Mars is a perfect inspiration for science fiction stories. It's recognisable and well-studied, yet it's also unique and far enough away to entice fantastical experiences.

Mars is a perfect inspiration for science fiction stories. It's recognisable and well-studied, yet it's also unique and far enough away to entice fantastical experiences. Hollywood has created several science fiction movies about a man going to Mars. The Martian is the closest movie that attempts to explain the problems humans will have while exploring the red planet. However, it ignores space radiation, the most challenging subject that astronauts face. Chandrayaan-3 has landed on the moon, and people are already excited about India's upcoming missions. Among the ideas, the mission to send a man to Mars remains on the top. ALSO READ | 'India is on the moon': ISRO chief S Somanath celebrates Chandrayaan-3's triumph on lunar landing The Indian Space Research Organisation launched the Mars Orbiter Mission in 2013. NASA also launched Perseverance, a small robotic helicopter Ingenuity, and associated delivery systems as part of NASA's Mars Exploration Program. While India and several other nations are working on various projects around Mars, no one has been able to send a human to the red planet. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk claims he will transport 1 million people to Mars by 2050. However, NASA scientist Dr Michelle Thaller explained that with the current technology, it is impossible to protect the astronauts travelling to Mars because the radiation from the solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CME) will kill human beings long before they reach. ALSO READ | Digital avatar, AI tech enable paralysed woman to speak Normal radiation exists in space. The ozone layer in the earth's stratosphere protects us by absorbing all the radiation. However, it expands multifold when a solar flare erupts on the Sun or a CME sweeps over an area in space. A recent discovery found a correlation between the dying clouds of Neptune and rising solar activity. If the Sun can impact Neptune, the farthest planet in our solar system, it can affect a spacecraft between Earth and Mars, Dr Thaller told The US Sun. The radiation can cause radiation poisoning, various types of cancer, degenerative and genetic disorders, and even death. NASA astronaut Stan Love told The US Sun that there's simply no chance of creating a human colony on Mars by 2050 until we discover a new technology that can protect us against deadly radiation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

It's nearly impossible to send manned mission to Mars, NASA scientist explains why

In an effort to clear the way for a subsequent manned space trip later this year, China launched a cargo spaceship on Saturday carrying supplies for its new space station. At 10:03 am, a Long March 7 rocket carrying the cargo ship Tianzhou 5 launched from the Wenchang spaceport in the southern province of Hainan. Two hours later, the cargo ship docked with the recently finished Tiangong space station, according to the official news agency Xinhua.

Along with the three astronauts now stationed there—Chen Dong, Liu Yang, and Cai Xuzhe—China intends to deploy three additional astronauts to the space station, as per South China Morning Post's reports.&nbsp;

The cargo ship was carrying 1.4 tonnes of propellant for the space station complex and about five&nbsp;tonnes of supplies, including necessities for the three astronauts on the upcoming six-month Shenzhou 15 mission, according to Pan Weizhen, a designer of the cargo craft system from the China Academy of Space Technology.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/is-china-going-to-ban-black-panther-wakanda-forever-and-black-adam-from-release-533603">Is China going to ban ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ and ‘Black Adam’ from release?</a>

Additionally, it was transporting tools for upcoming tests, such as a satellite, a space hydrogen and oxygen fuel cell system, and particle detecting tools.

China completed the final phase of its space station's construction on October 31 with the launch of the Mengtian space lab module, according to Xinhua.

WATCH |&nbsp;'North Korea's arms buildup will prompt increased US presence in Asia,' Biden to tell to Jinping

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Later this year, the Shenzhou 15 manned spacecraft is scheduled to launch. The first in-orbit crew rotation in China's space history will be carried out by the crew members of Shenzhou 14 and Shenzhou 15. 
A return to Earth for the existing crew is planned for December. Tenth space station construction and supply mission is Tianzhou 5.

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In an effort to clear the way for a subsequent manned space trip later this year, China launched a cargo spaceship on Saturday carrying supplies for its new space station.

In an effort to clear the way for a subsequent manned space trip later this year, China launched a cargo spaceship on Saturday carrying supplies for its new space station. At 10:03 am, a Long March 7 rocket carrying the cargo ship Tianzhou 5 launched from the Wenchang spaceport in the southern province of Hainan. Two hours later, the cargo ship docked with the recently finished Tiangong space station, according to the official news agency Xinhua. Along with the three astronauts now stationed there—Chen Dong, Liu Yang, and Cai Xuzhe—China intends to deploy three additional astronauts to the space station, as per South China Morning Post's reports. The cargo ship was carrying 1.4 tonnes of propellant for the space station complex and about five tonnes of supplies, including necessities for the three astronauts on the upcoming six-month Shenzhou 15 mission, according to Pan Weizhen, a designer of the cargo craft system from the China Academy of Space Technology. Also read | Is China going to ban ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ and ‘Black Adam’ from release? Additionally, it was transporting tools for upcoming tests, such as a satellite, a space hydrogen and oxygen fuel cell system, and particle detecting tools. China completed the final phase of its space station's construction on October 31 with the launch of the Mengtian space lab module, according to Xinhua. WATCH | 'North Korea's arms buildup will prompt increased US presence in Asia,' Biden to tell to Jinping Later this year, the Shenzhou 15 manned spacecraft is scheduled to launch. The first in-orbit crew rotation in China's space history will be carried out by the crew members of Shenzhou 14 and Shenzhou 15. A return to Earth for the existing crew is planned for December. Tenth space station construction and supply mission is Tianzhou 5. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China launches cargo craft Tianzhou-5 to space station to replenish supplies for next manned mission

India's space programme and launch missions have been delayed by the pandemic, thus affecting the timelines of high-profile missions such as Chandrayaan-3 (the third Lunar mission) and Gaganyaan (human spaceflight mission).&nbsp;

Speaking at an event organized by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Central Leather Research Institute in Chennai, Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister for State, Science and Technology, reminisced about his visit to India's space station, Satish Dhawan Space Centre&nbsp;in southern Sriharikota island, in 2014. He mentioned seeing a live rocket up close, just a few hours before its launch.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;India: ISRO prepares to send Indian astronaut to space

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During a media interaction, responding to WION's question on the timelines of India's upcoming spacefaring missions, Singh said that the Lunar Mission Chandrayaan-3 would happen by the end of 2022 and that the Gaganyaan mission would take place in phases over the next two years.&nbsp;

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-isro-tests-a-rocket-booster-that-is-among-the-largest-of-its-kind-in-the-world-478594">&nbsp;Watch: ISRO tests rocket booster that is among the largest-of-its-kind in the world</a>

"Chandrayaan-3 mission will happen by the end of this year. For Gaganyaan (human spaceflight), there will be two preliminary missions which will be unmanned. The first one will be totally unmanned while the second one will carry a robot called 'Vyommitra'. Both of these unmanned missions will take place in the next year (2023) and in 2024, we will have the actual human spaceflight," he told WION.

He also added that women scientists are playing a crucial role in the Gaganyaan mission through various technological domains.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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India's space programme and launch missions have been delayed by the pandemic, thus affecting the timelines of high-profile missions such as Chandrayaan-3 (the third Lunar mission) and Gaganyaan (human spaceflight mission).

India's space programme and launch missions have been delayed by the pandemic, thus affecting the timelines of high-profile missions such as Chandrayaan-3 (the third Lunar mission) and Gaganyaan (human spaceflight mission). Speaking at an event organized by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Central Leather Research Institute in Chennai, Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister for State, Science and Technology, reminisced about his visit to India's space station, Satish Dhawan Space Centre in southern Sriharikota island, in 2014. He mentioned seeing a live rocket up close, just a few hours before its launch. Watch | India: ISRO prepares to send Indian astronaut to space During a media interaction, responding to WION's question on the timelines of India's upcoming spacefaring missions, Singh said that the Lunar Mission Chandrayaan-3 would happen by the end of 2022 and that the Gaganyaan mission would take place in phases over the next two years. Also read | Watch: ISRO tests rocket booster that is among the largest-of-its-kind in the world "Chandrayaan-3 mission will happen by the end of this year. For Gaganyaan (human spaceflight), there will be two preliminary missions which will be unmanned. The first one will be totally unmanned while the second one will carry a robot called 'Vyommitra'. Both of these unmanned missions will take place in the next year (2023) and in 2024, we will have the actual human spaceflight," he told WION. He also added that women scientists are playing a crucial role in the Gaganyaan mission through various technological domains. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chandrayaan-3 launch by 2022-end, Gaganyaan manned mission in 2024: Minister Jitendra Singh

SpaceX could launch US astronauts to the International Space Station as early as next year if tests on the company's long-delayed Crew Dragon capsule prove conclusive, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-in-megadeal-with-lockheed-for-moon-missions-251628">NASA</a> Administrator Jim Bridenstine said Thursday.

Bridenstine made the announcement as he toured the California headquarters of billionaire <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacexs-mars-rocket-prototype-rattles-nerves-of-nearby-residents-in-texas-flight-test-246144">Elon Musk's SpaceX</a>, a major contractor for NASA.

The visit came as Bridenstine and Musk have been engaged in a public spat over the much-delayed building of the Crew Dragon spacecraft.

The capsule would provide the transportation for astronauts to the space station for the first time since America's space shuttle program ended in 2011.

Musk, who appeared at a news conference alongside Bridenstine and the two astronauts who are set to fly onboard the spacecraft, said he hoped to have the capsule delivered to NASA by the end of the year.

He stressed, however, that safety was paramount and the launch would be delayed without hesitation if any problems arise.

"If everything goes according to plan, it would be in the first quarter of next year," Bridenstine said of the launch. "But remember -- and this is the important thing that we have to get right on messaging -- there are still things that we can learn or could learn that could be challenging that we have to resolve.

"I'm not saying that's going to happen, I don't know. That's why we test."

Some of the technical challenges SpaceX is working on include concerns about the parachutes and the propulsion system.

"It's a pretty arduous engineering job to get the parachutes right," Musk said.

"Parachutes, they look easy but they are definitely not easy," he added. "We want to get at least something on the order of 10 successful tests in a row before launching astronauts."

Since retiring its space shuttle program, NASA has had to rely on Russia to ferry astronauts to and from the space station at a cost of $85 million a seat. It is now counting on SpaceX and Boeing to carry out that task.

SpaceX was founded in 2002 by Musk to help reduce space transportation costs -- and with an ultimate goal of helping colonize Mars. &nbsp;

The first manned flight to the space station was due to take place last year but SpaceX suffered a major setback in April when its Crew Dragon spacecraft exploded during testing, prompting delays and renewed tests.

"You know, honestly, if there's a test program and nothing happens in that test program, I would say that test program is insufficiently rigorous," Musk said Thursday.&nbsp;

"Space is hard," he added.

SpaceX could launch US astronauts to the International Space Station as early as next year if tests on the company's long-delayed Crew Dragon capsule prove conclusive, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said Thursday.

SpaceX could launch US astronauts to the International Space Station as early as next year if tests on the company's long-delayed Crew Dragon capsule prove conclusive, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said Thursday. Bridenstine made the announcement as he toured the California headquarters of billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX, a major contractor for NASA. The visit came as Bridenstine and Musk have been engaged in a public spat over the much-delayed building of the Crew Dragon spacecraft. The capsule would provide the transportation for astronauts to the space station for the first time since America's space shuttle program ended in 2011. Musk, who appeared at a news conference alongside Bridenstine and the two astronauts who are set to fly onboard the spacecraft, said he hoped to have the capsule delivered to NASA by the end of the year. He stressed, however, that safety was paramount and the launch would be delayed without hesitation if any problems arise. "If everything goes according to plan, it would be in the first quarter of next year," Bridenstine said of the launch. "But remember -- and this is the important thing that we have to get right on messaging -- there are still things that we can learn or could learn that could be challenging that we have to resolve. "I'm not saying that's going to happen, I don't know. That's why we test." Some of the technical challenges SpaceX is working on include concerns about the parachutes and the propulsion system. "It's a pretty arduous engineering job to get the parachutes right," Musk said. "Parachutes, they look easy but they are definitely not easy," he added. "We want to get at least something on the order of 10 successful tests in a row before launching astronauts." Since retiring its space shuttle program, NASA has had to rely on Russia to ferry astronauts to and from the space station at a cost of $85 million a seat. It is now counting on SpaceX and Boeing to carry out that task. SpaceX was founded in 2002 by Musk to help reduce space transportation costs -- and with an ultimate goal of helping colonize Mars. The first manned flight to the space station was due to take place last year but SpaceX suffered a major setback in April when its Crew Dragon spacecraft exploded during testing, prompting delays and renewed tests. "You know, honestly, if there's a test program and nothing happens in that test program, I would say that test program is insufficiently rigorous," Musk said Thursday. "Space is hard," he added.

NASA, SpaceX hope for manned mission to International Space Station in early 2020

Indian space research organisation (ISRO) chairman K Sivan said the space agency will <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-launches-gsat-7a-satellite-will-aid-army-air-force-communications-185316">launch the Chandrayaan-2 mission</a> in mid-April while adding that it has targeted two unmanned missions to space in December 2020 and July 2021.

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Addressing the media at Bengaluru, the ISRO chief said: "Preparations for Gaganyaan mission are underway. It has been a major turning point for ISRO." The ISRO chief informed that the space agency carried out 17 missions last year with seven being launch missions.

"The target for two unmanned missions to space is December 2020 and July 2021. The target for a manned mission to space is December 2021," Sivan said.

"In 2018, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-launches-indias-heaviest-satellite-the-gsat-11-181542">ISRO launched the heaviest satellite</a> into space," he said, adding,"Rs 10,000 crore approved for has been approved for Gaganyan."

"The inital training for Gaganyaan will be done in India and advanced training maybe in Russia. Women astronauts will be there on the team. That's our aim," the ISRO chief said.

Sivan said the agency had created a science centre in Jammu and Kashmir while informing that human space programme will be a turning point for the space organization.

"We will set up six incubation and research centres across the country. We will bring the Indian students to ISRO. Why do the Indian students need to go to NASA?"

The objective of the Chandrayaan-2 mission is to carry a three-member crew to low Earth orbit and return them safely to a predefined destination on Earth. PM Modi had on Independence Day announced that the mission would be undertaken by 2022.

The Chandrayaan-2 consists of a lunar orbiter, lander and rover developed by ISRO. The mission was delayed after Russia's Roscosmos failed to provide the lander, later the Russian space agency pulled out of the project leading the space body to develop it indigenously.&nbsp;

This year is the birth centenary of the founding father of Indian Space programme, Vikram A Sarabhai, and year-long celebrations, consisting of a host of national and international events would commence August 12, 2019.

Indian space research organisation (ISRO) chairman K Sivan said the space agency will launch the Chandrayaan-2 mission in mid-April while adding that it has targeted two unmanned missions to space in December 2020 and July 2021.

Indian space research organisation (ISRO) chairman K Sivan said the space agency will launch the Chandrayaan-2 mission in mid-April while adding that it has targeted two unmanned missions to space in December 2020 and July 2021. #WATCH ISRO Chief K Sivan addresses the media in Bengaluru https://t.co/uVlxoZaJpk — ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2019 × Addressing the media at Bengaluru, the ISRO chief said: "Preparations for Gaganyaan mission are underway. It has been a major turning point for ISRO." The ISRO chief informed that the space agency carried out 17 missions last year with seven being launch missions. "The target for two unmanned missions to space is December 2020 and July 2021. The target for a manned mission to space is December 2021," Sivan said. "In 2018, ISRO launched the heaviest satellite into space," he said, adding,"Rs 10,000 crore approved for has been approved for Gaganyan." "The inital training for Gaganyaan will be done in India and advanced training maybe in Russia. Women astronauts will be there on the team. That's our aim," the ISRO chief said. Sivan said the agency had created a science centre in Jammu and Kashmir while informing that human space programme will be a turning point for the space organization. "We will set up six incubation and research centres across the country. We will bring the Indian students to ISRO. Why do the Indian students need to go to NASA?" The objective of the Chandrayaan-2 mission is to carry a three-member crew to low Earth orbit and return them safely to a predefined destination on Earth. PM Modi had on Independence Day announced that the mission would be undertaken by 2022. The Chandrayaan-2 consists of a lunar orbiter, lander and rover developed by ISRO. The mission was delayed after Russia's Roscosmos failed to provide the lander, later the Russian space agency pulled out of the project leading the space body to develop it indigenously. This year is the birth centenary of the founding father of Indian Space programme, Vikram A Sarabhai, and year-long celebrations, consisting of a host of national and international events would commence August 12, 2019.

Chandrayaan-2 mission in mid-April; targeting manned mission to space in 2021: ISRO