The x-59 supersonic aircraft is here. It is also known by the name "son of Concorde". It was rolled out by NASA and Lockheed Martin last week. So, what are the features of this new aircraft? Is it the future of aviation? Will it change commercial air travel?

Gravitas: Nasa unveils new Supersonic plane x-59 | Is it the era of Supersonic travel?

<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is all set to send a surgical robot and a 3D metal printer to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Northrop Grumman’s 20th commercial resupply services mission. The Cygnus cargo spacecraft, scheduled for launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in late January, will carry out scientific investigations that include testing a 3D metal printer, semiconductor manufacturing, and thermal protection systems for Earth reentry.</p>

<p>Speaking over 3D metal printing in space, Rob Postema of European Space Agency (ESA) stated, “This investigation provides us with an initial understanding of how such a printer behaves in space.”</p>

<p>The study is aimed to uncover differences in printing in space compared to Earth and explore the range of shapes achievable. The insights gained could revolutionise long-duration space missions, enabling on-the-go creation of equipment parts, thereby reducing the need for extensive pre-planning and saving resources for future lunar and Martian exploration.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-loses-but-regains-contact-with-ingenuity-helicopter-on-mars-682066">NASA regains contact with Ingenuity helicopter on Mars after unexpected outage</a></p>

<p>“A 3D printer can create many shapes, and we plan to print specimens, first to understand how printing in space may differ from printing on Earth and second to see what types of shapes we can print with this technology. In addition, this activity helps show how crew members can work safely and efficiently with printing metal parts in space,”&nbsp;Postema added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Airbus Defence and Space SAS, under contract with ESA, is spearheading this investigation, NASA said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Surgical procedures beyond Earth</h2>

<p>While, the Robotic Surgery Tech Demo will evaluate the performance of a remotely controlled robot capable of conducting surgical procedures in space.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-unveil-secrets-of-imagination-memory-formation-with-artificial-intelligence-682056">Scientists unveil secrets of imagination, memory formation with Artificial Intelligence</a></p>

<p>Virtual Incision Corporation in collaboration with the University of Nebraska is leading the investigation where the small robot will use two "hands" to mimic surgical actions, with the goal of assessing the impact of microgravity and time delays between space and ground on surgical procedures.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | NASA unveils X-59 plane to test supersonic flight over US cities</strong></p>

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<p>"Results from this investigation could support the development of robotic systems to perform these procedures,” NASA said.&nbsp;With longer space missions on the horizon, the need for surgical capabilities in space becomes crucial.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is all set to send a surgical robot and a 3D metal printer to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Northrop Grumman’s 20th commercial resupply services mission.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is all set to send a surgical robot and a 3D metal printer to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Northrop Grumman’s 20th commercial resupply services mission. The Cygnus cargo spacecraft, scheduled for launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in late January, will carry out scientific investigations that include testing a 3D metal printer, semiconductor manufacturing, and thermal protection systems for Earth reentry. Speaking over 3D metal printing in space, Rob Postema of European Space Agency (ESA) stated, “This investigation provides us with an initial understanding of how such a printer behaves in space.” The study is aimed to uncover differences in printing in space compared to Earth and explore the range of shapes achievable. The insights gained could revolutionise long-duration space missions, enabling on-the-go creation of equipment parts, thereby reducing the need for extensive pre-planning and saving resources for future lunar and Martian exploration. Also Read | NASA regains contact with Ingenuity helicopter on Mars after unexpected outage “A 3D printer can create many shapes, and we plan to print specimens, first to understand how printing in space may differ from printing on Earth and second to see what types of shapes we can print with this technology. In addition, this activity helps show how crew members can work safely and efficiently with printing metal parts in space,” Postema added. Airbus Defence and Space SAS, under contract with ESA, is spearheading this investigation, NASA said. Surgical procedures beyond Earth While, the Robotic Surgery Tech Demo will evaluate the performance of a remotely controlled robot capable of conducting surgical procedures in space. Also Read | Scientists unveil secrets of imagination, memory formation with Artificial Intelligence Virtual Incision Corporation in collaboration with the University of Nebraska is leading the investigation where the small robot will use two "hands" to mimic surgical actions, with the goal of assessing the impact of microgravity and time delays between space and ground on surgical procedures. Watch | NASA unveils X-59 plane to test supersonic flight over US cities × "Results from this investigation could support the development of robotic systems to perform these procedures,” NASA said. With longer space missions on the horizon, the need for surgical capabilities in space becomes crucial. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA gears up to send surgical robot, 3D metal printing to space station

<p>On January 20, Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) achieved a significant milestone by successfully docking at the International Space Station (ISS). This feat follows the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on January 18, carrying a cohort of European astronauts, including Turkey's first space traveller and three representatives from the European Space Agency (ESA), from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.</p>

<p>The collaborative efforts of NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX are currently in full swing as integrated operations are underway. This phase initiates during the spacecraft's approach to the ISS. NASA retains mission responsibility throughout integrated operations, encompassing the crew's stay aboard the orbiting laboratory, where they engage in scientific, educational, and commercial activities. The mission concludes upon Dragon's departure from the space station's vicinity.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-asteroid-turns-into-fireball-before-crashing-into-earth-in-germany-682483">Also read |&nbsp;Asteroid turns into fireball before crashing into Earth in Germany</a></p>

<h2><strong>Private crew mission: Axiom Space Mission 3</strong></h2>

<p>Axiom Space Mission 3 marks the third private crew mission to visit the ISS, ushering in a new era of space exploration.</p>

<p>The crew, composed entirely of private crew, is set to spend approximately 14 days aboard the ISS, undertaking up to 30 experiments. Their endeavours align with the ongoing activities of the seven astronauts already present on the space station.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;China Spy Balloon: Latest balloon sightings come after Taiwan Presidential polls</strong></p>

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<p>Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA), expressed optimism for the future, stating, "This year will look much better." This positive outlook was shared during an annual press briefing, where the ESA disclosed a groundbreaking budget of €7.8 billion—the largest allocation ever dedicated to European space exploration.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


On January 20, Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) achieved a significant milestone by successfully docking at the International Space Station (ISS). This feat follows the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on January 18, carrying a cohort of European astronauts, including Turkey's first space traveller and three representatives from the European Space Agency (ESA), from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

On January 20, Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) achieved a significant milestone by successfully docking at the International Space Station (ISS). This feat follows the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on January 18, carrying a cohort of European astronauts, including Turkey's first space traveller and three representatives from the European Space Agency (ESA), from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The collaborative efforts of NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX are currently in full swing as integrated operations are underway. This phase initiates during the spacecraft's approach to the ISS. NASA retains mission responsibility throughout integrated operations, encompassing the crew's stay aboard the orbiting laboratory, where they engage in scientific, educational, and commercial activities. The mission concludes upon Dragon's departure from the space station's vicinity. Also read | Asteroid turns into fireball before crashing into Earth in Germany Private crew mission: Axiom Space Mission 3 Axiom Space Mission 3 marks the third private crew mission to visit the ISS, ushering in a new era of space exploration. The crew, composed entirely of private crew, is set to spend approximately 14 days aboard the ISS, undertaking up to 30 experiments. Their endeavours align with the ongoing activities of the seven astronauts already present on the space station. Also watch | China Spy Balloon: Latest balloon sightings come after Taiwan Presidential polls Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA), expressed optimism for the future, stating, "This year will look much better." This positive outlook was shared during an annual press briefing, where the ESA disclosed a groundbreaking budget of €7.8 billion—the largest allocation ever dedicated to European space exploration. (With inputs from agencies)

Ax-3 Mission: All-European astronaut crew successfully reaches ISS

<p>Humanity skipped a beat when National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) informed about loss of&nbsp;contact with Ingenuity, the helicopter which carried-out the first-ever on-surface flight on another planet. It was thought that the helicopter, which has far exceeded its initial mission brief, had finally taken its last breath in the (thin) Martian atmosphere.</p>

<p>But NASA has re-established contact with the tiny flying machine on the red planet.</p>

<p>"Good news today," wrote NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) on X (formerly Twitter). In the post, NASA JPL said that it commanded the Perseverance rover to "perform long-duration listening sessions for Ingenuity's signal."</p>

<p>"The team is reviewing the new data to better understand the unexpected comms dropout during Flight 72," it added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Good news today: We've reestablished contact with the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarsHelicopter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MarsHelicopter</a> after instructing <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAPersevere?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASAPersevere</a> to perform long-duration listening sessions for Ingenuity’s signal.<br />
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The team is reviewing the new data to better understand the unexpected comms dropout during Flight 72. <a href="https://t.co/KvCVwhZ5Rk">https://t.co/KvCVwhZ5Rk</a></p>
— NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAJPL/status/1748883252604236281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Communications with Ingenuity were suddenly lost when NASA was carrying out a test flight on Thursday (January 18). It was Ingenuity's 72nd lift-off from Mars.</p>

<p>Previously, NASA said that Ingenuity had climbed up to 40 feet from the Martian surface during its 72nd flight.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | NASA unveils X-59 plane to test supersonic flight over US cities</strong></p>

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<p>The flight was a "quick pop-up vertical flight to check out the helicopter's systems, following an unplanned early landing during its previous flight."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-pings-isro-on-the-moon-681846">NASA’s orbiter ‘pings’ ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon</a></strong></p>

<p>But as the helicopter was descending, NASA said that the Perseverance rover was temporarily "out of line-of-sight with Ingenuity, but the team could consider driving closer for a visual inspection."</p>

<h2><strong>Will Ingenuity fly again?</strong></h2>

<p>NASA hasn't confirmed anything yet and has said that it will have to assess data and look at the overall situation before it can say for sure.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mysterious-object-found-40000-light-years-away-could-be-the-lightest-black-hole-ever-or-heaviest-neutron-star-681472">Lightest black hole or heaviest neutron star? This object 40,000 light years away could be either</a></strong></p>

<p>Ingenuity weighs just over four pounds and has amazed scientists with its longevity.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Humanity skipped a beat when National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) informed about loss of contact with Ingenuity, the helicopter which carried-out the first-ever on-surface flight on another planet.

Humanity skipped a beat when National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) informed about loss of contact with Ingenuity, the helicopter which carried-out the first-ever on-surface flight on another planet. It was thought that the helicopter, which has far exceeded its initial mission brief, had finally taken its last breath in the (thin) Martian atmosphere. But NASA has re-established contact with the tiny flying machine on the red planet. "Good news today," wrote NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) on X (formerly Twitter). In the post, NASA JPL said that it commanded the Perseverance rover to "perform long-duration listening sessions for Ingenuity's signal." "The team is reviewing the new data to better understand the unexpected comms dropout during Flight 72," it added. Good news today: We've reestablished contact with the #MarsHelicopter after instructing @NASAPersevere to perform long-duration listening sessions for Ingenuity’s signal. The team is reviewing the new data to better understand the unexpected comms dropout during Flight 72. https://t.co/KvCVwhZ5Rk — NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) January 21, 2024 × Communications with Ingenuity were suddenly lost when NASA was carrying out a test flight on Thursday (January 18). It was Ingenuity's 72nd lift-off from Mars. Previously, NASA said that Ingenuity had climbed up to 40 feet from the Martian surface during its 72nd flight. Watch | NASA unveils X-59 plane to test supersonic flight over US cities × The flight was a "quick pop-up vertical flight to check out the helicopter's systems, following an unplanned early landing during its previous flight." Also Read | NASA’s orbiter ‘pings’ ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon But as the helicopter was descending, NASA said that the Perseverance rover was temporarily "out of line-of-sight with Ingenuity, but the team could consider driving closer for a visual inspection." Will Ingenuity fly again? NASA hasn't confirmed anything yet and has said that it will have to assess data and look at the overall situation before it can say for sure. Also Read | Lightest black hole or heaviest neutron star? This object 40,000 light years away could be either Ingenuity weighs just over four pounds and has amazed scientists with its longevity. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA regains contact with Ingenuity helicopter on Mars after unexpected outage

<p>This may sound very romantic had the entire affair not involved cutting edge science jargon. But the development is notable indeed. USA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have collaborated on many a space-related scientific endeavours and the latest is another one in the long list.</p>

<p>Right now, NASA has an orbiter revolving around the Moon while the ISRO has an orbiter as well as a lander on the surface of the Moon. The 'Vikram' lander had a successful soft landing near Moon's south pole, putting India in the elite club of a handful of countries.</p>

<p>ISRO and NASA both, made announcement about the latest experiment.</p>

<p>"For the first time at the Moon, a laser beam was transmitted and reflected between an orbiting NASA spacecraft and an Oreo-sized device on ISRO’s (Indian Space Research Organisation) Vikram lander on the lunar surface. The successful experiment opens the door to a new style of precisely locating targets on the Moon’s surface," said NASA in its statement.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Japan's 'Moon Sniper' achieves historic lunar landing</strong></p>

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<p>India's rover has a Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA) fitted on it. The LRA is the exact thing NASA is referring to as 'Oreo-sized device' in its statement. The device was made by NASA and was fitted on Vikram lander as part of the international collaboration.</p>

<p>"NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) achieved a laser range measurement using the LRA by successfully detecting signals reflected by it on December 12, 2023. The ranging utilized the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) on the LRO. The observation occurred during lunar night time, with the LRO ascending to the east of Chandrayaan-3," ISRO said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/japan-moon-sniper-spacecraft-touches-down-on-lunar-surface-681656">Japan's 'Moon Sniper' successfully lands on lunar surface, but solar cells not generating power</a></strong></p>

<p>Several LRAs have been deployed on the Moon since exploration of Earth's only natural satellite began decades ago. But what makes the LRA on board Vikram special is, it is the only one near the Moon's south pole.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/turkeys-first-astronaut-launched-on-flight-to-international-space-station-681841">Turkey's first astronaut launched on flight to International Space Station</a></strong></p>

<p>"NASA’s LRA on Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander will continue to serve as a long-term geodetic station and a location marker on the lunar surface, benefitting current and future lunar missions. These measurements, apart from helping in precise determination of spacecraft’s orbital position, will help refine the lunar geodetic frame, revealing insights into the Moon's dynamics, internal structure, and gravitational anomalies." said ISRO in its statement.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


This may sound very romantic had the entire affair not involved cutting edge science jargon. But the development is notable indeed. USA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have collaborated on many a space-related scientific endeavours and the latest is another one in the long list.

This may sound very romantic had the entire affair not involved cutting edge science jargon. But the development is notable indeed. USA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have collaborated on many a space-related scientific endeavours and the latest is another one in the long list. Right now, NASA has an orbiter revolving around the Moon while the ISRO has an orbiter as well as a lander on the surface of the Moon. The 'Vikram' lander had a successful soft landing near Moon's south pole, putting India in the elite club of a handful of countries. ISRO and NASA both, made announcement about the latest experiment. "For the first time at the Moon, a laser beam was transmitted and reflected between an orbiting NASA spacecraft and an Oreo-sized device on ISRO’s (Indian Space Research Organisation) Vikram lander on the lunar surface. The successful experiment opens the door to a new style of precisely locating targets on the Moon’s surface," said NASA in its statement. Watch | Japan's 'Moon Sniper' achieves historic lunar landing × India's rover has a Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA) fitted on it. The LRA is the exact thing NASA is referring to as 'Oreo-sized device' in its statement. The device was made by NASA and was fitted on Vikram lander as part of the international collaboration. "NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) achieved a laser range measurement using the LRA by successfully detecting signals reflected by it on December 12, 2023. The ranging utilized the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) on the LRO. The observation occurred during lunar night time, with the LRO ascending to the east of Chandrayaan-3," ISRO said. Also Read | Japan's 'Moon Sniper' successfully lands on lunar surface, but solar cells not generating power Several LRAs have been deployed on the Moon since exploration of Earth's only natural satellite began decades ago. But what makes the LRA on board Vikram special is, it is the only one near the Moon's south pole. Also Read | Turkey's first astronaut launched on flight to International Space Station "NASA’s LRA on Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander will continue to serve as a long-term geodetic station and a location marker on the lunar surface, benefitting current and future lunar missions. These measurements, apart from helping in precise determination of spacecraft’s orbital position, will help refine the lunar geodetic frame, revealing insights into the Moon's dynamics, internal structure, and gravitational anomalies." said ISRO in its statement. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA’s orbiter ‘pings’ ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon 

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<p>Turkey's first astronaut Alper Gezeravci and three other astronauts representing Europe were launched on a flight to the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday (Jan 18). According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Friday, a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying the Axiom quartet lifted off atop a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.</p>

<p>Crew Dragon was expected to reach the International Space Station (ISS) early on Saturday morning and dock with the outpost orbiting some 400 kilometres above Earth and currently occupied by seven regular crew members.</p>

<p>Responding to congratulations from mission control, flight commander Michael López-Alegría radioed back from the Crew Dragon, "As I was saying, it's a team sport. Thank you, guys."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astrobotic-loses-contact-with-peregrine-lunar-lander-681453">Astrobotic's Peregrine lander burns up after failing Moon mission</a></strong></p>

<p>This mission, called&nbsp;Ax-3,&nbsp;was arranged by Texas-based startup Axiom Space. It was the third such flight organised by Axiom over the past two years as the company builds on its business of putting astronauts sponsored by foreign governments and private enterprises into Earth's orbit.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Alper Gezeravci?</strong></h2>

<p>Gezeravci, 44, is a Turkish Air Force veteran and holds the rank of a colonel. Turkey was poised to enter the exclusive but expanding club of ISS-guest countries by sending Gezeravci on his nation's debut human spaceflight as an Ax-3 mission specialist.</p>

<p>His three other colleagues aboard the flight are Italian Air Force Colonel Walter Villadei, 49, Ax-3's designated pilot; Swedish aviator Marcus Wandt, 43, another mission specialist; and López-Alegría, 65, a retired NASA astronaut and dual citizen of Spain and the United States.</p>

<p><img alt="File photo." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="38e14646-53f2-4b3c-88b5-b7d47e7304b6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_29.png" /></p>

<p><em><strong>Photo:&nbsp;Walter Villadei of Italy, Mission Specialist Alper Gezeravci of Turkey, and ESA (European&nbsp;Space&nbsp;Agency) project astronaut Marcus Wandt of Sweden in Cape Canaveral</strong></em></p>

<p>The crew will conduct&nbsp;over 30 scientific experiments, many of them focused on the effects of spaceflight on human health and disease, Reuters reported.</p>

<p>If all goes smoothly, the four astronauts will be welcomed aboard ISS on Saturday by the seven members of the station's current regular crew - two Americans from NASA, one astronaut each from Japan and Denmark, and three Russian cosmonauts.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


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

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

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

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid35KmO9RRZh3C" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Pittsburgh-based&nbsp;Astrobotic Technology's lunar lander&nbsp;Peregrine burnt up as it re-entered Earth. Peregrine was expected to conclude its journey at around 4 pm ET on Thursday as it smashed into Earth's atmosphere over a remote area of the South Pacific Ocean, CNN reported on Friday (Jan 19)</p>

<p>Astrobotic Technology announced early in the day that it lost contact with the Peregrine lunar lander on Thursday afternoon. In a post on X, Astrobotic said, "As expected, Astrobotic lost telemetry with the Peregrine lander at around 3.50 pm EST. While this indicates the vehicle completed its controlled re-entry over open water in the South Pacific at 4.04 pm EST, we await independent confirmation from government entities."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The company further said that it would address a press conference later on Friday where it will provide a post-flight update. In a subsequent post on X, Astrobotic shared a video of the Peregrine filming a video of Earth after its successful separation from the ULA's Vulcan rocket.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/peregrine-landers-journey-to-end-in-collision-with-earth-681312">Peregrine lander's journey to end in collision with Earth</a></strong></p>

<p>"Counterclockwise from top left centre is the DHL MoonBox, Astroscale's Pocari Sweat Lunar Dream Time Capsule, &amp; Peregrine landing leg. Background: our big blue marble, Earth!" it said.</p>

<h2><strong>Peregrine would fail to make soft landing on Moon</strong></h2>

<p>The Peregrine lander was launched successfully on Jan 8 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, but suffered a propulsion system issue en route to the Moon.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">(2/2)Peregrine captured this video moments after successful separation from <a href="https://twitter.com/ulalaunch?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ulalaunch</a> Vulcan rocket. Counterclockwise from top left center is the DHL MoonBox, Astroscale's Pocari Sweat Lunar Dream Time Capsule, &amp; Peregrine landing leg. Background: our big blue marble, Earth! <a href="https://t.co/1y4OsosNDp">pic.twitter.com/1y4OsosNDp</a></p>
— Astrobotic (@astrobotic) <a href="https://twitter.com/astrobotic/status/1748149981263892664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>A day after the launch, Astrobotic announced that Peregrine would fail to make a soft landing on the Moon after springing a propellant leak in the first few hours of its journey in space.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch:&nbsp;Why is NASA pushing back Moon mission timelines?</strong></p>

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<p>On Friday, the lander was recorded firing its thrusters on its way to re-entry above Australia. It carried seven NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) instruments that were meant to inspect the lunar surface.</p>

<h2><strong>A space race to Moon</strong></h2>

<p>As part of its Artemis mission, the United States has been planning to put astronauts back on the Moon in late 2026, while China has been planning to do the same by 2030. Before humans arrive (on the Moon), both the space powers are planning to first send several smaller robotic missions to examine the moon's surface, a report by the news agency Reuters said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week, NASA Chief Bill Nelson said that China had a very aggressive plan (over the Moon mission). "I think they would like to land before us because that might give them some PR coup. But the fact is, I don't think they will," Nelson said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic Technology's lunar lander Peregrine burnt up as it re-entered Earth. Peregrine was expected to conclude its journey at around 4 pm ET on Thursday as it smashed into Earth's atmosphere over a remote area of the South Pacific Ocean, CNN reported on Friday (Jan 19) Astrobotic Technology announced early in the day that it lost contact with the Peregrine lunar lander on Thursday afternoon.

Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic Technology's lunar lander Peregrine burnt up as it re-entered Earth. Peregrine was expected to conclude its journey at around 4 pm ET on Thursday as it smashed into Earth's atmosphere over a remote area of the South Pacific Ocean, CNN reported on Friday (Jan 19) Astrobotic Technology announced early in the day that it lost contact with the Peregrine lunar lander on Thursday afternoon. In a post on X, Astrobotic said, "As expected, Astrobotic lost telemetry with the Peregrine lander at around 3.50 pm EST. While this indicates the vehicle completed its controlled re-entry over open water in the South Pacific at 4.04 pm EST, we await independent confirmation from government entities." The company further said that it would address a press conference later on Friday where it will provide a post-flight update. In a subsequent post on X, Astrobotic shared a video of the Peregrine filming a video of Earth after its successful separation from the ULA's Vulcan rocket. Also read: Peregrine lander's journey to end in collision with Earth "Counterclockwise from top left centre is the DHL MoonBox, Astroscale's Pocari Sweat Lunar Dream Time Capsule, & Peregrine landing leg. Background: our big blue marble, Earth!" it said. Peregrine would fail to make soft landing on Moon The Peregrine lander was launched successfully on Jan 8 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, but suffered a propulsion system issue en route to the Moon. (2/2)Peregrine captured this video moments after successful separation from @ulalaunch Vulcan rocket. Counterclockwise from top left center is the DHL MoonBox, Astroscale's Pocari Sweat Lunar Dream Time Capsule, & Peregrine landing leg. Background: our big blue marble, Earth! pic.twitter.com/1y4OsosNDp — Astrobotic (@astrobotic) January 19, 2024 × A day after the launch, Astrobotic announced that Peregrine would fail to make a soft landing on the Moon after springing a propellant leak in the first few hours of its journey in space. Also watch: Why is NASA pushing back Moon mission timelines? × On Friday, the lander was recorded firing its thrusters on its way to re-entry above Australia. It carried seven NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) instruments that were meant to inspect the lunar surface. A space race to Moon As part of its Artemis mission, the United States has been planning to put astronauts back on the Moon in late 2026, while China has been planning to do the same by 2030. Before humans arrive (on the Moon), both the space powers are planning to first send several smaller robotic missions to examine the moon's surface, a report by the news agency Reuters said. Last week, NASA Chief Bill Nelson said that China had a very aggressive plan (over the Moon mission). "I think they would like to land before us because that might give them some PR coup. But the fact is, I don't think they will," Nelson said. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Astrobotic's Peregrine lander burns up after failing Moon mission

According to report published by Space Capital, Space Startup funding witnessed a jump in 2023 Q4. Watch to know more!

Space startups investments surpass $17.9 billion in 2023, says Report

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<p>A rock resembling the logo from Star Trek was discovered by NASA's Curiosity rover on Mars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA's long-running Curiosity captured the image of a Mars rock that looks similar to the iconic delta-shaped Starfleet emblem that officers wear on their uniforms in the sci-fi series. While it is illogical to say that a Starfleet landing party walked near Curiosity's roving grounds, Star Trek fans are thrilled to see the symbol on the Red Planet's surface.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An amateur astronomer, Stuart Atkinson, spotted the Star Trek symbol and joked about it on X. He wrote, "I bet the Star Trek fans on the @MarsCuriosity team smiled like Cheshire Cats when they saw this new image appear on their screens." To this, an X user replied, "This must be their head office in mars.."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinese-researchers-clone-rhesus-monkey-with-new-technique-different-from-what-used-in-dolly-the-sheep-680806" target="_blank">Rhesus monkey cloned using new technique different from what was used for Dolly the sheep</a></p>

<p>NASA's Curiosity rover has been on Mars since 2012 and continues to capture and investigate the life there. Currently, it is climbing a mountain nicknamed Mount Sharp (Aeolis Mons) as part of a mission to analyse the layers entrenched in it to know how water flowed on Mars several years ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In September 2023, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory officials said, "Different layers of Mount Sharp represent different eras of Martian history. As Curiosity ascends, scientists learn more about how the landscape changed over time." The statement added that the rover was in a sulphate-packed zone, which might be "the highest elevation layer it will ever visit."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinese-startup-develops-coin-sized-nuclear-battery-that-can-last-up-to-50-years-without-charging-680562">Chinese startup develops coin-sized nuclear battery that can last up to ‘50 years without charging’</a></p>

<p>According to the mission's blog, the rover captured the image of the Starfleet symbol when it was about to do "contact science on a flat block of dark-toned bedrock." The blog stated that one of its goals is to study the "composition and texture of the dark bands we've been observing from orbit" using various instruments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the Curiosity rover's success at the Gale Crater, NASA sent a follow-up rover mission, named Perseverance, to the Jezero Crater on Mars in 2020. Perseverance aims to hunt for evidence of ancient life on the Red Planet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA also aims to launch another mission to bring the caches of rocks collected by Perseverance. However, funding and technology have pushed the expected return date to 2031.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A rock resembling the logo from Star Trek was discovered by NASA's Curiosity rover on Mars. NASA's long-running Curiosity captured the image of a Mars rock that looks similar to the iconic delta-shaped Starfleet emblem that officers wear on their uniforms in the sci-fi series.

A rock resembling the logo from Star Trek was discovered by NASA's Curiosity rover on Mars. NASA's long-running Curiosity captured the image of a Mars rock that looks similar to the iconic delta-shaped Starfleet emblem that officers wear on their uniforms in the sci-fi series. While it is illogical to say that a Starfleet landing party walked near Curiosity's roving grounds, Star Trek fans are thrilled to see the symbol on the Red Planet's surface. An amateur astronomer, Stuart Atkinson, spotted the Star Trek symbol and joked about it on X. He wrote, "I bet the Star Trek fans on the @MarsCuriosity team smiled like Cheshire Cats when they saw this new image appear on their screens." To this, an X user replied, "This must be their head office in mars.." ALSO READ | Rhesus monkey cloned using new technique different from what was used for Dolly the sheep NASA's Curiosity rover has been on Mars since 2012 and continues to capture and investigate the life there. Currently, it is climbing a mountain nicknamed Mount Sharp (Aeolis Mons) as part of a mission to analyse the layers entrenched in it to know how water flowed on Mars several years ago. In September 2023, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory officials said, "Different layers of Mount Sharp represent different eras of Martian history. As Curiosity ascends, scientists learn more about how the landscape changed over time." The statement added that the rover was in a sulphate-packed zone, which might be "the highest elevation layer it will ever visit." ALSO READ | Chinese startup develops coin-sized nuclear battery that can last up to ‘50 years without charging’ According to the mission's blog, the rover captured the image of the Starfleet symbol when it was about to do "contact science on a flat block of dark-toned bedrock." The blog stated that one of its goals is to study the "composition and texture of the dark bands we've been observing from orbit" using various instruments. After the Curiosity rover's success at the Gale Crater, NASA sent a follow-up rover mission, named Perseverance, to the Jezero Crater on Mars in 2020. Perseverance aims to hunt for evidence of ancient life on the Red Planet. NASA also aims to launch another mission to bring the caches of rocks collected by Perseverance. However, funding and technology have pushed the expected return date to 2031. (With inputs from agencies)

Mars rock resembling iconic Star Trek symbol snapped by NASA’s Curiosity rover

<p>Almost two decades after the launch of NASA’s Stardust, the sample collected from the mission reveals some astonishingly new facts that no one expected. The minuscule sample collected from a known comet through the 1999 mission hides centuries of data in it, new findings suggest in the journal Geochemistry.</p>

<p>NASA’s Stardust mission was launched in 1999 to collect material from a comet called Wild 2. It was believed that the intriguing comet was formed beyond Neptune, which is currently said to be orbiting the Sun between Mars and Jupiter.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/tibet-may-be-splitting-apart-due-to-colossal-tectonic-collision-underneath-himalayas-680676">Tibet may be splitting apart due to colossal tectonic collision underneath Himalayas</a></p>

<p>For years, scientists intricately analysed the first samples brought from&nbsp;Wild 2 to understand the origin of the comet. But to everyone’s surprise, the icy object’s interior came out to be a blueprint of the universe.</p>

<h2><strong>Minuscule cosmic sample that contains ages of history</strong></h2>

<p>When Stardust brought back a comet sample to Earth, many scientists opined that its rocky inside material might be made up of the primordial dust that built the solar system. This was one of the reasons why the mission was named ‘stardust’.</p>

<p>But the actual samples told a different story- Wild 2 contained a potpourri of dust that formed from different events early in the solar system's history.</p>

<p>The research was published by Ryan Ogliore, an associate professor of physics in Arts &amp; Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis who has been studying the Stardust samples for several years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/a-joint-cicada-explosion-is-happening-after-221-years-and-wont-occur-again-for-over-400-years-680695">Big Bug Bang: US to see 'double cicada explosion' that won't happen for next 400 years</a></p>

<p>For Ogliore, the discovery that Wild 2 contained a record of "local" events was exciting.</p>

<p>"The comet was a witness to the events that shaped the solar system into what we see today," he said.</p>

<p>The comet, being kept in cold storage for nearly its entire lifetime, protected it from any alteration from heat and water.</p>

<p>"Comet Wild 2 contains things we've never seen in meteorites, like unusual carbon-iron assemblages, and the precursors to igneous spherules that make up the most common type of meteorite," Ogliore said. "And all of these objects have been exquisitely preserved within Wild 2."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinese-researchers-clone-rhesus-monkey-with-new-technique-different-from-what-used-in-dolly-the-sheep-680806">Chinese researchers clone rhesus monkey with new technique, different from what used in Dolly the sheep</a></p>

<p>The discovery was made after interrogating the comet samples for nearly two decades. The amount of sample was so minuscule, less than one milligram (a grain of sand), that it required high precision to extract data from it.</p>

<p>Every part of that miniature sample has a different story&nbsp;and it was a time-consuming process to analyse the extracted parts as well, says Ogliore.</p>

<p>Most of the Wild 2 particles are still unstudied and certainly hold many more surprises.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs&nbsp;from agencies)</em></p>


Almost two decades after the launch of NASA’s Stardust, the sample collected from the mission reveals some astonishingly new facts that no one expected. The minuscule sample collected from a known comet through the 1999 mission hides centuries of data in it, new findings suggest in the journal Geochemistry.

Almost two decades after the launch of NASA’s Stardust, the sample collected from the mission reveals some astonishingly new facts that no one expected. The minuscule sample collected from a known comet through the 1999 mission hides centuries of data in it, new findings suggest in the journal Geochemistry. NASA’s Stardust mission was launched in 1999 to collect material from a comet called Wild 2. It was believed that the intriguing comet was formed beyond Neptune, which is currently said to be orbiting the Sun between Mars and Jupiter. Also Read | Tibet may be splitting apart due to colossal tectonic collision underneath Himalayas For years, scientists intricately analysed the first samples brought from Wild 2 to understand the origin of the comet. But to everyone’s surprise, the icy object’s interior came out to be a blueprint of the universe. Minuscule cosmic sample that contains ages of history When Stardust brought back a comet sample to Earth, many scientists opined that its rocky inside material might be made up of the primordial dust that built the solar system. This was one of the reasons why the mission was named ‘stardust’. But the actual samples told a different story- Wild 2 contained a potpourri of dust that formed from different events early in the solar system's history. The research was published by Ryan Ogliore, an associate professor of physics in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis who has been studying the Stardust samples for several years. Also Read | Big Bug Bang: US to see 'double cicada explosion' that won't happen for next 400 years For Ogliore, the discovery that Wild 2 contained a record of "local" events was exciting. "The comet was a witness to the events that shaped the solar system into what we see today," he said. The comet, being kept in cold storage for nearly its entire lifetime, protected it from any alteration from heat and water. "Comet Wild 2 contains things we've never seen in meteorites, like unusual carbon-iron assemblages, and the precursors to igneous spherules that make up the most common type of meteorite," Ogliore said. "And all of these objects have been exquisitely preserved within Wild 2." Also Read | Chinese researchers clone rhesus monkey with new technique, different from what used in Dolly the sheep The discovery was made after interrogating the comet samples for nearly two decades. The amount of sample was so minuscule, less than one milligram (a grain of sand), that it required high precision to extract data from it. Every part of that miniature sample has a different story and it was a time-consuming process to analyse the extracted parts as well, says Ogliore. Most of the Wild 2 particles are still unstudied and certainly hold many more surprises. (With inputs from agencies)

Astonishing! Sample from Wild 2 comet is a blueprint of the universe

<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and European Space Agency (ESA) announced that the Hubble Space Telescope released an image of a "monster merger" of two galaxies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The image features Arp 122, which is a peculiar galaxy that in fact comprises two galaxies – NGC 6040, the tilted, warped spiral galaxy and LEDA 59642, the round, face-on spiral.&nbsp;</p>

<p>What's interesting is that NASA has said that both galaxies are in the midst of a collision — similar to the Andromeda–Milky Way prediction, which is said to occur in about 4.5 billion years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronauts-reveal-what-space-smells-like-and-its-stinkier-than-youd-expect-679866">Astronauts reveal what space smells like, and it’s stinkier than you’d expect</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>This prediction is expected between the two largest galaxies in the Local Group—the Milky Way, which contains the Solar System and Earth, and the Andromeda Galaxy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the galactic collisions and mergers are a slow process and would take hundreds of millions of years to unfold.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA's report mentioned that the dramatic cosmic encounter is located roughly 570 million light-years from Earth, which is a very safe distance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added that at the lower-left corner is the elliptical galaxy NGC 6041, which is a central member of the galaxy cluster that Arp 122 resides in, but otherwise not participating in the merger.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/south-aegean-volcanic-arc-was-far-more-dangerous-and-explosive-suggests-new-evidence-680464">An eruption over 520,000 years ago shows South Aegean Volcanic Arc was far more dangerous</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The announcement read: "Galaxies are composed of stars and their solar systems, dust, gas, and invisible dark matter. In galactic collisions, therefore, these constituent components may experience enormous changes in the gravitational forces acting on them."&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added, "In time, this completely changes the structure of the two (or more) colliding galaxies, and sometimes ultimately results in a single, merged galaxy. That may well be what results from the collision pictured in this image."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Galaxies formed by mergers are considered to have a regular or elliptical structure, as the merging process disturbs more complicated structures. NASA said in its post: "It would be fascinating to know what Arp 122 will look like once this collision is complete… but that will not happen for a long, long time."&nbsp;</p>


The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and European Space Agency (ESA) announced that the Hubble Space Telescope released an image of a "monster merger" of two galaxies.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and European Space Agency (ESA) announced that the Hubble Space Telescope released an image of a "monster merger" of two galaxies. The image features Arp 122, which is a peculiar galaxy that in fact comprises two galaxies – NGC 6040, the tilted, warped spiral galaxy and LEDA 59642, the round, face-on spiral. What's interesting is that NASA has said that both galaxies are in the midst of a collision — similar to the Andromeda–Milky Way prediction, which is said to occur in about 4.5 billion years. Also read: Astronauts reveal what space smells like, and it’s stinkier than you’d expect This prediction is expected between the two largest galaxies in the Local Group—the Milky Way, which contains the Solar System and Earth, and the Andromeda Galaxy. Notably, the galactic collisions and mergers are a slow process and would take hundreds of millions of years to unfold. NASA's report mentioned that the dramatic cosmic encounter is located roughly 570 million light-years from Earth, which is a very safe distance. It added that at the lower-left corner is the elliptical galaxy NGC 6041, which is a central member of the galaxy cluster that Arp 122 resides in, but otherwise not participating in the merger. Also read: An eruption over 520,000 years ago shows South Aegean Volcanic Arc was far more dangerous The announcement read: "Galaxies are composed of stars and their solar systems, dust, gas, and invisible dark matter. In galactic collisions, therefore, these constituent components may experience enormous changes in the gravitational forces acting on them." It added, "In time, this completely changes the structure of the two (or more) colliding galaxies, and sometimes ultimately results in a single, merged galaxy. That may well be what results from the collision pictured in this image." Galaxies formed by mergers are considered to have a regular or elliptical structure, as the merging process disturbs more complicated structures. NASA said in its post: "It would be fascinating to know what Arp 122 will look like once this collision is complete… but that will not happen for a long, long time."

Hubble captures ‘monster merger’ of two galaxies. Is this the future of Milky Way?

<p>The curation team at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston has successfully removed the two fasteners that had impeded access to the remaining sample material collected from OSIRIS-REx's asteroid Bennu. The curation team&nbsp;collected 2.48 ounces (70.3 grams) of asteroid material, surpassing NASA's goal of bringing at least 60 grams to Earth.</p>

<p>Eileen Stansbery, division chief for ARES (Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science)&nbsp;at Johnson, appreciated the dedication of the team, stating, “Our engineers and scientists have worked tirelessly behind the scenes for months to not only process the more than 70 grams of material we were able to access previously but also design, develop, and test new tools that allowed us to move past this hurdle.”</p>

<p>The disassembly of the Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM) head is now underway, revealing rocks and dust delivered by NASA’s first asteroid sample return mission.</p>

<p>“The innovation and dedication of this team has been remarkable. We are all excited to see the remaining treasure OSIRIS-REx holds,"&nbsp;Stansbery added.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/worlds-oldest-forest-found-in-us-first-ever-investigation-reveals-ages-of-ancient-plants-trees-679667">World’s oldest forest found in US: First-ever investigation reveals ages of ancient plants, trees</a></p>

<p>Following additional disassembly steps, image specialists will capture ultra-high-resolution pictures of the bulk sample still inside the TAGSAM head. This portion will then be removed, weighed, and the total mass of Bennu material captured by the mission will be determined.</p>

<h2>Roadblock faced by the team</h2>

<p>The curation team faced a challenge in mid-October when two fasteners could not be removed with the approved tools inside the OSIRIS-REx glovebox.</p>

<p>Following this challenge, new multi-part tools were designed. This one featured custom-fabricated bits made from surgical, non-magnetic stainless steel.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-fermi-telescope-spots-new-gamma-ray-beyond-milky-way-which-could-help-solve-cosmic-mystery-679638">NASA’s Fermi telescope spots new gamma-ray beyond Milky Way, which could help solve cosmic mystery</a></p>

<p>Dr. Nicole Lunning, OSIRIS-REx curator at Johnson, highlighted the design challenge, stating, “In addition to the design challenge of being limited to curation-approved materials to protect the scientific value of the asteroid sample, these new tools also needed to function within the tightly-confined space of the glovebox.”</p>

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			<td headers="view-title-table-column"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/videos/nasa-unveils-x-59-plane-to-test-supersonic-flight-over-us-cities-679600" hreflang="en">NASA unveils X-59 plane to test supersonic flight over US cities</a></strong></td>
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<p>However, it was not that simple. Before even starting the successful removal, the team rigorously tested the tools and removal procedures in a rehearsal lab, which demonstrated success in achieving the required torque while minimising the risk of damage to the TAGSAM head. It also reduced the risk of contamination of the sample.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The curation team at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston has successfully removed the two fasteners that had impeded access to the remaining sample material collected from OSIRIS-REx's asteroid Bennu.

The curation team at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston has successfully removed the two fasteners that had impeded access to the remaining sample material collected from OSIRIS-REx's asteroid Bennu. The curation team collected 2.48 ounces (70.3 grams) of asteroid material, surpassing NASA's goal of bringing at least 60 grams to Earth. Eileen Stansbery, division chief for ARES (Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science) at Johnson, appreciated the dedication of the team, stating, “Our engineers and scientists have worked tirelessly behind the scenes for months to not only process the more than 70 grams of material we were able to access previously but also design, develop, and test new tools that allowed us to move past this hurdle.” The disassembly of the Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM) head is now underway, revealing rocks and dust delivered by NASA’s first asteroid sample return mission. “The innovation and dedication of this team has been remarkable. We are all excited to see the remaining treasure OSIRIS-REx holds," Stansbery added. Also Read | World’s oldest forest found in US: First-ever investigation reveals ages of ancient plants, trees Following additional disassembly steps, image specialists will capture ultra-high-resolution pictures of the bulk sample still inside the TAGSAM head. This portion will then be removed, weighed, and the total mass of Bennu material captured by the mission will be determined. Roadblock faced by the team The curation team faced a challenge in mid-October when two fasteners could not be removed with the approved tools inside the OSIRIS-REx glovebox. Following this challenge, new multi-part tools were designed. This one featured custom-fabricated bits made from surgical, non-magnetic stainless steel. Also Read | NASA’s Fermi telescope spots new gamma-ray beyond Milky Way, which could help solve cosmic mystery Dr. Nicole Lunning, OSIRIS-REx curator at Johnson, highlighted the design challenge, stating, “In addition to the design challenge of being limited to curation-approved materials to protect the scientific value of the asteroid sample, these new tools also needed to function within the tightly-confined space of the glovebox.” Watch | NASA unveils X-59 plane to test supersonic flight over US cities × However, it was not that simple. Before even starting the successful removal, the team rigorously tested the tools and removal procedures in a rehearsal lab, which demonstrated success in achieving the required torque while minimising the risk of damage to the TAGSAM head. It also reduced the risk of contamination of the sample. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA finally unlocks the container with samples from asteroid Bennu

<p>The world of space never seizes to surprise, and yet again it left scientists and astronomers astonished with a new mystery. In recent events of cosmic exploration, astronomers discovered high-intensity light called gamma rays radiating outside our Milky Way galaxy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The discovery was made when a team of NASA scientists and University of Maryland cosmologist Alexander Kashlinsky stumbled upon the strong gamma-ray signal while searching through 13 years of data from NASA’s Fermi Telescope.</p>

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<p>Kashlinksy called it a “completely serendipitous discovery” in the part of the cosmic universe where they were exactly looking for.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Newly found gamma-ray signals outside Milky Way deepen&nbsp;their mystery</strong></h2>

<p>The origins of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) like gamma rays have always been one of the biggest mysteries in astrophysics. The discovery source of this newly found gamma-ray signal outside the Milky Way has now deepened this mystery further.</p>

<p>The team thinks the newfound signal is related to these high-energy particles, or cosmic rays, which are made up mostly of protons, neutrons and atomic nuclei. The signal is quite similar to the characteristics of a cosmic microwave background (CMB).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/even-bigger-giant-newly-discovered-mammoth-relative-of-t-rex-amazes-scientists-679358">Dinosaur bigger and older than the T. rex once roamed the Earth, scientists find</a></p>

<p>The CMB represents the oldest light in the universe and is a cosmic fossil left over from an event that occurred around 380,000 years after the Big Bang. Before this, the universe was quite hot with densely populated free electrons and protons through which light could not travel.</p>

<p>After some time, the universe cooled down, so much so that it allowed electrons and protons to join together to form primordial atoms, this caused a sudden void. The lack of free electrons meant that photons were no longer endlessly scattered by these negatively charged particles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The universe turned transparent from being opaque which allowed the first light to travel. The CMB made up these first free-travelling photons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-accidentally-stumble-upon-a-galaxy-with-no-stars-679461">A galaxy with no stars? Scientists find one 270 million light-years away</a></p>

<p>The CMB was first spotted by American radio astronomers Robert Wilson and Arno Penzias in May 1964 as microwave radiation in all directions of the sky over Earth. In the 1990s, however, this seeming uniformity was challenged when NASA's Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) spacecraft discovered tiny variations in the CMB temperature.</p>

<p>COBE found that the CMB is 0.12% hotter and has more microwaves toward the direction of the constellation Leo. This pattern or "dipole" in CMB gave attribution to the motion of our solar system.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/game-changing-x-59-quiet-supersonic-aircraft-unveiled-by-nasa-lockheed-martin-679572">Game changing! X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft unveiled by NASA, Lockheed Martin</a></p>

<p>Astronomers are hunting for this effect in other types of light so they can confirm the CMB dipole is the result of our movement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Astronomers now want to investigate the locations of this new emission to determine the source, or maybe multiple sources, of this ultra-high energy light and these ultra-high energy particles to see if they are indeed connected.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The world of space never seizes to surprise, and yet again it left scientists and astronomers astonished with a new mystery. In recent events of cosmic exploration, astronomers discovered high-intensity light called gamma rays radiating outside our Milky Way galaxy.

The world of space never seizes to surprise, and yet again it left scientists and astronomers astonished with a new mystery. In recent events of cosmic exploration, astronomers discovered high-intensity light called gamma rays radiating outside our Milky Way galaxy. The discovery was made when a team of NASA scientists and University of Maryland cosmologist Alexander Kashlinsky stumbled upon the strong gamma-ray signal while searching through 13 years of data from NASA’s Fermi Telescope. Also Read | US university uses AI to prove our fingerprints are not unique: Report Kashlinksy called it a “completely serendipitous discovery” in the part of the cosmic universe where they were exactly looking for. Newly found gamma-ray signals outside Milky Way deepen their mystery The origins of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) like gamma rays have always been one of the biggest mysteries in astrophysics. The discovery source of this newly found gamma-ray signal outside the Milky Way has now deepened this mystery further. The team thinks the newfound signal is related to these high-energy particles, or cosmic rays, which are made up mostly of protons, neutrons and atomic nuclei. The signal is quite similar to the characteristics of a cosmic microwave background (CMB). Also Read | Dinosaur bigger and older than the T. rex once roamed the Earth, scientists find The CMB represents the oldest light in the universe and is a cosmic fossil left over from an event that occurred around 380,000 years after the Big Bang. Before this, the universe was quite hot with densely populated free electrons and protons through which light could not travel. After some time, the universe cooled down, so much so that it allowed electrons and protons to join together to form primordial atoms, this caused a sudden void. The lack of free electrons meant that photons were no longer endlessly scattered by these negatively charged particles. The universe turned transparent from being opaque which allowed the first light to travel. The CMB made up these first free-travelling photons. Also Read | A galaxy with no stars? Scientists find one 270 million light-years away The CMB was first spotted by American radio astronomers Robert Wilson and Arno Penzias in May 1964 as microwave radiation in all directions of the sky over Earth. In the 1990s, however, this seeming uniformity was challenged when NASA's Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) spacecraft discovered tiny variations in the CMB temperature. COBE found that the CMB is 0.12% hotter and has more microwaves toward the direction of the constellation Leo. This pattern or "dipole" in CMB gave attribution to the motion of our solar system. Also Read | Game changing! X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft unveiled by NASA, Lockheed Martin Astronomers are hunting for this effect in other types of light so they can confirm the CMB dipole is the result of our movement. Astronomers now want to investigate the locations of this new emission to determine the source, or maybe multiple sources, of this ultra-high energy light and these ultra-high energy particles to see if they are indeed connected. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA’s Fermi telescope spots new gamma-ray beyond Milky Way, which could help solve cosmic mystery

<p>Perhaps, the time to fly in a commercial flight&nbsp;capable of surpassing the speed of sound is not too far away.&nbsp;NASA, in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, officially revealed its X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft on Friday (Jan 12),&nbsp;opening the door of potential to a new era of commercial aircraft. The unique experimental airplane will collect data and "will help change the way we travel, bringing us closer together in much less time."</p>

<p>"The aircraft is scheduled for its inaugural flight later this year, followed by its first quiet supersonic flight," NASA said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “This is a major accomplishment made possible only through the hard work and ingenuity from NASA and the entire X-59 team. In just a few short years, we’ve gone from an ambitious concept to reality."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-accidentally-stumble-upon-a-galaxy-with-no-stars-679461">Scientists 'accidentally' stumble upon a galaxy with no stars</a></p>

<p>The aircraft was showcased during a ceremony at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works' facility in Palmdale, California.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Presently, rules prohibit commercial supersonic flight over land because of noise pollution, safety concerns and other environmental issues.&nbsp;The X-59 plays a central role in NASA’s Quesst mission and will now help in&nbsp;providing data to reconsider these regulations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bob Pearce, associate administrator for aeronautics research at NASA Headquarters, highlighted the ambitious nature of Quesst. He said, "NASA will share the data and technology we generate from this one-of-a-kind mission with regulators and with industry."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/even-bigger-giant-newly-discovered-mammoth-relative-of-t-rex-amazes-scientists-679358">'Even bigger giant': Newly discovered mammoth relative of dinosaur T. rex amazes scientists</a></p>

<p>With the completion of the rollout, the Quesst team will proceed to integrated systems testing, engine runs, and taxi testing for the X-59.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-presidential-elections-cold-wave-grips-iowa-ahead-of-republican-caucus-world-news-wion-679568">US Presidential Elections: Cold wave grips Iowa ahead of Republican caucus | World news&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

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<p>John Clark, vice president and general manager at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, praised the collaborative effort, saying, “Across both teams, talented, dedicated, and passionate scientists, engineers, and production artisans have collaborated to develop and produce this aircraft. We’re honored to be a part of this journey to shape the future of supersonic travel over land alongside NASA and our suppliers.”</p>

<h2><strong>What are the features of X-59?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The X-59 has some amazing features that enable quiet supersonic flight. It measures 99.7 feet long and 29.5 feet wide. The aircraft's thin, tapered nose, which accounts for almost a third of its length, breaks up shock waves. It also prevents the typical sonic boom associated with supersonic flight.</p>

<p>The cockpit, located almost halfway down the aircraft, lacks a forward-facing window.</p>

<p>So what replaces the window?</p>

<p>Instead, the Quesst team devised the eXternal Vision System, incorporating high-resolution cameras feeding a 4K monitor in the cockpit.&nbsp;NASA statement said, "The Quesst team also designed the aircraft with its engine mounted on top and gave it a smooth underside to help keep shockwaves from merging behind the aircraft and causing a sonic boom."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Perhaps, the time to fly in a commercial flight capable of surpassing the speed of sound is not too far away. NASA, in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, officially revealed its X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft on Friday (Jan 12), opening the door of potential to a new era of commercial aircraft.

Perhaps, the time to fly in a commercial flight capable of surpassing the speed of sound is not too far away. NASA, in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, officially revealed its X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft on Friday (Jan 12), opening the door of potential to a new era of commercial aircraft. The unique experimental airplane will collect data and "will help change the way we travel, bringing us closer together in much less time." "The aircraft is scheduled for its inaugural flight later this year, followed by its first quiet supersonic flight," NASA said in a statement. NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “This is a major accomplishment made possible only through the hard work and ingenuity from NASA and the entire X-59 team. In just a few short years, we’ve gone from an ambitious concept to reality." Also Read | Scientists 'accidentally' stumble upon a galaxy with no stars The aircraft was showcased during a ceremony at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works' facility in Palmdale, California. Presently, rules prohibit commercial supersonic flight over land because of noise pollution, safety concerns and other environmental issues. The X-59 plays a central role in NASA’s Quesst mission and will now help in providing data to reconsider these regulations. Bob Pearce, associate administrator for aeronautics research at NASA Headquarters, highlighted the ambitious nature of Quesst. He said, "NASA will share the data and technology we generate from this one-of-a-kind mission with regulators and with industry." Also Read | 'Even bigger giant': Newly discovered mammoth relative of dinosaur T. rex amazes scientists With the completion of the rollout, the Quesst team will proceed to integrated systems testing, engine runs, and taxi testing for the X-59. Watch | US Presidential Elections: Cold wave grips Iowa ahead of Republican caucus | World news × John Clark, vice president and general manager at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, praised the collaborative effort, saying, “Across both teams, talented, dedicated, and passionate scientists, engineers, and production artisans have collaborated to develop and produce this aircraft. We’re honored to be a part of this journey to shape the future of supersonic travel over land alongside NASA and our suppliers.” What are the features of X-59? The X-59 has some amazing features that enable quiet supersonic flight. It measures 99.7 feet long and 29.5 feet wide. The aircraft's thin, tapered nose, which accounts for almost a third of its length, breaks up shock waves. It also prevents the typical sonic boom associated with supersonic flight. The cockpit, located almost halfway down the aircraft, lacks a forward-facing window. So what replaces the window? Instead, the Quesst team devised the eXternal Vision System, incorporating high-resolution cameras feeding a 4K monitor in the cockpit. NASA statement said, "The Quesst team also designed the aircraft with its engine mounted on top and gave it a smooth underside to help keep shockwaves from merging behind the aircraft and causing a sonic boom." (With inputs from agencies)

Game changer! X-59 'quiet' supersonic aircraft unveiled by NASA, Lockheed Martin

The US space agency NASA has presented its new supersonic aircraft X-59 to the public for the first time. NASA also revealed that the X-59, an experimental aircraft that is expected to fly at 1.4 times the speed of sound – or 925mph (1,488 km/h).

NASA unveils X-59 plane to test supersonic flight over US cities

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<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said on Thursday that Elon Musk's SpaceX was not in violation of workplace rules on alcohol and drugs which could jeopardize rocket launch and its government contracts. In a statement, NASA said it did not have evidence of non-compliance from SpaceX "on how the company addresses the drug- and alcohol-free workforce regulations."</p>

<p>“We expect our commercial partners to meet all workplace safety requirements in the execution of those missions and the services they provide the American people,” the statement added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacex-files-case-against-us-agency-over-accusation-of-firing-workers-critical-of-musk-676900">SpaceX files case against US agency over accusation of firing workers critical of Musk</a></strong></p>

<p>NASA further said that it enforces and verifies compliance with alcohol and drug-free workplace contract clauses that mandate contractors maintain a “robust and effective” corporate culture and safety program.</p>

<h2><strong>Report says Musk used illegal drugs</strong></h2>

<p>NASA's comments came nearly a week after a report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) said that Elon Musk had used illegal drugs that worried employees at SpaceX as well as Tesla.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report said that Musk has used LSD, cocaine, and ecstasy, often at private parties around the world. The world's wealthiest person has previously smoked marijuana in public and has said that he has a prescription for ketamine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>People close to Musk, 52, said his drug use is ongoing, especially his consumption of ketamine, and that they are concerned it could cause a health crisis, the WSJ report said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch:&nbsp;SpaceX and Tesla officials upset over Elon Musk's alleged drug use</strong></p>

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<p>Alex Spiro,&nbsp;Musk's lawyer, said that his client was regularly and randomly drug-tested at SpaceX and has never failed a test.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Citing sources, the publication's report said that one former Tesla director was so frustrated with Musk's volatility and her concerns about his drug consumption that she didn’t stand for re-election to the electric car company’s board in 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said on Thursday that Elon Musk's SpaceX was not in violation of workplace rules on alcohol and drugs which could jeopardize rocket launch and its government contracts.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said on Thursday that Elon Musk's SpaceX was not in violation of workplace rules on alcohol and drugs which could jeopardize rocket launch and its government contracts. In a statement, NASA said it did not have evidence of non-compliance from SpaceX "on how the company addresses the drug- and alcohol-free workforce regulations." “We expect our commercial partners to meet all workplace safety requirements in the execution of those missions and the services they provide the American people,” the statement added. Also read: SpaceX files case against US agency over accusation of firing workers critical of Musk NASA further said that it enforces and verifies compliance with alcohol and drug-free workplace contract clauses that mandate contractors maintain a “robust and effective” corporate culture and safety program. Report says Musk used illegal drugs NASA's comments came nearly a week after a report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) said that Elon Musk had used illegal drugs that worried employees at SpaceX as well as Tesla. The report said that Musk has used LSD, cocaine, and ecstasy, often at private parties around the world. The world's wealthiest person has previously smoked marijuana in public and has said that he has a prescription for ketamine. People close to Musk, 52, said his drug use is ongoing, especially his consumption of ketamine, and that they are concerned it could cause a health crisis, the WSJ report said. Also watch: SpaceX and Tesla officials upset over Elon Musk's alleged drug use × Alex Spiro, Musk's lawyer, said that his client was regularly and randomly drug-tested at SpaceX and has never failed a test. Citing sources, the publication's report said that one former Tesla director was so frustrated with Musk's volatility and her concerns about his drug consumption that she didn’t stand for re-election to the electric car company’s board in 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

No evidence of drug use at SpaceX that can risk rocket launch: NASA

<p>The mother of all collisions for Earth has (till now) been the asteroid that struck millions of years ago bringing the age of the dinosaurs to an end. Let's hope that remains the only planet-scale collision our homeworld has ever had the ill-fate to suffer. But Universe is filled with celestial bodies hundreds of times bigger than Earth. And when you consider galactic collisions, the scale is mind-boggling.</p>

<p>NASA and the European Space Agency's (ESA) Hubble Space Telescope has captured one such collision or merger of two galaxies each of which contains milliions and millions of stars and planets.</p>

<p>On Monday (January 8), the ESA posted the image on its official handle on X (formerly Twitter).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The image shows 'Arp 122'. It's a galaxy that contains two galaxies that are in the process of merging. In the upper part of this merger, is the galaxy NGC 6040. It is a spiral galaxy that's currently being warped due to the merger. Immediately below it, we have LEDA 59642, another spiral galaxy that's visible in 'face-on' position.</p>

<p>Both the galaxies are colliding</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">📷 This NASA/ESA <a href="https://twitter.com/HUBBLE_space?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HUBBLE_space</a> Telescope image features Arp 122, a peculiar galaxy that in fact comprises two galaxies — NGC 6040, the tilted, warped spiral galaxy and LEDA 59642, the round, face-on spiral — that are in the midst of a collision.<br />
<br />
Galactic collisions and mergers… <a href="https://t.co/riQOmPKb4r">pic.twitter.com/riQOmPKb4r</a></p>
— ESA (@esa) <a href="https://twitter.com/esa/status/1744279587738042615?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Due to their immense size, it takes years and years for such mergers to complete. We are talking about millions and millions of years. This is because, galaxies have so many stars planets, gas and dust that to neatly accommodate it with millions of stars, planets, gas and dust of the other galaxy, it requires time. And truly huge distances in space make galactic merger a really slow and long-drawn process.</p>

<p>Our Milky Way Galaxy will merge with its neighbour Andromeda galaxy. When they merge, both galaxies will lose their spiral shape and the resultant galaxy will not have the beautiful spiral arms we associate with Milky Way Galaxy.</p>

<p>But 4 billion years are to pass before both galaxies will even begin to merge. And complete merger will takes hundreds of millions of years more.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The mother of all collisions for Earth has (till now) been the asteroid that struck millions of years ago bringing the age of the dinosaurs to an end. Let's hope that remains the only planet-scale collision our homeworld has ever had the ill-fate to suffer.

The mother of all collisions for Earth has (till now) been the asteroid that struck millions of years ago bringing the age of the dinosaurs to an end. Let's hope that remains the only planet-scale collision our homeworld has ever had the ill-fate to suffer. But Universe is filled with celestial bodies hundreds of times bigger than Earth. And when you consider galactic collisions, the scale is mind-boggling. NASA and the European Space Agency's (ESA) Hubble Space Telescope has captured one such collision or merger of two galaxies each of which contains milliions and millions of stars and planets. On Monday (January 8), the ESA posted the image on its official handle on X (formerly Twitter). The image shows 'Arp 122'. It's a galaxy that contains two galaxies that are in the process of merging. In the upper part of this merger, is the galaxy NGC 6040. It is a spiral galaxy that's currently being warped due to the merger. Immediately below it, we have LEDA 59642, another spiral galaxy that's visible in 'face-on' position. Both the galaxies are colliding 📷 This NASA/ESA @HUBBLE_space Telescope image features Arp 122, a peculiar galaxy that in fact comprises two galaxies — NGC 6040, the tilted, warped spiral galaxy and LEDA 59642, the round, face-on spiral — that are in the midst of a collision. Galactic collisions and mergers… pic.twitter.com/riQOmPKb4r — ESA (@esa) January 8, 2024 × Due to their immense size, it takes years and years for such mergers to complete. We are talking about millions and millions of years. This is because, galaxies have so many stars planets, gas and dust that to neatly accommodate it with millions of stars, planets, gas and dust of the other galaxy, it requires time. And truly huge distances in space make galactic merger a really slow and long-drawn process. Our Milky Way Galaxy will merge with its neighbour Andromeda galaxy. When they merge, both galaxies will lose their spiral shape and the resultant galaxy will not have the beautiful spiral arms we associate with Milky Way Galaxy. But 4 billion years are to pass before both galaxies will even begin to merge. And complete merger will takes hundreds of millions of years more. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's Hubble Telescope captures a spectacular galactic collision

<p>Vulcan Centaur, the first American spacecraft to attempt a Moon landing in more than half a century, blasted off early Monday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.</p>

<p>This time, leading America&nbsp;back to the surface of the Moon is the nation's private industry.</p>

<h2><strong>A success</strong></h2>

<p>The brand-new rocket, by United Launch Alliance, lifted off from Cape Canaveral at 2:18 am (7:18 GMT) for its maiden voyage. Abroad the spacecraft is Astrobotic's Peregrine Lunar Lander, which is scheduled for touchdown in mid-February.</p>

<p>Taking to X after launch, ULA posted "Successful #VulcanRocket staging, ignition."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/us-coal-miners-discover-mammoth-tusk-buried-for-thousands-of-years-677538">US coal miners discover mammoth tusk buried for thousands of years</a></strong></p>

<p>As per AFP, if all goes to plan, Peregrine, which is headed for Sinus Viscositatis, a mid-latitude region of the Moon, will touch down on February 23.</p>

<p>"Leading America back to the surface of the Moon for the first time since Apollo is a momentous honour," said Astrobotic's CEO John Thornton before the launch.</p>

<h2><strong>Curious cargo</strong></h2>

<p>The lander Peregrine is carrying a suite of scientific instruments that will probe the Moon's radiation and surface composition. This will help pave the way for the return of astronauts to the lunar surface.</p>

<p>But it also has some controversial cargo: the cremated remains and DNA of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, legendary sci-fi author and scientist Arthur C. Clarke and a dog. It is also carrying&nbsp;a shoebox-sized rover built by Carnegie Mellon University and a physical Bitcoin.</p>

<h2><strong>Private companies&nbsp;helm the mission</strong></h2>

<p>Under the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) programme, the United States has turned to the commercial sector to ship its hardware to the moon at a fraction of the cost.</p>

<p>For the moon landing, it paid Astrobotic more than $100 million for the task. Another moon mission, to land near the South Pole, will be undertaken by Houston-based Intuitive Machines in February.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-responds-to-reports-that-lost-asteroid-might-hit-earth-in-2024-677727">Will a lost asteroid hit Earth this year? This is what NASA has to say</a></strong></p>

<p>As per Joel Kearns, NASA's deputy associate administrator for exploration, "We think that it's going to allow... more cost-effective and more rapidly accomplished trips to the lunar surface to prepare for Artemis."</p>

<p>Artemis is the US' attempt to return humans to the Moon this decade.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A momentous feat</strong></h2>

<p>Controlled touchdown on the Moon, as per the report, is a challenging undertaking. Roughly half the attempts to land on the moon have resulted in failure.</p>

<p>To date, only a handful of nations have succeeded: The Soviet Union in 1966, the United States in 1969 — the only nation to put humans on the Moon, China — which has successfully landed thrice in the last decade and India: the latest to achieve this feat, on its second attempt.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Vulcan Centaur, the first American spacecraft to attempt a Moon landing in more than half a century, blasted off early Monday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Vulcan Centaur, the first American spacecraft to attempt a Moon landing in more than half a century, blasted off early Monday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This time, leading America back to the surface of the Moon is the nation's private industry. A success The brand-new rocket, by United Launch Alliance, lifted off from Cape Canaveral at 2:18 am (7:18 GMT) for its maiden voyage. Abroad the spacecraft is Astrobotic's Peregrine Lunar Lander, which is scheduled for touchdown in mid-February. Taking to X after launch, ULA posted "Successful #VulcanRocket staging, ignition." Also read | US coal miners discover mammoth tusk buried for thousands of years As per AFP, if all goes to plan, Peregrine, which is headed for Sinus Viscositatis, a mid-latitude region of the Moon, will touch down on February 23. "Leading America back to the surface of the Moon for the first time since Apollo is a momentous honour," said Astrobotic's CEO John Thornton before the launch. Curious cargo The lander Peregrine is carrying a suite of scientific instruments that will probe the Moon's radiation and surface composition. This will help pave the way for the return of astronauts to the lunar surface. But it also has some controversial cargo: the cremated remains and DNA of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, legendary sci-fi author and scientist Arthur C. Clarke and a dog. It is also carrying a shoebox-sized rover built by Carnegie Mellon University and a physical Bitcoin. Private companies helm the mission Under the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) programme, the United States has turned to the commercial sector to ship its hardware to the moon at a fraction of the cost. For the moon landing, it paid Astrobotic more than $100 million for the task. Another moon mission, to land near the South Pole, will be undertaken by Houston-based Intuitive Machines in February. Also read | Will a lost asteroid hit Earth this year? This is what NASA has to say As per Joel Kearns, NASA's deputy associate administrator for exploration, "We think that it's going to allow... more cost-effective and more rapidly accomplished trips to the lunar surface to prepare for Artemis." Artemis is the US' attempt to return humans to the Moon this decade. A momentous feat Controlled touchdown on the Moon, as per the report, is a challenging undertaking. Roughly half the attempts to land on the moon have resulted in failure. To date, only a handful of nations have succeeded: The Soviet Union in 1966, the United States in 1969 — the only nation to put humans on the Moon, China — which has successfully landed thrice in the last decade and India: the latest to achieve this feat, on its second attempt. (With inputs from agencies)

Vulcan Centaur, America's first lunar lander in more than 50 years, takes off for the Moon

NASA's James Webb celebrates two years of stunning observations. A look at NASA' James Webb space telescope's latest images. Watch the video to know more!

NASA James Webb Telescope captures stunning pictures of the universe | Science News | WION

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<p>NASA ha put an end to concerns about a lost 54-million-tonne asteroid hitting Earth in 2024.</p>

<p>In response to a November report by a news outlet stating that 2007 FT3, the asteroid, had a slight possibility of striking Earth in 2024, the space agency has issued a statement saying that there are no known asteroid crash dangers to Earth at any time in the century.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2007, scientists first spotted the 984-foot-long asteroid. However, eventually, they lost track of it and categorised it as a "lost asteroid."</p>

<p>According to the report by the news outlet, the chances of the asteroid slamming into Earth were around 1 in 10 million on 3 March 2030 and 1 in 11.5 million on 5 October 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA told The Standard, "There are no known asteroid impact threats to Earth at any time in the next century. NASA and its partners diligently watch the skies to find, track, and categorise asteroids and near-Earth objects (NEOs), including those who come close to Earth."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sharks-fin-regenerates-less-than-a-year-after-it-was-torn-by-humans-in-shocking-first-677489">In shocking first, shark’s fin regenerates less than a year after being ‘torn by humans’</a></p>

<p>Before scientists lost track of the 2007 FT3, they were able to gather information about the asteroid. They observed 14 points in its arc over the two days it remained in NASA's view. The researchers have also calculated its orbit and looked into its possible collisions with Earth.</p>

<p>The asteroid has made it to NASA's Sentry Risk Table of objects that could impact our planet. NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies has also identified 89 potential impacts that 2007 FT3 can have on Earth, one of which is on 5 October 2024.</p>

<p>However, the space agency clarified that it was nothing to worry about, as one potential point of impact when the asteroid was closest to the Earth had already passed in 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"An important note here is planetary scientists define asteroid approaches that come within 30 million miles of Earth's orbit as close approaches. The larger an asteroid is, the easier it is for our planetary defence experts to find, meaning that their orbits around the sun are usually very well-known and understood for years or even decades," NASA said.</p>

<p>NASA and other space agencies keep watching the near-Earth objects that could cause devastation if they cross paths with Earth.</p>

<p>Astronomers can predict the orbits of these space bodies up to about a hundred years in the future.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA ha put an end to concerns about a lost 54-million-tonne asteroid hitting Earth in 2024. In response to a November report by a news outlet stating that 2007 FT3, the asteroid, had a slight possibility of striking Earth in 2024, the space agency has issued a statement saying that there are no known asteroid crash dangers to Earth at any time in the century.

NASA ha put an end to concerns about a lost 54-million-tonne asteroid hitting Earth in 2024. In response to a November report by a news outlet stating that 2007 FT3, the asteroid, had a slight possibility of striking Earth in 2024, the space agency has issued a statement saying that there are no known asteroid crash dangers to Earth at any time in the century. In 2007, scientists first spotted the 984-foot-long asteroid. However, eventually, they lost track of it and categorised it as a "lost asteroid." According to the report by the news outlet, the chances of the asteroid slamming into Earth were around 1 in 10 million on 3 March 2030 and 1 in 11.5 million on 5 October 2024. NASA told The Standard, "There are no known asteroid impact threats to Earth at any time in the next century. NASA and its partners diligently watch the skies to find, track, and categorise asteroids and near-Earth objects (NEOs), including those who come close to Earth." ALSO READ | In shocking first, shark’s fin regenerates less than a year after being ‘torn by humans’ Before scientists lost track of the 2007 FT3, they were able to gather information about the asteroid. They observed 14 points in its arc over the two days it remained in NASA's view. The researchers have also calculated its orbit and looked into its possible collisions with Earth. The asteroid has made it to NASA's Sentry Risk Table of objects that could impact our planet. NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies has also identified 89 potential impacts that 2007 FT3 can have on Earth, one of which is on 5 October 2024. However, the space agency clarified that it was nothing to worry about, as one potential point of impact when the asteroid was closest to the Earth had already passed in 2019. "An important note here is planetary scientists define asteroid approaches that come within 30 million miles of Earth's orbit as close approaches. The larger an asteroid is, the easier it is for our planetary defence experts to find, meaning that their orbits around the sun are usually very well-known and understood for years or even decades," NASA said. NASA and other space agencies keep watching the near-Earth objects that could cause devastation if they cross paths with Earth. Astronomers can predict the orbits of these space bodies up to about a hundred years in the future. (With inputs from agencies)

Will a lost asteroid hit Earth this year? This is what NASA has to say

<p>Astronomers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope have uncovered potential massive cyclones, storms, and dynamic weather activity on the hot, Jupiter-sized exoplanet WASP-121 b, located 880 light-years away.</p>

<p>This discovery, achieved by combining years of Hubble observations and sophisticated computer modeling is a crucial early step in unraveling the mysteries of weather patterns on distant worlds.</p>

<p>Although WASP-121 b&nbsp;is uninhabitable, the findings hold promise for identifying potentially habitable exoplanets with stable, long-term climates in the future.</p>

<p>"The remarkable details of our exoplanet atmosphere simulations allow us to accurately model the weather on ultra-hot planets like WASP-121 b," Jack Skinner, a postdoctoral fellow at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California, and co-leader of the study said, as per NASA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Here we make a significant step forward by combining observational constraints with atmosphere simulations to understand the time-varying weather on these planets."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/spectacular-japans-xrism-satellite-provides-first-glimpse-into-x-ray-cosmos-677404">Spectacular! Japan's XRISM satellite provides first glimpse into X-ray cosmos</a></p>

<p>The international team of astronomers, led by Quentin Changeat, a European Space Agency Research Fellow at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, meticulously assembled and reprocessed Hubble observations of WASP-121 b taken in 2016, 2018, and 2019.</p>

<p>Their findings unveiled a dynamic atmosphere on WASP-121 b over time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sulfuric-acid-laden-venusian-clouds-reveal-potential-for-extraterrestrial-life-new-study-677128">Sulfuric acid-laden Venusian clouds reveal potential for extraterrestrial life: New study</a></p>

<p>The team's research suggested that the existence of massive weather fronts, storms, and cyclones on WASP-121 b is triggered by the substantial temperature difference between the star-facing side and the dark side of the exoplanet.</p>

<p>Additionally, an offset between the hottest region and the point closest to the star, along with variability in the chemical composition of the atmosphere, was detected through spectroscopy.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-general-elections-pm-sheikh-hasinas-awami-league-set-for-fourth-consecutive-term-677396">Bangladesh General Elections: PM Sheikh Hasina's Awami league set for fourth consecutive term</a></strong></p>

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<p>WASP-121 b's close proximity to its parent star results in an incredibly short orbital period of 1.27 days. Daytime temperatures on the star-facing side reach a scorching 3,450 degrees Fahrenheit (2,150 degrees Kelvin).</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Astronomers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope have uncovered potential massive cyclones, storms, and dynamic weather activity on the hot, Jupiter-sized exoplanet WASP-121 b, located 880 light-years away.

Astronomers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope have uncovered potential massive cyclones, storms, and dynamic weather activity on the hot, Jupiter-sized exoplanet WASP-121 b, located 880 light-years away. This discovery, achieved by combining years of Hubble observations and sophisticated computer modeling is a crucial early step in unraveling the mysteries of weather patterns on distant worlds. Although WASP-121 b is uninhabitable, the findings hold promise for identifying potentially habitable exoplanets with stable, long-term climates in the future. "The remarkable details of our exoplanet atmosphere simulations allow us to accurately model the weather on ultra-hot planets like WASP-121 b," Jack Skinner, a postdoctoral fellow at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California, and co-leader of the study said, as per NASA. "Here we make a significant step forward by combining observational constraints with atmosphere simulations to understand the time-varying weather on these planets." Also Read | Spectacular! Japan's XRISM satellite provides first glimpse into X-ray cosmos The international team of astronomers, led by Quentin Changeat, a European Space Agency Research Fellow at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, meticulously assembled and reprocessed Hubble observations of WASP-121 b taken in 2016, 2018, and 2019. Their findings unveiled a dynamic atmosphere on WASP-121 b over time. Also Read | Sulfuric acid-laden Venusian clouds reveal potential for extraterrestrial life: New study The team's research suggested that the existence of massive weather fronts, storms, and cyclones on WASP-121 b is triggered by the substantial temperature difference between the star-facing side and the dark side of the exoplanet. Additionally, an offset between the hottest region and the point closest to the star, along with variability in the chemical composition of the atmosphere, was detected through spectroscopy. Watch | Bangladesh General Elections: PM Sheikh Hasina's Awami league set for fourth consecutive term × WASP-121 b's close proximity to its parent star results in an incredibly short orbital period of 1.27 days. Daytime temperatures on the star-facing side reach a scorching 3,450 degrees Fahrenheit (2,150 degrees Kelvin). (With inputs from agencies)

Massive cyclones, storms... NASA’s Hubble space telescope sees chaos on exoplanet WASP-121 b

Intuitive Machines, Inc. announced last month — in coordination with SpaceX — the launch of the Company’s IM-1 lunar mission, now targeted for a multi-day launch window that opens no earlier than mid-February this year.

Intuitive Machines scheduled to launch IM-1 lunar mission in February

<p>In a rare move, NASA is extending a unique opportunity to the public to have their names fly to the lunar surface aboard the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER), as per a statement by the space agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As part of the "Send Your Name with VIPER" campaign, space enthusiasts worldwide can now be a part of history by sending their names before the deadline on March 15, 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nicola Fox, Associate Administrator of the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, reportedly expressed the importance of the moon mission, stating, "With VIPER, we are going to study and explore parts of the Moon’s surface no one has ever been to before – and with this campaign, we are inviting the world to be part of that risky yet rewarding journey."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-perpares-for-crucial-manoeuvre-of-aditya-l1-solar-probe-676905">ISRO prepares for crucial manoeuvre of Aditya-L1 solar probe</a></p>

<p>NASA's "Send Your Name with VIPER" website not only allows participants to submit their names but also offers the chance to create and download a virtual boarding pass as a memento of their involvement in this historic mission.</p>

<p>Social media users are encouraged to share their excitement using the hashtag #SendYourName, as per the space agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Daniel Andrews, VIPER's project manager at NASA’s Ames Research Center, stressed the rover's groundbreaking role, stating, "Our VIPER is a game-changer. It’s the first mission of its kind, expanding our understanding of where lunar resources could be harvested to support a long-term human presence on the Moon."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-announces-13-ideas-that-won-175000-under-prestigious-niac-programme-676847">NASA announces 13 ideas that won $175,000 under prestigious NIAC programme</a></p>

<p>Scheduled for a late 2024 delivery to the lunar surface by Astrobotic Technologies’ Griffin Mission One, VIPER is set to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.</p>

<p>The rover, a part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative under the Artemis programme, will endure a roughly 100-day mission to gather crucial data about lunar ice and potential resources.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mcdonalds-ceo-blames-misinformation-for-west-asia-sales-hit-677091">McDonald's CEO blames 'misinformation' for West Asia sales hit</a></strong></p>

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<p>NASA's VIPER mission is a pivotal step towards establishing a long-term cadence of Moon missions in preparation for human exploration near the lunar South Pole and future missions to Mars.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a rare move, NASA is extending a unique opportunity to the public to have their names fly to the lunar surface aboard the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER), as per a statement by the space agency.

In a rare move, NASA is extending a unique opportunity to the public to have their names fly to the lunar surface aboard the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER), as per a statement by the space agency. As part of the "Send Your Name with VIPER" campaign, space enthusiasts worldwide can now be a part of history by sending their names before the deadline on March 15, 2024. Nicola Fox, Associate Administrator of the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, reportedly expressed the importance of the moon mission, stating, "With VIPER, we are going to study and explore parts of the Moon’s surface no one has ever been to before – and with this campaign, we are inviting the world to be part of that risky yet rewarding journey." Also Read | ISRO prepares for crucial manoeuvre of Aditya-L1 solar probe NASA's "Send Your Name with VIPER" website not only allows participants to submit their names but also offers the chance to create and download a virtual boarding pass as a memento of their involvement in this historic mission. Social media users are encouraged to share their excitement using the hashtag #SendYourName, as per the space agency. Daniel Andrews, VIPER's project manager at NASA’s Ames Research Center, stressed the rover's groundbreaking role, stating, "Our VIPER is a game-changer. It’s the first mission of its kind, expanding our understanding of where lunar resources could be harvested to support a long-term human presence on the Moon." Also Read | NASA announces 13 ideas that won $175,000 under prestigious NIAC programme Scheduled for a late 2024 delivery to the lunar surface by Astrobotic Technologies’ Griffin Mission One, VIPER is set to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The rover, a part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative under the Artemis programme, will endure a roughly 100-day mission to gather crucial data about lunar ice and potential resources. Watch | McDonald's CEO blames 'misinformation' for West Asia sales hit × NASA's VIPER mission is a pivotal step towards establishing a long-term cadence of Moon missions in preparation for human exploration near the lunar South Pole and future missions to Mars. (With inputs from agencies)

Want to fly your name to Moon? Here’s how NASA campaign can help

NASA's Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program is funding 13 revolutionary ideas set to transform space exploration. With advancements in areas like solar-powered flight, nuclear engine technology, and strategies for Mars habitation, among others, NASA aims to transform space exploration by funding future-proof concepts that can make the next giant leap.

Gravitas | NASA reveals 13 groundbreaking concepts to revolutionise space exploration

Nasa selects awardees to receive 2024 NIAC phase i grants for innovative concept studies. The American space agency chooses 13 recipients who will get a combined maximum award of $175,000 to operationalise their ideas.

Nasa names 2024 innovative concept studies

<p>Scientists have compiled a captivating time-lapse movie using 14 years of data from NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. The footage, compiled by Seth Digel, a senior staff scientist at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, shows the Sun traversing the celestial expanse against a backdrop of high-energy sources from both our Milky Way galaxy and beyond.</p>

<p>"The bright, steady gamma-ray glow of the Milky Way is interspersed with intense, days-long flares emanating from near-light-speed jets fueled by supermassive black holes in distant galaxy cores," Digel said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These spectacular eruptions, visible across the sky, occurred millions to billions of years ago, with their light only now reaching Fermi's sensors.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-mesmerizing-time-lapse-video-captures-earths-beauty-from-international-space-station-675989">Mesmerising time-lapse video captures Earth's beauty from International Space Station</a></strong></p>

<p>Gamma rays, the most energetic form of light, take centre stage in the movie. It shows the intensities above 200 million electron volts detected by Fermi's Large Area Telescope between August 2008 and August 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For context, visible light ranges between 2 and 3 electron volts, and brighter colours denote locations with more potent gamma-ray sources.</p>

<h2><strong>What exactly is the time-lapse showing?</strong></h2>

<p>The time-lapse presents two views of the sky.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first, a rectangular view, shows the entire sky with the Milky Way's central plane as the focal point. This area glows in gamma rays produced by cosmic rays colliding with interstellar gas and starlight, revealing various sources, including neutron stars and supernova remnants.</p>

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<p>The second view, centred on our galaxy's poles, shows distant galaxies, particularly blazars, each hosting a central black hole with a mass exceeding a million suns.</p>

<h2><strong>But where are the gamma-ray bursts?</strong></h2>

<p>Despite the awe-inspiring display, the time-lapse doesn't capture shorter events like gamma-ray bursts, the universe's most powerful explosions. The limitation is due to data processing spanning several days for image refinement.</p>

<h2><strong>About Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope contributes to the study of the intersection between astrophysics and particle physics. It is managed by Goddard Space Flight Center and developed in partnership with the US Department of Energy.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Scientists have compiled a captivating time-lapse movie using 14 years of data from NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. The footage, compiled by Seth Digel, a senior staff scientist at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, shows the Sun traversing the celestial expanse against a backdrop of high-energy sources from both our Milky Way galaxy and beyond.

Scientists have compiled a captivating time-lapse movie using 14 years of data from NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. The footage, compiled by Seth Digel, a senior staff scientist at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, shows the Sun traversing the celestial expanse against a backdrop of high-energy sources from both our Milky Way galaxy and beyond. "The bright, steady gamma-ray glow of the Milky Way is interspersed with intense, days-long flares emanating from near-light-speed jets fueled by supermassive black holes in distant galaxy cores," Digel said. These spectacular eruptions, visible across the sky, occurred millions to billions of years ago, with their light only now reaching Fermi's sensors. Also read | Mesmerising time-lapse video captures Earth's beauty from International Space Station Gamma rays, the most energetic form of light, take centre stage in the movie. It shows the intensities above 200 million electron volts detected by Fermi's Large Area Telescope between August 2008 and August 2022. For context, visible light ranges between 2 and 3 electron volts, and brighter colours denote locations with more potent gamma-ray sources. What exactly is the time-lapse showing? The time-lapse presents two views of the sky. The first, a rectangular view, shows the entire sky with the Milky Way's central plane as the focal point. This area glows in gamma rays produced by cosmic rays colliding with interstellar gas and starlight, revealing various sources, including neutron stars and supernova remnants. × The second view, centred on our galaxy's poles, shows distant galaxies, particularly blazars, each hosting a central black hole with a mass exceeding a million suns. But where are the gamma-ray bursts? Despite the awe-inspiring display, the time-lapse doesn't capture shorter events like gamma-ray bursts, the universe's most powerful explosions. The limitation is due to data processing spanning several days for image refinement. About Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope contributes to the study of the intersection between astrophysics and particle physics. It is managed by Goddard Space Flight Center and developed in partnership with the US Department of Energy. (With inputs from agencies)

Video: NASA releases stunning time-lapse footage of gamma-ray sky

<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), on Thursday (Jan 4)&nbsp;announced the winners of Phase 1 of the 2024 NIAC (NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts) programme.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is NIAC?</strong></h2>

<p>This programme, as per the US space agency, "fosters pioneering ideas by funding early-stage technology concept studies for future consideration and potential commercialization".&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free, "The daring missions NASA undertakes for the benefit of humanity all begin as just an idea, and NIAC is responsible for inspiring many of those ideas."</p>

<p>"The Ingenuity helicopter flying on Mars and instruments on the MarCO deep space CubeSats can trace their lineage back to NIAC, proving there is a path from creative idea to mission success. And, while not all these concepts will fly, NASA and our partners worldwide can learn from fresh approaches and may eventually use technologies advanced by NIAC," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/video-nasa-releases-stunning-time-lapse-footage-of-gamma-ray-sky-676739">Video: NASA releases stunning time-lapse footage of gamma-ray sky</a></strong></p>

<p>In phase 1, NASA is funding 13 concepts it has chosen from among companies and institutions across the United States. Each idea will receive a maximum of $175,000 in grants.</p>

<p>Here are some interesting, "visionary" ideas that "could transform future NASA missions with the creation of breakthroughs ".</p>

<p>— Mars Aerial and Ground Global Intelligent Explorer (MAGGIE)</p>

<p>Ge-Cheng Zha Coflow Jet, LLC proposes a novel global mobility Mars exploration platform called the Mars Aerial and Ground Intelligent Explorer (MAGGIE). Powered by solar energy, MAGGIE a compact fixed-wing aircraft will fly in the Martian atmosphere with vertical take-off/landing (VTOL) capability.&nbsp;</p>

<p>— A Revolutionary Approach to Interplanetary Space Travel: Studying Torpor in Animals for Space-health in Humans (STASH)</p>

<p>Mammalian hibernation is suggested as a promising way to mitigate the physical and mental health risks of space travel. An essential feature of that is 'torpor' an energy-conserving state involving an active and often deep reduction in metabolic rate. Using animals, Ryan Sprenger from Fauna Bio Inc. wants to study this.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-why-is-india-paying-elon-musks-spacex-to-launch-gsat-20-676608">Explained: Why is India paying Elon Musk's SpaceX to launch GSAT-20?</a></strong></p>

<p>— Add-on to Large-Scale Water Mining Operations on Mars to Screen for Introduced and Alien Life</p>

<p>Steven Benner from the Foundation For Applied Molecular Evolution poses that planned human missions to Mars can complicate the search for life on the alien planet. This project states that dry cached rocks aren't enough and that water mined in preparation for human missions can be used to extract genetic polymers (DNA or alien) using an “agnostic life finding” (ALF) system.</p>

<p>— Swarming Proxima Centauri: Coherent Picospacecraft Swarms Over Interstellar Distances</p>

<p>Thomas Eubanks, Space Initiatives Inc. in Florida, poses that a swarm of tiny probes pushed by a laser light could travel to another star (Proxima Centauri) this century. This swarm of 1000s of probes holds the capability to send an optical signal strong enough to send data back to Earth.</p>

<p>— Sample Return from the Surface of Venus</p>

<p>Venus with temperatures of around 450&nbsp;°C and atmospheric pressure of around 92 has the most hostile environment. Geoffrey Landis NASA Glenn Research Center proposes a new approach to return samples from the planet. They want to use innovations in high-temperature technology and solar aircraft for this.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Apart from these, the following ideas have won the prestigious grant:</strong></h2>

<p>— James Bickford, Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Massachusetts: Thin Film Isotope Nuclear Engine Rocket</p>

<p>— Peter Cabauy, City Labs, Inc., Florida: Autonomous Tritium Micropowered Sensors</p>

<p>— Kenneth Carpenter, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland: A Lunar Long-Baseline Optical Imaging Interferometer: Artemis-enabled Stellar Image</p>

<p>— Matthew McQuinn, University of Washington, Seattle: Solar System-Scale VLBI to Dramatically Improve Cosmological Distance Measurements</p>

<p>— Aaswath Pattabhi Raman, University of California, Los Angeles: Electro-Luminescently Cooled Zero-Boil-Off Propellant Depots Enabling Crewed Exploration of Mars&nbsp;</p>

<p>— Alvaro Romeo-Calvo, Georgia Tech Research Corporation, Atlanta: Magnetohydrodynamic Drive for Hydrogen and Oxygen Production in Mars Transfer</p>

<p>— Lynn Rothschild, NASA’s Ames Research Center, California’s Silicon Valley: Detoxifying Mars: The Biocatalytic Elimination of Omnipresent Perchlorates</p>

<p>—&nbsp;Beijia Zhang, MIT’s Lincoln Lab, Massachusetts: LIFA: Lightweight Fiber-based Antenna for Small Sat-Compatible Radiometry</p>


The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), on Thursday (Jan 4) announced the winners of Phase 1 of the 2024 NIAC (NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts) programme.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), on Thursday (Jan 4) announced the winners of Phase 1 of the 2024 NIAC (NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts) programme. What is NIAC? This programme, as per the US space agency, "fosters pioneering ideas by funding early-stage technology concept studies for future consideration and potential commercialization". As per NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free, "The daring missions NASA undertakes for the benefit of humanity all begin as just an idea, and NIAC is responsible for inspiring many of those ideas." "The Ingenuity helicopter flying on Mars and instruments on the MarCO deep space CubeSats can trace their lineage back to NIAC, proving there is a path from creative idea to mission success. And, while not all these concepts will fly, NASA and our partners worldwide can learn from fresh approaches and may eventually use technologies advanced by NIAC," he added. Also read | Video: NASA releases stunning time-lapse footage of gamma-ray sky In phase 1, NASA is funding 13 concepts it has chosen from among companies and institutions across the United States. Each idea will receive a maximum of $175,000 in grants. Here are some interesting, "visionary" ideas that "could transform future NASA missions with the creation of breakthroughs ". — Mars Aerial and Ground Global Intelligent Explorer (MAGGIE) Ge-Cheng Zha Coflow Jet, LLC proposes a novel global mobility Mars exploration platform called the Mars Aerial and Ground Intelligent Explorer (MAGGIE). Powered by solar energy, MAGGIE a compact fixed-wing aircraft will fly in the Martian atmosphere with vertical take-off/landing (VTOL) capability. — A Revolutionary Approach to Interplanetary Space Travel: Studying Torpor in Animals for Space-health in Humans (STASH) Mammalian hibernation is suggested as a promising way to mitigate the physical and mental health risks of space travel. An essential feature of that is 'torpor' an energy-conserving state involving an active and often deep reduction in metabolic rate. Using animals, Ryan Sprenger from Fauna Bio Inc. wants to study this. Also read | Explained: Why is India paying Elon Musk's SpaceX to launch GSAT-20? — Add-on to Large-Scale Water Mining Operations on Mars to Screen for Introduced and Alien Life Steven Benner from the Foundation For Applied Molecular Evolution poses that planned human missions to Mars can complicate the search for life on the alien planet. This project states that dry cached rocks aren't enough and that water mined in preparation for human missions can be used to extract genetic polymers (DNA or alien) using an “agnostic life finding” (ALF) system. — Swarming Proxima Centauri: Coherent Picospacecraft Swarms Over Interstellar Distances Thomas Eubanks, Space Initiatives Inc. in Florida, poses that a swarm of tiny probes pushed by a laser light could travel to another star (Proxima Centauri) this century. This swarm of 1000s of probes holds the capability to send an optical signal strong enough to send data back to Earth. — Sample Return from the Surface of Venus Venus with temperatures of around 450 °C and atmospheric pressure of around 92 has the most hostile environment. Geoffrey Landis NASA Glenn Research Center proposes a new approach to return samples from the planet. They want to use innovations in high-temperature technology and solar aircraft for this. Apart from these, the following ideas have won the prestigious grant: — James Bickford, Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Massachusetts: Thin Film Isotope Nuclear Engine Rocket — Peter Cabauy, City Labs, Inc., Florida: Autonomous Tritium Micropowered Sensors — Kenneth Carpenter, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland: A Lunar Long-Baseline Optical Imaging Interferometer: Artemis-enabled Stellar Image — Matthew McQuinn, University of Washington, Seattle: Solar System-Scale VLBI to Dramatically Improve Cosmological Distance Measurements — Aaswath Pattabhi Raman, University of California, Los Angeles: Electro-Luminescently Cooled Zero-Boil-Off Propellant Depots Enabling Crewed Exploration of Mars — Alvaro Romeo-Calvo, Georgia Tech Research Corporation, Atlanta: Magnetohydrodynamic Drive for Hydrogen and Oxygen Production in Mars Transfer — Lynn Rothschild, NASA’s Ames Research Center, California’s Silicon Valley: Detoxifying Mars: The Biocatalytic Elimination of Omnipresent Perchlorates — Beijia Zhang, MIT’s Lincoln Lab, Massachusetts: LIFA: Lightweight Fiber-based Antenna for Small Sat-Compatible Radiometry

NASA announces 13 ideas that won $175,000 under prestigious NIAC programme

<p>Humanity has come a long way from considering Mars a god and even a pesky annoyance on horoscope to actually sending rovers there to study the red planet. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has for decades sents multiple rovers. Curiosity is in one of these rovers that are still on the Martian surface and sending invaluable pictures and videos back to Earth.</p>

<p>And the Martian 'Dawn to Dusk' video has become talk of the town now. Curiosity rover has captured a time-lapse video that shows the passage of time on a Martian day or 'Sol' as it is called. The silhouette of the rover is visible as well.</p>

<p>NASA has said that Curiosity's Hazard-Avoidance Cameras detection cameras or Hazcams have been used to record the time-lapse video.</p>

<p>The video was shot on November 8, which was the 4002nd Martian Day, or sol.</p>

<p>The Hazcams are usually used to detect any obstacles in Curiosity's path and seldom for anything else. Obstacles like big rocks, slopes and so on may hinder the rover's movement or it can even be a safety issue.</p>

<p>But Hazcams were used to make this video as Curiosity's operations are temporarily being scaled-down in light of Mars solar conjunction.</p>

<p>Check out the video</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hey look – I’m a sundial!<br />
<br />
Ok, not exactly, but I did get a sol to enjoy my surroundings. During solar conjunction, I used my hazard cameras to study the Martian weather and dust.<br />
<br />
As this Earth year comes to an end, I hope you’ll take the time to soak in what’s around you. <a href="https://t.co/eCQAcVtT1L">pic.twitter.com/eCQAcVtT1L</a></p>
— Curiosity Rover (@MarsCuriosity) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarsCuriosity/status/1740418956010406302?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Mars solar conjunction is a period when the Sun is between Mars and the Earth. Since solar plasma can interfere with radio communication between the rover and the Earth. Issuing fresh commands to the rover is temporarily stopped for several weeks.</p>

<p>The 'dawn to dusk' video was part of last few commands given before the conjunction.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-creates-roadmap-for-robots-to-visit-icy-moons-with-water-oceans-674692">NASA moving forward with plans to get robots to drill into icy moons of other planets</a></strong></p>

<p>The interesting bit is, that it was not the intention of the scientists to make a dawn-to-dusk video. The intention was to capture the Martian weather.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/massive-devil-comet-with-horns-set-to-blow-tomorrow-say-scientists-674687">Massive 'devil comet' with horns set for another eruption soon, say scientists</a></strong></p>

<p>However, in this particular video, scientists did not see any notable weather phenomenon in the Martian atmosphere. But it made for an interesting watch nonetheless.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Humanity has come a long way from considering Mars a god and even a pesky annoyance on horoscope to actually sending rovers there to study the red planet. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has for decades sents multiple rovers.

Humanity has come a long way from considering Mars a god and even a pesky annoyance on horoscope to actually sending rovers there to study the red planet. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has for decades sents multiple rovers. Curiosity is in one of these rovers that are still on the Martian surface and sending invaluable pictures and videos back to Earth. And the Martian 'Dawn to Dusk' video has become talk of the town now. Curiosity rover has captured a time-lapse video that shows the passage of time on a Martian day or 'Sol' as it is called. The silhouette of the rover is visible as well. NASA has said that Curiosity's Hazard-Avoidance Cameras detection cameras or Hazcams have been used to record the time-lapse video. The video was shot on November 8, which was the 4002nd Martian Day, or sol. The Hazcams are usually used to detect any obstacles in Curiosity's path and seldom for anything else. Obstacles like big rocks, slopes and so on may hinder the rover's movement or it can even be a safety issue. But Hazcams were used to make this video as Curiosity's operations are temporarily being scaled-down in light of Mars solar conjunction. Check out the video Hey look – I’m a sundial! Ok, not exactly, but I did get a sol to enjoy my surroundings. During solar conjunction, I used my hazard cameras to study the Martian weather and dust. As this Earth year comes to an end, I hope you’ll take the time to soak in what’s around you. pic.twitter.com/eCQAcVtT1L — Curiosity Rover (@MarsCuriosity) December 28, 2023 × Mars solar conjunction is a period when the Sun is between Mars and the Earth. Since solar plasma can interfere with radio communication between the rover and the Earth. Issuing fresh commands to the rover is temporarily stopped for several weeks. The 'dawn to dusk' video was part of last few commands given before the conjunction. Also Read | NASA moving forward with plans to get robots to drill into icy moons of other planets The interesting bit is, that it was not the intention of the scientists to make a dawn-to-dusk video. The intention was to capture the Martian weather. Also Read | Massive 'devil comet' with horns set for another eruption soon, say scientists However, in this particular video, scientists did not see any notable weather phenomenon in the Martian atmosphere. But it made for an interesting watch nonetheless. (With inputs from agencies)

Curiosity rover records a Martian day from dawn to dusk in breathtaking video

<p>BTS might be on a break right now,&nbsp;but the boy band continues to remain in the news and break records. US space agency NASA has reportedly selected three of the band's songs for their upcoming lunar mission. Most of the members of the seven-member band are currently on their mandatory military enlistment, including singer-rapper RM. However, the 29-year-old artist has created history as his solo track Moonchild features in NASA's The Moon Tunes Playlist.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
So which BTS songs has NASA selected for their latest voyage? Apart from RM's solo track "Moonchild", the space agency has selected two space-themed BTS songs. The Moon Tunes Playlist will feature BTS' "Mikrokosmos" and "134340".<br />
<br />
RM&nbsp;is now the only K-pop solo artist whose song will be played in space during NASA's 2024 voyage. The selection of the song is being seen as a big cultural move.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
NASA is currently gearing up for its next moon mission to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11. For their upcoming voyage, they have curated a special playlist and named it Moon Tunes playlist.&nbsp;</p>


BTS might be on a break right now, but the boy band continues to remain in the news and break records. US space agency NASA has reportedly selected three of the band's songs for their upcoming lunar mission.

BTS might be on a break right now, but the boy band continues to remain in the news and break records. US space agency NASA has reportedly selected three of the band's songs for their upcoming lunar mission. Most of the members of the seven-member band are currently on their mandatory military enlistment, including singer-rapper RM. However, the 29-year-old artist has created history as his solo track Moonchild features in NASA's The Moon Tunes Playlist. So which BTS songs has NASA selected for their latest voyage? Apart from RM's solo track "Moonchild", the space agency has selected two space-themed BTS songs. The Moon Tunes Playlist will feature BTS' "Mikrokosmos" and "134340". RM is now the only K-pop solo artist whose song will be played in space during NASA's 2024 voyage. The selection of the song is being seen as a big cultural move. NASA is currently gearing up for its next moon mission to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11. For their upcoming voyage, they have curated a special playlist and named it Moon Tunes playlist.

NASA's new voyage to have two BTS tracks and a solo track by RM 

<p>Forty years after Indian Air Force Pilot and Astronaut Rakesh Sharma flew to space and stayed there for a week (as part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme), Indian astronauts are to commence training for a trip to the International Space Station (ISS), as part of a US-led mission. Expected to happen in 2024, the Indian trip to the International Space Station (ISS) is meant to offer a practical learning experience and serve as a precursor to India's own effort to send&nbsp;astronauts to space and return&nbsp;them safely - an ambitious mission known as 'Gaganyaan'. So far, astronauts from more than 20 nations have visited and stayed at the ISS, a space-based lab that has been orbiting the Earth (at an altitude of 400 km) for more than 25 years.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India: ISRO plans 2 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaganyaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaganyaan</a> unmanned flights in 2024<br />
<br />
It's a highly challenging mission, we need to gain experience, and our astronauts are going through training for it: S. Somanath, <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> chief, speaks to <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sdhrthmp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aditi_dv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aditi_dv</a> brings you this report<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONExclusive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONExclusive</a> <a href="https://t.co/x56OgkefGU">pic.twitter.com/x56OgkefGU</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1742413351987421615?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Starting the New Year with a successful launch mission PSLV-C58/XPoSat, Dr S&nbsp;Somanath, the chief of the Indian space agency said, 2024 would be the year of Gaganyaan preparedness. "Our target is to carry out the astronaut mission by 2025-end, for that we have to cross many milestones. Some of the milestones are three unmanned flights (full rehearsals) of the Human spaceflight mission but without the astronauts. In 2024, we have scheduled two unmanned missions and everything should go well," he told WION.</p>

<p>In the unmanned flights, ISRO would be flying a humanoid robot 'Vyommitra', designed and developed by the ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU). The AI-equipped humanoid robot, onboard computers, and a host of sensors would offer ISRO situational awareness about the conditions within the astronaut-carrying capsule that's going to space and returning.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/rewind-2023-india-has-204-space-startups-sector-received-123mn-investments-675353">Rewind 2023: India has 204 space startups, sector received $123mn investments</a></p>

<p>In October 2023, ISRO had flight tested the Crew Escape System (a mission designated TV-D1), a means of ejecting the crew capsule from the rocket, in case of a mid-flight failure, thereby ensuring a slow and safe parachute-assisted landing in the ocean. ISRO hopes to perform three more such tests, under varying conditions. Two of these are expected in 2024 and one in 2025.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In addition to these, ISRO would have to conduct helicopter-drop tests of the crew-carrying capsule, to validate the parachute systems and also conduct a Pad-abort test, which ejects the crew-carrying capsule from the rocket, in case of a mishap while the rocket is at the launchpad. Overall, 2024 would be a year where ISRO would have to carry out routine launch missions of its operational rockets (SSLV, PSLV, GSLV and LVM3), while also developing and engineering key technologies related to the Gaganyaan mission.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">“Collaboration on Human Spaceflight, including sending an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> astronaut to the International <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> station in 2024” says <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> as he lists out areas of bilateral cooperation between <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USA</a><br />
<br />
Travel to <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a> &amp; working there will prep astronauts for Gaganyaan <a href="https://t.co/mJfcX4sKdP">pic.twitter.com/mJfcX4sKdP</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1672074359031361537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>In recent years, Indian astronaut candidates (specifically chosen Indian Air Force pilots) have completed their initial training at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, in Russia. They were at the famed Russian 'Star City', about 30 kilometres north of Moscow, where several generations of Russian and American astronauts have trained for their respective missions. After their return to India, the astronaut candidates have also undergone several theoretical and practical sessions at ISRO centres in India and the Indian Air Force's Institute of Aerospace Medicine. As a part of the Gaganyaan team, they are also assisting ISRO with the design and development of the crew-carrying capsule. At India's Human Spaceflight Centre in Bengaluru, they have also been undergoing simulator training and physical training</p>

<p>Queried about the commencement of the US phase of training for the Indian astronauts, Dr&nbsp;Somanath told WION that it will happen soon. He told WION that it is on India's wish list to have an astronaut flying to the International Space Station (ISS), as India's only reference point for Human Spaceflight is that of Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma (Retd), who flew in 1984. That maiden spaceflight by an Indian was on a Soviet-era crew capsule and since then the technologies have changed drastically.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The US Human spaceflight scenario is completely changed and the launches are being carried out by the private firms and it is not being done by the US Government, as was the case earlier. As per the India-US (ISRO-NASA) arrangement, NASA will sponsor a seat in the private launch that will happen to the ISS, our astronaut will undergo training at their facility and will then be sent to the International Space Station," he had told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India plans two Gaganyaan unmanned flights in 2024 | ISRO Chief S Somanath speaks to WION</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-plans-two-gaganyaan-unmanned-flights-in-2024-isro-chief-s-somanath-speaks-to-wion-676051/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>He added that there are many crew modules and different approaches being taken by various American firms to reach the Space Station. He referred to the SpaceX Crew Dragon Capsule, the Boeing Starliner capsule and the variant offered by Blue Origin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian astronaut candidates would be offered advanced training at NASA's Johnson Space Center, which is also known in the US as the Hub of Human Spaceflight. Established in 1961, this facility in Houston, Texas, started off as the Manned Spacecraft Centre, the home and Mission Control Center for the US Human Spaceflight programme. In 1973, the facility was renamed in honour of the late President and Texas Native Lyndon B Johnson. In more than six decades of operation, the facility has made notable advances in science, technology, engineering and medicine, thereby enabling crewed space exploration.</p>

<p>Significant initiatives towards Indo-US Space Cooperation were announced during the Joint Statement delivered by Prime Minister Modi and President Biden, in June 2022. It included the announcement by NASA to provide advanced training to Indian astronauts at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, with a goal of mounting a joint effort to the International Space Station in 2024.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">First-look of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indian</a> astronaut candidates revealed in latest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianAirForce?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianAirForce</a> video 🇮🇳🚀👨‍🚀<br />
<br />
Could be the IAF pilot-astronauts working out&amp; preparing for their new role..why else would they share a back-facing-camera shot ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaganyaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaganyaan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Science?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Science</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tech</a> <a href="https://t.co/0WbsyHElXI">pic.twitter.com/0WbsyHElXI</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1709200253130543198?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>So far, the identities of the four Indian astronaut candidates have not been revealed. The only glimpse offered in this regard is from an Indian Air Force video released as part of the 91st IAF Day celebrations.&nbsp;</p>


Forty years after Indian Air Force Pilot and Astronaut Rakesh Sharma flew to space and stayed there for a week (as part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme), Indian astronauts are to commence training for a trip to the International Space Station (ISS), as part of a US-led mission.

Forty years after Indian Air Force Pilot and Astronaut Rakesh Sharma flew to space and stayed there for a week (as part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme), Indian astronauts are to commence training for a trip to the International Space Station (ISS), as part of a US-led mission. Expected to happen in 2024, the Indian trip to the International Space Station (ISS) is meant to offer a practical learning experience and serve as a precursor to India's own effort to send astronauts to space and return them safely - an ambitious mission known as 'Gaganyaan'. So far, astronauts from more than 20 nations have visited and stayed at the ISS, a space-based lab that has been orbiting the Earth (at an altitude of 400 km) for more than 25 years. India: ISRO plans 2 #Gaganyaan unmanned flights in 2024 It's a highly challenging mission, we need to gain experience, and our astronauts are going through training for it: S. Somanath, @isro chief, speaks to @sdhrthmp @aditi_dv brings you this report#WIONExclusive pic.twitter.com/x56OgkefGU — WION (@WIONews) January 3, 2024 × Starting the New Year with a successful launch mission PSLV-C58/XPoSat, Dr S Somanath, the chief of the Indian space agency said, 2024 would be the year of Gaganyaan preparedness. "Our target is to carry out the astronaut mission by 2025-end, for that we have to cross many milestones. Some of the milestones are three unmanned flights (full rehearsals) of the Human spaceflight mission but without the astronauts. In 2024, we have scheduled two unmanned missions and everything should go well," he told WION. In the unmanned flights, ISRO would be flying a humanoid robot 'Vyommitra', designed and developed by the ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU). The AI-equipped humanoid robot, onboard computers, and a host of sensors would offer ISRO situational awareness about the conditions within the astronaut-carrying capsule that's going to space and returning. Also read: Rewind 2023: India has 204 space startups, sector received $123mn investments In October 2023, ISRO had flight tested the Crew Escape System (a mission designated TV-D1), a means of ejecting the crew capsule from the rocket, in case of a mid-flight failure, thereby ensuring a slow and safe parachute-assisted landing in the ocean. ISRO hopes to perform three more such tests, under varying conditions. Two of these are expected in 2024 and one in 2025. In addition to these, ISRO would have to conduct helicopter-drop tests of the crew-carrying capsule, to validate the parachute systems and also conduct a Pad-abort test, which ejects the crew-carrying capsule from the rocket, in case of a mishap while the rocket is at the launchpad. Overall, 2024 would be a year where ISRO would have to carry out routine launch missions of its operational rockets (SSLV, PSLV, GSLV and LVM3), while also developing and engineering key technologies related to the Gaganyaan mission. “Collaboration on Human Spaceflight, including sending an #Indian astronaut to the International #space station in 2024” says @POTUS as he lists out areas of bilateral cooperation between #india & #USA Travel to @Space_Station & working there will prep astronauts for Gaganyaan pic.twitter.com/mJfcX4sKdP — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) June 23, 2023 × In recent years, Indian astronaut candidates (specifically chosen Indian Air Force pilots) have completed their initial training at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, in Russia. They were at the famed Russian 'Star City', about 30 kilometres north of Moscow, where several generations of Russian and American astronauts have trained for their respective missions. After their return to India, the astronaut candidates have also undergone several theoretical and practical sessions at ISRO centres in India and the Indian Air Force's Institute of Aerospace Medicine. As a part of the Gaganyaan team, they are also assisting ISRO with the design and development of the crew-carrying capsule. At India's Human Spaceflight Centre in Bengaluru, they have also been undergoing simulator training and physical training Queried about the commencement of the US phase of training for the Indian astronauts, Dr Somanath told WION that it will happen soon. He told WION that it is on India's wish list to have an astronaut flying to the International Space Station (ISS), as India's only reference point for Human Spaceflight is that of Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma (Retd), who flew in 1984. That maiden spaceflight by an Indian was on a Soviet-era crew capsule and since then the technologies have changed drastically. "The US Human spaceflight scenario is completely changed and the launches are being carried out by the private firms and it is not being done by the US Government, as was the case earlier. As per the India-US (ISRO-NASA) arrangement, NASA will sponsor a seat in the private launch that will happen to the ISS, our astronaut will undergo training at their facility and will then be sent to the International Space Station," he had told WION. Watch: India plans two Gaganyaan unmanned flights in 2024 | ISRO Chief S Somanath speaks to WION He added that there are many crew modules and different approaches being taken by various American firms to reach the Space Station. He referred to the SpaceX Crew Dragon Capsule, the Boeing Starliner capsule and the variant offered by Blue Origin. Indian astronaut candidates would be offered advanced training at NASA's Johnson Space Center, which is also known in the US as the Hub of Human Spaceflight. Established in 1961, this facility in Houston, Texas, started off as the Manned Spacecraft Centre, the home and Mission Control Center for the US Human Spaceflight programme. In 1973, the facility was renamed in honour of the late President and Texas Native Lyndon B Johnson. In more than six decades of operation, the facility has made notable advances in science, technology, engineering and medicine, thereby enabling crewed space exploration. Significant initiatives towards Indo-US Space Cooperation were announced during the Joint Statement delivered by Prime Minister Modi and President Biden, in June 2022. It included the announcement by NASA to provide advanced training to Indian astronauts at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, with a goal of mounting a joint effort to the International Space Station in 2024. First-look of #indian astronaut candidates revealed in latest #IndianAirForce video 🇮🇳🚀👨‍🚀 Could be the IAF pilot-astronauts working out& preparing for their new role..why else would they share a back-facing-camera shot ?? #isro #india #space #Gaganyaan #Science #tech pic.twitter.com/0WbsyHElXI — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 3, 2023 × So far, the identities of the four Indian astronaut candidates have not been revealed. The only glimpse offered in this regard is from an Indian Air Force video released as part of the 91st IAF Day celebrations.

Exclusive: Indian astronauts to soon train at NASA's Johnson Space Center

After Chandrayaan-3's success, ISRO is determined to send two unmanned flights in 2024. The Gaganyaan mission targetted for 2025 aims to send astronauts to space and the mission will carry a crew of two or three astronauts.

WION Exclusive: Indian astronauts to soon train at NASA's Johnson Centre | India News | WION

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