<p>A “toxic” smell detected on the International Space Station (ISS) by Russian cosmonauts led to emergency measures by the astronauts aboard led by Commander Sunita Williams. The incident was reported while opening the Progress MS-29 cargo spacecraft.</p>

<p>The strange odour was detected shortly after the docking of the spacecraft at the Poisk Module of the ISS. When the hatch was opened, cosmonauts noticed an unusual smell and small droplets, raising alarm for the astronauts onboard. The crew resorted to prompt actions: immediately closing the hatch and isolating the affected area.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/next-stop-for-curiosity-rover-spiderwebs-on-martian-mountain-779320">Next stop for Curiosity rover? 'Spiderwebs' on Martian mountain</a></strong></p>

<p>Air-scrubbing systems were activated by NASA and Roscosmos to purify the atmosphere inside the space station. While the US segment deployed the Trace Contaminant Control Subassembly (TCCS), additional purification technologies were used by the Russian segment.</p>

<p>The atmosphere inside the ISS returned to normal by November 24. The NASA flight controllers confirmed, “There are no safety concerns for the crew, and all operations are proceeding as planned.”</p>

<p>While the issue was resolved, it is unclear whether the toxic smell came from the Progress spacecraft or the vestibule that connects it to the ISS. The investigation is going on, exploring both possibilities.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-is-inside-the-moons-inner-core-heres-what-scientists-revealed-778745">What is inside the moon’s inner core? Here’s what scientists revealed</a></strong></p>

<p>The Progress MS-29 spacecraft was carrying supplies, including food and fuel, to the ISS. Launched on November 21 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, it is scheduled to return to Earth after six months with the waste materials.</p>

<p>NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have been stranded on the space station since June this year due to the technical difficulties they faced with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Their rescue mission is expected to be scheduled in February 2025 via a SpaceX Dragon ship.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A “toxic” smell detected on the International Space Station (ISS) by Russian cosmonauts led to emergency measures by the astronauts aboard led by Commander Sunita Williams.

A “toxic” smell detected on the International Space Station (ISS) by Russian cosmonauts led to emergency measures by the astronauts aboard led by Commander Sunita Williams. The incident was reported while opening the Progress MS-29 cargo spacecraft. The strange odour was detected shortly after the docking of the spacecraft at the Poisk Module of the ISS. When the hatch was opened, cosmonauts noticed an unusual smell and small droplets, raising alarm for the astronauts onboard. The crew resorted to prompt actions: immediately closing the hatch and isolating the affected area. Also read | Next stop for Curiosity rover? 'Spiderwebs' on Martian mountain Air-scrubbing systems were activated by NASA and Roscosmos to purify the atmosphere inside the space station. While the US segment deployed the Trace Contaminant Control Subassembly (TCCS), additional purification technologies were used by the Russian segment. The atmosphere inside the ISS returned to normal by November 24. The NASA flight controllers confirmed, “There are no safety concerns for the crew, and all operations are proceeding as planned.” While the issue was resolved, it is unclear whether the toxic smell came from the Progress spacecraft or the vestibule that connects it to the ISS. The investigation is going on, exploring both possibilities. Also read | What is inside the moon’s inner core? Here’s what scientists revealed The Progress MS-29 spacecraft was carrying supplies, including food and fuel, to the ISS. Launched on November 21 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, it is scheduled to return to Earth after six months with the waste materials. NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have been stranded on the space station since June this year due to the technical difficulties they faced with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Their rescue mission is expected to be scheduled in February 2025 via a SpaceX Dragon ship. (With inputs from agencies)

Sunita Williams-led team encounters toxic smell at ISS, here's how the astronauts responded

<p>The two astronauts stuck at the International Space Station since June welcomed the SpaceX capsule crew, NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, with whom they will return home next year.</p>

<p>The two-crew rescue mission launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Saturday reserved two more seats for Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore. The SpaceX Crew Dragon docked at the ISS on Sunday. Hague and Gorbunov are to remain on the space station until February.</p>

<p>Originally, the Crew-9 flight was to have a four-person crew, but two astronauts were removed to accommodate Williams and Wilmore, who were stranded after Boeing Starliner experienced technical difficulties.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/the-international-space-station-has-been-leaking-for-five-years-nasa-calls-it-highest-level-risk-763145">The International Space Station has been leaking for five years. NASA calls it 'highest-level risk'</a></strong></p>

<p>During the Starliner's first test flight, the spacecraft had helium leaks and thruster failure, making it unsafe for the crew to return in it. It was then sent back to Earth unmanned earlier this month.</p>

<p>“I just want to say welcome to our new compadres,” Williams, the space station commander, said as Hague and Gorbunov entered and were embraced by the nine astronauts aboard the space station.</p>

<p>“Coming through the hatch and seeing all the smiles, and as much as I’ve laughed and cried in the last 10 minutes, I know it’s going to be an amazing expedition,” said Hague.</p>

<p>He added the flight was smooth.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacex-to-send-5-uncrewed-starships-to-mars-in-2-years-claims-elon-musk-761072">SpaceX to send 5 uncrewed Starships to Mars in 2 years, claims Elon Musk</a></strong></p>

<p>The crew on the space station is replaced around every six months. SpaceX has been providing the taxi for astronauts ever since 2020. While NASA also hired Boeing to carry crew to the space station, software issues and Starliner failures have resulted in over a billion dollars of repairs and years of delay.</p>

<h2>Stranded astronauts to return next year</h2>

<p>The SpaceX capsule is set to return around February next year with Wilmore and Williams on board. The duo’s test flight was supposed to last about a week but has stranded them at the space station for nearly four months now.</p>

<p>“We always miss our families. I miss my two dogs; I miss my friends,” Williams said earlier this month. “There are so many people on Earth that are sending us messages, and it makes you feel just right at home with everybody.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The two astronauts stuck at the International Space Station since June welcomed the SpaceX capsule crew, NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, with whom they will return home next year.

The two astronauts stuck at the International Space Station since June welcomed the SpaceX capsule crew, NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, with whom they will return home next year. The two-crew rescue mission launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Saturday reserved two more seats for Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore. The SpaceX Crew Dragon docked at the ISS on Sunday. Hague and Gorbunov are to remain on the space station until February. Originally, the Crew-9 flight was to have a four-person crew, but two astronauts were removed to accommodate Williams and Wilmore, who were stranded after Boeing Starliner experienced technical difficulties. Also read | The International Space Station has been leaking for five years. NASA calls it 'highest-level risk' During the Starliner's first test flight, the spacecraft had helium leaks and thruster failure, making it unsafe for the crew to return in it. It was then sent back to Earth unmanned earlier this month. “I just want to say welcome to our new compadres,” Williams, the space station commander, said as Hague and Gorbunov entered and were embraced by the nine astronauts aboard the space station. “Coming through the hatch and seeing all the smiles, and as much as I’ve laughed and cried in the last 10 minutes, I know it’s going to be an amazing expedition,” said Hague. He added the flight was smooth. Also read | SpaceX to send 5 uncrewed Starships to Mars in 2 years, claims Elon Musk The crew on the space station is replaced around every six months. SpaceX has been providing the taxi for astronauts ever since 2020. While NASA also hired Boeing to carry crew to the space station, software issues and Starliner failures have resulted in over a billion dollars of repairs and years of delay. Stranded astronauts to return next year The SpaceX capsule is set to return around February next year with Wilmore and Williams on board. The duo’s test flight was supposed to last about a week but has stranded them at the space station for nearly four months now. “We always miss our families. I miss my two dogs; I miss my friends,” Williams said earlier this month. “There are so many people on Earth that are sending us messages, and it makes you feel just right at home with everybody.” (With inputs from agencies)

Stranded astronauts welcome aboard SpaceX rescue crew at space station

<p>Scientists at NASA have been battling a "highest-level risk" at the International Space Station which has been leaking for five years with no solution to the problem found yet.</p>

<p>In a new report, NASA's space officials - who have been given the responsibility of managing the International Space Station - have expressed their concern regarding a small Russian part of the station which is a tunnel connecting a larger module to a docking port and is leaking.</p>

<h2><strong>All about the leakage at ISS</strong></h2>

<p>The US and Russian officials have been aware of the condition of this small PrK module - which is present between the Progress spacecraft airlock and the&nbsp;Zvezda module - and has been facing a leakage since September 2019.</p>

<p>In the new report, which was published by NASA's inspector general, new details were provided regarding the severity of the problem in the space agency.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacex-to-launch-mission-crew-9-to-bring-stranded-starliner-astronauts-home-762832">SpaceX launches mission Crew-9 to bring stranded Starliner astronauts home</a></p>

<p>In February, NASA had observed that the leak rate had increased from less than 1 pound of atmosphere a day to 2.4 pounds a day and in April, the rate reached 3.7 pounds a day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cause of the leak has not been identified by either Russian or US officials even after years of investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Although the root cause of the leak remains unknown, both agencies have narrowed their focus to internal and external welds," stated the report, which was signed by Deputy Inspector General George A. Scott.</p>

<h2><strong>Here's how NASA officials plan to handle the leakage</strong></h2>

<p>NASA officials have planned to mitigate the risk by keeping the hatch - which is present on the&nbsp;Zvezda module - closed.</p>

<p>However, if the leakage worsens, they may consider permanently closing the hatch.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;NASA astronaut stuck in space reports ‘strange noises’ coming from Starliner capsule</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-astronaut-stuck-in-space-reports-strange-noises-coming-from-starliner-capsule-755353/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>However, Ars Technica reported in June that leakage has reached the highest level of concern.</p>

<p>"In May and June 2024, ISS Program and Roscosmos officials met to discuss heightened concerns with the increased leak rate," stated the report of the inspector general.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The ISS Program subsequently elevated the Service Module Transfer Tunnel leak risk to the highest level of risk in its risk management system. According to NASA, Roscosmos is confident they will be able to monitor and close the hatch to the Service Module prior to the leak rate reaching an untenable level. However, NASA and Roscosmos have not reached an agreement on the point at which the leak rate is untenable," it added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Scientists at NASA have been battling a "highest-level risk" at the International Space Station which has been leaking for five years with no solution to the problem found yet.

Scientists at NASA have been battling a "highest-level risk" at the International Space Station which has been leaking for five years with no solution to the problem found yet. In a new report, NASA's space officials - who have been given the responsibility of managing the International Space Station - have expressed their concern regarding a small Russian part of the station which is a tunnel connecting a larger module to a docking port and is leaking. All about the leakage at ISS The US and Russian officials have been aware of the condition of this small PrK module - which is present between the Progress spacecraft airlock and the Zvezda module - and has been facing a leakage since September 2019. In the new report, which was published by NASA's inspector general, new details were provided regarding the severity of the problem in the space agency. Also Read: SpaceX launches mission Crew-9 to bring stranded Starliner astronauts home In February, NASA had observed that the leak rate had increased from less than 1 pound of atmosphere a day to 2.4 pounds a day and in April, the rate reached 3.7 pounds a day. The cause of the leak has not been identified by either Russian or US officials even after years of investigation. "Although the root cause of the leak remains unknown, both agencies have narrowed their focus to internal and external welds," stated the report, which was signed by Deputy Inspector General George A. Scott. Here's how NASA officials plan to handle the leakage NASA officials have planned to mitigate the risk by keeping the hatch - which is present on the Zvezda module - closed. However, if the leakage worsens, they may consider permanently closing the hatch. Watch: NASA astronaut stuck in space reports ‘strange noises’ coming from Starliner capsule However, Ars Technica reported in June that leakage has reached the highest level of concern. "In May and June 2024, ISS Program and Roscosmos officials met to discuss heightened concerns with the increased leak rate," stated the report of the inspector general. "The ISS Program subsequently elevated the Service Module Transfer Tunnel leak risk to the highest level of risk in its risk management system. According to NASA, Roscosmos is confident they will be able to monitor and close the hatch to the Service Module prior to the leak rate reaching an untenable level. However, NASA and Roscosmos have not reached an agreement on the point at which the leak rate is untenable," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

The International Space Station has been leaking for five years. NASA calls it 'highest-level risk'

At least 99 people have died in severe floods and landslides caused by continuous rain in Nepal. The ongoing downpour across Nepal has led to this disaster, claiming many lives. In addition, many people remain missing.

SpaceX Falcon 9 To Bring Back Williams and Wilmore From International Space Station

<p>Two Russian cosmonauts landed back on Earth on Monday after a record-breaking stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS).</p>

<p>Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub spent 374 days in low-Earth orbit at the ISS, the longest time anybody has ever stayed on the station in a continuous stint.</p>

<p>During his stay, Kononenko, 60, also set a new record for the longest cumulative time any person has spent in space -- passing the three-year mark with a total of 1,111 days across five trips.</p>

<p>American astronaut Tracy Dyson, who took off for the station in March, also returned to Earth.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronaut-who-spent-178-days-in-space-says-humanity-is-living-a-big-lie-755822"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Astronaut who spent 178 days in space says humanity is living 'a big lie'</strong></a></p>

<p>The Soyuz MS-25 capsule carrying the three landed in the vast steppe of Kazakhstan at 16:59 local time (1159 GMT), an official broadcast of the landing showed.</p>

<p>The absolute record for the longest unbroken time any human has spent in space belongs to Russia's Valeri Polyakov, who spent 438 days on the Mir space station in 1994-95.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Russian Soyuz capsule lands in Kazakhstan, bringing back two Russian cosmonauts and a US astronaut from the International Space Station (ISS)<br />
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<p>Russia has vowed to quit the ISS, which it says has outlived its purpose, and is planning to launch its own independent space station, though those plans have been beset by delays.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;NASA resupply mission docks at International Space Station</strong></p>

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<p>Russia's Roscosmos state space agency is seeking new partnerships with countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.</p>

<p>In a rare form of cooperation between Washington and Moscow amid tensions over Ukraine, US and Russian astronauts jointly stay aboard the ISS and Russian Soyuz craft ferry them to and from the station.</p>

<p>The ISS spans the size of a football field and orbits some 250 miles (400 kilometres) above the Earth.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


Two Russian cosmonauts landed back on Earth on Monday after a record-breaking stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub spent 374 days in low-Earth orbit at the ISS, the longest time anybody has ever stayed on the station in a continuous stint.

Two Russian cosmonauts landed back on Earth on Monday after a record-breaking stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub spent 374 days in low-Earth orbit at the ISS, the longest time anybody has ever stayed on the station in a continuous stint. During his stay, Kononenko, 60, also set a new record for the longest cumulative time any person has spent in space -- passing the three-year mark with a total of 1,111 days across five trips. American astronaut Tracy Dyson, who took off for the station in March, also returned to Earth. Also read: Astronaut who spent 178 days in space says humanity is living 'a big lie' The Soyuz MS-25 capsule carrying the three landed in the vast steppe of Kazakhstan at 16:59 local time (1159 GMT), an official broadcast of the landing showed. The absolute record for the longest unbroken time any human has spent in space belongs to Russia's Valeri Polyakov, who spent 438 days on the Mir space station in 1994-95. Russian Soyuz capsule lands in Kazakhstan, bringing back two Russian cosmonauts and a US astronaut from the International Space Station (ISS) . . . . .#Russia #Cosmonaut #Astronaut #Kazakhstan #ISS #InternationalSpaceStation #WIONUncut pic.twitter.com/t2isLkBIQ1 — WION (@WIONews) September 23, 2024 × Russia has vowed to quit the ISS, which it says has outlived its purpose, and is planning to launch its own independent space station, though those plans have been beset by delays. Watch | NASA resupply mission docks at International Space Station × Russia's Roscosmos state space agency is seeking new partnerships with countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. In a rare form of cooperation between Washington and Moscow amid tensions over Ukraine, US and Russian astronauts jointly stay aboard the ISS and Russian Soyuz craft ferry them to and from the station. The ISS spans the size of a football field and orbits some 250 miles (400 kilometres) above the Earth. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Russian capsule Soyuz carrying 2 Russians, one American returns to Earth from space station

<p>International Space Station has shared a set of stunning photos and videos showing how Auroras on Earth lit up the surface of the Moon in a riot of colours.</p>

<p>The photos and videos were shared by NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick.</p>

<p>"The aurora have been amazing the past few days. Great timing for trying out a new lens," Dominick said in a post on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His photos showed the Moon's surface lit up in stunning shades of red and green with the Soyuz Spacecraft in the foreground.</p>

<p>Also Read: <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-spacex-to-turn-450-ton-iss-into-a-fireball-and-crash-it-into-ocean-heres-how-it-will-impact-earth-742207">NASA, SpaceX to turn 450-ton ISS into a fireball and crash it into ocean. Here's how it will impact Earth</a></strong><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The moon makes it way towards the horizon to set amongst red and green aurora . . . I was setup in a different window and saw this through another window. I made a quick camera, camera mount, and shroud teardown and setup. Felt so lucky to grab this shot," Dominick shared on X.</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Timelapse of the moon setting into streams of red and green aurora followed by a sunrise lighting up Soyuz with a light blue.<br />
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The aurora have been amazing the past few days. Great timing for trying out a new lens that recently arrived on Cygnus.<br />
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15mm, T1.8, 1/3s exposure,… <a href="https://t.co/otFv5pZ6vd">pic.twitter.com/otFv5pZ6vd</a></p>
— Matthew Dominick (@dominickmatthew) <a href="https://twitter.com/dominickmatthew/status/1823081465753825718?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The moon makes it way towards the horizon to set amongst red and green aurora . . . I was setup in a different window and saw this through another window. I made a quick camera, camera mount, and shroud teardown and setup. Felt so lucky to grab this shot.<br />
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15mm, T1.8, 1s, ISO… <a href="https://t.co/Z3TYlFhgNo">pic.twitter.com/Z3TYlFhgNo</a></p>
— Matthew Dominick (@dominickmatthew) <a href="https://twitter.com/dominickmatthew/status/1822779754455417238?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
<strong>Watch:&nbsp;Indian astronauts to train at NASA from August</strong><br />
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<p>Dominick shared that the ISS received a cargo shipment earlier this week "with lots of cool stuff to include some new camera lenses."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-first-nasa-streams-4k-video-footage-from-aircraft-to-iss-and-back-744193"><strong>In a first, NASA streams 4K video footage from aircraft to ISS and back</strong></a></p>

<p>"Spent a good part of the weekend with a 15mm, T1.8 lens. Made a whole bunch of timelapses. Still looking though 1000s of frames, lots of which have aurora but the milky way in this one stood out," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>What are Auroras?</strong></h2>

<p>Auroras are a space phonomenon&nbsp;that happen when charged particles from the Sun interact with gas molecules in Earth's atmosphere and emit light.</p>

<p>This creates a visual spectacle in the skys in several parts of the earth, mainly with red and green colours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There have been several auroras in the past few days.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


International Space Station has shared a set of stunning photos and videos showing how Auroras on Earth lit up the surface of the Moon in a riot of colours. The photos and videos were shared by NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick.

International Space Station has shared a set of stunning photos and videos showing how Auroras on Earth lit up the surface of the Moon in a riot of colours. The photos and videos were shared by NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick. "The aurora have been amazing the past few days. Great timing for trying out a new lens," Dominick said in a post on X. His photos showed the Moon's surface lit up in stunning shades of red and green with the Soyuz Spacecraft in the foreground. Also Read: NASA, SpaceX to turn 450-ton ISS into a fireball and crash it into ocean. Here's how it will impact Earth "The moon makes it way towards the horizon to set amongst red and green aurora . . . I was setup in a different window and saw this through another window. I made a quick camera, camera mount, and shroud teardown and setup. Felt so lucky to grab this shot," Dominick shared on X. Watch the video here: Timelapse of the moon setting into streams of red and green aurora followed by a sunrise lighting up Soyuz with a light blue. The aurora have been amazing the past few days. Great timing for trying out a new lens that recently arrived on Cygnus. 15mm, T1.8, 1/3s exposure,… pic.twitter.com/otFv5pZ6vd — Matthew Dominick (@dominickmatthew) August 12, 2024 × The moon makes it way towards the horizon to set amongst red and green aurora . . . I was setup in a different window and saw this through another window. I made a quick camera, camera mount, and shroud teardown and setup. Felt so lucky to grab this shot. 15mm, T1.8, 1s, ISO… pic.twitter.com/Z3TYlFhgNo — Matthew Dominick (@dominickmatthew) August 11, 2024 × Watch: Indian astronauts to train at NASA from August × Dominick shared that the ISS received a cargo shipment earlier this week "with lots of cool stuff to include some new camera lenses." Also Read: In a first, NASA streams 4K video footage from aircraft to ISS and back "Spent a good part of the weekend with a 15mm, T1.8 lens. Made a whole bunch of timelapses. Still looking though 1000s of frames, lots of which have aurora but the milky way in this one stood out," he said. What are Auroras? Auroras are a space phonomenon that happen when charged particles from the Sun interact with gas molecules in Earth's atmosphere and emit light. This creates a visual spectacle in the skys in several parts of the earth, mainly with red and green colours. There have been several auroras in the past few days. (With inputs from agencies)

Auroras on Earth light up Moon surface in stunning photos captured from International Space Station - Watch

<p>NASA has announced a delay in the launch of SpaceX's Crew-9 mission, which was to carry four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). The same vehicle could also serve as a backup for Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore after they got stuck in space due to issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft.</p>

<p>This “allows more time for mission managers to finalize return planning” for the Boeing spacecraft and its crew, said the space agency in a statement. A press conference regarding the change will be hosted on Wednesday at 12:30 pm ET.</p>

<p>This statement by NASA has given rise to rumours surrounding the fate of Boeing's Starliner, which is stuck at ISS for two months along with the two crewmembers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-is-running-on-a-critical-19-day-deadline-to-bring-sunita-williams-from-space-heres-why-747068">NASA is running on critical 19-day deadline to bring Sunita Williams from space. Here's why</a></strong></p>

<p>In July, NASA suggested that the SpaceX Crew-9 mission could take off as early as August 18, after Williams and Wilmore returned to Earth via Starliner. But now, NASA has confirmed that the SpaceX Crew 9 mission won't takeoff before September 24, keeping them both in space for almost another eight weeks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The engineers have conducted rigorous tests to pin down the root cause of the trouble that Starliner faced in June during its test flight, Boeing said on July 25. The spacecraft experienced helium leaks and five thrusters suddenly stopped functioning during the flight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The purpose of conducting tests is to determine whether Starliner could bring its crew back home. But the efforts seem to be halted now.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-astronauts-group-captain-shukla-nair-chosen-to-train-at-nasa-746660">Indian astronauts Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, Prashant Nair chosen to train at NASA</a></strong></p>

<p>On July 26, NASA stated that a “flight readiness review” for the spacecraft is expected to start in early August. However, the space agency confirmed to CNN that it has not begun yet as the return date of Starliner is uncertain.</p>

<p>NASA’s acting press secretary, Meira Bernstein, has said that the final decision of when Williams and Wilmore return home lies in the hands of administrator, Bill Nelson.</p>

<p>“His top priority, as always, is the safety of the crew,” Bernstein said.</p>

<p>Boeing has maintained their confidence in Starliner bringing home its crew, according to their August 2 statement. NASA has also indicated that tapping SpaceX for the mission is a contingency but not the desired plan.</p>

<p>Williams and Wilmore have been at the space station for 61 days since their docking on June 6.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA has announced a delay in the launch of SpaceX's Crew-9 mission, which was to carry four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). The same vehicle could also serve as a backup for Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore after they got stuck in space due to issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft.

NASA has announced a delay in the launch of SpaceX's Crew-9 mission, which was to carry four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). The same vehicle could also serve as a backup for Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore after they got stuck in space due to issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. This “allows more time for mission managers to finalize return planning” for the Boeing spacecraft and its crew, said the space agency in a statement. A press conference regarding the change will be hosted on Wednesday at 12:30 pm ET. This statement by NASA has given rise to rumours surrounding the fate of Boeing's Starliner, which is stuck at ISS for two months along with the two crewmembers. Also read | NASA is running on critical 19-day deadline to bring Sunita Williams from space. Here's why In July, NASA suggested that the SpaceX Crew-9 mission could take off as early as August 18, after Williams and Wilmore returned to Earth via Starliner. But now, NASA has confirmed that the SpaceX Crew 9 mission won't takeoff before September 24, keeping them both in space for almost another eight weeks. The engineers have conducted rigorous tests to pin down the root cause of the trouble that Starliner faced in June during its test flight, Boeing said on July 25. The spacecraft experienced helium leaks and five thrusters suddenly stopped functioning during the flight. The purpose of conducting tests is to determine whether Starliner could bring its crew back home. But the efforts seem to be halted now. Also read | Indian astronauts Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, Prashant Nair chosen to train at NASA On July 26, NASA stated that a “flight readiness review” for the spacecraft is expected to start in early August. However, the space agency confirmed to CNN that it has not begun yet as the return date of Starliner is uncertain. NASA’s acting press secretary, Meira Bernstein, has said that the final decision of when Williams and Wilmore return home lies in the hands of administrator, Bill Nelson. “His top priority, as always, is the safety of the crew,” Bernstein said. Boeing has maintained their confidence in Starliner bringing home its crew, according to their August 2 statement. NASA has also indicated that tapping SpaceX for the mission is a contingency but not the desired plan. Williams and Wilmore have been at the space station for 61 days since their docking on June 6. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA delays SpaceX Crew-9 mission as rumours about Boeing Starliner's safety emerge

India has shortlisted two astronaut-designates to the International Space Station for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission. Indian astronauts Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair have been shortlisted to go to the U.S. to train for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

Indian astronaut-designates to fly to International Space Station

Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams and her colleague Butch Wilmore find themselves in an indefinite stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS) after a 10-day mission turned into a prolonged ordeal. Watch in for more details!

Stuck in space for 52 days, no way home for astronauts; Helium leaks delaying return

<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said that a team at its Glenn Research Center in Cleveland streamed 4K video footage from an aircraft to the International Space Station (ISS) and back for the first time using optical (or laser) communications.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The team carried out the experiment as part of a series of tests on new technology. The scientists hope that this technology could provide live video coverage of astronauts on the Moon during the Artemis missions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA has sent data to and from orbit via radio waves in the past also. Notably, laser communications can transfer 10–100 times more data more quickly by using infrared light compared to radio frequency systems.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/rock-varnish-from-indias-ladakh-may-help-find-habitable-environments-in-space-744147">Rock varnish from India’s Ladakh may help find habitable environments in space</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>For the test, the scientists worked with the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA's Small Business Innovation Research programme. They temporarily installed a portable laser terminal on the belly of a Pilatus PC-12 aircraft.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They then flew over Lake Erie sending data from the aircraft to an optical ground station in Cleveland and it was then sent over an Earth-based network to White Sands Test Facility in Las Cruces, New Mexico.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The scientists at NASA's facility in New Mexico used infrared light signals to send the data. The space agency stated that the signals travelled 22,000 miles away from Earth to its Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD), which is an orbiting experimental platform.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/james-webb-spots-super-jupiter-and-it-is-one-of-the-coldest-exoplanets-observed-to-date-743898">James Webb spots 'super Jupiter' and it is one of the coldest exoplanets observed to date</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The signal was then relayed by the LCRD to the ILLUMA-T (Integrated LCRD LEO User Modem and Amplifier Terminal) payload mounted on the orbiting laboratory. In the end, ILLUMA-T sent the data back to Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr Daniel Raible, who is a principal investigator for the HDTN project at Glenn, said, "These experiments are a tremendous accomplishment. We can now build upon the success of streaming 4K HD videos to and from the space station to provide future capabilities, like HD videoconferencing, for our Artemis astronauts, which will be important for crew health and activity coordination."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Mysterious dark oxygen found on ocean floor</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Missy Elliott's song sent into deep space</strong></h2>

<p>For the first time, NASA recently transmitted the lyrics of popular Missy Elliot's song "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" to Venus, which is about 158 million miles (254 million kilometres) away. The lyrics were beamed using DSN (Deep Space Network).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The space agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California sent the transmission at 10:05 am PDT on July 12.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2008, NASA beamed The Beatles song "Across the Universe" into space. Elliott's 1997 debut single became the first hip-hop song sent to deep space.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said that a team at its Glenn Research Center in Cleveland streamed 4K video footage from an aircraft to the International Space Station (ISS) and back for the first time using optical (or laser) communications.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said that a team at its Glenn Research Center in Cleveland streamed 4K video footage from an aircraft to the International Space Station (ISS) and back for the first time using optical (or laser) communications. The team carried out the experiment as part of a series of tests on new technology. The scientists hope that this technology could provide live video coverage of astronauts on the Moon during the Artemis missions. NASA has sent data to and from orbit via radio waves in the past also. Notably, laser communications can transfer 10–100 times more data more quickly by using infrared light compared to radio frequency systems. Also read: Rock varnish from India’s Ladakh may help find habitable environments in space For the test, the scientists worked with the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA's Small Business Innovation Research programme. They temporarily installed a portable laser terminal on the belly of a Pilatus PC-12 aircraft. They then flew over Lake Erie sending data from the aircraft to an optical ground station in Cleveland and it was then sent over an Earth-based network to White Sands Test Facility in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The scientists at NASA's facility in New Mexico used infrared light signals to send the data. The space agency stated that the signals travelled 22,000 miles away from Earth to its Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD), which is an orbiting experimental platform. Also read: James Webb spots 'super Jupiter' and it is one of the coldest exoplanets observed to date The signal was then relayed by the LCRD to the ILLUMA-T (Integrated LCRD LEO User Modem and Amplifier Terminal) payload mounted on the orbiting laboratory. In the end, ILLUMA-T sent the data back to Earth. Dr Daniel Raible, who is a principal investigator for the HDTN project at Glenn, said, "These experiments are a tremendous accomplishment. We can now build upon the success of streaming 4K HD videos to and from the space station to provide future capabilities, like HD videoconferencing, for our Artemis astronauts, which will be important for crew health and activity coordination." Watch: Gravitas: Mysterious dark oxygen found on ocean floor × Missy Elliott's song sent into deep space For the first time, NASA recently transmitted the lyrics of popular Missy Elliot's song "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" to Venus, which is about 158 million miles (254 million kilometres) away. The lyrics were beamed using DSN (Deep Space Network). The space agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California sent the transmission at 10:05 am PDT on July 12. In 2008, NASA beamed The Beatles song "Across the Universe" into space. Elliott's 1997 debut single became the first hip-hop song sent to deep space. (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, NASA streams 4K video footage from aircraft to ISS and back

<p>NASA and Elon Musk's SpaceX have joined hands in the mission to blast 450 tonnes of International Space Station (ISS) and finally push it inside an ocean grave.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ISS has served as the perfect abode for the astronauts in space in the last 23 years. NASA announced in June that SpaceX would be paid $843 million for helping them in decommissioning the ISS.</p>

<p>Now on Wednesday (July 17), the detailed plan for pushing the ISS into the ocean was shared by NASA and SpaceX.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/strictly-speaking-earth-is-not-revolving-around-the-sun-currently-heres-what-it-means-740359">Strictly speaking, Earth is not revolving around the Sun currently. Here's what it means</a></p>

<p>The plan involved an extra-large and superpowered Dragon spaceship&nbsp;which will push the space station outside its orbit and turn it into a fiery plummet which will eventually crash in a remote ocean grave, most likely by 2031.</p>

<h2><strong>How SpaceX's Dragon spaceships are preparing for blast?</strong></h2>

<p>Currently, SpaceX's Dragon spaceships have been shuttling NASA astronauts&nbsp;and cargo, which are extremely light, to and from the space station.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is the reason why SpaceX has been supercharging one of its Dragons to blast the space station.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">With 6x more propellant and 4x the power of today’s Dragon spacecraft, SpaceX was selected to design and develop the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle for a precise, controlled deorbit of the <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a> <a href="https://t.co/GgtuplTwqQ">https://t.co/GgtuplTwqQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/E23sS7CE4U">pic.twitter.com/E23sS7CE4U</a></p>
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1813632705281818671?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to the plan, one of the existing Cargo Dragon will be fitted with a new high-powered trunk by SpaceX and will be supercharged with 46 Draco engines.</p>

<p>The resulting "deorbit vehicle" will be nearly twice as long as any common Dragon ship and will be six times more propellant for producing four times the power.</p>

<p>SpaceX's director of Dragon mission management Sarah Walker said that the mission's most complex part is the final burn which will push the ISS towards its final descent.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Discover the impact of AI on the scientific operations of NASA's Mars Rover</strong></p>

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<p>"This burn must be powerful enough to fly the entire space station, all the while resisting the torques and forces caused by increasing atmospheric drag on the space station to ensure that it ultimately terminates in the intended location," said Walker, in a briefing on Wednesday (July 17).</p>

<p>The final destination of the project will be a remote area of the ocean like the South Pacific, which has not been finalised yet.</p>

<p>NASA has decided to crash the football field-sized spacecraft nowhere but only in the open ocean to minimise its impact on Earth.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


NASA and Elon Musk's SpaceX have joined hands in the mission to blast 450 tonnes of International Space Station (ISS) and finally push it inside an ocean grave. The ISS has served as the perfect abode for the astronauts in space in the last 23 years.

NASA and Elon Musk's SpaceX have joined hands in the mission to blast 450 tonnes of International Space Station (ISS) and finally push it inside an ocean grave. The ISS has served as the perfect abode for the astronauts in space in the last 23 years. NASA announced in June that SpaceX would be paid $843 million for helping them in decommissioning the ISS. Now on Wednesday (July 17), the detailed plan for pushing the ISS into the ocean was shared by NASA and SpaceX. Also Read: Strictly speaking, Earth is not revolving around the Sun currently. Here's what it means The plan involved an extra-large and superpowered Dragon spaceship which will push the space station outside its orbit and turn it into a fiery plummet which will eventually crash in a remote ocean grave, most likely by 2031. How SpaceX's Dragon spaceships are preparing for blast? Currently, SpaceX's Dragon spaceships have been shuttling NASA astronauts and cargo, which are extremely light, to and from the space station. This is the reason why SpaceX has been supercharging one of its Dragons to blast the space station. With 6x more propellant and 4x the power of today’s Dragon spacecraft, SpaceX was selected to design and develop the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle for a precise, controlled deorbit of the @Space_Station https://t.co/GgtuplTwqQ pic.twitter.com/E23sS7CE4U — SpaceX (@SpaceX) July 17, 2024 × According to the plan, one of the existing Cargo Dragon will be fitted with a new high-powered trunk by SpaceX and will be supercharged with 46 Draco engines. The resulting "deorbit vehicle" will be nearly twice as long as any common Dragon ship and will be six times more propellant for producing four times the power. SpaceX's director of Dragon mission management Sarah Walker said that the mission's most complex part is the final burn which will push the ISS towards its final descent. Watch: Discover the impact of AI on the scientific operations of NASA's Mars Rover "This burn must be powerful enough to fly the entire space station, all the while resisting the torques and forces caused by increasing atmospheric drag on the space station to ensure that it ultimately terminates in the intended location," said Walker, in a briefing on Wednesday (July 17). The final destination of the project will be a remote area of the ocean like the South Pacific, which has not been finalised yet. NASA has decided to crash the football field-sized spacecraft nowhere but only in the open ocean to minimise its impact on Earth. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA, SpaceX to turn 450-ton ISS into a fireball and crash it into ocean. Here's how it will impact Earth

<p>The International Space Station has been in orbit for over 25 years now. It has hosted several astronauts from different countries and has been home to several experiments. But now NASA is planning to de-orbit it and bring it back to Earth. They are hoping that it will burn up as it re-enters the planet's atmosphere. The space agency has awarded a one billion dollar contract to SpaceX to develop a "US Deorbit Vehicle" which can remove the space station from orbit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA plans on destroying the ISS by 2030, but some people who were a part of its construction process do not agree with the current officials. Jean-Jacques Dordain, the director general of the European Space Agency at the time the station was being built, and former NASA administrator Michael Griffin want ISS to continue for longer, even if to serve a different purpose. They say that the ISS can give future scientists a chance to continue studying outer space.</p>

<p>In an interview with Forbes, Dordain said, "As two among many builders of ISS, we recommend to those in charge to consider other options than destroying the station." They say that the fate of the ISS should be decided by the future generations.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Why save the space station?</h2>

<p>The two say that SpaceX's deorbit vehicle can be put to better use - instead of destroying the space station, it can increase the ISS's altitude. That way it can enter a stable orbit much farther from the Earth. In a letter published by SpaceNews, the two argue that the ISS can be boosted from its present 400-kilometre altitude to an 800-kilometre altitude circular orbit with a boost of about 220 metres per second. "This is the same as required for precise deorbit control."</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/artemis-moon-mission-55-years-after-man-launched-for-moon-artemis-ii-rocket-booster-rolls-out-741659">55 years after man launched for moon, Artemis II rocket booster rolls out</a></p>

<p>"At the higher altitude, the orbital lifetime would be many decades, providing ample time for future generations to take their own decisions and actions. For that, the ISS should be left in a condition such that no part of it can explode and create a long-lived debris hazard," they added.</p>

<p>They clarify that they are "not in charge anymore", but question that "since the boost stage must be built anyway, would it not be better to use that stage to place the ISS in a higher orbit for the possible use of a future generation than to destroy it upon re-entry?"</p>

<p>The ISS was built following collaborations between five space agencies: NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada).&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The International Space Station has been in orbit for over 25 years now. It has hosted several astronauts from different countries and has been home to several experiments.

The International Space Station has been in orbit for over 25 years now. It has hosted several astronauts from different countries and has been home to several experiments. But now NASA is planning to de-orbit it and bring it back to Earth. They are hoping that it will burn up as it re-enters the planet's atmosphere. The space agency has awarded a one billion dollar contract to SpaceX to develop a "US Deorbit Vehicle" which can remove the space station from orbit. NASA plans on destroying the ISS by 2030, but some people who were a part of its construction process do not agree with the current officials. Jean-Jacques Dordain, the director general of the European Space Agency at the time the station was being built, and former NASA administrator Michael Griffin want ISS to continue for longer, even if to serve a different purpose. They say that the ISS can give future scientists a chance to continue studying outer space. In an interview with Forbes, Dordain said, "As two among many builders of ISS, we recommend to those in charge to consider other options than destroying the station." They say that the fate of the ISS should be decided by the future generations. Why save the space station? The two say that SpaceX's deorbit vehicle can be put to better use - instead of destroying the space station, it can increase the ISS's altitude. That way it can enter a stable orbit much farther from the Earth. In a letter published by SpaceNews, the two argue that the ISS can be boosted from its present 400-kilometre altitude to an 800-kilometre altitude circular orbit with a boost of about 220 metres per second. "This is the same as required for precise deorbit control." Also Read: 55 years after man launched for moon, Artemis II rocket booster rolls out "At the higher altitude, the orbital lifetime would be many decades, providing ample time for future generations to take their own decisions and actions. For that, the ISS should be left in a condition such that no part of it can explode and create a long-lived debris hazard," they added. They clarify that they are "not in charge anymore", but question that "since the boost stage must be built anyway, would it not be better to use that stage to place the ISS in a higher orbit for the possible use of a future generation than to destroy it upon re-entry?" The ISS was built following collaborations between five space agencies: NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada). (With inputs from agencies)

Do not destroy the International Space Station, urge former agency leaders. Here's why

Technical snags plaguing Beoing Starliner capsules have resulted in two astronauts - Sunita Williams and Billy Wilmore getting stranded aboard the International Space Station - both astronauts have expressed their confidence in spacecraft's ability to bring them back.

Starliner astronauts 'confident' on return trip, Sunita Williams & Billy Wilmore address press

<p>Russia has announced a timeline for creating the four-module core of its new orbital space station by 2030 as the International Space Station (ISS) approaches the end of its operational life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Roscosmos space agency earlier on Tuesday reported that key contracts had been signed for building a Russian space station. Yuri Borisov, who is the head of Roscosmos, signed off on the timetable with the directors of 19 enterprises involved in creating the new station.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Interfax reported that Borisov said in televised remarks that Russia cannot allow a pause in its piloted space programme, considering the condition of the ISS.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/aditya-l1-completes-its-first-halo-orbit-in-178-days-isro-shares-diagram-to-explain-737252">Aditya-L1 completes its first halo orbit in 178 days, ISRO shares diagram to explain</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Roscosmos said that the station's deployment is expected to start with the launch of a science and power module in 2027 and the core of the station as part of implementing the federal project is expected to consist of four modules to be placed into orbit before 2030.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The space agency said that two more specialised modules will be attached to the station at the second stage between 2031 and 2033.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It mentioned in its report that the overall planned amount of financing for the project is "estimated at 608.9 billion rubles".&nbsp;</p>

<p>ISS is a large space station which has been assembled and maintained in low Earth orbit. It is a collaboration of five space agencies: NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA, CSA, and their contractors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has already told the world that the ISS, the largest space station ever built, will plunge into the Pacific Ocean in early 2031.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/comet-crashed-with-earth-set-the-planet-ablaze-thousands-of-years-ago-study-736991">Comet crashed on Earth, set the planet ablaze thousands of years ago: Study</a></strong></p>

<p>"All of you are perfectly aware of the ISS's condition. Most importantly, we cannot allow a pause in our piloted programme," Borisov said on the Rossiya-24 (VGTRK) television channel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Borisov said that the Russian space station programme provides for "building not only a station itself, but also ground infrastructure, as well as timely preparing all the necessary launch vehicles for their missions".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A new space centre from where it will be launched, a new launch vehicle, a new manned spacecraft [...] This is going to be a permanent lab for testing all technical and technological innovations," he further added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: India develops new explosive '2.01 times more lethal than standard TNT'&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>As quoted by Interfax, Vladimir Kozhevnikov, the chief designer of Russia's future space station, said in an interview, "The main challenge is the very scope of the work that needs to be done within a compressed timeframe, because this is the biggest project in Russia's space history."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kozhevnikov added that artificial intelligence will be employed in the Russian space station's operations.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Russia has announced a timeline for creating the four-module core of its new orbital space station by 2030 as the International Space Station (ISS) approaches the end of its operational life.

Russia has announced a timeline for creating the four-module core of its new orbital space station by 2030 as the International Space Station (ISS) approaches the end of its operational life. Roscosmos space agency earlier on Tuesday reported that key contracts had been signed for building a Russian space station. Yuri Borisov, who is the head of Roscosmos, signed off on the timetable with the directors of 19 enterprises involved in creating the new station. Interfax reported that Borisov said in televised remarks that Russia cannot allow a pause in its piloted space programme, considering the condition of the ISS. Also read: Aditya-L1 completes its first halo orbit in 178 days, ISRO shares diagram to explain Roscosmos said that the station's deployment is expected to start with the launch of a science and power module in 2027 and the core of the station as part of implementing the federal project is expected to consist of four modules to be placed into orbit before 2030. The space agency said that two more specialised modules will be attached to the station at the second stage between 2031 and 2033. It mentioned in its report that the overall planned amount of financing for the project is "estimated at 608.9 billion rubles". ISS is a large space station which has been assembled and maintained in low Earth orbit. It is a collaboration of five space agencies: NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA, CSA, and their contractors. But the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has already told the world that the ISS, the largest space station ever built, will plunge into the Pacific Ocean in early 2031. Also read: Comet crashed on Earth, set the planet ablaze thousands of years ago: Study "All of you are perfectly aware of the ISS's condition. Most importantly, we cannot allow a pause in our piloted programme," Borisov said on the Rossiya-24 (VGTRK) television channel. Borisov said that the Russian space station programme provides for "building not only a station itself, but also ground infrastructure, as well as timely preparing all the necessary launch vehicles for their missions". "A new space centre from where it will be launched, a new launch vehicle, a new manned spacecraft [...] This is going to be a permanent lab for testing all technical and technological innovations," he further added. Watch: Gravitas: India develops new explosive '2.01 times more lethal than standard TNT' × As quoted by Interfax, Vladimir Kozhevnikov, the chief designer of Russia's future space station, said in an interview, "The main challenge is the very scope of the work that needs to be done within a compressed timeframe, because this is the biggest project in Russia's space history." Kozhevnikov added that artificial intelligence will be employed in the Russian space station's operations. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia plans a new space station, here's all you need to know

<p>NASA has announced to give SpaceX a $843 million contract to destroy the International Space Station (ISS) and land it safely back on Earth. The deorbit vehicle designed by SpaceX will be used to push ISS out of its orbit after 2030 when its operational life ends.</p>

<p>The football field-sized space station will crash into the ocean after travelling at a speed of over 17,000 mph (27,500 km/h) in Earth's atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ISS was first launched in 1998 and has been operated by space agencies in the US, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Russia, all of which are responsible for its safe deorbiting.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-says-boeing-starliner-crew-not-stranded-in-space-but-has-no-date-of-their-return-to-earth-736169">NASA&nbsp;says Boeing Starliner crew not 'stranded' in space, but has 'no date' of their return to Earth</a></strong></p>

<p>"This decision also supports NASA's plans for future commercial destinations and allows for the continued use of space near Earth," Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for the Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA, said in a statement.</p>

<p>The space station has achieved more than 3,300 experiments while orbiting around our planet across various disciplines that could not be conducted on Earth. It has been a milestone in space exploration and a "blueprint for science" and "partnerships" that have proven to be advantageous for all, according to Bowersox.</p>

<p>However, ISS is nearing its end of life by 2030 as some technical faults and leaks have been causing problems for the crew and agencies working on it. After the end of the Cold War, ISS laid the path for a global collaboration in space.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-gets-another-moon-this-quasi-satellite-to-lurk-around-for-thousands-of-years-736029">Earth gets another 'moon'. This 'quasi-satellite' to lurk around for thousands of years</a></strong></p>

<p>The ISS is also facing some dangers from the space junk, the debris orbiting around the Earth at high speeds from other defunct satellites. The nine crew members on board were forced to take cover in the docked Boeing Starliner crew capsule for about an hour when hundreds of pieces of a wrecked Russian satellite risked their safety at the space station on June 27.</p>

<p>The exact date when ISS will be brought back to Earth is not confirmed by NASA yet. However, the operation is to continue till 2030.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA has announced to give SpaceX a $843 million contract to destroy the International Space Station (ISS) and land it safely back on Earth. The deorbit vehicle designed by SpaceX will be used to push ISS out of its orbit after 2030 when its operational life ends.

NASA has announced to give SpaceX a $843 million contract to destroy the International Space Station (ISS) and land it safely back on Earth. The deorbit vehicle designed by SpaceX will be used to push ISS out of its orbit after 2030 when its operational life ends. The football field-sized space station will crash into the ocean after travelling at a speed of over 17,000 mph (27,500 km/h) in Earth's atmosphere. ISS was first launched in 1998 and has been operated by space agencies in the US, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Russia, all of which are responsible for its safe deorbiting. Also Read | NASA says Boeing Starliner crew not 'stranded' in space, but has 'no date' of their return to Earth "This decision also supports NASA's plans for future commercial destinations and allows for the continued use of space near Earth," Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for the Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA, said in a statement. The space station has achieved more than 3,300 experiments while orbiting around our planet across various disciplines that could not be conducted on Earth. It has been a milestone in space exploration and a "blueprint for science" and "partnerships" that have proven to be advantageous for all, according to Bowersox. However, ISS is nearing its end of life by 2030 as some technical faults and leaks have been causing problems for the crew and agencies working on it. After the end of the Cold War, ISS laid the path for a global collaboration in space. Also Read | Earth gets another 'moon'. This 'quasi-satellite' to lurk around for thousands of years The ISS is also facing some dangers from the space junk, the debris orbiting around the Earth at high speeds from other defunct satellites. The nine crew members on board were forced to take cover in the docked Boeing Starliner crew capsule for about an hour when hundreds of pieces of a wrecked Russian satellite risked their safety at the space station on June 27. The exact date when ISS will be brought back to Earth is not confirmed by NASA yet. However, the operation is to continue till 2030. (With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX to receive $843 million contract from NASA to destroy the International Space Station

<p>The Boeing's Starliner capsule, which was launched into space with astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams on board, will return to Earth after a week-long delay. US space agency NASA's commercial crew programme manager Steve Stich said the new date of arrival has been set as June 26 against the backdrop of a critical analysis regarding the safety of the spacecraft. Notably, when Starliner managed to dock at the International Space Station, it encountered several problems, including five failures of its 28 manoeuvring thrusters and at least four helium leaks.</p>

<h2><strong>Why Starliner's return has been delayed?</strong></h2>

<p>According to news agency CNN, the delay is attributed to two major factors—a scheduled spacewalk and thruster troubleshooting.</p>

<p>Stich said the delay would “give our team a little bit more time to look at the data, do some analysis and make sure we’re really ready to come home.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiyr7bW1eaGAxVsSGwGHUORC8gQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/atoco-point-nasas-rover-spots-strikingly-mysterious-rock-never-seen-before-on-mars-732906" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/atoco-point-nasas-rover-spots-strikingly-mysterious-rock-never-seen-before-on-mars-732906&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiyr7bW1eaGAxVsSGwGHUORC8gQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">‘Atoco Point’: NASA’s rover spots strikingly mysterious rock never seen before on Mars</a></strong></p>

<p>“We look at that as an opportunity and in this case, a privilege to stay on station and do more work,” Boeing’s commercial crew programme lead Mark Nappi said, as per the Sentinel. “We’ve always said this is a test flight. We’re going to learn some things. So here we are,” he added.</p>

<p>Nappi added it was crucial to find out why the spacecraft's thrusters went off during docking. The NASA official said investigating helium leaks was also necessary.</p>

<h2><strong>Spacecraft's first human spaceflight</strong></h2>

<p>It is the first time that Starliner has been launched into space with humans on board. If the spaceflight is successfully completed, it will get the necessary certification which will allow it to launch NASA missions to the ISS. Currently, NASA has to solely rely on Elon Musk's SpaceX for such missions.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;NASA's Chandra telescope reveals stunning details of Milky Way's superstar cluster</strong></p>

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<p>The return flight, now scheduled for&nbsp;next week, will take around six hours to return to Earth.</p>

<p>According to an agreement, Boeing is set to launch six missions with the Starliner-1, beginning in February next year. However, Boeing is currently four years behind SpaceX, which has been transporting astronauts from the US since May 2020.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Boeing's Starliner capsule, which was launched into space with astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams on board, will return to Earth after a week-long delay.

The Boeing's Starliner capsule, which was launched into space with astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams on board, will return to Earth after a week-long delay. US space agency NASA's commercial crew programme manager Steve Stich said the new date of arrival has been set as June 26 against the backdrop of a critical analysis regarding the safety of the spacecraft. Notably, when Starliner managed to dock at the International Space Station, it encountered several problems, including five failures of its 28 manoeuvring thrusters and at least four helium leaks. Why Starliner's return has been delayed? According to news agency CNN, the delay is attributed to two major factors—a scheduled spacewalk and thruster troubleshooting. Stich said the delay would “give our team a little bit more time to look at the data, do some analysis and make sure we’re really ready to come home.” Also read: ‘Atoco Point’: NASA’s rover spots strikingly mysterious rock never seen before on Mars “We look at that as an opportunity and in this case, a privilege to stay on station and do more work,” Boeing’s commercial crew programme lead Mark Nappi said, as per the Sentinel. “We’ve always said this is a test flight. We’re going to learn some things. So here we are,” he added. Nappi added it was crucial to find out why the spacecraft's thrusters went off during docking. The NASA official said investigating helium leaks was also necessary. Spacecraft's first human spaceflight It is the first time that Starliner has been launched into space with humans on board. If the spaceflight is successfully completed, it will get the necessary certification which will allow it to launch NASA missions to the ISS. Currently, NASA has to solely rely on Elon Musk's SpaceX for such missions. Watch: NASA's Chandra telescope reveals stunning details of Milky Way's superstar cluster × The return flight, now scheduled for next week, will take around six hours to return to Earth. According to an agreement, Boeing is set to launch six missions with the Starliner-1, beginning in February next year. However, Boeing is currently four years behind SpaceX, which has been transporting astronauts from the US since May 2020. (With inputs from agencies)

Boeing Starliner's return to Earth delayed as NASA carries out critical safety investigation

<p>Just two hours before blast off, the long-awaited test flight of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft was called off over a technical glitch with the Atlas V rocket.</p>

<p>The launch has been postponed for at least 24 hours because of an issue with the Atlas V rocket that was being readied to launch the new astronaut capsule to orbit on Monday&nbsp;(May 6)&nbsp;night.</p>

<h2><strong>The glitch</strong></h2>

<p>As per Reuters, the two-member crew, consisting of NASA astronauts 61-year-old Barry "Butch" Wilmore, 61, and 58-year-old Sunita "Suni" Williams, had been strapped into their seats aboard the spacecraft for about an hour before launch activities were suspended.</p>

<p>The issue arose with the Atlas rocket's second-stage activities.</p>

<p><strong>Also&nbsp;read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/lost-in-space-satellite-missing-since-1990s-located-in-earths-orbit-how-can-someone-lose-a-satellite-717732">'Lost in space': Satellite missing since 1990s located in Earth's orbit. How can someone lose a satellite?</a></strong></p>

<p>While it is not clear how long fixing the glitch would take, the next available launch windows for the mission are Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday nights.</p>

<p>The flight would mark the first crewed voyage to space using an Atlas rocket since the launch vehicles first sent astronauts on orbital flights for NASA's Mercury programme in the 1960s.</p>

<h2><strong>Is the delay a sign that the mission is in danger?</strong></h2>

<p>Not necessarily, it is not uncommon for countdowns to be halted at the 11th hour and for launches to be delayed for days, and at times weeks over minor glitches. This is especially true for a new spacecraft flying humans for the first time.</p>

<p>Furthermore, this mission is of utmost importance, as its success would pave the way for Starliner's six further planned missions for NASA.</p>

<h2><strong>The ambitious </strong>Boeing-Starliner&nbsp;<strong>mission</strong></h2>

<p>Previously, after a failed mission in 2019, the gumdrop-shaped capsule completed an uncrewed mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This is the first time it would be transporting humans to the orbital laboratory.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/boeing-starliner-to-launch-first-crewed-mission-how-and-when-to-watch-718278">Sunita Williams goes to space again with Boeing Starliner's launch of first crewed mission: How to watch</a></strong></p>

<p>Once launched, following a flight of about 26 hours, the capsule will arrive at the space station and dock with the orbiting research outpost some 250 miles (402.34 kilometres) above Earth. There, the resident ISS crew, currently comprising four US astronauts and three Russian cosmonauts, will greet Wilmore, the designated commander of the flight, and Williams, the pilot.</p>

<p>The two astronauts are expected to remain at the space station for about a week. After that, they are to ride the Starliner back to Earth for a parachute and airbag-assisted landing in the US Desert Southwest — another first.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Just two hours before blast off, the long-awaited test flight of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft was called off over a technical glitch with the Atlas V rocket. The launch has been postponed for at least 24 hours because of an issue with the Atlas V rocket that was being readied to launch the new astronaut capsule to orbit on Monday (May 6) night.

Just two hours before blast off, the long-awaited test flight of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft was called off over a technical glitch with the Atlas V rocket. The launch has been postponed for at least 24 hours because of an issue with the Atlas V rocket that was being readied to launch the new astronaut capsule to orbit on Monday (May 6) night. The glitch As per Reuters, the two-member crew, consisting of NASA astronauts 61-year-old Barry "Butch" Wilmore, 61, and 58-year-old Sunita "Suni" Williams, had been strapped into their seats aboard the spacecraft for about an hour before launch activities were suspended. The issue arose with the Atlas rocket's second-stage activities. Also read | 'Lost in space': Satellite missing since 1990s located in Earth's orbit. How can someone lose a satellite? While it is not clear how long fixing the glitch would take, the next available launch windows for the mission are Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday nights. The flight would mark the first crewed voyage to space using an Atlas rocket since the launch vehicles first sent astronauts on orbital flights for NASA's Mercury programme in the 1960s. Is the delay a sign that the mission is in danger? Not necessarily, it is not uncommon for countdowns to be halted at the 11th hour and for launches to be delayed for days, and at times weeks over minor glitches. This is especially true for a new spacecraft flying humans for the first time. Furthermore, this mission is of utmost importance, as its success would pave the way for Starliner's six further planned missions for NASA. The ambitious Boeing-Starliner mission Previously, after a failed mission in 2019, the gumdrop-shaped capsule completed an uncrewed mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This is the first time it would be transporting humans to the orbital laboratory. Also read | Sunita Williams goes to space again with Boeing Starliner's launch of first crewed mission: How to watch Once launched, following a flight of about 26 hours, the capsule will arrive at the space station and dock with the orbiting research outpost some 250 miles (402.34 kilometres) above Earth. There, the resident ISS crew, currently comprising four US astronauts and three Russian cosmonauts, will greet Wilmore, the designated commander of the flight, and Williams, the pilot. The two astronauts are expected to remain at the space station for about a week. After that, they are to ride the Starliner back to Earth for a parachute and airbag-assisted landing in the US Desert Southwest — another first. (With inputs from agencies)

From countdown to letdown: Sunita Williams' third trip to space delayed as Starliner launch is scrubbed

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>A European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut recently provided a virtual tour of the International Space Station (ISS) to the public. The ISS, the largest space station ever built, orbits low Earth and is managed collaboratively by five space agencies: NASA, JAXA, Roscosmos, CSA, and ESA, along with their contractors. Andreas Mogensen returned to Earth in mid-March after a six-and-a-half-month stint on the ISS as part of NASA's Crew-7 mission.</p>

<p>During his time aboard, he recorded a video showing&nbsp;the station's interior, which he shared with his social media followers.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/gravitational-waves-detect-collision-of-neutron-star-with-a-mysterious-object-in-mass-gap-710785">Also read |&nbsp;Gravitational waves detect collision of neutron star with a mysterious object in 'mass gap'</a></p>

<p>In a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter) on April 12, Mogensen revealed that one of the last things he did before leaving the ISS was to film the tour, describing it as both a personal keepsake and a way to share the wonder of the ISS with others. He expressed that the video would serve as a reminder of his time on the ISS and his crewmates whenever he missed them.</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It’s been a month now since I left the International <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a>.<br />
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One of the very last things that I did on undock day, was film a tour of the Space Station. It is as much a keepsake for me as it is a way for me to share the wonder of the International Space Station with you.… <a href="https://t.co/oFR0VXR06A">pic.twitter.com/oFR0VXR06A</a></p>
— Andreas Mogensen (@Astro_Andreas) <a href="https://twitter.com/Astro_Andreas/status/1778696040712929602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Andreas Mogensen initially offered a glimpse into the front section of the space station. Positioned above was a SpaceX Dragon craft, which carried him back to Earth on March 12. Within the clip, viewers could observe the approximately 114-by-22-foot Columbus module, provided by ESA as a science lab in 2008.</p>

<p>Additionally, they could see the smaller Japanese Experiment Module (JEM), known as Kibo, situated opposite the lab. Kibo was constructed shortly after Columbus.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/did-you-know-venus-is-leaking-bepicolombo-mission-finds-out-why-710834">Also read |&nbsp;Did you know Venus is leaking? BepiColombo mission finds out why ...</a></p>

<p>Andreas Mogensen gave a tour of more ISS features like workstations, storage units, restrooms, and the kitchen. He pointed out that the cupola, offering a 360-degree view of Earth and the station's size, is the most amazing spot on the ISS.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>


A European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut recently provided a virtual tour of the International Space Station (ISS) to the public. The ISS, the largest space station ever built, orbits low Earth and is managed collaboratively by five space agencies: NASA, JAXA, Roscosmos, CSA, and ESA, along with their contractors.

A European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut recently provided a virtual tour of the International Space Station (ISS) to the public. The ISS, the largest space station ever built, orbits low Earth and is managed collaboratively by five space agencies: NASA, JAXA, Roscosmos, CSA, and ESA, along with their contractors. Andreas Mogensen returned to Earth in mid-March after a six-and-a-half-month stint on the ISS as part of NASA's Crew-7 mission. During his time aboard, he recorded a video showing the station's interior, which he shared with his social media followers. Also read | Gravitational waves detect collision of neutron star with a mysterious object in 'mass gap' In a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter) on April 12, Mogensen revealed that one of the last things he did before leaving the ISS was to film the tour, describing it as both a personal keepsake and a way to share the wonder of the ISS with others. He expressed that the video would serve as a reminder of his time on the ISS and his crewmates whenever he missed them. Watch the video here: It’s been a month now since I left the International @Space_Station. One of the very last things that I did on undock day, was film a tour of the Space Station. It is as much a keepsake for me as it is a way for me to share the wonder of the International Space Station with you.… pic.twitter.com/oFR0VXR06A — Andreas Mogensen (@Astro_Andreas) April 12, 2024 × Andreas Mogensen initially offered a glimpse into the front section of the space station. Positioned above was a SpaceX Dragon craft, which carried him back to Earth on March 12. Within the clip, viewers could observe the approximately 114-by-22-foot Columbus module, provided by ESA as a science lab in 2008. Additionally, they could see the smaller Japanese Experiment Module (JEM), known as Kibo, situated opposite the lab. Kibo was constructed shortly after Columbus. Also read | Did you know Venus is leaking? BepiColombo mission finds out why ... Andreas Mogensen gave a tour of more ISS features like workstations, storage units, restrooms, and the kitchen. He pointed out that the cupola, offering a 360-degree view of Earth and the station's size, is the most amazing spot on the ISS. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH: Astronaut shows around International Space Station in this VIRAL video

<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is looking into an incident when a two-pound object crashed into a Florida man's house last month. The space agency is analysing whether or not the object came from the International Space Station (ISS). In case it came from ISS, it would be a rare incident of an object falling out of orbit and damaging someone's property, or having the potential to harm a person.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per local reports, the homeowner said that the object crashed through the roof of his Naples home at 2:34 pm (local time) on March 8. Its sound was recorded by his Ring security camera.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The homeowner, identified as Alejandro Otero, told WINK News, "It was a tremendous sound. It almost hit my son. He was two rooms over and heard it all. Something ripped through the house and then made a big hole on the floor and on the ceiling."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/greenery-on-moon-soon-nasa-to-put-plants-on-lunar-surface-by-2026-706920">Greenery on Moon soon? NASA to put plants on lunar surface by 2026</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>In his social media post earlier, Otero addressed a post stating, "Can you please assist with getting NASA to connect with me? I've left messages and emails without a response."&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by the European Space Agency (ESA) estimated that the annual risk of an individual human being injured by space debris is less than 1 in 100 billion. It means it is 1.5 million times lower than the risk of being killed in an accident at home, around 65,000 times lower than the risk of being struck by lightning, and three times lower than the risk of being struck by a meteorite.</p>

<p>Falling space debris has never killed anyone, but the incident that happened with Otero could have caused casualties, as the man said that it almost hit his son.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-tennessee-pass-geoengineering-ban-as-chemtrails-conspiracy-theories-rise-706959">Tennessee Senate passes bill banning geoengineering amid ‘chemtrails’ conspiracy theories</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>According to the scientific journal Ars Technica, the object was probably from ISS. The journal said that the US space command recorded the re-entry of a piece of space debris over the Gulf of Mexico on a path towards southwest Florida at 2.29 pm (local time) that day. The timing was just five minutes before Otero's Nest home security camera captured the sound of the crash.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It used to have a cylindrical shape, and you can tell by the shape of the top that it travelled in this direction through the atmosphere," Otero said.</p>

<p>Josh Finch, who is a NASA spokesperson, told Ars Technica that the analysis will take&nbsp;place "as soon as possible to determine its origin".&nbsp;</p>


The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is looking into an incident when a two-pound object crashed into a Florida man's house last month. The space agency is analysing whether or not the object came from the International Space Station (ISS).

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is looking into an incident when a two-pound object crashed into a Florida man's house last month. The space agency is analysing whether or not the object came from the International Space Station (ISS). In case it came from ISS, it would be a rare incident of an object falling out of orbit and damaging someone's property, or having the potential to harm a person. As per local reports, the homeowner said that the object crashed through the roof of his Naples home at 2:34 pm (local time) on March 8. Its sound was recorded by his Ring security camera. The homeowner, identified as Alejandro Otero, told WINK News, "It was a tremendous sound. It almost hit my son. He was two rooms over and heard it all. Something ripped through the house and then made a big hole on the floor and on the ceiling." Also read: Greenery on Moon soon? NASA to put plants on lunar surface by 2026 In his social media post earlier, Otero addressed a post stating, "Can you please assist with getting NASA to connect with me? I've left messages and emails without a response." A report by the European Space Agency (ESA) estimated that the annual risk of an individual human being injured by space debris is less than 1 in 100 billion. It means it is 1.5 million times lower than the risk of being killed in an accident at home, around 65,000 times lower than the risk of being struck by lightning, and three times lower than the risk of being struck by a meteorite. Falling space debris has never killed anyone, but the incident that happened with Otero could have caused casualties, as the man said that it almost hit his son. Also read: Tennessee Senate passes bill banning geoengineering amid ‘chemtrails’ conspiracy theories According to the scientific journal Ars Technica, the object was probably from ISS. The journal said that the US space command recorded the re-entry of a piece of space debris over the Gulf of Mexico on a path towards southwest Florida at 2.29 pm (local time) that day. The timing was just five minutes before Otero's Nest home security camera captured the sound of the crash. "It used to have a cylindrical shape, and you can tell by the shape of the top that it travelled in this direction through the atmosphere," Otero said. Josh Finch, who is a NASA spokesperson, told Ars Technica that the analysis will take place "as soon as possible to determine its origin".

An object crashed through the roof of a man's house. Did it come from space?

<p>A team comprising three NASA astronauts and a Russian cosmonaut docked at the International Space Station (ISS) on Tuesday (Mar&nbsp;5).</p>

<p>As the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, named "Endeavour," docked at the orbital laboratory, the six-month mission of NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, and Jeanette Epps, alongside Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin began.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA astronauts onboard ISS arrived as Dragon "docked to the complex at 2:28 am&nbsp;EST while the station was 260 statute miles over Newfoundland," revealed NASA in an official statement on its website.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Departing off Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the quartet commenced their celestial journey in the late hours on Sunday (Mar 3).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Their arrival at the ISS heralded the initiation of a diverse array of scientific endeavours, encompassing over 200 experiments. Amidst the vast expanse of space, these experiments promise to unravel mysteries, expand human knowledge, and pave the way for future exploration.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-reveal-mystery-around-earths-largest-star-sand-dunes-heres-what-they-found-696871">Scientists reveal mystery around Earth's largest star sand dunes. Here's what they found</a></p>

<p>One experiment involves transporting stem cells to space to investigate their impact on degenerative diseases, while another focuses on studying the cellular effects of microgravity and ultraviolet radiation on plants.</p>

<p>They will also explore whether microalgae can assist in removing carbon dioxide from the air, providing a source of food and oxygen.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mysterious-seismic-activity-reveals-an-upside-down-section-of-ocean-crust-696860">Mysterious seismic activity reveals an upside-down section of ocean crust</a></p>

<p>The hatch of the capsule ceremoniously opened at 3:50 am&nbsp;Tuesday (Mar 5) US Eastern time. The new arrivals embraced their fellow crew members with palpable excitement and smiles, as per a live feed.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>SpaceX contracted by NASA&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>SpaceX has been contracted by NASA to perform crew rotation missions to the ISS as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The Crew Dragon carries astronauts to and from the ISS, allowing for crew rotation and maintaining a continuous human presence aboard the station.</p>

<p>"The crewmates transferred Dragon freezers containing research samples and installed them into science racks throughout the station. Tuesday’s health studies included testing the inner-ear balance system, conducting eye scans with an ultrasound device, and evaluating a specialized suit’s ability to help a crew member readjust to Earth’s gravity," as per NASA.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | SpaceX launches eighth long-duration crew to ISS, webcast captures spectacular nightime launch</strong></p>

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<p>The Tuesday (Mar 5) docking of the four crew is the eighth standard ISS crew rotation mission, reflected in the mission name - Crew-8. "Crew-8 will join the space station’s Expedition 70 crew of NASA astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O’Hara, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Andreas Mogensen, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Furukawa Satoshi, and Roscosmos cosmonauts Konstantin Borisov, Oleg Kononenko, and Nikolai Chub," NASA said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Until the time Crew-7 members Moghbeli, Satoshi, Mogensen, and Borisov return to Earth, the count of crew on ISS will be 11.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A team comprising three NASA astronauts and a Russian cosmonaut docked at the International Space Station (ISS) on Tuesday (Mar 5). As the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, named "Endeavour," docked at the orbital laboratory, the six-month mission of NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, and Jeanette Epps, alongside Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin began.

A team comprising three NASA astronauts and a Russian cosmonaut docked at the International Space Station (ISS) on Tuesday (Mar 5). As the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, named "Endeavour," docked at the orbital laboratory, the six-month mission of NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, and Jeanette Epps, alongside Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin began. NASA astronauts onboard ISS arrived as Dragon "docked to the complex at 2:28 am EST while the station was 260 statute miles over Newfoundland," revealed NASA in an official statement on its website. Departing off Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the quartet commenced their celestial journey in the late hours on Sunday (Mar 3). Their arrival at the ISS heralded the initiation of a diverse array of scientific endeavours, encompassing over 200 experiments. Amidst the vast expanse of space, these experiments promise to unravel mysteries, expand human knowledge, and pave the way for future exploration. Also Read | Scientists reveal mystery around Earth's largest star sand dunes. Here's what they found One experiment involves transporting stem cells to space to investigate their impact on degenerative diseases, while another focuses on studying the cellular effects of microgravity and ultraviolet radiation on plants. They will also explore whether microalgae can assist in removing carbon dioxide from the air, providing a source of food and oxygen. Also Read | Mysterious seismic activity reveals an upside-down section of ocean crust The hatch of the capsule ceremoniously opened at 3:50 am Tuesday (Mar 5) US Eastern time. The new arrivals embraced their fellow crew members with palpable excitement and smiles, as per a live feed. SpaceX contracted by NASA SpaceX has been contracted by NASA to perform crew rotation missions to the ISS as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The Crew Dragon carries astronauts to and from the ISS, allowing for crew rotation and maintaining a continuous human presence aboard the station. "The crewmates transferred Dragon freezers containing research samples and installed them into science racks throughout the station. Tuesday’s health studies included testing the inner-ear balance system, conducting eye scans with an ultrasound device, and evaluating a specialized suit’s ability to help a crew member readjust to Earth’s gravity," as per NASA. Watch | SpaceX launches eighth long-duration crew to ISS, webcast captures spectacular nightime launch × The Tuesday (Mar 5) docking of the four crew is the eighth standard ISS crew rotation mission, reflected in the mission name - Crew-8. "Crew-8 will join the space station’s Expedition 70 crew of NASA astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O’Hara, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Andreas Mogensen, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Furukawa Satoshi, and Roscosmos cosmonauts Konstantin Borisov, Oleg Kononenko, and Nikolai Chub," NASA said. Until the time Crew-7 members Moghbeli, Satoshi, Mogensen, and Borisov return to Earth, the count of crew on ISS will be 11. (With inputs from agencies)

Four astronauts begin 6-month mission aboard ISS as SpaceX Dragon 'Endeavour' docks successfully

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<p>SpaceX successfully launched the Crew-8 mission in collaboration with NASA on Sunday from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA and SpaceX launched a crew of four to the International Space Station in the Dragon spacecraft, marking the third attempt after they cancelled it twice due to poor weather conditions. The launch marked SpaceX's eighth crew rotation mission in the ISS with NASA's Commercial Crew Program.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA astronauts involved in the mission are Commander Mattew Dominick, Pilot Michael Barratt, and Mission Specialists Jeanette Epps and Alexander Grebenkin, a Russian Roscosmos cosmonaut. Barratt would be making his third visit to the ISS with this mission.</p>

<p>The four-member crew will return to Earth in the fall. They will spend&nbsp;six months at the ISS.&nbsp;</p>

<p>SpaceX used their "reusable, two-stage rocket" Falcon 9 to launch the Dragon spacecraft. After detaching from Dragon, the Falcon 9 will land at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/devil-comet-may-appear-during-total-solar-eclipse-to-show-its-stunning-celestial-display-696285">'Devil Comet' likely to make an appearance during total solar eclipse in April</a></p>

<p>A few days ahead of the launch, the administrators discovered a small air leak at the space station. ISS Program Manager Joel Montalbano stated at a Crew-8 mission briefing, "It's not an impact to Crew-8, but I didn't want anybody to be surprised."&nbsp;</p>

<p>At 10:53 pm on Sunday, the mission lifted off after the engineers concluded that a small crack on the hatch seal wouldn't be an issue in launching the mission. The mission crew members cheered on the ground as the first-stage booster separated from Dragon and the spacecraft moved towards space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The crew will perform over 200 science experiments at the ISS, often referred to as a "floating laboratory." These experiments are a part of the long-term mission to prepare humanity for long-term stays in space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One such experiment is taking stem cells to space to study their effects on degenerative disease. Another involves observing the cellular impact of microgravity and ultraviolet radiation on plants.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, the crew will test pressure cuffs on legs to check whether they help relieve health problems. Astronauts will also see whether microalgae can help remove carbon dioxide from the air, providing food and oxygen for them.</p>

<p>In the last year, SpaceX undertook almost a hundred launches. Their next launch is the Transporter-10 mission. SpaceX's official website says, "Transporter-10 is SpaceX's 10th dedicated smallsat rideshare mission. There will be 53 payloads on this flight, including CubeSats, MicroSats, and a hosted payload."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


SpaceX successfully launched the Crew-8 mission in collaboration with NASA on Sunday from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA and SpaceX launched a crew of four to the International Space Station in the Dragon spacecraft, marking the third attempt after they cancelled it twice due to poor weather conditions.

SpaceX successfully launched the Crew-8 mission in collaboration with NASA on Sunday from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA and SpaceX launched a crew of four to the International Space Station in the Dragon spacecraft, marking the third attempt after they cancelled it twice due to poor weather conditions. The launch marked SpaceX's eighth crew rotation mission in the ISS with NASA's Commercial Crew Program. NASA astronauts involved in the mission are Commander Mattew Dominick, Pilot Michael Barratt, and Mission Specialists Jeanette Epps and Alexander Grebenkin, a Russian Roscosmos cosmonaut. Barratt would be making his third visit to the ISS with this mission. The four-member crew will return to Earth in the fall. They will spend six months at the ISS. SpaceX used their "reusable, two-stage rocket" Falcon 9 to launch the Dragon spacecraft. After detaching from Dragon, the Falcon 9 will land at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. ALSO READ | 'Devil Comet' likely to make an appearance during total solar eclipse in April A few days ahead of the launch, the administrators discovered a small air leak at the space station. ISS Program Manager Joel Montalbano stated at a Crew-8 mission briefing, "It's not an impact to Crew-8, but I didn't want anybody to be surprised." At 10:53 pm on Sunday, the mission lifted off after the engineers concluded that a small crack on the hatch seal wouldn't be an issue in launching the mission. The mission crew members cheered on the ground as the first-stage booster separated from Dragon and the spacecraft moved towards space. The crew will perform over 200 science experiments at the ISS, often referred to as a "floating laboratory." These experiments are a part of the long-term mission to prepare humanity for long-term stays in space. One such experiment is taking stem cells to space to study their effects on degenerative disease. Another involves observing the cellular impact of microgravity and ultraviolet radiation on plants. Furthermore, the crew will test pressure cuffs on legs to check whether they help relieve health problems. Astronauts will also see whether microalgae can help remove carbon dioxide from the air, providing food and oxygen for them. In the last year, SpaceX undertook almost a hundred launches. Their next launch is the Transporter-10 mission. SpaceX's official website says, "Transporter-10 is SpaceX's 10th dedicated smallsat rideshare mission. There will be 53 payloads on this flight, including CubeSats, MicroSats, and a hosted payload." (With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX, NASA launch Crew-8 astronaut mission to International Space Station

<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has already told the world that the International Space Station (ISS), the largest space station ever built, will plunge into the Pacific Ocean in early 2031.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ISS is a large space station which has been assembled and maintained in low Earth orbit. It is a collaboration of five space agencies: NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA, CSA, and their contractors. But where exactly will it crash?&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is Point Nemo?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Ever wondered what the crashing of satellites on Earth looks like? What will happen if the satellites or other space junk fall on civilisation? It would be deadly, hence, the scientists finalised a place that would safely serve the purpose of a space cemetery.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The place is known as Point Nemo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US-based space agency has already said that the ISS would crash into Point Nemo, which is the graveyard for satellites and spaceships. It is formally known as the South Pacific Ocean(ic) Uninhabited Area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is located in the southern Pacific Ocean east of New Zealand. All those spacecraft that have reached the end of their life or purpose are routinely crashed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Point Nemo is the oceanic pole of inaccessibility. It is so far away from any land on Earth that the closest people to it are often on board the ISS. It is approximately 2,688 kilometres from the nearest shore.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/enormously-hungry-black-hole-that-eats-370-suns-a-year-discovered-by-scientists-691853">Enormously 'hungry' black hole that eats 370 Suns a year is likely the brightest object in universe</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The closest land in one direction,&nbsp;Ducie Island, an atoll in the Pitcairn Islands, is officially the closest place to it. Even that particular landmass is uninhabited, so a person would have to travel a little further to find any people in case one would head north.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If one would head south, the person will arrive at Maher Island in Antarctica, or head northeast to Motu Nui Island, another deserted island near Easter Island.&nbsp;</p>

<p>People often assume that Point Nemo's name is based on the film Finding Nemo, but that's not the case. It has been named after the famous submarine sailor from Jules Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea - Captain Nemo. The name Nemo is derived from a Latin term that means 'no man'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Hrvoje Lukatela, a Croatian survey engineer, named the region in 1992. He also recalculated the exact coordinates using Google Maps data to compare them to his original findings. The exact coordinates of this remote oceanic location are said to be at 48°52.6'S 123°23.6'W.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/japan-launches-debris-removal-spacecraft-to-tackle-space-junk-691743">Japan launches debris removal spacecraft to tackle space junk</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>The spacecraft cemetery</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Well, it's understandable why Point Nemo is the most suitable place to crash a satellite in a controlled manner because plunging satellites from a great height won't potentially hurt anyone.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a report published in 2018, Stijn Lemmens, who is a space debris expert at the European Space Agency in Darmstadt, Germany, said: "Its most attractive feature for controlled re-entries is that nobody is living there."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Coincidentally, it is also biologically not very diverse. So it gets used as a dumping ground — 'space graveyard' would be a more polite term—mainly for cargo spacecraft," he told AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some 250 to 300 spacecraft—which have mostly burned up as they carved a path through Earth's atmosphere—have been laid to rest there.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia's MIR space lab, which weighed 120 tonnes, was by far the largest object descending from above to splash down at Point Nemo. It happened in 2001.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also means that there might even be some interesting space junk beneath the ocean, but can we visit and see it? The answer is no, because the sea is quite deep down there, around 13,000 feet or two and a half miles.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Are there any environmental implications?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Concerns have been raised about the environmental impact posed by the spaceship cemetery. Experts have often said that it might put marine species in the South Pacific Ocean Uninhabited Region in danger.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, scientists are trying to tackle the issue by opting for environmentally friendly components while designing the spacecraft.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In recent years, scientists have said that most spacecraft in future will be designed for demise using materials that melt at lower temperatures, making them significantly less likely to survive re-entry and land on Earth's surface. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Russia's new secret weapon for space war&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>For example, NASA and the ESA are moving from titanium to aluminium fuel tanks. But still, there are chances that something might go wrong.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Something similar happened with China's Tiangong-1. It was China's first manned prototype space lab and started orbiting Earth in&nbsp;2011. It was officially declared defunct in&nbsp;March 2016 after the&nbsp;ground engineers lost communications. A&nbsp;few months later some satellite trackers said that the Chinese space agency was no longer in control of the space lab.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It then started its descent towards a fiery end and reentered the Earth's atmosphere at approximately 00:16 UTC on April 2, 2018, over the South Pacific Ocean at 24.5°S 151.1°W.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Chinese state news agency Xinhua, the station mostly burnt up upon re-entry. There are no reports of anyone being hurt, but a fisherman from the nearby island of Maupiti is believed to have witnessed the event.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has already told the world that the International Space Station (ISS), the largest space station ever built, will plunge into the Pacific Ocean in early 2031.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has already told the world that the International Space Station (ISS), the largest space station ever built, will plunge into the Pacific Ocean in early 2031. ISS is a large space station which has been assembled and maintained in low Earth orbit. It is a collaboration of five space agencies: NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA, CSA, and their contractors. But where exactly will it crash? What is Point Nemo? Ever wondered what the crashing of satellites on Earth looks like? What will happen if the satellites or other space junk fall on civilisation? It would be deadly, hence, the scientists finalised a place that would safely serve the purpose of a space cemetery. The place is known as Point Nemo. The US-based space agency has already said that the ISS would crash into Point Nemo, which is the graveyard for satellites and spaceships. It is formally known as the South Pacific Ocean(ic) Uninhabited Area. It is located in the southern Pacific Ocean east of New Zealand. All those spacecraft that have reached the end of their life or purpose are routinely crashed. Point Nemo is the oceanic pole of inaccessibility. It is so far away from any land on Earth that the closest people to it are often on board the ISS. It is approximately 2,688 kilometres from the nearest shore. Also read: Enormously 'hungry' black hole that eats 370 Suns a year is likely the brightest object in universe The closest land in one direction, Ducie Island, an atoll in the Pitcairn Islands, is officially the closest place to it. Even that particular landmass is uninhabited, so a person would have to travel a little further to find any people in case one would head north. If one would head south, the person will arrive at Maher Island in Antarctica, or head northeast to Motu Nui Island, another deserted island near Easter Island. People often assume that Point Nemo's name is based on the film Finding Nemo, but that's not the case. It has been named after the famous submarine sailor from Jules Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea - Captain Nemo. The name Nemo is derived from a Latin term that means 'no man'. The Hrvoje Lukatela, a Croatian survey engineer, named the region in 1992. He also recalculated the exact coordinates using Google Maps data to compare them to his original findings. The exact coordinates of this remote oceanic location are said to be at 48°52.6'S 123°23.6'W. Also read: Japan launches debris removal spacecraft to tackle space junk The spacecraft cemetery Well, it's understandable why Point Nemo is the most suitable place to crash a satellite in a controlled manner because plunging satellites from a great height won't potentially hurt anyone. In a report published in 2018, Stijn Lemmens, who is a space debris expert at the European Space Agency in Darmstadt, Germany, said: "Its most attractive feature for controlled re-entries is that nobody is living there." "Coincidentally, it is also biologically not very diverse. So it gets used as a dumping ground — 'space graveyard' would be a more polite term—mainly for cargo spacecraft," he told AFP. Some 250 to 300 spacecraft—which have mostly burned up as they carved a path through Earth's atmosphere—have been laid to rest there. Russia's MIR space lab, which weighed 120 tonnes, was by far the largest object descending from above to splash down at Point Nemo. It happened in 2001. It also means that there might even be some interesting space junk beneath the ocean, but can we visit and see it? The answer is no, because the sea is quite deep down there, around 13,000 feet or two and a half miles. Are there any environmental implications? Concerns have been raised about the environmental impact posed by the spaceship cemetery. Experts have often said that it might put marine species in the South Pacific Ocean Uninhabited Region in danger. However, scientists are trying to tackle the issue by opting for environmentally friendly components while designing the spacecraft. In recent years, scientists have said that most spacecraft in future will be designed for demise using materials that melt at lower temperatures, making them significantly less likely to survive re-entry and land on Earth's surface. Watch: Gravitas: Russia's new secret weapon for space war × For example, NASA and the ESA are moving from titanium to aluminium fuel tanks. But still, there are chances that something might go wrong. Something similar happened with China's Tiangong-1. It was China's first manned prototype space lab and started orbiting Earth in 2011. It was officially declared defunct in March 2016 after the ground engineers lost communications. A few months later some satellite trackers said that the Chinese space agency was no longer in control of the space lab. It then started its descent towards a fiery end and reentered the Earth's atmosphere at approximately 00:16 UTC on April 2, 2018, over the South Pacific Ocean at 24.5°S 151.1°W. According to Chinese state news agency Xinhua, the station mostly burnt up upon re-entry. There are no reports of anyone being hurt, but a fisherman from the nearby island of Maupiti is believed to have witnessed the event. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: Point Nemo on Earth, the graveyard for satellites and spaceships

<p>Surgeons, for the first time ever, successfully remotely controlled a small robot aboard the International Space Station (ISS)&nbsp;for surgery in orbit.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>First-ever surgery in orbit</strong></h2>

<p>Done over the weekend, this surgery, as per an AFP report, was done on rubber bands and not a living organism. Deemed a "huge success" by participants, the experiment as per the news agency represents a significant advancement in space surgery technology. This could be crucial for treating medical emergencies during long-term manned missions, such as those to Mars.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-research-suggests-your-chihuahua-or-other-toy-breed-dog-may-have-shark-teeth-heres-what-it-means-690314">New research suggests your Chihuahua or other toy breed dog may have 'shark teeth'. Here's what it means</a></strong></p>

<p>It also has the potential to help pave the way for developing remote-control surgery techniques on Earth, especially for isolated and/or remote areas.</p>

<h2><strong>How did surgeons perform space surgery?</strong></h2>

<p>Surgeons used a robot, named spaceMIRA. It has been developed by Virtual Incision (VIC) and the University of Nebraska.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The robot was reportedly launched to the ISS at the end of January aboard a SpaceX rocket. Curiously, it was stored in a compact box only the size of a microwave oven.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA astronaut Loral O'Hara, who has been on the ISS since last September, installed the robot last Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/take-charge-companies-using-feminist-messages-to-push-useless-health-products-onto-women-finds-study-690564">'Take charge': Companies using feminist messages to push 'useless' health products onto women, finds study</a></strong></p>

<p>The experiment itself was conducted from Virtual Incision's headquarters in Lincoln, Nebraska, and it involved six surgeons who remotely operated upon the robot for around two hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Equipped with a camera and two arms, the robot performed standard surgical techniques. In a statement, Virtual Incision said: "The experiment tested standard surgical techniques like grasping, manipulating and cutting tissue. The simulated tissue is made up of rubber bands."</p>

<p>A significant challenge the surgeons faced during the experiment was the time lag of about 0.85 seconds between the operation centre on Earth and the ISS. Despite this, the experiment was deemed a success.</p>

<p>Virtual Incision said that "the experiment was deemed a huge success by all surgeons and researchers, and there were little to no hiccups." It added that this will "change the future of surgery."</p>

<p>NASA, which provided financial support for the project, highlighted the increasing need for emergency care, "including surgical procedures from simple stitching of lacerations to more complex activities," during longer space missions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Surgeons, for the first time ever, successfully remotely controlled a small robot aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for surgery in orbit. First-ever surgery in orbit Done over the weekend, this surgery, as per an AFP report, was done on rubber bands and not a living organism.

Surgeons, for the first time ever, successfully remotely controlled a small robot aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for surgery in orbit. First-ever surgery in orbit Done over the weekend, this surgery, as per an AFP report, was done on rubber bands and not a living organism. Deemed a "huge success" by participants, the experiment as per the news agency represents a significant advancement in space surgery technology. This could be crucial for treating medical emergencies during long-term manned missions, such as those to Mars. Also read | New research suggests your Chihuahua or other toy breed dog may have 'shark teeth'. Here's what it means It also has the potential to help pave the way for developing remote-control surgery techniques on Earth, especially for isolated and/or remote areas. How did surgeons perform space surgery? Surgeons used a robot, named spaceMIRA. It has been developed by Virtual Incision (VIC) and the University of Nebraska. The robot was reportedly launched to the ISS at the end of January aboard a SpaceX rocket. Curiously, it was stored in a compact box only the size of a microwave oven. NASA astronaut Loral O'Hara, who has been on the ISS since last September, installed the robot last Thursday. Also read | 'Take charge': Companies using feminist messages to push 'useless' health products onto women, finds study The experiment itself was conducted from Virtual Incision's headquarters in Lincoln, Nebraska, and it involved six surgeons who remotely operated upon the robot for around two hours. Equipped with a camera and two arms, the robot performed standard surgical techniques. In a statement, Virtual Incision said: "The experiment tested standard surgical techniques like grasping, manipulating and cutting tissue. The simulated tissue is made up of rubber bands." A significant challenge the surgeons faced during the experiment was the time lag of about 0.85 seconds between the operation centre on Earth and the ISS. Despite this, the experiment was deemed a success. Virtual Incision said that "the experiment was deemed a huge success by all surgeons and researchers, and there were little to no hiccups." It added that this will "change the future of surgery." NASA, which provided financial support for the project, highlighted the increasing need for emergency care, "including surgical procedures from simple stitching of lacerations to more complex activities," during longer space missions. (With inputs from agencies)

'Future of surgery': Surgeons successfully perform remote-controlled opreration on ISS

<p>A private US firm has passed a crucial milestone test for creating advanced spacesuits to be used outside the International Space Station (ISS). American space agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said the new design promises a good fit and better functionality for operations in microgravity.</p>

<p>NASA had selected Collins Aerospace to do the job of creating the new design that would replace the currently used spacesuit. For last two decades, the astronauts have been using an extravehicular mobility unit to assemble and maintain the ISS.</p>

<p>The new spacesuits are expected to further advance astronauts’ spacewalking outside the ISS, which will remain operational at least till 2030.</p>

<h2><strong>Why new spacesuits are required?</strong></h2>

<p>The new spacesuits would be advanced as well as more efficient than the current ones. They would be durable and require less maintenance.</p>

<p>The test was conducted in an artificially created microgravity environment aboard an aircraft. During the brief period of weightlessness, the astronaut performed several roller-coaster-like manoeuvres, demonstrating the features and practicality of the new suits.</p>

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<p>This helped the researchers to assess the viability of the suits without needing to go into space.</p>

<h2><strong>What next?</strong></h2>

<p>Collins Aerospace has said it will continue testing the new ‘next-gen’ spacesuit in a space-like environment.</p>

<p>The next-gen suit would also be tested at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory – a 40-foot deep pool at the Johnson Space Center in Houston which simulates a microgravity environment for astronaut spacewalk training.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;All about NASA's PACE mission to study Earth's clouds &amp; oceans</strong></p>

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<p>Notably, this is one of two suits being developed by NASA with hopes to support station maintenance and operations.</p>

<p>“With a new spacesuit, we can address some of the current obsolescence issues with the EMU and take advantage of all the new technologies that are available to us now that weren’t available 50 years ago, such as improved mobility and technological innovations in life support systems,” NASA had said last year.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A private US firm has passed a crucial milestone test for creating advanced spacesuits to be used outside the International Space Station (ISS). American space agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said the new design promises a good fit and better functionality for operations in microgravity.

A private US firm has passed a crucial milestone test for creating advanced spacesuits to be used outside the International Space Station (ISS). American space agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said the new design promises a good fit and better functionality for operations in microgravity. NASA had selected Collins Aerospace to do the job of creating the new design that would replace the currently used spacesuit. For last two decades, the astronauts have been using an extravehicular mobility unit to assemble and maintain the ISS. The new spacesuits are expected to further advance astronauts’ spacewalking outside the ISS, which will remain operational at least till 2030. Why new spacesuits are required? The new spacesuits would be advanced as well as more efficient than the current ones. They would be durable and require less maintenance. The test was conducted in an artificially created microgravity environment aboard an aircraft. During the brief period of weightlessness, the astronaut performed several roller-coaster-like manoeuvres, demonstrating the features and practicality of the new suits. Also read: NASA launches airborne assault to combat pollution in Asia This helped the researchers to assess the viability of the suits without needing to go into space. What next? Collins Aerospace has said it will continue testing the new ‘next-gen’ spacesuit in a space-like environment. The next-gen suit would also be tested at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory – a 40-foot deep pool at the Johnson Space Center in Houston which simulates a microgravity environment for astronaut spacewalk training. Watch: All about NASA's PACE mission to study Earth's clouds & oceans × Notably, this is one of two suits being developed by NASA with hopes to support station maintenance and operations. “With a new spacesuit, we can address some of the current obsolescence issues with the EMU and take advantage of all the new technologies that are available to us now that weren’t available 50 years ago, such as improved mobility and technological innovations in life support systems,” NASA had said last year. (With inputs from agencies)

US: First next-gen spacesuit passes crucial NASA test, will be used by astronauts outside space station

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<p>The excitement of Super Bowl LVIII managed to&nbsp;reach even outer space. Sharing a post on X on Saturday (Feb 10), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) uploaded a video of two astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) tossing a football in zero gravity, gearing up for the showdown between&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kansas City Chiefs won their third Super Bowl with a 25-22 overtime win against the San Francisco 49ers.</p>

<p>"Getting some reps in before Super Bowl Sunday," NASA said. The astronauts in the video are Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O'Hara- the crew of the Expedition 70 mission. The video shows Moghbeli tossing the football at a camera. Surrounded by laptops, cables, and other equipment, Moghbeli and O'Hara can be seen laughing as the football bounces off something off-screen and comes back.</p>

<h3><strong>Here's a look at the video:</strong></h3>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Getting some reps in before <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SuperBowl?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SuperBowl</a> Sunday 🏈 <a href="https://t.co/ATM6hJXW8a">pic.twitter.com/ATM6hJXW8a</a></p>
— NASA's Johnson Space Center (@NASA_Johnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA_Johnson/status/1756330881118044208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>CSA robot signals touchdown</strong></h2>

<p>The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) also joined the celebrations for Superbowl Sunday. Sharing a post on X on Friday, the CSA posted a video of its Dextre robot wearing a t-shirt of a football referee. In the animated video, Dextre, the ISS' Canadian robotic helper, could be seen signalling a touchdown.</p>

<p>"A new referee has a fantastic view from space! Dextre, the Space_Station Canadian robotic helper, wishes you a great Super Bowl LVIII this Sunday!" the CSA said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A new referee has a fantastic view from space! 🏈 Dextre, the <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a> Canadian robotic helper, wishes you a great Super Bowl LVIII this Sunday! <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SBLVIII?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SBLVIII</a> <a href="https://t.co/JGBgjTwDsy">pic.twitter.com/JGBgjTwDsy</a></p>
— Canadian Space Agency (@csa_asc) <a href="https://twitter.com/csa_asc/status/1755967905286459582?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Super Bowl LVIII was in overtime after the Kansas City Chiefs kicked a field goal late in the game to tie with the San Francisco 49ers. The Chiefs won against the 49ers in what many deemed a rematch championship game. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, head coach Andy Reid and the rest of the Chiefs became the first repeat champions in two decades.&nbsp;</p>


The excitement of Super Bowl LVIII managed to reach even outer space. Sharing a post on X on Saturday (Feb 10), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) uploaded a video of two astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) tossing a football in zero gravity, gearing up for the showdown between Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas on Sunday.

The excitement of Super Bowl LVIII managed to reach even outer space. Sharing a post on X on Saturday (Feb 10), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) uploaded a video of two astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) tossing a football in zero gravity, gearing up for the showdown between Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas on Sunday. Kansas City Chiefs won their third Super Bowl with a 25-22 overtime win against the San Francisco 49ers. "Getting some reps in before Super Bowl Sunday," NASA said. The astronauts in the video are Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O'Hara- the crew of the Expedition 70 mission. The video shows Moghbeli tossing the football at a camera. Surrounded by laptops, cables, and other equipment, Moghbeli and O'Hara can be seen laughing as the football bounces off something off-screen and comes back. Here's a look at the video: Getting some reps in before #SuperBowl Sunday 🏈 pic.twitter.com/ATM6hJXW8a — NASA's Johnson Space Center (@NASA_Johnson) February 10, 2024 × CSA robot signals touchdown The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) also joined the celebrations for Superbowl Sunday. Sharing a post on X on Friday, the CSA posted a video of its Dextre robot wearing a t-shirt of a football referee. In the animated video, Dextre, the ISS' Canadian robotic helper, could be seen signalling a touchdown. "A new referee has a fantastic view from space! Dextre, the Space_Station Canadian robotic helper, wishes you a great Super Bowl LVIII this Sunday!" the CSA said. A new referee has a fantastic view from space! 🏈 Dextre, the @Space_Station Canadian robotic helper, wishes you a great Super Bowl LVIII this Sunday! @NFL #SBLVIII pic.twitter.com/JGBgjTwDsy — Canadian Space Agency (@csa_asc) February 9, 2024 × The Super Bowl LVIII was in overtime after the Kansas City Chiefs kicked a field goal late in the game to tie with the San Francisco 49ers. The Chiefs won against the 49ers in what many deemed a rematch championship game. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, head coach Andy Reid and the rest of the Chiefs became the first repeat champions in two decades.

Super Bowl craze in space: ISS astronauts toss football in zero gravity. Watch

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<p>Turkey's first astronaut Alper Gezeravci and three other astronauts representing Europe were launched on a flight to the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday (Jan 18). According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Friday, a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying the Axiom quartet lifted off atop a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.</p>

<p>Crew Dragon was expected to reach the International Space Station (ISS) early on Saturday morning and dock with the outpost orbiting some 400 kilometres above Earth and currently occupied by seven regular crew members.</p>

<p>Responding to congratulations from mission control, flight commander Michael López-Alegría radioed back from the Crew Dragon, "As I was saying, it's a team sport. Thank you, guys."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astrobotic-loses-contact-with-peregrine-lunar-lander-681453">Astrobotic's Peregrine lander burns up after failing Moon mission</a></strong></p>

<p>This mission, called&nbsp;Ax-3,&nbsp;was arranged by Texas-based startup Axiom Space. It was the third such flight organised by Axiom over the past two years as the company builds on its business of putting astronauts sponsored by foreign governments and private enterprises into Earth's orbit.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Alper Gezeravci?</strong></h2>

<p>Gezeravci, 44, is a Turkish Air Force veteran and holds the rank of a colonel. Turkey was poised to enter the exclusive but expanding club of ISS-guest countries by sending Gezeravci on his nation's debut human spaceflight as an Ax-3 mission specialist.</p>

<p>His three other colleagues aboard the flight are Italian Air Force Colonel Walter Villadei, 49, Ax-3's designated pilot; Swedish aviator Marcus Wandt, 43, another mission specialist; and López-Alegría, 65, a retired NASA astronaut and dual citizen of Spain and the United States.</p>

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<p><em><strong>Photo:&nbsp;Walter Villadei of Italy, Mission Specialist Alper Gezeravci of Turkey, and ESA (European&nbsp;Space&nbsp;Agency) project astronaut Marcus Wandt of Sweden in Cape Canaveral</strong></em></p>

<p>The crew will conduct&nbsp;over 30 scientific experiments, many of them focused on the effects of spaceflight on human health and disease, Reuters reported.</p>

<p>If all goes smoothly, the four astronauts will be welcomed aboard ISS on Saturday by the seven members of the station's current regular crew - two Americans from NASA, one astronaut each from Japan and Denmark, and three Russian cosmonauts.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Turkey's first astronaut Alper Gezeravci and three other astronauts representing Europe were launched on a flight to the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday (Jan 18).

Turkey's first astronaut Alper Gezeravci and three other astronauts representing Europe were launched on a flight to the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday (Jan 18). According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Friday, a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying the Axiom quartet lifted off atop a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Crew Dragon was expected to reach the International Space Station (ISS) early on Saturday morning and dock with the outpost orbiting some 400 kilometres above Earth and currently occupied by seven regular crew members. Responding to congratulations from mission control, flight commander Michael López-Alegría radioed back from the Crew Dragon, "As I was saying, it's a team sport. Thank you, guys." Also read: Astrobotic's Peregrine lander burns up after failing Moon mission This mission, called Ax-3, was arranged by Texas-based startup Axiom Space. It was the third such flight organised by Axiom over the past two years as the company builds on its business of putting astronauts sponsored by foreign governments and private enterprises into Earth's orbit. Who is Alper Gezeravci? Gezeravci, 44, is a Turkish Air Force veteran and holds the rank of a colonel. Turkey was poised to enter the exclusive but expanding club of ISS-guest countries by sending Gezeravci on his nation's debut human spaceflight as an Ax-3 mission specialist. His three other colleagues aboard the flight are Italian Air Force Colonel Walter Villadei, 49, Ax-3's designated pilot; Swedish aviator Marcus Wandt, 43, another mission specialist; and López-Alegría, 65, a retired NASA astronaut and dual citizen of Spain and the United States. Photo: Walter Villadei of Italy, Mission Specialist Alper Gezeravci of Turkey, and ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Marcus Wandt of Sweden in Cape Canaveral The crew will conduct over 30 scientific experiments, many of them focused on the effects of spaceflight on human health and disease, Reuters reported. If all goes smoothly, the four astronauts will be welcomed aboard ISS on Saturday by the seven members of the station's current regular crew - two Americans from NASA, one astronaut each from Japan and Denmark, and three Russian cosmonauts. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey’s first astronaut launched on flight to International Space Station

<p>On the first day of 2024, the European Space Agency (ESA) shared a captivating time-lapse video featuring our planet Earth as seen from the International Space Station (ISS).</p>

<p>The awe-inspiring footage, captured by ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen, showcased the mesmerising ocean-blue Earth viewed from the space ship's window.</p>

<p>In an Instagram post, ESA conveyed New Year wishes, stating, "Happy New Year, Earth. With this Timelapse captured from the @iss by our astronaut Andreas Mogensen, we want to wish you a peaceful, safe, and exciting year 2024! May the new year be full of grand adventures and opportunities! We’ll keep bringing the wonders of the universe and Earth to the palm of your hands."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-snapshot-of-oldest-spiral-galaxy-reveals-seismic-wave-similar-to-ripples-in-water-675973">New snapshot of oldest spiral galaxy reveals seismic wave similar to ripples in water</a></p>

<p>The video has garnered attention from nearly 14,000 online users, with many expressing their awe at the breathtaking scenes.</p>

<p>One Instagram user commented, “Thank you so much for sharing it. It’s amazing,” while another remarked, “To another wonderful year of what our species can do… when we dare to transcend.”</p>

<p>ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen, who captured the remarkable footage, also shared the video on his personal Instagram account.</p>

<p>In his caption, he shared insights into celebrating New Year's in space, stating, “New Year’s Greetings from space! Traveling at 28,000 kilometers per hour, the Space Station will cross the International Date Line several times tonight, so we will be celebrating New Year’s multiple times up here."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-bracing-for-geomagnetic-storm-after-massive-flare-erupts-on-sun-675971">Earth bracing for geomagnetic storm after massive flare erupts on Sun</a></p>

<p>Mogensen explained the crew's celebration routine, mentioning, "The day is spent with the crew, where we relax, enjoy some good food, and perhaps take a trip to the Cupola to look down at Earth. Unfortunately, we can’t see fireworks from up here, but the view of Earth is still fantastic. And we have 1 January off to slowly start up the New Year.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-earthquake-land-shifts-to-west-by-13-meters-after-series-of-earthquakes-675987">Japan Earthquake: Land shifts to west by 1.3 meters after series of earthquakes</a></strong></p>

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<p>Earlier, Mogensen shared candid pictures from the ISS, capturing Christmas celebrations with his colleagues.</p>

<p>The images featured Christmas decor in the background, and Mogensen captioned the post, "Now it's Christmas at the Space Station too! Merry Christmas from our 'family' to yours. Hope your evening was as fun as ours." The post garnered numerous comments from netizens extending their holiday wishes to the astronauts on board the spacecraft.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


On the first day of 2024, the European Space Agency (ESA) shared a captivating time-lapse video featuring our planet Earth as seen from the International Space Station (ISS).

On the first day of 2024, the European Space Agency (ESA) shared a captivating time-lapse video featuring our planet Earth as seen from the International Space Station (ISS). The awe-inspiring footage, captured by ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen, showcased the mesmerising ocean-blue Earth viewed from the space ship's window. In an Instagram post, ESA conveyed New Year wishes, stating, "Happy New Year, Earth. With this Timelapse captured from the @iss by our astronaut Andreas Mogensen, we want to wish you a peaceful, safe, and exciting year 2024! May the new year be full of grand adventures and opportunities! We’ll keep bringing the wonders of the universe and Earth to the palm of your hands." Also Read | New snapshot of oldest spiral galaxy reveals seismic wave similar to ripples in water The video has garnered attention from nearly 14,000 online users, with many expressing their awe at the breathtaking scenes. One Instagram user commented, “Thank you so much for sharing it. It’s amazing,” while another remarked, “To another wonderful year of what our species can do… when we dare to transcend.” ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen, who captured the remarkable footage, also shared the video on his personal Instagram account. In his caption, he shared insights into celebrating New Year's in space, stating, “New Year’s Greetings from space! Traveling at 28,000 kilometers per hour, the Space Station will cross the International Date Line several times tonight, so we will be celebrating New Year’s multiple times up here." Also Read | Earth bracing for geomagnetic storm after massive flare erupts on Sun Mogensen explained the crew's celebration routine, mentioning, "The day is spent with the crew, where we relax, enjoy some good food, and perhaps take a trip to the Cupola to look down at Earth. Unfortunately, we can’t see fireworks from up here, but the view of Earth is still fantastic. And we have 1 January off to slowly start up the New Year.” Watch | Japan Earthquake: Land shifts to west by 1.3 meters after series of earthquakes × Earlier, Mogensen shared candid pictures from the ISS, capturing Christmas celebrations with his colleagues. The images featured Christmas decor in the background, and Mogensen captioned the post, "Now it's Christmas at the Space Station too! Merry Christmas from our 'family' to yours. Hope your evening was as fun as ours." The post garnered numerous comments from netizens extending their holiday wishes to the astronauts on board the spacecraft. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH | Mesmerising time-lapse video captures Earth's beauty from International Space Station

<p>Exercise and going to the gym require&nbsp;ample willpower. Not every human on Earth has it. But almost every one of the few who go to the International Space Station must go to the gym at the ISS.</p>

<p>Going to the gym is one of the most crucial parts of the routine of those living aboard the International Space Station (ISS).</p>

<h2><strong>Why exercise is important for ISS residents?</strong></h2>

<p>In the absence of Earth's gravitational force, the ISS residents face the risk of muscle and bone mass decline, a concern with potentially severe consequences upon returning to normal gravity conditions on Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Therefore, the astronauts must dedicate over two hours daily to exercise at the International Space Station.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The exercise devices at International Space Station</strong></h2>

<p>The ISS is equipped with three primary exercise devices: a treadmill, a stationary bicycle, and an Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED). While the activities may resemble traditional workouts—running, cycling, and weightlifting—the challenges of performing these routines in microgravity add another dimension.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-nasa-releases-footage-of-tomatoes-lost-in-space-for-eight-months-670397">Watch: NASA releases footage of tomatoes lost in space for eight months</a></strong></p>

<p>ARED, a key component of the ISS gym, uses vacuum cylinders instead of conventional weights for resistance. Astronauts exert force against the vacuum's pull to simulate weightlifting, adjusting the resistance to match the intensity of heavier weights.</p>

<p>The treadmill and stationary bicycle, although resembling their Earthly counterparts, demand additional precautions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India &amp; US will undertake joint mission to international space station in 2024</strong></p>

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<p>To prevent astronauts from floating away during running or cycling, harnesses are employed to tether them to the equipment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Beyond the rather romanticised notion of space exploration, the commitment to a rigorous exercise routine stands as an essential aspect of an astronaut's daily life, ensuring both physical well-being and preparedness for demanding tasks such as spacewalks.</p>

<p>As humanity continues to explore the frontiers of space, these innovative solutions underscore the meticulous planning required to address the unique challenges posed by microgravity.</p>


Exercise and going to the gym require ample willpower. Not every human on Earth has it. But almost every one of the few who go to the International Space Station must go to the gym at the ISS.

Exercise and going to the gym require ample willpower. Not every human on Earth has it. But almost every one of the few who go to the International Space Station must go to the gym at the ISS. Going to the gym is one of the most crucial parts of the routine of those living aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Why exercise is important for ISS residents? In the absence of Earth's gravitational force, the ISS residents face the risk of muscle and bone mass decline, a concern with potentially severe consequences upon returning to normal gravity conditions on Earth. Therefore, the astronauts must dedicate over two hours daily to exercise at the International Space Station. The exercise devices at International Space Station The ISS is equipped with three primary exercise devices: a treadmill, a stationary bicycle, and an Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED). While the activities may resemble traditional workouts—running, cycling, and weightlifting—the challenges of performing these routines in microgravity add another dimension. Also read | Watch: NASA releases footage of tomatoes lost in space for eight months ARED, a key component of the ISS gym, uses vacuum cylinders instead of conventional weights for resistance. Astronauts exert force against the vacuum's pull to simulate weightlifting, adjusting the resistance to match the intensity of heavier weights. The treadmill and stationary bicycle, although resembling their Earthly counterparts, demand additional precautions. Also watch | India & US will undertake joint mission to international space station in 2024 × To prevent astronauts from floating away during running or cycling, harnesses are employed to tether them to the equipment. Beyond the rather romanticised notion of space exploration, the commitment to a rigorous exercise routine stands as an essential aspect of an astronaut's daily life, ensuring both physical well-being and preparedness for demanding tasks such as spacewalks. As humanity continues to explore the frontiers of space, these innovative solutions underscore the meticulous planning required to address the unique challenges posed by microgravity.

This is what going to gym looks like on International Space Station

<p>European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Andreas Mogensen, who is currently on the International Space Station (ISS), shared images of giant icebergs seen from space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mogensen, the commander of ISS's current Expedition 70, saw the icebergs floating in the South Atlantic from space. The images highlight how climate change has been impacting the world as the Earth continues to warm more and more.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From ISS, the icebergs look like white clouds floating against the blue ocean water.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/research-reveal-disturbing-changes-in-waters-surrounding-bermuda-670123">Research reveal disturbing changes in waters surrounding Bermuda</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>While sharing the images on X (formerly known as Twitter), Mogensen said: "I have to admit that if you had asked me before this mission, if you could see icebergs with your naked eye from space, I would have said, 'No way'."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Turns out that you can! We have been seeing lots of icebergs lately in the South Atlantic. Perhaps it's their distinct geometry or perhaps the contrast in color, but they are very visible from space," the astronaut added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mogensen further said in the post: "Seeing the icebergs float around reminds me of climate change, with glaciers melting at a rapid pace and rising sea levels. Places like the Maldives will most likely not exist in 70 years from now, having been submerged by the rising ocean."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/unlocking-the-universes-secrets-mysterious-fast-radio-bursts-in-space-gets-stranger-670076">Unlocking secrets of universe: Mysterious fast radio bursts in space gets stranger</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The tip of the iceberg<br />
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I have to admit that if you had asked me before this mission, if you could see icebergs with your naked eye from space, I would have said, “No way”.<br />
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Turns out that you can! We have been seeing lots of icebergs lately in the south Atlantic. Perhaps it’s… <a href="https://t.co/qGY2CUCSfp">pic.twitter.com/qGY2CUCSfp</a></p>
— Andreas Mogensen (@Astro_Andreas) <a href="https://twitter.com/Astro_Andreas/status/1731297958014992688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>World's largest iceberg heads for Southern Ocean&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The world's largest iceberg is on the move for the first time in more than three decades, scientists said towards the end of November.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At almost 4,000 square km (1,500 square miles), the Antarctic iceberg called A23a is roughly three times the size of New York City.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It's rare to see an iceberg of this size on the move, said British Antarctic Survey glaciologist Oliver Marsh, so scientists will be watching its trajectory closely.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As it gains speed, the colossal berg will likely be launched into the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. This will funnel it toward the Southern Ocean on a path known as "iceberg alley" where others of its kind can be found bobbing in dark waters.&nbsp;</p>


European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Andreas Mogensen, who is currently on the International Space Station (ISS), shared images of giant icebergs seen from space.

European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Andreas Mogensen, who is currently on the International Space Station (ISS), shared images of giant icebergs seen from space. Mogensen, the commander of ISS's current Expedition 70, saw the icebergs floating in the South Atlantic from space. The images highlight how climate change has been impacting the world as the Earth continues to warm more and more. From ISS, the icebergs look like white clouds floating against the blue ocean water. Also read: Research reveal disturbing changes in waters surrounding Bermuda While sharing the images on X (formerly known as Twitter), Mogensen said: "I have to admit that if you had asked me before this mission, if you could see icebergs with your naked eye from space, I would have said, 'No way'." "Turns out that you can! We have been seeing lots of icebergs lately in the South Atlantic. Perhaps it's their distinct geometry or perhaps the contrast in color, but they are very visible from space," the astronaut added. Mogensen further said in the post: "Seeing the icebergs float around reminds me of climate change, with glaciers melting at a rapid pace and rising sea levels. Places like the Maldives will most likely not exist in 70 years from now, having been submerged by the rising ocean." Also read: Unlocking secrets of universe: Mysterious fast radio bursts in space gets stranger The tip of the iceberg I have to admit that if you had asked me before this mission, if you could see icebergs with your naked eye from space, I would have said, “No way”. Turns out that you can! We have been seeing lots of icebergs lately in the south Atlantic. Perhaps it’s… pic.twitter.com/qGY2CUCSfp — Andreas Mogensen (@Astro_Andreas) December 3, 2023 × World's largest iceberg heads for Southern Ocean The world's largest iceberg is on the move for the first time in more than three decades, scientists said towards the end of November. At almost 4,000 square km (1,500 square miles), the Antarctic iceberg called A23a is roughly three times the size of New York City. It's rare to see an iceberg of this size on the move, said British Antarctic Survey glaciologist Oliver Marsh, so scientists will be watching its trajectory closely. As it gains speed, the colossal berg will likely be launched into the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. This will funnel it toward the Southern Ocean on a path known as "iceberg alley" where others of its kind can be found bobbing in dark waters.

ISS astronaut snaps photos of icebergs - a reminder of climate change

<p>NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter, in its 22nd year on the Red Planet, recently captured spectacular clouds and dust on Martian skies, along with one of its two moons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The view is akin to the one you see when one sees the curvature of the Earth below the International Space Station.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The stunning view of Mars will help scientists all over the world gain new insights into the Martian atmosphere. It shows the Martian surface below the layers of cloud and dust.</p>

<h2><strong>Mars from top: From where the images were captured?</strong></h2>

<p>The spacecraft took images in May from an altitude of about 250 miles (400 km). Notably, this is the same altitude at which the International Space Station flies above Earth.<img alt="NASA JPL image" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3f6ba56-0dfa-47f4-a7c6-309de4c420e2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-11-30T061627.145.png" /></p>

<p data-block-key="t16y4"><em>This unusual view of the horizon of Mars was captured by NASA’s Odyssey orbiter using its THEMIS camera | Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU</em></p>

<p>"If there were astronauts in orbit over Mars, this is the perspective they would have," said Jonathon Hill of Arizona State University, according to an official NASA readout. Hill is the operations lead for Odyssey’s camera, called the Thermal Emission Imaging System, or THEMIS. "No Mars spacecraft has ever had this kind of view before."</p>

<h2><strong>Why is this Martian view unique?</strong></h2>

<p>This is because the mission had to capture a more expansive view of the atmosphere. The capture of the Martian landscape was aimed to help scientists improve upon the existing models of the Martian atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-can-now-produce-oxygen-on-mars-all-thanks-to-an-ai-powered-robot-chemist-658247">Scientists can now produce oxygen on Mars, all thanks to an AI-powered robot chemist</a></strong></p>

<p>"I think of it as viewing a cross-section, a slice through the atmosphere,” said Jeffrey Plaut, Odyssey’s project scientist at JPL. "There’s a lot of detail you can’t see from above, which is how THEMIS normally makes these measurements."</p>

<p>Besides, the THEMIS cannot make angular movements. Therefore, to adjust the angle of the camera, the whole spacecraft had to be readjusted. Here, the team rotated the orbiter about 90 degrees while ensuring that Sunlight fell on the spacecraft's solar panels.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Scientists surprised by source of largest quake detected on Mars</strong></p>

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<p>The Odyssey mission hopes to take similar images in the future, capturing the Martian atmosphere across multiple seasons.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter, in its 22nd year on the Red Planet, recently captured spectacular clouds and dust on Martian skies, along with one of its two moons.

NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter, in its 22nd year on the Red Planet, recently captured spectacular clouds and dust on Martian skies, along with one of its two moons. The view is akin to the one you see when one sees the curvature of the Earth below the International Space Station. What does it mean? The stunning view of Mars will help scientists all over the world gain new insights into the Martian atmosphere. It shows the Martian surface below the layers of cloud and dust. Mars from top: From where the images were captured? The spacecraft took images in May from an altitude of about 250 miles (400 km). Notably, this is the same altitude at which the International Space Station flies above Earth. This unusual view of the horizon of Mars was captured by NASA’s Odyssey orbiter using its THEMIS camera | Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU "If there were astronauts in orbit over Mars, this is the perspective they would have," said Jonathon Hill of Arizona State University, according to an official NASA readout. Hill is the operations lead for Odyssey’s camera, called the Thermal Emission Imaging System, or THEMIS. "No Mars spacecraft has ever had this kind of view before." Why is this Martian view unique? This is because the mission had to capture a more expansive view of the atmosphere. The capture of the Martian landscape was aimed to help scientists improve upon the existing models of the Martian atmosphere. Also read | Scientists can now produce oxygen on Mars, all thanks to an AI-powered robot chemist "I think of it as viewing a cross-section, a slice through the atmosphere,” said Jeffrey Plaut, Odyssey’s project scientist at JPL. "There’s a lot of detail you can’t see from above, which is how THEMIS normally makes these measurements." Besides, the THEMIS cannot make angular movements. Therefore, to adjust the angle of the camera, the whole spacecraft had to be readjusted. Here, the team rotated the orbiter about 90 degrees while ensuring that Sunlight fell on the spacecraft's solar panels. Also watch | Scientists surprised by source of largest quake detected on Mars × The Odyssey mission hopes to take similar images in the future, capturing the Martian atmosphere across multiple seasons. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's Odyssey orbiter acts as Space Station to Mars to capture its atmosphere from top

<p>A tool bag that was accidentally slipped by NASA astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS), will be flying over Britain on Tuesday (Nov 21) and be visible from the ground.</p>

<p>The tool bag is orbiting the Earth around five minutes ahead of the ISS, and it has already been spotted by astronauts both onboard the space station and on the ground.</p>

<p>The bag is surprisingly bright and can be spotted with the naked eye in a clear sky. However, amateurs can also use binoculars or a telescope for a clear view.</p>

<h2><strong>What time will the tool bag be visible?</strong></h2>

<p>Britons in the south are expected to have a clear view of the tool bag on Tuesday evening. The best time to spot the bag would be between 5.30 pm and 5.41 pm.</p>

<p>Astronomers from the Virtual Telescope Project first spotted the object from the ground last week.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gaganyaan: India's first mission to send astronauts to space</strong></p>

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<p>Gianluca Masi, the project founder, posted an image, adding: &nbsp;“The object looks like a sharp dot of light in the centre, as the telescope tracked it.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How did the bag end up there?</strong></h2>

<p>On November 2, when NASA astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O’Hara were conducting repairs on the International Space Station’s (ISS) solar panels, they accidentally let a tool bag slip away.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Last seen by <a href="https://twitter.com/Astro_Satoshi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Astro_Satoshi</a> while floating over Mount Fuji 🗻 the 'Orbital Police' can confirm that the lost EVA gear is being tracked 🫡 <a href="https://t.co/wz4MITmAfM">https://t.co/wz4MITmAfM</a> <a href="https://t.co/eksfu9fPFw">pic.twitter.com/eksfu9fPFw</a></p>
— Dr Meganne Christian (@astro_meganne) <a href="https://twitter.com/astro_meganne/status/1721297966999236802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The tool bag is expected to orbit around Earth for a few months, during which it will continue to descend until 70 miles or 113 kilometres.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/science/8-weird-things-astronauts-have-left-on-the-moon-1691144540606"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;8 Weird Things Astronauts Have Left On The Moon</strong></a></p>

<p>After reaching there, it will start to disintegrate in Earth’s atmosphere.</p>

<p>Notably, it was not the first time that astronauts dropped a repair kit accidentally into the Earth’s orbit.</p>

<p>On November 18, 2008, astronauts lost a similar repair kit during an operation outside the ISS.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A tool bag that was accidentally slipped by NASA astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS), will be flying over Britain on Tuesday (Nov 21) and be visible from the ground.

A tool bag that was accidentally slipped by NASA astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS), will be flying over Britain on Tuesday (Nov 21) and be visible from the ground. The tool bag is orbiting the Earth around five minutes ahead of the ISS, and it has already been spotted by astronauts both onboard the space station and on the ground. The bag is surprisingly bright and can be spotted with the naked eye in a clear sky. However, amateurs can also use binoculars or a telescope for a clear view. What time will the tool bag be visible? Britons in the south are expected to have a clear view of the tool bag on Tuesday evening. The best time to spot the bag would be between 5.30 pm and 5.41 pm. Astronomers from the Virtual Telescope Project first spotted the object from the ground last week. Watch: Gaganyaan: India's first mission to send astronauts to space × Gianluca Masi, the project founder, posted an image, adding: “The object looks like a sharp dot of light in the centre, as the telescope tracked it.” How did the bag end up there? On November 2, when NASA astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O’Hara were conducting repairs on the International Space Station’s (ISS) solar panels, they accidentally let a tool bag slip away. Last seen by @Astro_Satoshi while floating over Mount Fuji 🗻 the 'Orbital Police' can confirm that the lost EVA gear is being tracked 🫡 https://t.co/wz4MITmAfM pic.twitter.com/eksfu9fPFw — Dr Meganne Christian (@astro_meganne) November 5, 2023 × The tool bag is expected to orbit around Earth for a few months, during which it will continue to descend until 70 miles or 113 kilometres. Also read: 8 Weird Things Astronauts Have Left On The Moon After reaching there, it will start to disintegrate in Earth’s atmosphere. Notably, it was not the first time that astronauts dropped a repair kit accidentally into the Earth’s orbit. On November 18, 2008, astronauts lost a similar repair kit during an operation outside the ISS. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA’s lost tool bag orbiting Earth can be spotted with naked eyes on Tuesday