shaped structure (Canadarm2) is the robot arm. Greetings from Matthias Maurer's hometown — it was very exciting. #iss," Dr Sebastian Voltmer, the astrophotographer tweeted.

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Yesterday I witnessed the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/spacewalk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#spacewalk</a> shortly after sunset. Here comes a first photo. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ESA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ESA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/astronaut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#astronaut</a> Matthias Maurer was just "climbing" at this moment. 
The rod-shaped structure (Canadarm2) is the robot arm. 
Greetings from Matthias Maurers hometown - it was very exciting. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/iss?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#iss</a> <a href="https://t.co/39Q7YlG64u">pic.twitter.com/39Q7YlG64u</a>
— Dr. Sebastian Voltmer (@SeVoSpace) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeVoSpace/status/1506912147737088002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Voltmer used Celestron 11-inch EdgeHD telescope on a GM2000 HPS mount and an ASI290 planetary camera to get the shot, as per his e-mail to Space.com

Voltmer analysed the photo and in an updated, indicated the positions of both astronauts.

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Update: 2 Spacewalkers Imaged From The Ground 
 
During the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/spacewalk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#spacewalk</a> of the two astronauts <a href="https://twitter.com/Astro_Raja?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Astro_Raja</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/astro_matthias?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@astro_matthias</a> the International Space Station appeared shortly after sunset in the bright evening sky over Germany. This image of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISS</a> was taken on March 23, 2022. <a href="https://t.co/xkKJtSoZFc">pic.twitter.com/xkKJtSoZFc</a>
— Dr. Sebastian Voltmer (@SeVoSpace) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeVoSpace/status/1508239974893768712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"It's probably the first ground-based picture showing two spacewalkers on the ISS at the same time." he told spaceweather.com

The photos certainly don't show both astronauts discernibly but to point you camera at the sky and clicking image of spacewalking astronauts with clarity of this degree is a feat indeed! 
&nbsp;

The concept of the spacewalk is fascinating, to say the least. Yes, its less of a walk and more of 'space-floating'. The idea of being outside the protective spacecraft with almost nothing between you and the stars is surreal to imagine.

The concept of the spacewalk is fascinating, to say the least. Yes, its less of a walk and more of 'space-floating'. The idea of being outside the protective spacecraft with almost nothing between you and the stars is surreal to imagine. There is an element of thrill as well. There have been enough movies showing the tether connecting the astronaut and the spacecraft snapping and the hapless bro (or sis) doing all they can to prevent being drifted into unending space. Till now we had to rely on videos shot by space agencies of astronauts as they spacewalked. It's almost unimaginable to look up from Earth and see astronauts doing their thing. But a fascinating new development has enabled us to take a 'human's-eye view' of the recently concluded spacewalk. On March 23, NASA astronaut Raja Chari and European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Matthias Maurer conducted a spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS). The spacewalk lasted for 7 hours during which the astronauts performed maintenance work at the ISS. An astrophotographer has captured what he says is a "once in a lifetime" photo of this spacewalk. He was on Earth, and incidentally in Maurer's hometown in Germany. "Yesterday I witnessed the #spacewalk shortly after sunset. Here comes a first photo. #ESA #astronaut Matthias Maurer was just 'climbing' at this moment. The rod-shaped structure (Canadarm2) is the robot arm. Greetings from Matthias Maurer's hometown — it was very exciting. #iss," Dr Sebastian Voltmer, the astrophotographer tweeted. Yesterday I witnessed the #spacewalk shortly after sunset. Here comes a first photo. #ESA #astronaut Matthias Maurer was just "climbing" at this moment. The rod-shaped structure (Canadarm2) is the robot arm. Greetings from Matthias Maurers hometown - it was very exciting. #iss pic.twitter.com/39Q7YlG64u — Dr. Sebastian Voltmer (@SeVoSpace) March 24, 2022 × Voltmer used Celestron 11-inch EdgeHD telescope on a GM2000 HPS mount and an ASI290 planetary camera to get the shot, as per his e-mail to Space.com Voltmer analysed the photo and in an updated, indicated the positions of both astronauts. Update: 2 Spacewalkers Imaged From The Ground During the #spacewalk of the two astronauts @Astro_Raja and @astro_matthias the International Space Station appeared shortly after sunset in the bright evening sky over Germany. This image of the #ISS was taken on March 23, 2022. pic.twitter.com/xkKJtSoZFc — Dr. Sebastian Voltmer (@SeVoSpace) March 28, 2022 × "It's probably the first ground-based picture showing two spacewalkers on the ISS at the same time." he told spaceweather.com The photos certainly don't show both astronauts discernibly but to point you camera at the sky and clicking image of spacewalking astronauts with clarity of this degree is a feat indeed!

Astrophotographer takes photo of spacewalking astronauts, from Earth

We, on Earth, are saved by the planet's magnetosphere and atmosphere from the sun's harmful radiation and galactic cosmic rays which are coming from the exploding stars.&nbsp;

But what about the astronauts, who are at International Space Station (ISS)?&nbsp;

Astronauts in ISS are exposed to higher levels of ionizing radiation which increases the risk of developing cancer throughout their careers. They are protected by the magnetosphere but not the atmosphere.&nbsp;

As per the limit set by NASA, astronauts' radiation exposure limit is not to exceed 3 per cent of the risk of exposure-induced death (REID) from fatal cancer over their career.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-galaxy-with-split-personality-heres-what-we-mean-by-this-464411">NASA's Juno spacecraft snaps stunning images of Jupiter's moons Io and Europa</a>

Live Science reported that risk is evaluated with a sliding scale based on age and sex, ranging from a lower career limit of 180 millisieverts (mSv) of radiation for a 30-year-old woman to an upper career limit of 700 mSv for a 60-year-old man.&nbsp;

It is NASA's policy to ensure a 95 per cent confidence level (CL) that this limit is not exceeded. Important to note that these limits are applicable to all missions in low Earth orbit (LEO) as well as lunar missions that are less than 180 days in duration.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, there is a lower career limit for radiation exposure for female astronauts than for male astronauts. Live Science reported quoting R. Julian Preston, who is a special government employee with the US Environmental Protection Agency's Radiation Protection division, that NASA's lower radiation threshold for female astronauts was based on scientific findings.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-galaxy-with-split-personality-heres-what-we-mean-by-this-464411">A galaxy with split personality? Here's what we mean by this</a>

As per the report, women had more than twice the risk than men of developing lung cancer when both were exposed to high levels of radiation for similar periods.&nbsp;

Preston told Live Science that "it has been generally considered — based largely on the survivors from the atomic bombs in Japan — that, particularly for lung cancer, that women were more sensitive" to ionizing radiation than men were.&nbsp;

The limit has impacted careers also as for instance, former chief of NASA's astronaut corps Peggy Whitson had to retire in 2018 after she hit her career limit on radiation exposure at age 57. She had raised her voice over the radiation limits for female astronauts.&nbsp;

We, on Earth, are saved by the planet's magnetosphere and atmosphere from the sun's harmful radiation and galactic cosmic rays which are coming from the exploding stars.

We, on Earth, are saved by the planet's magnetosphere and atmosphere from the sun's harmful radiation and galactic cosmic rays which are coming from the exploding stars. But what about the astronauts, who are at International Space Station (ISS)? Astronauts in ISS are exposed to higher levels of ionizing radiation which increases the risk of developing cancer throughout their careers. They are protected by the magnetosphere but not the atmosphere. As per the limit set by NASA, astronauts' radiation exposure limit is not to exceed 3 per cent of the risk of exposure-induced death (REID) from fatal cancer over their career. ALSO READ | NASA's Juno spacecraft snaps stunning images of Jupiter's moons Io and Europa Live Science reported that risk is evaluated with a sliding scale based on age and sex, ranging from a lower career limit of 180 millisieverts (mSv) of radiation for a 30-year-old woman to an upper career limit of 700 mSv for a 60-year-old man. It is NASA's policy to ensure a 95 per cent confidence level (CL) that this limit is not exceeded. Important to note that these limits are applicable to all missions in low Earth orbit (LEO) as well as lunar missions that are less than 180 days in duration. Meanwhile, there is a lower career limit for radiation exposure for female astronauts than for male astronauts. Live Science reported quoting R. Julian Preston, who is a special government employee with the US Environmental Protection Agency's Radiation Protection division, that NASA's lower radiation threshold for female astronauts was based on scientific findings. ALSO READ | A galaxy with split personality? Here's what we mean by this As per the report, women had more than twice the risk than men of developing lung cancer when both were exposed to high levels of radiation for similar periods. Preston told Live Science that "it has been generally considered — based largely on the survivors from the atomic bombs in Japan — that, particularly for lung cancer, that women were more sensitive" to ionizing radiation than men were. The limit has impacted careers also as for instance, former chief of NASA's astronaut corps Peggy Whitson had to retire in 2018 after she hit her career limit on radiation exposure at age 57. She had raised her voice over the radiation limits for female astronauts.

Male astronauts stay in space longer than females. Here's why

If humans do not prepare for rigors of&nbsp;colonising outer space, astronauts may turn to cannibalism, warn two space scholars. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

There are numerous challenges for space colonists but the most important one is the food security, said Edinburgh University’s Charles Cockell. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/catch-ultimate-glimpse-104-m-wide-asteroid-set-to-pass-near-earth-on-january-11-441573" hreflang="en">Catch ultimate glimpse: 104-m-wide asteroid set to pass near Earth on January 11</a>

There is a need to ensure farming and operating crop systems properly by colonisers as otherwise they may also find themselves in a similar situation to Sir John Franklin's 1845 Arctic exploration, Cockell stressed. The Franklin's crew had cannibalised&nbsp;each other. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Franklin’s crew tried to find the north-west passage on ships in the late 19th century. They had the most sophisticated pieces of technology available at that time," the astrobiology professor told the Metro.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/wooden-satellite-in-space-by-2023-explore-ambitious-plans-of-japanese-researchers-441582" hreflang="en">‘Wooden’ satellite in space by 2023? Explore ambitious plans of Japanese researchers</a>

"They had tinned food, which was the new technology, and yet, they got lost, stranded and they ended up degenerating into cannibalism," he explained. "If you put a group of people on Callisto, things start going wrong and the plant growth module breaks down, they are going to eat each other if there is no other way to survive," added the professor. &nbsp;

Dr Cameron Smith, co-founder, Pacific Spaceflight, agreed that it will prove vital to "establish a really good farming system and put in a lot of stored food."&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

If humans do not prepare for rigors of colonising outer space, astronauts may turn to cannibalism, warn two space scholars. There are numerous challenges for space colonists but the most important one is the food security, said Edinburgh University’s Charles Cockell.

If humans do not prepare for rigors of colonising outer space, astronauts may turn to cannibalism, warn two space scholars. There are numerous challenges for space colonists but the most important one is the food security, said Edinburgh University’s Charles Cockell. Also Read | Catch ultimate glimpse: 104-m-wide asteroid set to pass near Earth on January 11 There is a need to ensure farming and operating crop systems properly by colonisers as otherwise they may also find themselves in a similar situation to Sir John Franklin's 1845 Arctic exploration, Cockell stressed. The Franklin's crew had cannibalised each other. "Franklin’s crew tried to find the north-west passage on ships in the late 19th century. They had the most sophisticated pieces of technology available at that time," the astrobiology professor told the Metro. Also Read: ‘Wooden’ satellite in space by 2023? Explore ambitious plans of Japanese researchers "They had tinned food, which was the new technology, and yet, they got lost, stranded and they ended up degenerating into cannibalism," he explained. "If you put a group of people on Callisto, things start going wrong and the plant growth module breaks down, they are going to eat each other if there is no other way to survive," added the professor. Dr Cameron Smith, co-founder, Pacific Spaceflight, agreed that it will prove vital to "establish a really good farming system and put in a lot of stored food." (With inputs from agencies)

Prepare for rigors of colonising outer space or astronauts may turn cannibal, say experts

The year 2021 has been a defining moment and will probably go down on the pages of space history apart from highly trained astronauts we saw billionaires lifting off into space, ordinary citizens entering zero gravity so what should we expect from the space frontier in 2022.

Will we see more space tourists in 2022?

Year 2021 has been a defining year for space tourism. For the first time, a journey into space is no longer restricted for just the trained astronauts. WION tells you more in this.

Yearender: 2021 has been a break through year for space tourism

In a Christmas package, SpaceX seems to have sent laundry detergent along with presents and turkey to astronauts at the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday. &nbsp;

Manufactured by Proctor and Gamble, the detergent seems to be a part of an experiment to see that can clothes be washed in space effectively. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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Stage separation confirmed! The <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> Dragon is now floating freely and flying toward the <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a> with science, supplies, and holiday treats aboard for the <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA_Astronauts?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA_Astronauts</a>. <a href="https://t.co/ncOPLLXNgd">pic.twitter.com/ncOPLLXNgd</a>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1473237438235652099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In June, the experiment was announced in a press release. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-finally-revolutionary-james-webb-space-telescope-scales-sky-on-christmas-439928" hreflang="en">Watch: Finally, James Webb Space Telescope scales sky on Christmas</a>

Currently, astronauts wear clothes several times before they are replaced completely with new ones, which are sent from Earth. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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Ready for launch! 🚀 <a href="https://twitter.com/tide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tide</a> is taking its low-resource 🧺 detergent solution to space aboard <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> CRS-24 – scheduled for launch at 5:06 a.m. EST on Tuesday, Dec. 21 (weather permitting). Read more: <a href="https://t.co/Qx8Mf9M8IC">https://t.co/Qx8Mf9M8IC</a> <a href="https://t.co/IIiinmgoTU">pic.twitter.com/IIiinmgoTU</a>
— Procter &amp; Gamble (@ProcterGamble) <a href="https://twitter.com/ProcterGamble/status/1472984313826316294?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Without a proper laundry solution, 160 pounds of clothing per crew member per year are launched to ISS. Human roundtrip missions to Mars could be two to three years in length," the press release said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explainer-what-is-james-webb-space-telescope-that-is-set-to-be-launched-today-439852" hreflang="en">Explainer: What is James Webb Space Telescope that is set to be launched today</a>

Mark Sivik, senior director and research fellow, Proctor and Gamble, told Space.com, "Once you start having extended trips out in space, laundry is a must-have. What we've developed here is fully degradable and designed to work within the space station's closed-loop system." &nbsp;

If the experiment gets successful, the detergent will help astronauts wash clothes in space. It would be helpful in long trips, such as to Mars, in the future. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a Christmas package, SpaceX seems to have sent laundry detergent along with presents and turkey to astronauts at the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday.

In a Christmas package, SpaceX seems to have sent laundry detergent along with presents and turkey to astronauts at the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday. Manufactured by Proctor and Gamble, the detergent seems to be a part of an experiment to see that can clothes be washed in space effectively. Stage separation confirmed! The @SpaceX Dragon is now floating freely and flying toward the @Space_Station with science, supplies, and holiday treats aboard for the @NASA_Astronauts. pic.twitter.com/ncOPLLXNgd — NASA (@NASA) December 21, 2021 × In June, the experiment was announced in a press release. Also Read | Watch: Finally, James Webb Space Telescope scales sky on Christmas Currently, astronauts wear clothes several times before they are replaced completely with new ones, which are sent from Earth. Ready for launch! 🚀 @Tide is taking its low-resource 🧺 detergent solution to space aboard @SpaceX CRS-24 – scheduled for launch at 5:06 a.m. EST on Tuesday, Dec. 21 (weather permitting). Read more: https://t.co/Qx8Mf9M8IC pic.twitter.com/IIiinmgoTU — Procter & Gamble (@ProcterGamble) December 20, 2021 × "Without a proper laundry solution, 160 pounds of clothing per crew member per year are launched to ISS. Human roundtrip missions to Mars could be two to three years in length," the press release said. Also Read: Explainer: What is James Webb Space Telescope that is set to be launched today Mark Sivik, senior director and research fellow, Proctor and Gamble, told Space.com, "Once you start having extended trips out in space, laundry is a must-have. What we've developed here is fully degradable and designed to work within the space station's closed-loop system." If the experiment gets successful, the detergent will help astronauts wash clothes in space. It would be helpful in long trips, such as to Mars, in the future. (With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX sends detergent to space to help astronauts wash clothes

NASA to monitor space station operation, SpaceX launch 4 more astronauts into orbit on flight to space station

Four more astronauts rocketed into space

A leaky toilet in the SpaceX capsule seems to have left astronauts with no choice but to use diapers while coming back home from the International Space Station.

SpaceX leaky toilet leads ISS astronauts to return to earth wearing diapers

SpaceX astronauts were forced to wear diapers on their trip back to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS) due to a broken toilet on the Dragon capsule.

Faulty toilet pushes astronauts to use diapers on way back to Earth

A malfunctioning&nbsp;toilet in SpaceX capsule seems to have left astronauts with no choice but to use diapers on the way back home from the International Space Station on Sunday.

Describing the situation as “suboptimal” but manageable, NASA astronaut Megan McArthur said in a news conference from orbit, “Spaceflight is full of lots of little challenges. This is just one more that we’ll encounter and take care of in our mission. So, we’re not too worried about it.” &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-water-in-a-galaxy-128-billion-light-years-away-426992" hreflang="en">Scientists find water in a galaxy 12.8 billion light-years away</a>

During their return, McArthur and three crewmates will have to spend 20 hours in the capsule. It includes the time from when the hatches are closed to a splashdown on Monday morning. In their time in space, these astronauts were forced to deal with the toilet leak as well.&nbsp;

Before launching replacements, the mission managers decided to bring McArthur and the rest of her crew home after a series of meetings on Friday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/andromeda-galaxy-has-a-weird-shape-in-the-middle-astronomers-now-know-why-426752" hreflang="en">Andromeda galaxy has a weird shape in the middle, astronomers now know why</a>

For over a week, the SpaceX launch had been delayed due to bad weather and an undisclosed medical issue involving a crew member. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The company is now looking for a lift-off for Wednesday night at the earliest. French astronaut Thomas Pesquet, who will return with McArthur, said that last six months had been intense. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A malfunctioning toilet in SpaceX capsule seems to have left astronauts with no choice but to use diapers on the way back home from the International Space Station on Sunday.

A malfunctioning toilet in SpaceX capsule seems to have left astronauts with no choice but to use diapers on the way back home from the International Space Station on Sunday. Describing the situation as “suboptimal” but manageable, NASA astronaut Megan McArthur said in a news conference from orbit, “Spaceflight is full of lots of little challenges. This is just one more that we’ll encounter and take care of in our mission. So, we’re not too worried about it.” Also Read: Scientists find water in a galaxy 12.8 billion light-years away During their return, McArthur and three crewmates will have to spend 20 hours in the capsule. It includes the time from when the hatches are closed to a splashdown on Monday morning. In their time in space, these astronauts were forced to deal with the toilet leak as well. Before launching replacements, the mission managers decided to bring McArthur and the rest of her crew home after a series of meetings on Friday. Also Read: Andromeda galaxy has a weird shape in the middle, astronomers now know why For over a week, the SpaceX launch had been delayed due to bad weather and an undisclosed medical issue involving a crew member. The company is now looking for a lift-off for Wednesday night at the earliest. French astronaut Thomas Pesquet, who will return with McArthur, said that last six months had been intense. (With inputs from agencies)

No plumber in space? Toilet leak pushes astronauts to use diapers on way back to Earth

For the first time, astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) munched on tacos, which had chilli peppers grown on the premises itself. &nbsp; &nbsp;

As part of an experiment by NASA to see what kinds of food can be grown in space, the seeds were brought to the ISS in June. The experiment seems to be one of the first steps to help establish possible food sources for long missions. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-medical-issue-with-astronaut-nasa-delays-spacex-rocket-launch-to-iss-426101" hreflang="en">After ‘medical issue’ with astronaut, NASA delays SpaceX rocket launch to ISS</a>

On Friday, the first peppers were harvested, NASA said. &nbsp;

In a tweet on the same day, NASA astronaut Megan McArthur said that the crew tasted the peppers, and that they were used in tacos along with fajita beef and vegetables. &nbsp;

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Friday Feasting! After the harvest, we got to taste red and green chile. Then we filled out surveys (got to have the data! 😁). Finally, I made my best space tacos yet: fajita beef, rehydrated tomatoes &amp; artichokes, and HATCH CHILE! <a href="https://t.co/pzvS5A6z5u">https://t.co/pzvS5A6z5u</a> <a href="https://t.co/fJ8yLZuhZS">pic.twitter.com/fJ8yLZuhZS</a>
— Megan McArthur (@Astro_Megan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Astro_Megan/status/1454190385190907912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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She dubbed them as her "best space tacos yet." &nbsp;

In July, NASA said that as part of its Plant Habitat-04 investigation, the peppers would grow for about four months. It said the process was "the first time NASA astronauts will cultivate a crop of chilli peppers on the station from seeds to maturity." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/devils-eye-nasa-posts-eerie-image-of-helix-nebula-in-the-halloween-season-426198" hreflang="en">Devil's eye? NASA posts eerie image of Helix Nebula in Halloween season</a>

The crew can eat the peppers if they seemed good, and also bring some back to Earth for study, said NASA. &nbsp;

In tweet, McArthur said that the astronauts had to fill in surveys after tasting the peppers. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

For the first time, astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) munched on tacos, which had chilli peppers grown on the premises itself. As part of an experiment by NASA to see what kinds of food can be grown in space, the seeds were brought to the ISS in June.

For the first time, astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) munched on tacos, which had chilli peppers grown on the premises itself. As part of an experiment by NASA to see what kinds of food can be grown in space, the seeds were brought to the ISS in June. The experiment seems to be one of the first steps to help establish possible food sources for long missions. Also Read: After ‘medical issue’ with astronaut, NASA delays SpaceX rocket launch to ISS On Friday, the first peppers were harvested, NASA said. In a tweet on the same day, NASA astronaut Megan McArthur said that the crew tasted the peppers, and that they were used in tacos along with fajita beef and vegetables. Friday Feasting! After the harvest, we got to taste red and green chile. Then we filled out surveys (got to have the data! 😁). Finally, I made my best space tacos yet: fajita beef, rehydrated tomatoes & artichokes, and HATCH CHILE! https://t.co/pzvS5A6z5u pic.twitter.com/fJ8yLZuhZS — Megan McArthur (@Astro_Megan) October 29, 2021 × She dubbed them as her "best space tacos yet." In July, NASA said that as part of its Plant Habitat-04 investigation, the peppers would grow for about four months. It said the process was "the first time NASA astronauts will cultivate a crop of chilli peppers on the station from seeds to maturity." Also Read: Devil's eye? NASA posts eerie image of Helix Nebula in Halloween season The crew can eat the peppers if they seemed good, and also bring some back to Earth for study, said NASA. In tweet, McArthur said that the astronauts had to fill in surveys after tasting the peppers. (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, astronauts get to relish space-grown chillies on ISS

China has launched a three-person crew to the core module of a future space station where they will live and work for six months, the longest orbit for Chinese astronauts.

China launches second crewed mission to build space station

As per the new rules by New Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), &nbsp;astronaut hopefuls must be part of the flight crew and make contributions to space flight safety. This means that Jeff Bezos and Sir Richard Branson may not yet be astronauts from the perspective of the US government.

The Commercial Astronaut Wings programme updates were announced on Tuesday.

In order to qualify as commercial astronauts, space-goers must travel 50 miles above the Earth's surface, which both Mr Bezos and Mr Branson accomplished.

However, altitude aside, the agency says would-be astronauts must have also "demonstrated activities during flight that were essential to public safety, or contributed to human space flight safety".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiny-little-fragile-thing-bezos-returns-to-earth-awestruck-ready-for-another-flight-399312">Also read |&nbsp;'Tiny little fragile thing': Bezos returns to Earth 'awestruck', ready for another flight</a>

As per the statement by FAA, these changes brought the wings scheme more in line with its role to protect public safety.

Meanwhile, Bezos after landing on Earth after a historic space flight aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket said the Earth is a "tiny little fragile thing, and as we move about the planet we're damaging it."

"Every astronaut who's been up into space, they say that it changes them ... they look at it and they're kind of amazed and awestruck by the Earth and its beauty, but also by its fragility, and I can vouch for that," Bezos said after his capsule landed safely completing a 10 miniute and 20 second stay in space.

As per the new rules by New Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), astronaut hopefuls must be part of the flight crew and make contributions to space flight safety.

As per the new rules by New Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), astronaut hopefuls must be part of the flight crew and make contributions to space flight safety. This means that Jeff Bezos and Sir Richard Branson may not yet be astronauts from the perspective of the US government. The Commercial Astronaut Wings programme updates were announced on Tuesday. In order to qualify as commercial astronauts, space-goers must travel 50 miles above the Earth's surface, which both Mr Bezos and Mr Branson accomplished. However, altitude aside, the agency says would-be astronauts must have also "demonstrated activities during flight that were essential to public safety, or contributed to human space flight safety". Also read | 'Tiny little fragile thing': Bezos returns to Earth 'awestruck', ready for another flight As per the statement by FAA, these changes brought the wings scheme more in line with its role to protect public safety. Meanwhile, Bezos after landing on Earth after a historic space flight aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket said the Earth is a "tiny little fragile thing, and as we move about the planet we're damaging it." "Every astronaut who's been up into space, they say that it changes them ... they look at it and they're kind of amazed and awestruck by the Earth and its beauty, but also by its fragility, and I can vouch for that," Bezos said after his capsule landed safely completing a 10 miniute and 20 second stay in space.

As per US Jeff Bezos and Sir Richard Branson not yet astronauts

A French and an American astronaut completed a six-hour spacewalk Sunday as they installed new solar panels to boost power supplies to the International Space Station (ISS), NASA said.&nbsp; 
 
"It is a huge team effort each time and couldn't be happier to return with @astro_kimbrough," tweeted Frenchman Thomas Pesquet, referring to his American colleague Shane Kimbrough. 
 
Pesquet is with the European Space Agency, Kimbrough with NASA. 
 
The two men, who arrived on the space station in late April, activated the internal batteries in their space suits at 1142 GMT, then opened the hatch to the ISS airlock. 
 
They then continued the work of positioning, attaching and deploying six new-generation solar panels, referred to as iROSA, for Roll-Out Solar Array.

Another spacewalk Friday 
The panels, 60 feet (19 metres) long when deployed, were delivered to the station early this month by an uncrewed SpaceX flight. &nbsp;

The astronauts are slated to complete the installation of a second solar panel array on Friday.

The new panels, which will power both daily operations and the research and science projects carried out on the ISS, are expected to have a 15-year lifespan.

The first spacewalk on Wednesday ran into several snags, notably problems with Kimbrough's spacesuit. He temporarily lost data on his spacesuit display unit, and then suffered a brief spike in the suit's pressure reading.

Sunday's outing was the fourth time the two astronauts had ventured into space together.

In addition to Wednesday's spacewalk, they did so twice on a 2017 mission, attached by tethers to the space station as it orbits the Earth at an altitude of some 250 miles (400 kilometres).

In all, there have been 240 ISS spacewalks as astronauts carry out the work of assembling and maintaining, as well as upgrading&nbsp;the station.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

A French and an American astronaut completed a six-hour spacewalk Sunday as they installed new solar panels to boost power supplies to the International Space Station (ISS), NASA said.

A French and an American astronaut completed a six-hour spacewalk Sunday as they installed new solar panels to boost power supplies to the International Space Station (ISS), NASA said. "It is a huge team effort each time and couldn't be happier to return with @astro_kimbrough," tweeted Frenchman Thomas Pesquet, referring to his American colleague Shane Kimbrough. Pesquet is with the European Space Agency, Kimbrough with NASA. The two men, who arrived on the space station in late April, activated the internal batteries in their space suits at 1142 GMT, then opened the hatch to the ISS airlock. They then continued the work of positioning, attaching and deploying six new-generation solar panels, referred to as iROSA, for Roll-Out Solar Array. Another spacewalk Friday The panels, 60 feet (19 metres) long when deployed, were delivered to the station early this month by an uncrewed SpaceX flight. The astronauts are slated to complete the installation of a second solar panel array on Friday. The new panels, which will power both daily operations and the research and science projects carried out on the ISS, are expected to have a 15-year lifespan. The first spacewalk on Wednesday ran into several snags, notably problems with Kimbrough's spacesuit. He temporarily lost data on his spacesuit display unit, and then suffered a brief spike in the suit's pressure reading. Sunday's outing was the fourth time the two astronauts had ventured into space together. In addition to Wednesday's spacewalk, they did so twice on a 2017 mission, attached by tethers to the space station as it orbits the Earth at an altitude of some 250 miles (400 kilometres). In all, there have been 240 ISS spacewalks as astronauts carry out the work of assembling and maintaining, as well as upgrading the station.

International Space Station astronauts complete six-hour spacewalk to install solar panels

China has launched three astronauts to build its own space station. This is just the first step in Beijing's space domination plans. China has plans to mine the moon and build colonies on Mars. Palki Sharma tells you about China's plans to colonise space.

Gravitas: China's plans to conquer the Moon, Mars and beyond

The first astronauts arrived at China's new space station on Thursday in the country's longest crewed mission to date, a landmark step in establishing Beijing as a major space power.

The trio blasted off on a Long March-2F rocket from the Jiuquan launch centre in northwest China's Gobi desert, and their craft docked at the Tiangong station around seven hours later, where they will spend the next three months. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shenzhou-12-chinas-rocket-carrying-first-crew-blasts-off-to-new-space-station-392043">Also read | Shenzhou-12: China's rocket carrying first crew blasts off to new space station</a> 
 
State broadcaster CCTV showed a live feed from inside the spacecraft during the journey, with the three astronauts lifting their helmet visors after it reached orbit as one smiled and waved at the camera.

Another floated a pen just off his lap in zero-gravity as he browsed the flight manual. 
 
Watch: China launches three-man crew to new space station

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Around seven hours after lift-off, space officials confirmed that the craft had docked with Tianhe, the core module of the country's new space station.

The Shenzhou-12 craft has "successfully docked with the forward port of the core module" of the Tiangong station, said the China Manned Space Agency, as state TV showed live footage.

At a ceremony before blast-off, the three astronauts, already wearing their spacesuits, greeted a crowd of supporters and space workers, who sang the patriotic song "Without the Chinese Communist Party, there would be no new China".

The mission's commander is Nie Haisheng, a decorated air force pilot in the People's Liberation Army who has already participated in two space missions.

The two other members are also members of the military.

Space Life

The Tianhe module of the space station has separate living spaces for each of the astronauts, a "space treadmill" and bike for exercise, and a communication centre for emails and video calls with ground control.

It is China's first crewed mission in nearly five years.

Huang Weifen of the China Manned Space Program said the astronauts will perform two spacewalks during the mission, both lasting around six or seven hours.

She also said the trio will wear newly-developed spacewalk suits.

The launch represents a matter of huge prestige in China, as Beijing prepares to mark the 100th anniversary of the ruling Communist Party on July 1 with a massive propaganda campaign.

To prepare for the mission, the crew underwent more than 6,000 hours of training, including hundreds of underwater somersaults in full space gear.

The Chinese space agency is planning a total of 11 launches through to the end of next year, including three more manned missions that will deliver two lab modules to expand the 70-tonne station, along with supplies and crew members.

China's space ambitions have been fuelled in part by a US ban on its astronauts on the International Space Station, a collaboration between the United States, Russia, Canada, Europe and Japan.

It is due for retirement after 2024, even though NASA has said it could potentially remain functional beyond 2028.

Tiangong will be much smaller than the ISS and is expected to have a lifespan of at least 10 years.

China has said it would be open to international collaboration on its space station although it has yet to give specific details.

Zhou Jianping, the chief designer for the space programme, said "foreign astronauts are certainly going to enter the Chinese space station one day".

"There are a number of countries that have expressed a desire to do that and we will be open to that in future," he said.

The first astronauts arrived at China's new space station on Thursday in the country's longest crewed mission to date, a landmark step in establishing Beijing as a major space power.

The first astronauts arrived at China's new space station on Thursday in the country's longest crewed mission to date, a landmark step in establishing Beijing as a major space power. The trio blasted off on a Long March-2F rocket from the Jiuquan launch centre in northwest China's Gobi desert, and their craft docked at the Tiangong station around seven hours later, where they will spend the next three months. Also read | Shenzhou-12: China's rocket carrying first crew blasts off to new space station State broadcaster CCTV showed a live feed from inside the spacecraft during the journey, with the three astronauts lifting their helmet visors after it reached orbit as one smiled and waved at the camera. Another floated a pen just off his lap in zero-gravity as he browsed the flight manual. Watch: China launches three-man crew to new space station Around seven hours after lift-off, space officials confirmed that the craft had docked with Tianhe, the core module of the country's new space station. The Shenzhou-12 craft has "successfully docked with the forward port of the core module" of the Tiangong station, said the China Manned Space Agency, as state TV showed live footage. At a ceremony before blast-off, the three astronauts, already wearing their spacesuits, greeted a crowd of supporters and space workers, who sang the patriotic song "Without the Chinese Communist Party, there would be no new China". The mission's commander is Nie Haisheng, a decorated air force pilot in the People's Liberation Army who has already participated in two space missions. The two other members are also members of the military. Space Life The Tianhe module of the space station has separate living spaces for each of the astronauts, a "space treadmill" and bike for exercise, and a communication centre for emails and video calls with ground control. It is China's first crewed mission in nearly five years. Huang Weifen of the China Manned Space Program said the astronauts will perform two spacewalks during the mission, both lasting around six or seven hours. She also said the trio will wear newly-developed spacewalk suits. The launch represents a matter of huge prestige in China, as Beijing prepares to mark the 100th anniversary of the ruling Communist Party on July 1 with a massive propaganda campaign. To prepare for the mission, the crew underwent more than 6,000 hours of training, including hundreds of underwater somersaults in full space gear. The Chinese space agency is planning a total of 11 launches through to the end of next year, including three more manned missions that will deliver two lab modules to expand the 70-tonne station, along with supplies and crew members. China's space ambitions have been fuelled in part by a US ban on its astronauts on the International Space Station, a collaboration between the United States, Russia, Canada, Europe and Japan. It is due for retirement after 2024, even though NASA has said it could potentially remain functional beyond 2028. Tiangong will be much smaller than the ISS and is expected to have a lifespan of at least 10 years. China has said it would be open to international collaboration on its space station although it has yet to give specific details. Zhou Jianping, the chief designer for the space programme, said "foreign astronauts are certainly going to enter the Chinese space station one day". "There are a number of countries that have expressed a desire to do that and we will be open to that in future," he said.

Shenzhou-12: First astronauts arrive at China's Tiangong space station

A SpaceX capsule carrying four astronauts departed the International Space Station late Saturday, aiming for a rare nighttime splashdown to end the company’s second crew flight.

It would be the first U.S. splashdown in darkness since the Apollo 8′s crew returned from the moon in 1968.

NASA’s Mike Hopkins, Victor Glover and Shannon Walker, and Japan’s Soichi Noguchi, headed home in the same Dragon capsule that delivered them to the space station last November. The ride back was expected to take just 6 1/2 hours.

“Thanks for your hospitality,” Hopkins radioed as the capsule undocked 260 miles (420 kilometres) above Mali.

SpaceX targeted a splashdown around 3 a.m. Sunday in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Panama City, Florida. Despite the early hour, the Coast Guard deployed extra patrols — and spotlights — to keep any night-owl sightseers away. The capsule of the first SpaceX crew was surrounded by pleasure boaters last summer, posing a safety risk.

Hopkins, the spacecraft commander, rocketed into orbit with his crew on Nov. 15 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Their replacements arrived a week ago aboard their Dragon capsule — the same one that launched SpaceX’s first crew last spring.

The four should have been back by now, but the high offshore wind kept them at the space station a few extra days. SpaceX and NASA determined the best weather would be before dawn.

The delays allowed Glover to celebrate his 45th birthday in space Friday.

“Gratitude, wonder, connection. I’m full of and motivated by these feelings on my birthday, as my first mission to space comes to an end,” Glover tweeted.

Saturday night’s undocking left seven astronauts at the space station: three Americans, two Russians, one Japanese and one French.

A SpaceX capsule carrying four astronauts departed the International Space Station late Saturday, aiming for a rare nighttime splashdown to end the company’s second crew flight.

A SpaceX capsule carrying four astronauts departed the International Space Station late Saturday, aiming for a rare nighttime splashdown to end the company’s second crew flight. It would be the first U.S. splashdown in darkness since the Apollo 8′s crew returned from the moon in 1968. NASA’s Mike Hopkins, Victor Glover and Shannon Walker, and Japan’s Soichi Noguchi, headed home in the same Dragon capsule that delivered them to the space station last November. The ride back was expected to take just 6 1/2 hours. “Thanks for your hospitality,” Hopkins radioed as the capsule undocked 260 miles (420 kilometres) above Mali. SpaceX targeted a splashdown around 3 a.m. Sunday in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Panama City, Florida. Despite the early hour, the Coast Guard deployed extra patrols — and spotlights — to keep any night-owl sightseers away. The capsule of the first SpaceX crew was surrounded by pleasure boaters last summer, posing a safety risk. Hopkins, the spacecraft commander, rocketed into orbit with his crew on Nov. 15 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Their replacements arrived a week ago aboard their Dragon capsule — the same one that launched SpaceX’s first crew last spring. The four should have been back by now, but the high offshore wind kept them at the space station a few extra days. SpaceX and NASA determined the best weather would be before dawn. The delays allowed Glover to celebrate his 45th birthday in space Friday. “Gratitude, wonder, connection. I’m full of and motivated by these feelings on my birthday, as my first mission to space comes to an end,” Glover tweeted. Saturday night’s undocking left seven astronauts at the space station: three Americans, two Russians, one Japanese and one French.

SpaceX capsule departs International Space Station with 4 astronauts, heads home

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