Earth observation satellite jointly developed by NASA and ISRO is all set to be shipped to India this month. India-NASA had joined hands in 2014 to build the 2,800 kilogram satellite 'NISAR', that will likely be launched from India early 2024.

NASA-ISRO satellite 'NISAR' to map earth's surface

<p>The Curiosity rover of NASA discovered wave-rippled rocks on planet Mars, which is evidence of the presence of an ancient lake, in a comparatively dry area, said the US space agency on Wednesday.&nbsp;"This is the best evidence of water and waves that we've seen in the entire mission," stated Ashwin Vasavada, who works as Curiosity's project scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California.</p>

<p>The rover, which has been exploring Mars since 2012, sent stunning pictures of rocks' surfaces covered with rippled patterns which seemed to have been created by the waves of a shallow lake almost billions of years ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-webb-gets-photobombed-by-a-colosseum-sized-asteroid-559500/amp">NASA's Webb gets 'photobombed' by a Colosseum-sized asteroid</a></p>

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<p>The evidence that once parts of Mars were covered by lakes was previously discovered by Curiosity in the salty minerals that it left behind when the area dried up.</p>

<p>However, the scientists at NASA were surprised to discover such stark evidence of the presence of water in the Gale Crater, which is now being explored by the rover.</p>

<p>"We've climbed through many lake deposits during our mission but have never seen wave ripples this clearly. This was especially surprising because the area we're in probably formed at a time when Mars was becoming more dry," said Vasavada, in a statement.</p>

<p>The foothills of a three-mile (five-kilometre) tall mountain, which is called Mount Sharp, are being explored by the Curiosity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA stated that debris was also spotted by the rover in the valley, which the wet landslides on Mount Sharp had washed down.</p>

<p>"This landslide debris is probably the most recent evidence of water that we'll ever see. It will allow us to study layers higher up on Mount Sharp that we can't reach," Vasavada said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | NASA's Dart mission: The world's first planetary defence</strong></p>

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<p>NASA stated that a sort of "Martian timeline" has been provided by Mount Sharp to scientists with the presence of the oldest layers at the bottom and the youngest at the top.</p>

<p>This allows them to "study how Mars evolved from a planet that was more Earth-like in its ancient past, with a warmer climate and plentiful water, to the freezing desert it is today," it stated.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Curiosity rover of NASA discovered wave-rippled rocks on planet Mars, which is evidence of the presence of an ancient lake, in a comparatively dry area, said the US space agency on Wednesday.

The Curiosity rover of NASA discovered wave-rippled rocks on planet Mars, which is evidence of the presence of an ancient lake, in a comparatively dry area, said the US space agency on Wednesday. "This is the best evidence of water and waves that we've seen in the entire mission," stated Ashwin Vasavada, who works as Curiosity's project scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. The rover, which has been exploring Mars since 2012, sent stunning pictures of rocks' surfaces covered with rippled patterns which seemed to have been created by the waves of a shallow lake almost billions of years ago. ALSO READ | NASA's Webb gets 'photobombed' by a Colosseum-sized asteroid The evidence that once parts of Mars were covered by lakes was previously discovered by Curiosity in the salty minerals that it left behind when the area dried up. However, the scientists at NASA were surprised to discover such stark evidence of the presence of water in the Gale Crater, which is now being explored by the rover. "We've climbed through many lake deposits during our mission but have never seen wave ripples this clearly. This was especially surprising because the area we're in probably formed at a time when Mars was becoming more dry," said Vasavada, in a statement. The foothills of a three-mile (five-kilometre) tall mountain, which is called Mount Sharp, are being explored by the Curiosity. NASA stated that debris was also spotted by the rover in the valley, which the wet landslides on Mount Sharp had washed down. "This landslide debris is probably the most recent evidence of water that we'll ever see. It will allow us to study layers higher up on Mount Sharp that we can't reach," Vasavada said. WATCH | NASA's Dart mission: The world's first planetary defence NASA stated that a sort of "Martian timeline" has been provided by Mount Sharp to scientists with the presence of the oldest layers at the bottom and the youngest at the top. This allows them to "study how Mars evolved from a planet that was more Earth-like in its ancient past, with a warmer climate and plentiful water, to the freezing desert it is today," it stated. (With inputs from agencies) 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 Curiosity rover discovers wave-rippled rocks on Mars

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<p>An asteroid, previously unknown and roughly the size of Rome's Colosseum has been detected by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. It is the smallest cosmic object that Webb has discovered to date.</p>

<p>NASA took to its social media handles to inform about the discovery saying the asteroid had photobombed the Webb telescope.</p>

<p>The asteroid is between 300 to 650 feet (100 to 200 meters) in length and was discovered by European astronomers using Webb's Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI). It was Webb's insane capability that a roughly 100-metre object at a distance of more than 100 million kilometres could be detected.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This is a fantastic result which highlights the capabilities of MIRI to serendipitously detect a previously undetectable size of asteroid in the main belt. Repeats of these observations are in the process of being scheduled, and we are fully expecting new asteroid interlopers in those images," said Thomas Müller, an astronomer at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics in Germany.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-nasa-crashes-a-spacecraft-into-an-asteroid-520288"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | NASA crashes a spacecraft into an asteroid</strong></a></p>

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<p>The scientists informed that the main objective of the mission could not be achieved. However, after analysing the data, they "serendipitously detected" the new asteroid.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Our results show that even ‘failed’ Webb observations can be scientifically useful, if you have the right mindset and a little bit of luck," added Müller.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-alert-a-stadium-sized-space-rock-is-hurtling-towards-earth-365317" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: Asteroid alert: A 'stadium sized' space rock is hurtling towards Earth</strong></a></p>

<p>The asteroid has been found in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. The belt was first discovered by astronomers in 1998.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Teeny tiny photobomb! 📸<br />
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Scientists found a surprise while looking through test data from Webb’s MIRI instrument. Webb serendipitously captured an asteroid (illustrated here) just 100-200 meters in length — likely its smallest object seen yet: <a href="https://t.co/3wuGJXhQpP">https://t.co/3wuGJXhQpP</a> <a href="https://t.co/JoBJE19lud">pic.twitter.com/JoBJE19lud</a></p>
— NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAWebb/status/1622612790350385153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The premier space agency added that more observations were required to better characterize the asteroid's nature and properties.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/an-asteroid-bigger-than-statue-of-unity-to-hurtle-dangerously-close-to-earth-503543" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: An asteroid bigger than Statue of Unity to hurtle dangerously close to Earth</strong></a></p>

<p>To this date, astronomers across the world have managed to determine the exact location of over 1.1 million asteroids. However, akin to the new asteroid discovered by Webb, many remain unknown. Webb's infrared telescope, the most powerful in the world could help find the location of the remaining.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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An asteroid, previously unknown and roughly the size of Rome's Colosseum has been detected by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. It is the smallest cosmic object that Webb has discovered to date.

An asteroid, previously unknown and roughly the size of Rome's Colosseum has been detected by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. It is the smallest cosmic object that Webb has discovered to date. NASA took to its social media handles to inform about the discovery saying the asteroid had photobombed the Webb telescope. The asteroid is between 300 to 650 feet (100 to 200 meters) in length and was discovered by European astronomers using Webb's Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI). It was Webb's insane capability that a roughly 100-metre object at a distance of more than 100 million kilometres could be detected. “This is a fantastic result which highlights the capabilities of MIRI to serendipitously detect a previously undetectable size of asteroid in the main belt. Repeats of these observations are in the process of being scheduled, and we are fully expecting new asteroid interlopers in those images," said Thomas Müller, an astronomer at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics in Germany. WATCH | WION Fineprint | NASA crashes a spacecraft into an asteroid × The scientists informed that the main objective of the mission could not be achieved. However, after analysing the data, they "serendipitously detected" the new asteroid. “Our results show that even ‘failed’ Webb observations can be scientifically useful, if you have the right mindset and a little bit of luck," added Müller. Read more: Asteroid alert: A 'stadium sized' space rock is hurtling towards Earth The asteroid has been found in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. The belt was first discovered by astronomers in 1998. Teeny tiny photobomb! 📸 Scientists found a surprise while looking through test data from Webb’s MIRI instrument. Webb serendipitously captured an asteroid (illustrated here) just 100-200 meters in length — likely its smallest object seen yet: https://t.co/3wuGJXhQpP pic.twitter.com/JoBJE19lud — NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) February 6, 2023 × The premier space agency added that more observations were required to better characterize the asteroid's nature and properties. Read more: An asteroid bigger than Statue of Unity to hurtle dangerously close to Earth To this date, astronomers across the world have managed to determine the exact location of over 1.1 million asteroids. However, akin to the new asteroid discovered by Webb, many remain unknown. Webb's infrared telescope, the most powerful in the world could help find the location of the remaining. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

NASA's Webb gets 'photobombed' by a Colosseum-sized asteroid

<p>Two broken coconuts lay in the frame, as the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) received a jar of peanuts from a top NASA official, at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in United States.</p>

<p>While the small jar of peanuts and coconuts in the photograph has gotten netizens going nuts, it is actually the sophisticated, space-grade science equipment (model of which is seen in the cover photograph) placed to the rear of the dignitaries, that must hog all the limelight.</p>

<p>Seen towards the rear of the frame is a model of the crucial component of the first-ever India-US joint satellite mission known as NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar(NISAR). The equipment was being accorded a ceremonial send-off from NASA"s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, by following the Indian tradition of breaking coconuts during an auspicious event and the NASA-JPL tradition of sharing "lucky peanuts" during a high-profile mission.</p>

<p>NASA-ISRO SAR (NISAR) is a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) observatory being jointly developed by the American and Indian Space agencies. It is meant to carry L and S dual-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), a highly powerful, all-weather, day and night mean of imaging from space, that can help researchers and scientists observe changes in Earth’s land and ice surfaces down to fractions of an inch. Since early 2021, engineers and technicians at JPL have been integrating and testing NISAR’s two radar systems – the L-band SAR provided by JPL and the S-band SAR built by ISRO.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Awesome animation by <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAJPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASAJPL</a>, offers a glimpse into the impending(2024) launch of the 1st-ever<a href="https://twitter.com/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> collaborative satellite NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NISAR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NISAR</a> ,meant for imaging the earth every 12days &amp; helping predict disasters, track climate change etc<br />
🇮🇳🇺🇸🚀 <a href="https://t.co/boeeuq2NYb">pic.twitter.com/boeeuq2NYb</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1621888435140304896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>JPL, which is managed for NASA by Caltech in Pasadena, leads the U.S. component of the project and is providing the mission’s L-band SAR. NASA is also providing the radar reflector antenna, the deployable boom, a high-rate communication subsystem for science data, GPS receivers, a solid-state recorder, and a payload data subsystem. ISRO is providing the spacecraft bus, the S-band SAR, the launch vehicle, and associated launch services and satellite mission operations.</p>

<p>NISAR will gather radar data with a drum-shaped reflector antenna almost 40 feet (12 meters) in diameter. It will use a signal-processing technique called interferometric synthetic aperture radar, or InSAR, to observe changes on Earth, that can be used to predict natural disasters, track climate change.</p>

<p>"The observations NISAR makes will help researchers measure the ways in which Earth is constantly changing by detecting both subtle and dramatic movements. Slow-moving variations of a land surface can precede earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic eruptions, and data about such movement could help communities prepare for natural hazards. Measurements of melting sea ice and ice sheets will improve understanding of the pace and impacts of climate change, including sea level rise" said NASA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over the course of its three-year prime mission, the satellite will observe nearly the entire planet every 12 days, making observations day and night, in all weather conditions. “Today we come one step closer to fulfilling the immense scientific potential NASA and ISRO envisioned for NISAR when we joined forces more than eight years ago,” Chairman, ISRO, Somanath said. JPL Director, Laurie Leshin said, "By delivering measurements at unprecedented precision, NISAR’s promise is new understanding and positive impact in communities. Our collaboration with ISRO exemplifies what’s possible when we tackle complex challenges together."</p>

<p>Later this month, NASA-JPL will move the SUV-size satellite payload into a special cargo container for a 9,000-mile (14,000-kilometer) flight to India’s U R Rao Satellite Centre in the city of Bengaluru. There it will be merged with the spacecraft bus(satellite structure) in preparation for a 2024 launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh state.&nbsp;</p>

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Two broken coconuts lay in the frame, as the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) received a jar of peanuts from a top NASA official, at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in United States.

Two broken coconuts lay in the frame, as the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) received a jar of peanuts from a top NASA official, at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in United States. While the small jar of peanuts and coconuts in the photograph has gotten netizens going nuts, it is actually the sophisticated, space-grade science equipment (model of which is seen in the cover photograph) placed to the rear of the dignitaries, that must hog all the limelight. Seen towards the rear of the frame is a model of the crucial component of the first-ever India-US joint satellite mission known as NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar(NISAR). The equipment was being accorded a ceremonial send-off from NASA"s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, by following the Indian tradition of breaking coconuts during an auspicious event and the NASA-JPL tradition of sharing "lucky peanuts" during a high-profile mission. NASA-ISRO SAR (NISAR) is a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) observatory being jointly developed by the American and Indian Space agencies. It is meant to carry L and S dual-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), a highly powerful, all-weather, day and night mean of imaging from space, that can help researchers and scientists observe changes in Earth’s land and ice surfaces down to fractions of an inch. Since early 2021, engineers and technicians at JPL have been integrating and testing NISAR’s two radar systems – the L-band SAR provided by JPL and the S-band SAR built by ISRO. Awesome animation by @NASAJPL, offers a glimpse into the impending(2024) launch of the 1st-ever@NASA - @isro collaborative satellite NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar #NISAR ,meant for imaging the earth every 12days & helping predict disasters, track climate change etc 🇮🇳🇺🇸🚀 pic.twitter.com/boeeuq2NYb — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) February 4, 2023 × JPL, which is managed for NASA by Caltech in Pasadena, leads the U.S. component of the project and is providing the mission’s L-band SAR. NASA is also providing the radar reflector antenna, the deployable boom, a high-rate communication subsystem for science data, GPS receivers, a solid-state recorder, and a payload data subsystem. ISRO is providing the spacecraft bus, the S-band SAR, the launch vehicle, and associated launch services and satellite mission operations. NISAR will gather radar data with a drum-shaped reflector antenna almost 40 feet (12 meters) in diameter. It will use a signal-processing technique called interferometric synthetic aperture radar, or InSAR, to observe changes on Earth, that can be used to predict natural disasters, track climate change. "The observations NISAR makes will help researchers measure the ways in which Earth is constantly changing by detecting both subtle and dramatic movements. Slow-moving variations of a land surface can precede earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic eruptions, and data about such movement could help communities prepare for natural hazards. Measurements of melting sea ice and ice sheets will improve understanding of the pace and impacts of climate change, including sea level rise" said NASA. Over the course of its three-year prime mission, the satellite will observe nearly the entire planet every 12 days, making observations day and night, in all weather conditions. “Today we come one step closer to fulfilling the immense scientific potential NASA and ISRO envisioned for NISAR when we joined forces more than eight years ago,” Chairman, ISRO, Somanath said. JPL Director, Laurie Leshin said, "By delivering measurements at unprecedented precision, NISAR’s promise is new understanding and positive impact in communities. Our collaboration with ISRO exemplifies what’s possible when we tackle complex challenges together." Later this month, NASA-JPL will move the SUV-size satellite payload into a special cargo container for a 9,000-mile (14,000-kilometer) flight to India’s U R Rao Satellite Centre in the city of Bengaluru. There it will be merged with the spacecraft bus(satellite structure) in preparation for a 2024 launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh state. 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.

Coconuts broken, lucky peanuts shared; NASA-ISRO Satellite 'NISAR' getting ready for 2024 launch

Earth observation satellite jointly developed by NASA and ISRO is all set to be shipped to India later this month. India-NASA had joined hands in 2014 to build the 2,800 kilogram satellite 'NISAR', that will likely be launched from India in September.

NASA-ISRO satellite ready: India, US' 'Nisar' to be shipped to Bengaluru for its launch

The future Israeli lunar mission Beresheet 2, which is anticipated to launch in 2025, will confirm Israel's desire to visit the moon, according to an agreement reached on Wednesday between the Israeli Space Agency and NASA. Three spacecraft make up the mission: an orbital vehicle that will stay in orbit and two landers that will touch down on the moon.

NASA and Israel Space agency to collaborate on Spaceil Beresheet 2

<p>The internet is abuzz with mentions of Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) a.k.a., the green comet, which on Wednesday could be seen with the naked eye.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per NASA, the comet paid our planet a visit after a good 50,000 years. It was a rare feast for stargazers and astronomers alike as people around the globe witnessed the astronomical event.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint: Rare Green comet visible from Earth after 50,000 years</strong></p>

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<p>It was a one-in-a-million sight — in a very literal sense — as estimates say that the next possible sighting won't happen for millions of years.</p>

<p>The comet passed just 26 million miles (or 42 million kilometres) from Earth.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/james-webb-space-telescope-found-water-ice-in-the-rings-of-a-distant-asteroid-557416">James Webb Space Telescope found water ice in the rings of a distant asteroid</a></strong></p>

<p>For those of us who were otherwise occupied or plain lazy to go out and try to spot the comet, some stargazers have&nbsp;managed to capture videos and images of the amazing sight. These captures are all over social media.</p>

<p>Let's take a look at a few of them:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">c/2022 e3 (ZTF), which has not been seen since the Homo Sapiens, will be at its highest point 58° N @ 9:46pm (EST) and will disappear 30° N @ 5:46am. Have a look because you’ll never see this again! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GreenComet?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GreenComet</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Space</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CometC2022E3?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CometC2022E3</a> <a href="https://t.co/hsRk3A2rn7">pic.twitter.com/hsRk3A2rn7</a></p>
— johnnymorleyy (@johnnymorleyy) <a href="https://twitter.com/johnnymorleyy/status/1620832595520147457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Green comet will be seen after 50,000 Years. So many humans have come to this world and gone during this time. And it will continue for billions of years.</p>
— KRK (@kamaalrkhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/kamaalrkhan/status/1620831050145435667?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I ran out at 3:30 am to grab a couple images of comet c/2022 e3 (ztf) or the "green comet" you may have seen or heard about recently. Today is it's closest approach to Earth but still 26 MILLION miles away. It's still very very dim, and you'll need binoculars to find it. <a href="https://t.co/k6SCVtZkMt">pic.twitter.com/k6SCVtZkMt</a></p>
— Tyler Leavitt of tslclick (@tslclick) <a href="https://twitter.com/tslclick/status/1620832130514444290?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">LETS FUCKING GO THE WEATHER IS CLEAR TONIGHT AND I HAVE A RIDE IM GONNA GO SEE THE GREEN COMET 💥💥💥</p>
— jack! || c0mms open (@ahdkshaX) <a href="https://twitter.com/ahdkshaX/status/1620829946825555968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Green comet visible for the 1st time in 50,000 years later today. The comet was last seen during the Stone Age. It allegedly left to buy a pack of cigarettes <a href="https://t.co/lbz4iBrw00">pic.twitter.com/lbz4iBrw00</a></p>
— Def Noodles (@defnoodles) <a href="https://twitter.com/defnoodles/status/1620832695881461763?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I found you 🔭 ☄️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CometaZTF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CometaZTF</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cometaverde?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cometaverde</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/greencomet?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#greencomet</a> <a href="https://t.co/AxXpro2Wbp">pic.twitter.com/AxXpro2Wbp</a></p>
— XavØ (@Javick01) <a href="https://twitter.com/Javick01/status/1620715483766071296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Did anybody see that green comet?</p>
— Janak Dave (@JanakYDave) <a href="https://twitter.com/JanakYDave/status/1620829250399113218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tried to photograph the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/greencomet?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#greencomet</a> at 4am. A bit cloudy on Denton Rd. but cold and clear at Lake Desolation. No luck seeing it even w/binoculars so pointed camera where it was supposed to be. Think this tiny pale fuzz is it so a visual bust compared to Neowise in 2020, right. <a href="https://t.co/qSc0HnzV0e">pic.twitter.com/qSc0HnzV0e</a></p>
— Ed Burke (@EdBurkeToga) <a href="https://twitter.com/EdBurkeToga/status/1620827225439490049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Is anyone seeing the Green Comet??</p>
— Dr Whale (@dr_whale) <a href="https://twitter.com/dr_whale/status/1620828542258008066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to NASA's Paul Chodas, While plenty of comets have graced the sky over the past year, "this one seems probably a little bit bigger and therefore a little bit brighter and it’s coming a little bit closer to the Earth’s orbit".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/green-comet-2023-check-date-time-and-location-know-when-and-how-to-view-the-rare-shooting-star-557606">Green Comet 2023: Check date, visible time and location; know when and how to view the rare shooting star</a></strong></p>

<p>The comet owes its green colour to its chemical composition which as per reports is a result of a clash between sunlight and carbon-based molecules in the comet's coma.</p>

<p>A comet's coma refers to the cloud of gases that surrounds the nucleus of a comet.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The internet is abuzz with mentions of Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) a.k.a., the green comet, which on Wednesday could be seen with the naked eye. As per NASA, the comet paid our planet a visit after a good 50,000 years.

The internet is abuzz with mentions of Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) a.k.a., the green comet, which on Wednesday could be seen with the naked eye. As per NASA, the comet paid our planet a visit after a good 50,000 years. It was a rare feast for stargazers and astronomers alike as people around the globe witnessed the astronomical event. Watch | WION Fineprint: Rare Green comet visible from Earth after 50,000 years It was a one-in-a-million sight — in a very literal sense — as estimates say that the next possible sighting won't happen for millions of years. The comet passed just 26 million miles (or 42 million kilometres) from Earth. Also read | James Webb Space Telescope found water ice in the rings of a distant asteroid For those of us who were otherwise occupied or plain lazy to go out and try to spot the comet, some stargazers have managed to capture videos and images of the amazing sight. These captures are all over social media. Let's take a look at a few of them: c/2022 e3 (ZTF), which has not been seen since the Homo Sapiens, will be at its highest point 58° N @ 9:46pm (EST) and will disappear 30° N @ 5:46am. Have a look because you’ll never see this again! #GreenComet #Space #CometC2022E3 pic.twitter.com/hsRk3A2rn7 — johnnymorleyy (@johnnymorleyy) February 1, 2023 × Green comet will be seen after 50,000 Years. So many humans have come to this world and gone during this time. And it will continue for billions of years. — KRK (@kamaalrkhan) February 1, 2023 × I ran out at 3:30 am to grab a couple images of comet c/2022 e3 (ztf) or the "green comet" you may have seen or heard about recently. Today is it's closest approach to Earth but still 26 MILLION miles away. It's still very very dim, and you'll need binoculars to find it. pic.twitter.com/k6SCVtZkMt — Tyler Leavitt of tslclick (@tslclick) February 1, 2023 × LETS FUCKING GO THE WEATHER IS CLEAR TONIGHT AND I HAVE A RIDE IM GONNA GO SEE THE GREEN COMET 💥💥💥 — jack! || c0mms open (@ahdkshaX) February 1, 2023 × Green comet visible for the 1st time in 50,000 years later today. The comet was last seen during the Stone Age. It allegedly left to buy a pack of cigarettes pic.twitter.com/lbz4iBrw00 — Def Noodles (@defnoodles) February 1, 2023 × I found you 🔭 ☄️ #CometaZTF #cometaverde #greencomet pic.twitter.com/AxXpro2Wbp — XavØ (@Javick01) February 1, 2023 × Did anybody see that green comet? — Janak Dave (@JanakYDave) February 1, 2023 × Tried to photograph the #greencomet at 4am. A bit cloudy on Denton Rd. but cold and clear at Lake Desolation. No luck seeing it even w/binoculars so pointed camera where it was supposed to be. Think this tiny pale fuzz is it so a visual bust compared to Neowise in 2020, right. pic.twitter.com/qSc0HnzV0e — Ed Burke (@EdBurkeToga) February 1, 2023 × Is anyone seeing the Green Comet?? — Dr Whale (@dr_whale) February 1, 2023 × According to NASA's Paul Chodas, While plenty of comets have graced the sky over the past year, "this one seems probably a little bit bigger and therefore a little bit brighter and it’s coming a little bit closer to the Earth’s orbit". Also read | Green Comet 2023: Check date, visible time and location; know when and how to view the rare shooting star The comet owes its green colour to its chemical composition which as per reports is a result of a clash between sunlight and carbon-based molecules in the comet's coma. A comet's coma refers to the cloud of gases that surrounds the nucleus of a comet. (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.

For those who missed the green comet, here are breathtaking videos, images of the rare astronomical sight

<p>A bizarre blue 'mysterious flying spiral' was captured in the Hawaiian sky by a Japanese telescope camera. The spiral appeared to be otherworldly at the first glance, but there's more to it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Subaru-Asahi Star Camera captured the eerie video, which disappeared within seconds. It was seen over Maunakea, Hawaii on January 18 at 7:24am (EST).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/delivery-truck-size-asteroid-to-pass-near-earth-in-one-of-the-closest-encounters-ever-556229">Truck-sized asteroid to pass near Earth in one of the closest encounters ever</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Social media users were intrigued by the video and sought the reason behind the stunning spiral formation. Some users didn't leave the fun opportunity to make "alien" and "spaceship" jokes. One Twitter user even wrote, "Andromeda has arrived 4 billion years early!!"&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On Jan 18, 2023 (HST), the Subaru-Asahi Star Camera captured a mysterious flying spiral over Maunakea, Hawai`i. The spiral seems to be related to the SpaceX company's launch of a new satellite.<br />
Watch the video:<a href="https://t.co/851Gz7VojV">https://t.co/851Gz7VojV</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SubaruTelescope?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SubaruTelescope</a> <a href="https://t.co/Np58fxpX9e">pic.twitter.com/Np58fxpX9e</a></p>
— Subaru Telescope Eng (@SubaruTel_Eng) <a href="https://twitter.com/SubaruTel_Eng/status/1616178989118144512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>What was that exactly?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>However, the spiral seems to be related to the SpaceX company's launch of a new satellite. Reports mentioned that SpaceX launched a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) into space for the US Space Force on January 18.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports have mentioned that such spirals have been seen in the past as well. It mostly appears as the upper stage of Falcon 9 dumps excess fuel when it falls into the ocean.</p>

<p>On Thursday (January 26), SpaceX launched 56 Starlink satellites into orbit, and minutes later the booster landed on a drone ship stationed in the Atlantic.&nbsp;</p>

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A bizarre blue 'mysterious flying spiral' was captured in the Hawaiian sky by a Japanese telescope camera. The spiral appeared to be otherworldly at the first glance, but there's more to it.

A bizarre blue 'mysterious flying spiral' was captured in the Hawaiian sky by a Japanese telescope camera. The spiral appeared to be otherworldly at the first glance, but there's more to it. The Subaru-Asahi Star Camera captured the eerie video, which disappeared within seconds. It was seen over Maunakea, Hawaii on January 18 at 7:24am (EST). ALSO READ | Truck-sized asteroid to pass near Earth in one of the closest encounters ever Social media users were intrigued by the video and sought the reason behind the stunning spiral formation. Some users didn't leave the fun opportunity to make "alien" and "spaceship" jokes. One Twitter user even wrote, "Andromeda has arrived 4 billion years early!!" On Jan 18, 2023 (HST), the Subaru-Asahi Star Camera captured a mysterious flying spiral over Maunakea, Hawai`i. The spiral seems to be related to the SpaceX company's launch of a new satellite. Watch the video:https://t.co/851Gz7VojV#SubaruTelescope pic.twitter.com/Np58fxpX9e — Subaru Telescope Eng (@SubaruTel_Eng) January 19, 2023 × × What was that exactly? However, the spiral seems to be related to the SpaceX company's launch of a new satellite. Reports mentioned that SpaceX launched a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) into space for the US Space Force on January 18. Reports have mentioned that such spirals have been seen in the past as well. It mostly appears as the upper stage of Falcon 9 dumps excess fuel when it falls into the ocean. On Thursday (January 26), SpaceX launched 56 Starlink satellites into orbit, and minutes later the booster landed on a drone ship stationed in the Atlantic. 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 | 'Mysterious' flying spiral in Hawaii sky baffles people. It's not what you think!

NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), a research arm of the US Department of Defense, have unveiled plans to test nuclear-powered rockets that would one day fly humans to Mars.

Is NASA planning to test a nuclear-powered rocket engine?

The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has announced that it was collaborating with the US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (Darpa) to build and demonstrate in space a nuclear thermal rocket engine. Neha Khanna tells you more in this report.

WION Fineprint: NASA announces plans for a nuclear rocket

<p>NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), a research arm of the US Department of Defense, have unveiled plans to test nuclear-powered rockets that would one day fly humans to Mars.</p>

<p>Announcing the ambitious plans on Tuesday, the space agency said that it will partner with DARPA on the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations, or DRACO, programme. It is slated to happen by 2027.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;NASA's Mars Perseverance rover finds samples of Microbial life on mars</strong></p>

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<p>"NASA will work with our long-term partner, DARPA, to develop and demonstrate advanced nuclear thermal propulsion technology as soon as 2027," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson as he announced the mission.</p>

<p>"With the help of this new technology, astronauts could journey to and from deep space faster than ever—a major capability to prepare for crewed missions to Mars," he explained.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The nuclear thermal rocket, as per the NASA website, will allow for a " faster transit time" and will also reduce the risk for astronauts.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/india-based-telescope-detects-faint-radio-signal-from-an-extremely-distant-galaxy-553716">India-based telescope detects faint radio signal from an extremely distant galaxy</a></strong></p>

<p>Reducing transit time is fundamental to human missions to the red planet. This is because a longer transit time means more supplies and more robust systems.</p>

<p>The current technology allows for the 225 million-kilometre average distance journey from Earth to Mars to be completed in about seven months. While the estimated time using a nuclear thermal rocket engine is not known, as per the NASA Administrator, it would allow astronauts to undertake the "journey to and from deep space faster than ever".</p>

<p>Before this, NASA had last tested a nuclear thermal rocket engine in the mid-19th century, some 50 years back.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/rare-and-exciting-find-international-team-of-researchers-discover-8kg-meteorite-in-antarctica-555001">'Rare and exciting' find: International team of researchers discover meteorite weighing 8 kg in Antarctica</a></strong></p>

<p>"Congratulations to both NASA and DARPA on this exciting investment, as we ignite the future, together," said Nelson.</p>

<p>The engine would rely on a nuclear reactor and will use atomic fission to heat up the propellant, which will provide thrust to the rocket. This as per NASA will be around three times more efficient than the chemical propulsion technology currently in use.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), a research arm of the US Department of Defense, have unveiled plans to test nuclear-powered rockets that would one day fly humans to Mars. Announcing the ambitious plans on Tuesday, the space agency said that it will partner with DARPA on the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations, or DRACO, programme. It is slated to happen by 2027. Watch | NASA's Mars Perseverance rover finds samples of Microbial life on mars "NASA will work with our long-term partner, DARPA, to develop and demonstrate advanced nuclear thermal propulsion technology as soon as 2027," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson as he announced the mission. "With the help of this new technology, astronauts could journey to and from deep space faster than ever—a major capability to prepare for crewed missions to Mars," he explained. The nuclear thermal rocket, as per the NASA website, will allow for a " faster transit time" and will also reduce the risk for astronauts. Also read | India-based telescope detects faint radio signal from an extremely distant galaxy Reducing transit time is fundamental to human missions to the red planet. This is because a longer transit time means more supplies and more robust systems. The current technology allows for the 225 million-kilometre average distance journey from Earth to Mars to be completed in about seven months. While the estimated time using a nuclear thermal rocket engine is not known, as per the NASA Administrator, it would allow astronauts to undertake the "journey to and from deep space faster than ever". Before this, NASA had last tested a nuclear thermal rocket engine in the mid-19th century, some 50 years back. Also read | 'Rare and exciting' find: International team of researchers discover meteorite weighing 8 kg in Antarctica "Congratulations to both NASA and DARPA on this exciting investment, as we ignite the future, together," said Nelson. The engine would rely on a nuclear reactor and will use atomic fission to heat up the propellant, which will provide thrust to the rocket. This as per NASA will be around three times more efficient than the chemical propulsion technology currently in use. (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.

NASA to test 'DRACO', a nuclear power rocket engine that'll send humans to Mars ‘faster than ever'

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">It’s been months since China’s Zhurong Mars rover entered a “hibernation” to wait out the cold and harsh winter on planet&nbsp;Mars’ northern hemisphere and its alien landscape. However, the slumber which was planned to end in December of last year still continues. Now the question is, will the rover ever wake up? There’s still hope.</p>

<p><strong>What is Zhurong?</strong></p>

<p>Zhurong is part of Tianwen 1, China’s ambitious Mars mission, and the nation’s first interplanetary mission. The mission, which includes a Mars rover, touched down on the Red Planet’s Utopian Planitia in May of the year 2021.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;This study suggests ancient Mars was also hit by climate change</strong></p>

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<p><strong>Why is a rover ‘sleeping’?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Following its landing, it conducted a range of scientific and exploration activities before retreating into a so-called hibernation or dormant state to survive the barren planet’s winter, during which, as per space.com, temperatures can fall down to minus 195 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 125 degrees Celsius).&nbsp;</p>

<p>It went to sleep on May 18 of last year.</p>

<p><strong>What conditions are needed for it to wake up?</strong></p>

<p>Talking to reporters in September 2022, Jia Yang, a Tianwen 1 mission deputy chief designer, revealed that Zhurong would wake up by itself when two conditions are met: it can generate energy greater than 140 watts and the planet’s temperature, or rather the region where the rover is, reaches the somewhat warmer, 5 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 15 degrees Celsius).</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/men-are-from-mars-women-are-from-venus-which-one-should-humans-visit-first-520603">'Men are from Mars, women are from Venus', which planet should humans visit first?</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>When was it supposed to rise up again?</strong></p>

<p>Zhurong slumber was expected to end in December when the red planet experiences its spring equinox. However, this did not happen. So far, it’s just silence.</p>

<p><strong>What went wrong?</strong></p>

<p>As per a January 9 report by Space News, China’s first interplanetary mission may be in trouble “with the rover potentially lost on the surface after winter hibernation”. There is also speculation that maybe the temperatures just aren’t warm enough.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/humans-yet-to-set-foot-on-mars-yet-the-red-planet-is-already-littered-with-7000-kgs-of-our-trash-519541">Humans yet to set foot on Mars, but the red planet is already 'littered' with 7000 kg of our trash</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>What is the temperature on Mars currently?</strong></p>

<p>As per NASA’s Perseverance Rover, which is also wandering Mars’s surface, the temperature in the planet’s Jezero Crater has only briefly risen higher than Zhurong’s lowest heat requirement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But given that Perseverance is nearer to the red planet’s equator - located around seven degrees latitude south of its Chinese counterpart - it may be experiencing slightly more favourable conditions than Zhurong.</p>

<p><strong>How is Perseverance awake?</strong></p>

<p>NASA's 2020 rover Perseverance, meanwhile, is not asleep. It is nuclear-powered and doesn’t need to hibernate.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mars-sample-collection-risks-bringing-to-earth-deadly-alien-virus-heres-what-you-should-know-478730">Mars sample collection risks bringing to Earth deadly alien virus. Here's what you should know</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>What else c<strong>ould be plaguing the Chinese rover?</strong></strong></p>

<p>Zhurong generates its power using solar arrays. Mars is known for its sand storms and there is concern that the dust from them may be hindering the rover and its solar arrays’ ability to generate power.</p>

<p>While Zhurong’s panels are made using anti-dust material and it has a vibration setting to shake off the dust, even that feature requires some power. The rover has to be active to “shake it off”.</p>

<p><strong>What now?</strong></p>

<p>The rover's mission with which China achieved the status of being the second country to reach the surface of Mars is already a great success.</p>

<p>But only time can tell if it will wake up to achieve bigger and better things.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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It’s been months since China’s Zhurong Mars rover entered a “hibernation” to wait out the cold and harsh winter on planet Mars’ northern hemisphere and its alien landscape.

It’s been months since China’s Zhurong Mars rover entered a “hibernation” to wait out the cold and harsh winter on planet Mars’ northern hemisphere and its alien landscape. However, the slumber which was planned to end in December of last year still continues. Now the question is, will the rover ever wake up? There’s still hope. What is Zhurong? Zhurong is part of Tianwen 1, China’s ambitious Mars mission, and the nation’s first interplanetary mission. The mission, which includes a Mars rover, touched down on the Red Planet’s Utopian Planitia in May of the year 2021. Watch | This study suggests ancient Mars was also hit by climate change Why is a rover ‘sleeping’? Following its landing, it conducted a range of scientific and exploration activities before retreating into a so-called hibernation or dormant state to survive the barren planet’s winter, during which, as per space.com, temperatures can fall down to minus 195 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 125 degrees Celsius). It went to sleep on May 18 of last year. What conditions are needed for it to wake up? Talking to reporters in September 2022, Jia Yang, a Tianwen 1 mission deputy chief designer, revealed that Zhurong would wake up by itself when two conditions are met: it can generate energy greater than 140 watts and the planet’s temperature, or rather the region where the rover is, reaches the somewhat warmer, 5 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 15 degrees Celsius). Also read | 'Men are from Mars, women are from Venus', which planet should humans visit first? When was it supposed to rise up again? Zhurong slumber was expected to end in December when the red planet experiences its spring equinox. However, this did not happen. So far, it’s just silence. What went wrong? As per a January 9 report by Space News, China’s first interplanetary mission may be in trouble “with the rover potentially lost on the surface after winter hibernation”. There is also speculation that maybe the temperatures just aren’t warm enough. Also read | Humans yet to set foot on Mars, but the red planet is already 'littered' with 7000 kg of our trash What is the temperature on Mars currently? As per NASA’s Perseverance Rover, which is also wandering Mars’s surface, the temperature in the planet’s Jezero Crater has only briefly risen higher than Zhurong’s lowest heat requirement. But given that Perseverance is nearer to the red planet’s equator - located around seven degrees latitude south of its Chinese counterpart - it may be experiencing slightly more favourable conditions than Zhurong. How is Perseverance awake? NASA's 2020 rover Perseverance, meanwhile, is not asleep. It is nuclear-powered and doesn’t need to hibernate. Also read | Mars sample collection risks bringing to Earth deadly alien virus. Here's what you should know What else could be plaguing the Chinese rover? Zhurong generates its power using solar arrays. Mars is known for its sand storms and there is concern that the dust from them may be hindering the rover and its solar arrays’ ability to generate power. While Zhurong’s panels are made using anti-dust material and it has a vibration setting to shake off the dust, even that feature requires some power. The rover has to be active to “shake it off”. What now? The rover's mission with which China achieved the status of being the second country to reach the surface of Mars is already a great success. But only time can tell if it will wake up to achieve bigger and better things. (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 | Zhurong's slumber continues for months. Has China's Mars rover fallen 'silent' forever?

<p>The Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) which is located in India’s Pune, has detected a radio signal originating from an extremely distant galaxy.</p>

<p>Astronomers from McGill University in Canada and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) are behind the detection of these signals.&nbsp;The findings have been published in the scientific journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the signal travelling across the largest astronomical distance to reach us, this discovery marks a historical point in humanity’s astronomical journey.</p>

<p>“The astronomical distance over which such a signal has been picked up is the largest so far by a large margin. This is also the first confirmed detection of strong lensing of 21 cm emission from a galaxy”, said the IISc in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indias-venus-orbiter-mission-shukrayaan-to-be-carried-out-in-2031-553521">India's Venus Orbiter Mission 'Shukrayaan' to be carried out in 2031?&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>The signal reportedly originated from the atomic hydrogen of an ‘extremely’ distant galaxy. As per IISc, atomic hydrogen is the basic fuel required for star formation in a galaxy.</p>

<p>As per the information available on the IISc website, “when hot ionised gas from the surrounding medium of a galaxy falls onto the galaxy, the gas cools and forms atomic hydrogen, which then becomes molecular hydrogen, and eventually leads to the formation of stars. Therefore, understanding the evolution of galaxies over cosmic time requires tracing the evolution of neutral gas at different cosmological epochs.”</p>

<p>The radio signal was reportedly extremely weak.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/international-space-station-evaded-three-collision-risks-in-2022-553222">International Space Station evaded three collision risks in 2022</a></strong></p>

<p>However, it is still significant due to the fact that it is nearly impossible to detect emissions from a distant galaxy using the technology which is currently available. The telescopes currently have limited sensitivity.</p>

<p>“Until now, the most distant galaxy detected using 21 cm emission was at redshift z=0.376, which corresponds to a look-back time – the time elapsed between detecting the signal and its original emission – of 4.1 billion years,” said IISc in its statement.</p>

<p>Here, ‘Redshift’ refers to the change in wavelength of the signal depending on the object’s location and movement. Furthermore, the greater the value of z, the farther the object is.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) which is located in India’s Pune, has detected a radio signal originating from an extremely distant galaxy. Astronomers from McGill University in Canada and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) are behind the detection of these signals.

The Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) which is located in India’s Pune, has detected a radio signal originating from an extremely distant galaxy. Astronomers from McGill University in Canada and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) are behind the detection of these signals. The findings have been published in the scientific journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. With the signal travelling across the largest astronomical distance to reach us, this discovery marks a historical point in humanity’s astronomical journey. “The astronomical distance over which such a signal has been picked up is the largest so far by a large margin. This is also the first confirmed detection of strong lensing of 21 cm emission from a galaxy”, said the IISc in a statement. Also read | India's Venus Orbiter Mission 'Shukrayaan' to be carried out in 2031? The signal reportedly originated from the atomic hydrogen of an ‘extremely’ distant galaxy. As per IISc, atomic hydrogen is the basic fuel required for star formation in a galaxy. As per the information available on the IISc website, “when hot ionised gas from the surrounding medium of a galaxy falls onto the galaxy, the gas cools and forms atomic hydrogen, which then becomes molecular hydrogen, and eventually leads to the formation of stars. Therefore, understanding the evolution of galaxies over cosmic time requires tracing the evolution of neutral gas at different cosmological epochs.” The radio signal was reportedly extremely weak. Also read | International Space Station evaded three collision risks in 2022 However, it is still significant due to the fact that it is nearly impossible to detect emissions from a distant galaxy using the technology which is currently available. The telescopes currently have limited sensitivity. “Until now, the most distant galaxy detected using 21 cm emission was at redshift z=0.376, which corresponds to a look-back time – the time elapsed between detecting the signal and its original emission – of 4.1 billion years,” said IISc in its statement. Here, ‘Redshift’ refers to the change in wavelength of the signal depending on the object’s location and movement. Furthermore, the greater the value of z, the farther the object is. (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.

India-based telescope detects faint radio signal from an extremely distant galaxy

<p>The word space debris can commonly be interpreted as man-made objects in space that are no longer serving a useful purpose. This could include large and small defunct satellites, spent upper stages of rockets, etc. However, the larger objects are far lesser in number, and it is far easier to track and predict their movement, whereas the real threat to space assets is posed by millions of millimetre-sized space debris, said a top NASA scientist.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The biggest objects 10cm and larger are tracked by the US Department of Defense, using their global sensor network. Currently, they track about 47,000 big objects in space, 27,000 of them are 10cm and larger. There are many more debris too small to be tracked, but still large enough to threaten human spaceflight and robotic space missions (satellites)" said Dr. Jer Chyi Liou, NASA Chief Scientist for Orbital Debris.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionnews.com/science/narrow-escape-international-space-station-dodges-space-debris-from-russian-anti-satellite-test-490218" hreflang="en">Narrow escape! International Space Station dodges space debris from Russian anti-satellite test</a></strong></p>

<p>He was speaking at a space science workshop organised by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Astronautical Society of India (ASI) in India, about Space Situational Awareness and Space Traffic Management. Sharing data about the orbital debris, Dr. Liou said that are 500,000 objects measuring 1cm or larger and over 100 million objects over the size of 1 millimetre.</p>

<p>Pointing out the hazards posed by objects measuring less than a millimetre, he said that even an object as small as 0.4 mm could penetrate some parts of the spacesuit of a spacewalking astronaut and cause serious damage to space missions.</p>

<p>Explaining why space debris of varying sizes is a constant cause of concern, Dr. Liou mentioned that the average impact speed between two orbiting objects in Low Earth orbit (up to 200 km above the earth's surface) is 10km/second. For context, that is ten times the speed of a bullet and any collision at such high impact speeds could prove catastrophic.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/videos/expanding-problem-of-space-debris-what-is-space-junk-why-is-it-a-problem-472289" hreflang="en">Expanding problem of space debris: What is space junk? Why is it a problem?</a></strong></p>

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<p>Speaking of the total mass of orbital debris, he said that it had exceeded 9500 metric tonnes and 4000 tonnes of this was in Low Earth Orbit alone. He mentioned that the major man-made events that caused significant fragmentation of space debris were a Chinese Anti-Satellite missile test in 2007, an accidental collision between a Cosmos and an Iridium satellite in 2009 and the Russian Anti-Satellite Missile test in 2021.</p>

<p>He said that orbital debris was not distributed uniformly in space, as Low Earth Orbit (up to 2000 km from the Earth's surface) had the highest concentration, followed by the Geosynchronous orbit (around 36,000 km&nbsp;above the earth's surface). This is explained by the highest concentration of satellites operating in low earth orbit and the rapid growth in the number of cube satellites and constellations in the last two decades.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The word space debris can commonly be interpreted as man-made objects in space that are no longer serving a useful purpose. This could include large and small defunct satellites, spent upper stages of rockets, etc.

The word space debris can commonly be interpreted as man-made objects in space that are no longer serving a useful purpose. This could include large and small defunct satellites, spent upper stages of rockets, etc. However, the larger objects are far lesser in number, and it is far easier to track and predict their movement, whereas the real threat to space assets is posed by millions of millimetre-sized space debris, said a top NASA scientist. "The biggest objects 10cm and larger are tracked by the US Department of Defense, using their global sensor network. Currently, they track about 47,000 big objects in space, 27,000 of them are 10cm and larger. There are many more debris too small to be tracked, but still large enough to threaten human spaceflight and robotic space missions (satellites)" said Dr. Jer Chyi Liou, NASA Chief Scientist for Orbital Debris. Also Read | Narrow escape! International Space Station dodges space debris from Russian anti-satellite test He was speaking at a space science workshop organised by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Astronautical Society of India (ASI) in India, about Space Situational Awareness and Space Traffic Management. Sharing data about the orbital debris, Dr. Liou said that are 500,000 objects measuring 1cm or larger and over 100 million objects over the size of 1 millimetre. Pointing out the hazards posed by objects measuring less than a millimetre, he said that even an object as small as 0.4 mm could penetrate some parts of the spacesuit of a spacewalking astronaut and cause serious damage to space missions. Explaining why space debris of varying sizes is a constant cause of concern, Dr. Liou mentioned that the average impact speed between two orbiting objects in Low Earth orbit (up to 200 km above the earth's surface) is 10km/second. For context, that is ten times the speed of a bullet and any collision at such high impact speeds could prove catastrophic. Watch | Expanding problem of space debris: What is space junk? Why is it a problem? Speaking of the total mass of orbital debris, he said that it had exceeded 9500 metric tonnes and 4000 tonnes of this was in Low Earth Orbit alone. He mentioned that the major man-made events that caused significant fragmentation of space debris were a Chinese Anti-Satellite missile test in 2007, an accidental collision between a Cosmos and an Iridium satellite in 2009 and the Russian Anti-Satellite Missile test in 2021. He said that orbital debris was not distributed uniformly in space, as Low Earth Orbit (up to 2000 km from the Earth's surface) had the highest concentration, followed by the Geosynchronous orbit (around 36,000 km above the earth's surface). This is explained by the highest concentration of satellites operating in low earth orbit and the rapid growth in the number of cube satellites and constellations in the last two decades. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

100mn+ millimetre-sized space debris a serious threat to astronauts, says NASA Chief Scientist

<p>NASA’s largest and most powerful space science telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has made the groundbreaking discovery of a planet that is around 99 per cent the size of Earth. It is located in the constellation Otans, and is just 41 light years away from our home planet. The newly discovered exoplanet has formally been classified as LHS 475 b., and currently not much is known about its atmosphere and whether it is fit to be inhabited by humans. While researchers have ruled out a thick methane-dominated atmosphere similar to that of Saturn’s moon Titan, they say that atmospheric compositions like a pure carbon dioxide atmosphere have not been ruled out.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;NASA's Dart mission: The world's first planetary defence</strong></p>

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<p>The newly discovered space object has been classified as an exoplanet as it orbits another star and is terrestrial, i.e., it is a rocky planet, composed primarily of silicate rocks or metals. As per a Daily Mail report, it completes the orbit in two days.</p>

<p>IANS reports that the planet is a few hundred degrees warmer than Earth.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/rare-treat-for-skywatchers-all-solar-system-planets-visible-to-the-naked-eye-547558">Rare 'treat' for skywatchers: All solar system planets visible to the naked eye</a></strong></p>

<p>As per the team behind this discovery, the James Webb telescope has proven just how powerful its technology is. Talking to the press, Mark Clampin, Astrophysics Division director at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC, said that the find opens the door “to many future possibilities for studying rocky planet atmospheres with Webb.”</p>

<p>He remarked that the telescope “is bringing us closer and closer to a new understanding of Earth-like worlds outside our solar system, and the mission is only just getting started.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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NASA’s largest and most powerful space science telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has made the groundbreaking discovery of a planet that is around 99 per cent the size of Earth.

NASA’s largest and most powerful space science telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has made the groundbreaking discovery of a planet that is around 99 per cent the size of Earth. It is located in the constellation Otans, and is just 41 light years away from our home planet. The newly discovered exoplanet has formally been classified as LHS 475 b., and currently not much is known about its atmosphere and whether it is fit to be inhabited by humans. While researchers have ruled out a thick methane-dominated atmosphere similar to that of Saturn’s moon Titan, they say that atmospheric compositions like a pure carbon dioxide atmosphere have not been ruled out. Watch | NASA's Dart mission: The world's first planetary defence The newly discovered space object has been classified as an exoplanet as it orbits another star and is terrestrial, i.e., it is a rocky planet, composed primarily of silicate rocks or metals. As per a Daily Mail report, it completes the orbit in two days. IANS reports that the planet is a few hundred degrees warmer than Earth. Also read | Rare 'treat' for skywatchers: All solar system planets visible to the naked eye As per the team behind this discovery, the James Webb telescope has proven just how powerful its technology is. Talking to the press, Mark Clampin, Astrophysics Division director at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC, said that the find opens the door “to many future possibilities for studying rocky planet atmospheres with Webb.” He remarked that the telescope “is bringing us closer and closer to a new understanding of Earth-like worlds outside our solar system, and the mission is only just getting started.” (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 2.0: NASA's James Webb telescope discovers a nearly Earth-sized exoplanet

<p>As effort to scan the skies for signs of alien life continues, NASA scientists have found two exoplanets almost the size of the Earth revoving around their star in what is called 'Habitable Zone'</p>

<p>The two newly found exoplanets, designated as TOI 700 d and TOI 700 e, are revolving around a star just 100 light-years away from Earth. Both of these planets are in the habitable zone of the planet, but it is not known for sure if water is present there.</p>

<p>If a planet is too far from its star, any potential liquid, like water, freezes. If the planet is too close to the star, the liquid evaporates into space. Both these scenarios are unlikely to be conducive to formation of life. But there is a zone around any star, in which the temperature is just right for water to exist in liquid form, if it is present on that planet to start with.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earth is in such a habitable zone around the Sun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The planet TOI 700 e is likely a rocky planet. It 95 per cent the size of Earth. The second planet, TOI 700 d is also the size of Earth.</p>

<p>Both these planets are revolving the star designated as TOI 700.</p>

<p>Discovery of both these planets has been made by NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, or TESS mission.</p>

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As effort to scan the skies for signs of alien life continues, NASA scientists have found two exoplanets almost the size of the Earth revoving around their star in what is called 'Habitable Zone' The two newly found exoplanets, designated as TOI 700 d and TOI 700 e, are revolving around a star just 100 light-years away from Earth.

As effort to scan the skies for signs of alien life continues, NASA scientists have found two exoplanets almost the size of the Earth revoving around their star in what is called 'Habitable Zone' The two newly found exoplanets, designated as TOI 700 d and TOI 700 e, are revolving around a star just 100 light-years away from Earth. Both of these planets are in the habitable zone of the planet, but it is not known for sure if water is present there. If a planet is too far from its star, any potential liquid, like water, freezes. If the planet is too close to the star, the liquid evaporates into space. Both these scenarios are unlikely to be conducive to formation of life. But there is a zone around any star, in which the temperature is just right for water to exist in liquid form, if it is present on that planet to start with. Earth is in such a habitable zone around the Sun. The planet TOI 700 e is likely a rocky planet. It 95 per cent the size of Earth. The second planet, TOI 700 d is also the size of Earth. Both these planets are revolving the star designated as TOI 700. Discovery of both these planets has been made by NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, or TESS mission. 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 finds two Earth-sized exoplanets in habitable zone of star

<p>The last surviving astronaut of&nbsp;NASA's first successful crewed space mission, Walter Cunningham, passed away at the age of 90.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The death was confirmed by a NASA spokesperson, Bob Jacobs. His wife, Dot Cunnigham, in a statement, said he passed away on Tuesday (Jan 3) but did not mention the cause of death.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/outer-space-not-a-wrestling-ground-retorts-china-after-nasa-official-says-it-might-claim-moons-resources-549014">'Outer space not a wrestling ground', retorts China after NASA official says it might claim Moon's resources</a></strong></p>

<p>Apollo 7 was a magnificent step toward space, making way for the moon landing. It was also NASA's first successful crew mission since the deaths of Apollo 1 astronauts on the Kennedy launching pad in January 1967.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cunningham, then a civilian, was one of the three astronauts aboard the 1968 Apollo 7 mission, an 11-day flight transmitting live broadcasts as it orbited Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He crewed the mission with US navy Capt Walter M Schirra and US air force major Donn F Eisele.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/elon-musks-spacex-to-raise-750mn-in-first-funding-round-of-2023-report-549117"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Elon Musk's SpaceX to raise $750mn in first funding round of 2023: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>NASA in a statement said that the three astronauts flew a perfect mission, making the space agency send the next crew during the Apollo 8 mission.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Remembering the successful mission, Cunningham in 2017 during an event at the Kennedy Space Sation said, "enabled us to overcome all the obstacles we had after the Apollo 1 fire and it became the longest, most successful test flight of any flying machine ever."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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The last surviving astronaut of NASA's first successful crewed space mission, Walter Cunningham, passed away at the age of 90. The death was confirmed by a NASA spokesperson, Bob Jacobs.

The last surviving astronaut of NASA's first successful crewed space mission, Walter Cunningham, passed away at the age of 90. The death was confirmed by a NASA spokesperson, Bob Jacobs. His wife, Dot Cunnigham, in a statement, said he passed away on Tuesday (Jan 3) but did not mention the cause of death. Also read | 'Outer space not a wrestling ground', retorts China after NASA official says it might claim Moon's resources Apollo 7 was a magnificent step toward space, making way for the moon landing. It was also NASA's first successful crew mission since the deaths of Apollo 1 astronauts on the Kennedy launching pad in January 1967. Cunningham, then a civilian, was one of the three astronauts aboard the 1968 Apollo 7 mission, an 11-day flight transmitting live broadcasts as it orbited Earth. He crewed the mission with US navy Capt Walter M Schirra and US air force major Donn F Eisele. Also read | Elon Musk's SpaceX to raise $750mn in first funding round of 2023: Report NASA in a statement said that the three astronauts flew a perfect mission, making the space agency send the next crew during the Apollo 8 mission. Remembering the successful mission, Cunningham in 2017 during an event at the Kennedy Space Sation said, "enabled us to overcome all the obstacles we had after the Apollo 1 fire and it became the longest, most successful test flight of any flying machine ever." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Last surviving astronaut of NASA'S Apollo 7 mission, Walter Cunningham, passes away at 90

<p>After a NASA top official warned that China may stake a claim on the moon's resources, the spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington retorted saying,&nbsp;"Outer space is not a wrestling ground." China is "actively" working towards a "shared future for mankind in the space", said Liu Pengyu, the spokesperson.</p>

<p>In an interview with&nbsp;Politico, former astronaut and current NASA administrator Bill Nelson said tthe US needs to "watch out" that its rival does not gain a foothold on the lunar surface. As per a Guardian report, the NASA official said the race between the two nations is intensifying and the next two years may decide which of them gains the advantage.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;China's 'heavenly palace' space station; US space command says 'Our space assets at risk'</strong></p>

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<p>In response, Liu said:&nbsp;"China always advocates the peaceful use of outer space, opposes the weaponisation of and arms race in outer space, and works actively toward building a community with a shared future for mankind in the space domain."</p>

<p>Nelson, the top&nbsp;NASA official, had warned that China, which is currently engaged in a "space race" with the United States, may stake a claim on Moon's resource-rich areas if it gets there first.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-united-states-natural-partners-in-space-exploration-says-us-official-526472">India, United States natural partners in space exploration, says US official</a></strong></p>

<p>"It is a fact: we’re in a space race." Nelson said that the US "better watch out that they (China) don’t get to a place on the moon under the guise of scientific research."</p>

<p>As proof of China's assertiveness over its territorial claims, the official cited the "earthly" example of Beijing's aggression over islands in the South China Sea where the nation has established military bases.</p>

<p>He said "it is not beyond the realm of possibility that they say, ‘Keep out, we’re here, this is our territory,'" for the Moon’s resource-rich areas.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/we-better-watch-out-nasa-chief-says-us-china-locked-in-space-race-as-mission-moon-heats-up-548854">‘We better watch out’: NASA chief says US, China locked in ‘space race’ as mission Moon heats up</a></strong></p>

<p>Recent years have seen China's space programme develop leaps and bounds. Last year, the nation successfully put up an Earth-orbiting space station and also mounted several lunar orbiting and sample-collecting missions.</p>

<p>As per reports, the third phase of China's Lunar mission is scheduled for 2025, and it seeks to establish a lunar research station on Moon's south pole.</p>

<p>Previously, US military officials too sounded the alarm over Chinese "militarisation" of space. While on a visit to Australia, Space Force Lt Gen Nina Armagno warned "It’s entirely possible they could catch up and surpass us," adding that the "progress they’ve made has been stunning – stunningly fast."&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, China denies the allegations and has repeatedly rejected the US interpretation of its space missions.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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After a NASA top official warned that China may stake a claim on the moon's resources, the spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington retorted saying, "Outer space is not a wrestling ground.

After a NASA top official warned that China may stake a claim on the moon's resources, the spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington retorted saying, "Outer space is not a wrestling ground." China is "actively" working towards a "shared future for mankind in the space", said Liu Pengyu, the spokesperson. In an interview with Politico, former astronaut and current NASA administrator Bill Nelson said tthe US needs to "watch out" that its rival does not gain a foothold on the lunar surface. As per a Guardian report, the NASA official said the race between the two nations is intensifying and the next two years may decide which of them gains the advantage. Watch | China's 'heavenly palace' space station; US space command says 'Our space assets at risk' In response, Liu said: "China always advocates the peaceful use of outer space, opposes the weaponisation of and arms race in outer space, and works actively toward building a community with a shared future for mankind in the space domain." Nelson, the top NASA official, had warned that China, which is currently engaged in a "space race" with the United States, may stake a claim on Moon's resource-rich areas if it gets there first. Also read | India, United States natural partners in space exploration, says US official "It is a fact: we’re in a space race." Nelson said that the US "better watch out that they (China) don’t get to a place on the moon under the guise of scientific research." As proof of China's assertiveness over its territorial claims, the official cited the "earthly" example of Beijing's aggression over islands in the South China Sea where the nation has established military bases. He said "it is not beyond the realm of possibility that they say, ‘Keep out, we’re here, this is our territory,'" for the Moon’s resource-rich areas. Also read | ‘We better watch out’: NASA chief says US, China locked in ‘space race’ as mission Moon heats up Recent years have seen China's space programme develop leaps and bounds. Last year, the nation successfully put up an Earth-orbiting space station and also mounted several lunar orbiting and sample-collecting missions. As per reports, the third phase of China's Lunar mission is scheduled for 2025, and it seeks to establish a lunar research station on Moon's south pole. Previously, US military officials too sounded the alarm over Chinese "militarisation" of space. While on a visit to Australia, Space Force Lt Gen Nina Armagno warned "It’s entirely possible they could catch up and surpass us," adding that the "progress they’ve made has been stunning – stunningly fast." However, China denies the allegations and has repeatedly rejected the US interpretation of its space missions. (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.

'Outer space not a wrestling ground', retorts China after NASA official says it might claim Moon's resources

<p>NASA chief Bill Nelson has said that the US is currently engaged in a “space race” with China and warned that Beijing may try to exploit lunar resources for itself if it establishes a presence there first.</p>

<p>In an interview with Politico, Nelson, a former astronaut, and Florida senator, on Sunday warned that China may soon claim resource-rich areas of the Moon, and said that the next two years would determine which country gains the upper hand.</p>

<p>“It is a fact: we’re in a space race,” Nelson was quoted as saying by Politico.</p>

<p>“And it is true that we better watch out that they don’t get to a place on the moon under the guise of scientific research. And it is not beyond the realm of possibility that they say, ‘Keep out, we’re here, this is our territory.’”</p>

<p>He quoted the example of China’s aggrandisement policy with regards to the South China Sea, where Beijing has established a military presence on some of the contested islands. “If you doubt that, look at what they did with the Spratly Islands.”</p>

<p>Even as NASA has been working on its Artemis moon missions, China has been steadily gaining pace in exploring&nbsp;the vast areas of the lunar surface.</p>

<h2><strong>5 reasons why NASA's Artemis-1 mission is important for future of space exploration</strong></h2>

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<p>Over the next 10 years, China’s National Space Administration will be sending three orbiters to the Moon as part of the Chang’e lunar program.</p>

<p>The Chang’e-7 program, China’s moon mission, will fly to Moon’s farthest side, the South Pole, an area scientists think is the best place to find water. NASA is also targeting that part of the moon.</p>

<p>China aims to eventually build a moon-based international research station.</p>

<p>Nelson, however, believed that the US will be the first to land on the Moon’s South Pole, noting the Congress funding for the Artemis program.</p>

<p>This week, Congress week approved $24.5 billion for NASA in fiscal 2023, about half a billion dollars less than what President Joe Biden requested.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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NASA chief Bill Nelson has said that the US is currently engaged in a “space race” with China and warned that Beijing may try to exploit lunar resources for itself if it establishes a presence there first.

NASA chief Bill Nelson has said that the US is currently engaged in a “space race” with China and warned that Beijing may try to exploit lunar resources for itself if it establishes a presence there first. In an interview with Politico, Nelson, a former astronaut, and Florida senator, on Sunday warned that China may soon claim resource-rich areas of the Moon, and said that the next two years would determine which country gains the upper hand. “It is a fact: we’re in a space race,” Nelson was quoted as saying by Politico. “And it is true that we better watch out that they don’t get to a place on the moon under the guise of scientific research. And it is not beyond the realm of possibility that they say, ‘Keep out, we’re here, this is our territory.’” He quoted the example of China’s aggrandisement policy with regards to the South China Sea, where Beijing has established a military presence on some of the contested islands. “If you doubt that, look at what they did with the Spratly Islands.” Even as NASA has been working on its Artemis moon missions, China has been steadily gaining pace in exploring the vast areas of the lunar surface. 5 reasons why NASA's Artemis-1 mission is important for future of space exploration Over the next 10 years, China’s National Space Administration will be sending three orbiters to the Moon as part of the Chang’e lunar program. The Chang’e-7 program, China’s moon mission, will fly to Moon’s farthest side, the South Pole, an area scientists think is the best place to find water. NASA is also targeting that part of the moon. China aims to eventually build a moon-based international research station. Nelson, however, believed that the US will be the first to land on the Moon’s South Pole, noting the Congress funding for the Artemis program. This week, Congress week approved $24.5 billion for NASA in fiscal 2023, about half a billion dollars less than what President Joe Biden requested. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

‘We better watch out’: NASA chief says US, China locked in ‘space race’ as mission Moon heats up

NASA is considering using a private spacecraft to reboost Hubble Space Telescope into a higher orbit. The move will breathe new life into the space telescope. Watch this video for all the details.

Why does NASA want to reboost Hubble Space Telescope into a higher orbit?

The year 2023 is set to witness the first civilian mission to the moon. A Japanese billionaire Suzaku Maezawa announced the dearMoon mission in 2018. He bought all the seats on SpaceX’s starship rocket to fly around the moon. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: What is the dearMoon project?

As NASA's James Webb telescope completes one year, here are some magnificent pics it took

<p>The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite from NASA has been sent into the orbit to survey the water on Earth and assist researchers in understanding how it influences&nbsp;the planet's climate. At 5:16 p.m. IST on December 16, the satellite launched atop SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from the Californian Vanderberg Space Force Station. The second stage of the Falcon 9 rocket kept launching the satellite into orbit as the first stage booster of the rocket touched down at Vanderberg Space Force's landing zone-4 about nine minutes after launch.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚀 LIFTOFF!<br />
<br />
Kennedy’s <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA_LSP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA_LSP</a> managed SWOT mission launched aboard a <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> Falcon 9 rocket at 6:46am ET from Space Launch Complex 4-East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. <a href="https://t.co/XbjI4LNuRh">pic.twitter.com/XbjI4LNuRh</a></p>
— NASA's Kennedy Space Center (@NASAKennedy) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAKennedy/status/1603719421033213954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite has separated from its <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> Falcon 9 rocket. SWOT begins <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrackingWorldWater?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrackingWorldWater</a> now and will cover the Earth's surface worldwide at least twice every 21 days for at least three years. <a href="https://t.co/OJfAifkl8R">pic.twitter.com/OJfAifkl8R</a></p>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1603732655417147392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>NASA announced the successful deployment of the SWOT satellite at 6:10 IST. Now, for a minimum of three years, it will cover the entire surface of the Earth at least twice every 21 days.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/india-isro-launched-177-satellites-from-19-nations-in-last-5-years-earned-millions-543749">India: ISRO launched 177 satellites from 19 nations in last 5 years &amp; earned millions</a></p>

<p>This specific Falcon 9 launcher, which has previously supported the NROL-87, NROL-85, SARah-1, and two Starlink missions, successfully launched for the sixth time, according to SpaceX.</p>

<p>The French Space Agency (CNES) and the Canadian and UK space agencies both played a significant role in the satellite's development, which was helmed&nbsp;by NASA. According to a statement from NASA,&nbsp;"The satellite will measure the height of water in Earth’s freshwater bodies and the ocean, providing insights into how the ocean influences climate change; how a warming world affects lakes, rivers, and reservoirs; and how communities can better prepare for disasters, like floods."</p>

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The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite from NASA has been sent into the orbit to survey the water on Earth and assist researchers in understanding how it influences the planet's climate.

The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite from NASA has been sent into the orbit to survey the water on Earth and assist researchers in understanding how it influences the planet's climate. At 5:16 p.m. IST on December 16, the satellite launched atop SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from the Californian Vanderberg Space Force Station. The second stage of the Falcon 9 rocket kept launching the satellite into orbit as the first stage booster of the rocket touched down at Vanderberg Space Force's landing zone-4 about nine minutes after launch. 🚀 LIFTOFF! Kennedy’s @NASA_LSP managed SWOT mission launched aboard a @SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 6:46am ET from Space Launch Complex 4-East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. pic.twitter.com/XbjI4LNuRh — NASA's Kennedy Space Center (@NASAKennedy) December 16, 2022 × The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite has separated from its @SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. SWOT begins #TrackingWorldWater now and will cover the Earth's surface worldwide at least twice every 21 days for at least three years. pic.twitter.com/OJfAifkl8R — NASA (@NASA) December 16, 2022 × NASA announced the successful deployment of the SWOT satellite at 6:10 IST. Now, for a minimum of three years, it will cover the entire surface of the Earth at least twice every 21 days. Also read | India: ISRO launched 177 satellites from 19 nations in last 5 years & earned millions This specific Falcon 9 launcher, which has previously supported the NROL-87, NROL-85, SARah-1, and two Starlink missions, successfully launched for the sixth time, according to SpaceX. The French Space Agency (CNES) and the Canadian and UK space agencies both played a significant role in the satellite's development, which was helmed by NASA. According to a statement from NASA, "The satellite will measure the height of water in Earth’s freshwater bodies and the ocean, providing insights into how the ocean influences climate change; how a warming world affects lakes, rivers, and reservoirs; and how communities can better prepare for disasters, like floods." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH | SpaceX Falcon 9 launches NASA's water topography satellite into orbit

Nasa's spacecraft is set to make its very first close encounter with the most volcanic place in the solar system. The Juno spacecraft has been orbiting Jupiter since 2016, but it is the first time it will fly by its moon "IO" at such a close distance. Priyanka Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: NASA spacecraft to visit most volcanic world in solar system

<p>On Thursday, the first comprehensive survey of the Earth's oceans, lakes and rivers will blast off from Southern California.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The NASA-led mission being launched in collaboration with Elon Musk's SpaceX has been dubbed SWOT, or Surface Water and Ocean Topography and is designed to give scientists an unprecedented view of around 70 per cent of the Earth's surface.</p>

<p>SWOT, one of the 15 missions listed by the National Research Council as projects the American space agency should undertake in the coming decade, has been designed and built by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) &nbsp;in collaboration with French and Canadian counterparts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Marine life flee warming oceans; climate change heats planet's seas</strong></p>

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<p>It will offer a fresh ground-breaking view of one of our most vital resources: the planet's water bodies and shed new light on the mechanisms of how climate change is affecting them.</p>

<p>To carry SWOT into orbit Billionaire Musk's SpaceX Falcon9 rocket was set to take off before dawn on Thursday from the Vandenberg US Space Force Base.</p>

<p>SWOT as per Reuters has been in development for over 20 years. It incorporates advanced microwave radar technology that according to scientists will collect height-surface measurements of water bodies (oceans, lakes, reservoirs and rivers) in high-definition detail over 90 per cent of the globe.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/milestone-for-clean-energy-us-announces-major-nuclear-fusion-breakthrough-542788">'Milestone for clean energy': US announces major nuclear fusion breakthrough</a></strong></p>

<p>It is equipped with Ka-band frequency of microwave spectrum that will allow scanning regardless of cloud cover or darkness and thus will enable 2D dimensions irrespective of weather or time of day.</p>

<p>The project will also help enhance ocean circulation models, bolster weather and climate forecasts, and contribute to managing scarce freshwater supplies in drought-stricken regions.</p>

<p>As per the plan, the satellite will gather data over several months. The data will be compiled from sweeps that'll be done twice every 21 days.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-orion-capsule-returns-to-earth-following-a-record-voyage-around-the-moon-542120">NASA's Orion capsule returns to Earth following a record voyage around the Moon</a></strong></p>

<p>"It's really the first mission to observe nearly all water on the planet's surface," said JPL scientist Ben Hamlington.</p>

<p>Collecting such data as per NASA's SWOT freshwater science lead, Tamlin Pavelsky, was akin to "taking the pulse of the world's water system, so we'll be able to see when it's racing and we'll be able to see when it's slow."</p>

<p>We know that the planet's oceans absorb an estimated 90 per cent r more of the excess heat trapped in Earth's atmosphere. SWOT aims to explore how the heat that is resultant of human activities and the greenhouse gas emissions generated from them, impacts climate change and moderates global temperatures.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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On Thursday, the first comprehensive survey of the Earth's oceans, lakes and rivers will blast off from Southern California. The NASA-led mission being launched in collaboration with Elon Musk's SpaceX has been dubbed SWOT, or Surface Water and Ocean Topography and is designed to give scientists an unprecedented view of around 70 per cent of the Earth's surface.

On Thursday, the first comprehensive survey of the Earth's oceans, lakes and rivers will blast off from Southern California. The NASA-led mission being launched in collaboration with Elon Musk's SpaceX has been dubbed SWOT, or Surface Water and Ocean Topography and is designed to give scientists an unprecedented view of around 70 per cent of the Earth's surface. SWOT, one of the 15 missions listed by the National Research Council as projects the American space agency should undertake in the coming decade, has been designed and built by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in collaboration with French and Canadian counterparts. Watch | WION Climate Tracker: Marine life flee warming oceans; climate change heats planet's seas It will offer a fresh ground-breaking view of one of our most vital resources: the planet's water bodies and shed new light on the mechanisms of how climate change is affecting them. To carry SWOT into orbit Billionaire Musk's SpaceX Falcon9 rocket was set to take off before dawn on Thursday from the Vandenberg US Space Force Base. SWOT as per Reuters has been in development for over 20 years. It incorporates advanced microwave radar technology that according to scientists will collect height-surface measurements of water bodies (oceans, lakes, reservoirs and rivers) in high-definition detail over 90 per cent of the globe. Also read | 'Milestone for clean energy': US announces major nuclear fusion breakthrough It is equipped with Ka-band frequency of microwave spectrum that will allow scanning regardless of cloud cover or darkness and thus will enable 2D dimensions irrespective of weather or time of day. The project will also help enhance ocean circulation models, bolster weather and climate forecasts, and contribute to managing scarce freshwater supplies in drought-stricken regions. As per the plan, the satellite will gather data over several months. The data will be compiled from sweeps that'll be done twice every 21 days. Also read | NASA's Orion capsule returns to Earth following a record voyage around the Moon "It's really the first mission to observe nearly all water on the planet's surface," said JPL scientist Ben Hamlington. Collecting such data as per NASA's SWOT freshwater science lead, Tamlin Pavelsky, was akin to "taking the pulse of the world's water system, so we'll be able to see when it's racing and we'll be able to see when it's slow." We know that the planet's oceans absorb an estimated 90 per cent r more of the excess heat trapped in Earth's atmosphere. SWOT aims to explore how the heat that is resultant of human activities and the greenhouse gas emissions generated from them, impacts climate change and moderates global temperatures. (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.

Ground-breaking NASA mission to study one of Earth's most important resources to be launched today

The Orion space capsule splashed down safely into the Pacific ocean on Sunday following a successful unmanned voyage around the Moon. This marked the completion of the Artemis 1 mission after a journey of 25 days.

NASA's Orion Capsule safely returns to earth after 25-days test flight

<p>After being exhibited at the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. and the U.S. Pavillion during the 2020 World Expo in Dubai, the full-scale model of NASA 'Opportunity' Mars Rover has now landed in an Indian city. Launched in 2003, the 'Opportunity' Mars Exploration Rover mission is considered among the most successful exploration efforts of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rover landed on the Red planet in 2004, with the aim of searching for evidence that water once existed on the planet's surface. The Opportunity rover made several key discoveries during its mission, including evidence of the previous existence of water on Mars and conditions at that time could have been suitable for sustaining microbial life. The rover explored the Martian terrain for almost 15 years, far outlasting her planned 90-day mission. </p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/video?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#video</a> :Full-scale model of the <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA</a> 'Opportunity' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mars</a> Rover..This is one of the most successful, iconic interplanetary missions of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NASA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NASA</a><br />
The rover was designed for a 90-day mission, but served 15yrs!<br />
<br />
It's open for public viewing at <a href="https://twitter.com/USAndChennai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USAndChennai</a> ,till Jan'23 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chennai</a> <a href="https://t.co/wVS30thi7B">https://t.co/wVS30thi7B</a> <a href="https://t.co/VLd0jPcMNq">pic.twitter.com/VLd0jPcMNq</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1602278818470731777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Built by Cornell University students, the Mars rover model is an interactive exhibit that is tailored to visiting school students, features activities built around the Mars Rover and space exploration. The full-scale model has been placed at The American Center, located inside the US Consulate General in the Southern Indian city of Chennai. The exhibit is open for public viewing from Monday to Friday, between 10am to 4pm, until January 2023. Following the temporary display in Chennai, this model is expected to be placed in Bengaluru, as a permanent exhibit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In its 14year lifespan, the rover captured more than 2.17lakh images, travelled 28 miles on the Martian surface and negotiated slopes as steep at 32degrees.</p>

<p>Launching the exhibit of the full-scale Rover model, U.S. Consul General Chennai, Judith Ravin said that “Our U.S. and Indian scientists and engineers have an opportunity to work together to change the world... We hope that the ties between our two countries in the space sector, including between NASA and ISRO, will continue to expand with future missions to Mars and beyond. We hope this exhibit will inspire students such as yourselves to explore all the opportunities that lie ahead for you in the space sector as you begin to think through what you want to study and where you work".&nbsp;</p>

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After being exhibited at the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. and the U.S. Pavillion during the 2020 World Expo in Dubai, the full-scale model of NASA 'Opportunity' Mars Rover has now landed in an Indian city.

After being exhibited at the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. and the U.S. Pavillion during the 2020 World Expo in Dubai, the full-scale model of NASA 'Opportunity' Mars Rover has now landed in an Indian city. Launched in 2003, the 'Opportunity' Mars Exploration Rover mission is considered among the most successful exploration efforts of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA). The rover landed on the Red planet in 2004, with the aim of searching for evidence that water once existed on the planet's surface. The Opportunity rover made several key discoveries during its mission, including evidence of the previous existence of water on Mars and conditions at that time could have been suitable for sustaining microbial life. The rover explored the Martian terrain for almost 15 years, far outlasting her planned 90-day mission.  #video :Full-scale model of the @NASA 'Opportunity' #mars Rover..This is one of the most successful, iconic interplanetary missions of #NASA The rover was designed for a 90-day mission, but served 15yrs! It's open for public viewing at @USAndChennai ,till Jan'23 #Chennai https://t.co/wVS30thi7B pic.twitter.com/VLd0jPcMNq — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) December 12, 2022 × Built by Cornell University students, the Mars rover model is an interactive exhibit that is tailored to visiting school students, features activities built around the Mars Rover and space exploration. The full-scale model has been placed at The American Center, located inside the US Consulate General in the Southern Indian city of Chennai. The exhibit is open for public viewing from Monday to Friday, between 10am to 4pm, until January 2023. Following the temporary display in Chennai, this model is expected to be placed in Bengaluru, as a permanent exhibit. In its 14year lifespan, the rover captured more than 2.17lakh images, travelled 28 miles on the Martian surface and negotiated slopes as steep at 32degrees. Launching the exhibit of the full-scale Rover model, U.S. Consul General Chennai, Judith Ravin said that “Our U.S. and Indian scientists and engineers have an opportunity to work together to change the world... We hope that the ties between our two countries in the space sector, including between NASA and ISRO, will continue to expand with future missions to Mars and beyond. We hope this exhibit will inspire students such as yourselves to explore all the opportunities that lie ahead for you in the space sector as you begin to think through what you want to study and where you work".

NASA's 'Opportunity' Mars Rover model being exhibited for public in this Indian city

<p>NASA's Orion spaceship on Monday (December 6) made a close pass of the Moon, using its gravity to 'slingshot' itself back towards Earth. This has marked the start of its return journey.</p>

<p>The uncrewed flight capsule was less than 80 miles 130 kilometres) from the surface of the Moon at its closest approach. It tested manoeuvres that will be used during later Artemis missions. These missions will mark return of humans to Earth's only satellite.</p>

<p>Communication with the capsule was interrupted for 30 minutes when it was behind the far side of the Moon -- an area more cratered than the near side and first seen by humans during the Apollo era, although they didn't land there.</p>

<p>The European Service Module, which powers the capsule, fired its main engine for over three minutes to put the gumdrop-shaped Orion on course for home.</p>

<p>"We couldn't be more pleased about how the spacecraft is performing," Debbie Korth, Orion Program deputy manager, said later.</p>

<p>As spectacular footage flashed on their screens once communication was restored, she told a news conference, "everybody in the room, we just kind of had to stop and pause, and just really look -- Wow, we're saying goodbye to the moon."</p>

<p>Last major manoeuvre of the mission took place on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA's Artemis-1 mission began when the mega Moon rocket SLS blasted off on November 16.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Orion will now make only slight course corrections until it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego on Sunday, December 11 at 9:40 am local time (1740 GMT). It will then be recovered and hoisted aboard a US Navy ship.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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NASA's Orion spaceship on Monday (December 6) made a close pass of the Moon, using its gravity to 'slingshot' itself back towards Earth. This has marked the start of its return journey.

NASA's Orion spaceship on Monday (December 6) made a close pass of the Moon, using its gravity to 'slingshot' itself back towards Earth. This has marked the start of its return journey. The uncrewed flight capsule was less than 80 miles 130 kilometres) from the surface of the Moon at its closest approach. It tested manoeuvres that will be used during later Artemis missions. These missions will mark return of humans to Earth's only satellite. Communication with the capsule was interrupted for 30 minutes when it was behind the far side of the Moon -- an area more cratered than the near side and first seen by humans during the Apollo era, although they didn't land there. The European Service Module, which powers the capsule, fired its main engine for over three minutes to put the gumdrop-shaped Orion on course for home. "We couldn't be more pleased about how the spacecraft is performing," Debbie Korth, Orion Program deputy manager, said later. As spectacular footage flashed on their screens once communication was restored, she told a news conference, "everybody in the room, we just kind of had to stop and pause, and just really look -- Wow, we're saying goodbye to the moon." Last major manoeuvre of the mission took place on Monday. NASA's Artemis-1 mission began when the mega Moon rocket SLS blasted off on November 16. Orion will now make only slight course corrections until it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego on Sunday, December 11 at 9:40 am local time (1740 GMT). It will then be recovered and hoisted aboard a US Navy ship. (With inputs from agencies) 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 Orion spacecraft 'slingshots' around Moon on way back home

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<p>The United States’ space agency, NASA’s Orion spacecraft, reached a key milestone in its voyage around the Moon by travelling furthest than any spacecraft designed to carry humans has before. On Monday, NASA confirmed that the uncrewed Orion capsule has moved at least 270,000 miles (430,000 km) beyond Earth marking the midpoint of the mission.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Orion spacecraft is key to the US space agency’s historic Artemis I mission which plans to&nbsp;send&nbsp;humans to the Moon after nearly five decades. The previous record was set by the Apollo 13 mission in 1970 which carried astronauts at least 248,655 miles (400,171 km) away from Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-close-up-of-the-moon-artemis-1s-orion-spacecraft-captures-closest-images-of-the-lunar-body-537255">A close-up of the Moon: Artemis 1's Orion spacecraft captures closest images of the lunar body</a></strong></p>

<p>The capsule took off from Florida's Kennedy Space Center, earlier this month, on a 26-day mission to test the limits of the vehicle and ensure it is safe for astronauts to travel. Notably, the distance covered by Orion, on Monday, is more than 40,000 miles (64,374 km) beyond the far side of the Moon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the mission has encountered a few technical hiccups or as the Artemis I Mission Manager Michael Sarafin calls them “funnies” he has assured that none of them is “out there are of consequence”. Meanwhile, Orion Program Manager Howard Hu, on Monday, told the press that Orion’s performance so far has been “outstanding” and even exceeding expectations in certain aspects like using much less fuel.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/artemis-i-explained-nasas-first-mission-to-land-humans-on-the-moon-after-50-years-510343">Artemis I Explained: NASA's first mission to land humans on the moon after 50 years</a></strong></p>

<p>It had previously witnessed some issues with the data sent by Orion’s star tracker, which signals the orientation of the spacecraft. However, NASA officials have said that is not uncommon when it comes to operating a new spacecraft and have since “worked through” it. The spacecraft is due to crash in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California on December 11.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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The United States’ space agency, NASA’s Orion spacecraft, reached a key milestone in its voyage around the Moon by travelling furthest than any spacecraft designed to carry humans has before.

The United States’ space agency, NASA’s Orion spacecraft, reached a key milestone in its voyage around the Moon by travelling furthest than any spacecraft designed to carry humans has before. On Monday, NASA confirmed that the uncrewed Orion capsule has moved at least 270,000 miles (430,000 km) beyond Earth marking the midpoint of the mission. The Orion spacecraft is key to the US space agency’s historic Artemis I mission which plans to send humans to the Moon after nearly five decades. The previous record was set by the Apollo 13 mission in 1970 which carried astronauts at least 248,655 miles (400,171 km) away from Earth. ALSO READ | A close-up of the Moon: Artemis 1's Orion spacecraft captures closest images of the lunar body The capsule took off from Florida's Kennedy Space Center, earlier this month, on a 26-day mission to test the limits of the vehicle and ensure it is safe for astronauts to travel. Notably, the distance covered by Orion, on Monday, is more than 40,000 miles (64,374 km) beyond the far side of the Moon. While the mission has encountered a few technical hiccups or as the Artemis I Mission Manager Michael Sarafin calls them “funnies” he has assured that none of them is “out there are of consequence”. Meanwhile, Orion Program Manager Howard Hu, on Monday, told the press that Orion’s performance so far has been “outstanding” and even exceeding expectations in certain aspects like using much less fuel. ALSO WATCH | Artemis I Explained: NASA's first mission to land humans on the moon after 50 years It had previously witnessed some issues with the data sent by Orion’s star tracker, which signals the orientation of the spacecraft. However, NASA officials have said that is not uncommon when it comes to operating a new spacecraft and have since “worked through” it. The spacecraft is due to crash in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California on December 11. (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.

NASA's Orion spacecraft reaches record-breaking distance of 270,000 miles away from Earth

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