<p>A SpaceX Dragon capsule containing a team of four astronauts successfully departed the International Space Station and has started its descent back to Earth.</p>

<p>The team which spent six months in space included NASA astronauts – Raja Chari, Tom Marshburn and Kayla Barron along with European Space Agency astronaut Matthias Maurer.</p>

<p>The mission, named 'Crew-3', was the third full-fledged long-duration group of astronauts sent to the space station by SpaceX and they will be carrying around 550 pounds of cargo back to the earth, according to NASA.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-woman-pinned-down-as-healthcare-workers-forcibly-conduct-covid-19-test-watch-476497" hreflang="en">Chinese woman pinned down as COVID-19 test conducted forcibly - WATCH</a></p>

<p>The capsule undocked from the International Space Station around 0500 GMT and the journey back to earth is expected to take around 23 hours. According to the official briefing from NASA, the spacecraft, dubbed Endurance, will parachute off the coast of Florida at 0443 GMT on Friday.</p>

<p>"Teams from @NASA &amp; @SpaceX now are targeting #Crew3 undocking at 1:05 am Thurs, May 5 from @Space_Station. Splashdown off of Florida's coast is planned about 12:37 am Fri, May 6. The new undocking time allows for shorter phasing &amp; more time to review the latest forecast info," NASA human spaceflight chief Kathy Lueders posted on Twitter.</p>

<p>"Weather is being watched closely to confirm selected primary &amp; alternate sites are good for return, and we'll conduct another weather review about 24 hours before undocking to determine whether we are GO to proceed. More to come," she added in another tweet.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-troops-fight-for-control-of-last-ukrainian-stronghold-in-mariupol-476439">Russian troops fight for control of last Ukrainian stronghold in Mariupol</a></p>

<p>The four astronauts departed from the ISS after their replacement team arrived last week. The new comprises of three Russian astronauts with Oleg Artemyev assuming the command.'</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


A SpaceX Dragon capsule containing a team of four astronauts successfully departed the International Space Station and has started its descent back to Earth. The team which spent six months in space included NASA astronauts – Raja Chari, Tom Marshburn and Kayla Barron along with European Space Agency astronaut Matthias Maurer.

A SpaceX Dragon capsule containing a team of four astronauts successfully departed the International Space Station and has started its descent back to Earth. The team which spent six months in space included NASA astronauts – Raja Chari, Tom Marshburn and Kayla Barron along with European Space Agency astronaut Matthias Maurer. The mission, named 'Crew-3', was the third full-fledged long-duration group of astronauts sent to the space station by SpaceX and they will be carrying around 550 pounds of cargo back to the earth, according to NASA. Also read | Chinese woman pinned down as COVID-19 test conducted forcibly - WATCH The capsule undocked from the International Space Station around 0500 GMT and the journey back to earth is expected to take around 23 hours. According to the official briefing from NASA, the spacecraft, dubbed Endurance, will parachute off the coast of Florida at 0443 GMT on Friday. "Teams from @NASA & @SpaceX now are targeting #Crew3 undocking at 1:05 am Thurs, May 5 from @Space_Station. Splashdown off of Florida's coast is planned about 12:37 am Fri, May 6. The new undocking time allows for shorter phasing & more time to review the latest forecast info," NASA human spaceflight chief Kathy Lueders posted on Twitter. "Weather is being watched closely to confirm selected primary & alternate sites are good for return, and we'll conduct another weather review about 24 hours before undocking to determine whether we are GO to proceed. More to come," she added in another tweet. Also read | Russian troops fight for control of last Ukrainian stronghold in Mariupol The four astronauts departed from the ISS after their replacement team arrived last week. The new comprises of three Russian astronauts with Oleg Artemyev assuming the command.' (With inputs from agencies)

Four SpaceX Crew-3 astronauts start journey back to Earth from International Space Station

Russia is responding to the Western sanctions. It has decided to walk out of the International Space Station. Palki Sharma Upadhyay decodes the implications of this move.

Gravitas: Russia quits the International Space Station

The European space agency is ending cooperation with Russia on three missions to the moon. This comes as Russia continues its assault on Ukraine. On the other hand, Moscow has announced that it will be quitting the International space station.

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Europe cancels joint moon missions with Russia

<p>With the Russia-Ukraine conflict crossing the two-month mark, the tensions between Moscow and the West continue to escalate.</p>

<p>Russia has now announced that it is all set to pull out of the International Space Station and that the country's space agency will no longer work with NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-army-damaged-1000-tanks-200-aircraft-2500-armored-vehicles-of-russian-forces-claims-zelensky-475357" hreflang="en">Ukrainian army damaged 1,000 tanks, 200 aircraft, 2,500 armored vehicles of Russian forces, claims Zelensky</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking to Russian state TV, Roscosmos General Director Dmitry Rogozin said that Russia will no longer cooperate with international partners onboard ISS.</p>

<p>According to a Bloomberg report, Rogozin said that in accordance to the obligations the agency will inform its partners about the exit date with a year's notice.</p>

<p>In spite of the tensions between Russia and the West, space has been one of the last remaining areas of cooperation but seems like Russia's unprecedented aggression toward its neighbour&nbsp;Ukraine will be creating tensions in space too.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Will Putin declare war against Ukraine? Watch UK Defence Secretary speak on Ukraine conflict</strong></p>

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<p>Russia had earlier warned this month that If the country were to withdraw, it will pose major problems for the ISS as Russian rockets deliver a large amount of cargo needed to maintain the space station.</p>

<p>&nbsp;In late March, NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei shared a ride back to Earth alongside two Russian Cosmonauts and when asked had said that the relations among the ISS crew remained unaffected by the tensions in Ukraine.</p>

<p>"We support each other through everything," said Hei adding that he "never had any concerns about my ability to continue working with them".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ghost-of-kyiv-killed-in-fighting-after-shooting-down-40-russian-jets-475309" hreflang="en">'Ghost of Kyiv' killed in fighting, has shot down 40 Russian jets</a></strong></p>

<p>After Russia's withdrawal will NASA, ESA and other space agencies continue to maintain operations remain to be seen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dailymail reports that as per Nathan Eismont a leading researcher at the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of sciences, operations would be close to impossible without the Russian crew.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ISS is jointly managed by Moscow and Washington and a complete Russian pullout will pose major challenges to the operation.</p>

<p><strong>Watch WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


With the Russia-Ukraine conflict crossing the two-month mark, the tensions between Moscow and the West continue to escalate. Russia has now announced that it is all set to pull out of the International Space Station and that the country's space agency will no longer work with NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).

With the Russia-Ukraine conflict crossing the two-month mark, the tensions between Moscow and the West continue to escalate. Russia has now announced that it is all set to pull out of the International Space Station and that the country's space agency will no longer work with NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). Also read | Ukrainian army damaged 1,000 tanks, 200 aircraft, 2,500 armored vehicles of Russian forces, claims Zelensky Speaking to Russian state TV, Roscosmos General Director Dmitry Rogozin said that Russia will no longer cooperate with international partners onboard ISS. According to a Bloomberg report, Rogozin said that in accordance to the obligations the agency will inform its partners about the exit date with a year's notice. In spite of the tensions between Russia and the West, space has been one of the last remaining areas of cooperation but seems like Russia's unprecedented aggression toward its neighbour Ukraine will be creating tensions in space too. Watch | Will Putin declare war against Ukraine? Watch UK Defence Secretary speak on Ukraine conflict Russia had earlier warned this month that If the country were to withdraw, it will pose major problems for the ISS as Russian rockets deliver a large amount of cargo needed to maintain the space station. In late March, NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei shared a ride back to Earth alongside two Russian Cosmonauts and when asked had said that the relations among the ISS crew remained unaffected by the tensions in Ukraine. "We support each other through everything," said Hei adding that he "never had any concerns about my ability to continue working with them". Also read | 'Ghost of Kyiv' killed in fighting, has shot down 40 Russian jets After Russia's withdrawal will NASA, ESA and other space agencies continue to maintain operations remain to be seen. Dailymail reports that as per Nathan Eismont a leading researcher at the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of sciences, operations would be close to impossible without the Russian crew. ISS is jointly managed by Moscow and Washington and a complete Russian pullout will pose major challenges to the operation. Watch WION LIVE HERE: (With inputs from agencies)

Tensions in ISS: Russia announces that it will be ending space cooperation with NASA, ESA

<p>Elon Musk's SpaceX sent a&nbsp;NASA mission to the International Space Station(ISS) on Wednesday as the Crew-4 mission blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center.</p>

<p>During the 16-hour flight to the ISS, the Dragon and the Crew-4 astronauts will orbit the Earth ten times, SpaceX said in a tweet as the mission lifted off.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Crew-4 on orbit <a href="https://t.co/pNlRTTdSYE">pic.twitter.com/pNlRTTdSYE</a></p>
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1519226826706497537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mysterious-flying-whirlpool-over-hawaii-turns-out-to-be-dying-spacex-rocket-472434">Also Read:&nbsp; Mysterious 'flying whirlpool' over Hawaii turns out to be a dying SpaceX rocket</a></p>

<p>Crew-4 will carry out scientific experiments including conduct breakthrough research on growing plants without soil in space.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Liftoff of Falcon 9 and Dragon! <a href="https://t.co/sfKAOpBtU6">pic.twitter.com/sfKAOpBtU6</a></p>
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1519223525374013440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>SpaceX's latest mission comes just days&nbsp;after a crew successfully landed off the Florida coast after spending over two weeks aboard the International Space Station in a boost for the commercial sector.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Musk shares simulation video 'Starship to Mars'</strong></p>

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<p>Axiom Space had paid SpaceX for the transport services and NASA for use of the ISS as the three businessmen onboard the flight reportedly paid $55 million each as SpaceX and NASA look to commercialise space ventures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The crew touchdown in four huge parachutes along the Atlantic Ocean near Jacksonville.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The crew including Canadian financier Mark Pathy,&nbsp;Israeli investor Eytan Stibbe, Spanish-American astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria and real estate mogul Larry Connor had blasted off on April 8.</p>

<p>Although they were set to spend just eight days on the ISS, however, bad weather forced them to stay 17 days in orbit with 15 on ISS.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(With inputs from Agencies)</p>

<p><strong>Watch WION&nbsp;Live Here</strong></p>

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Elon Musk's SpaceX sent a NASA mission to the International Space Station(ISS) on Wednesday as the Crew-4 mission blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center. During the 16-hour flight to the ISS, the Dragon and the Crew-4 astronauts will orbit the Earth ten times, SpaceX said in a tweet as the mission lifted off.

Elon Musk's SpaceX sent a NASA mission to the International Space Station(ISS) on Wednesday as the Crew-4 mission blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center. During the 16-hour flight to the ISS, the Dragon and the Crew-4 astronauts will orbit the Earth ten times, SpaceX said in a tweet as the mission lifted off. Crew-4 on orbit pic.twitter.com/pNlRTTdSYE — SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 27, 2022 × Also Read: Mysterious 'flying whirlpool' over Hawaii turns out to be a dying SpaceX rocket Crew-4 will carry out scientific experiments including conduct breakthrough research on growing plants without soil in space. Liftoff of Falcon 9 and Dragon! pic.twitter.com/sfKAOpBtU6 — SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 27, 2022 × SpaceX's latest mission comes just days after a crew successfully landed off the Florida coast after spending over two weeks aboard the International Space Station in a boost for the commercial sector. Watch: Musk shares simulation video 'Starship to Mars' Axiom Space had paid SpaceX for the transport services and NASA for use of the ISS as the three businessmen onboard the flight reportedly paid $55 million each as SpaceX and NASA look to commercialise space ventures. The crew touchdown in four huge parachutes along the Atlantic Ocean near Jacksonville. The crew including Canadian financier Mark Pathy, Israeli investor Eytan Stibbe, Spanish-American astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria and real estate mogul Larry Connor had blasted off on April 8. Although they were set to spend just eight days on the ISS, however, bad weather forced them to stay 17 days in orbit with 15 on ISS. (With inputs from Agencies) Watch WION Live Here

SpaceX launches NASA mission to International Space Station

First all-private astronaut team returned to Earth from Space. The team returned from ISS and touched down in the Atlantic. The crew capsule carrying four men was in space for two weeks. It took nearly 16 hours for the crew capsule to descent from orbit.

What’s special about these astronauts returning to earth from space?

<p>We've seen it in movies. The protagonist is travelling in a spacecraft. A few beeps later, he receives a sophisticated telephone call. In other words, the person wanting to connect with our hero appears almost in flesh. A projection of the caller appears in thin air and both of them carry out conversation as if they would be talking in real life.</p>

<p>NASA made this translate into reality as it 'holoported' a surgeon to the International Space Station (ISS). NASA flight surgeon Josef Schmid conversed with astronauts as a virtual presence in real time. NASA made this information public last week. The actual holoportation took place in October 2021.</p>

<p>"This is [a] completely new manner of human communication across vast distances," says Schmid, as quoted by NASA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is a brand-new way of human exploration, where our human entity is able to travel off the planet."</p>

<p>"NASA is demonstrating this new form of communication as a precursor for more extensive use on future missions. Plans are to use this next with two-way communication, where people on Earth are holoported to space and astronauts are placed back on earth," said the information on the NASA website.</p>

<p>The surgeon was holoported to the ISS using Microsoft Hololens technology.</p>

<p>There appears to be an exciting way ahead for such technology. Imagine something going wrong in a spacecraft millions of miles away from Earth. The best instructor or the best expert can jump into the spacecraft using holoportation and help the astronauts resolve the issue.</p>


We've seen it in movies. The protagonist is travelling in a spacecraft. A few beeps later, he receives a sophisticated telephone call. In other words, the person wanting to connect with our hero appears almost in flesh.

We've seen it in movies. The protagonist is travelling in a spacecraft. A few beeps later, he receives a sophisticated telephone call. In other words, the person wanting to connect with our hero appears almost in flesh. A projection of the caller appears in thin air and both of them carry out conversation as if they would be talking in real life. NASA made this translate into reality as it 'holoported' a surgeon to the International Space Station (ISS). NASA flight surgeon Josef Schmid conversed with astronauts as a virtual presence in real time. NASA made this information public last week. The actual holoportation took place in October 2021. "This is [a] completely new manner of human communication across vast distances," says Schmid, as quoted by NASA. "It is a brand-new way of human exploration, where our human entity is able to travel off the planet." "NASA is demonstrating this new form of communication as a precursor for more extensive use on future missions. Plans are to use this next with two-way communication, where people on Earth are holoported to space and astronauts are placed back on earth," said the information on the NASA website. The surgeon was holoported to the ISS using Microsoft Hololens technology. There appears to be an exciting way ahead for such technology. Imagine something going wrong in a spacecraft millions of miles away from Earth. The best instructor or the best expert can jump into the spacecraft using holoportation and help the astronauts resolve the issue.

NASA 'holoports' a doctor on Earth to ISS in first such achievement

<p>NASA is developing a new spacesuit with a built-in cooling system to help astronauts withstand the unfiltered sun rays on the Moon.</p>

<p>In a new video published by NASA, the astronauts were seen spacewalking outside the International Space Station wearing the suit as they receive cool water from a device onboard.</p>

<p>NASA hopes that their suit will be able to protect their astronauts from the moon's temperature that can reach a boiling 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius or 400 Kelvin) during lunar daytime at the moon's equator.</p>

<p>Though the concept of a built-in cooling system dates back to the 1970s of the Apollo missions, the US space agency has added additional new features to the suit that can withstand the harsh sun rays.</p>

<p>According to NASA, the new spacesuit is equipped with pressure sensors, a thermal control loop to maintain a set temperature, and has the ability to release warm water vapour into space.</p>

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<p>“As NASA embraces commercial partnerships to optimize spacesuit technology as part of the Artemis program, the Spacesuit Evaporation Rejection Flight Experiment (SERFE) payload continues to be tested onboard the International Space Station,” NASA wrote in the caption of the clip.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to NASA, the latest cooling technology is being tested for the upcoming Artemis missions, which are set to take place in 2025. The programme&nbsp;aims to return the humans to the Moon.</p>

<p>In 2025, Artemis 3 will bring humans to the moon with the first woman and person of colour to reach the lunar surface on board.</p>

<p>The crew will touch down near the moon’s south pole, which is believed to have&nbsp;large amounts of ice.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


NASA is developing a new spacesuit with a built-in cooling system to help astronauts withstand the unfiltered sun rays on the Moon. In a new video published by NASA, the astronauts were seen spacewalking outside the International Space Station wearing the suit as they receive cool water from a device onboard.

NASA is developing a new spacesuit with a built-in cooling system to help astronauts withstand the unfiltered sun rays on the Moon. In a new video published by NASA, the astronauts were seen spacewalking outside the International Space Station wearing the suit as they receive cool water from a device onboard. NASA hopes that their suit will be able to protect their astronauts from the moon's temperature that can reach a boiling 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius or 400 Kelvin) during lunar daytime at the moon's equator. Though the concept of a built-in cooling system dates back to the 1970s of the Apollo missions, the US space agency has added additional new features to the suit that can withstand the harsh sun rays. According to NASA, the new spacesuit is equipped with pressure sensors, a thermal control loop to maintain a set temperature, and has the ability to release warm water vapour into space. × “As NASA embraces commercial partnerships to optimize spacesuit technology as part of the Artemis program, the Spacesuit Evaporation Rejection Flight Experiment (SERFE) payload continues to be tested onboard the International Space Station,” NASA wrote in the caption of the clip. According to NASA, the latest cooling technology is being tested for the upcoming Artemis missions, which are set to take place in 2025. The programme aims to return the humans to the Moon. In 2025, Artemis 3 will bring humans to the moon with the first woman and person of colour to reach the lunar surface on board. The crew will touch down near the moon’s south pole, which is believed to have large amounts of ice.

Watch: NASA working on new spacesuit with built-in cooling system to withstand Moon temperatures

<p>The Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1) has finally arrived at the International Space Station (ISS). &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The world's first private space mission to ISS docked at the flying outpost on Saturday after making the journey of almost 21 hours. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, NASA said that Crew Dragon Endeavour docked to the orbital complex. This comes as the spacecraft was flying about 418 km above the Atlantic Ocean. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-first-private-astronauts-mission-to-iss-lifts-off-in-us-469469" hreflang="en">In Pics: First private astronauts’ mission to ISS lifts off in US</a></strong></p>

<p>The docking of the Dragon Endeavour was delayed by around 45 minutes due to a glitch.&nbsp;"Mission teams worked to route video using a SpaceX ground station to the crew on the space station allowing Dragon to proceed with docking," said NASA. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">JUST IN: SpaceX Crew Dragon "Endeavor" with 4 Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1) astronauts docks at the International Space Station at 8:29 PM (PHL time). The ISS flew over Metro Manila around 7:30 PM. Ax-1 is the first private crew mission to the ISS. (📸: SpaceX live feed) <a href="https://twitter.com/manilabulletin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@manilabulletin</a> <a href="https://t.co/woocynP1UM">pic.twitter.com/woocynP1UM</a></p>
— Robert 'Bob' Reyes 🇵🇭💉 (@bobreyes) <a href="https://twitter.com/bobreyes/status/1512776459928027138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>The crew was welcomed by Expedition 67 crew members. It includes NASA astronauts Raja Chari, Marshburn and Kayla Barron, Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Korsokov, Oleg Artemyev and Denis Matveev and European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Matthias Maurer. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Future of the aviation sector: First of its kind electric aircraft certified for training</strong></p>

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<p>The four-member crew of the&nbsp;Ax-1 has been selected by Houston-based startup Axiom Space Inc. It is the landmark debut spaceflight for the firm. It is sending three customers, who have paid for the flight and an Axiom employee Michael López-Alegría to the ISS for an eight-day stay.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>López-Alegría, who is also a former NASA astronaut, is leading the mission. While the other three are pilot Larry Connor and mission specialists, Eytan Stibbe and Mark Pathy. The four astronauts will stay and work on the flying outpost. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>The team is carrying equipment and supplies for 26 science and technology experiments, which will be conducted before they head home. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1) has finally arrived at the International Space Station (ISS). The world's first private space mission to ISS docked at the flying outpost on Saturday after making the journey of almost 21 hours.

The Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1) has finally arrived at the International Space Station (ISS). The world's first private space mission to ISS docked at the flying outpost on Saturday after making the journey of almost 21 hours. In a statement, NASA said that Crew Dragon Endeavour docked to the orbital complex. This comes as the spacecraft was flying about 418 km above the Atlantic Ocean. Also Read | In Pics: First private astronauts’ mission to ISS lifts off in US The docking of the Dragon Endeavour was delayed by around 45 minutes due to a glitch. "Mission teams worked to route video using a SpaceX ground station to the crew on the space station allowing Dragon to proceed with docking," said NASA. JUST IN: SpaceX Crew Dragon "Endeavor" with 4 Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1) astronauts docks at the International Space Station at 8:29 PM (PHL time). The ISS flew over Metro Manila around 7:30 PM. Ax-1 is the first private crew mission to the ISS. (📸: SpaceX live feed) @manilabulletin pic.twitter.com/woocynP1UM — Robert 'Bob' Reyes 🇵🇭💉 (@bobreyes) April 9, 2022 × The crew was welcomed by Expedition 67 crew members. It includes NASA astronauts Raja Chari, Marshburn and Kayla Barron, Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Korsokov, Oleg Artemyev and Denis Matveev and European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Matthias Maurer. Watch | Future of the aviation sector: First of its kind electric aircraft certified for training × The four-member crew of the Ax-1 has been selected by Houston-based startup Axiom Space Inc. It is the landmark debut spaceflight for the firm. It is sending three customers, who have paid for the flight and an Axiom employee Michael López-Alegría to the ISS for an eight-day stay. López-Alegría, who is also a former NASA astronaut, is leading the mission. While the other three are pilot Larry Connor and mission specialists, Eytan Stibbe and Mark Pathy. The four astronauts will stay and work on the flying outpost. The team is carrying equipment and supplies for 26 science and technology experiments, which will be conducted before they head home. (With inputs from agencies)

Finally, Ax-1, first private astronaut mission to International Space Station, docks after 45-minute delay

In Pics: First private astronauts’ mission to ISS lifts off in US

<p>History has been made today. For the first time, an all-private astronaut mission, Axiom Mission 1, has been sent to International Space Station (ISS). &nbsp;</p>

<p>The four-member crew, who were selected by Houston-based startup Axiom Space Inc, left for the space laboratory in a SpaceX rocket ship on Friday. It is the landmark debut spaceflight for the firm. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is sending three customers, who have paid for the flight and an Axiom employee Michael López-Alegría to the ISS for an eight-day stay. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/methane-concentration-in-earths-atmosphere-witnessed-record-rise-in-2021-469382" hreflang="en">Methane concentration in Earth’s atmosphere witnessed record rise in 2021</a></strong></p>

<p>López-Alegría, who is also a former NASA astronaut, is leading the mission. While the other three are pilot Larry Connor and mission specialists, Eytan Stibbe and Mark Pathy. The four astronauts will stay and work on the flying outpost. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Separation confirmed! <a href="https://twitter.com/Axiom_Space?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Axiom_Space</a>'s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ax1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ax1</a> mission is now on its way in the <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> Dragon Endeavour. Next stop: the International <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a>. <a href="https://t.co/Q3uLLWy2B6">pic.twitter.com/Q3uLLWy2B6</a></p>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1512454300093538304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>The flight, which is being hailed by several people as a new milestone in the commercialisation of low-Earth orbit, lifted off at 11:17 am EDT (1517 GMT) from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This takes commerce to a whole new level. <a href="https://twitter.com/Axiom_Space?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Axiom_Space</a>'s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ax1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ax1</a> mission is on its way to the <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a>'s Dragon Endeavour—a key step in our ongoing work to open opportunities for space travelers in low-Earth orbit. <a href="https://t.co/SZk7Tseykw">pic.twitter.com/SZk7Tseykw</a></p>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1512449836511121415?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Axiom’s live video webcast showed the SpaceX launch vehicle, which had a Falcon 9 rocket topped by its Crew Dragon capsule, soaring towards space over Florida's Atlantic coast. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Future of the aviation sector: First of its kind electric aircraft certified for training</strong></p>

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<p>The cameras, which were inside the crew compartment, also showed footage of the four men moments before the rocket lifted off. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">LIVE: Axiom Mission 1 is lifting off from <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASAKennedy</a> for eight days of science, outreach, and commercial activities on the <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a>!<br />
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Launch is scheduled for 11:17am ET (15:17 UTC)—join us, <a href="https://twitter.com/Axiom_Space?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Axiom_Space</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> for live <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ax1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ax1</a> coverage. <a href="https://t.co/xU6PuWRCqI">https://t.co/xU6PuWRCqI</a></p>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1512434866566086662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to the plan, the team will arrive at the space station on Saturday. After around 20-hour-plus flight, the Crew Dragon, which is autonomously operated, will dock with the orbiting outpost around 400 km above the Earth. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The team is carrying equipment and supplies for 26 science and technology experiments, which will be conducted before they head home. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


History has been made today. For the first time, an all-private astronaut mission, Axiom Mission 1, has been sent to International Space Station (ISS). The four-member crew, who were selected by Houston-based startup Axiom Space Inc, left for the space laboratory in a SpaceX rocket ship on Friday.

History has been made today. For the first time, an all-private astronaut mission, Axiom Mission 1, has been sent to International Space Station (ISS). The four-member crew, who were selected by Houston-based startup Axiom Space Inc, left for the space laboratory in a SpaceX rocket ship on Friday. It is the landmark debut spaceflight for the firm. It is sending three customers, who have paid for the flight and an Axiom employee Michael López-Alegría to the ISS for an eight-day stay. Also Read: Methane concentration in Earth’s atmosphere witnessed record rise in 2021 López-Alegría, who is also a former NASA astronaut, is leading the mission. While the other three are pilot Larry Connor and mission specialists, Eytan Stibbe and Mark Pathy. The four astronauts will stay and work on the flying outpost. Separation confirmed! @Axiom_Space's #Ax1 mission is now on its way in the @SpaceX Dragon Endeavour. Next stop: the International @Space_Station. pic.twitter.com/Q3uLLWy2B6 — NASA (@NASA) April 8, 2022 × The flight, which is being hailed by several people as a new milestone in the commercialisation of low-Earth orbit, lifted off at 11:17 am EDT (1517 GMT) from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. This takes commerce to a whole new level. @Axiom_Space's #Ax1 mission is on its way to the @Space_Station in @SpaceX's Dragon Endeavour—a key step in our ongoing work to open opportunities for space travelers in low-Earth orbit. pic.twitter.com/SZk7Tseykw — NASA (@NASA) April 8, 2022 × Axiom’s live video webcast showed the SpaceX launch vehicle, which had a Falcon 9 rocket topped by its Crew Dragon capsule, soaring towards space over Florida's Atlantic coast. Watch: Future of the aviation sector: First of its kind electric aircraft certified for training × The cameras, which were inside the crew compartment, also showed footage of the four men moments before the rocket lifted off. LIVE: Axiom Mission 1 is lifting off from @NASAKennedy for eight days of science, outreach, and commercial activities on the @Space_Station! Launch is scheduled for 11:17am ET (15:17 UTC)—join us, @Axiom_Space, and @SpaceX for live #Ax1 coverage. https://t.co/xU6PuWRCqI — NASA (@NASA) April 8, 2022 × According to the plan, the team will arrive at the space station on Saturday. After around 20-hour-plus flight, the Crew Dragon, which is autonomously operated, will dock with the orbiting outpost around 400 km above the Earth. The team is carrying equipment and supplies for 26 science and technology experiments, which will be conducted before they head home. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | Scripting history: For first time, all-private astronaut mission to ISS soars in space  

<p>Axiom Mission 1, which is also being dubbed as the first private astronauts’ crew heading towards International Space Station (ISS), will launch on Friday (April 8), a Space.com report said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In this mission, which is also called Ax-1, four astronauts will stay and work on the flying outpost. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Ax-1, which is a SpaceX flight, has been organised by Houston company Axiom Space. It is sending three customers, who have paid for the flight and an Axiom employee Michael López-Alegría to the ISS for an eight-day stay. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/after-blood-presence-of-microplastics-unearthed-in-human-lungs-by-scientists-468917" hreflang="en">After blood, presence of microplastics detected in human lungs</a></strong></p>

<p>López-Alegría, who is also a former NASA astronaut, is leading the mission. While the other three are pilot Larry Connor and mission specialists, Eytan Stibbe and Mark Pathy. &nbsp;</p>

<p>What’s special about this mission is that it is taking private astronauts to the ISS for the first time. Till now, ISS has only housed astronauts, cosmonauts and tourists. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA seems to have been pushing for commercialisation of the flying laboratory lately. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Study: Eating more Avocados improves heart health</strong></p>

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<p>The Ax-1 mission will be launched at 11:17 am EDT from NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida. It will also use a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule. This mission will lift off from KSC's Pad 39A. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The team is carrying equipment and supplies for 26 science and technology experiments, which will be conducted before they head home. &nbsp;</p>

<p>“The goal for the Ax-1 crew is to set a standard for all future private astronaut missions in terms of our preparation and professionalism," López-Alegría said. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Axiom Mission 1, which is also being dubbed as the first private astronauts’ crew heading towards International Space Station (ISS), will launch on Friday (April 8), a Space.

Axiom Mission 1, which is also being dubbed as the first private astronauts’ crew heading towards International Space Station (ISS), will launch on Friday (April 8), a Space.com report said. In this mission, which is also called Ax-1, four astronauts will stay and work on the flying outpost. Ax-1, which is a SpaceX flight, has been organised by Houston company Axiom Space. It is sending three customers, who have paid for the flight and an Axiom employee Michael López-Alegría to the ISS for an eight-day stay. Also Read: After blood, presence of microplastics detected in human lungs López-Alegría, who is also a former NASA astronaut, is leading the mission. While the other three are pilot Larry Connor and mission specialists, Eytan Stibbe and Mark Pathy. What’s special about this mission is that it is taking private astronauts to the ISS for the first time. Till now, ISS has only housed astronauts, cosmonauts and tourists. NASA seems to have been pushing for commercialisation of the flying laboratory lately. Watch | Study: Eating more Avocados improves heart health × The Ax-1 mission will be launched at 11:17 am EDT from NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida. It will also use a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule. This mission will lift off from KSC's Pad 39A. The team is carrying equipment and supplies for 26 science and technology experiments, which will be conducted before they head home. “The goal for the Ax-1 crew is to set a standard for all future private astronaut missions in terms of our preparation and professionalism," López-Alegría said. (With inputs from agencies)

A new beginning? First private astronauts’ mission to ISS set for launch on April 8  

<p>Images and videos of Mount Everest, Earth's highest mountain above sea level, keep mesmerising people across the world. But the latest photo shared by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shows a completely "different perspective".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The space agency posted an image of the highest mountain on Earth taken from the vantage point of space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA revealed that an astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has taken this near-nadir (almost straight down) photo of Mount Everest, which towers approximately 8,848 meters above sea level.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-observe-stunning-formation-of-jupiter-like-planet-that-is-in-the-womb-468468">Jupiter-like planet in space? Scientists observe stunning formation of planet that is 'in the womb'</a></strong></p>

<p>In the post shared on its official Instagram account, NASA stated that Mt. Everest just keeps growing, approximately one centimetre per year due to the progressive uplift of the crust caused by the convergence of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>See the post here:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/one-must-shout-to-have-conversation-nasa-finds-sound-travels-slower-on-mars-than-earth-468444">‘One must shout to have conversation’: NASA finds sound travels slower on Mars than Earth</a></strong></p>

<p>The image stunned the social media users as some expressed their astonishment in the comment section. One of the users wrote, "Mind blowing". Another user lauded the "amazing" quality of the image.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some users compared the image to aluminium foil and painting. A user wrote, "This is crinkled up aluminum foil". Another user said, "Oh wow that looks like a paint".&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the unversed, Mount Everest is located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas and the China–Nepal border runs across its summit point.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Chinese and Nepali authorities reportedly established its elevation (snow height) of 8,848.86 metres most recently in 2020.&nbsp;</p>


Images and videos of Mount Everest, Earth's highest mountain above sea level, keep mesmerising people across the world. But the latest photo shared by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shows a completely "different perspective".

Images and videos of Mount Everest, Earth's highest mountain above sea level, keep mesmerising people across the world. But the latest photo shared by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shows a completely "different perspective". The space agency posted an image of the highest mountain on Earth taken from the vantage point of space. NASA revealed that an astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has taken this near-nadir (almost straight down) photo of Mount Everest, which towers approximately 8,848 meters above sea level. ALSO READ | Jupiter-like planet in space? Scientists observe stunning formation of planet that is 'in the womb' In the post shared on its official Instagram account, NASA stated that Mt. Everest just keeps growing, approximately one centimetre per year due to the progressive uplift of the crust caused by the convergence of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. See the post here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA (@nasa) × ALSO READ | ‘One must shout to have conversation’: NASA finds sound travels slower on Mars than Earth The image stunned the social media users as some expressed their astonishment in the comment section. One of the users wrote, "Mind blowing". Another user lauded the "amazing" quality of the image. Some users compared the image to aluminium foil and painting. A user wrote, "This is crinkled up aluminum foil". Another user said, "Oh wow that looks like a paint". For the unversed, Mount Everest is located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas and the China–Nepal border runs across its summit point. The Chinese and Nepali authorities reportedly established its elevation (snow height) of 8,848.86 metres most recently in 2020.

See this magnificent photo of Mount Everest from a completely 'different perspective'

<p>Despite heightened tensions over the war in Ukraine, a US astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts left the International Space Station (ISS) together on Wednesday in a Soyuz capsule.</p>

<p>To begin the journey back to Earth, the trio will close the hatch of the Soyuz MS-19 spacecraft. The Soyuz will detach from the Rassvet module and land assisted by&nbsp;parachutes&nbsp;on Kazakhstan's steppes, southeast of the remote town of Dzhezkazgan, on March 30.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/western-sanctions-could-cause-international-space-station-to-crash-russia-461606">Western sanctions could cause International space station to crash: Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>According to Russian space agency Roscosmos, the Russian Soyuz capsule carrying NASA's Mark Vande Hei and his cosmonaut colleagues Anton Shkaplerov and Pyotr Dubrov safely undocked from the International Space Station and is slated to make a parachute landing in central Kazakhstan at 1128 GMT.</p>

<p>The joint US-Russian return flight from the International Space Station is being closely scrutinised for signs that the escalating tensions between Moscow and Washington over Russia's invasion of Ukraine have spilled over into long-standing space cooperation between the two.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Russian cosmonauts arrive at the International space station for 6-month long mission</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-cosmonauts-arrive-at-the-international-space-station-for-6-month-long-mission-463660/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>According to NASA, Vande Hei, who is 55 years old and is on his second ISS mission, would have achieved a US space endurance record of 355 days in orbit, breaking the previous 340-day record set by astronaut Scott Kelly in 2016.</p>

<p>On February 24, US President Joe Biden announced economic sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin's government, including high-tech export restrictions aimed at "degrading" Russia's aerospace industry, particularly its space programme.</p>

<p>The director-general of Roscosmos, Dmitry Rogozin, then responded with a series of Twitter tweets, claiming that the US penalties may "destroy" ISS teamwork and cause the space station to tumble out of orbit.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Did Russian cosmonauts wear Ukrainian flag’s colours at ISS? Idea gets refuted</strong></p>

<p>Around the same time, Rogozin announced that Russia would no longer manufacture or service Russian-made rocket engines used by two US&nbsp;aerospace NASA suppliers, suggesting that American astronauts may reach orbit using "broomsticks."</p>

<p>According to NASA, US and Russian ISS crew members are aware of happenings on Earth, but are working together professionally and without friction.</p>

<p>Three cosmonauts travelled to orbit on March 18 to replace the three returning ISS crew members, joining Vande Hei's three remaining American colleagues and a German astronaut from the European Space Agency.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Despite heightened tensions over the war in Ukraine, a US astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts left the International Space Station (ISS) together on Wednesday in a Soyuz capsule.

Despite heightened tensions over the war in Ukraine, a US astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts left the International Space Station (ISS) together on Wednesday in a Soyuz capsule. To begin the journey back to Earth, the trio will close the hatch of the Soyuz MS-19 spacecraft. The Soyuz will detach from the Rassvet module and land assisted by parachutes on Kazakhstan's steppes, southeast of the remote town of Dzhezkazgan, on March 30. Also read | Western sanctions could cause International space station to crash: Russia According to Russian space agency Roscosmos, the Russian Soyuz capsule carrying NASA's Mark Vande Hei and his cosmonaut colleagues Anton Shkaplerov and Pyotr Dubrov safely undocked from the International Space Station and is slated to make a parachute landing in central Kazakhstan at 1128 GMT. The joint US-Russian return flight from the International Space Station is being closely scrutinised for signs that the escalating tensions between Moscow and Washington over Russia's invasion of Ukraine have spilled over into long-standing space cooperation between the two. Watch | Russian cosmonauts arrive at the International space station for 6-month long mission According to NASA, Vande Hei, who is 55 years old and is on his second ISS mission, would have achieved a US space endurance record of 355 days in orbit, breaking the previous 340-day record set by astronaut Scott Kelly in 2016. On February 24, US President Joe Biden announced economic sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin's government, including high-tech export restrictions aimed at "degrading" Russia's aerospace industry, particularly its space programme. The director-general of Roscosmos, Dmitry Rogozin, then responded with a series of Twitter tweets, claiming that the US penalties may "destroy" ISS teamwork and cause the space station to tumble out of orbit. Also read | Did Russian cosmonauts wear Ukrainian flag’s colours at ISS? Idea gets refuted Around the same time, Rogozin announced that Russia would no longer manufacture or service Russian-made rocket engines used by two US aerospace NASA suppliers, suggesting that American astronauts may reach orbit using "broomsticks." According to NASA, US and Russian ISS crew members are aware of happenings on Earth, but are working together professionally and without friction. Three cosmonauts travelled to orbit on March 18 to replace the three returning ISS crew members, joining Vande Hei's three remaining American colleagues and a German astronaut from the European Space Agency. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid the Russia-Ukraine war, US and Russian astronauts return to Earth together

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


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

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

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

<p>Did Russian cosmonauts wear the colours of the Ukrainian flag during arrival at the International Space Station? Well, many people would say yes, but not the astronauts, who donned them. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In a rebuttal, Russian cosmonauts denied the idea on Saturday. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The three cosmonauts of Russia&nbsp;had adorned suits, which were yellow in colour and had blue accents. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-mariupol-residents-forced-to-relocate-to-russia-claims-city-council-463908">Thousands of Mariupol residents forced to relocate to Russia: City council</a></strong></p>

<p>Around six months before launch, each crew picks the colour of the flight suits as they need to be sewn individually, said Cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev. &nbsp;</p>

<p>And as all of them were graduates of Bauman Moscow State Technical University, the cosmonauts picked the colours of their alma mater. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement on the Russian space agency's Telegram channel, “There is no need to look for any hidden signs or symbols in our uniform. A colour is simply a colour. It is not in any way connected to Ukraine. Otherwise, we would have to recognise its rights to the yellow sun in the blue sky,” Artemyev said. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-russia-ukraine-war-moscow-claims-it-used-hypersonic-missile-in-strike-463897" hreflang="en">LIVE | Russia-Ukraine War: Moscow claims it used hypersonic missile in strike</a></strong></p>

<p>"These days, even though we are in space, we are together with our president and our people!" Artemyev said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In a tweet, Dmitry Rogozin, head, space agency Roscosmos, reiterated point made by Artemyev by posting a picture of the blue and gold coat of arms of the university. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several people have been donning the Ukrainian flag and its colours to show solidarity with the war-torn country. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Did Russian cosmonauts wear the colours of the Ukrainian flag during arrival at the International Space Station? Well, many people would say yes, but not the astronauts, who donned them.

Did Russian cosmonauts wear the colours of the Ukrainian flag during arrival at the International Space Station? Well, many people would say yes, but not the astronauts, who donned them. In a rebuttal, Russian cosmonauts denied the idea on Saturday. The three cosmonauts of Russia had adorned suits, which were yellow in colour and had blue accents. Also Read | Thousands of Mariupol residents forced to relocate to Russia: City council Around six months before launch, each crew picks the colour of the flight suits as they need to be sewn individually, said Cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev. And as all of them were graduates of Bauman Moscow State Technical University, the cosmonauts picked the colours of their alma mater. In a statement on the Russian space agency's Telegram channel, “There is no need to look for any hidden signs or symbols in our uniform. A colour is simply a colour. It is not in any way connected to Ukraine. Otherwise, we would have to recognise its rights to the yellow sun in the blue sky,” Artemyev said. Also Read: LIVE | Russia-Ukraine War: Moscow claims it used hypersonic missile in strike "These days, even though we are in space, we are together with our president and our people!" Artemyev said. In a tweet, Dmitry Rogozin, head, space agency Roscosmos, reiterated point made by Artemyev by posting a picture of the blue and gold coat of arms of the university. Several people have been donning the Ukrainian flag and its colours to show solidarity with the war-torn country. (With inputs from agencies)

Did Russian cosmonauts wear Ukrainian flag’s colours at ISS? Idea gets refuted

Recently, Russian cosmonauts arrived at the international space station wearing a yellow uniform which was seen as a move in solidarity for the people in Ukraine. However, the Russian space agency has issued a clarification saying that sometimes the color yellow is just simply the color yellow.

Russia issues clarification on cosmonaut's uniform, says 'cosmonauts have no sympathy'

Amid Ukraine-Russia war, Russian cosmonauts have arrived at the ISS (International Space Station) on Friday. This is a 6 month long mission.

3 Russian cosmonauts wear Ukraine colours as they arrive at the International Space Station

<p>Russia has been a target of several western sanctions after it invaded Ukraine. Amid all the chaos, the head of Russian space agency Roscosmos has warned that all these sanctions could crash the International Space Station.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per Dmitry Rogozin, the sanctions could disrupt the operation of ISS. The Roscosmos chief on Telegram wrote that the Russian segment of the station could be affected. This segment helps correct its orbit. If affected, it can cause the 500-tonne structure to "fall down into the sea or onto land."</p>

<p>The Russian segment ensures that the station's orbit is corrected (on average 11 times a year), including to avoid space debris", said Rogozin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further published a map of the locations where the ISS could possibly come down. It was unlikely to be in Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But the populations of other countries, especially those led by the 'dogs of war', should think about the price of the sanctions against Roscosmos", he continued.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/failure-to-launch-war-scuppers-russia-west-space-collaboration-459079" hreflang="en">Failure to launch: War scuppers Russia-West space collaboration</a></strong></p>

<p>The countries that imposed sanctions were deemed "crazy" by him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, as more and more companies pull out from Russia over its war on Ukraine, Kremlin is reportedly easing its copyright laws and allowing domestic companies to steal intellectual property from “unfriendly nations."</p>

<p>Earlier this week, the Russian Ministry of Economic Development proposed relaxing piracy legislation to undermine sanctions imposed by the Western countries.</p>

<p>“The possibility of lifting restrictions on the use of intellectual property contained in certain goods, the supply of which to Russia is limited, is being considered,” the ministry said in a statement.</p>

<p>“This will smooth out the impact on the market of breaks in supply chains, as well as the shortage of goods and services that arose due to new sanctions by Western countries.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russia has been a target of several western sanctions after it invaded Ukraine. Amid all the chaos, the head of Russian space agency Roscosmos has warned that all these sanctions could crash the International Space Station.

Russia has been a target of several western sanctions after it invaded Ukraine. Amid all the chaos, the head of Russian space agency Roscosmos has warned that all these sanctions could crash the International Space Station. As per Dmitry Rogozin, the sanctions could disrupt the operation of ISS. The Roscosmos chief on Telegram wrote that the Russian segment of the station could be affected. This segment helps correct its orbit. If affected, it can cause the 500-tonne structure to "fall down into the sea or onto land." The Russian segment ensures that the station's orbit is corrected (on average 11 times a year), including to avoid space debris", said Rogozin. He further published a map of the locations where the ISS could possibly come down. It was unlikely to be in Russia. "But the populations of other countries, especially those led by the 'dogs of war', should think about the price of the sanctions against Roscosmos", he continued. Also see | Failure to launch: War scuppers Russia-West space collaboration The countries that imposed sanctions were deemed "crazy" by him. Meanwhile, as more and more companies pull out from Russia over its war on Ukraine, Kremlin is reportedly easing its copyright laws and allowing domestic companies to steal intellectual property from “unfriendly nations." Earlier this week, the Russian Ministry of Economic Development proposed relaxing piracy legislation to undermine sanctions imposed by the Western countries. “The possibility of lifting restrictions on the use of intellectual property contained in certain goods, the supply of which to Russia is limited, is being considered,” the ministry said in a statement. “This will smooth out the impact on the market of breaks in supply chains, as well as the shortage of goods and services that arose due to new sanctions by Western countries.” (With inputs from agencies)

Western sanctions could cause International space station to crash: Russia

<p>Even as tensions between the United States and Russia over the Ukraine crisis build, the longstanding collaboration between the two countries in operating the International Space Station (ISS) continues on solid footing.</p>

<p>NASA and Roscosmos, its Russian counterpart, are still in talks about a new "crew exchange" deal some seven weeks after the Biden administration pledged to keep the ISS operational through 2030. The US space agency said that under such an agreement, the two former rivals would routinely share flights to the station on their respective spacecraft.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-could-invade-any-day-now-says-ukraine-president-zelensky-455810">Russia could invade any day now, says Ukraine President Zelensky</a></strong></p>

<p>A total of six astronauts, including four Americans, two Russians, and a German, are currently working together in microgravity on the platform.</p>

<p>After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of Cold War rivalry that spurred the original US-Soviet space race, the ISS was born in part as a foreign policy initiative to improve relations between the two countries.</p>

<p>Despite this, US-Russian relations have soured since Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. As a result, Congress has banned any new government contracts with companies using Russian rocket engineers for national security launches after 2022, according to the website SpacePolicyOnline.com.</p>

<p>The sanctions Washington imposed in response to Russia's incursions into eastern Ukraine this week did not target Russia's space program.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-crisis-here-are-top-developments-that-you-should-know-455755">Russia-Ukraine crisis: Here are top developments that you should know</a></strong></p>

<p>In 2011, the United States ended its space shuttle program and began paying Roscosmos to ferry NASA astronauts to and from the space station aboard Soyuz capsules. The agency resumed launching its own astronauts from US soil in 2020, while still taking some rides on Soyuz.</p>

<p>With the new agreement, NASA astronauts will be able to fly aboard Soyuz for free in exchange for Russian cosmonauts sharing rides with US astronauts on SpaceX flights. In preparation for such a deal, NASA said three Russian cosmonauts are already training at NASA's Johnson Space Center near Houston.</p>

<p>In mid-November, before tensions escalated in Ukraine, US-Russian space cooperation was shaken by a missile test that destroyed one of Russia's own defunct surveillance satellites in an unannounced missile test, generating a debris field in low-Earth orbit that threatened the space station.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: China's lessons from the Ukraine crisis</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinas-lessons-from-the-ukraine-crisis-455785/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>All seven members of the ISS crew, including two cosmonauts, had to take shelter in docked spaceships for two hours afterwards to prepare for a possible quick escape.</p>

<p>NASA chief Bill Nelson slammed the anti-satellite test as "reckless." He was quoted in the Washington Post as saying the Russian space agency was likely surprised by the test and "probably just as appalled as we are."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Even as tensions between the United States and Russia over the Ukraine crisis build, the longstanding collaboration between the two countries in operating the International Space Station (ISS) continues on solid footing.

Even as tensions between the United States and Russia over the Ukraine crisis build, the longstanding collaboration between the two countries in operating the International Space Station (ISS) continues on solid footing. NASA and Roscosmos, its Russian counterpart, are still in talks about a new "crew exchange" deal some seven weeks after the Biden administration pledged to keep the ISS operational through 2030. The US space agency said that under such an agreement, the two former rivals would routinely share flights to the station on their respective spacecraft. Also read | Russia could invade any day now, says Ukraine President Zelensky A total of six astronauts, including four Americans, two Russians, and a German, are currently working together in microgravity on the platform. After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of Cold War rivalry that spurred the original US-Soviet space race, the ISS was born in part as a foreign policy initiative to improve relations between the two countries. Despite this, US-Russian relations have soured since Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. As a result, Congress has banned any new government contracts with companies using Russian rocket engineers for national security launches after 2022, according to the website SpacePolicyOnline.com. The sanctions Washington imposed in response to Russia's incursions into eastern Ukraine this week did not target Russia's space program. Also read | Russia-Ukraine crisis: Here are top developments that you should know In 2011, the United States ended its space shuttle program and began paying Roscosmos to ferry NASA astronauts to and from the space station aboard Soyuz capsules. The agency resumed launching its own astronauts from US soil in 2020, while still taking some rides on Soyuz. With the new agreement, NASA astronauts will be able to fly aboard Soyuz for free in exchange for Russian cosmonauts sharing rides with US astronauts on SpaceX flights. In preparation for such a deal, NASA said three Russian cosmonauts are already training at NASA's Johnson Space Center near Houston. In mid-November, before tensions escalated in Ukraine, US-Russian space cooperation was shaken by a missile test that destroyed one of Russia's own defunct surveillance satellites in an unannounced missile test, generating a debris field in low-Earth orbit that threatened the space station. Watch | Gravitas: China's lessons from the Ukraine crisis All seven members of the ISS crew, including two cosmonauts, had to take shelter in docked spaceships for two hours afterwards to prepare for a possible quick escape. NASA chief Bill Nelson slammed the anti-satellite test as "reckless." He was quoted in the Washington Post as saying the Russian space agency was likely surprised by the test and "probably just as appalled as we are." (With inputs from agencies)

Even as tensions over Ukraine rise, US-Russian space cooperation continues

NASA has laid out a detailed plan for International Space Station's transition. The space agency has revealed what the future holds for ISS. Watch to know more

NASA retire International Space Station, what's next?

<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has laid out a detailed plan for International Space Station's&nbsp;transition as the space agency has revealed what the future holds for ISS.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ISS is a unique space station currently in lower Earth orbit that facilitates collaborative projects involving five participating space agencies: NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA and CSA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, NASA has intended to keep operating the ISS until the end of 2030 as the 444,615kg gigantic structure is set to be taken out of orbit in January 2031 and crashed on Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/russia-ukraine-crisis-deterring-aliens-from-making-their-presence-known-says-ufo-specialist-449854">Russia-Ukraine crisis deterring aliens from making their presence known, says UFO specialist</a></strong></p>

<p>As per the newly published plans, the crash is supposed to be in a remote part of the Pacific Ocean known as Point Nemo - the "spacecraft cemetery".&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA said that ISS is returning enormous scientific, educational and technological developments to benefit people on Earth and is enabling our ability to travel into deep space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The agency further said that the United States government's commitment to extend ISS' operations until 2030 will enable the country to continue to reap&nbsp;benefits for the next decade.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-identify-interesting-similarity-between-this-exoplanet-and-earth-449674">Scientists identify interesting similarity between this exoplanet and Earth</a></strong></p>

<p>Robyn Gatens, the director of ISS at NASA headquarters said, "This third decade is one of results, building on our successful global partnership to verify exploration and human research technologies to support deep space exploration, continue to return medical and environmental benefits to humanity, and lay the groundwork for a commercial future in low-Earth orbit."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We look forward to maximizing these returns from the space station through 2030 while planning for transition to commercial space destinations that will follow," Gatens added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Phil McAlister, director of commercial space at NASA Headquarters in a statement said, "The private sector is technically and financially capable of developing and operating commercial low-Earth orbit destinations, with NASA's assistance."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We look forward to sharing our lessons learned and operations experience with the private sector to help them develop safe, reliable, and cost-effective destinations in space," McAlister added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;After a delay, SpaceX successfully launches Italian Cosmo-SkyMed satellite</strong></p>

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The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has laid out a detailed plan for International Space Station's transition as the space agency has revealed what the future holds for ISS.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has laid out a detailed plan for International Space Station's transition as the space agency has revealed what the future holds for ISS. ISS is a unique space station currently in lower Earth orbit that facilitates collaborative projects involving five participating space agencies: NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA and CSA. However, NASA has intended to keep operating the ISS until the end of 2030 as the 444,615kg gigantic structure is set to be taken out of orbit in January 2031 and crashed on Earth. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine crisis deterring aliens from making their presence known, says UFO specialist As per the newly published plans, the crash is supposed to be in a remote part of the Pacific Ocean known as Point Nemo - the "spacecraft cemetery". NASA said that ISS is returning enormous scientific, educational and technological developments to benefit people on Earth and is enabling our ability to travel into deep space. The agency further said that the United States government's commitment to extend ISS' operations until 2030 will enable the country to continue to reap benefits for the next decade. ALSO READ | Scientists identify interesting similarity between this exoplanet and Earth Robyn Gatens, the director of ISS at NASA headquarters said, "This third decade is one of results, building on our successful global partnership to verify exploration and human research technologies to support deep space exploration, continue to return medical and environmental benefits to humanity, and lay the groundwork for a commercial future in low-Earth orbit." "We look forward to maximizing these returns from the space station through 2030 while planning for transition to commercial space destinations that will follow," Gatens added. Phil McAlister, director of commercial space at NASA Headquarters in a statement said, "The private sector is technically and financially capable of developing and operating commercial low-Earth orbit destinations, with NASA's assistance." "We look forward to sharing our lessons learned and operations experience with the private sector to help them develop safe, reliable, and cost-effective destinations in space," McAlister added. ALSO WATCH | After a delay, SpaceX successfully launches Italian Cosmo-SkyMed satellite ×

NASA reveals when it will crash International Space Station on Earth

International Space Station: Humanity's enduring presence in space

NASA confirmed in a new transition plan that the International Space Station (ISS) will continue its operations until 2030 before heading for a watery grave at the most remote point in the Pacific.

NASA to retire International Space Station in January 2031

<p>Be it on Earth or in space, hilarious moments can be created and shared anywhere. This holds true for a video recently shared on Twitter by a filmmaker, Todd Spence, where astronaut Scott Kelly, who was wearing a gorilla suit, chased colleague Tim Peake on the ISS.</p>

<p>To create the hilariously scary moment, astronaut Scott Kelly sneaked the suit into the ISS in 2016. It had reached the ISS through a resupply mission. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/look-up-before-its-too-late-witness-building-sized-asteroid-pass-near-earth-443787" hreflang="en">‘Look Up’ before it’s too late: Witness building-sized asteroid pass near Earth</a></strong></p>

<p>The 15-second clip, which has already got 3.7 million views, has re-emerged to remind of the amusing moment. &nbsp;</p>

<p>It shows Peake making all attempts to desperately float away from the primate. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Astronaut Mark Kelly once smuggled a full gorilla suit on board the International Space Station. He didn't tell anyone about it. One day, without anyone knowing, he put it on. (source: Reddit) <a href="https://t.co/v7aVunL7QF">pic.twitter.com/v7aVunL7QF</a></p>
— SPENCE, TODD (@Todd_Spence) <a href="https://twitter.com/Todd_Spence/status/1480256216618049537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>It is special as it is an epic prank for being&nbsp;pulled off in space. In this rare moment, the researchers at the station got some time off too, all thanks to astronaut Scott Kelly. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The American engineer Kelly dressed up and hid in a soft-side storage container that crewmate Tim Peake was busy opening. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-first-astronomers-watch-a-dying-star-explode-in-real-time-442861" hreflang="en">In a first, astronomers watch a dying star explode in real time</a></strong></p>

<p>Shortly after, the Peake could be seen moving away in fear to Scott's amusement. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The prank was done by Scott to celebrate his year in space mission. &nbsp;</p>

<p>At the time, he tweeted, "Needed a little humor to lighten up a #YearInSpace. Go big, or go home. I think I'll do both&nbsp;#SpaceApe." &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Be it on Earth or in space, hilarious moments can be created and shared anywhere. This holds true for a video recently shared on Twitter by a filmmaker, Todd Spence, where astronaut Scott Kelly, who was wearing a gorilla suit, chased colleague Tim Peake on the ISS.

Be it on Earth or in space, hilarious moments can be created and shared anywhere. This holds true for a video recently shared on Twitter by a filmmaker, Todd Spence, where astronaut Scott Kelly, who was wearing a gorilla suit, chased colleague Tim Peake on the ISS. To create the hilariously scary moment, astronaut Scott Kelly sneaked the suit into the ISS in 2016. It had reached the ISS through a resupply mission. Also Read | ‘Look Up’ before it’s too late: Witness building-sized asteroid pass near Earth The 15-second clip, which has already got 3.7 million views, has re-emerged to remind of the amusing moment. It shows Peake making all attempts to desperately float away from the primate. Astronaut Mark Kelly once smuggled a full gorilla suit on board the International Space Station. He didn't tell anyone about it. One day, without anyone knowing, he put it on. (source: Reddit) pic.twitter.com/v7aVunL7QF — SPENCE, TODD (@Todd_Spence) January 9, 2022 × It is special as it is an epic prank for being pulled off in space. In this rare moment, the researchers at the station got some time off too, all thanks to astronaut Scott Kelly. The American engineer Kelly dressed up and hid in a soft-side storage container that crewmate Tim Peake was busy opening. Also Read: In a first, astronomers watch a dying star explode in real time Shortly after, the Peake could be seen moving away in fear to Scott's amusement. The prank was done by Scott to celebrate his year in space mission. At the time, he tweeted, "Needed a little humor to lighten up a #YearInSpace. Go big, or go home. I think I'll do both #SpaceApe." (With inputs from agencies)

Gorilla in space? Filmmaker shares clip where astronaut chases colleague in primate suit at ISS

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="3">The Russian space agency, Roscosmos, announced on Saturday that seven people rang in the new year onboard the International Space Station (ISS) and three on the Chinese station Tiangong, making it the most "packed" ever in space.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="5">"2022 was celebrated in near-Earth orbit by ten earthlings: seven on the International Space Station and three on the Chinese Tiangong Space Station. Roscosmos said in a statement published on its website. "This was the most crowded New Year’s celebration in orbit in the history of manned space exploration," Roscosmos said in a statement.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="6">According to Roskosmos, 83 people have spent New Year's Eve aboard the International Space Station (ISS) over the last 21 years, with several cosmonauts and astronauts doing so multiple times.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="7">Anton Shkaplerov, a Russian cosmonaut, spent four New Years in orbit: 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2022.<br />
<br />
<img alt="ISS" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="990e8ebf-517d-4bd9-9ab2-44079fb81c49" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%287%29_77.jpg" /></p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="7">&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="7"><em><strong>FILE PHOTO: The International Space Station (ISS)</strong></em></p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="8">On the International Space Station, astronauts Anton Shkaplerov and Pyotr Dubrov work alongside NASA astronauts Mark Vande Hai, Thomas Marshburn, Raja Chari, Kayla Barron, and ESA astronaut Mathias Maurer, while on the Tiangong space station, Hai Zhigang, Wang Yaping, and Ye Guangfu work.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="9">Holidays in space were relatively uncommon in the early years of the space programme, making them all the more memorable.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="10">Yuri Romanenko and Georgy Grechko were the first cosmonauts to celebrate the New Year in orbit in 1977-1978.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="11">Holidays in space grew more prevalent as space travel became longer.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="12">With the launch of the Soviet Mir space station in 1986, New Year's Eve became a regular occurrence: 12 Mir crews spent the holiday in orbit.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="13"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Russian space agency, Roscosmos, announced on Saturday that seven people rang in the new year onboard the International Space Station (ISS) and three on the Chinese station Tiangong, making it the most "packed" ever in space.

The Russian space agency, Roscosmos, announced on Saturday that seven people rang in the new year onboard the International Space Station (ISS) and three on the Chinese station Tiangong, making it the most "packed" ever in space. "2022 was celebrated in near-Earth orbit by ten earthlings: seven on the International Space Station and three on the Chinese Tiangong Space Station. Roscosmos said in a statement published on its website. "This was the most crowded New Year’s celebration in orbit in the history of manned space exploration," Roscosmos said in a statement. According to Roskosmos, 83 people have spent New Year's Eve aboard the International Space Station (ISS) over the last 21 years, with several cosmonauts and astronauts doing so multiple times. Anton Shkaplerov, a Russian cosmonaut, spent four New Years in orbit: 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2022. FILE PHOTO: The International Space Station (ISS) On the International Space Station, astronauts Anton Shkaplerov and Pyotr Dubrov work alongside NASA astronauts Mark Vande Hai, Thomas Marshburn, Raja Chari, Kayla Barron, and ESA astronaut Mathias Maurer, while on the Tiangong space station, Hai Zhigang, Wang Yaping, and Ye Guangfu work. Holidays in space were relatively uncommon in the early years of the space programme, making them all the more memorable. Yuri Romanenko and Georgy Grechko were the first cosmonauts to celebrate the New Year in orbit in 1977-1978. Holidays in space grew more prevalent as space travel became longer. With the launch of the Soviet Mir space station in 1986, New Year's Eve became a regular occurrence: 12 Mir crews spent the holiday in orbit. (With inputs from agencies)

First time in history, ten people at once celebrated New Year in space

Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa returned to Earth Monday as he landed in Kazakhstan, 12 days after he docked with the International Space Station on a tourism flight. The landing completed a successful test run for his 2023 flight to the Moon with Elon Musk's SpaceX.

Japanese billionaire lands after 12-day space flight

In Pics | Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa completes 12 days at ISS

<p class="MsoNormal">Russia is gearing up to send a Japanese billionaire to the International Space Station, breaking its ongoing pause of welcoming tourists in Russia’s space tourism programme.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Yusaku Maezawa, a 46-year-old billionaire, is one of the richest men in Japan. On Wednesday, he will blast off from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan accompanied by his assistant Yozo Hirano.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">This will be the first time the Russia’s space tourism programme will welcome a tourist since 2009. It has been more than a decade since Canada's Cirque du Soleil co-founder Guy Laliberte&nbsp;was welcomed in this manner.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/elon-musk-spacex-faces-bankruptcy-risk-433456"><strong>WATCH |</strong></a></o:p></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/elon-musk-spacex-faces-bankruptcy-risk-433456/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p class="MsoNormal">His launch comes at a crucial time for the Russian space industry, which is trying to prove its standing in the industry at a time when western companies (such as SpaceX) are emerging as strong competitors. Elon Musk-owned SpaceX had last year lausnched a crew of astronauts in Crew Dragon capsule, ending Russia’s monopoly on manned flights to the International Space Station (ISS).<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Maezawa will be flying in the Soyuz spacecraft which now has a Japanese flag and an ‘MZ’ logo (for Maezawa) painted on it. It has now been moved onto the launch pad in Baikonur.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The Japanese billionaire is the founder of one of the largest online fashion malls of Japan has been labelled to be country’s 30th richest man by Forbes. "I am almost crying because of my impressions, this is so impressive," Maezawa said in late November after arriving at Baikonur for the final days of preparation.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">He admitted that the training was one of the hardest things he has ever done and training in the spinning chair "almost feels like torture".<o:p></o:p></p>


Russia is gearing up to send a Japanese billionaire to the International Space Station, breaking its ongoing pause of welcoming tourists in Russia’s space tourism programme.

Russia is gearing up to send a Japanese billionaire to the International Space Station, breaking its ongoing pause of welcoming tourists in Russia’s space tourism programme. Yusaku Maezawa, a 46-year-old billionaire, is one of the richest men in Japan. On Wednesday, he will blast off from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan accompanied by his assistant Yozo Hirano. This will be the first time the Russia’s space tourism programme will welcome a tourist since 2009. It has been more than a decade since Canada's Cirque du Soleil co-founder Guy Laliberte was welcomed in this manner. WATCH | His launch comes at a crucial time for the Russian space industry, which is trying to prove its standing in the industry at a time when western companies (such as SpaceX) are emerging as strong competitors. Elon Musk-owned SpaceX had last year lausnched a crew of astronauts in Crew Dragon capsule, ending Russia’s monopoly on manned flights to the International Space Station (ISS). Maezawa will be flying in the Soyuz spacecraft which now has a Japanese flag and an ‘MZ’ logo (for Maezawa) painted on it. It has now been moved onto the launch pad in Baikonur. The Japanese billionaire is the founder of one of the largest online fashion malls of Japan has been labelled to be country’s 30th richest man by Forbes. "I am almost crying because of my impressions, this is so impressive," Maezawa said in late November after arriving at Baikonur for the final days of preparation. He admitted that the training was one of the hardest things he has ever done and training in the spinning chair "almost feels like torture".

Competing with SpaceX, Russia to send Yusaku Maezawa to space

<p>The US space agency is planning to replace the International Space Station (ISS) with one or more commercial space stations by 2030.</p>

<p>NASA's auditing body, the Office of Audits, has produced a report detailing the agency's commitment to replace the orbiting lab with commercial space stations.</p>

<p>Astronauts have lived and worked onboard the ISS orbiting roughly 250 miles above the Earth's surface for more than 20 years.</p>

<p>"The ISS costs about $3 billion a year, roughly a third of NASA's annual human space flight budget, and while current plans call for the Station's retirement in 2024, an extension to 2030 is likely," the US space agency said in the audit report.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-bigger-than-eiffel-tower-to-enter-earths-orbit-soon-433338">Asteroid bigger than Eiffel Tower to enter Earth's orbit soon</a></strong></p>

<p>Anticipating its retirement, NASA has committed to replacing the ISS with one or more commercially owned and operated space destinations.</p>

<p>"In the fiscal year (FY) that ended September 30, 2021, Congress authorised $17 million to that end -- a fraction of the $150 million the Agency said it needed. NASA's plans for long-term, deep space human exploration missions depend on continuous access to a research laboratory in low-Earth orbit," it added.</p>

<p>The Artemis mission, aimed at returning humans to the Moon and ultimately landing astronauts on Mars, is not feasible without continued human health research and technology demonstrations being conducted on the ISS and its eventual replacement.</p>

<p>"As long as humans intend to travel in space, NASA expects research and testing will be needed in the microgravity environment of low-Earth orbit," the audio report mentioned.</p>

<p>While overall ISS operations and maintenance costs remained steady at about $1.1 billion a year from FY2016 through FY2020, systems maintenance and upgrade costs trended upward 35 per cent in the same 5-year period, rising to approximately $169 million in FY2020 due primarily to upgrades.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, NASA and Roscosmos are investigating the cause and long-term impacts of cracks and leaks that were recently discovered in the Station's Service Module Transfer Tunnel, which connects the Service Module to one of eight docking ports on the Station.</p>

<p>"Causes being explored include structural fatigue, internal damage, external damage, and material defects. Notably, based on the models NASA used to assess the structure, the cracks should not have occurred, suggesting the possibility of an earlier-than-projected obsolescence for at least one element of the Station," the US space agency noted.</p>


The US space agency is planning to replace the International Space Station (ISS) with one or more commercial space stations by 2030. NASA's auditing body, the Office of Audits, has produced a report detailing the agency's commitment to replace the orbiting lab with commercial space stations.

The US space agency is planning to replace the International Space Station (ISS) with one or more commercial space stations by 2030. NASA's auditing body, the Office of Audits, has produced a report detailing the agency's commitment to replace the orbiting lab with commercial space stations. Astronauts have lived and worked onboard the ISS orbiting roughly 250 miles above the Earth's surface for more than 20 years. "The ISS costs about $3 billion a year, roughly a third of NASA's annual human space flight budget, and while current plans call for the Station's retirement in 2024, an extension to 2030 is likely," the US space agency said in the audit report. Also Read | Asteroid bigger than Eiffel Tower to enter Earth's orbit soon Anticipating its retirement, NASA has committed to replacing the ISS with one or more commercially owned and operated space destinations. "In the fiscal year (FY) that ended September 30, 2021, Congress authorised $17 million to that end -- a fraction of the $150 million the Agency said it needed. NASA's plans for long-term, deep space human exploration missions depend on continuous access to a research laboratory in low-Earth orbit," it added. The Artemis mission, aimed at returning humans to the Moon and ultimately landing astronauts on Mars, is not feasible without continued human health research and technology demonstrations being conducted on the ISS and its eventual replacement. "As long as humans intend to travel in space, NASA expects research and testing will be needed in the microgravity environment of low-Earth orbit," the audio report mentioned. While overall ISS operations and maintenance costs remained steady at about $1.1 billion a year from FY2016 through FY2020, systems maintenance and upgrade costs trended upward 35 per cent in the same 5-year period, rising to approximately $169 million in FY2020 due primarily to upgrades. Meanwhile, NASA and Roscosmos are investigating the cause and long-term impacts of cracks and leaks that were recently discovered in the Station's Service Module Transfer Tunnel, which connects the Service Module to one of eight docking ports on the Station. "Causes being explored include structural fatigue, internal damage, external damage, and material defects. Notably, based on the models NASA used to assess the structure, the cracks should not have occurred, suggesting the possibility of an earlier-than-projected obsolescence for at least one element of the Station," the US space agency noted.

NASA aims to replace ISS with one or more commercial space station by 2030

<p>National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Tuesday postponed a spacewalk outside International Space Station (ISS) due to space debris. Two of its astronauts, Thomas Marshburn and Kayla Barron were to undertake the spacewalk. It was to go on for more than six hours to replace a faulty communication antenna.</p>

<p>"NASA received a debris notification for the space station," the space agency tweeted.</p>

<p>"Due to the lack of opportunity to properly assess the risk it could pose to the astronauts, teams have decided to delay the Nov. 30 spacewalk until more information is available."</p>

<p>Russia destroyed one of its own satellites during a missile test early in November. This generated a cloud of debris that NASA said "increased the risk to the station."</p>

<p>The debris cloud forced the seven crew on the ISS to temporarily take shelter in their return ships. NASA said the biggest risk had been in the first 24 hours after the test.</p>

<p>It was not clear if NASA's postponement of Tuesday's spacewalk was due to debris from the Russian space missile test.</p>

<p>The Russians have rejected US accusations that their test had endangered the space station.</p>

<p>US officials said they were not informed in advance of the anti-satellite missile test -- only the fourth ever to hit a spacecraft from the ground -- which generated more than 1,500 pieces of trackable orbital debris. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The spacewalk had been due to be Barron's debut walk, and the fifth for Marshburn.</p>

<p>The pair arrived at the ISS on November 11 aboard SpaceX Crew Dragon Endurance with NASA's Crew-3 mission for a six-month stay.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Tuesday postponed a spacewalk outside International Space Station (ISS) due to space debris. Two of its astronauts, Thomas Marshburn and Kayla Barron were to undertake the spacewalk.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Tuesday postponed a spacewalk outside International Space Station (ISS) due to space debris. Two of its astronauts, Thomas Marshburn and Kayla Barron were to undertake the spacewalk. It was to go on for more than six hours to replace a faulty communication antenna. "NASA received a debris notification for the space station," the space agency tweeted. "Due to the lack of opportunity to properly assess the risk it could pose to the astronauts, teams have decided to delay the Nov. 30 spacewalk until more information is available." Russia destroyed one of its own satellites during a missile test early in November. This generated a cloud of debris that NASA said "increased the risk to the station." The debris cloud forced the seven crew on the ISS to temporarily take shelter in their return ships. NASA said the biggest risk had been in the first 24 hours after the test. It was not clear if NASA's postponement of Tuesday's spacewalk was due to debris from the Russian space missile test. The Russians have rejected US accusations that their test had endangered the space station. US officials said they were not informed in advance of the anti-satellite missile test -- only the fourth ever to hit a spacecraft from the ground -- which generated more than 1,500 pieces of trackable orbital debris. The spacewalk had been due to be Barron's debut walk, and the fifth for Marshburn. The pair arrived at the ISS on November 11 aboard SpaceX Crew Dragon Endurance with NASA's Crew-3 mission for a six-month stay. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA postpones ISS spacewalk because of space debris

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