<p>A Japanese space startup has unveiled a rocket that uses liquid methane derived from cow dung.</p>

<p>This is for the first time that liquid biomethane (LBM) has been tested as a rocket fuel, which could pave the way for a green alternative.</p>

<p>Japanese startup, Interstellar Technologies, conducted a 10-second “static fire test” of its Cosmos engine for the ‘Zero rocket’ at the Hokkaido Spaceport.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also released a video of the test, demonstrating the viability of the fuel, which is clean as well as readily available in abundance.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">／<br />
Breaking news from the test stand🔥<br />
＼<br />
Here's a short footage of IST's first static fire test using Liquid Biomethane🚀 <a href="https://t.co/695ld0kGmo">pic.twitter.com/695ld0kGmo</a></p>
— Interstellar Technologies (@istellartech_en) <a href="https://twitter.com/istellartech_en/status/1732896562148524415?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>In a statement released on December 7, the startup said that the rocket was developed through research and developmental efforts by people from Tokyo University and JAXA Space Innovation.</p>

<p>“The number of components has been reduced to one-tenth of conventional engines, fundamentally lowering the manufacturing costs of a rocket engine, estimated to constitute half of the overall expenses," Interstellar stated.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;China gets its forces space combat-ready</strong></p>

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<p>As per the company's release, the ongoing series of static fire tests is poised to enhance the progress in developing and manufacturing a 130kN-class operational model.</p>

<p>The Japanese startup has ambitious plans for the future, which aims to use this innovative rocket engine to launch satellites into low-Earth orbit.</p>

<p>Experts have long shed light on the environmental impact of rocket launches, especially those powered by oxygen and kerosene fuel.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/amateur-trackers-claim-china-has-deployed-6-mysterious-unidentified-objects-in-earth-orbit-671239"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Chinese space plane deployed 6 mysterious `wingmen` in Earth`s orbit: Reports</strong></a></p>

<p>These launches have been linked to the emission of black soot into the upper atmosphere, where the particles can linger for years.</p>

<p>This contributes to global warming big time, while also posing a threat to the fragile ozone layer.</p>

<p>It must be noted that the concept of harnessing methane derived from cow dung as a fuel source is not new but farmers around the world already use it to heat their homes.</p>

<p>However, it is for the first time that the fuel is being considered for powering a space rocket, showcasing the versatility of cow dung as a sustainable resource.</p>

<p>The successful test of the Zero rocket engine indeed heralds a new era in space exploration, which could even pave the way for economic space tourism in the future.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A Japanese space startup has unveiled a rocket that uses liquid methane derived from cow dung. This is for the first time that liquid biomethane (LBM) has been tested as a rocket fuel, which could pave the way for a green alternative.

A Japanese space startup has unveiled a rocket that uses liquid methane derived from cow dung. This is for the first time that liquid biomethane (LBM) has been tested as a rocket fuel, which could pave the way for a green alternative. Japanese startup, Interstellar Technologies, conducted a 10-second “static fire test” of its Cosmos engine for the ‘Zero rocket’ at the Hokkaido Spaceport. It also released a video of the test, demonstrating the viability of the fuel, which is clean as well as readily available in abundance. ／ Breaking news from the test stand🔥 ＼ Here's a short footage of IST's first static fire test using Liquid Biomethane🚀 pic.twitter.com/695ld0kGmo — Interstellar Technologies (@istellartech_en) December 7, 2023 × In a statement released on December 7, the startup said that the rocket was developed through research and developmental efforts by people from Tokyo University and JAXA Space Innovation. “The number of components has been reduced to one-tenth of conventional engines, fundamentally lowering the manufacturing costs of a rocket engine, estimated to constitute half of the overall expenses," Interstellar stated. Watch: China gets its forces space combat-ready × As per the company's release, the ongoing series of static fire tests is poised to enhance the progress in developing and manufacturing a 130kN-class operational model. The Japanese startup has ambitious plans for the future, which aims to use this innovative rocket engine to launch satellites into low-Earth orbit. Experts have long shed light on the environmental impact of rocket launches, especially those powered by oxygen and kerosene fuel. Also read: Chinese space plane deployed 6 mysterious `wingmen` in Earth`s orbit: Reports These launches have been linked to the emission of black soot into the upper atmosphere, where the particles can linger for years. This contributes to global warming big time, while also posing a threat to the fragile ozone layer. It must be noted that the concept of harnessing methane derived from cow dung as a fuel source is not new but farmers around the world already use it to heat their homes. However, it is for the first time that the fuel is being considered for powering a space rocket, showcasing the versatility of cow dung as a sustainable resource. The successful test of the Zero rocket engine indeed heralds a new era in space exploration, which could even pave the way for economic space tourism in the future. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Japanese space startup conducts groundbreaking test of cow dung-powered rocket

<p>A California man was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison after it was revealed that he duped investors of millions of dollars by running a fake cow dung-to-green energy scheme. Investors were hopeful that the scheme would give them profits and tax incentives for contributing to generating green energy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 66-year-old man, named Ray Brewer, is a resident of Porterville. He falsely claimed to his investors that he was building anaerobic digesters at dairies in California’s Fresno, Kern, Kings and Tulare counties and in Idaho, according to prosecutors.</p>

<h2><strong>What are anaerobic digesters?</strong></h2>

<p>Anaerobic digesters use microorganisms “to break down biodegradable material and turn it into methane,” a statement by the prosecutors said. The methane then can be directly sold, which also provides the investors with renewable energy credits.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Hundreds of dolphins and sea lions die in California due to toxic algae</strong></p>

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<p>The prosecutors alleged that Brewer falsely promised his investors that they would receive 66 per cent of net profits and tax incentives. However, it turned out to be a whopping $8.75 million scam.</p>

<p>Brewer deposited the money in&nbsp;his bank accounts and used it to live a lavish life and to buy up lands and a home for himself. He also bought Dodge Ram pickup trucks.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How Brewer fooled the investors?</strong></h2>

<p>Brewer reportedly took investors on guided tours of dairy farms, showcasing locations where he claimed he would build digesters. According to prosecutors, Brewer purportedly raised substantial sums of money for these projects. To further deceive investors, he sent them forged lease agreements with dairy owners, counterfeit loan agreements with banks, fraudulent contracts with multinational companies, and fabricated images depicting the machines in the process of construction.</p>

<p>Authorities state that Brewer went to great lengths to maintain the illusion of progress, providing his investors with false updates on the non-existent construction. These updates included phoney schedules, invoices, power generation reports, and pictures. Additionally, it is alleged that Brewer engaged in a scheme of refunding money to certain investors, utilising funds obtained from other investors.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/human-remains-found-in-california-mountain-area-where-actor-julian-sands-disappeared-5-months-ago-608412"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Human remains found in California mountain area where actor Julian Sands disappeared 5 months ago</strong></a></p>

<p>When investors eventually discovered the deceit and realised they had been defrauded, some pursued legal action against Brewer. However, he managed to evade his arrest by relocating to Sheridan, Montana, and getting a new identity.&nbsp;</p>

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A California man was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison after it was revealed that he duped investors of millions of dollars by running a fake cow dung-to-green energy scheme.

A California man was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison after it was revealed that he duped investors of millions of dollars by running a fake cow dung-to-green energy scheme. Investors were hopeful that the scheme would give them profits and tax incentives for contributing to generating green energy. The 66-year-old man, named Ray Brewer, is a resident of Porterville. He falsely claimed to his investors that he was building anaerobic digesters at dairies in California’s Fresno, Kern, Kings and Tulare counties and in Idaho, according to prosecutors. What are anaerobic digesters? Anaerobic digesters use microorganisms “to break down biodegradable material and turn it into methane,” a statement by the prosecutors said. The methane then can be directly sold, which also provides the investors with renewable energy credits. Watch: Hundreds of dolphins and sea lions die in California due to toxic algae × The prosecutors alleged that Brewer falsely promised his investors that they would receive 66 per cent of net profits and tax incentives. However, it turned out to be a whopping $8.75 million scam. Brewer deposited the money in his bank accounts and used it to live a lavish life and to buy up lands and a home for himself. He also bought Dodge Ram pickup trucks. How Brewer fooled the investors? Brewer reportedly took investors on guided tours of dairy farms, showcasing locations where he claimed he would build digesters. According to prosecutors, Brewer purportedly raised substantial sums of money for these projects. To further deceive investors, he sent them forged lease agreements with dairy owners, counterfeit loan agreements with banks, fraudulent contracts with multinational companies, and fabricated images depicting the machines in the process of construction. Authorities state that Brewer went to great lengths to maintain the illusion of progress, providing his investors with false updates on the non-existent construction. These updates included phoney schedules, invoices, power generation reports, and pictures. Additionally, it is alleged that Brewer engaged in a scheme of refunding money to certain investors, utilising funds obtained from other investors. Also read: Human remains found in California mountain area where actor Julian Sands disappeared 5 months ago When investors eventually discovered the deceit and realised they had been defrauded, some pursued legal action against Brewer. However, he managed to evade his arrest by relocating to Sheridan, Montana, and getting a new identity. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Multimillion-dollar cow dung scam: California man sentenced for faking methane generation scheme

In a bid to curb the Methane release from cow dung a Norwegian company is now testing Plasma technology at a dairy farm. The company has found a way to stop livestock slurry from releasing methane by zapping it with artificial lightning.

Norway: Zapping cow dung with artificial lightning to reduce Methane

<p>The United States Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) agency on Monday made an unexpected announcement against carrying cow dung in luggage. “That is not a typo,” the CBP wrote in a release on Monday.</p>

<p>The agency warned against the health risks posed by carrying cow dung in luggage. Last month, USCBP agents discovered two cow dung blocks left behind on an Air India flight, SlashGear reported. The cow dung laden luggage was found at the Washington Dulles International Airport.</p>

<p>According to the USCBP, the dung cakes were destroyed by its agriculture specialists. Cow dung is one of the items prohibited from being transported to US from India.</p>

<p>US officials warned how cow dung poses a serious threat of transmitting “Foot and Mouth Disease” (FMD). FMD is prevalent across the world and spreads rapidly through livestock. Officials believe this could reintroduce FMD to the United States, which has remained free of the disease since 1929.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Foot and Mouth Disease is one of the animal diseases that livestock owners dread most, has grave economic consequences, and it is a critical threat focus of Customs and Border Protection’s agriculture protection mission,”&nbsp;Keith Fleming, Acting Director of Field Operations for CBP’s Baltimore Field Office said&nbsp;in a&nbsp;news release&nbsp;issued on Monday.</p>

<p>Officials warn that in case the disease is reintroduced by error, it could wreak havoc on the international livestock. In case even a single case of FMD is reported, international livestock trade could be suspended, officials fear.</p>

<p>It is used as a cooking source in many parts of the world. In rural areas, it is used as fuel after being dried. In addition, it also serves as a cheap and effective fertiliser.</p>


The United States Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) agency on Monday made an unexpected announcement against carrying cow dung in luggage. “That is not a typo,” the CBP wrote in a release on Monday.

The United States Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) agency on Monday made an unexpected announcement against carrying cow dung in luggage. “That is not a typo,” the CBP wrote in a release on Monday. The agency warned against the health risks posed by carrying cow dung in luggage. Last month, USCBP agents discovered two cow dung blocks left behind on an Air India flight, SlashGear reported. The cow dung laden luggage was found at the Washington Dulles International Airport. According to the USCBP, the dung cakes were destroyed by its agriculture specialists. Cow dung is one of the items prohibited from being transported to US from India. US officials warned how cow dung poses a serious threat of transmitting “Foot and Mouth Disease” (FMD). FMD is prevalent across the world and spreads rapidly through livestock. Officials believe this could reintroduce FMD to the United States, which has remained free of the disease since 1929. “Foot and Mouth Disease is one of the animal diseases that livestock owners dread most, has grave economic consequences, and it is a critical threat focus of Customs and Border Protection’s agriculture protection mission,” Keith Fleming, Acting Director of Field Operations for CBP’s Baltimore Field Office said in a news release issued on Monday. Officials warn that in case the disease is reintroduced by error, it could wreak havoc on the international livestock. In case even a single case of FMD is reported, international livestock trade could be suspended, officials fear. It is used as a cooking source in many parts of the world. In rural areas, it is used as fuel after being dried. In addition, it also serves as a cheap and effective fertiliser.

US Customs warns fliers against carrying cow dung in luggage after finding two cakes

Would you use a toothpaste made of cow dung and urine? The Indian government wants to commission research on the medicinal properties of cow products. A group of scientists have launched a protest.

Gravitas: Would you use a toothpaste made of cow dung & urine?

<p>The government of India recently invited proposals for research to determine the benefits of cow dung and urine under its program called, SUTRA PIC, Scientific Utilisation through Research Augmentation-Prime.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government through its research wants to materialise on the idea of developing prime-products from "indigenous cows-based utility items" like mosquito repellent, floor cleaner, personal care products like toothpaste, hair-oil, shampoos, conditioners, etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a release by the government, initial studies showed the effective development of an antidandruff poly-herbal hair conditioner based on cow urine.</p>

<p>The research has been planned with the support of Ministry of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR)- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (Ayush); Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).</p>

<p>Project proposals are invited from scientists, academicians from research institutions, academics, grassroots organisations, etc to carry out the research and development (R&amp;D) work, the release said.</p>

<p>However, the idea has not gone down well among the scientific community of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than 290 scientists and academicians have written to the government and expressed their displeasure with the scheme.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An online appeal addressed to the department of science and technology (DST), said, "We, the concerned scientists and science communicators of this country, are extremely perturbed by the recent call for research proposals under the SUTRA-PIC India Program of SEED, DST. This call lists five thematic areas and each of them has its own set of problems."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The scientists went on to say that the present "call for proposals" (CFP) is drafted unscientifically from start to finish.</p>

<p>The appeal suggests that the "document is full of statements prefaced by 'it is believed’' Science cannot presume the validity of beliefs, however, commonly held. Validity has to be put to test, which is absent in the CFP."</p>

<p>"Scientific research on cow products cannot presume the efficacies presumed in the CFP. To begin a project with such presumptions is prima facie unscientific. We regret to note that such a flawed document issued by the DST along with several other bodies of the Government of India will severely undermine the credibility of the Indian scientific establishment," read the online appeal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The scientists also pointed out the difficulties the scientific community has been facing by institutes in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Several important research projects are getting derailed due to lack of adequate funds from the government. Several young researchers, including research scholars, INSPIRE fellows, UGC-FRP fellows, etc. are getting their monthly fellowships inordinately delayed. In such a dismal funding situation, DST actively canvassing proposals under such a dubious scheme is even more infuriating."<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The government of India recently invited proposals for research to determine the benefits of cow dung and urine under its program called, SUTRA PIC, Scientific Utilisation through Research Augmentation-Prime.

The government of India recently invited proposals for research to determine the benefits of cow dung and urine under its program called, SUTRA PIC, Scientific Utilisation through Research Augmentation-Prime. The government through its research wants to materialise on the idea of developing prime-products from "indigenous cows-based utility items" like mosquito repellent, floor cleaner, personal care products like toothpaste, hair-oil, shampoos, conditioners, etc. According to a release by the government, initial studies showed the effective development of an antidandruff poly-herbal hair conditioner based on cow urine. The research has been planned with the support of Ministry of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR)- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (Ayush); Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Project proposals are invited from scientists, academicians from research institutions, academics, grassroots organisations, etc to carry out the research and development (R&D) work, the release said. However, the idea has not gone down well among the scientific community of the country. More than 290 scientists and academicians have written to the government and expressed their displeasure with the scheme. An online appeal addressed to the department of science and technology (DST), said, "We, the concerned scientists and science communicators of this country, are extremely perturbed by the recent call for research proposals under the SUTRA-PIC India Program of SEED, DST. This call lists five thematic areas and each of them has its own set of problems." The scientists went on to say that the present "call for proposals" (CFP) is drafted unscientifically from start to finish. The appeal suggests that the "document is full of statements prefaced by 'it is believed’' Science cannot presume the validity of beliefs, however, commonly held. Validity has to be put to test, which is absent in the CFP." "Scientific research on cow products cannot presume the efficacies presumed in the CFP. To begin a project with such presumptions is prima facie unscientific. We regret to note that such a flawed document issued by the DST along with several other bodies of the Government of India will severely undermine the credibility of the Indian scientific establishment," read the online appeal. The scientists also pointed out the difficulties the scientific community has been facing by institutes in the country. "Several important research projects are getting derailed due to lack of adequate funds from the government. Several young researchers, including research scholars, INSPIRE fellows, UGC-FRP fellows, etc. are getting their monthly fellowships inordinately delayed. In such a dismal funding situation, DST actively canvassing proposals under such a dubious scheme is even more infuriating."

Indian scientists government to withdraw research on benefits of cow dung, urine

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