<p>Super-Earth exoplanet, '55 Cancri e', has long been a source of fascination for astronomers since its discovery in 2004.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Located within&nbsp;relative proximity to Earth, this rocky exoplanet has a mass of around eight times our planet's, and it has been emitting mysterious signals, which have intrigued scientists for nearly two decades.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A recent study has now proposed a solution to the mystery of these signals, and it involves the James Webb Space Telescope — the most powerful and most complex telescope ever launched into space.</p>

<h2><strong>Finally, an explanation</strong></h2>

<p>After almost 20 years, scientists may finally have an extraordinary explanation for this celestial phenomenon, reports Live Science.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They speculate that a cyclical interplay of volcanic activity and atmospheric disappearance may be responsible for the planet's peculiar behaviour.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ancient-whispers-scientists-unveil-hidden-sounds-of-pando-the-worlds-largest-tree-649079">Ancient whispers: Scientists unveil hidden sounds of Pando, the 'world's largest tree'</a></strong></p>

<p>According to the study, 55 Cancri e, located a mere 40 light-years away from our planet, experiences a tumultuous existence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>55 Cancri e is so close to its parent star that the exoplanet orbits it in a mere 17 hours. As per estimates, the planet is nestled really close to its star — less than two per cent of the distance between Earth and Sun (148.98 million km).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Due to this nearness, it endures scorching temperatures, which on its day side exceed 4,400 degrees Fahrenheit (2,427 degrees Celsius), while its night side remains a fiery 2,060 F (1127 C).</p>

<h2><strong>Mysterious signals</strong></h2>

<p>While the extreme conditions have defied explanations, what is more puzzling — as pointed out in a paper accepted in September to the Astrophysical Journal Letters — are the transit signals Earth receives from the planet during its celestial dance with its parent star.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sometimes, when 55 Cancri e hides behind its star, no discernible light emanates from the planet, while at other times, a distinct visible light signal becomes apparent. In the infrared spectrum, the planet consistently exhibits a signal, albeit with varying intensity.</p>

<h2><strong>What the new study says</strong></h2>

<p>In the new study, researchers postulate that the planet's proximity to its star triggers a cyclical phenomenon that causes periodic outgassing events.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/eight-billion-years-old-mysterious-signals-from-a-distant-galaxy-detected-on-earth-649130">Eight-billion-years-old mysterious signals from a distant galaxy detected on Earth</a></strong></p>

<p>Extreme heat from its star causes volcanic eruptions and thermal vent activities, which spew carbon-rich elements into the atmosphere, speculate researchers. Due to the planet's extreme heat, these eventually dissipate, leaving the celestial body barren until the outgassing cycle commences once again.</p>

<p>They hypothesise that the delicate balance between the planet's efforts to generate an atmosphere and the relentless onslaught of radiation and solar wind from its star causes a precarious oscillation. The planet's phases, with and without an atmosphere, could explain the irregular transit signals observed over the years.&nbsp;As this hypothesis awaits testing, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) presents a promising opportunity to delve deeper into the enigma of 55 Cancri e.</p>


Super-Earth exoplanet, '55 Cancri e', has long been a source of fascination for astronomers since its discovery in 2004. Located within relative proximity to Earth, this rocky exoplanet has a mass of around eight times our planet's, and it has been emitting mysterious signals, which have intrigued scientists for nearly two decades.

Super-Earth exoplanet, '55 Cancri e', has long been a source of fascination for astronomers since its discovery in 2004. Located within relative proximity to Earth, this rocky exoplanet has a mass of around eight times our planet's, and it has been emitting mysterious signals, which have intrigued scientists for nearly two decades. A recent study has now proposed a solution to the mystery of these signals, and it involves the James Webb Space Telescope — the most powerful and most complex telescope ever launched into space. Finally, an explanation After almost 20 years, scientists may finally have an extraordinary explanation for this celestial phenomenon, reports Live Science. They speculate that a cyclical interplay of volcanic activity and atmospheric disappearance may be responsible for the planet's peculiar behaviour. Also read | Ancient whispers: Scientists unveil hidden sounds of Pando, the 'world's largest tree' According to the study, 55 Cancri e, located a mere 40 light-years away from our planet, experiences a tumultuous existence. 55 Cancri e is so close to its parent star that the exoplanet orbits it in a mere 17 hours. As per estimates, the planet is nestled really close to its star — less than two per cent of the distance between Earth and Sun (148.98 million km). Due to this nearness, it endures scorching temperatures, which on its day side exceed 4,400 degrees Fahrenheit (2,427 degrees Celsius), while its night side remains a fiery 2,060 F (1127 C). Mysterious signals While the extreme conditions have defied explanations, what is more puzzling — as pointed out in a paper accepted in September to the Astrophysical Journal Letters — are the transit signals Earth receives from the planet during its celestial dance with its parent star. Sometimes, when 55 Cancri e hides behind its star, no discernible light emanates from the planet, while at other times, a distinct visible light signal becomes apparent. In the infrared spectrum, the planet consistently exhibits a signal, albeit with varying intensity. What the new study says In the new study, researchers postulate that the planet's proximity to its star triggers a cyclical phenomenon that causes periodic outgassing events. Also read | Eight-billion-years-old mysterious signals from a distant galaxy detected on Earth Extreme heat from its star causes volcanic eruptions and thermal vent activities, which spew carbon-rich elements into the atmosphere, speculate researchers. Due to the planet's extreme heat, these eventually dissipate, leaving the celestial body barren until the outgassing cycle commences once again. They hypothesise that the delicate balance between the planet's efforts to generate an atmosphere and the relentless onslaught of radiation and solar wind from its star causes a precarious oscillation. The planet's phases, with and without an atmosphere, could explain the irregular transit signals observed over the years. As this hypothesis awaits testing, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) presents a promising opportunity to delve deeper into the enigma of 55 Cancri e.

This 'hell-like' exoplanet has been sending mysterious signals. JWST will now help find out why

<p>Last weekend's solar eclipse was a feast for the eyes of many around the globe. But, as it turns out, not all skywatchers who marvelled at the solar eclipse were on this planet. One was up above the Earth.</p>

<p>NASA has released a picture of the October 14&nbsp;solar eclipse, that was clicked by an astronaut from a very unique vantage point.</p>

<h2><strong>The solar eclipse</strong></h2>

<p>Along a narrow pathway from the Oregon coast to Central and South America, skygazers witnessed an annular solar eclipse, where the moon blocked all of the sun except for a thin band, a luminous "ring of fire".</p>

<p>To the rest of us, a partial eclipse was visible, one that looked like the moon taking a nibble out of the sun.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-says-over-270-ufo-reports-recorded-were-they-of-foreign-origin-648648">US says over 270 UFO reports recorded. Were they of foreign origin?</a></strong></p>

<p>This was exactly what was seen by the crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS), and one of the astronauts clicked a celestial picture of it from his extraordinary viewpoint in space.</p>

<h2><strong>Celestial picture</strong></h2>

<p>The picture was captured by NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, a member of the ISS crew since August.</p>

<p>Moghbeli managed to capture a remarkable photo from the ISS, and it was then shared by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.</p>

<p>The stunning photo depicts the annular eclipse as viewed from the ISS, approximately 260 miles above Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The crew aboard the <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a> watched the annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14, from the best seat in the house (260 miles above Earth). As the Moon passed in front of the sun, Expedition 70 Flight Engineer Jasmin Moghbeli captured this photo.<br />
<br />
Where did you watch from? 🌑 ☀️ <a href="https://t.co/MM5MopVXYE">pic.twitter.com/MM5MopVXYE</a></p>
— NASA Marshall (@NASA_Marshall) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA_Marshall/status/1714313728236154972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The tweet highlighted the astronauts' unique vantage point during the celestial event.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-alert-apollo-group-space-rock-to-approach-earth-closer-than-the-moon-details-648651">Asteroid alert! Apollo group space rock to approach Earth closer than the Moon | Details</a></strong></p>

<p>"The crew aboard the @Space_Station watched the annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14, from the best seat in the house (260 miles above Earth). As the moon passed in front of the sun, Expedition 70 Flight Engineer Jasmin Moghbeli captured this photo," said the post, while prompting followers to share their own viewing experiences.</p>

<h2><strong>How annual solar eclipses happen</strong></h2>

<p>Annular solar eclipses happen due to the moon's slightly elliptical orbit, and occur when the moon, sun, and Earth align perfectly, but the moon is positioned farthest from Earth, which then results in the solar disk being blocked, albeit incompletely.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Last weekend's solar eclipse was a feast for the eyes of many around the globe. But, as it turns out, not all skywatchers who marvelled at the solar eclipse were on this planet.

Last weekend's solar eclipse was a feast for the eyes of many around the globe. But, as it turns out, not all skywatchers who marvelled at the solar eclipse were on this planet. One was up above the Earth. NASA has released a picture of the October 14 solar eclipse, that was clicked by an astronaut from a very unique vantage point. The solar eclipse Along a narrow pathway from the Oregon coast to Central and South America, skygazers witnessed an annular solar eclipse, where the moon blocked all of the sun except for a thin band, a luminous "ring of fire". To the rest of us, a partial eclipse was visible, one that looked like the moon taking a nibble out of the sun. Also read | US says over 270 UFO reports recorded. Were they of foreign origin? This was exactly what was seen by the crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS), and one of the astronauts clicked a celestial picture of it from his extraordinary viewpoint in space. Celestial picture The picture was captured by NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, a member of the ISS crew since August. Moghbeli managed to capture a remarkable photo from the ISS, and it was then shared by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. The stunning photo depicts the annular eclipse as viewed from the ISS, approximately 260 miles above Earth. The crew aboard the @Space_Station watched the annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14, from the best seat in the house (260 miles above Earth). As the Moon passed in front of the sun, Expedition 70 Flight Engineer Jasmin Moghbeli captured this photo. Where did you watch from? 🌑 ☀️ pic.twitter.com/MM5MopVXYE — NASA Marshall (@NASA_Marshall) October 17, 2023 × The tweet highlighted the astronauts' unique vantage point during the celestial event. Also read | Asteroid alert! Apollo group space rock to approach Earth closer than the Moon | Details "The crew aboard the @Space_Station watched the annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14, from the best seat in the house (260 miles above Earth). As the moon passed in front of the sun, Expedition 70 Flight Engineer Jasmin Moghbeli captured this photo," said the post, while prompting followers to share their own viewing experiences. How annual solar eclipses happen Annular solar eclipses happen due to the moon's slightly elliptical orbit, and occur when the moon, sun, and Earth align perfectly, but the moon is positioned farthest from Earth, which then results in the solar disk being blocked, albeit incompletely. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

This picture of annular solar eclipse snapped from 260 miles above Earth is quite riveting

<p><strong>NASA Psyche Asteroid&nbsp;Mission:</strong> The Psyche aircraft launched by NASA last week as the first mission to a metal asteroid is all set to blaze a literal blue trail. The spacecraft was launched towards an asteroid of the name.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This bright wake probe's remarkable propulsive system will switch within the first 100 days of the mission. Hall thruster is the mechanism which will propel the Pysche through space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This thruster will glow blue as it ionizes xenon, a noble gas that will be used to move the spacecraft forward. The gas is also used in car headlights and plasma televisions. This is the first time such technology will be used and it has only been available for NASA spaceflight since 2015.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/halleys-comet-set-to-unleash-shooting-stars-for-the-first-time-in-37-years-heres-when-to-watch-648249">Halley's Comet set to unleash 'shooting stars' for the first time in 37 years. Here's when to watch</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>But why do engineers use this technology?</strong></p>

<p>While planning space missions, engineers focus on efficiency which can be achieved through this technology. For this, the engineers turned to electric thrusters. These come in different variants. Scientists use ion and Hall thrusters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dan Geobel, NASA's Psyche chief engineer in a blog post said, "There are many different types of electric thrusters, almost as many as there are different makers of cars."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They can probably be considered the Tesla versions of space propulsion," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ion thrusters use high electric voltages to make plasma and spew ions into space. NASA's Dawn mission used these ion thrusters to get to dwarf planet Ceres, but the space agency said that they're not the fastest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, the Hall thrusters use a magnetic field to swirl electrons in a circle and produce a beam of ions. They don't get good mileage but the Pysche team picked it because these thrusters allow them to make a smaller and therefore more efficient spacecraft.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The thrusters need power to work which they get from the sun via solar panels and something to ionize.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-finally-know-what-really-caused-the-massive-marsquake-of-2022-648265"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Scientists finally know what really caused the six-hour marsquake of 2022</strong></a></p>

<p>Now that the mission has been launched, the team will spend the next 100 days checking out all the spacecraft's systems to ensure they're ready for the journey.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If the mission is successful, then the Hall thrusters will likely make an appearance on upcoming space missions, said Steven Scott, the programme manager for the Psyche mission at the company Maxar. As per NASA experts, by August 2029, the spacecraft will begin exploring the asteroid that scientists think – because of its high metal content – may be the partial core of a planetesimal, a building block of an early planet.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


NASA Psyche Asteroid Mission: The Psyche aircraft launched by NASA last week as the first mission to a metal asteroid is all set to blaze a literal blue trail. The spacecraft was launched towards an asteroid of the name.

NASA Psyche Asteroid Mission: The Psyche aircraft launched by NASA last week as the first mission to a metal asteroid is all set to blaze a literal blue trail. The spacecraft was launched towards an asteroid of the name. This bright wake probe's remarkable propulsive system will switch within the first 100 days of the mission. Hall thruster is the mechanism which will propel the Pysche through space. This thruster will glow blue as it ionizes xenon, a noble gas that will be used to move the spacecraft forward. The gas is also used in car headlights and plasma televisions. This is the first time such technology will be used and it has only been available for NASA spaceflight since 2015. Also read | Halley's Comet set to unleash 'shooting stars' for the first time in 37 years. Here's when to watch But why do engineers use this technology? While planning space missions, engineers focus on efficiency which can be achieved through this technology. For this, the engineers turned to electric thrusters. These come in different variants. Scientists use ion and Hall thrusters. Dan Geobel, NASA's Psyche chief engineer in a blog post said, "There are many different types of electric thrusters, almost as many as there are different makers of cars." "They can probably be considered the Tesla versions of space propulsion," he added. Ion thrusters use high electric voltages to make plasma and spew ions into space. NASA's Dawn mission used these ion thrusters to get to dwarf planet Ceres, but the space agency said that they're not the fastest. On the other hand, the Hall thrusters use a magnetic field to swirl electrons in a circle and produce a beam of ions. They don't get good mileage but the Pysche team picked it because these thrusters allow them to make a smaller and therefore more efficient spacecraft. The thrusters need power to work which they get from the sun via solar panels and something to ionize. Also read | Scientists finally know what really caused the six-hour marsquake of 2022 Now that the mission has been launched, the team will spend the next 100 days checking out all the spacecraft's systems to ensure they're ready for the journey. If the mission is successful, then the Hall thrusters will likely make an appearance on upcoming space missions, said Steven Scott, the programme manager for the Psyche mission at the company Maxar. As per NASA experts, by August 2029, the spacecraft will begin exploring the asteroid that scientists think – because of its high metal content – may be the partial core of a planetesimal, a building block of an early planet. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Psyche asteroid mission to blaze an unusual blue trail across the solar system

<p>The Sun is the driving force behind all life on earth. From the weather, ocean currents, climate, and seasons, all life depends on the star. What would happen if the star that provides our planet so much life dies?</p>

<p>For the first time, astronomers might have a clue. Here's what will happen.</p>

<h2><strong>A white dwarf</strong></h2>

<p>Scientists have, for the first time, studied a white dwarf - a star just like our sun that has exhausted its hydrogen reserves or nuclear fuel.</p>

<p>Our sun, as per National Geographic, is just an ordinary star; one of about 100 billion in our galaxy, the Milky Way.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/european-space-agency-shares-stunning-visualisation-of-mars-labyrinth-of-night-watch-here-647379">This stunning visualisation of Mars' gigantic 'Labyrinth of Night' will blow your mind</a></strong></p>

<p>Astronomers studied the stellar remnants that lie at the centre of a cloud of wreckage, gas and dust that astronomers call a planetary nebula.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is located at around 4,500 light years from Earth, in the open star cluster Messier 37. Astronomers used Gran Telescopio Canarias on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands to study the cosmic graveyard full of stars, some of them dead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Studying this white dwarf has provided scientists with vital information on how the once red-hot star died, and also provided insights into how our own solar system could look like in around five billion years.</p>

<h2><strong>From sun to a white dwarf</strong></h2>

<p>A dying sun, as per space.com, runs out of fuel that is intrinsic to its nuclear fusion processes and slowly swells into a red giant. The puffed-out outer layers then swallow inner planets — Earth is an inner planet to the Milky Way's sun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Then, the star's shell of stellar material spreads out and cools, after which the sun becomes a planetary nebula, and eventually, its core turns into a fading white dwarf.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/humanitys-next-big-catastrophe-could-lie-in-the-sun-predict-scientists-644862">Humanity's next big 'catastrophe' could lie in the Sun, predict scientists</a></strong></p>

<p>"The more massive a star is, the faster it consumes its nuclear fuel by fusing hydrogen into helium. So its life is shorter, and it evolves into a white dwarf faster," said Klaus Werner, the study team leader and a professor at the University of Tübingen in a statement.</p>

<p>The star they studied as per estimates had a mass equivalent to 2.8 times our Sun. It currently has only about 85 per cent of the mass of Earth's sun left, the rest, about 70 per cent of its original total mass, was lost during its lifetime.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The Sun is the driving force behind all life on earth. From the weather, ocean currents, climate, and seasons, all life depends on the star. What would happen if the star that provides our planet so much life dies?

The Sun is the driving force behind all life on earth. From the weather, ocean currents, climate, and seasons, all life depends on the star. What would happen if the star that provides our planet so much life dies? For the first time, astronomers might have a clue. Here's what will happen. A white dwarf Scientists have, for the first time, studied a white dwarf - a star just like our sun that has exhausted its hydrogen reserves or nuclear fuel. Our sun, as per National Geographic, is just an ordinary star; one of about 100 billion in our galaxy, the Milky Way. Also read | This stunning visualisation of Mars' gigantic 'Labyrinth of Night' will blow your mind Astronomers studied the stellar remnants that lie at the centre of a cloud of wreckage, gas and dust that astronomers call a planetary nebula. It is located at around 4,500 light years from Earth, in the open star cluster Messier 37. Astronomers used Gran Telescopio Canarias on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands to study the cosmic graveyard full of stars, some of them dead. Studying this white dwarf has provided scientists with vital information on how the once red-hot star died, and also provided insights into how our own solar system could look like in around five billion years. From sun to a white dwarf A dying sun, as per space.com, runs out of fuel that is intrinsic to its nuclear fusion processes and slowly swells into a red giant. The puffed-out outer layers then swallow inner planets — Earth is an inner planet to the Milky Way's sun. Then, the star's shell of stellar material spreads out and cools, after which the sun becomes a planetary nebula, and eventually, its core turns into a fading white dwarf. Also read | Humanity's next big 'catastrophe' could lie in the Sun, predict scientists "The more massive a star is, the faster it consumes its nuclear fuel by fusing hydrogen into helium. So its life is shorter, and it evolves into a white dwarf faster," said Klaus Werner, the study team leader and a professor at the University of Tübingen in a statement. The star they studied as per estimates had a mass equivalent to 2.8 times our Sun. It currently has only about 85 per cent of the mass of Earth's sun left, the rest, about 70 per cent of its original total mass, was lost during its lifetime. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Earth swallowed whole, sun a lifeless white giant; scientists predict what galaxy will look like in 5bn years

<p>NASA on Friday (Oct 13) launched its Psyche spacecraft from the US state of Florida and it is now en route to an asteroid of the same name that is said to be among some of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/psyche-mission-nasas-mission-to-study-metal-rich-asteroid-to-launch-on-oct-12-all-you-need-to-know-643219"> largest metal-rich&nbsp;asteroids</a> in our solar system.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Psyche probe is placed&nbsp;inside the cargo bay of a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. The Psyche mission&nbsp;also marks the first NASA launch on a rocket by Elon Musk’s SpaceX&nbsp;as well as the first interplanetary mission flown by the Falcon Heavy.</p>

<h2><strong>About the launch</strong></h2>

<p>Launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida the spacecraft, roughly the size of a small van, embarked on its 3.6 billion kilometre voyage through space. The Psyche mission lifted off at 10:19 am (local time) and will reach the asteroid in August 2029.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Feel the noize! Ain't nothin' but a good time. All aboard the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MissionToPsyche?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MissionToPsyche</a>! Next stop: A metal world. 🤘 <a href="https://t.co/fUDbHrXHDC">pic.twitter.com/fUDbHrXHDC</a></p>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1712836981128909043?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Less than five minutes after the launch, the cargo-faring panels enclosing the spacecraft inside the nose of the rocket’s upper stage were jettisoned and separated and returned to Earth, said NASA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An hour or so after the launch, the spacecraft separated from the rocket and the probe itself was released into space while the ground controllers waited for a signal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Subsequently, the Psyche spacecraft commanded itself into a planned safe mode and established two-way communication at 11:50 am (local time) with NASA’s Deep Space Network complex in Canberra.</p>

<p>“Initial telemetry reports show the spacecraft is in good health,” said the American space agency in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The mission controllers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California also confirmed the detection of the probe’s first radio signals and will spend the next three to four months conducting checks of the spacecraft’s system before sending it off to its deep space journey.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The probe is being propelled by solar-electric ion thrusters and is being used for the first time on an interplanetary mission.</p>

<h2><strong>Why does NASA want to study Psyche?</strong></h2>

<p>As per the data obtained from Earth-based radar and optical telescopes, scientists concluded that the asteroid Psyche could be part of the metal-rich interior of a planetesimal, a building block of a rocky planet that never formed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rock might have collided with other large bodies during its early formation and lost its outer rocky shell.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first asteroid of its kind chosen for the study orbits the Sun three times farther than Earth even at its closest to our planet is located in the outer part of the main asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The probe will study asteroid Psyche, which is said to be rich in iron, nickel, gold and other metals, with a collective hypothetical monetary value placed at $10 quadrillion, for 26 months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I am excited to see the treasure trove of science Psyche will unlock as NASA’s first mission to a metal world,” said Nicola Fox at NASA’s headquarters in Washington.</p>

<p>She added, “By studying asteroid Psyche, we hope to better understand our universe and our place in it, especially regarding the mysterious and impossible-to-reach metal core of our own home planet, Earth.”<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


NASA on Friday (Oct 13) launched its Psyche spacecraft from the US state of Florida and it is now en route to an asteroid of the same name that is said to be among some of the largest metal-rich asteroids in our solar system.

NASA on Friday (Oct 13) launched its Psyche spacecraft from the US state of Florida and it is now en route to an asteroid of the same name that is said to be among some of the largest metal-rich asteroids in our solar system. The Psyche probe is placed inside the cargo bay of a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. The Psyche mission also marks the first NASA launch on a rocket by Elon Musk’s SpaceX as well as the first interplanetary mission flown by the Falcon Heavy. About the launch Launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida the spacecraft, roughly the size of a small van, embarked on its 3.6 billion kilometre voyage through space. The Psyche mission lifted off at 10:19 am (local time) and will reach the asteroid in August 2029. Feel the noize! Ain't nothin' but a good time. All aboard the #MissionToPsyche! Next stop: A metal world. 🤘 pic.twitter.com/fUDbHrXHDC — NASA (@NASA) October 13, 2023 × Less than five minutes after the launch, the cargo-faring panels enclosing the spacecraft inside the nose of the rocket’s upper stage were jettisoned and separated and returned to Earth, said NASA. An hour or so after the launch, the spacecraft separated from the rocket and the probe itself was released into space while the ground controllers waited for a signal. Subsequently, the Psyche spacecraft commanded itself into a planned safe mode and established two-way communication at 11:50 am (local time) with NASA’s Deep Space Network complex in Canberra. “Initial telemetry reports show the spacecraft is in good health,” said the American space agency in a statement. The mission controllers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California also confirmed the detection of the probe’s first radio signals and will spend the next three to four months conducting checks of the spacecraft’s system before sending it off to its deep space journey. The probe is being propelled by solar-electric ion thrusters and is being used for the first time on an interplanetary mission. Why does NASA want to study Psyche? As per the data obtained from Earth-based radar and optical telescopes, scientists concluded that the asteroid Psyche could be part of the metal-rich interior of a planetesimal, a building block of a rocky planet that never formed. The rock might have collided with other large bodies during its early formation and lost its outer rocky shell. The first asteroid of its kind chosen for the study orbits the Sun three times farther than Earth even at its closest to our planet is located in the outer part of the main asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. The probe will study asteroid Psyche, which is said to be rich in iron, nickel, gold and other metals, with a collective hypothetical monetary value placed at $10 quadrillion, for 26 months. “I am excited to see the treasure trove of science Psyche will unlock as NASA’s first mission to a metal world,” said Nicola Fox at NASA’s headquarters in Washington. She added, “By studying asteroid Psyche, we hope to better understand our universe and our place in it, especially regarding the mysterious and impossible-to-reach metal core of our own home planet, Earth.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WATCH | NASA launches Psyche spacecraft to explore metal-rich asteroid

<p>Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery, detecting the aftermath of a colossal planetary collision in a distant star system located 3,600 light-years away.</p>

<p>This remarkable moment, involving the violent merging of two massive icy planets, has resulted in the formation of a distinctive doughnut-shaped cloud composed of vaporised rock and water.</p>

<h2><strong>Discovering the cosmic clash</strong></h2>

<p>The findings of this discovery were made possible through the use of NASA spacecraft designed to monitor the skies for asteroids. This celestial collision is more than just a remarkable spectacle; it offers a unique opportunity to witness the birth of a new world in real-time and potentially unravel the mysteries of planet formation, as reported by the New Scientist.</p>

<p>A team of astronomers, brought together by the curiosity of one individual, embarked on this groundbreaking study after observing the peculiar behaviour of a star known as ASASSN-21 qj. This star, situated 3,600 light-years from Earth, exhibited a distinctive pattern, sparking the interest of scientists worldwide.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/over-75-trillion-tonnes-decline-in-antarcticas-ice-shelves-since-1997-half-show-no-sign-of-recovery-646295"><strong>&nbsp;</strong>Over 7.5 trillion tonnes decline in Antarctica's ice shelves since 1997, half show 'no sign of recovery'</a></p>

<p>Matthew Kenworthy, a researcher at Leiden University and co-lead of the study, recounted the serendipitous discovery. He stated, "An astronomer on social media pointed out that the star brightened up in the infrared over a thousand days before the optical fading. I knew then this was an unusual event. To be honest, this observation was a complete surprise to me."</p>

<p>The team of astronomers diligently observed ASASSN-21 qj for an extended period, spanning two years, meticulously documenting how its brightness evolved over time. The culmination of their research was published in the journal Nature on October 11.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-spinning-supermassive-black-hole-in-distant-galaxy-after-20-years-of-research-645158">A spinning supermassive black hole found in a distant galaxy reinforces one of Einstein's theories</a></p>

<p>To comprehend the nature of the collision, Live Science reported that the planets involved in ASASSN-21 qj likely coalesced into a single celestial body following the impact. This assertion was substantiated by calculations and computer models. Simon Lock, a researcher at the University of Bristol and co-lead author, elaborated, "Our calculations and computer models indicate the temperature and size of the glowing material, as well as the amount of time the glow has lasted, is consistent with the collision of two ice giant exoplanets."</p>

<p>The team of astronomers continues to closely monitor ASASSN-21 qj and the remnants of the planetary collision. Over the forthcoming years, they anticipate the dispersal of the debris cloud along the orbit of the planets that were annihilated during the cataclysmic event.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery, detecting the aftermath of a colossal planetary collision in a distant star system located 3,600 light-years away.

Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery, detecting the aftermath of a colossal planetary collision in a distant star system located 3,600 light-years away. This remarkable moment, involving the violent merging of two massive icy planets, has resulted in the formation of a distinctive doughnut-shaped cloud composed of vaporised rock and water. Discovering the cosmic clash The findings of this discovery were made possible through the use of NASA spacecraft designed to monitor the skies for asteroids. This celestial collision is more than just a remarkable spectacle; it offers a unique opportunity to witness the birth of a new world in real-time and potentially unravel the mysteries of planet formation, as reported by the New Scientist. A team of astronomers, brought together by the curiosity of one individual, embarked on this groundbreaking study after observing the peculiar behaviour of a star known as ASASSN-21 qj. This star, situated 3,600 light-years from Earth, exhibited a distinctive pattern, sparking the interest of scientists worldwide. Also read | Over 7.5 trillion tonnes decline in Antarctica's ice shelves since 1997, half show 'no sign of recovery' Matthew Kenworthy, a researcher at Leiden University and co-lead of the study, recounted the serendipitous discovery. He stated, "An astronomer on social media pointed out that the star brightened up in the infrared over a thousand days before the optical fading. I knew then this was an unusual event. To be honest, this observation was a complete surprise to me." The team of astronomers diligently observed ASASSN-21 qj for an extended period, spanning two years, meticulously documenting how its brightness evolved over time. The culmination of their research was published in the journal Nature on October 11. Also read | A spinning supermassive black hole found in a distant galaxy reinforces one of Einstein's theories To comprehend the nature of the collision, Live Science reported that the planets involved in ASASSN-21 qj likely coalesced into a single celestial body following the impact. This assertion was substantiated by calculations and computer models. Simon Lock, a researcher at the University of Bristol and co-lead author, elaborated, "Our calculations and computer models indicate the temperature and size of the glowing material, as well as the amount of time the glow has lasted, is consistent with the collision of two ice giant exoplanets." The team of astronomers continues to closely monitor ASASSN-21 qj and the remnants of the planetary collision. Over the forthcoming years, they anticipate the dispersal of the debris cloud along the orbit of the planets that were annihilated during the cataclysmic event. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Astronomers detect afterglow from collision of two giant planets in remote star system

NASA recently unveiled a sample scooped from the 4.5 billion-year-old asteroid Bennu saying it contains abundant water and carbon.

NASA unveils sample from asteroid Bennu, says it contains ample water & carbon

<p>NASA revealed on Wednesday (Oct 11) that a sample collected from asteroid Bennu contains abundant water and carbon. Both of these are vital materials involved in the formation of Earth. This finding lends more weight to the hypothesis that foundational blocks for life on Earth was seeded from outer space.</p>

<p>The sample scooped&nbsp;from the 4.5-billion-year-old asteroid&nbsp;is the largest soil sample ever to be taken from the surface of an asteroid.</p>

<h2>The big unveiling</h2>

<p>Asteroid sample collected by the OSRIS-REx spacecraft three years ago was unveiled at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.</p>

<p>This comes just a little more than two weeks after the&nbsp;sample made it to Earth. It parachuted down in the Utah desert.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-nasa-fetches-celestial-cargo-to-earth-heres-why-bennu-asteroid-samples-matter-639472">Explained | NASA sends Bennu asteroid samples to Earth. Here's why the celestial cargo matters</a></strong></p>

<p>"The first analysis shows samples that contain abundant water in the form of hydrated clay minerals," NASA chief Bill Nelson said in a press event.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is the biggest carbon rich asteroid sample ever returned to Earth," he said, with the carbon contained in the form of both minerals and organic molecules.</p>

<h3><strong>Why is this asteroid sample significant?</strong></h3>

<p>This is only the third Asteroid sample, and by far the biggest, to return to Earth for analysis. Earlier, Japan, via its two similar missions, had retrieved the much smaller asteroid samples.</p>

<p>At the time of its landing, the Bennu sample, as per estimates, weighed about 100 to 250 grams (3.5 to 8.8 ounces).</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-federal-aviation-administration-proposes-revolutionary-way-to-limit-human-litter-in-earths-orbit-638666">US Federal Aviation Administration proposes revolutionary way to limit human litter in Earth's orbit</a></strong></p>

<p>Before this, both the capsule and its contents were under examination in a "clean room" at the Utah Test and Training range near the landing site.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following that, the capsule was transported to the Johnson centre, where its inner canister was opened. This was done so that samples could be parcelled into smaller specimens. These specimens will go to some 200 scientists in 60 laboratories around the world, reports Reuters.</p>

<h2><strong>The Asteroid behind it all</strong></h2>

<p>The celestial samples were collected a year ago from Bennu, a small, carbon-rich asteroid that was discovered in 1999.</p>

<p>Classified as a "near-Earth object", Bennu passes relatively close to the Earth every six years.</p>

<p>The asteroid is made up of a loose collection of rocks and is rich in carbon, which is the building block of life on Earth.</p>

<p>Bennu measures just 500 metres or 1,640 feet in diameter, which means it is tiny compared to the Chicxulub asteroid that some 66 million years ago struck Earth and wiped out the dinosaurs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even though Bennu passes by Earth every few years, the odds of an impact are considered remote, but not zero.</p>

<p>Scientists estimate that the asteroid could catastrophically collide with Earth. They estimate that the catastrophe which has a one in 2,700 chance of happening will not take place till the year 2182. This is another reason why understanding Bennu's composition can come in handy.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA revealed on Wednesday (Oct 11) that a sample collected from asteroid Bennu contains abundant water and carbon. Both of these are vital materials involved in the formation of Earth.

NASA revealed on Wednesday (Oct 11) that a sample collected from asteroid Bennu contains abundant water and carbon. Both of these are vital materials involved in the formation of Earth. This finding lends more weight to the hypothesis that foundational blocks for life on Earth was seeded from outer space. The sample scooped from the 4.5-billion-year-old asteroid is the largest soil sample ever to be taken from the surface of an asteroid. The big unveiling Asteroid sample collected by the OSRIS-REx spacecraft three years ago was unveiled at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. This comes just a little more than two weeks after the sample made it to Earth. It parachuted down in the Utah desert. Also read | Explained | NASA sends Bennu asteroid samples to Earth. Here's why the celestial cargo matters "The first analysis shows samples that contain abundant water in the form of hydrated clay minerals," NASA chief Bill Nelson said in a press event. "This is the biggest carbon rich asteroid sample ever returned to Earth," he said, with the carbon contained in the form of both minerals and organic molecules. Why is this asteroid sample significant? This is only the third Asteroid sample, and by far the biggest, to return to Earth for analysis. Earlier, Japan, via its two similar missions, had retrieved the much smaller asteroid samples. At the time of its landing, the Bennu sample, as per estimates, weighed about 100 to 250 grams (3.5 to 8.8 ounces). Also read | US Federal Aviation Administration proposes revolutionary way to limit human litter in Earth's orbit Before this, both the capsule and its contents were under examination in a "clean room" at the Utah Test and Training range near the landing site. Following that, the capsule was transported to the Johnson centre, where its inner canister was opened. This was done so that samples could be parcelled into smaller specimens. These specimens will go to some 200 scientists in 60 laboratories around the world, reports Reuters. The Asteroid behind it all The celestial samples were collected a year ago from Bennu, a small, carbon-rich asteroid that was discovered in 1999. Classified as a "near-Earth object", Bennu passes relatively close to the Earth every six years. The asteroid is made up of a loose collection of rocks and is rich in carbon, which is the building block of life on Earth. Bennu measures just 500 metres or 1,640 feet in diameter, which means it is tiny compared to the Chicxulub asteroid that some 66 million years ago struck Earth and wiped out the dinosaurs. Even though Bennu passes by Earth every few years, the odds of an impact are considered remote, but not zero. Scientists estimate that the asteroid could catastrophically collide with Earth. They estimate that the catastrophe which has a one in 2,700 chance of happening will not take place till the year 2182. This is another reason why understanding Bennu's composition can come in handy. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA unveils sample from asteroid Bennu, says it contains abundant water and carbon

<p>So James Webb Space Telescope has sent another image our way. That it would be mesmerising and breathtaking is a given as all things in space tend to sparkle brilliantly in a way that makes us redefine idea of beauty altogether. But our improved tech and better telescope (a brand new space telescope to start with) gives us unprecedented ability to glean into not only unknown corners of space but also to obtain greater details about celestial bodies in our immediate cosmic neighbourhood.</p>

<p>Take Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) for example. James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) may help us know a thing or two in more detail about it. For the knowledgeable among us, this will open new academic vistas. But even if you are not an astronomer, you can always marvel at the beauty, now enhanced by better images clicked by JWST.</p>

<p>The SMC is a 'satellite galaxy' of Milky Way. NASA has now posted an image of NGC 346 taken by JWST. It Is the brightest and largest star-forming region in the SMC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The SMC is considered to be a 'primitive' galaxy than the Milky Way because it is believed it has less amount of heavy elements. Cosmic dust is made of heavy elements mainly. And that's why is was believed that NGC 346 would have less amount of cosmic dust.</p>

<p>But the image taken by JWST using its Mini Infrared Instrument (MIRI) reveals presence of the cosmic dust.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Check out the image</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Grim grinning ghosts 👻<br />
<br />
Webb captured this spectral view of star-forming region NGC 346 in mid-infrared light. The blue tendrils represent silicates and sooty chemical molecules, while the red glow represents warm dust heated by bright, massive stars: <a href="https://t.co/ExyrIxSiJX">https://t.co/ExyrIxSiJX</a> <a href="https://t.co/0jyav1Du9Q">pic.twitter.com/0jyav1Du9Q</a></p>
— NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAWebb/status/1711750323381952531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The blue tendrils in the image above are trace emissions from materials such as dusty silicates and chemical molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The red light visible in the image represents regions of warm dust heated by bigger stars in the region.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-to-unveil-fascinating-bennu-asteroid-sample-to-the-public-645380">NASA to unveil fascinating Bennu asteroid sample to the public</a></strong></p>

<p>The arc of light in the centre left can be a reflection of light from a star which is near the centre of the arc.</p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


So James Webb Space Telescope has sent another image our way. That it would be mesmerising and breathtaking is a given as all things in space tend to sparkle brilliantly in a way that makes us redefine idea of beauty altogether.

So James Webb Space Telescope has sent another image our way. That it would be mesmerising and breathtaking is a given as all things in space tend to sparkle brilliantly in a way that makes us redefine idea of beauty altogether. But our improved tech and better telescope (a brand new space telescope to start with) gives us unprecedented ability to glean into not only unknown corners of space but also to obtain greater details about celestial bodies in our immediate cosmic neighbourhood. Take Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) for example. James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) may help us know a thing or two in more detail about it. For the knowledgeable among us, this will open new academic vistas. But even if you are not an astronomer, you can always marvel at the beauty, now enhanced by better images clicked by JWST. The SMC is a 'satellite galaxy' of Milky Way. NASA has now posted an image of NGC 346 taken by JWST. It Is the brightest and largest star-forming region in the SMC. The SMC is considered to be a 'primitive' galaxy than the Milky Way because it is believed it has less amount of heavy elements. Cosmic dust is made of heavy elements mainly. And that's why is was believed that NGC 346 would have less amount of cosmic dust. But the image taken by JWST using its Mini Infrared Instrument (MIRI) reveals presence of the cosmic dust. Check out the image Grim grinning ghosts 👻 Webb captured this spectral view of star-forming region NGC 346 in mid-infrared light. The blue tendrils represent silicates and sooty chemical molecules, while the red glow represents warm dust heated by bright, massive stars: https://t.co/ExyrIxSiJX pic.twitter.com/0jyav1Du9Q — NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) October 10, 2023 × The blue tendrils in the image above are trace emissions from materials such as dusty silicates and chemical molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The red light visible in the image represents regions of warm dust heated by bigger stars in the region. Also Read | NASA to unveil fascinating Bennu asteroid sample to the public The arc of light in the centre left can be a reflection of light from a star which is near the centre of the arc. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

James Webb telescope clicks a beautiful star-forming region

<p>NASA on Sunday successfully brought to the Earth the largest soil sample scooped from the surface of the asteroid, Bennu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The asteroid sample streaked through our planet's surface and parachuted into the Utah desert, delivering precious cargo — a celestial specimen that can potentially hold answers to questions like how Earth became habitable and much more.</p>

<h2><strong>Origin story</strong></h2>

<p>Asteroid samples, as per an AFP report, are composed of the 'original materials of the solar system' and are considered relics of the early solar system.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These materials date back around 4.5 billion years, have remained relatively intact and, as per Osiris-Rex program executive Melissa Morris, "can give us clues about how the solar system formed and evolved."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-nasa-spacecraft-lands-successfully-with-largest-sample-collected-from-asteroid-639236">Watch | NASA spacecraft lands successfully in Utah with largest sample collected from asteroid Bennu</a></strong></p>

<p>"It's our own origin story," she said, as quoted by AFP.</p>

<p>NASA scientist Amy Simon told AFP that it is hypothesised that by striking Earth's surface, "we do believe asteroids and comets delivered organic material, potentially water, that helped life flourish here on Earth."</p>

<h2><strong>The Asteroid behind it all</strong></h2>

<p>The celestial samples were collected three year ago from Bennu, a small, carbon-rich asteroid that was discovered in 1999.</p>

<p>Classified as a "near-Earth object", Bennu passes relatively close to the Earth every six years.</p>

<p>The asteroid is made up of a loose collection of rocks and is rich in carbon, which is the building block of life on Earth. Scientists believe that it might contain water molecules locked in minerals.</p>

<p>Bennu measures just 500 metres or 1,640 feet in diameter, which means it is tiny compared to the Chicxulub asteroid that some 66 million years ago struck Earth and wiped out the dinosaurs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even though Bennu passes by Earth every few years, the odds of an impact are considered remote, but not zero.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-federal-aviation-administration-proposes-revolutionary-way-to-limit-human-litter-in-earths-orbit-638666">US Federal Aviation Administration proposes revolutionary way to limit human litter in Earth's orbit</a></strong></p>

<p>Scientists estimate that the asteroid could catastrophically collide with Earth. They estimate that the catastrophe which has a one in 2,700 chance of happening will not happen till the year 2182. This is another reason why understanding Bennu's composition can come in handy.</p>

<p>Three years back, in 2020, NASA's OSIRIS-REx probe collected samples from Bennu. The probe had landed on Bennu in 2020, four years after it was launched in 2016.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the time Bennu had surprised scientists. Upon its brief contact with the asteroid, the OSIRIS-REx probe sank into Bennu's surface. This revealed to scientists that much like a children's pool filled with plastic balls, the asteroid had an unexpectedly low density.</p>

<h2><strong>Perilous journey</strong></h2>

<p>The precious samples travelled some 67,000 miles (107,826 kilometres) to touch down on Earth. Osiris-Rex released its gumdrop-shaped capsule as the mother-ship passed our planet.</p>

<p>As per AFP, the final 13 minutes of the descent were a fiery passage, where the capsule hurled at a speed of more than 27,000 miles an hour. During the descent, the temperatures reached up to 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit (2,760 degrees Celsius).</p>

<p>Osiris-Rex meanwhile, as per NASA, has moved on and is "on its way" for a date with another asteroid.</p>

<h2><strong>Tears, hope and billions of miles</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking at a press conference, the Osiris-Rex mission's principal investigator Dante Lauretta said they had high hopes from the sample.</p>

<p>She recalled how emotional the moment the capsule deployed was.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We heard 'main chute detected," she said, adding, "I literally broke into tears."</p>

<p>"That was the moment I knew we made it home... For me, the real science is just beginning."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/an-asteroid-will-make-a-close-encounter-with-earth-on-september-21-nasa-predicts-638611">Asteroid to make its first-ever close approach to Earth! NASA predicts</a></strong></p>

<p>NASA has managed to collect roughly nine ounces (250 grams) of dust samples from Bennu's surface. This is by far the largest asteroid sample collected.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Previously, in 2020, Japan's Hayabusa-2 mission collected a five-gram specimen from an asteroid called Ryugu. Ten years before that, in 2010, Japan had brought back a tiny sample from asteroid Itokawa.</p>

<p>Japan had shared a few grains from Ryugu with NASA. The samples, as per Reuters, were found to contain two organic compounds, supporting the hypothesis that celestial objects such as comets, asteroids and meteorites that bombarded early Earth seeded the young planet with the primordial ingredients for life.</p>

<h2><strong>How will the sample be used?</strong></h2>

<p>As per AFP, the sample will travel to Johnson Space Center in Houston for additional study.&nbsp;NASA is expected to release initial results at a news conference on October 11.</p>

<p>The space agency will use roughly one-fourth of the asteroid sample immediately to conduct experiments. It will also share small amounts of the asteroid dust with mission partners Japan and Canada.</p>

<p>However, NASA will save most of it for future generations. It will be, as Lori Glaze, director of NASA's Planetary Sciences division, puts it, a "treasure for scientific analysis for years and years and years to come, to our kids and grandkids and people that haven't even been born yet."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


NASA on Sunday successfully brought to the Earth the largest soil sample scooped from the surface of the asteroid, Bennu. The asteroid sample streaked through our planet's surface and parachuted into the Utah desert, delivering precious cargo — a celestial specimen that can potentially hold answers to questions like how Earth became habitable and much more.

NASA on Sunday successfully brought to the Earth the largest soil sample scooped from the surface of the asteroid, Bennu. The asteroid sample streaked through our planet's surface and parachuted into the Utah desert, delivering precious cargo — a celestial specimen that can potentially hold answers to questions like how Earth became habitable and much more. Origin story Asteroid samples, as per an AFP report, are composed of the 'original materials of the solar system' and are considered relics of the early solar system. These materials date back around 4.5 billion years, have remained relatively intact and, as per Osiris-Rex program executive Melissa Morris, "can give us clues about how the solar system formed and evolved." Also read | Watch | NASA spacecraft lands successfully in Utah with largest sample collected from asteroid Bennu "It's our own origin story," she said, as quoted by AFP. NASA scientist Amy Simon told AFP that it is hypothesised that by striking Earth's surface, "we do believe asteroids and comets delivered organic material, potentially water, that helped life flourish here on Earth." The Asteroid behind it all The celestial samples were collected three year ago from Bennu, a small, carbon-rich asteroid that was discovered in 1999. Classified as a "near-Earth object", Bennu passes relatively close to the Earth every six years. The asteroid is made up of a loose collection of rocks and is rich in carbon, which is the building block of life on Earth. Scientists believe that it might contain water molecules locked in minerals. Bennu measures just 500 metres or 1,640 feet in diameter, which means it is tiny compared to the Chicxulub asteroid that some 66 million years ago struck Earth and wiped out the dinosaurs. Even though Bennu passes by Earth every few years, the odds of an impact are considered remote, but not zero. Also read | US Federal Aviation Administration proposes revolutionary way to limit human litter in Earth's orbit Scientists estimate that the asteroid could catastrophically collide with Earth. They estimate that the catastrophe which has a one in 2,700 chance of happening will not happen till the year 2182. This is another reason why understanding Bennu's composition can come in handy. Three years back, in 2020, NASA's OSIRIS-REx probe collected samples from Bennu. The probe had landed on Bennu in 2020, four years after it was launched in 2016. At the time Bennu had surprised scientists. Upon its brief contact with the asteroid, the OSIRIS-REx probe sank into Bennu's surface. This revealed to scientists that much like a children's pool filled with plastic balls, the asteroid had an unexpectedly low density. Perilous journey The precious samples travelled some 67,000 miles (107,826 kilometres) to touch down on Earth. Osiris-Rex released its gumdrop-shaped capsule as the mother-ship passed our planet. As per AFP, the final 13 minutes of the descent were a fiery passage, where the capsule hurled at a speed of more than 27,000 miles an hour. During the descent, the temperatures reached up to 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit (2,760 degrees Celsius). Osiris-Rex meanwhile, as per NASA, has moved on and is "on its way" for a date with another asteroid. Tears, hope and billions of miles Speaking at a press conference, the Osiris-Rex mission's principal investigator Dante Lauretta said they had high hopes from the sample. She recalled how emotional the moment the capsule deployed was. "We heard 'main chute detected," she said, adding, "I literally broke into tears." "That was the moment I knew we made it home... For me, the real science is just beginning." Also read | Asteroid to make its first-ever close approach to Earth! NASA predicts NASA has managed to collect roughly nine ounces (250 grams) of dust samples from Bennu's surface. This is by far the largest asteroid sample collected. Previously, in 2020, Japan's Hayabusa-2 mission collected a five-gram specimen from an asteroid called Ryugu. Ten years before that, in 2010, Japan had brought back a tiny sample from asteroid Itokawa. Japan had shared a few grains from Ryugu with NASA. The samples, as per Reuters, were found to contain two organic compounds, supporting the hypothesis that celestial objects such as comets, asteroids and meteorites that bombarded early Earth seeded the young planet with the primordial ingredients for life. How will the sample be used? As per AFP, the sample will travel to Johnson Space Center in Houston for additional study. NASA is expected to release initial results at a news conference on October 11. The space agency will use roughly one-fourth of the asteroid sample immediately to conduct experiments. It will also share small amounts of the asteroid dust with mission partners Japan and Canada. However, NASA will save most of it for future generations. It will be, as Lori Glaze, director of NASA's Planetary Sciences division, puts it, a "treasure for scientific analysis for years and years and years to come, to our kids and grandkids and people that haven't even been born yet." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | NASA sends Bennu asteroid samples to Earth. Here's why the celestial cargo matters

<p>NASA's Parker Solar Probe has achieved a remarkable feat, hurtling through the Solar System at an astonishing speed of 635,266 kilometres (394,736 miles) per hour.</p>

<p>This milestone was reached during the probe's 17th orbit around the Sun, as it collects crucial data about the Sun's charged particle winds and magnetic fields, according to Science Alert.</p>

<p>Notably, this speed surpasses its previous record of 586,863.4 kilometres&nbsp;(364,660 miles) per hour, achieved just three years ago.</p>

<h2><strong>Unprecedented velocity</strong></h2>

<p>To put this incredible velocity into perspective, it's equivalent to an aircraft circumnavigating the Earth approximately 15 times in one hour or travelling from New York to Los Angeles in just over 20 seconds.</p>

<p>In addition to its record-breaking speed, the Parker Solar Probe has achieved a record proximity to the Sun.</p>

<p>It ventured to a distance of just 7.26 million kilometres&nbsp;above the Sun's scorching plasma surface. To visualise this, imagine standing a safe distance away from a blazing campfire – near enough to feel the heat and smell the smoke but not so close that your nose hairs singe.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/humanitys-next-big-catastrophe-could-lie-in-the-sun-predict-scientists-644862">Humanity's next big 'catastrophe' could lie in the Sun, predict scientists</a></p>

<p>Parker Solar Probe's incredible achievements are not solely the result of powerful propellants. Instead, they are the outcome of a meticulously timed cosmic mini-golf game. To reach its desired location near the Sun's corona, the probe had to navigate Earth's orbital velocity.</p>

<p>NASA employed a powerful rocket to align the probe's trajectory and set it on a course that would cancel out Earth's orbital speed.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;NASA set to launch spacecraft to a metal rich asteroid on October 12&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-set-to-launch-spacecraft-to-a-metal-rich-asteroid-on-october-12-word-news-wion-644602/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The probe's path was timed to coincide with the orbital position of Venus. This allowed the probe to use&nbsp;Venus's gravitational pull to slow down, facilitating its descent into the Solar System's inner regions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the Parker Solar Probe continues its mission, it is expected to complete a total of 24 orbits around the Sun. Ultimately, it will dive even closer, providing NASA with invaluable data to enhance our understanding of the Sun's behaviour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


NASA's Parker Solar Probe has achieved a remarkable feat, hurtling through the Solar System at an astonishing speed of 635,266 kilometres (394,736 miles) per hour.

NASA's Parker Solar Probe has achieved a remarkable feat, hurtling through the Solar System at an astonishing speed of 635,266 kilometres (394,736 miles) per hour. This milestone was reached during the probe's 17th orbit around the Sun, as it collects crucial data about the Sun's charged particle winds and magnetic fields, according to Science Alert. Notably, this speed surpasses its previous record of 586,863.4 kilometres (364,660 miles) per hour, achieved just three years ago. Unprecedented velocity To put this incredible velocity into perspective, it's equivalent to an aircraft circumnavigating the Earth approximately 15 times in one hour or travelling from New York to Los Angeles in just over 20 seconds. In addition to its record-breaking speed, the Parker Solar Probe has achieved a record proximity to the Sun. It ventured to a distance of just 7.26 million kilometres above the Sun's scorching plasma surface. To visualise this, imagine standing a safe distance away from a blazing campfire – near enough to feel the heat and smell the smoke but not so close that your nose hairs singe. Also read | Humanity's next big 'catastrophe' could lie in the Sun, predict scientists Parker Solar Probe's incredible achievements are not solely the result of powerful propellants. Instead, they are the outcome of a meticulously timed cosmic mini-golf game. To reach its desired location near the Sun's corona, the probe had to navigate Earth's orbital velocity. NASA employed a powerful rocket to align the probe's trajectory and set it on a course that would cancel out Earth's orbital speed. Also watch | NASA set to launch spacecraft to a metal rich asteroid on October 12 The probe's path was timed to coincide with the orbital position of Venus. This allowed the probe to use Venus's gravitational pull to slow down, facilitating its descent into the Solar System's inner regions. As the Parker Solar Probe continues its mission, it is expected to complete a total of 24 orbits around the Sun. Ultimately, it will dive even closer, providing NASA with invaluable data to enhance our understanding of the Sun's behaviour. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

NASA's Parker Solar Probe smashes speed record, ventures closest to Sun

NASA is prepared to launch Psyche, a groundbreaking mission to investigate the metal-rich asteroid 16 Psyche. Launch day for the mission is set for this Thursday, October 12.

NASA set to launch spacecraft to a metal-rich asteroid

NASA spacecraft is all set for an extraordinary mission, this will be the first four humankind mission. Scientists believe that this mission could provide some unanswered questions regarding our solar systems history.

NASA set to launch spacecraft to a metal rich asteroid on October 12 | Word News | WION

<p>NASA has reportedly requested for "lunar freezer" designs to ensure the secure storage of materials gathered from the moon during the upcoming Artemis missions, Space.com reported. The primary purpose of this freezer is to facilitate the safe transportation of scientific and geological samples collected during the Artemis programme.&nbsp;Additionally, NASA envisions the lunar freezer as a space for "human biological/physiological samples" acquired during these missions. This could allow for the study of the impact of lunar spaceflight on astronauts, the outlet reported&nbsp;quoting a request for information (RFI) posted to the federal contracting website SAM.gov.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Artemis 5 mission by 2027</strong></h2>

<p>NASA has set a target date of the end of 2027 for the completion of the lunar freezer, intending to launch it as part of the Artemis 5 mission. To facilitate its journey back to Earth from the lunar surface, the lunar freezer must be compatible with various vehicles, facilities, and spacecraft used by Artemis astronauts.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chandrayaan-3-lander-rover-sleep-forever-ex-isro-chief-says-no-hope-of-reviving-643520">Chandrayaan-3 lander, rover sleep forever? Ex-ISRO chief says 'no hope of reviving'</a></p>

<p>These include the lunar rover, moon habitats, the Human Landing System (HLS), the Orion crew module, and the Gateway lunar outpost, a planned space station orbiting the moon.</p>

<h2><strong>Robust design</strong></h2>

<p>The lunar freezer design must be capable of withstanding the physical forces encountered during launch and landing, including vibrations and shocks. There are also specifications in terms of size, weight, and temperature. The internal volume of the lunar freezer should be a minimum of 10x10x26 inches (25x25x66 centimeters), with the entire system weighing less than 121 pounds (55 kilograms).</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ozone-hole-over-antarctica-is-one-of-the-biggest-on-record-643483">Ozone hole over Antarctica is one of the biggest on record</a></p>

<p>It also must maintain a temperature of minus 121 Fahrenheit (minus 85 Celsius) for at least 30 days to preserve the stored samples.</p>

<h2><strong>Advanced features</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>NASA requires the lunar freezer to include an onboard display for monitoring and control by Artemis crews. It should also have both wireless and wired internet connectivity to transmit telemetry to Artemis vehicles and ground stations on Earth.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tracking-rupees-journey-since-1947-643588">Tracking Rupee's journey since 1947</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tracking-rupees-journey-since-1947-643588/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Furthermore, the freezer should be capable of recording data related to its temperature, overall health, and status of its door (When and for how long the freezer's door is opened).</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


NASA has reportedly requested for "lunar freezer" designs to ensure the secure storage of materials gathered from the moon during the upcoming Artemis missions, Space.

NASA has reportedly requested for "lunar freezer" designs to ensure the secure storage of materials gathered from the moon during the upcoming Artemis missions, Space.com reported. The primary purpose of this freezer is to facilitate the safe transportation of scientific and geological samples collected during the Artemis programme. Additionally, NASA envisions the lunar freezer as a space for "human biological/physiological samples" acquired during these missions. This could allow for the study of the impact of lunar spaceflight on astronauts, the outlet reported quoting a request for information (RFI) posted to the federal contracting website SAM.gov. Artemis 5 mission by 2027 NASA has set a target date of the end of 2027 for the completion of the lunar freezer, intending to launch it as part of the Artemis 5 mission. To facilitate its journey back to Earth from the lunar surface, the lunar freezer must be compatible with various vehicles, facilities, and spacecraft used by Artemis astronauts. Also Read | Chandrayaan-3 lander, rover sleep forever? Ex-ISRO chief says 'no hope of reviving' These include the lunar rover, moon habitats, the Human Landing System (HLS), the Orion crew module, and the Gateway lunar outpost, a planned space station orbiting the moon. Robust design The lunar freezer design must be capable of withstanding the physical forces encountered during launch and landing, including vibrations and shocks. There are also specifications in terms of size, weight, and temperature. The internal volume of the lunar freezer should be a minimum of 10x10x26 inches (25x25x66 centimeters), with the entire system weighing less than 121 pounds (55 kilograms). Also Read | Ozone hole over Antarctica is one of the biggest on record It also must maintain a temperature of minus 121 Fahrenheit (minus 85 Celsius) for at least 30 days to preserve the stored samples. Advanced features NASA requires the lunar freezer to include an onboard display for monitoring and control by Artemis crews. It should also have both wireless and wired internet connectivity to transmit telemetry to Artemis vehicles and ground stations on Earth. Watch | Tracking Rupee's journey since 1947 × Furthermore, the freezer should be capable of recording data related to its temperature, overall health, and status of its door (When and for how long the freezer's door is opened). WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

NASA seeks designs for 'lunar freezer' to safeguard moon mission samples

<p>China has been planning to expand its space station from three to six modules in coming years and is touting it as an alternative to the NASA-led International Space Station's (ISS) for near-Earth missions to astronauts from other countries. The space station is being expanded by China as the ISS nears the end of its lifespan.</p>

<p>The Chinese space station's operational lifetime will be more than 15 years, said the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), a unit of the main space contractor of China, during the 74th International Astronautical Congress in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Wednesday (Oct 4).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The lifetime announced is 10 years more than announced previously.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-vying-to-control-pakistani-media-with-the-help-of-proposed-nerve-centre-us-report-642774">China vying to control Pakistani media with the help of proposed 'nerve centre': US report</a></p>

<p>The self-built space station of China, which is known as Tiangong or Celestial Palace in Chinese, has been fully operational since late 2022 and hosted three astronauts at an orbital altitude of up to 450 km (280 miles).&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the expansion to six modules, Tiangong at 180 metric tonnes is still only 40 per cent of the mass of the ISS, which can manage to keep only seven astronauts.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>ISS to be decommissioned after 2030</strong></h2>

<p>However, the ISS, which has been in orbit for more than two decades, is likely to be decommissioned after 2030, around the same time China has stated that it aims to become "a major space power".</p>

<p>Last year, Chinese state media said that as Tiangong became fully operational, the country would be no "slouch" as the ISS moved towards retirement, adding that "several countries" had requested to accommodate their astronauts on the Chinese station.</p>

<p>But in a blow to aspirations of China for space diplomacy, the European Space Agency (ESA) stated that it did not have the budgetary or "political" green light this year to participate in Tiangong, dropping a years-long plan of a visit by European astronauts.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: 55 Chinese soldiers allegedly died after getting ensnared in a Chinese trap</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-55-chinese-soldiers-allegedly-died-after-getting-ensnared-in-a-chinese-trap-642664/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"Giving up cooperation with China in the manned space domain is clearly short-sighted, which reveals that the U.S.-led camp confrontation has led to a new space race," wrote the Global Times, a nationalist Chinese tabloid, at the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tiangong is a symbol of the growing confidence of China in its space endeavours and has emerged as a challenger to the United States in the domain after it was isolated from the ISS.&nbsp;</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for&nbsp;wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


China has been planning to expand its space station from three to six modules in coming years and is touting it as an alternative to the NASA-led International Space Station's (ISS) for near-Earth missions to astronauts from other countries.

China has been planning to expand its space station from three to six modules in coming years and is touting it as an alternative to the NASA-led International Space Station's (ISS) for near-Earth missions to astronauts from other countries. The space station is being expanded by China as the ISS nears the end of its lifespan. The Chinese space station's operational lifetime will be more than 15 years, said the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), a unit of the main space contractor of China, during the 74th International Astronautical Congress in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Wednesday (Oct 4). The lifetime announced is 10 years more than announced previously. ALSO READ | China vying to control Pakistani media with the help of proposed 'nerve centre': US report The self-built space station of China, which is known as Tiangong or Celestial Palace in Chinese, has been fully operational since late 2022 and hosted three astronauts at an orbital altitude of up to 450 km (280 miles). After the expansion to six modules, Tiangong at 180 metric tonnes is still only 40 per cent of the mass of the ISS, which can manage to keep only seven astronauts. ISS to be decommissioned after 2030 However, the ISS, which has been in orbit for more than two decades, is likely to be decommissioned after 2030, around the same time China has stated that it aims to become "a major space power". Last year, Chinese state media said that as Tiangong became fully operational, the country would be no "slouch" as the ISS moved towards retirement, adding that "several countries" had requested to accommodate their astronauts on the Chinese station. But in a blow to aspirations of China for space diplomacy, the European Space Agency (ESA) stated that it did not have the budgetary or "political" green light this year to participate in Tiangong, dropping a years-long plan of a visit by European astronauts. WATCH | Gravitas: 55 Chinese soldiers allegedly died after getting ensnared in a Chinese trap "Giving up cooperation with China in the manned space domain is clearly short-sighted, which reveals that the U.S.-led camp confrontation has led to a new space race," wrote the Global Times, a nationalist Chinese tabloid, at the time. Tiangong is a symbol of the growing confidence of China in its space endeavours and has emerged as a challenger to the United States in the domain after it was isolated from the ISS. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China's space plans include a massive space station to replace NASA's ageing ISS

<p>NASA astronauts will soon fly to space in style, as luxury fashion brand Prada joins the United States space agency. Prada will design the space suits for NASA's 2025 Moon Mission, alongside another private company Axiom Space.</p>

<h2><strong>Fashion in space</strong></h2>

<p>Axiom Space in a press release said that the Italian fashion house would bring in expertise with "raw materials, manufacturing techniques, and innovative design concepts."&nbsp;</p>

<p>It further said that Prada "will bring advanced technologies instrumental in ensuring not only the comfort of astronauts on the lunar surface but also the much-needed human factors considerations absent from legacy spacesuits." &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/psyche-mission-nasas-mission-to-study-metal-rich-asteroid-to-launch-on-oct-12-all-you-need-to-know-643219">Psyche mission: NASA's mission to study metal-rich asteroid to launch on Oct 12 | All you need to know</a></strong></p>

<p>The companies, as per BBC, said that they would make use of "innovative technologies and design" to allow "greater exploration of the lunar surface than ever before".</p>

<p>"The development of these next-generation spacesuits is a significant milestone in furthering space exploration, and enabling a deeper understanding of the Moon, the solar system, and beyond," it added.</p>

<h2><strong>How can a fashion brand design space suit?</strong></h2>

<p>Talking to BBC, an astronaut said that they believe Prada was up to the challenge due to their vast design experience, which is not merely limited to the catwalks of Milan. The fashion brand also boasts of experience with the America's Cup sailing competition.</p>

<p>"Prada has considerable experience with various types of composite fabrics and may actually be able to make some real technical contributions to the outer layers of the new space suit," said Professor Jeffrey Hoffman.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-to-launch-rockets-this-month-into-annular-solar-eclipses-shadow-to-study-atmosphere-643208">NASA to launch rockets this month into annular solar eclipse's shadow to study atmosphere</a></strong></p>

<p>Hoffman has been part of five NASA missions. He has also carried out four spacewalks.</p>

<p>The NASA astronaut, however, said that despite Prada's involvement, people should not expect astronauts in "paisley spacesuits or any fancy patterns like that." as "maintaining a good thermal environment is really the critical thing".</p>

<p>"A spacesuit is really like a miniature spacecraft. It has to provide pressure, oxygen, keep you at a reasonable temperature," he noted.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


NASA astronauts will soon fly to space in style, as luxury fashion brand Prada joins the United States space agency. Prada will design the space suits for NASA's 2025 Moon Mission, alongside another private company Axiom Space.

NASA astronauts will soon fly to space in style, as luxury fashion brand Prada joins the United States space agency. Prada will design the space suits for NASA's 2025 Moon Mission, alongside another private company Axiom Space. Fashion in space Axiom Space in a press release said that the Italian fashion house would bring in expertise with "raw materials, manufacturing techniques, and innovative design concepts." It further said that Prada "will bring advanced technologies instrumental in ensuring not only the comfort of astronauts on the lunar surface but also the much-needed human factors considerations absent from legacy spacesuits." Also read | Psyche mission: NASA's mission to study metal-rich asteroid to launch on Oct 12 | All you need to know The companies, as per BBC, said that they would make use of "innovative technologies and design" to allow "greater exploration of the lunar surface than ever before". "The development of these next-generation spacesuits is a significant milestone in furthering space exploration, and enabling a deeper understanding of the Moon, the solar system, and beyond," it added. How can a fashion brand design space suit? Talking to BBC, an astronaut said that they believe Prada was up to the challenge due to their vast design experience, which is not merely limited to the catwalks of Milan. The fashion brand also boasts of experience with the America's Cup sailing competition. "Prada has considerable experience with various types of composite fabrics and may actually be able to make some real technical contributions to the outer layers of the new space suit," said Professor Jeffrey Hoffman. Also read | NASA to launch rockets this month into annular solar eclipse's shadow to study atmosphere Hoffman has been part of five NASA missions. He has also carried out four spacewalks. The NASA astronaut, however, said that despite Prada's involvement, people should not expect astronauts in "paisley spacesuits or any fancy patterns like that." as "maintaining a good thermal environment is really the critical thing". "A spacesuit is really like a miniature spacecraft. It has to provide pressure, oxygen, keep you at a reasonable temperature," he noted. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Astronauts will don Prada spacesuits for the 2025 Artemis Moon Mission

<p>The American space agency, NASA is planning to send a high-tech spacecraft called Psyche to an asteroid of the same name, 16 Psyche. It will be a first-of-its-kind mission to study a metal-rich asteroid, which aims to help scientists learn more about the formation of rocky bodies in our solar system.</p>

<p>The launch of the mission will take place on Thursday (Oct 12) when NASA’s Psyche spacecraft will take off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and travel 2.2 billion miles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dead-star-vela-pulsar-emits-highest-energy-gamma-rays-643195">Dead star Vela Pulsar emits highest-energy gamma rays</a></p>

<p>Here is everything to know about NASA’s Psyche asteroid mission:</p>

<h2><strong>Aim of NASA’s Psyche asteroid mission</strong></h2>

<p>As per the data obtained from Earth-based radar and optical telescopes, scientists concluded that the asteroid Psyche could be part of the metal-rich interior of a planetesimal, a building block of a rocky planet that never formed. The rock might have collided with other large bodies during its early formation and lost its outer rocky shell.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So exploring Psyche could provide information into the history of violent collisions and accumulation of matter that created planets.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Psyche mission is a team effort of NASA and Arizona State University</strong></h2>

<p>The Psyche asteroid mission is a collaboration of NASA and Arizona State University (ASU). The principal investigator of the mission, Lindy Elkins Tanton, is based at ASU.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinese-europeans-creating-incredibly-sensitive-space-telescope-for-monitoring-cosmic-explosions-643135">China's 'incredibly sensitive' space telescope will monitor universe's most violent explosions</a></p>

<p>NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California is managing&nbsp;the mission for the agency’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington. Managed for NASA by Caltech in Pasadena, JPL is also responsible for system engineering, integration and test, and mission operations.</p>

<p>NASA’s Launch Services Program at Kennedy Space Center is managing launch operations and has procured&nbsp;the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.</p>

<h2><strong>How to watch the launch of NASA’s Psyche asteroid mission?</strong></h2>

<p>The mission websites nasa.gov/psyche and psyche.asu.edu will post official news about the spacecraft’s journey. NASA and ASU will also post regular social media updates on Facebook, Instagram, and X. To watch the launch live, follow the link below-</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/npIDMxrzm_o?si=g1l_xln1MjWt6z8T" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>How Psyche’s study will be&nbsp;different from other objects&nbsp;in the solar system?</strong></h2>

<p>Other solar system bodies like Mars, Venus, and Earth are comprised of iron oxides but Psyche’s surface doesn’t seem to feature much of these chemical compounds. This suggests that the asteroid’s history differs from standard stories of planetary formation.</p>

<p>If the asteroid proves to be leftover core material from a planetary building block, scientists will learn how its history resembles and diverges from that of the rocky planets. And if scientists discover that Psyche is not an exposed core, it may prove to be a never-before-seen kind of primordial solar system object.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The American space agency, NASA is planning to send a high-tech spacecraft called Psyche to an asteroid of the same name, 16 Psyche. It will be a first-of-its-kind mission to study a metal-rich asteroid, which aims to help scientists learn more about the formation of rocky bodies in our solar system.

The American space agency, NASA is planning to send a high-tech spacecraft called Psyche to an asteroid of the same name, 16 Psyche. It will be a first-of-its-kind mission to study a metal-rich asteroid, which aims to help scientists learn more about the formation of rocky bodies in our solar system. The launch of the mission will take place on Thursday (Oct 12) when NASA’s Psyche spacecraft will take off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and travel 2.2 billion miles. Also Read | Dead star Vela Pulsar emits highest-energy gamma rays Here is everything to know about NASA’s Psyche asteroid mission: Aim of NASA’s Psyche asteroid mission As per the data obtained from Earth-based radar and optical telescopes, scientists concluded that the asteroid Psyche could be part of the metal-rich interior of a planetesimal, a building block of a rocky planet that never formed. The rock might have collided with other large bodies during its early formation and lost its outer rocky shell. So exploring Psyche could provide information into the history of violent collisions and accumulation of matter that created planets. Psyche mission is a team effort of NASA and Arizona State University The Psyche asteroid mission is a collaboration of NASA and Arizona State University (ASU). The principal investigator of the mission, Lindy Elkins Tanton, is based at ASU. Also Read | China's 'incredibly sensitive' space telescope will monitor universe's most violent explosions NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California is managing the mission for the agency’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington. Managed for NASA by Caltech in Pasadena, JPL is also responsible for system engineering, integration and test, and mission operations. NASA’s Launch Services Program at Kennedy Space Center is managing launch operations and has procured the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. How to watch the launch of NASA’s Psyche asteroid mission? The mission websites nasa.gov/psyche and psyche.asu.edu will post official news about the spacecraft’s journey. NASA and ASU will also post regular social media updates on Facebook, Instagram, and X. To watch the launch live, follow the link below- × How Psyche’s study will be different from other objects in the solar system? Other solar system bodies like Mars, Venus, and Earth are comprised of iron oxides but Psyche’s surface doesn’t seem to feature much of these chemical compounds. This suggests that the asteroid’s history differs from standard stories of planetary formation. If the asteroid proves to be leftover core material from a planetary building block, scientists will learn how its history resembles and diverges from that of the rocky planets. And if scientists discover that Psyche is not an exposed core, it may prove to be a never-before-seen kind of primordial solar system object. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Psyche: NASA's mission to study metal-rich asteroid to launch on Oct 12 | All you need to know

<p>NASA scientists will be at work on Oct 14, the day&nbsp;the annular solar eclipse or the Ring of Fire solar eclipse occurs.&nbsp;While skywatchers and eclipse chasers in America will watch the sun dim&nbsp;to 10% of its normal brightness, NASA will be busy firing rockets as part of the mission.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University engineering physics professor, Aroh Barjatya is in charge of a NASA mission that will launch three rockets to study how the sudden drop in sunlight affects the atmosphere during the eclipse.</p>

<p>The mission is known as Atmospheric Perturbations around the Eclipse Path or APEP.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dead-star-vela-pulsar-emits-highest-energy-gamma-rays-643195"><b>A</b></a><b><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dead-star-vela-pulsar-emits-highest-energy-gamma-rays-643195">lso read:&nbsp;Dead star Vela Pulsar emits highest-energy gamma rays</a></b></p>

<p>The rockets will launch from the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico and will be directed particularly at the ionosphere. The ionosphere's temperature and density will decrease during the eclipse, producing a wave-like effect that may interfere with GPS and other satellite communications.</p>

<p>“If you think of the ionosphere as a pond with some gentle ripples on it, the eclipse is like a motorboat that suddenly rips through the water,” Barjatya said in a statement.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinese-europeans-creating-incredibly-sensitive-space-telescope-for-monitoring-cosmic-explosions-643135"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;China's 'incredibly sensitive' space telescope will monitor universe's most violent explosions</strong></a></p>

<p>“It creates a wake immediately underneath and behind it, and then the water level momentarily goes up as it rushes back in," he added. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Three rockets to be launched in succession</strong></h2>

<p>APEP team will launch three rockets in quick succession— one 35 minutes before the local peak eclipse, one during the eclipse, and one 35 minutes later.</p>

<h2><strong>APEP future projects</strong></h2>

<p>This is not the only launch for the APEP. On April 8, 2024, when a total solar eclipse will sweep the United States from Texas to Maine, the APEP rockets that were launched in New Mexico will be recovered and then launched once more from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Although the April launches will provide a chance to gauge how far-reaching an eclipse's effects are, they will be farther from the eclipse path than the October annular eclipse.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


NASA scientists will be at work on Oct 14, the day the annular solar eclipse or the Ring of Fire solar eclipse occurs. While skywatchers and eclipse chasers in America will watch the sun dim to 10% of its normal brightness, NASA will be busy firing rockets as part of the mission.

NASA scientists will be at work on Oct 14, the day the annular solar eclipse or the Ring of Fire solar eclipse occurs. While skywatchers and eclipse chasers in America will watch the sun dim to 10% of its normal brightness, NASA will be busy firing rockets as part of the mission. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University engineering physics professor, Aroh Barjatya is in charge of a NASA mission that will launch three rockets to study how the sudden drop in sunlight affects the atmosphere during the eclipse. The mission is known as Atmospheric Perturbations around the Eclipse Path or APEP. Also read: Dead star Vela Pulsar emits highest-energy gamma rays The rockets will launch from the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico and will be directed particularly at the ionosphere. The ionosphere's temperature and density will decrease during the eclipse, producing a wave-like effect that may interfere with GPS and other satellite communications. “If you think of the ionosphere as a pond with some gentle ripples on it, the eclipse is like a motorboat that suddenly rips through the water,” Barjatya said in a statement. Also read: China's 'incredibly sensitive' space telescope will monitor universe's most violent explosions “It creates a wake immediately underneath and behind it, and then the water level momentarily goes up as it rushes back in," he added. Three rockets to be launched in succession APEP team will launch three rockets in quick succession— one 35 minutes before the local peak eclipse, one during the eclipse, and one 35 minutes later. APEP future projects This is not the only launch for the APEP. On April 8, 2024, when a total solar eclipse will sweep the United States from Texas to Maine, the APEP rockets that were launched in New Mexico will be recovered and then launched once more from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Although the April launches will provide a chance to gauge how far-reaching an eclipse's effects are, they will be farther from the eclipse path than the October annular eclipse. (With inputs from agencies) ×

Why is NASA launching rockets into the 'ring of fire' eclipse?

India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission: More than a month ago the mission was put to sleep with some hope of reawakening. Watch this report to know more.

Chandrayaan-3 successfully completed fortnight-long mission

Well, it's an interesting thing to hear and say the moon may soon be open for business. Right now the geopolitical race for a piece of the moon is heating up this as China, the US and India all are vying for dominance. Our next report will get you all the details.

NASA aims to build moon homes for humans by 2040

Check the story to know how NASA, is planning to build houses on the moon by 2040 - and Mars could be next. The U.S. Space Agency recently granted a pioneering construction firm $60 million to build a house on the moon. These lunar homes can be used not just by astronauts but by ordinary civilians as well.

Homes for humans on the moon by 2040

NASA aims to build moon homes by 2040

<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recently unveiled how it is planning to retire International Space Station (ISS), which is a unique space station currently in lower Earth orbit. The space station facilitates collaborative projects involving five participating space agencies: NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA and CSA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ISS is often visible to the naked eye from Earth's surface as it is the largest artificial object in space and the largest satellite in low Earth orbit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA disclosed the $1 billion plan to carry out the re-entry of ISS back to Earth as it said that it aims to develop a new orbital vehicle that will be vital in the process.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On September 20, NASA released an industry solicitation for a platform the agency is calling the US Deorbit Vehicle (USDV), which will be a catalyst in the safe return of the ISS.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/massive-earthquake-rocked-seattle-area-1100-years-ago-it-may-again-again-640621">Massive earthquake rocked Seattle area 1,100 years ago, it may happen again</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Calling it a 'space tug', NASA has invited companies to develop a specialised vehicle which would manoeuvre ISS from its position 175 miles above Earth to approximately 75 miles. This would start the process.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The primary objective of this contract is to procure a safe, reliable and cost-effective de-orbit vehicle to meet NASA’s ISS end-of-life de-orbit mission requirements,"&nbsp;NASA said as quoted by Flight Global.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by Earth.com, Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist at Harvard University, said: "This has been done before, notably with the Mir space station. Many tons of material will hit the ocean relatively intact, and there will definitely be a warning to clear the airspace (we get about one of these a month for disposal of much smaller spacecraft like ISS cargo ships)."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Here's what's tricky. You can fly the ISS safely down to an altitude of about 250 km. After that, you need this special USDV ship to take over the steering – it's like driving down a motorway with a lot of wind gusts – you need a lot of muscle power to stay on the road. If you ever lose control and the ISS starts tumbling, you're in trouble because then you can't reliably point the rocket engines in a particular direction," McDowell added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/einstein-is-right-again-scientists-observe-falling-antimatter-640529">Einstein proven right again, scientists find antimatter ‘falling’, not defying gravity</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Einstein proven right again! Humans are one step closer to understanding antimatter&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/einstein-proven-right-again-humans-are-one-step-closer-to-understanding-antimatter-640653/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The ISS emerged as an extraordinary platform for space scientists to analyse and understand the gazillion aspects of the universe. It is an orbital microgravity research platform for research and development.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Scientists and researchers have used the ISS for more than 20 years to research biological, physical, biomedicine, materials and Earth and space science on the 444,615kg gigantic structure.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The crew at the space station is an integral part of the experiment and has been a critical part. They volunteer as test subjects for research into human adaptation to living and working in microgravity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During their long stays, they perform various experiments besides doing their own work like cooking, cleaning, etc. &nbsp;Without these long-duration experiments, human exploration of the solar system will not be possible.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recently unveiled how it is planning to retire International Space Station (ISS), which is a unique space station currently in lower Earth orbit.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recently unveiled how it is planning to retire International Space Station (ISS), which is a unique space station currently in lower Earth orbit. The space station facilitates collaborative projects involving five participating space agencies: NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA and CSA. The ISS is often visible to the naked eye from Earth's surface as it is the largest artificial object in space and the largest satellite in low Earth orbit. NASA disclosed the $1 billion plan to carry out the re-entry of ISS back to Earth as it said that it aims to develop a new orbital vehicle that will be vital in the process. On September 20, NASA released an industry solicitation for a platform the agency is calling the US Deorbit Vehicle (USDV), which will be a catalyst in the safe return of the ISS. Also read: Massive earthquake rocked Seattle area 1,100 years ago, it may happen again Calling it a 'space tug', NASA has invited companies to develop a specialised vehicle which would manoeuvre ISS from its position 175 miles above Earth to approximately 75 miles. This would start the process. "The primary objective of this contract is to procure a safe, reliable and cost-effective de-orbit vehicle to meet NASA’s ISS end-of-life de-orbit mission requirements," NASA said as quoted by Flight Global. As quoted by Earth.com, Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist at Harvard University, said: "This has been done before, notably with the Mir space station. Many tons of material will hit the ocean relatively intact, and there will definitely be a warning to clear the airspace (we get about one of these a month for disposal of much smaller spacecraft like ISS cargo ships)." "Here's what's tricky. You can fly the ISS safely down to an altitude of about 250 km. After that, you need this special USDV ship to take over the steering – it's like driving down a motorway with a lot of wind gusts – you need a lot of muscle power to stay on the road. If you ever lose control and the ISS starts tumbling, you're in trouble because then you can't reliably point the rocket engines in a particular direction," McDowell added. Also read: Einstein proven right again, scientists find antimatter ‘falling’, not defying gravity Watch: Einstein proven right again! Humans are one step closer to understanding antimatter × The ISS emerged as an extraordinary platform for space scientists to analyse and understand the gazillion aspects of the universe. It is an orbital microgravity research platform for research and development. Scientists and researchers have used the ISS for more than 20 years to research biological, physical, biomedicine, materials and Earth and space science on the 444,615kg gigantic structure. The crew at the space station is an integral part of the experiment and has been a critical part. They volunteer as test subjects for research into human adaptation to living and working in microgravity. During their long stays, they perform various experiments besides doing their own work like cooking, cleaning, etc. Without these long-duration experiments, human exploration of the solar system will not be possible. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

International Space Station will retire and return to Earth in 2031

<p>NASA was the first agency to take humans to the Moon, but after the shuttering of the Apollo programme in the year 1972, it hasn't made a significant foray into the Earth's only satellite. Yes, there have been crafts that have orbited the Moon and have come back, but NASA didn't focus on taking astronauts to the Moon. Things are different now, as the space agency is not only taking its astronauts to the Moon one more time but is also making ambitious plans to create human settlements there by 2040. And these settlements won't only be for astronauts, but also for civilians.</p>

<p>The agency believes that by 2040, the first American sub-division on the Moon will be a reality.</p>

<p>The plans, as reported by The New York Times, involve blasting off a 3-D printer to the Moon and creating structures there using resources available on the Moon. 3-D printers are already making structures on Earth using resources available at the time of printing, so it is, in theory, possible on the Moon as well.</p>

<p>The timeline may seem ambitious. After all, the 2040s are just 17 years away, a relatively small period considering the immense effort that goes into space endeavours. But scientists interviewed by the NYT said that the goal is achievable if NASA keeps up the good work of hitting the benchmarks.</p>

<p>“We’re at a pivotal moment, and in some ways, it feels like a dream sequence,” said Niki Werkheiser, NASA’s director of technology maturation. “In other ways, it feels like it was inevitable that we would get here.”</p>

<p>“We’ve got all the right people together at the right time with a common goal, which is why I think we’ll get there,” she said. “Everyone is ready to take this step together, so if we get our core capabilities developed, there’s no reason it’s not possible.”</p>

<p>Werkheiser was quoted by The New York Times.</p>

<p>NASA will not be doing this alone. It is likely to team up with private companies and take extensive help from academics and industry leaders.</p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


NASA was the first agency to take humans to the Moon, but after the shuttering of the Apollo programme in the year 1972, it hasn't made a significant foray into the Earth's only satellite.

NASA was the first agency to take humans to the Moon, but after the shuttering of the Apollo programme in the year 1972, it hasn't made a significant foray into the Earth's only satellite. Yes, there have been crafts that have orbited the Moon and have come back, but NASA didn't focus on taking astronauts to the Moon. Things are different now, as the space agency is not only taking its astronauts to the Moon one more time but is also making ambitious plans to create human settlements there by 2040. And these settlements won't only be for astronauts, but also for civilians. The agency believes that by 2040, the first American sub-division on the Moon will be a reality. The plans, as reported by The New York Times, involve blasting off a 3-D printer to the Moon and creating structures there using resources available on the Moon. 3-D printers are already making structures on Earth using resources available at the time of printing, so it is, in theory, possible on the Moon as well. The timeline may seem ambitious. After all, the 2040s are just 17 years away, a relatively small period considering the immense effort that goes into space endeavours. But scientists interviewed by the NYT said that the goal is achievable if NASA keeps up the good work of hitting the benchmarks. “We’re at a pivotal moment, and in some ways, it feels like a dream sequence,” said Niki Werkheiser, NASA’s director of technology maturation. “In other ways, it feels like it was inevitable that we would get here.” “We’ve got all the right people together at the right time with a common goal, which is why I think we’ll get there,” she said. “Everyone is ready to take this step together, so if we get our core capabilities developed, there’s no reason it’s not possible.” Werkheiser was quoted by The New York Times. NASA will not be doing this alone. It is likely to team up with private companies and take extensive help from academics and industry leaders. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

NASA's moonshot plans involve making human settlements by 2040

<p>New York,&nbsp;one of the most populous cities in the US known for its bustling skyscrapers, is sinking under its own weight, a study done by NASA has warned.</p>

<p>The research conducted by scientists&nbsp;from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Rutgers University has pinpointed various locations in the city which are sinking at varying rates than the whole city.</p>

<p>The scientists said the sinking rate in these locations is faster than the average 1.6 millimetres per year experienced by the rest of NYC.</p>

<p>Among the areas which have been observed to be sinking faster are LaGuardia Airport, Arthur Ashe Stadium and Coney Island.</p>

<h2><strong>A city sitting atop ancient glacier that is now retreating </strong></h2>

<p>The researchers found that from 2016 to 2023, LaGuardia’s runways and Arthur Ashe Stadium was sinking at 3.7 and 4.6 millimetres per year, respectively.</p>

<p>While the whole city is sinking under the weight of skyscrapers, the newly identified hotspots are dipping because they sit atop an ancient glacier that is retreating.</p>

<p>And this is happening because of dual factors—natural and human, the study noted.</p>

<p>The ancient glacier covered most of New England about 24,000 years ago, and a wall of ice more than a mile high covered what is today Albany in upstate New York.</p>

<h2><strong>Some areas are getting uplifted </strong></h2>

<p>Interestingly, the team also found areas which are moving up.</p>

<p>East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and Woodside, Queens areas were found to be rising by about 1.6 mm and 6.9 mm per year respectively.</p>

<p>The study’s co-author Robert Kopp of Rutgers University believe that groundwater pumping and injection wells used to treat polluted water may have played a role in the uplift of these areas, but added that further investigation is needed.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-pakistan-leaders-engage-in-fistfight-on-live-tv-during-heated-debate-640657">Watch | Pakistan leaders engage in fistfight on live TV during heated debate</a></p>

<p>The study was done by a team of NASA scientists and researchers at Rutgers University in New Jersey to analyse the 302.6-square-mile city of five boroughs: Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-us-secretary-of-state-antony-blinken-wows-audience-with-his-legit-singing-640641">Watch: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken wows audience with his singing</a></p>

<p>They measured the upward and downward vertical land motion, or the uplift and subsidence, in New York City from 2016 to 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The work involved using an interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) remote sensing technique, which combines two or more 3D observations of the same region to reveal surface motion or topography.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


New York, one of the most populous cities in the US known for its bustling skyscrapers, is sinking under its own weight, a study done by NASA has warned. The research conducted by scientists from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Rutgers University has pinpointed various locations in the city which are sinking at varying rates than the whole city.

New York, one of the most populous cities in the US known for its bustling skyscrapers, is sinking under its own weight, a study done by NASA has warned. The research conducted by scientists from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Rutgers University has pinpointed various locations in the city which are sinking at varying rates than the whole city. The scientists said the sinking rate in these locations is faster than the average 1.6 millimetres per year experienced by the rest of NYC. Among the areas which have been observed to be sinking faster are LaGuardia Airport, Arthur Ashe Stadium and Coney Island. A city sitting atop ancient glacier that is now retreating The researchers found that from 2016 to 2023, LaGuardia’s runways and Arthur Ashe Stadium was sinking at 3.7 and 4.6 millimetres per year, respectively. While the whole city is sinking under the weight of skyscrapers, the newly identified hotspots are dipping because they sit atop an ancient glacier that is retreating. And this is happening because of dual factors—natural and human, the study noted. The ancient glacier covered most of New England about 24,000 years ago, and a wall of ice more than a mile high covered what is today Albany in upstate New York. Some areas are getting uplifted Interestingly, the team also found areas which are moving up. East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and Woodside, Queens areas were found to be rising by about 1.6 mm and 6.9 mm per year respectively. The study’s co-author Robert Kopp of Rutgers University believe that groundwater pumping and injection wells used to treat polluted water may have played a role in the uplift of these areas, but added that further investigation is needed. Also read | Watch | Pakistan leaders engage in fistfight on live TV during heated debate The study was done by a team of NASA scientists and researchers at Rutgers University in New Jersey to analyse the 302.6-square-mile city of five boroughs: Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island. Also read | Watch: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken wows audience with his singing They measured the upward and downward vertical land motion, or the uplift and subsidence, in New York City from 2016 to 2023. The work involved using an interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) remote sensing technique, which combines two or more 3D observations of the same region to reveal surface motion or topography. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Some areas in New York sinking faster than whole city, says NASA

<p>The latest observations of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope have hinted at the presence of a building block of life – carbon – inside the global ocean on Europa, one of the icy moons of Jupiter.<br />
<br />
The James Webb Space Telescope was used by two independent teams of astronomers to observe the frozen surface of Europa. Each analysis of the detections of the space observatory revealed the presence of abundant carbon dioxide within a specific area of the frigid terrain.</p>

<p>The two studies described the findings which were published in the journal Science on September 21.<br />
<br />
“On Earth, life likes chemical diversity — the more diversity, the better. We’re carbon-based life. Understanding the chemistry of Europa’s ocean will help us determine whether it’s hostile to life as we know it, or if it might be a good place for life,” stated Geronimo Villanueva, lead author of the first study and planetary scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Centre in Greenbelt, Maryland, in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/amateur-japanese-astronomer-captures-bright-flash-in-jupiters-atmosphere-636502">Amateur Japanese astronomer captures bright flash in Jupiter's atmosphere</a></p>

<p>Apart from Earth, Europa is among the several ocean worlds present in our solar system where scientists feel life could exist.<br />
<br />
Europa has a thick ice shell beneath which a subsurface global ocean exists, which may contain twice the amount of water present on the oceans of the planet.<br />
<br />
However environments, which are suitable for the existence of life, require more than water: an energy source and a supply of organic molecules, according to NASA.<br />
<br />
After Webb's data revealed that carbon is present on Europa’s surface, an analysis was conducted by the researchers to understand if it was delivered by meteorites, or if it originated from the internal ocean.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: A chunk of asteroid is coming to earth</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-chunk-of-asteroid-is-coming-to-earth-638712/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>In the observations, carbon dioxide was seen concentrated in a region of “chaos terrain” on Europa known as Tara Regio. The geologically young area is filled with ice which has been resurfaced and disrupted, which further suggests that the material was exchanged between the surface and the ocean.</p>

<h2><strong>Carbon dioxide is not stable on Europa's surface</strong></h2>

<p>Carbon dioxide is not stable on the surface of Europa, which further led the two teams to the same conclusion, that it originated from the ocean.<br />
<br />
“We now think that we have observational evidence that the carbon we see on Europa’s surface came from the ocean. That’s not a trivial thing. Carbon is a biologically essential element,” stated Samantha Trumbo, lead author of the second study and a 51 Pegasi B Fellow at Cornell University, in a statement.<br />
<br />
The Hubble Space Telescope had earlier spotted ocean-derived salt in the same region. “We think this implies that the carbon probably has its ultimate origin in the internal ocean,” said Trumbo.</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for&nbsp;wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


The latest observations of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope have hinted at the presence of a building block of life – carbon – inside the global ocean on Europa, one of the icy moons of Jupiter.

The latest observations of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope have hinted at the presence of a building block of life – carbon – inside the global ocean on Europa, one of the icy moons of Jupiter. The James Webb Space Telescope was used by two independent teams of astronomers to observe the frozen surface of Europa. Each analysis of the detections of the space observatory revealed the presence of abundant carbon dioxide within a specific area of the frigid terrain. The two studies described the findings which were published in the journal Science on September 21. “On Earth, life likes chemical diversity — the more diversity, the better. We’re carbon-based life. Understanding the chemistry of Europa’s ocean will help us determine whether it’s hostile to life as we know it, or if it might be a good place for life,” stated Geronimo Villanueva, lead author of the first study and planetary scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Centre in Greenbelt, Maryland, in a statement. ALSO READ | Amateur Japanese astronomer captures bright flash in Jupiter's atmosphere Apart from Earth, Europa is among the several ocean worlds present in our solar system where scientists feel life could exist. Europa has a thick ice shell beneath which a subsurface global ocean exists, which may contain twice the amount of water present on the oceans of the planet. However environments, which are suitable for the existence of life, require more than water: an energy source and a supply of organic molecules, according to NASA. After Webb's data revealed that carbon is present on Europa’s surface, an analysis was conducted by the researchers to understand if it was delivered by meteorites, or if it originated from the internal ocean. WATCH | Gravitas: A chunk of asteroid is coming to earth In the observations, carbon dioxide was seen concentrated in a region of “chaos terrain” on Europa known as Tara Regio. The geologically young area is filled with ice which has been resurfaced and disrupted, which further suggests that the material was exchanged between the surface and the ocean. Carbon dioxide is not stable on Europa's surface Carbon dioxide is not stable on the surface of Europa, which further led the two teams to the same conclusion, that it originated from the ocean. “We now think that we have observational evidence that the carbon we see on Europa’s surface came from the ocean. That’s not a trivial thing. Carbon is a biologically essential element,” stated Samantha Trumbo, lead author of the second study and a 51 Pegasi B Fellow at Cornell University, in a statement. The Hubble Space Telescope had earlier spotted ocean-derived salt in the same region. “We think this implies that the carbon probably has its ultimate origin in the internal ocean,” said Trumbo. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Life on Jupiter's moon? NASA's James Webb spots a building blocks on Europa

<p>In the vast expanse of space, astronauts aboard the Russian space station Mir in 1988 encountered an unexpected and curious visitor.</p>

<p>Cosmonauts aboard the space station realised that something, maybe an alien intruder, was blanketing a station window from the outside.</p>

<p>This intruder turned to be fungi, something that is anything but alien to us, yet in space it was an unwanted stowaway that had hitched a ride to the cosmos. Its vehicle of choice: the cosmonauts themselves.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here's why scientists don't hate this piggyback passenger:</p>

<h2><strong>Adaptation and survival</strong></h2>

<p>The fungi managed to adapt to the harsh space environment so well that not only did it survive, but it thrived on windows, control panels, air conditioners, and cable insulators.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It even managed to infiltrate the crew's food and water supply.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-rare-stunning-electric-blue-coloured-tarantula-species-in-thailands-lush-jungles-640279">Scientists discover rare, stunning electric blue coloured Tarantula species in Thailand's lush jungles</a></strong></p>

<p>While this incident marked the first time fungi were found causing significant damage to a space station, it wouldn't be the last.</p>

<p>As insidious as it may sound, in the grand cosmic journey, space travellers are never truly alone. Rather than fear this reality, scientists are embracing it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A team affiliated with the European Space Agency (ESA) has, as per Space.com, now embarked on hypergravity experiments with fungi. They want to unlock the secrets of fungi's survival in space's unforgiving conditions.</p>

<h2><strong>Why are scientists excited about fungi?</strong></h2>

<p>Understanding how fungi thrived in harsh space environments could pave the way for using it in the construction of off-world settlements and potentially incorporating them into space medications.</p>

<p>As per the report, spacefaring fungal species are like interstellar sleuths, lying dormant during launch and space travel before they "activate" to form thick, living mats in various regions of the space station.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These mats pose threats to astronaut health and jeopardise vital station components, including electronics and plumbing.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-to-work-with-nasa-and-manage-traffic-around-aditya-l1s-destination-640261">ISRO to work with NASA and manage traffic around Aditya-L1's destination&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>Even though since the 1988 incident, diligent efforts have been made to establish robust cleaning routines for eradicating fungi from station walls and equipment before they wreak havoc, it survives.</p>

<p>Scientists realised that studying fungal growth and behaviour in microgravity, particularly their adaptability in repairing DNA damage caused by space radiation, can actually be really helpful for long-term space missions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As André Antunes, a researcher at Macau University of Science and Technology in China, noted, "We are never going to be able to get rid of fungi entirely as we venture into space, so we need to understand them."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Research with fungi</strong></h2>

<p>In 2016, researchers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory conducted research by launching fungi, specifically Aspergillus nidulans, to the International Space Station (ISS).&nbsp;The experiment aimed to investigate how the ISS environment induced the fungus to produce molecules not typically found on Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similar investigations into fungal behaviour are currently underway on Earth, with the ESA studying fungal colony growth in "hypergravity" conditions, where artificially created gravity up to 20 times Earth's force was employed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This two-week research effort, conducted at ESA's space technology and development centre in the Netherlands, sought to understand how fully grown fungal species respond to stress-inducing conditions.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


In the vast expanse of space, astronauts aboard the Russian space station Mir in 1988 encountered an unexpected and curious visitor. Cosmonauts aboard the space station realised that something, maybe an alien intruder, was blanketing a station window from the outside.

In the vast expanse of space, astronauts aboard the Russian space station Mir in 1988 encountered an unexpected and curious visitor. Cosmonauts aboard the space station realised that something, maybe an alien intruder, was blanketing a station window from the outside. This intruder turned to be fungi, something that is anything but alien to us, yet in space it was an unwanted stowaway that had hitched a ride to the cosmos. Its vehicle of choice: the cosmonauts themselves. Here's why scientists don't hate this piggyback passenger: Adaptation and survival The fungi managed to adapt to the harsh space environment so well that not only did it survive, but it thrived on windows, control panels, air conditioners, and cable insulators. It even managed to infiltrate the crew's food and water supply. Also read | Scientists discover rare, stunning electric blue coloured Tarantula species in Thailand's lush jungles While this incident marked the first time fungi were found causing significant damage to a space station, it wouldn't be the last. As insidious as it may sound, in the grand cosmic journey, space travellers are never truly alone. Rather than fear this reality, scientists are embracing it. A team affiliated with the European Space Agency (ESA) has, as per Space.com, now embarked on hypergravity experiments with fungi. They want to unlock the secrets of fungi's survival in space's unforgiving conditions. Why are scientists excited about fungi? Understanding how fungi thrived in harsh space environments could pave the way for using it in the construction of off-world settlements and potentially incorporating them into space medications. As per the report, spacefaring fungal species are like interstellar sleuths, lying dormant during launch and space travel before they "activate" to form thick, living mats in various regions of the space station. These mats pose threats to astronaut health and jeopardise vital station components, including electronics and plumbing. Also read | ISRO to work with NASA and manage traffic around Aditya-L1's destination Even though since the 1988 incident, diligent efforts have been made to establish robust cleaning routines for eradicating fungi from station walls and equipment before they wreak havoc, it survives. Scientists realised that studying fungal growth and behaviour in microgravity, particularly their adaptability in repairing DNA damage caused by space radiation, can actually be really helpful for long-term space missions. As André Antunes, a researcher at Macau University of Science and Technology in China, noted, "We are never going to be able to get rid of fungi entirely as we venture into space, so we need to understand them." Research with fungi In 2016, researchers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory conducted research by launching fungi, specifically Aspergillus nidulans, to the International Space Station (ISS). The experiment aimed to investigate how the ISS environment induced the fungus to produce molecules not typically found on Earth. Similar investigations into fungal behaviour are currently underway on Earth, with the ESA studying fungal colony growth in "hypergravity" conditions, where artificially created gravity up to 20 times Earth's force was employed. This two-week research effort, conducted at ESA's space technology and development centre in the Netherlands, sought to understand how fully grown fungal species respond to stress-inducing conditions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Fungi's cosmic journey: From unwanted space stowaway to scientific fascination for its resilience

<p>NASA shared the image of a celestial body on its Instagram page and asked netizens to guess its name. The image shared showed a white celestial body with a broad ring around it, giving it the appearance of a&nbsp;dumpling or ravioli.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA’s official Instagram page captioned it, “Ravioli, pierogi, empanada...What do you see? No wrong answers.”</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CxoWBD_pFhM/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CxoWBD_pFhM/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CxoWBD_pFhM/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CxoWBD_pFhM/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by NASA (@nasa)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Turns out, the object shown in the picture is the innermost moon of Saturn called Pan. The image of Pan was captured by NASA’s Cassini spacecraft.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/alien-life-unlike-humans-may-not-be-carbon-based-suggests-new-study-639916">Alien life, unlike humans, may not be carbon-based, suggests new study</a></p>

<p>The American space agency further wrote in the caption, “Pan, the innermost of Saturn’s known moons, orbits the planet from inside a gap in one of Saturn's rings.”</p>

<h2><strong>Pan: Saturn’s innermost moon</strong></h2>

<p>The planet Saturn has many moons and&nbsp;a whopping 145 of them are known and named. Pan is one of those moons, and not just that, it is the innermost moon of the ringed planet. Pan is a small, walnut-shaped moon approximately 35 km and 23 km wide that orbits the Encke Gap, a part of Saturn’s A Ring. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Pan is responsible for keeping the Encke Gap free of ring particles. It is sometimes described as having the appearance of ravioli, the reason why NASA captioned it as ‘ravioli’</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dangerous-rat-borne-disease-threatens-southeastern-us-warn-scientists-639873">Dangerous rat-borne disease threatens southeastern US, warn scientists</a></p>

<h2><strong>Netizens react with witty comments</strong></h2>

<p>NASA added that the moon was first discovered by MR Showalter in 1990 using the images taken by Voyager 2 spacecraft.⁣ These recent images of Pan were captured by the Cassini spacecraft while passing within 15,300 miles (24,600 km) of the moon. It is also the spacecraft's closest encounter with Pan.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/not-dyson-sphere-search-other-technosignatures-to-search-for-aliens-study-639804">Not Dyson Sphere, search other technosignatures to find aliens: Study</a></p>

<p>NASA said that the two images shared of Pan were taken from different perspectives - one from above the moon and the other from below the moon. The moon appears to have a flat ridge around its midpoint, and lines that look like they were scraped across its surface, wrote NASA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Netizens&nbsp;were not only fascinated by the images but also spun some seriously funny puns.</p>

<p>One user wrote, “Ravioli can be cooked on Pans right?” Another user described it as “cabbage.”</p>

<p>One user called it the “Strangest moon ever! It's looks like a hat from upper view”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


NASA shared the image of a celestial body on its Instagram page and asked netizens to guess its name. The image shared showed a white celestial body with a broad ring around it, giving it the appearance of a dumpling or ravioli.

NASA shared the image of a celestial body on its Instagram page and asked netizens to guess its name. The image shared showed a white celestial body with a broad ring around it, giving it the appearance of a dumpling or ravioli. NASA’s official Instagram page captioned it, “Ravioli, pierogi, empanada...What do you see? No wrong answers.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA (@nasa) × Turns out, the object shown in the picture is the innermost moon of Saturn called Pan. The image of Pan was captured by NASA’s Cassini spacecraft. Also Read | Alien life, unlike humans, may not be carbon-based, suggests new study The American space agency further wrote in the caption, “Pan, the innermost of Saturn’s known moons, orbits the planet from inside a gap in one of Saturn's rings.” Pan: Saturn’s innermost moon The planet Saturn has many moons and a whopping 145 of them are known and named. Pan is one of those moons, and not just that, it is the innermost moon of the ringed planet. Pan is a small, walnut-shaped moon approximately 35 km and 23 km wide that orbits the Encke Gap, a part of Saturn’s A Ring. Pan is responsible for keeping the Encke Gap free of ring particles. It is sometimes described as having the appearance of ravioli, the reason why NASA captioned it as ‘ravioli’ Also Read | Dangerous rat-borne disease threatens southeastern US, warn scientists Netizens react with witty comments NASA added that the moon was first discovered by MR Showalter in 1990 using the images taken by Voyager 2 spacecraft.⁣ These recent images of Pan were captured by the Cassini spacecraft while passing within 15,300 miles (24,600 km) of the moon. It is also the spacecraft's closest encounter with Pan. Also Read | Not Dyson Sphere, search other technosignatures to find aliens: Study NASA said that the two images shared of Pan were taken from different perspectives - one from above the moon and the other from below the moon. The moon appears to have a flat ridge around its midpoint, and lines that look like they were scraped across its surface, wrote NASA. Netizens were not only fascinated by the images but also spun some seriously funny puns. One user wrote, “Ravioli can be cooked on Pans right?” Another user described it as “cabbage.” One user called it the “Strangest moon ever! It's looks like a hat from upper view”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

A cabbage? Ravioli? Walnut? A weird celestial body has left netizens intrigued

<p>Before heading on out a long drive, don't we assess the traffic situation and look at the possible bottlenecks on an app? Likewise, space agencies constantly monitor what is known as 'Space Situational Awareness' (SSA). Simply put, SSA is like the traffic data for a particular region in space - it mentions the number of spacecraft or crewed crafts operating in orbit and also helps predict the risk of them coming within the vicinity of each other and even colliding.</p>

<p>Based on such data and resultant calculations, each space agency draws its own conclusion and decides to manoeuvre its spacecraft and prevent danger, while also sharing information with the other concerned parties (nations or private firms) who operate spacecraft in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Launched into Earth's orbit on Sep 2, India's Aditya-L1 craft had been circling the Earth and gradually pushing itself further away from Earth&nbsp;for a little more than two weeks. On Sep 18, the craft slingshot itself totally out of Earth's orbit and commenced a journey that would take it to its destination- the Earth-Sun Lagrangian Point 1, which is 1.5 million kilometres away from Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/india-news/business-economy/adityal1-what-you-should-know-about-indias-sun-mission-1691567967035"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Aditya-L1: What You Should Know about India's Sun Mission</strong></a></p>

<p>L1 is a significant vantage point because it is situated between the Sun and Earth, making it an ideal location for spacecraft, as this spot allows continuous observation of the Sun. From the L1 point, spacecraft can continuously communicate with the ground stations on Earth and have an unobstructed view of celestial bodies. These orbits are well-suited for scientific missions like Aditya which will act like a solar observatory around L1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the past, various missions have stayed put at the Sun-Earth L1 point, including the International Sun-Earth Explorer (ISEE-3), the Genesis mission, ESA's LISA Pathfinder, China's Chang'e 5 lunar orbiter, and NASA's Gravity Recovery and Interior Recovery (GRAIL) mission. These missions have contributed to mankind's understanding of space and the ability to monitor space weather events.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India sun mission Aditya-L1 begins collecting data from distance of 50,000 km&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-sun-mission-aditya-l1-begins-collecting-data-from-distance-of-50000-kms-world-dna-637371/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>At present, four operational spacecraft are stationed at the Sun-Earth L1 point. They provide vital early warnings on adverse space weather events that help protect orbiting space assets and ground-based infrastructure. The four crafts are- NASA WIND(to observe the unperturbed solar wind before reaching the magnetosphere of Earth), NASA-ESA SOHO(Solar and Heliospheric Observatory- to study the sun and Heliosphere) NASA ACE(Advanced Composition Explorer - observe particles of the solar wind, and of galactic origins) and NASA DSCOVER (Deep Space Climate Observatory to Monitor space weather and climate, deep space Earth observation).&nbsp;</p>

<p>While there are only four crafts that are far apart circling the L1 point, and India's Aditya expected to join them as the fifth in January 2024, it is still necessary to assess the traffic and possible collision risk. "Despite the extremely sparse population in L1 point and the vast separation between them, close approach assessment for an operational spacecraft at Lagrange Point Orbit (LPO) is desirable because of the large positional uncertainty and sensitivity to other perturbative forces," ISRO said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Generally, to determine the orbit of crafts circling Lagrangian Point 1, tracking data collected over a few days is required. The accuracy of the orbit so calculated might not be very accurate. Therefore, ISRO said that they plan to carry out such analysis periodically to ensure safety and avoid any possibility of close approaches with other neighbouring spacecraft, with the support from NASA-JPL.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is common for space agencies to predict the path and orbit of their satellites. In case a close approach or risk of collision with another nation's satellite is predicted, then both involved parties take a decision to manoeuvre one or both of their crafts. For example, India's Chandrayaan 2 orbiter which circles the moon, had to avoid collision with foreign satellites on many instances, over the last four years.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Before heading on out a long drive, don't we assess the traffic situation and look at the possible bottlenecks on an app? Likewise, space agencies constantly monitor what is known as 'Space Situational Awareness' (SSA).

Before heading on out a long drive, don't we assess the traffic situation and look at the possible bottlenecks on an app? Likewise, space agencies constantly monitor what is known as 'Space Situational Awareness' (SSA). Simply put, SSA is like the traffic data for a particular region in space - it mentions the number of spacecraft or crewed crafts operating in orbit and also helps predict the risk of them coming within the vicinity of each other and even colliding. Based on such data and resultant calculations, each space agency draws its own conclusion and decides to manoeuvre its spacecraft and prevent danger, while also sharing information with the other concerned parties (nations or private firms) who operate spacecraft in the region. Launched into Earth's orbit on Sep 2, India's Aditya-L1 craft had been circling the Earth and gradually pushing itself further away from Earth for a little more than two weeks. On Sep 18, the craft slingshot itself totally out of Earth's orbit and commenced a journey that would take it to its destination- the Earth-Sun Lagrangian Point 1, which is 1.5 million kilometres away from Earth. Also read: Aditya-L1: What You Should Know about India's Sun Mission L1 is a significant vantage point because it is situated between the Sun and Earth, making it an ideal location for spacecraft, as this spot allows continuous observation of the Sun. From the L1 point, spacecraft can continuously communicate with the ground stations on Earth and have an unobstructed view of celestial bodies. These orbits are well-suited for scientific missions like Aditya which will act like a solar observatory around L1. In the past, various missions have stayed put at the Sun-Earth L1 point, including the International Sun-Earth Explorer (ISEE-3), the Genesis mission, ESA's LISA Pathfinder, China's Chang'e 5 lunar orbiter, and NASA's Gravity Recovery and Interior Recovery (GRAIL) mission. These missions have contributed to mankind's understanding of space and the ability to monitor space weather events. Watch: India sun mission Aditya-L1 begins collecting data from distance of 50,000 km × At present, four operational spacecraft are stationed at the Sun-Earth L1 point. They provide vital early warnings on adverse space weather events that help protect orbiting space assets and ground-based infrastructure. The four crafts are- NASA WIND(to observe the unperturbed solar wind before reaching the magnetosphere of Earth), NASA-ESA SOHO(Solar and Heliospheric Observatory- to study the sun and Heliosphere) NASA ACE(Advanced Composition Explorer - observe particles of the solar wind, and of galactic origins) and NASA DSCOVER (Deep Space Climate Observatory to Monitor space weather and climate, deep space Earth observation). While there are only four crafts that are far apart circling the L1 point, and India's Aditya expected to join them as the fifth in January 2024, it is still necessary to assess the traffic and possible collision risk. "Despite the extremely sparse population in L1 point and the vast separation between them, close approach assessment for an operational spacecraft at Lagrange Point Orbit (LPO) is desirable because of the large positional uncertainty and sensitivity to other perturbative forces," ISRO said. Generally, to determine the orbit of crafts circling Lagrangian Point 1, tracking data collected over a few days is required. The accuracy of the orbit so calculated might not be very accurate. Therefore, ISRO said that they plan to carry out such analysis periodically to ensure safety and avoid any possibility of close approaches with other neighbouring spacecraft, with the support from NASA-JPL. It is common for space agencies to predict the path and orbit of their satellites. In case a close approach or risk of collision with another nation's satellite is predicted, then both involved parties take a decision to manoeuvre one or both of their crafts. For example, India's Chandrayaan 2 orbiter which circles the moon, had to avoid collision with foreign satellites on many instances, over the last four years. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

ISRO to work with NASA and manage traffic around Aditya-L1's destination 

<p>Astronaut Lt. Col. Frank Rubio, M.D., from the US&nbsp;Army and NASA, is concluding his historic stint in space this Wednesday (Sept&nbsp;27). He will be departing from the International Space Station (ISS) alongside two Russian cosmonauts aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft, scheduled to undock at 3:55 am,&nbsp;Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on Wednesday and head back to Earth.</p>

<p>NASA TV will provide live coverage of the deorbit burn and landing, starting at 6:00 am&nbsp;EDT, with the spacecraft expected to touch down in Kazakhstan at 7:17 am&nbsp;EDT. Following the landing, Rubio will make his way to Houston, Texas.</p>

<h2><strong>Rubio's milestone&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Rubio's mission on the ISS has lasted an impressive 371 days, surpassing NASA's previous record for the longest spaceflight by an American astronaut, previously held by Mark Vande Hei with 355 days.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-nasa-fetches-celestial-cargo-to-earth-heres-why-bennu-asteroid-samples-matter-639472">Explained | NASA sends Bennu asteroid samples to Earth. Here's why the celestial cargo matters</a></p>

<p>Rubio, an active-duty Army physician and NASA astronaut, is part of the US&nbsp;Army Space and Missile Defence Command's Army Astronaut Detachment.</p>

<p>He was one of the ten people&nbsp;selected out of a pool of over 18,000 applicants for the 2017 Astronaut Candidate Class.</p>

<p>Originally slated for a six-month mission on the ISS, Rubio's stay was extended due to the discovery and subsequent investigation of a coolant leak on the spacecraft.</p>

<p>He recently spoke with the media about his groundbreaking mission while aboard the International Space Station.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">NASA Astronaut Frank Rubio returns to Earth tomorrow after 371 days in space.<br />
<br />
Watch live coverage on <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA</a> TV at 12 a.m. ET, landing targeted for 7:17 am. ET Sept. 27. <a href="https://t.co/MicojH1bxf">https://t.co/MicojH1bxf</a> <a href="https://t.co/vYI96f9kNE">pic.twitter.com/vYI96f9kNE</a></p>
— NASA's Johnson Space Center (@NASA_Johnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA_Johnson/status/1706683731786846371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Journey to space</strong></h2>

<p>Rubio's journey to the space station occurred through a collaborative arrangement between NASA and Roscosmos, which was established in the summer of 2022 as part of a crew-exchange agreement.</p>

<p>Under this agreement, NASA assigned Rubio to travel aboard the Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft, while Roscosmos placed cosmonaut Anna Kikina on a SpaceX Crew Dragon mission that launched in October 2022 and returned on March 11.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;NASA's spacecraft lands successfully | First-ever poetry written by AI</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasas-spacecraft-lands-successfully-first-ever-poetry-written-by-ai-trending-on-wion-639357/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Despite the escalating geopolitical tensions between the United States and Russia due to the conflict in Ukraine, NASA has consistently emphasised the critical importance of its partnership with Roscosmos for the continued operation of the space station and the valuable scientific research conducted on board.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


Astronaut Lt. Col. Frank Rubio, M.D., from the US Army and NASA, is concluding his historic stint in space this Wednesday (Sept 27). He will be departing from the International Space Station (ISS) alongside two Russian cosmonauts aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft, scheduled to undock at 3:55 am, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on Wednesday and head back to Earth.

Astronaut Lt. Col. Frank Rubio, M.D., from the US Army and NASA, is concluding his historic stint in space this Wednesday (Sept 27). He will be departing from the International Space Station (ISS) alongside two Russian cosmonauts aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft, scheduled to undock at 3:55 am, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on Wednesday and head back to Earth. NASA TV will provide live coverage of the deorbit burn and landing, starting at 6:00 am EDT, with the spacecraft expected to touch down in Kazakhstan at 7:17 am EDT. Following the landing, Rubio will make his way to Houston, Texas. Rubio's milestone Rubio's mission on the ISS has lasted an impressive 371 days, surpassing NASA's previous record for the longest spaceflight by an American astronaut, previously held by Mark Vande Hei with 355 days. Also read | Explained | NASA sends Bennu asteroid samples to Earth. Here's why the celestial cargo matters Rubio, an active-duty Army physician and NASA astronaut, is part of the US Army Space and Missile Defence Command's Army Astronaut Detachment. He was one of the ten people selected out of a pool of over 18,000 applicants for the 2017 Astronaut Candidate Class. Originally slated for a six-month mission on the ISS, Rubio's stay was extended due to the discovery and subsequent investigation of a coolant leak on the spacecraft. He recently spoke with the media about his groundbreaking mission while aboard the International Space Station. NASA Astronaut Frank Rubio returns to Earth tomorrow after 371 days in space. Watch live coverage on @NASA TV at 12 a.m. ET, landing targeted for 7:17 am. ET Sept. 27. https://t.co/MicojH1bxf pic.twitter.com/vYI96f9kNE — NASA's Johnson Space Center (@NASA_Johnson) September 26, 2023 × Journey to space Rubio's journey to the space station occurred through a collaborative arrangement between NASA and Roscosmos, which was established in the summer of 2022 as part of a crew-exchange agreement. Under this agreement, NASA assigned Rubio to travel aboard the Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft, while Roscosmos placed cosmonaut Anna Kikina on a SpaceX Crew Dragon mission that launched in October 2022 and returned on March 11. Also watch | NASA's spacecraft lands successfully | First-ever poetry written by AI Despite the escalating geopolitical tensions between the United States and Russia due to the conflict in Ukraine, NASA has consistently emphasised the critical importance of its partnership with Roscosmos for the continued operation of the space station and the valuable scientific research conducted on board. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Astronaut returns to Earth after a record-breaking stay in space. Watch LIVE!

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - NASA's spacecraft lands successfully with largest sample collected from asteroid, European Space Agency releases photo of Earth split in day and night, first-ever poetry written by AI sounds too 'disturbing', Another Coronavirus on the way? This is what China's top virologist 'Batwoman' thinks.

NASA's spacecraft lands successfully | First-ever poetry written by AI | Trending on WION

nasa

Nasa, News on Nasa, stories on Nasa, articles on Nasa, Nasa stories at Wion, Nasa news, Nasa latest news