In a move towards inclusivity, the European Space Agency is named the first-ever 'Parastronaut', this is a major step towards allowing people with physical disabilities to work and live in space. The selected candidate will be part of a new generation of 17 recruits picked for astronaut training, however, he has to go through several tests.

British Paralympic sprinter John McFall named world's first 'Parastronaut' | WION

<p>As India celebrates its 75th Independence Day on August 15, European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti congratulated India and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from the International Space Station.</p>

<p>"It is a pleasure to congratulate India on 75 years of independence. For decades international agencies have cooperated with the Indian Space Research Organisation on many space and science missions and it continues today as ISRO works on the development of upcoming earth science missions that will help us track disasters and get us a better understanding of our changing climate," the astronaut said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/esa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@esa</a>, and all the partners of the International Space Station👋 <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a> for the wishes on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AzadiKaAmritMahotsav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AzadiKaAmritMahotsav</a> 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/2r0xuwdSQ4">pic.twitter.com/2r0xuwdSQ4</a></p>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1558273137698959360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>"On behalf of ESA, NASA and all international partners, I would like to wish the best of luck to ISRO as it gets ready to send humans into space. Expanding our partnership with ISRO and exploring the universe together is a goal for all of us and for the future of space exploration," Samantha Cristoforetti added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-indian-monuments-and-govt-buildings-light-up-in-colours-to-celebrate-75-years-of-independence-506712">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Indian monuments and govt buildings lit up</a></p>

<p>The video went viral on the net and was shared over 5,800 times with over 32,000 likes.</p>

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Saluting Motherland, Tiranga &amp; ISRO &amp; its scientists!!! 🙏🏼👍👏🏻💐🇮🇳</p>
— Vikas Sharma (@VikasSharma_Ved) <a href="https://twitter.com/VikasSharma_Ved/status/1558359174136070144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thanks to all members of ISRO for giving an identity of Indian space research to an international presence. On this auspicious occasion of 75 years AZADI all Indians can proudly say that India has a significant contribution today in space research &amp; science.</p>
— Hiranmoy Talukder (@hiranmaytalukd1) <a href="https://twitter.com/hiranmaytalukd1/status/1558345461182119936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Proud moment for Indian scientists, all Indian citizens all over the universe. Congratulations India on its 75th birthday. 🙏💐👍</p>
— Bijaya Dixit (@ipsibk) <a href="https://twitter.com/ipsibk/status/1558504145383981062?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>ISRO on its Twitter handle thanked NASA and ESA and all its partners at ISS with the hashtag&nbsp;#AzadiKaAmritMahotsav.</p>

<p>(With inputs from Agencies)</p>

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As India celebrates its 75th Independence Day on August 15, European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti congratulated India and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from the International Space Station.

As India celebrates its 75th Independence Day on August 15, European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti congratulated India and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from the International Space Station. "It is a pleasure to congratulate India on 75 years of independence. For decades international agencies have cooperated with the Indian Space Research Organisation on many space and science missions and it continues today as ISRO works on the development of upcoming earth science missions that will help us track disasters and get us a better understanding of our changing climate," the astronaut said. Thank you @NASA, @esa, and all the partners of the International Space Station👋 @Space_Station for the wishes on #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/2r0xuwdSQ4 — ISRO (@isro) August 13, 2022 × "On behalf of ESA, NASA and all international partners, I would like to wish the best of luck to ISRO as it gets ready to send humans into space. Expanding our partnership with ISRO and exploring the universe together is a goal for all of us and for the future of space exploration," Samantha Cristoforetti added. Also Read in Pics: Indian monuments and govt buildings lit up The video went viral on the net and was shared over 5,800 times with over 32,000 likes. https://t.co/sebwawXbqf Saluting Motherland, Tiranga & ISRO & its scientists!!! 🙏🏼👍👏🏻💐🇮🇳 — Vikas Sharma (@VikasSharma_Ved) August 13, 2022 × Thanks to all members of ISRO for giving an identity of Indian space research to an international presence. On this auspicious occasion of 75 years AZADI all Indians can proudly say that India has a significant contribution today in space research & science. — Hiranmoy Talukder (@hiranmaytalukd1) August 13, 2022 × Proud moment for Indian scientists, all Indian citizens all over the universe. Congratulations India on its 75th birthday. 🙏💐👍 — Bijaya Dixit (@ipsibk) August 13, 2022 × ISRO on its Twitter handle thanked NASA and ESA and all its partners at ISS with the hashtag #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti wishes India, ISRO from ISS on 75th Independence Day; video goes viral

<p>US space agency NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) said Tuesday that an image of the Cartwheel Galaxy captured by the James Webb Space Telescope reveals the spinning ring of colour in unprecedented clarity.</p>

<p>Peering through time and huge amounts of dust, the Webb telescope has a far greater reach in comparison to the Hubble telescope which had previously captured images of the rare ring galaxy.</p>

<p>During a spectacular head-on collision between two galaxies, the Cartwheel, which is located around 500 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Sculptor, gained its shape.</p>

<p>As per a joint statement by NASA and the ESA, the impact sent two rings expanding from the galaxy's centre.</p>

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<p>The statement added that the outer ring has been expanding into the universe for around 440 million years, while a smaller white ring remains closer to the galaxy's centre.</p>

<p>Sparking the formation of new stars, the outer ring, with its spokes of colour, expands as it runs into gas.</p>

<p>NASA and the ESA believe that Webb was able to capture the image without obscuring the view of the Cartwheel Galaxy due to its ability to detect infrared light that allowed it to see through the "tremendous amount of hot dust".</p>

<p>Revealing new details about the behaviour of the supermassive black hole at its heart, it was also able to detect regions rich in hydrocarbons and other chemicals.</p>

<p>While even more galaxies can be seen behind them, two smaller galaxies shine brightly behind the Cartwheel and show that it is still in the "very transitory stage".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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US space agency NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) said Tuesday that an image of the Cartwheel Galaxy captured by the James Webb Space Telescope reveals the spinning ring of colour in unprecedented clarity.

US space agency NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) said Tuesday that an image of the Cartwheel Galaxy captured by the James Webb Space Telescope reveals the spinning ring of colour in unprecedented clarity. Peering through time and huge amounts of dust, the Webb telescope has a far greater reach in comparison to the Hubble telescope which had previously captured images of the rare ring galaxy. During a spectacular head-on collision between two galaxies, the Cartwheel, which is located around 500 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Sculptor, gained its shape. As per a joint statement by NASA and the ESA, the impact sent two rings expanding from the galaxy's centre. × The statement added that the outer ring has been expanding into the universe for around 440 million years, while a smaller white ring remains closer to the galaxy's centre. Sparking the formation of new stars, the outer ring, with its spokes of colour, expands as it runs into gas. NASA and the ESA believe that Webb was able to capture the image without obscuring the view of the Cartwheel Galaxy due to its ability to detect infrared light that allowed it to see through the "tremendous amount of hot dust". Revealing new details about the behaviour of the supermassive black hole at its heart, it was also able to detect regions rich in hydrocarbons and other chemicals. While even more galaxies can be seen behind them, two smaller galaxies shine brightly behind the Cartwheel and show that it is still in the "very transitory stage". (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Cartwheel Galaxy's new image reveals spinning ring of colour in unprecedented clarity

Italian Samantha Cristoforetti, embarks on Europe's 1st spacewalk by a female astronaut

The European Space Agency is formally ending its partnership with Russia on a rover mission to explore the surface of Mars, citing Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Molly Gambhir tells how earthly tensions are now impacting the space race.

WION Fineprint | Ukraine war tensions boil over in space

<p>The Russian aggression on Ukraine has laid waste to many things: towns, lives, cultural heritages and a scientific inquiry. The European Space Agency has "officially" ended its association with Russia for a life-hunting Mars rover mission. As per Space.com, the mission that was scheduled to launch in the latter&nbsp;part of this decade, in the late 2020s was initially suspended over Russia's invasion of its neighbour. As part of a larger project, dubbed ExoMars, the European Space Agency (ESA) had been developing the alien life-seeking&nbsp;mission in collaboration with its Russian equivalent, Roscosmos. However, now ESA chief Josef Aschbacher has announced that this suspension will be upgraded to a termination.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;European Space Agency suspends joint space mission with Russia</strong></p>

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<p>Taking to Twitter, Aschbacher said, "today&nbsp;@ESA Council addressed the ExoMars Rover and Surface Platform mission, acknowledging that the circumstances which led to the suspension of the cooperation with Roscosmos – the war in Ukraine and the resulting sanctions – continue to prevail."</p>

<p>He added, "As a consequence, Council mandated me to officially terminate the currently suspended cooperation with Roscosmos on the ExoMars Rover and Surface Platform mission."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tensions-in-iss-russia-announces-that-it-will-be-ending-space-cooperation-with-nasa-esa-475422">Tensions in ISS: Russia announces that it will be ending space cooperation with NASA, ESA</a></strong></p>

<p>In the initial concept, the Roscosmos and Russian military-run Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan would have served as the launch location for the Rosalind Franklin rover. Additionally, a lander called&nbsp;Kazachok,&nbsp;created by the Russians was meant to land with Rosalind Franklin and launch Rosalind.</p>

<p>As per the ESA chief&nbsp;"new insights on the way forward with other partners" will be provided during a media briefing on 20 July.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/kalina-russias-advanced-laser-system-that-can-blind-enemy-satellites-496528">Kalina: Russia's advanced laser system that can blind enemy satellites</a></strong></p>

<p>This decision will of course have significant effects on the mission.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rosalind Franklin was supposed to launch in September, but mission team members have said that a launch before 2028 is now doubtful due to the requirement to locate a new rocket and a new landing platform.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Russian aggression on Ukraine has laid waste to many things: towns, lives, cultural heritages and a scientific inquiry. The European Space Agency has "officially" ended its association with Russia for a life-hunting Mars rover mission.

The Russian aggression on Ukraine has laid waste to many things: towns, lives, cultural heritages and a scientific inquiry. The European Space Agency has "officially" ended its association with Russia for a life-hunting Mars rover mission. As per Space.com, the mission that was scheduled to launch in the latter part of this decade, in the late 2020s was initially suspended over Russia's invasion of its neighbour. As part of a larger project, dubbed ExoMars, the European Space Agency (ESA) had been developing the alien life-seeking mission in collaboration with its Russian equivalent, Roscosmos. However, now ESA chief Josef Aschbacher has announced that this suspension will be upgraded to a termination. Watch | European Space Agency suspends joint space mission with Russia Taking to Twitter, Aschbacher said, "today @ESA Council addressed the ExoMars Rover and Surface Platform mission, acknowledging that the circumstances which led to the suspension of the cooperation with Roscosmos – the war in Ukraine and the resulting sanctions – continue to prevail." He added, "As a consequence, Council mandated me to officially terminate the currently suspended cooperation with Roscosmos on the ExoMars Rover and Surface Platform mission." Also read | Tensions in ISS: Russia announces that it will be ending space cooperation with NASA, ESA In the initial concept, the Roscosmos and Russian military-run Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan would have served as the launch location for the Rosalind Franklin rover. Additionally, a lander called Kazachok, created by the Russians was meant to land with Rosalind Franklin and launch Rosalind. As per the ESA chief "new insights on the way forward with other partners" will be provided during a media briefing on 20 July. Also read | Kalina: Russia's advanced laser system that can blind enemy satellites This decision will of course have significant effects on the mission. Rosalind Franklin was supposed to launch in September, but mission team members have said that a launch before 2028 is now doubtful due to the requirement to locate a new rocket and a new landing platform. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Another casualty of Russia-Ukraine war: ESA-ROSCOSMOS's Mars life-hunting mission

<p>Scientists have decided to send a unique fingerprint painting in the Euclid spacecraft which is set for launch in 2023. The mission, which is aimed at exploring the evolution of the universe by the help of 3D mapping, will have the painting as a representation of human civilisation.</p>

<p>The painting will be depicting the Milky Way Galaxy and it was created by visual artist Lisa Pettibone along with 250 scientists and Euclid instrument scientist Tom Kitching. When asked about the motive of the painting, Kitching said - “After Euclid’s lifetime, it will just be floating in space. What if future beings found Euclid? How would they know anything about the humanity of the people?"</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/is-it-possible-for-china-to-declare-moon-as-its-own-territory-beijing-rejects-nasas-claims-494743" hreflang="en">Is it possible for China to declare Moon as its own territory? Beijing rejects NASA's claims</a></p>

<p>The artist – Lisa Pettibone – said that the painting will add a “bit of humanity” in the Euclid project and added that the entire picture was done by the scientists by dipping their fingers in the paint.</p>

<p>“Although Euclid has always been beautiful in concept and materials, it didn’t really say anything about the people involved and humanity as a whole. We asked ourselves whether we could do something artistic that would speak to people,” Lisa said on the European Space Agency website.</p>

<p>“We wanted something authentic, not perfect, and not shaped too much. The result is a piece of art with a wonderful energy to it that captures all the energy of the people involved,” Lisa added.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/your-brain-is-hotter-than-previously-thought-494739" hreflang="en">Your brain is 'hotter' than previously thought, says this study</a></p>

<p>The picture will be fixed to Euclid after it was engraved onto a plaque by the use of lasers. It will also feature a short poem by poet Simon Barraclough in a typewriter font, ESA claimed.</p>

<p>“It is adding an element of humanity to a dark, vast space, where, as far as we can see, there is no other intelligent life,” Lisa said.</p>


Scientists have decided to send a unique fingerprint painting in the Euclid spacecraft which is set for launch in 2023. The mission, which is aimed at exploring the evolution of the universe by the help of 3D mapping, will have the painting as a representation of human civilisation.

Scientists have decided to send a unique fingerprint painting in the Euclid spacecraft which is set for launch in 2023. The mission, which is aimed at exploring the evolution of the universe by the help of 3D mapping, will have the painting as a representation of human civilisation. The painting will be depicting the Milky Way Galaxy and it was created by visual artist Lisa Pettibone along with 250 scientists and Euclid instrument scientist Tom Kitching. When asked about the motive of the painting, Kitching said - “After Euclid’s lifetime, it will just be floating in space. What if future beings found Euclid? How would they know anything about the humanity of the people?" Also read | Is it possible for China to declare Moon as its own territory? Beijing rejects NASA's claims The artist – Lisa Pettibone – said that the painting will add a “bit of humanity” in the Euclid project and added that the entire picture was done by the scientists by dipping their fingers in the paint. “Although Euclid has always been beautiful in concept and materials, it didn’t really say anything about the people involved and humanity as a whole. We asked ourselves whether we could do something artistic that would speak to people,” Lisa said on the European Space Agency website. “We wanted something authentic, not perfect, and not shaped too much. The result is a piece of art with a wonderful energy to it that captures all the energy of the people involved,” Lisa added. Also read | Your brain is 'hotter' than previously thought, says this study The picture will be fixed to Euclid after it was engraved onto a plaque by the use of lasers. It will also feature a short poem by poet Simon Barraclough in a typewriter font, ESA claimed. “It is adding an element of humanity to a dark, vast space, where, as far as we can see, there is no other intelligent life,” Lisa said.

A fingertip painting to be sent to space to guide aliens to human civilisation

<p>The European Space Agency's Gaia space observatory has reportedly detected several "starquakes" which are similar to tsunami-like earthquakes.</p>

<p>Gaia which was launched in 2013 studies the Milky Way and has created a map of the galaxy but it has now revealed new information about stars and their chemical composition including the colour, age, temperature and brightness level of stars.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today <a href="https://twitter.com/ESAGaia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ESAGaia</a> releases its new treasure trove of data about our home galaxy!🤩<br />
<br />
Astronomers describe strange ‘starquakes’, stellar DNA, asymmetric motions and other fascinating insights in this most detailed Milky Way survey to date. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GaiaDR3?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GaiaDR3</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GaiaMission?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GaiaMission</a> <a href="https://t.co/rcOVAuChge">https://t.co/rcOVAuChge</a> <a href="https://t.co/9lt47umuyc">pic.twitter.com/9lt47umuyc</a></p>
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<p>Gaia spotted starquakes that change the shape of stars, the observation revealed. The agency said the mission had tracked radial oscillations that makes stars swell and shrink while maintaining their shape.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-for-first-time-discover-radio-emission-covering-giant-galaxy-with-black-hole-485041">Also Read:&nbsp;</a><a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/scientists-for-first-time-discover-radio-emission-covering-giant-galaxy-with-black-hole-485041" hreflang="en">Scientists for first time discover radio emission covering giant galaxy with black hole</a></p>

<p>However, it has also picked up "large-scale tsunamis". Conny Aerts of KU Leuven in Belgium who is a member of the Gaia mission said: "Starquakes teach us a lot about stars, notably their internal workings. Gaia is opening a goldmine for 'asteroseismology' of massive stars."</p>

<p>In a startling revelation, Gaia found that some stars in our galaxy are made of primordial material and others are made of matter enriched by previous generations of stars.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Monster in the heart of Milky Way Galaxy</strong></p>

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<p>"Gaia’s data release 3 contains new and improved details for almost two billion stars in our galaxy," the European Space Agency said, adding, "in this data set is the largest catalogue yet of binary stars, thousands of Solar System objects such as asteroids and moons of planets."</p>

<p>The European Space Agency described the starquakes as tiny motions on the surface of a star that change the shapes of stars. Although Gaia was not built for such an observation but it was able to spot "other vibrations that are more like large-scale tsunamis."</p>

<p>Gaia found strong nonradial starquakes in thousands of stars, the space agency said, including "vibrations" in stars which weren't seen before.</p>

<p>Gaia also revealed the largest chemical map of the galaxy coupled to 3D motions from the solar neighbourhood to smaller galaxies, it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(With inputs from Agencies)</p>

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The European Space Agency's Gaia space observatory has reportedly detected several "starquakes" which are similar to tsunami-like earthquakes. Gaia which was launched in 2013 studies the Milky Way and has created a map of the galaxy but it has now revealed new information about stars and their chemical composition including the colour, age, temperature and brightness level of stars.

The European Space Agency's Gaia space observatory has reportedly detected several "starquakes" which are similar to tsunami-like earthquakes. Gaia which was launched in 2013 studies the Milky Way and has created a map of the galaxy but it has now revealed new information about stars and their chemical composition including the colour, age, temperature and brightness level of stars. Today @ESAGaia releases its new treasure trove of data about our home galaxy!🤩 Astronomers describe strange ‘starquakes’, stellar DNA, asymmetric motions and other fascinating insights in this most detailed Milky Way survey to date. #GaiaDR3 #GaiaMission https://t.co/rcOVAuChge pic.twitter.com/9lt47umuyc — ESA Science (@esascience) June 13, 2022 × Gaia spotted starquakes that change the shape of stars, the observation revealed. The agency said the mission had tracked radial oscillations that makes stars swell and shrink while maintaining their shape. Also Read: Scientists for first time discover radio emission covering giant galaxy with black hole However, it has also picked up "large-scale tsunamis". Conny Aerts of KU Leuven in Belgium who is a member of the Gaia mission said: "Starquakes teach us a lot about stars, notably their internal workings. Gaia is opening a goldmine for 'asteroseismology' of massive stars." In a startling revelation, Gaia found that some stars in our galaxy are made of primordial material and others are made of matter enriched by previous generations of stars. Watch: Monster in the heart of Milky Way Galaxy "Gaia’s data release 3 contains new and improved details for almost two billion stars in our galaxy," the European Space Agency said, adding, "in this data set is the largest catalogue yet of binary stars, thousands of Solar System objects such as asteroids and moons of planets." The European Space Agency described the starquakes as tiny motions on the surface of a star that change the shapes of stars. Although Gaia was not built for such an observation but it was able to spot "other vibrations that are more like large-scale tsunamis." Gaia found strong nonradial starquakes in thousands of stars, the space agency said, including "vibrations" in stars which weren't seen before. Gaia also revealed the largest chemical map of the galaxy coupled to 3D motions from the solar neighbourhood to smaller galaxies, it added. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

European Space Agency's Gaia discovers strange ‘starquakes’

<p>Imagine four months without any sunlight – That is the reality for Antarctica as it entered the ‘long night’ period with the final sunset on May 13. The isolation and extreme temperatures in the region may feel intimidating to most people but it also presents a special opportunity for astronauts to prepare for their space missions and practice living in some of the harder conditions on earth. With no sunlight and harsh conditions, these four months are perfect for their grueling training.</p>

<p>Although most places around the world experience four major seasons, there are only two – summer and winter – when it comes to Antarctica. The coldest continent in the earth experiences sunlight for six months while the other part of the year is spent in complete darkness.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-wions-global-summit-2022-world-leaders-converge-to-discuss-thoughts-issues-479257" hreflang="en">LIVE | WION's Global Summit 2022: Mindful of bioweapon, thanks to Wuhan virus'</a></p>

<p>Concordia, the remotest base in Antarctica, will once again be the base for the 12-member team from the European Space Agency (ESA) who will live and work in isolation. The mission for the crew will be to conduct various experiments to understand how the harsh conditions affect humans.</p>

<p>“From sleep studies to gut health measurements to mindful practices, the crew are poked and prodded to help researchers understand and overcome the challenges extreme environments, like space, pose to present and future explorers,” the ESA said on its official website.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-on-the-brink-of-the-next-world-war-former-belarusian-minister-vladzimir-astapenka-479412">We are on the brink of next world war: Former Belarusian minister Astapenka</a></p>

<p>The Concordia station will also not be receiving any more resources from outside as the last supplies flight visited Antarctica in February. In theory, the base is currently stocked up for at least nine months and the temperatures are expected to drop to nearly -80 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE -</strong></p>

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Imagine four months without any sunlight – That is the reality for Antarctica as it entered the ‘long night’ period with the final sunset on May 13. The isolation and extreme temperatures in the region may feel intimidating to most people but it also presents a special opportunity for astronauts to prepare for their space missions and practice living in some of the harder conditions on earth.

Imagine four months without any sunlight – That is the reality for Antarctica as it entered the ‘long night’ period with the final sunset on May 13. The isolation and extreme temperatures in the region may feel intimidating to most people but it also presents a special opportunity for astronauts to prepare for their space missions and practice living in some of the harder conditions on earth. With no sunlight and harsh conditions, these four months are perfect for their grueling training. Although most places around the world experience four major seasons, there are only two – summer and winter – when it comes to Antarctica. The coldest continent in the earth experiences sunlight for six months while the other part of the year is spent in complete darkness. Also read | LIVE | WION's Global Summit 2022: Mindful of bioweapon, thanks to Wuhan virus' Concordia, the remotest base in Antarctica, will once again be the base for the 12-member team from the European Space Agency (ESA) who will live and work in isolation. The mission for the crew will be to conduct various experiments to understand how the harsh conditions affect humans. “From sleep studies to gut health measurements to mindful practices, the crew are poked and prodded to help researchers understand and overcome the challenges extreme environments, like space, pose to present and future explorers,” the ESA said on its official website. Also read | We are on the brink of next world war: Former Belarusian minister Astapenka The Concordia station will also not be receiving any more resources from outside as the last supplies flight visited Antarctica in February. In theory, the base is currently stocked up for at least nine months and the temperatures are expected to drop to nearly -80 degrees Celsius. WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

'Extreme environment': Antarctica goes dark for four months as 'long night' begins

<p>The European Space Agency's (ESA) and NASA's Solar Orbiter have captured images of the Sun in unprecedented detail.</p>

<p>Spacecraft took the images on March 7, as it passed directly between the Earth and Sun at a distance of 75 million kilometres, on the halfway point between the Earth and its parent star, according to an ESA statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-solar-physics-mysterious-vortex-waves-discovered-on-the-sun-travelling-faster-than-expected-465470" hreflang="en">New solar physics? Mysterious vortex waves discovered on the Sun travelling faster than expected</a></strong></p>

<p>Among the images, taken by the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI), is the highest resolution image ever taken of the Sun's full disc and outer atmosphere, the corona.</p>

<p>The Spectral Imaging of Coronal Environment (SPICE) instrument captured the first image of a full Sun -- the first of its kind in more than 50 years. Lyman-beta wavelength ultraviolet radiation emitted by hydrogen gas was used to capture the image.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-confirms-a-celestial-milestone-5000-exoplanets-confirmed-so-far-464644" hreflang="en">NASA confirms a 'celestial milestone', 5000 exoplanets confirmed so far</a></strong></p>

<p>To capture the entirety of the Sun with the high-resolution telescope at EUI, a mosaic of 25 individual pictures would need to be taken at that close distance. Since each tile takes about 10 minutes, including the time required for the spacecraft to move from one segment to the next, the full image was acquired over a period of more than four hours.</p>

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<p>EUI imaged the Sun at a wavelength of 17 nanometers, in the extreme ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The ESA said this reveals the Sun's upper atmosphere, the corona, which reaches a temperature of around a million degrees Celsius.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;A new frontier in space exploration</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/a-new-frontier-in-space-exploration-439824/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>In the SPICE images, purple represents hydrogen gas at 10,000 degrees Celsius, blue represents carbon at 32,000 degrees Celsius, green represents oxygen at 320,000 degrees Celsius, and yellow represents neon at 630,000 degrees Celsius.</p>

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<p><em><sup>Image&nbsp;Credit: ESA &amp; NASA/Solar Orbiter</sup></em></p>

<p>Using this, solar physicists will be able to track the eruptions that take place in the corona down into the lower atmospheric layers. Researchers will also be able to study one of the most puzzling observations about the Sun: how the temperature rises through ascending atmospheric layers.</p>

<p>Another milestone will be achieved by Solar Orbiter on March 26: its first close approach to perihelion. The spacecraft is now inside Mercury's orbit, where it is taking images of the Sun with the highest resolution possible. Furthermore, it is monitoring solar wind particles that flow outwards from the Sun.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The European Space Agency's (ESA) and NASA's Solar Orbiter have captured images of the Sun in unprecedented detail. Spacecraft took the images on March 7, as it passed directly between the Earth and Sun at a distance of 75 million kilometres, on the halfway point between the Earth and its parent star, according to an ESA statement.

The European Space Agency's (ESA) and NASA's Solar Orbiter have captured images of the Sun in unprecedented detail. Spacecraft took the images on March 7, as it passed directly between the Earth and Sun at a distance of 75 million kilometres, on the halfway point between the Earth and its parent star, according to an ESA statement. Also read | New solar physics? Mysterious vortex waves discovered on the Sun travelling faster than expected Among the images, taken by the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI), is the highest resolution image ever taken of the Sun's full disc and outer atmosphere, the corona. The Spectral Imaging of Coronal Environment (SPICE) instrument captured the first image of a full Sun -- the first of its kind in more than 50 years. Lyman-beta wavelength ultraviolet radiation emitted by hydrogen gas was used to capture the image. Also read | NASA confirms a 'celestial milestone', 5000 exoplanets confirmed so far To capture the entirety of the Sun with the high-resolution telescope at EUI, a mosaic of 25 individual pictures would need to be taken at that close distance. Since each tile takes about 10 minutes, including the time required for the spacecraft to move from one segment to the next, the full image was acquired over a period of more than four hours. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ESA - European Space Agency (@europeanspaceagency) × EUI imaged the Sun at a wavelength of 17 nanometers, in the extreme ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The ESA said this reveals the Sun's upper atmosphere, the corona, which reaches a temperature of around a million degrees Celsius. Watch | A new frontier in space exploration In the SPICE images, purple represents hydrogen gas at 10,000 degrees Celsius, blue represents carbon at 32,000 degrees Celsius, green represents oxygen at 320,000 degrees Celsius, and yellow represents neon at 630,000 degrees Celsius. Image Credit: ESA & NASA/Solar Orbiter Using this, solar physicists will be able to track the eruptions that take place in the corona down into the lower atmospheric layers. Researchers will also be able to study one of the most puzzling observations about the Sun: how the temperature rises through ascending atmospheric layers. Another milestone will be achieved by Solar Orbiter on March 26: its first close approach to perihelion. The spacecraft is now inside Mercury's orbit, where it is taking images of the Sun with the highest resolution possible. Furthermore, it is monitoring solar wind particles that flow outwards from the Sun. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA-ESA solar orbiter clicks the most detailed pictures of the Sun. Take a look!

<p>Russia's 'unprovoked' invasion of Ukraine left the entire world in shock. The Western countries imposed economic sanctions on Russia, leaving the country in diplomatic isolation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The invasion has impacted land, water and air with disruptions in airspace, sea and land routes in easter Europe, but now the crisis has affected a space programme.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Russian-European joint mission to land a rover on Mars has been impacted as it is "very unlikely" to launch the ExoMars mission this year due to sanctions over Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/intelligence-operative-us-expels-russian-spy-working-for-united-nations-457984">'Intelligence operative': US expels Russian spy working for United Nations</a></strong></p>

<p>The European Space Agency said that the launch of the Rosalind Franklin rover, whose mission is to drill into the Martian soil to seek out signs of life, was originally planned for 2020 but postponed due to coronavirus (COVID-19) and technical delays.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But in January, the ESA declared the ExoMars mission was ready to launch this September as Russia was ready to provide the launcher, descent module and landing platform.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, in a response to the Russian invasion, the European Union imposed massive sanctions on Moscow, the ESA said "the sanctions and the wider context make a launch in 2022 very unlikely".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-ukraine-russia-conflict-man-miraculously-saved-after-military-combat-vehicle-runs-over-his-car-457805">Ukraine-Russia conflict: Man miraculously saved after military combat vehicle runs over his car</a></strong></p>

<p>"We are fully implementing sanctions imposed on Russia by our member states," the ESA said in a statement on Monday (February 28).&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We deplore the human casualties and tragic consequences of the war in Ukraine. We are giving absolute priority to taking proper decisions, not only for the sake of our workforce involved in the programmes, but in full respect of our European values," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ESA also said it took note of the Russian space agency Roscosmos' decision over the weekend to suspend launches and withdraw its workers from Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, over the EU sanctions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Regarding the Soyuz launch campaign from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, we take note of the Roscosmos decision to withdraw its workforce from Kourou," the statement added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The space agency added that they will "consequently assess for each European institutional payload under our responsibility the appropriate launch service based notably on launch systems currently in operation and the upcoming Vega-C and Ariane 6 launchers."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH&nbsp;|&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Will Russia impose counter-sanctions amid economic crisis?</strong></p>

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Russia's 'unprovoked' invasion of Ukraine left the entire world in shock. The Western countries imposed economic sanctions on Russia, leaving the country in diplomatic isolation.

Russia's 'unprovoked' invasion of Ukraine left the entire world in shock. The Western countries imposed economic sanctions on Russia, leaving the country in diplomatic isolation. The invasion has impacted land, water and air with disruptions in airspace, sea and land routes in easter Europe, but now the crisis has affected a space programme. A Russian-European joint mission to land a rover on Mars has been impacted as it is "very unlikely" to launch the ExoMars mission this year due to sanctions over Moscow. ALSO READ | 'Intelligence operative': US expels Russian spy working for United Nations The European Space Agency said that the launch of the Rosalind Franklin rover, whose mission is to drill into the Martian soil to seek out signs of life, was originally planned for 2020 but postponed due to coronavirus (COVID-19) and technical delays. But in January, the ESA declared the ExoMars mission was ready to launch this September as Russia was ready to provide the launcher, descent module and landing platform. Now, in a response to the Russian invasion, the European Union imposed massive sanctions on Moscow, the ESA said "the sanctions and the wider context make a launch in 2022 very unlikely". WATCH | Ukraine-Russia conflict: Man miraculously saved after military combat vehicle runs over his car "We are fully implementing sanctions imposed on Russia by our member states," the ESA said in a statement on Monday (February 28). "We deplore the human casualties and tragic consequences of the war in Ukraine. We are giving absolute priority to taking proper decisions, not only for the sake of our workforce involved in the programmes, but in full respect of our European values," it added. The ESA also said it took note of the Russian space agency Roscosmos' decision over the weekend to suspend launches and withdraw its workers from Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, over the EU sanctions. "Regarding the Soyuz launch campaign from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, we take note of the Roscosmos decision to withdraw its workforce from Kourou," the statement added. The space agency added that they will "consequently assess for each European institutional payload under our responsibility the appropriate launch service based notably on launch systems currently in operation and the upcoming Vega-C and Ariane 6 launchers." WATCH | Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Will Russia impose counter-sanctions amid economic crisis? ×

Russia's invasion of Ukraine likely to delay Europe's Mars mission

Earth from space or a beautiful painting? These pictures will mesmerise you

<p>Anything is possible. Well, truly, as it is hard to imagine a planet, which resembles a potato. But astronomers at the European Space Agency have actually found one. &nbsp;</p>

<p>These experts have discovered an oblong-shaped planet, which is called WASP-103b. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>It seems to be the first planet, which "has a deformed shape more like that of a rugby ball than a sphere," the ESA said on Tuesday. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/gorilla-in-space-filmmaker-shares-clip-where-astronaut-chases-colleague-in-primate-suit-at-iss-443871" hreflang="en">Gorilla in space? Filmmaker shares clip where astronaut chases colleague in primate suit at ISS</a></strong></p>

<p>The unique planet is located in the Hercules constellation. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the researchers, the planet's strong tidal forces, which has been caused by the host star's close proximity, seems to have bent it out of the traditional spherical shape. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"Spud Lightyear"<br />
"Potato-shaped planet discovered about 1.8k light yrs from solar system" <a href="https://t.co/MmyHp7Xe7n">pic.twitter.com/MmyHp7Xe7n</a></p>
— Art Crunchy (@ArtCrunchy) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArtCrunchy/status/1481539870350786563?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Although it was first discovered in 2014, the recent observations made by the ESA's Cheops telescope mission confirmed the squashed shape. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/look-up-before-its-too-late-witness-building-sized-asteroid-pass-near-earth-443787" hreflang="en">‘Look Up’ before it’s too late: Witness building-sized asteroid pass near Earth</a></strong></p>

<p>The mission looks to study planets outside the solar system. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jacques Laskar of Paris Observatory, who co-authored the research, said, "It's incredible that Cheops was actually able to reveal this tiny deformation. This is the first time such analysis has been made, and we can hope that observing over a longer time interval will strengthen this observation and lead to better knowledge of the planet's internal structure." &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Anything is possible. Well, truly, as it is hard to imagine a planet, which resembles a potato. But astronomers at the European Space Agency have actually found one.

Anything is possible. Well, truly, as it is hard to imagine a planet, which resembles a potato. But astronomers at the European Space Agency have actually found one. These experts have discovered an oblong-shaped planet, which is called WASP-103b. It seems to be the first planet, which "has a deformed shape more like that of a rugby ball than a sphere," the ESA said on Tuesday. Also Read: Gorilla in space? Filmmaker shares clip where astronaut chases colleague in primate suit at ISS The unique planet is located in the Hercules constellation. According to the researchers, the planet's strong tidal forces, which has been caused by the host star's close proximity, seems to have bent it out of the traditional spherical shape. "Spud Lightyear" "Potato-shaped planet discovered about 1.8k light yrs from solar system" pic.twitter.com/MmyHp7Xe7n — Art Crunchy (@ArtCrunchy) January 13, 2022 × Although it was first discovered in 2014, the recent observations made by the ESA's Cheops telescope mission confirmed the squashed shape. Also Read: ‘Look Up’ before it’s too late: Witness building-sized asteroid pass near Earth The mission looks to study planets outside the solar system. Jacques Laskar of Paris Observatory, who co-authored the research, said, "It's incredible that Cheops was actually able to reveal this tiny deformation. This is the first time such analysis has been made, and we can hope that observing over a longer time interval will strengthen this observation and lead to better knowledge of the planet's internal structure." (With inputs from agencies)

A potato in space? In unique discovery, oblong-shaped planet found

<p>The European Space Agency has detected the closest pair of supermassive black holes in the universe.</p>

<p>The data for the study has been collected through the agency's Very Large Telescope (VLT). It has been published in Astronomy &amp; Astrophysics.</p>

<p>Located approximately 89 million light-years away from Earth, they will eventually merge into one giant black hole.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/incredible-milestone-astronomers-identify-over-360-previous-unknown-exoplanets-432362" hreflang="en">'Incredible milestone': Astronomers identify over 360 previous unknown exoplanets</a></strong></p>

<p>Supermassive black holes arise relatively soon after their galaxies are formed, devouring enormous amounts of gas, dust, and stars to achieve colossal size.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pair in galaxy NGC 7727 is situated in the Aquarius constellation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Astronomers suspected that the galaxy hosted the two black holes, but they had not been able to confirm their presence until now since we do not see large amounts of high-energy radiation coming from their immediate surroundings, which would otherwise give them away.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the study'e lead author, Karina Voggel, “It is the first time we find two supermassive black holes that are this close to each other, less than half the separation of the previous record holder.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-reveals-satellite-galaxies-may-have-vanished-from-milky-way-431952" hreflang="en">Study reveals satellite galaxies may have vanished from Milky Way</a></strong></p>

<p>“The small separation and velocity of the two black holes indicate that they will merge into one monster black hole, probably within the next 250 million years,” adds co-author Holger Baumgardt, a professor at the University of Queensland, Australia.</p>

<p>There are three categories of black holes. The smallest, like 'the Unicorn,' are so-called stellar-mass black holes formed by the gravitational collapse of a single star.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are gargantuan 'supermassive' black holes like the one at our galaxy's center, 26,000 light-years from Earth, which is four million times the sun's mass. A few intermediate-mass black holes also have been found with masses somewhere in between.</p>

<p>“Our finding implies that there might be many more of these relics of galaxy mergers out there and they may contain many hidden massive black holes that still wait to be found,” says Voggel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It could increase the total number of supermassive black holes known in the local Universe by 30 percent.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The European Space Agency has detected the closest pair of supermassive black holes in the universe. The data for the study has been collected through the agency's Very Large Telescope (VLT).

The European Space Agency has detected the closest pair of supermassive black holes in the universe. The data for the study has been collected through the agency's Very Large Telescope (VLT). It has been published in Astronomy & Astrophysics. Located approximately 89 million light-years away from Earth, they will eventually merge into one giant black hole. Also read | 'Incredible milestone': Astronomers identify over 360 previous unknown exoplanets Supermassive black holes arise relatively soon after their galaxies are formed, devouring enormous amounts of gas, dust, and stars to achieve colossal size. The pair in galaxy NGC 7727 is situated in the Aquarius constellation. Astronomers suspected that the galaxy hosted the two black holes, but they had not been able to confirm their presence until now since we do not see large amounts of high-energy radiation coming from their immediate surroundings, which would otherwise give them away. According to the study'e lead author, Karina Voggel, “It is the first time we find two supermassive black holes that are this close to each other, less than half the separation of the previous record holder.” Also read | Study reveals satellite galaxies may have vanished from Milky Way “The small separation and velocity of the two black holes indicate that they will merge into one monster black hole, probably within the next 250 million years,” adds co-author Holger Baumgardt, a professor at the University of Queensland, Australia. There are three categories of black holes. The smallest, like 'the Unicorn,' are so-called stellar-mass black holes formed by the gravitational collapse of a single star. There are gargantuan 'supermassive' black holes like the one at our galaxy's center, 26,000 light-years from Earth, which is four million times the sun's mass. A few intermediate-mass black holes also have been found with masses somewhere in between. “Our finding implies that there might be many more of these relics of galaxy mergers out there and they may contain many hidden massive black holes that still wait to be found,” says Voggel. “It could increase the total number of supermassive black holes known in the local Universe by 30 percent.” (With inputs from agencies)

European Space Agency detects closest pair of supermassive black holes

<p>A new study has revealed that satellite galaxies may have vanished from the Milky Way.</p>

<p>The Milky Way began to form relatively soon after the Big Bang explosion that marked the beginning of the universe some 13.8 billion years ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sun, located roughly 26,000 light-years from the supermassive black hole residing at the center of the galaxy, formed about 4.5 billion years ago.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-winning-1-mn-virgin-galactic-tickets-mother-daughter-duo-bound-for-space-431861" hreflang="en">After winning $1 mn Virgin Galactic tickets, mother-daughter duo bound for space</a></strong></p>

<p>Subsequent galactic mergers were instrumental in configuring galaxies existing now.</p>

<p>Gaia satellite, operated by the European Space Agency, has conducted a new analysis which shows most of the galaxies in the Milky Way are actually relatively new to the area.</p>

<p>The study, led by astrophysicist François Hammer of the Paris Observatory in France, has been published in The Astrophysical Journal.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dead-star-breaks-record-for-fastest-known-spin-rate-of-white-dwarf-431704" hreflang="en">Dead star breaks record for fastest known spin rate of white dwarf</a></strong></p>

<p>''We conclude that due to their unequaled high energies and angular momenta, most dwarfs cannot be long-lived satellites, and if they could be bound to the Milky Way, they are at first passage, i.e., infalling less than 2 billion years ago,'' he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sagittarius, a ''dwarf'' galaxy 10,000 times less massive than the Milky Way, has passed twice through our galaxy’s immense disk containing most of its roughly 100 billion stars.</p>

<p>Until now, the understanding of the galaxy’s shape had been based upon indirect measurements of celestial landmarks within the Milky Way and inferences from structures observed in other galaxies populating the universe.</p>

<p>''The Milky Way is a big galaxy, so its tidal force is simply gigantic and it's very easy to destroy a dwarf galaxy after maybe one or two passages,'' Hammer said.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A new study has revealed that satellite galaxies may have vanished from the Milky Way. The Milky Way began to form relatively soon after the Big Bang explosion that marked the beginning of the universe some 13.

A new study has revealed that satellite galaxies may have vanished from the Milky Way. The Milky Way began to form relatively soon after the Big Bang explosion that marked the beginning of the universe some 13.8 billion years ago. The sun, located roughly 26,000 light-years from the supermassive black hole residing at the center of the galaxy, formed about 4.5 billion years ago. Also read | After winning $1 mn Virgin Galactic tickets, mother-daughter duo bound for space Subsequent galactic mergers were instrumental in configuring galaxies existing now. Gaia satellite, operated by the European Space Agency, has conducted a new analysis which shows most of the galaxies in the Milky Way are actually relatively new to the area. The study, led by astrophysicist François Hammer of the Paris Observatory in France, has been published in The Astrophysical Journal. Also read | Dead star breaks record for fastest known spin rate of white dwarf ''We conclude that due to their unequaled high energies and angular momenta, most dwarfs cannot be long-lived satellites, and if they could be bound to the Milky Way, they are at first passage, i.e., infalling less than 2 billion years ago,'' he said. Sagittarius, a ''dwarf'' galaxy 10,000 times less massive than the Milky Way, has passed twice through our galaxy’s immense disk containing most of its roughly 100 billion stars. Until now, the understanding of the galaxy’s shape had been based upon indirect measurements of celestial landmarks within the Milky Way and inferences from structures observed in other galaxies populating the universe. ''The Milky Way is a big galaxy, so its tidal force is simply gigantic and it's very easy to destroy a dwarf galaxy after maybe one or two passages,'' Hammer said. (With inputs from agencies)

Study reveals satellite galaxies may have vanished from Milky Way

<p>India is working with more than six countries to achieve the Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight mission, which is a symbol of International Cooperation, said Dr. K. Sivan, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).</p>

<p>“Indian astronauts have completed their training at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia, we are working with French space agency CNES in the field of Space medicine, with Canada and Romania for wind-tunnel testing, Australia (ASA) and European Space Agency for ground station support.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking at the Sydney Dialogue, an Initiative by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, he added that the Gaganyaan project was a stepping stone for sustained Indian presence in outer space and that the ongoing cooperation would continue and would grow into increased engagement with international partners, in the years to come.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-how-indias-lunar-orbiter-chandrayaan-2-avoided-collision-with-nasas-lro-429955" hreflang="en">Explained: How India’s Lunar Orbiter Chandrayaan-2 avoided Collision with NASA’s LRO</a></strong></p>

<p>On the potential and scientific possibilities of future exploration missions to Moon, he said, radio astronomy receivers could be deployed and operated in the RadioFrequency-free (RF-free) far side of the moon, besides the Moon serving as a potential observatory, as there is practically no atmosphere that would affect the signals coming in from space.</p>

<p>Such observatories could be used to study the Infrared signatures to better understand global warming.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pertaining to Mars exploration, which is the much-talked-about science, he spoke about the hypothetical process of terraforming (modifying the temperature, atmosphere, topography, and ecology) the Red Planet, in order to make it habitable like earth.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-lunar-lander-japanese-rover-to-explore-moon-in-lupex-mission-says-jaxa-official-431774" hreflang="en">Indian lunar lander, Japanese rover to explore Moon in LUPEX mission, says JAXA Official</a></strong></p>

<p>“A capsule can be sent, aided by human astronauts and can be kept isolated from Martian environment. This can be taken up as a model and scaled up. With human presence, it will be possible to search for biosignatures on Mars” he elaborated on scientific exploration possibilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Most importantly, he touched upon the need to explore ways and means for in-situ resource utiliSation on Moon and Mars, which can sustain human presence.</p>

<p>“To generate propulsion(fuel) using local resources, astronauts may demonstrate Vacuum pyrolysis on the Moon and Sabatier reaction on Mars. The dexterity of astronauts will help in performing experiments on a smaller scale and then scaling it up with suitable mechanisms and automation” Dr. Sivan added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vacuum pyrolysis on the Moon refers to the process of extracting oxygen and other valuable gases, hydrocarbons from the Lunar surface, by using very high temperatures (more than 1400deg C). Whereas, the Sabatier process/reaction is about utilizing reactions between Martian carbon dioxide and imported hydrogen to produce methane, water, and oxygen.&nbsp;</p>


India is working with more than six countries to achieve the Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight mission, which is a symbol of International Cooperation, said Dr. K. Sivan, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

India is working with more than six countries to achieve the Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight mission, which is a symbol of International Cooperation, said Dr. K. Sivan, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). “Indian astronauts have completed their training at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia, we are working with French space agency CNES in the field of Space medicine, with Canada and Romania for wind-tunnel testing, Australia (ASA) and European Space Agency for ground station support. Speaking at the Sydney Dialogue, an Initiative by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, he added that the Gaganyaan project was a stepping stone for sustained Indian presence in outer space and that the ongoing cooperation would continue and would grow into increased engagement with international partners, in the years to come. Also read | Explained: How India’s Lunar Orbiter Chandrayaan-2 avoided Collision with NASA’s LRO On the potential and scientific possibilities of future exploration missions to Moon, he said, radio astronomy receivers could be deployed and operated in the RadioFrequency-free (RF-free) far side of the moon, besides the Moon serving as a potential observatory, as there is practically no atmosphere that would affect the signals coming in from space. Such observatories could be used to study the Infrared signatures to better understand global warming. Pertaining to Mars exploration, which is the much-talked-about science, he spoke about the hypothetical process of terraforming (modifying the temperature, atmosphere, topography, and ecology) the Red Planet, in order to make it habitable like earth. Also read | Indian lunar lander, Japanese rover to explore Moon in LUPEX mission, says JAXA Official “A capsule can be sent, aided by human astronauts and can be kept isolated from Martian environment. This can be taken up as a model and scaled up. With human presence, it will be possible to search for biosignatures on Mars” he elaborated on scientific exploration possibilities. Most importantly, he touched upon the need to explore ways and means for in-situ resource utiliSation on Moon and Mars, which can sustain human presence. “To generate propulsion(fuel) using local resources, astronauts may demonstrate Vacuum pyrolysis on the Moon and Sabatier reaction on Mars. The dexterity of astronauts will help in performing experiments on a smaller scale and then scaling it up with suitable mechanisms and automation” Dr. Sivan added. Vacuum pyrolysis on the Moon refers to the process of extracting oxygen and other valuable gases, hydrocarbons from the Lunar surface, by using very high temperatures (more than 1400deg C). Whereas, the Sabatier process/reaction is about utilizing reactions between Martian carbon dioxide and imported hydrogen to produce methane, water, and oxygen.

India working with over 6 countries for human spaceflight Gaganyaan, says Dr.K Sivan

<p>NASA has said that the International Space Station is still at risk from the debris of a weapons test by&nbsp;Russia.</p>

<p>Russia had destroyed one of its own satellites and generated a cloud of debris near the International Space Station (ISS) and its seven-strong crew.</p>

<p>They were directed to take shelter in their docked spaceship capsules for two hours after the test as a precaution to allow for a quick getaway had it been necessary.</p>

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<p>It generated more than 1,500 pieces of "trackable orbital debris" and would likely spawn hundreds of thousands of smaller fragments. They tracked by the US Space Command.</p>

<p>"NASA will continue monitoring the debris in the coming days and beyond to ensure the safety of our crew in orbit," NASA chief Bill Nelson said in the statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/auditors-say-nasas-artemis-programme-likely-to-be-delayed-by-several-years-430217" hreflang="en">Auditors say NASA's Artemis programme likely to be delayed by several years</a></strong></p>

<p>The incident came just four days after the latest group of four space station astronauts,&nbsp;Americans Raja Chair, Tom Marshburn, and Kayla Barron of NASA and European Space Agency crewmate Matthias Maurer of Germany,&nbsp;arrived at the orbiting platform to begin a six-month science mission.</p>

<p>Didier Schmitt, a senior figure at the European Space Agency (ESA) said Moscow's action increased the risk of a collision in space.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-mars-rover-probing-undisturbed-ancient-time-capsule-on-red-planet-428788" hreflang="en">NASA's Mars rover probing undisturbed ancient time capsule on Red planet</a></strong></p>

<p>However, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said the test had not posed a threat to the International Space Station.</p>

<p>The target was a non-operational spacecraft, Tselina-D, that had been in orbit since 1982.</p>

<p>The United States was the first country to conduct anti-satellite tests in space, in 1959 when satellites were rare and new.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


NASA has said that the International Space Station is still at risk from the debris of a weapons test by Russia. Russia had destroyed one of its own satellites and generated a cloud of debris near the International Space Station (ISS) and its seven-strong crew.

NASA has said that the International Space Station is still at risk from the debris of a weapons test by Russia. Russia had destroyed one of its own satellites and generated a cloud of debris near the International Space Station (ISS) and its seven-strong crew. They were directed to take shelter in their docked spaceship capsules for two hours after the test as a precaution to allow for a quick getaway had it been necessary. It generated more than 1,500 pieces of "trackable orbital debris" and would likely spawn hundreds of thousands of smaller fragments. They tracked by the US Space Command. "NASA will continue monitoring the debris in the coming days and beyond to ensure the safety of our crew in orbit," NASA chief Bill Nelson said in the statement. Also read | Auditors say NASA's Artemis programme likely to be delayed by several years The incident came just four days after the latest group of four space station astronauts, Americans Raja Chair, Tom Marshburn, and Kayla Barron of NASA and European Space Agency crewmate Matthias Maurer of Germany, arrived at the orbiting platform to begin a six-month science mission. Didier Schmitt, a senior figure at the European Space Agency (ESA) said Moscow's action increased the risk of a collision in space. Also read | NASA's Mars rover probing undisturbed ancient time capsule on Red planet However, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said the test had not posed a threat to the International Space Station. The target was a non-operational spacecraft, Tselina-D, that had been in orbit since 1982. The United States was the first country to conduct anti-satellite tests in space, in 1959 when satellites were rare and new. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA says International Space Station is still at risk from debris of Russian weapons test

<p>The BepiColombo mission&nbsp;on Saturday sent first images of the<strong> Mercury </strong>including large craters and an area flooded by lava which is reportedly billions of years ago.</p>

<p>The mission is a joint European-Japanese venture. It flew past the planet on October 1 in a "gravity assist manoeuvre" as it was 2,418 km from the Mercury while&nbsp;sending&nbsp;black-and-white pictures.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We might have been late with the first image, but we're early with the follow-up 😉 Here are a few more incredible first impressions from our first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MercuryFlyby?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MercuryFlyby</a> - plus annotations to guide the eye!<a href="https://t.co/8RpPeJVBDM">https://t.co/8RpPeJVBDM</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ExploreFarther?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ExploreFarther</a> <a href="https://t.co/KkF2wF2vVp">pic.twitter.com/KkF2wF2vVp</a></p>
— BepiColombo (@BepiColombo) <a href="https://twitter.com/BepiColombo/status/1444269215264002054?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The region photographed by <strong>BepiColombo </strong>was the planet's northern hemisphere which includes an area called Sihtu Planitia which is flooded by lava.</p>

<p>The pictures show "Lermontov" crater. The <strong>European Space Agency</strong> said the area looks bright since it "contains features unique to Mercury called ‘hollows’ where volatile elements are escaping to space."</p>

<p>The BepiColombo spacecraft is set on a seven-year voyage as it analyses the Mercury including its core, <strong>magnetic field</strong> and other mysterious features.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hello Mercury! 🤩<br />
<br />
One of our first views of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mercury?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mercury</a>, taken ~10mins after close approach. More details and images to follow later today! <a href="https://t.co/6CH9vE8Z0f">https://t.co/6CH9vE8Z0f</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MercuryFlyby?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MercuryFlyby</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ExploreFarther?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ExploreFarther</a> <a href="https://t.co/hguRQbOGi5">pic.twitter.com/hguRQbOGi5</a></p>
— BepiColombo (@BepiColombo) <a href="https://twitter.com/BepiColombo/status/1444219731188256772?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>BepiColombo will also be making five more flybys of the Mercury as it studies the planet. The latest pictures were obtained after three years as it was launched aboard the Ariane 5 rocket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The spacecraft is also set to study probable <strong>volcanic explosions</strong> as it orbits around the planet. The European Space Agency said the current flyby was "flawless".</p>

<p>The spacecraft was launched in October 2018 and is set to finish its mission in&nbsp;2025 with crucial data on the Mercury. It is Europe's first mission to the Mercury. The mission has two spacecraft's - <strong>Mercury Planetary Orbiter</strong> (MPO) and Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (Mio).</p>

<p>The spacecraft will also study the atmosphere and origin of Mercury including the polar deposits. Interestingly, it will also carry out a test of<strong> Einstein's theory</strong> of general relativity.</p>

<p>(With inputs from Agencies)</p>


The BepiColombo mission on Saturday sent first images of the Mercury including large craters and an area flooded by lava which is reportedly billions of years ago.

The BepiColombo mission on Saturday sent first images of the Mercury including large craters and an area flooded by lava which is reportedly billions of years ago. The mission is a joint European-Japanese venture. It flew past the planet on October 1 in a "gravity assist manoeuvre" as it was 2,418 km from the Mercury while sending black-and-white pictures. We might have been late with the first image, but we're early with the follow-up 😉 Here are a few more incredible first impressions from our first #MercuryFlyby - plus annotations to guide the eye!https://t.co/8RpPeJVBDM#ExploreFarther pic.twitter.com/KkF2wF2vVp — BepiColombo (@BepiColombo) October 2, 2021 × The region photographed by BepiColombo was the planet's northern hemisphere which includes an area called Sihtu Planitia which is flooded by lava. The pictures show "Lermontov" crater. The European Space Agency said the area looks bright since it "contains features unique to Mercury called ‘hollows’ where volatile elements are escaping to space." The BepiColombo spacecraft is set on a seven-year voyage as it analyses the Mercury including its core, magnetic field and other mysterious features. Hello Mercury! 🤩 One of our first views of #Mercury, taken ~10mins after close approach. More details and images to follow later today! https://t.co/6CH9vE8Z0f#MercuryFlyby #ExploreFarther pic.twitter.com/hguRQbOGi5 — BepiColombo (@BepiColombo) October 2, 2021 × BepiColombo will also be making five more flybys of the Mercury as it studies the planet. The latest pictures were obtained after three years as it was launched aboard the Ariane 5 rocket. The spacecraft is also set to study probable volcanic explosions as it orbits around the planet. The European Space Agency said the current flyby was "flawless". The spacecraft was launched in October 2018 and is set to finish its mission in 2025 with crucial data on the Mercury. It is Europe's first mission to the Mercury. The mission has two spacecraft's - Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO) and Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (Mio). The spacecraft will also study the atmosphere and origin of Mercury including the polar deposits. Interestingly, it will also carry out a test of Einstein's theory of general relativity. (With inputs from Agencies)

BepiColombo mission sends pictures of craters in Mercury

<p>The segment of the International Space Station belonging to Russia is facing "irreparable failures" due to out-of-date hardware.</p>

<p>According to Vladimir Solovyov, chief engineer of the Energia rocket and space corporation, "Around 80 percent of the inflight systems on Russia's segment have reached the end of their service period."</p>

<p>"This means that literally a day after the systems are fully exhausted, irreparable failures may begin," Solovyov added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-space-station-did-540-degree-flip-turned-upside-down-mishap-more-serious-than-earlier-reported-402761">International Space Station did 540-degree flip, turned upside down: Mishap more serious than earlier reported</a></strong></p>

<p>Energia is the leading developer of Russia's section of the ISS, a joint venture with the United States, Canada, Japan and the European Space Agency. It is a manufacturer of spacecraft and space station components.</p>

<p>The space station has suffered several recent incidents. Russian officials last month said a software glitch, and a possible lapse in human attention, were to blame for throwing the ISS out of control.</p>

<p>Jet thrusters on the Russian research module Nauka inadvertently reignited a few hours after it had docked, causing the entire orbital outpost to pitch out of its normal flight position with seven crew members aboard.</p>

<p>Roscosmos, Russia's space agency, also reported last month a drop in pressure in the Zvezda service module, which provides living quarters for crew members on the ISS that was caused by an air leak.</p>

<p>The Russian space agency, Roscosmos, has said it will remain part of the ISS until 2024 and that it is open to extending its participation beyond then.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The segment of the International Space Station belonging to Russia is facing "irreparable failures" due to out-of-date hardware. According to Vladimir Solovyov, chief engineer of the Energia rocket and space corporation, "Around 80 percent of the inflight systems on Russia's segment have reached the end of their service period.

The segment of the International Space Station belonging to Russia is facing "irreparable failures" due to out-of-date hardware. According to Vladimir Solovyov, chief engineer of the Energia rocket and space corporation, "Around 80 percent of the inflight systems on Russia's segment have reached the end of their service period." "This means that literally a day after the systems are fully exhausted, irreparable failures may begin," Solovyov added. Also read | International Space Station did 540-degree flip, turned upside down: Mishap more serious than earlier reported Energia is the leading developer of Russia's section of the ISS, a joint venture with the United States, Canada, Japan and the European Space Agency. It is a manufacturer of spacecraft and space station components. The space station has suffered several recent incidents. Russian officials last month said a software glitch, and a possible lapse in human attention, were to blame for throwing the ISS out of control. Jet thrusters on the Russian research module Nauka inadvertently reignited a few hours after it had docked, causing the entire orbital outpost to pitch out of its normal flight position with seven crew members aboard. Roscosmos, Russia's space agency, also reported last month a drop in pressure in the Zvezda service module, which provides living quarters for crew members on the ISS that was caused by an air leak. The Russian space agency, Roscosmos, has said it will remain part of the ISS until 2024 and that it is open to extending its participation beyond then. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian segment of International Space Station facing 'irreparable failures'

<p>Northrop Grumman is launching Cygnus&nbsp;resupply spacecraft&nbsp;to the&nbsp;International Space Station along with a&nbsp;special delivery that includes pizza for the seven residents on board.</p>

<p>This is Northrop Grumman’s 16th cargo flight to the space station and is the fifth under its Commercial Resupply Services 2 contract with NASA.</p>

<p>It&nbsp;will also&nbsp;deliver nearly 8,200 pounds of science and research, crew supplies, and vehicle hardware to the International Space Station and its crew.</p>

<p>The Cygnus spacecraft will remain at the space station until November before it disposes of several thousand pounds of trash through its destructive re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.</p>

<p>NASA astronaut&nbsp;Megan McArthur&nbsp;will use the space station’s robotic Canadarm2 to capture Cygnus upon its arrival, while ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut&nbsp;Thomas Pesquet&nbsp;monitors telemetry during rendezvous, capture, and installation on the Earth-facing port of the Unity module.</p>

<p>The resupply flight will support dozens of new and existing investigations.</p>

<p>The CRS-16 Cygnus spacecraft is named in honor of American astronaut Ellison Onizuka, who was the first Asian American to fly in space.</p>

<p>Previously, defence contractor Northrop Grumman Corp had&nbsp;won a NASA contract worth $935 million to develop living quarters for the US&nbsp;space agency's planned outpost in lunar orbit.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-1">Astronauts will live and conduct research in the Habitation And Logistics Outpost (HALO) made by Northrop for the lunar Gateway, a vital component of NASA's Artemis moon program.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-2">China is also planning to set up a base in the south pole of the moon, and is deploying robotic expeditions to asteroids and Jupiter around 2030.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-3">NASA and its commercial and international partners are building Gateway to support science investigations and enable surface landings at the moon, the agency said in a statement.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-4">Northrop Grumman will be responsible for attaching and testing the integrated quarters with a solar propulsion module being developed.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-5">Eight countries have signed an international pact for moon exploration as a part of NASA's Artemis programme as the US&nbsp;space agency tries to shape standards for building long-term settlements on the lunar surface.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-6">NASA is targeting a November 2024 launch for the integrated spacecraft on a SpaceX rocket.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-6"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Northrop Grumman is launching Cygnus resupply spacecraft to the International Space Station along with a special delivery that includes pizza for the seven residents on board.

Northrop Grumman is launching Cygnus resupply spacecraft to the International Space Station along with a special delivery that includes pizza for the seven residents on board. This is Northrop Grumman’s 16th cargo flight to the space station and is the fifth under its Commercial Resupply Services 2 contract with NASA. It will also deliver nearly 8,200 pounds of science and research, crew supplies, and vehicle hardware to the International Space Station and its crew. The Cygnus spacecraft will remain at the space station until November before it disposes of several thousand pounds of trash through its destructive re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. NASA astronaut Megan McArthur will use the space station’s robotic Canadarm2 to capture Cygnus upon its arrival, while ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Thomas Pesquet monitors telemetry during rendezvous, capture, and installation on the Earth-facing port of the Unity module. The resupply flight will support dozens of new and existing investigations. The CRS-16 Cygnus spacecraft is named in honor of American astronaut Ellison Onizuka, who was the first Asian American to fly in space. Previously, defence contractor Northrop Grumman Corp had won a NASA contract worth $935 million to develop living quarters for the US space agency's planned outpost in lunar orbit. Astronauts will live and conduct research in the Habitation And Logistics Outpost (HALO) made by Northrop for the lunar Gateway, a vital component of NASA's Artemis moon program. China is also planning to set up a base in the south pole of the moon, and is deploying robotic expeditions to asteroids and Jupiter around 2030. NASA and its commercial and international partners are building Gateway to support science investigations and enable surface landings at the moon, the agency said in a statement. Northrop Grumman will be responsible for attaching and testing the integrated quarters with a solar propulsion module being developed. Eight countries have signed an international pact for moon exploration as a part of NASA's Artemis programme as the US space agency tries to shape standards for building long-term settlements on the lunar surface. NASA is targeting a November 2024 launch for the integrated spacecraft on a SpaceX rocket. (With inputs from agencies)

You got pizza: Northrop Grumman makes delivery to International Space Station via resupply spacecraft

<p>Russia upgraded its capabilities on the International Space Station on Thursday after&nbsp;its new Nauka module&nbsp;successfully docked with it after a nervy journey from Earth.</p>

<p>A live broadcast from Russia's space agency, Roscosmos, showed the module, a multipurpose laboratory named after the Russian word for 'science', docking with the ISS at 1329 GMT, a few minutes later than scheduled.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Welcome to the International Space Station, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nauka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nauka</a>!<br />
<br />
New module — new perspectives for the Russian cosmonautics. Moreover, an addition to the internal volume of the Russian segment of the <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a>.<br />
<br />
I wish the crew good luck in integrating the module! <a href="https://t.co/u5nvwPt0o6">pic.twitter.com/u5nvwPt0o6</a></p>
— Ivan Vagner (@ivan_mks63) <a href="https://twitter.com/ivan_mks63/status/1420742445441032194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Cosmonaut Oleg Novitsky took over manual control of the module in the final minutes of its approach towards the station.</p>

<p>It will now take several months and multiple spacewalks to fully integrate the module with the space station.</p>

<p>Since its launch last week from Kazakhstan's Baikonur Cosmodrome, the module had suffered a series of glitches that had raised concerns about whether the docking procedure would go smoothly.</p>

<p>The launch was closely watched by the European Space Agency as the module was travelling with the European Robotic Arm, the first robot arm that will be able to work on Russia's ISS segment.</p>

<p>'Nauka' (Science) module will provide the astronauts at the ISS with additional storage space, technical equipment, including for water and air regeneration.</p>

<p>According to Russia's TASS news agency, 'Nauka' module also supplies the station with ERA manipulator which will allow astronauts to avoid some of the open-space missions.</p>

<p>It will also "improve the conditions of cosmonauts' stay, providing an additional toilet and a third sleeping location for the Russian side of the ISS.</p>

<p>The assembly of the 20-tonne&nbsp;Nauka&nbsp;multipurpose laboratory module started back in the 1990s but its launch, initially scheduled for 2007, has been continuously delayed. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The Nauka multipurpose laboratory module was conceived as early as the mid-1990s when it was intended as a back-up for the Russian control module Zarya.</p>

<p>It was later repurposed as a science module but joined a line-up of stagnating Russian space projects that have fallen victim to funding problems or bureaucratic procedures.</p>

<p>The launch of the 20-tonne Nauka,&nbsp;one of the largest modules on the ISS,&nbsp;was initially scheduled for 2007 but has been repeatedly delayed over various issues.</p>

<p>While last week's launch was succesful, Nauka experienced several "hiccups in orbit" during its eight-day journey to the ISS, the European Space Agency said.</p>

<p>Nauka replaces the long-serving Pirs docking module which joined the ISS in 2001 as a temporary addition but ended up staying in service for two decades.</p>

<p>Making room for Nauka, Pirs detached from the ISS earlier this week, burning up in the Earth's atmosphere and its remains falling into the Pacific Ocean.</p>

<p>Launched in 1998, the ISS is a multinational project and comprises two segments, a Russian one and another one used by the United States and other space agencies.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russia upgraded its capabilities on the International Space Station on Thursday after its new Nauka module successfully docked with it after a nervy journey from Earth.

Russia upgraded its capabilities on the International Space Station on Thursday after its new Nauka module successfully docked with it after a nervy journey from Earth. A live broadcast from Russia's space agency, Roscosmos, showed the module, a multipurpose laboratory named after the Russian word for 'science', docking with the ISS at 1329 GMT, a few minutes later than scheduled. Welcome to the International Space Station, #Nauka! New module — new perspectives for the Russian cosmonautics. Moreover, an addition to the internal volume of the Russian segment of the @Space_Station. I wish the crew good luck in integrating the module! pic.twitter.com/u5nvwPt0o6 — Ivan Vagner (@ivan_mks63) July 29, 2021 × Cosmonaut Oleg Novitsky took over manual control of the module in the final minutes of its approach towards the station. It will now take several months and multiple spacewalks to fully integrate the module with the space station. Since its launch last week from Kazakhstan's Baikonur Cosmodrome, the module had suffered a series of glitches that had raised concerns about whether the docking procedure would go smoothly. The launch was closely watched by the European Space Agency as the module was travelling with the European Robotic Arm, the first robot arm that will be able to work on Russia's ISS segment. 'Nauka' (Science) module will provide the astronauts at the ISS with additional storage space, technical equipment, including for water and air regeneration. According to Russia's TASS news agency, 'Nauka' module also supplies the station with ERA manipulator which will allow astronauts to avoid some of the open-space missions. It will also "improve the conditions of cosmonauts' stay, providing an additional toilet and a third sleeping location for the Russian side of the ISS. The assembly of the 20-tonne Nauka multipurpose laboratory module started back in the 1990s but its launch, initially scheduled for 2007, has been continuously delayed. The Nauka multipurpose laboratory module was conceived as early as the mid-1990s when it was intended as a back-up for the Russian control module Zarya. It was later repurposed as a science module but joined a line-up of stagnating Russian space projects that have fallen victim to funding problems or bureaucratic procedures. The launch of the 20-tonne Nauka, one of the largest modules on the ISS, was initially scheduled for 2007 but has been repeatedly delayed over various issues. While last week's launch was succesful, Nauka experienced several "hiccups in orbit" during its eight-day journey to the ISS, the European Space Agency said. Nauka replaces the long-serving Pirs docking module which joined the ISS in 2001 as a temporary addition but ended up staying in service for two decades. Making room for Nauka, Pirs detached from the ISS earlier this week, burning up in the Earth's atmosphere and its remains falling into the Pacific Ocean. Launched in 1998, the ISS is a multinational project and comprises two segments, a Russian one and another one used by the United States and other space agencies. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia's new Nauka space module reaches International Space Station

<p>A recent study conducted by the European aerospace company Airbus suggests that when an asteroid is hurtling toward our planets, we could deploy large TV broadcasting satellites to deflect the space rock.</p>

<p>The study is a part of the European Space Agency's efforts to prepare for a possible apocalyptic event, similar to the one that wiped out dinosaurs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Conducted under the mission concept codenamed FastKD or Fast Kinetic Deflection, it envisions using telecommunications satellites in particular, as these are placed in a geostationary orbit. This means that they are placed in such a way that their position looks stationary, as these satellites circle the Earth at a speed that matches the planet's speed of rotation.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/stellar-explosion-helps-scientists-explain-13-billion-year-old-mystery-of-milky-ways-elements-397024" hreflang="en">Stellar explosion helps scientists explain 13-billion-year-old mystery of Milky Way's elements</a></strong></p>

<p>Usually very large, on average, these weigh around 4 to 6 tonnes. This weight would aid in giving the object in question enough force to affect the trajectory of space rock.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, according to Albert Falke, the lead researcher of this study, it would take around 10 such satellites to sufficiently change the trajectory of 300 meters or 1,000-foot wide asteroid.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>But what about a Dinosaur extinction-size Asteroid?</strong></p>

<p>Falke is hesitant to say whether an asteroid could still be deflected using this method if it is more than 1,000 feet (300 meters) in diameter.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-resolve-mystery-of-why-otters-stay-warm-in-cold-surroundings-397003" hreflang="en">Scientists resolve mystery of why otters stay warm in cold surroundings</a></strong></p>

<p>Interestingly, the asteroid that led to the extinction of dinosaurs is believed to have been 9.6 kilometres or 6 miles in diameter.</p>

<p><strong>Why telecommunication satellites?</strong></p>

<p>This method does not require the invention and subsequent launch of a whole new device. Telecommunication satellites are available readily. In case astronomers were to detect an asteroid at a late stage, all that's required is to repurpose the satellites under construction and launch them within a short span of time.</p>

<p>The combined effort of multiple satellites could very well change the trajectory of the approaching object.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/winchcombe-meteorite-gets-official-classification-here-is-all-you-need-to-know-396877" hreflang="en">Winchcombe meteorite gets official classification, here is all you need to know</a></strong></p>

<p>Changing its trajectory by just a few inches may not totally avert a disaster, but it could nudge it off course, enough to avert a catastrophe if done well enough in advance of an expected impact.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For telecommunication satellites to be capable of executing an earth-saving mission in orbit, special equipment is needed to enable communication in deep space, along with navigation, and guidance required to reach the asteroid.</p>

<p>Modules for this project still need to be developed. The ideal situation would be to build and test these systems in advance of an emergency and have them ready.</p>

<p>That said, the human species definitely has an advantage over dinosaurs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA is set to conduct a mission called DART next year. The experiment will be the first-ever asteroid deflection experiment.&nbsp;</p>


A recent study conducted by the European aerospace company Airbus suggests that when an asteroid is hurtling toward our planets, we could deploy large TV broadcasting satellites to deflect the space rock.

A recent study conducted by the European aerospace company Airbus suggests that when an asteroid is hurtling toward our planets, we could deploy large TV broadcasting satellites to deflect the space rock. The study is a part of the European Space Agency's efforts to prepare for a possible apocalyptic event, similar to the one that wiped out dinosaurs. Conducted under the mission concept codenamed FastKD or Fast Kinetic Deflection, it envisions using telecommunications satellites in particular, as these are placed in a geostationary orbit. This means that they are placed in such a way that their position looks stationary, as these satellites circle the Earth at a speed that matches the planet's speed of rotation. Also read | Stellar explosion helps scientists explain 13-billion-year-old mystery of Milky Way's elements Usually very large, on average, these weigh around 4 to 6 tonnes. This weight would aid in giving the object in question enough force to affect the trajectory of space rock. However, according to Albert Falke, the lead researcher of this study, it would take around 10 such satellites to sufficiently change the trajectory of 300 meters or 1,000-foot wide asteroid. But what about a Dinosaur extinction-size Asteroid? Falke is hesitant to say whether an asteroid could still be deflected using this method if it is more than 1,000 feet (300 meters) in diameter. Also read | Scientists resolve mystery of why otters stay warm in cold surroundings Interestingly, the asteroid that led to the extinction of dinosaurs is believed to have been 9.6 kilometres or 6 miles in diameter. Why telecommunication satellites? This method does not require the invention and subsequent launch of a whole new device. Telecommunication satellites are available readily. In case astronomers were to detect an asteroid at a late stage, all that's required is to repurpose the satellites under construction and launch them within a short span of time. The combined effort of multiple satellites could very well change the trajectory of the approaching object. Also read | Winchcombe meteorite gets official classification, here is all you need to know Changing its trajectory by just a few inches may not totally avert a disaster, but it could nudge it off course, enough to avert a catastrophe if done well enough in advance of an expected impact. For telecommunication satellites to be capable of executing an earth-saving mission in orbit, special equipment is needed to enable communication in deep space, along with navigation, and guidance required to reach the asteroid. Modules for this project still need to be developed. The ideal situation would be to build and test these systems in advance of an emergency and have them ready. That said, the human species definitely has an advantage over dinosaurs. NASA is set to conduct a mission called DART next year. The experiment will be the first-ever asteroid deflection experiment.

Defending Earth: Repurposing telecommunication satellites to protect Earth from asteroid collision

<p>The European Space Agency&nbsp;head Josef Aschbacher has said he&nbsp;hopes to hire and launch the world's first differently abled astronaut and several hundred would-be para-astronauts have already applied for the role.</p>

<p>The 22-member space programme has just closed its latest decennial recruitment call for astronauts and received 22,000 applicants, Aschbacher said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/billionaire-richard-bransons-virgin-galactic-gets-approval-to-fly-people-to-space-393952" hreflang="en">Billionaire Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic gets approval to fly people to space</a></strong></p>

<p>"We would like to launch an astronaut with a disability, which would be the first time ever," the Austrian added. "But I'm also happy for ESA because it shows that space is for everyone, and that's something I'd like to convey."</p>

<p>In releasing the results of a new recruitment drive aimed at more astronaut diversity, the agency acknowledged that it still has work to do on gender balance. Just 24 per cent&nbsp;of the applicants were women, up from 15 per cent&nbsp;at the last hiring drive in 2008.</p>

<p>The European agency has sent only two women into space to date, Claudie Haigneré and Samantha Cristoforetti,&nbsp;but wants that number to grow.</p>

<p>Globally, 65 of the more than 560 people who have explored space were women, most of them Americans.</p>

<p>The ESA, whose Ariane rocket once dominated the market for commercial satellite launches, faces ever stiffer competition from tech-funded upstarts like Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin and Elon Musk's SpaceX.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-jeff-bezos-is-going-to-space-393208/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Amazon founder Bezos hopes next month to become the first man to go into space on his own rocket, highlighting the growing role tech billionaires are playing in a field that was once dominated by public agencies.</p>

<p>"Space is developing extremely fast and if we don't catch up with this train we are left behind," he added, outlining plans to refashion the agency as a more entrepreneurial player ready to work with venture capitalists to help grow European start-ups that could one day rival the Silicon Valley players.</p>

<p>The challenges are immense: the ESA's 7 billion euro budget is a third of NASA's, while its seven or eight launches a year are dwarfed by the 40 carried out by the United States.</p>

<p>Aschbacher, who grew up staring at the stars above his parents' mountain farm in Austria, himself once applied to become an ESA astronaut when he was a student. But what was once a geeky, niche enthusiasm has now become mainstream, he said.</p>

<p>This year's job ad attracted almost three times the 8,000 applications received a decade ago, and a quarter of them were women, up from just 15% before. The ESA has promised to develop technologies to ensure those with disabilities, like shortened legs, play a full part.</p>

<p>And those astronauts will go beyond the International Space Station: some will deploy to the United States's planned Gateway station on the moon, while the ESA's member states are considering an invitation from Chinese and Russian space agencies to participate in their similar moonbase project.</p>

<p>ESA this week signed an agreement with the European Union that will see the 27-nation bloc deepen ties with and increase its funding for the space agency.</p>

<p>As part of the deal, the EU will invest almost 9 billion euros ($10.8 billion) between now and 2027 for ESA programs aimed at boosting economic growth, digitalisation, and environmental protection.</p>

<p>While many ESA members are also part of the EU, some such as Britain are not.</p>

<p>Among the future programs planned are one that will test the use of a satellite-based quantum encryption system for secure communications, and another to monitor space for potential hazardous debris.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The European Space Agency head Josef Aschbacher has said he hopes to hire and launch the world's first differently abled astronaut and several hundred would-be para-astronauts have already applied for the role.

The European Space Agency head Josef Aschbacher has said he hopes to hire and launch the world's first differently abled astronaut and several hundred would-be para-astronauts have already applied for the role. The 22-member space programme has just closed its latest decennial recruitment call for astronauts and received 22,000 applicants, Aschbacher said. Also read| Billionaire Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic gets approval to fly people to space "We would like to launch an astronaut with a disability, which would be the first time ever," the Austrian added. "But I'm also happy for ESA because it shows that space is for everyone, and that's something I'd like to convey." In releasing the results of a new recruitment drive aimed at more astronaut diversity, the agency acknowledged that it still has work to do on gender balance. Just 24 per cent of the applicants were women, up from 15 per cent at the last hiring drive in 2008. The European agency has sent only two women into space to date, Claudie Haigneré and Samantha Cristoforetti, but wants that number to grow. Globally, 65 of the more than 560 people who have explored space were women, most of them Americans. The ESA, whose Ariane rocket once dominated the market for commercial satellite launches, faces ever stiffer competition from tech-funded upstarts like Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin and Elon Musk's SpaceX. Amazon founder Bezos hopes next month to become the first man to go into space on his own rocket, highlighting the growing role tech billionaires are playing in a field that was once dominated by public agencies. "Space is developing extremely fast and if we don't catch up with this train we are left behind," he added, outlining plans to refashion the agency as a more entrepreneurial player ready to work with venture capitalists to help grow European start-ups that could one day rival the Silicon Valley players. The challenges are immense: the ESA's 7 billion euro budget is a third of NASA's, while its seven or eight launches a year are dwarfed by the 40 carried out by the United States. Aschbacher, who grew up staring at the stars above his parents' mountain farm in Austria, himself once applied to become an ESA astronaut when he was a student. But what was once a geeky, niche enthusiasm has now become mainstream, he said. This year's job ad attracted almost three times the 8,000 applications received a decade ago, and a quarter of them were women, up from just 15% before. The ESA has promised to develop technologies to ensure those with disabilities, like shortened legs, play a full part. And those astronauts will go beyond the International Space Station: some will deploy to the United States's planned Gateway station on the moon, while the ESA's member states are considering an invitation from Chinese and Russian space agencies to participate in their similar moonbase project. ESA this week signed an agreement with the European Union that will see the 27-nation bloc deepen ties with and increase its funding for the space agency. As part of the deal, the EU will invest almost 9 billion euros ($10.8 billion) between now and 2027 for ESA programs aimed at boosting economic growth, digitalisation, and environmental protection. While many ESA members are also part of the EU, some such as Britain are not. Among the future programs planned are one that will test the use of a satellite-based quantum encryption system for secure communications, and another to monitor space for potential hazardous debris. (With inputs from agencies)

European Space Agency to hire first differently abled astronaut, more women in step towards inclusivity

<p>A huge iceberg, the world's largest, has broken off from an ice shelf in Antarctica and is floating through the&nbsp;Weddell Sea, the European Space Agency said.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-1">The newly calved berg, designated A-76 by scientists, was spotted in recent satellite images captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-1 mission, the space agency said in a statement posted on its website with a photo of the enormous, oblong ice sheet.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-2">Its surface area spans 4,320 square km (1,668 square miles) and measures 175 km (106 miles) long by 25 km (15 miles) wide.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-2"><img alt="hb" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3ac92bee-65c6-40cd-b9b4-442812318c26" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2856%29_8.jpg" /></p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-2"><em>In picture:&nbsp;A view of the newly calved iceberg designated A-76 by scientists, the largest currently afloat in the world according to the European Space Agency (ESA), and captured by the ESA's Copernicus Sentinel-1 mission is seen in this handout| AFP</em></p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-3">By comparison, Spain's tourist island of Majorca in the Mediterranean occupies 3,640 square km (1,405 square miles). The US&nbsp;state of Rhode Island is smaller still, with a land mass of just 2,678 square km (1,034 square miles).</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-4">The enormity of A-76, which broke away from Antarctica's Ronne Ice Shelf, ranks as the largest existing iceberg on the planet, surpassing the now second-place A-23A, about 3,380 square km (1,305 square miles) in size and also floating in the Weddell Sea.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-5">Another massive Antarctic iceberg that had threatened a penguin-populated island off the southern tip of South America has since&nbsp;lost much of its mass and broken into pieces, scientists said earlier this year.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-6">A-76 was first detected by the British Antarctic Survey and confirmed by the Maryland-based US&nbsp;National Ice Center using imagery from Copernicus Sentinel-1, consisting of two polar-orbiting satellites.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-7">The Ronne Ice Shelf near the base of the Antarctic Peninsula is one of the largest of several enormous floating sheets of ice that connect to the continent's landmass and extend out into surrounding seas.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-8">Periodic calving of large chunks of those shelves is part of a natural cycle, and the breaking off of A-76, which is likely to split into two or three pieces soon, is not linked to climate change, said Ted Scambos, a research glaciologist at the University of Colorado at Boulder.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-9">Scambos said the Ronne and another vast ice shelf, the Ross, have "behaved in a stable, quasi-periodic fashion" over the past century or more. Because the ice was already floating in the sea before dislodging from the coast, its break-away does not raise ocean levels, he told Reuters by email.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-10">Some ice shelves along the Antarctic peninsula, farther from the South Pole, have undergone rapid disintegration in recent years, a phenomenon scientists believe may be related to global warming, according to the US&nbsp;National Snow &amp; Ice Data Center.</p>


A huge iceberg, the world's largest, has broken off from an ice shelf in Antarctica and is floating through the Weddell Sea, the European Space Agency said. The newly calved berg, designated A-76 by scientists, was spotted in recent satellite images captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-1 mission, the space agency said in a statement posted on its website with a photo of the enormous, oblong ice sheet.

A huge iceberg, the world's largest, has broken off from an ice shelf in Antarctica and is floating through the Weddell Sea, the European Space Agency said. The newly calved berg, designated A-76 by scientists, was spotted in recent satellite images captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-1 mission, the space agency said in a statement posted on its website with a photo of the enormous, oblong ice sheet. Its surface area spans 4,320 square km (1,668 square miles) and measures 175 km (106 miles) long by 25 km (15 miles) wide. In picture: A view of the newly calved iceberg designated A-76 by scientists, the largest currently afloat in the world according to the European Space Agency (ESA), and captured by the ESA's Copernicus Sentinel-1 mission is seen in this handout| AFP By comparison, Spain's tourist island of Majorca in the Mediterranean occupies 3,640 square km (1,405 square miles). The US state of Rhode Island is smaller still, with a land mass of just 2,678 square km (1,034 square miles). The enormity of A-76, which broke away from Antarctica's Ronne Ice Shelf, ranks as the largest existing iceberg on the planet, surpassing the now second-place A-23A, about 3,380 square km (1,305 square miles) in size and also floating in the Weddell Sea. Another massive Antarctic iceberg that had threatened a penguin-populated island off the southern tip of South America has since lost much of its mass and broken into pieces, scientists said earlier this year. A-76 was first detected by the British Antarctic Survey and confirmed by the Maryland-based US National Ice Center using imagery from Copernicus Sentinel-1, consisting of two polar-orbiting satellites. The Ronne Ice Shelf near the base of the Antarctic Peninsula is one of the largest of several enormous floating sheets of ice that connect to the continent's landmass and extend out into surrounding seas. Periodic calving of large chunks of those shelves is part of a natural cycle, and the breaking off of A-76, which is likely to split into two or three pieces soon, is not linked to climate change, said Ted Scambos, a research glaciologist at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Scambos said the Ronne and another vast ice shelf, the Ross, have "behaved in a stable, quasi-periodic fashion" over the past century or more. Because the ice was already floating in the sea before dislodging from the coast, its break-away does not raise ocean levels, he told Reuters by email. Some ice shelves along the Antarctic peninsula, farther from the South Pole, have undergone rapid disintegration in recent years, a phenomenon scientists believe may be related to global warming, according to the US National Snow & Ice Data Center.

World's largest iceberg breaks off Antarctica

The European Space Agency has begun a recruitment drive to select next generation astronauts. Individuals with a lower limb deficiency or who have restricted growth - circumstances that have always been a bar in the past

ESA begins recruitment drive for next gen astronauts

<p>A newly discovered comet was photographed flying past the sun during the solar eclipse&nbsp;witnessed by Chile and Argentina.</p>

<p>The comet called&nbsp;C/2020 X3&nbsp;was first spotted by Thai novice space expert Worachate Boonplod in satellite information on December 13, a day prior to the overshadowing, NASA said on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was participating in the NASA-supported Sungrazer Project — a resident science venture that welcomes anybody to look for new comets in pictures from the joint European Space Agency and NASA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, or SOHO.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/solar-eclipse-plunges-south-america-into-darkness-for-two-minutes-349881">Solar eclipse plunges South America into darkness for two minutes</a></strong></p>

<p>The comet, named C/2020 X3 (SOHO), is known as a Kreutz sungrazer, NASA said. This group of comets began from a huge parent comet that split up into more modest pieces well over 1,000 years back. The sungrazers keep on orbitting around the sun today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Boonplod realized the overshadowing was coming and was anxious to see whether his new comet revelation may show up in the sun's external environment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A satellite picture of the sun, shaded in red, shows a splendid bit of light circling the Sun. Around the time the overshadowing picture was taken, the comet was going at approximately 450,000 miles for every hour, about 2.7 million miles from the sun's surface, NASA said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The comet was around 50 feet (15 meters) in breadth — about the length of a semi-truck, NASA said. It at that point broke down to tidy particles because of serious solar radiation, a couple of hours prior to arriving at its nearest highlight the sun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Individuals in Chile and Argentina were blessed to receive the last absolute sunlight based shroud of 2020 last Monday. During an absolute sun powered shroud, the moon totally hinders the sun aside from the sun's external climate, called the crown, to make a lovely ring of light.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kreutz sungrazer comets are most ordinarily found in SOHO pictures. The space observatory's camera works by copying complete solar radiation shrouds: A strong circle shut out the generally blinding light of the sun, uncovering dimmer highlights in its external environment and other divine articles like comets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Until now, 4,108 comets have been found in SOHO pictures, with this comet being the 3,524th Kreutz sungrazer spotted, NASA said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To the extent is known, no comets have ever really been believed to hit the sun-based surface, or the photosphere, the European Space Agency said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Kreutz sungrazers get to inside around 31,000 miles (50,000 kilometers) of the surface, simply going through the lower locales of the sun oriented air (the crown). Most generally vanish in the hot sun based environment.</p>


A newly discovered comet was photographed flying past the sun during the solar eclipse witnessed by Chile and Argentina. The comet called C/2020 X3 was first spotted by Thai novice space expert Worachate Boonplod in satellite information on December 13, a day prior to the overshadowing, NASA said on Saturday.

A newly discovered comet was photographed flying past the sun during the solar eclipse witnessed by Chile and Argentina. The comet called C/2020 X3 was first spotted by Thai novice space expert Worachate Boonplod in satellite information on December 13, a day prior to the overshadowing, NASA said on Saturday. He was participating in the NASA-supported Sungrazer Project — a resident science venture that welcomes anybody to look for new comets in pictures from the joint European Space Agency and NASA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, or SOHO. Also see: Solar eclipse plunges South America into darkness for two minutes The comet, named C/2020 X3 (SOHO), is known as a Kreutz sungrazer, NASA said. This group of comets began from a huge parent comet that split up into more modest pieces well over 1,000 years back. The sungrazers keep on orbitting around the sun today. Boonplod realized the overshadowing was coming and was anxious to see whether his new comet revelation may show up in the sun's external environment. A satellite picture of the sun, shaded in red, shows a splendid bit of light circling the Sun. Around the time the overshadowing picture was taken, the comet was going at approximately 450,000 miles for every hour, about 2.7 million miles from the sun's surface, NASA said. The comet was around 50 feet (15 meters) in breadth — about the length of a semi-truck, NASA said. It at that point broke down to tidy particles because of serious solar radiation, a couple of hours prior to arriving at its nearest highlight the sun. Individuals in Chile and Argentina were blessed to receive the last absolute sunlight based shroud of 2020 last Monday. During an absolute sun powered shroud, the moon totally hinders the sun aside from the sun's external climate, called the crown, to make a lovely ring of light. Kreutz sungrazer comets are most ordinarily found in SOHO pictures. The space observatory's camera works by copying complete solar radiation shrouds: A strong circle shut out the generally blinding light of the sun, uncovering dimmer highlights in its external environment and other divine articles like comets. Until now, 4,108 comets have been found in SOHO pictures, with this comet being the 3,524th Kreutz sungrazer spotted, NASA said. To the extent is known, no comets have ever really been believed to hit the sun-based surface, or the photosphere, the European Space Agency said. The Kreutz sungrazers get to inside around 31,000 miles (50,000 kilometers) of the surface, simply going through the lower locales of the sun oriented air (the crown). Most generally vanish in the hot sun based environment.

Newly discovered comet captured flying past the sun during solar eclipse

<p>The claw that will clean space - no kidding!</p>

<p>Space clutter is now a hindrance in effective space exploration, and scientists are working on a quick fix. Over the last decade, new countries have entered the “Space war”, deploying satellites and technology of their own over time. However, this has clogged space, and filled it with debris.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to DailyMail, there are around 160 million pieces of space debris around planet Earth. These have been captured by our gravity, and circling around the planet at speeds of 18,000 miles per hour.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/nasa-seeking-explorers-for-mining-on-the-moon-all-nationalities-welcome-326795" hreflang="en">NASA seeking explorers for mining on the moon, all nationalities welcome</a></p>

<p>Additionally, out of these 160 million pieces, at least one million may be larger than 1 cm, posing risks of collision with satellites. Scientists worry that such debris is capable of setting a chain reaction of destruction, whereby a single damage to a single satellite could escalate into large scale global satellite technology damage.</p>

<p><b>Also read:&nbsp;</b><a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/scientists-recently-scanned-10-million-stars-for-alien-technology-what-did-they-find-326020">Scientists recently scanned 10 million stars for alien technology, what did they find?</a></p>

<p>What does this mean, you wonder? For starters, good bye GPS! In case our satellite connections are seriously severed, we will lose access to the map technology which has made navigating around the world easier. Additionally, mobile communication would be heavily disrupted, and weather forecasting interrupted.</p>

<p>2,800 satellites are currently orbiting earth. 3,000 dead satellites also orbit the Earth. Scientists and engineers have come up with a plan: A claw in space which will get hold of defunct satellites and push them back into the earth’s atmosphere. Once they enter the earth’s atmosphere, they will burn out.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/uk-is-planning-to-remove-debris-from-space-heres-why-every-country-should-be-doing-it-327976" hreflang="en">UK is planning to remove debris from space. Here's why every country should be doing it!</a></p>

<p>The European Space Agency came up with the plan in 2019, but now the agency is signing a contract with ClearSpace SA to kick start the mission called ClearSpace-1. The claw will first target VESPA (Vega Secondary Payload Adapter) which has been orbiting Earth since 2013.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ESA is expected to contribute €86 million to the mission cost, with the rest of the money expected to be raised by ClearSpace, which intends to venture into the business of junk removal. ClearSpace SA hopes to launch its first mission in 2025.</p>


The claw that will clean space - no kidding! Space clutter is now a hindrance in effective space exploration, and scientists are working on a quick fix. Over the last decade, new countries have entered the “Space war”, deploying satellites and technology of their own over time.

The claw that will clean space - no kidding! Space clutter is now a hindrance in effective space exploration, and scientists are working on a quick fix. Over the last decade, new countries have entered the “Space war”, deploying satellites and technology of their own over time. However, this has clogged space, and filled it with debris. According to DailyMail, there are around 160 million pieces of space debris around planet Earth. These have been captured by our gravity, and circling around the planet at speeds of 18,000 miles per hour. Also read: NASA seeking explorers for mining on the moon, all nationalities welcome Additionally, out of these 160 million pieces, at least one million may be larger than 1 cm, posing risks of collision with satellites. Scientists worry that such debris is capable of setting a chain reaction of destruction, whereby a single damage to a single satellite could escalate into large scale global satellite technology damage. Also read: Scientists recently scanned 10 million stars for alien technology, what did they find? What does this mean, you wonder? For starters, good bye GPS! In case our satellite connections are seriously severed, we will lose access to the map technology which has made navigating around the world easier. Additionally, mobile communication would be heavily disrupted, and weather forecasting interrupted. 2,800 satellites are currently orbiting earth. 3,000 dead satellites also orbit the Earth. Scientists and engineers have come up with a plan: A claw in space which will get hold of defunct satellites and push them back into the earth’s atmosphere. Once they enter the earth’s atmosphere, they will burn out. Also read: UK is planning to remove debris from space. Here's why every country should be doing it! The European Space Agency came up with the plan in 2019, but now the agency is signing a contract with ClearSpace SA to kick start the mission called ClearSpace-1. The claw will first target VESPA (Vega Secondary Payload Adapter) which has been orbiting Earth since 2013. The ESA is expected to contribute €86 million to the mission cost, with the rest of the money expected to be raised by ClearSpace, which intends to venture into the business of junk removal. ClearSpace SA hopes to launch its first mission in 2025.

European Space Agency has the perfect fix for space junk - a claw!

<p>The European space agency (ESA) signed a deal worth 129 million euros ($154 million) on Tuesday to make a spacecraft for a joint project with NASA looking at how to deflect an asteroid heading for Earth.</p>

<p>NASA is due to launch a spacecraft in June 2021 set on a collision course with the Dimorphos asteroid to test whether it would be possible to nudge objects that might be threatening Earth onto a safer path.</p>

<p>ESA will then launch its spacecraft - named Hera after the Greek goddess of marriage - in October 2024 to map the resulting impact crater and measure the asteroid’s mass, reaching the area in late 2026 for a six-month survey.</p>

<p>The mission is reminiscent of the 1998 film Armageddon, in which actor Bruce Willis plays a member of a team sent to destroy an asteroid to save Earth.</p>

<p>“We want to try for the first time to steer an asteroid on its potential collision course with Earth,” ESA director Rolf Densing told Reuters television.</p>

<p>Dimorphos has a diameter of 160 metres, about the width of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, which ESA said was big enough to destroy an entire city if it were to hit Earth.</p>

<p>Hera, set to be only the size of a desk, should navigate autonomously around the asteroid while it collects data. It will also launch mini satellites - 10 cm cubes which will be able to fly much closer to the asteroid’s surface.</p>

<p>Marco Fuchs, chief executive of German space and technology group OHB that will develop the Hera craft, said trying to divert an asteroid was like “playing billiards” and noted the challenge of steering towards such a small celestial body.</p>

<p>“You have to steer very precisely, you have to find it first and then approach it in such a way that you can really observe what has happened as a result of the impact of the American probe,” he said.</p>


The European space agency (ESA) signed a deal worth 129 million euros ($154 million) on Tuesday to make a spacecraft for a joint project with NASA looking at how to deflect an asteroid heading for Earth.

The European space agency (ESA) signed a deal worth 129 million euros ($154 million) on Tuesday to make a spacecraft for a joint project with NASA looking at how to deflect an asteroid heading for Earth. NASA is due to launch a spacecraft in June 2021 set on a collision course with the Dimorphos asteroid to test whether it would be possible to nudge objects that might be threatening Earth onto a safer path. ESA will then launch its spacecraft - named Hera after the Greek goddess of marriage - in October 2024 to map the resulting impact crater and measure the asteroid’s mass, reaching the area in late 2026 for a six-month survey. The mission is reminiscent of the 1998 film Armageddon, in which actor Bruce Willis plays a member of a team sent to destroy an asteroid to save Earth. “We want to try for the first time to steer an asteroid on its potential collision course with Earth,” ESA director Rolf Densing told Reuters television. Dimorphos has a diameter of 160 metres, about the width of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, which ESA said was big enough to destroy an entire city if it were to hit Earth. Hera, set to be only the size of a desk, should navigate autonomously around the asteroid while it collects data. It will also launch mini satellites - 10 cm cubes which will be able to fly much closer to the asteroid’s surface. Marco Fuchs, chief executive of German space and technology group OHB that will develop the Hera craft, said trying to divert an asteroid was like “playing billiards” and noted the challenge of steering towards such a small celestial body. “You have to steer very precisely, you have to find it first and then approach it in such a way that you can really observe what has happened as a result of the impact of the American probe,” he said.

European space agency signs deal for asteroid defence mission

The European Space Agency has collaborated with NASA to launch a mission to study the sun. This historic mission will be the first attempt to capture photographs of the sun's poles.

NASA-ESA joint Solar Mission | Sandeep Ramanath | ESA Solar Orbiter Mission | Explains

Gravitas: A historic mission to the sun

NASA-EPA joint Solar Mission | Sandeep Ramanath | Member | EUSA Solar Orbiter Mission | Explains

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