Brad Pitt traded laughs on Monday in a call to the International Space Station with a NASA astronaut, who somersaulted during the zero-gravity interview ahead of this week`s release of the actor`s new film, the space thriller 'Ad Astra.' 
 
Pitt peppered astronaut Nick Hague with dozens of questions about what life was like in space from NASA`s famed Mission Control Center in Houston. 
 
“Most important question: Who controls the jam box?” Pitt asked, referring to the space station`s music. 
 
“We have a rotating playlist, we take turns. And it’s nice because we have the international flair as well,” Hague replied. “Getting to hear some traditional music from Russia over dinner is a nice change, exposure.” 
 
Pitt plays astronaut Roy McBride, who travels to the outer edges of the solar system to find his missing father, confronting a mystery along the way that threatens humanity’s existence back on Earth. 'Ad Astra' - whose Latin title means "to the stars" - opens in US&nbsp;theatres on Friday. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration was given an early copy of the movie`s script to provide visual and technical expertise, according to its film and TV liaison, Bert Ulrich.&nbsp; 
 
Detailed images of Mars from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory informed the film’s recreation of Martian landscapes, he said. “The script did not have a NASA storyline, but there were ways that we could still help them,” Ulrich said in an interview, adding that the film shows some parallels to NASA’s Moon-to-Mars Artemis programme, such as the way characters use the moon to travel further to Mars. 
 
After asking questions like how realistic his zero-gravity movements were in a studio environment - as Hague performed one for him - Pitt said he had one last question "and I need to call on your expertise." 
 
"Who was more believable, Clooney or Pitt?” the actor asked, referring to George Clooney, a good friend who played an astronaut in the 2013 film ' Gravity'&nbsp;and has starred with Pitt in a number of other films.&nbsp;“You were, absolutely,” Hague replied. 
&nbsp;

Brad Pitt traded laughs on Monday in a call to the International Space Station with a NASA astronaut, who somersaulted during the zero-gravity interview ahead of this week`s release of the actor`s new film, the space thriller 'Ad Astra.

Brad Pitt traded laughs on Monday in a call to the International Space Station with a NASA astronaut, who somersaulted during the zero-gravity interview ahead of this week`s release of the actor`s new film, the space thriller 'Ad Astra.' Pitt peppered astronaut Nick Hague with dozens of questions about what life was like in space from NASA`s famed Mission Control Center in Houston. “Most important question: Who controls the jam box?” Pitt asked, referring to the space station`s music. “We have a rotating playlist, we take turns. And it’s nice because we have the international flair as well,” Hague replied. “Getting to hear some traditional music from Russia over dinner is a nice change, exposure.” Pitt plays astronaut Roy McBride, who travels to the outer edges of the solar system to find his missing father, confronting a mystery along the way that threatens humanity’s existence back on Earth. 'Ad Astra' - whose Latin title means "to the stars" - opens in US theatres on Friday. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration was given an early copy of the movie`s script to provide visual and technical expertise, according to its film and TV liaison, Bert Ulrich. Detailed images of Mars from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory informed the film’s recreation of Martian landscapes, he said. “The script did not have a NASA storyline, but there were ways that we could still help them,” Ulrich said in an interview, adding that the film shows some parallels to NASA’s Moon-to-Mars Artemis programme, such as the way characters use the moon to travel further to Mars. After asking questions like how realistic his zero-gravity movements were in a studio environment - as Hague performed one for him - Pitt said he had one last question "and I need to call on your expertise." "Who was more believable, Clooney or Pitt?” the actor asked, referring to George Clooney, a good friend who played an astronaut in the 2013 film ' Gravity' and has starred with Pitt in a number of other films. “You were, absolutely,” Hague replied.

Who calls the tunes in space, Brad Pitt asks NASA astronaut during an interview

How Malaria vaccine can save Africa, Asia from killer disease

NASA is developing a new technique to forecast malaria outbreaks in Myanmar from space, as the emergence of new drug-resistant strains in Southeast Asia threatens efforts to wipe out the deadly disease globally.

The goal of worldwide malaria eradication within a generation, by 2050, is "bold but attainable", a report released this week in The Lancet argued.

Malaria cases and deaths plummeted by more than 90 per cent in Myanmar between 2010 and 2017, World Health Organisation (WHO) figures show, a success largely credited to better rural health services and wider use of treated bednets.

But the country still has a higher prevalence than its neighbours in the Mekong region.

Several drug-resistant strains are taking hold across Southeast Asia and it is feared these could migrate to Africa where more than 90 per cent of cases globally occur.

To counter this threat, NASA is deploying "cutting edge" spatial technology to tackle malaria outbreaks before they happen, scientist Tatiana Loboda told AFP.

She is applying her expertise in geospatial and risk modelling coupled with a background in predicting wildfire outbreaks in the US to identify potential hotspots so medicines and health workers can be mobilised in advance.

"A lot of people use a little spatial modelling but not to the same depth and capabilities as we're doing here," said Loboda, a professor at Maryland University.

The satellites provide meteorological data, including land surface temperatures, atmospheric water content, and information about land cover, including forest, shrubland, settlements or water.

These are then combined with socio-economic data gathered by teams of researchers carrying out in-depth surveys with sample populations in the field.

The project is only in its third year but Loboda's team has already seen a high correlation between the rate of deforestation and the disease.

One unproven theory is that these areas often dotted with logging sites, mines and plantations are hosts to a disproportionate number of migrant or seasonal workers, bringing with them new strains of the parasite.

The Maryland University team is working closely with local government and military scientists, collecting data from civilians and troops respectively.

But that brings challenges in a country where the armed forces keep their operations shrouded in mystery.

"We're not allowed to ask where they go," Loboda told AFP in Yangon, describing it as "like working blindfolded".

This is coupled with a lack of access to Myanmar's myriad conflict areas.

"I'm used to working with big data," Loboda bemoaned. "I want to blanket the whole country with random locations but I can't."

The project is not immune to geopolitics either.

The state of US-Myanmar relations can complicate meetings with the military in the capital Naypyidaw.

"Sometimes I can go, sometimes I can't," Loboda said.

NASA is developing a new technique to forecast malaria outbreaks in Myanmar from space, as the emergence of new drug-resistant strains in Southeast Asia threatens efforts to wipe out the deadly disease globally.

NASA is developing a new technique to forecast malaria outbreaks in Myanmar from space, as the emergence of new drug-resistant strains in Southeast Asia threatens efforts to wipe out the deadly disease globally. The goal of worldwide malaria eradication within a generation, by 2050, is "bold but attainable", a report released this week in The Lancet argued. Malaria cases and deaths plummeted by more than 90 per cent in Myanmar between 2010 and 2017, World Health Organisation (WHO) figures show, a success largely credited to better rural health services and wider use of treated bednets. But the country still has a higher prevalence than its neighbours in the Mekong region. Several drug-resistant strains are taking hold across Southeast Asia and it is feared these could migrate to Africa where more than 90 per cent of cases globally occur. To counter this threat, NASA is deploying "cutting edge" spatial technology to tackle malaria outbreaks before they happen, scientist Tatiana Loboda told AFP. She is applying her expertise in geospatial and risk modelling coupled with a background in predicting wildfire outbreaks in the US to identify potential hotspots so medicines and health workers can be mobilised in advance. "A lot of people use a little spatial modelling but not to the same depth and capabilities as we're doing here," said Loboda, a professor at Maryland University. The satellites provide meteorological data, including land surface temperatures, atmospheric water content, and information about land cover, including forest, shrubland, settlements or water. These are then combined with socio-economic data gathered by teams of researchers carrying out in-depth surveys with sample populations in the field. The project is only in its third year but Loboda's team has already seen a high correlation between the rate of deforestation and the disease. One unproven theory is that these areas often dotted with logging sites, mines and plantations are hosts to a disproportionate number of migrant or seasonal workers, bringing with them new strains of the parasite. The Maryland University team is working closely with local government and military scientists, collecting data from civilians and troops respectively. But that brings challenges in a country where the armed forces keep their operations shrouded in mystery. "We're not allowed to ask where they go," Loboda told AFP in Yangon, describing it as "like working blindfolded". This is coupled with a lack of access to Myanmar's myriad conflict areas. "I'm used to working with big data," Loboda bemoaned. "I want to blanket the whole country with random locations but I can't." The project is not immune to geopolitics either. The state of US-Myanmar relations can complicate meetings with the military in the capital Naypyidaw. "Sometimes I can go, sometimes I can't," Loboda said.

NASA developing new technology to forecast malaria outbreaks in Myanmar from space

NASA on Saturday commended ISRO's attempt to place 'Vikram'&nbsp;lander of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-2-90-95-per-cent-of-mission-objectives-achieved-says-isro-248320">Chandrayaan 2 mission on the moon's south pole</a> and said it was inspired with the Indian space agency's journey.

The US space agency also said that it looks forward to working with ISRO to explore the solar system together.

"Space is hard. We commend ISRO's attempt to land their #Chandrayaan2 mission on the Moon's South Pole. You have inspired us with your journey and we look forward to future opportunities to explore our solar system together," NASA said in a tweet.

The communication with Vikram lander was lost in the wee hours of Saturday, moments before its planned landing on the south pole region of the moon.

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Space is hard. We commend <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ISRO</a>’s attempt to land their <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chandrayaan2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chandrayaan2</a> mission on the Moon’s South Pole. You have inspired us with your journey and look forward to future opportunities to explore our solar system together. <a href="https://t.co/pKzzo9FDLL">https://t.co/pKzzo9FDLL</a>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1170385925077131264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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ISRO chairman K Sivan announced that communication with the lander was lost at 2.1 km from the lunar surface.

The Vikram lander successfully separated from Chandrayaan 2 orbiter on September 2.

The Chandrayaan 2 orbiter continues to orbit the moon. After revolving around the Earth's orbit for nearly 23 days, the spacecraft began its journey to the moon on August 14.

The mission took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 22.

In his address to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed ISRO's scientists saying that they live for the country and irrespective of setbacks, the country's resolve to reach the moon has strengthened more.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

NASA on Saturday commended ISRO's attempt to place 'Vikram' lander of Chandrayaan 2 mission on the moon's south pole and said it was inspired with the Indian space agency's journey.

NASA on Saturday commended ISRO's attempt to place 'Vikram' lander of Chandrayaan 2 mission on the moon's south pole and said it was inspired with the Indian space agency's journey. The US space agency also said that it looks forward to working with ISRO to explore the solar system together. "Space is hard. We commend ISRO's attempt to land their #Chandrayaan2 mission on the Moon's South Pole. You have inspired us with your journey and we look forward to future opportunities to explore our solar system together," NASA said in a tweet. The communication with Vikram lander was lost in the wee hours of Saturday, moments before its planned landing on the south pole region of the moon. Space is hard. We commend @ISRO’s attempt to land their #Chandrayaan2 mission on the Moon’s South Pole. You have inspired us with your journey and look forward to future opportunities to explore our solar system together. https://t.co/pKzzo9FDLL — NASA (@NASA) September 7, 2019 × ISRO chairman K Sivan announced that communication with the lander was lost at 2.1 km from the lunar surface. The Vikram lander successfully separated from Chandrayaan 2 orbiter on September 2. The Chandrayaan 2 orbiter continues to orbit the moon. After revolving around the Earth's orbit for nearly 23 days, the spacecraft began its journey to the moon on August 14. The mission took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 22. In his address to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed ISRO's scientists saying that they live for the country and irrespective of setbacks, the country's resolve to reach the moon has strengthened more.

'Your journey has inspired us': NASA commends ISRO's attempt to land on moon

Former NASA astronaut Jerry M Linenger on Thursday said that landing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-2-completes-second-de-orbiting-maneuver-successfully-isro-247492">Chandrayaan-2 on the south pole of the moon</a> is a milestone for the entire world and not just India.

"The south pole of the moon is a fantastic region to explore. That is why the entire planet will benefit from the mission. This is not just a milestone for India but the entire world," Linenger told ANI.

The former NASA astronaut is in the country to promote a special program on India's space mission <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-2-performs-first-de-orbiting-manoeuvre-isro-247277">Chandrayaan-2</a>, featuring him as space analyst.

"India is about to land Chandrayaan 2 on the south pole of the moon. There are great challenges since no one has ever been there before but the Vikram lander onboard the spacecraft is also very capable," Linenger said.

He said that the most important task for the mission will be to explore whether there is water on the natural satellite.

"The Chandrayaan-2 has already carried out some of the difficult tasks like de-orbiting but landing on the surface of the moon will be the toughest part. There is a possibility of tumbling if the landing spot is slanted. I will definitely be on the edge of my seat," he said.

Watch: Chandrayaan-2 completes second maneuver, Vikram lander ready for descent

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Linenger had gone on the space shuttle and spent five months on the Russian space station 'MIR'.

"I am here to celebrate this great accomplishment with the people of India. During our live show, I am going to be trying to give people some insight into the mission from my own experience. I am very excited. I am keeping my fingers crossed that everything goes well," he said.

"No matter the outcome, it will be a success, not only for India but the planet," he added.

The Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft will be the first-ever expedition to the south pole of the moon.

This mission will make India the fourth country after the US, Russia, and China to conduct a soft landing on the lunar surface.

The Lander is scheduled to land on the surface of the moon on September 7.

After revolving around the Earth's orbit for nearly 23 days, the craft began its journey to the moon on August 14.

The mission took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 22.&nbsp;

Former NASA astronaut Jerry M Linenger on Thursday said that landing Chandrayaan-2 on the south pole of the moon is a milestone for the entire world and not just India.

Former NASA astronaut Jerry M Linenger on Thursday said that landing Chandrayaan-2 on the south pole of the moon is a milestone for the entire world and not just India. "The south pole of the moon is a fantastic region to explore. That is why the entire planet will benefit from the mission. This is not just a milestone for India but the entire world," Linenger told ANI. The former NASA astronaut is in the country to promote a special program on India's space mission Chandrayaan-2, featuring him as space analyst. "India is about to land Chandrayaan 2 on the south pole of the moon. There are great challenges since no one has ever been there before but the Vikram lander onboard the spacecraft is also very capable," Linenger said. He said that the most important task for the mission will be to explore whether there is water on the natural satellite. "The Chandrayaan-2 has already carried out some of the difficult tasks like de-orbiting but landing on the surface of the moon will be the toughest part. There is a possibility of tumbling if the landing spot is slanted. I will definitely be on the edge of my seat," he said. Watch: Chandrayaan-2 completes second maneuver, Vikram lander ready for descent × Linenger had gone on the space shuttle and spent five months on the Russian space station 'MIR'. "I am here to celebrate this great accomplishment with the people of India. During our live show, I am going to be trying to give people some insight into the mission from my own experience. I am very excited. I am keeping my fingers crossed that everything goes well," he said. "No matter the outcome, it will be a success, not only for India but the planet," he added. The Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft will be the first-ever expedition to the south pole of the moon. This mission will make India the fourth country after the US, Russia, and China to conduct a soft landing on the lunar surface. The Lander is scheduled to land on the surface of the moon on September 7. After revolving around the Earth's orbit for nearly 23 days, the craft began its journey to the moon on August 14. The mission took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 22.

Chandrayaan-2 a milestone for the entire world: Former NASA astronaut

It's evident that India is within reach of the moon. That too the unexplored side of the moon.

The Vikram module of Chandrayaan-2 is scheduled to make a soft landing in the South Polar region of the moon early on Saturday.

If successful, this mission, will secure India's stature as space superpower proving that we have a capacity to soft-land&nbsp;on the moon.

With this, India would become the first country to map&nbsp;the lunar surface in the unexplored side of the moon and study its atmosphere.

Isro says&nbsp;that the last 15 minutes of the touch down with the Vikram lander will be '15 minutes of terror'.

If Vikram module of Chandrayaan-2 passes critical minutes of the touchdown, the lander will measure the quakes in the moon and the rover will analyse the soil.

Such studies will enhance our understanding of the moon.

Besides this, the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter will circle around the moon for one year and collect information on minerals in the moon and search for water.

This would be the most sophisticated search for water in the moon. Chandrayaan-2 is equipped with infra-red imagers and radars. Put simply, Chandrayaan - 2 heralds a new era in India's space exploration.

Overall, this mission has the potential to make India a leader in lunar research. And this is a huge achievement.&nbsp;

The US, the then Soviet Union and China had a headstart in space missions. In a little over 5 decades since the establishment of ISRO, India is on its way to lead the world when it comes to the moon.

Then comes the issue of cost-efficiency. This mission has cost India only $150 million which is&nbsp;cheaper than the budget of Hollywood film 'Interstellar'.

Successful landing would be a testimony to ISRO's growing expertise. In science, India has been a heavyweight - contrary to popular perception.

Chandrayaan-2 will be a glittering achievement in that proud tradition. 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

It's evident that India is within reach of the moon. That too the unexplored side of the moon. The Vikram module of Chandrayaan-2 is scheduled to make a soft landing in the South Polar region of the moon early on Saturday.

It's evident that India is within reach of the moon. That too the unexplored side of the moon. The Vikram module of Chandrayaan-2 is scheduled to make a soft landing in the South Polar region of the moon early on Saturday. If successful, this mission, will secure India's stature as space superpower proving that we have a capacity to soft-land on the moon. With this, India would become the first country to map the lunar surface in the unexplored side of the moon and study its atmosphere. Isro says that the last 15 minutes of the touch down with the Vikram lander will be '15 minutes of terror'. If Vikram module of Chandrayaan-2 passes critical minutes of the touchdown, the lander will measure the quakes in the moon and the rover will analyse the soil. Such studies will enhance our understanding of the moon. Besides this, the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter will circle around the moon for one year and collect information on minerals in the moon and search for water. This would be the most sophisticated search for water in the moon. Chandrayaan-2 is equipped with infra-red imagers and radars. Put simply, Chandrayaan - 2 heralds a new era in India's space exploration. Overall, this mission has the potential to make India a leader in lunar research. And this is a huge achievement. The US, the then Soviet Union and China had a headstart in space missions. In a little over 5 decades since the establishment of ISRO, India is on its way to lead the world when it comes to the moon. Then comes the issue of cost-efficiency. This mission has cost India only $150 million which is cheaper than the budget of Hollywood film 'Interstellar'. Successful landing would be a testimony to ISRO's growing expertise. In science, India has been a heavyweight - contrary to popular perception. Chandrayaan-2 will be a glittering achievement in that proud tradition. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Chandrayaan-2 moon landing - Sky is the limit

An unmanned spacecraft carrying <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russia-launches-humanoid-robot-fedor-to-assist-astronauts-on-international-space-station-245141">Russia's first humanoid robot</a> to be sent into orbit successfully docked at the International Space Station on Tuesday, following a failed attempt over the weekend.

"Contact confirmed, capture confirmed," a commentator on NASA TV said.

The lifesize robot named Fedor -- short for Final Experimental Demonstration Object Research -- copies human movements, a key skill that allows it to help carry out tasks remotely.

It blasted off Thursday in a Soyuz MS-14 spacecraft from a Russian spaceport in southern Kazakhstan and is due to stay on the ISS until September 7, learning to assist astronauts in the space station.

An aborted docking on Saturday had increased uncertainty over the future of Russia's space programme, which has suffered a number of recent setbacks.

NASA said Saturday the craft had been "unable to lock onto its target at the station," and had "backed a safe distance away from the orbital complex while the Russian flight controllers assess the next steps".

Russian flight controllers had told the ISS crew it appeared the problem that prevented automated docking was in the station and not the spacecraft, NASA added.

Soyuz ships are normally manned on such trips, but this time no humans were travelling in order to test a new emergency rescue system.

Fedor is not the first robot to go into space. In 2011, NASA sent up Robonaut 2, a humanoid developed with General Motors that had a similar aim of working in high-risk environments.

It was flown back to Earth in 2018 after experiencing technical problems.

In 2013, Japan sent up a small robot called Kirobo along with the ISS's first Japanese space commander. Developed with Toyota, it was able to hold conversations -- albeit only in Japanese.

The International Space Station has been orbiting Earth at about 28,000 kilometres per hour&nbsp;since 1998.

Last October, a Soyuz rocket carrying an American and a Russian had to make an emergency landing shortly after lift-off -- the first failure in the history of manned Russian flights.

An unmanned spacecraft carrying Russia's first humanoid robot to be sent into orbit successfully docked at the International Space Station on Tuesday, following a failed attempt over the weekend.

An unmanned spacecraft carrying Russia's first humanoid robot to be sent into orbit successfully docked at the International Space Station on Tuesday, following a failed attempt over the weekend. "Contact confirmed, capture confirmed," a commentator on NASA TV said. The lifesize robot named Fedor -- short for Final Experimental Demonstration Object Research -- copies human movements, a key skill that allows it to help carry out tasks remotely. It blasted off Thursday in a Soyuz MS-14 spacecraft from a Russian spaceport in southern Kazakhstan and is due to stay on the ISS until September 7, learning to assist astronauts in the space station. An aborted docking on Saturday had increased uncertainty over the future of Russia's space programme, which has suffered a number of recent setbacks. NASA said Saturday the craft had been "unable to lock onto its target at the station," and had "backed a safe distance away from the orbital complex while the Russian flight controllers assess the next steps". Russian flight controllers had told the ISS crew it appeared the problem that prevented automated docking was in the station and not the spacecraft, NASA added. Soyuz ships are normally manned on such trips, but this time no humans were travelling in order to test a new emergency rescue system. Fedor is not the first robot to go into space. In 2011, NASA sent up Robonaut 2, a humanoid developed with General Motors that had a similar aim of working in high-risk environments. It was flown back to Earth in 2018 after experiencing technical problems. In 2013, Japan sent up a small robot called Kirobo along with the ISS's first Japanese space commander. Developed with Toyota, it was able to hold conversations -- albeit only in Japanese. The International Space Station has been orbiting Earth at about 28,000 kilometres per hour since 1998. Last October, a Soyuz rocket carrying an American and a Russian had to make an emergency landing shortly after lift-off -- the first failure in the history of manned Russian flights.

Spacecraft carrying Russian humanoid robot docks at International Space Station

US space agency NASA is investigating what may be the first crime committed in outer space, The New York Times reported Saturday.

Astronaut Anne McClain is accused of identity theft and improperly accessing her estranged wife's private financial records while on a sixth-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the Times said.

The astronaut's spouse Summer Worden filed a complaint earlier this year with the Federal Trade Commission after learning McClain had accessed her bank account without permission, while Worden's family filed another with NASA's Office of Inspector General, according to the newspaper.

McClain's lawyer said the astronaut had done nothing wrong and accessed the bank records while aboard the ISS in order to monitor the couple's combined finances -- something she had done over the course of their relationship, the Times reported.

NASA investigators have contacted both women, according to the newspaper.

McClain, who returned to Earth in June, gained fame for being one of two women picked for a historic all-female spacewalk, but NASA scrapped the planned walk in March due to a lack of well-fitting spacesuits, sparking accusations of sexism.

Worden said the FTC has not responded to the identity theft report, but that an investigator specializing in criminal cases with NASA's Office of Inspector General has been looking into the accusation, according to the Times. 
&nbsp;

US space agency NASA is investigating what may be the first crime committed in outer space, The New York Times reported Saturday. Astronaut Anne McClain is accused of identity theft and improperly accessing her estranged wife's private financial records while on a sixth-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the Times said.

US space agency NASA is investigating what may be the first crime committed in outer space, The New York Times reported Saturday. Astronaut Anne McClain is accused of identity theft and improperly accessing her estranged wife's private financial records while on a sixth-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the Times said. The astronaut's spouse Summer Worden filed a complaint earlier this year with the Federal Trade Commission after learning McClain had accessed her bank account without permission, while Worden's family filed another with NASA's Office of Inspector General, according to the newspaper. McClain's lawyer said the astronaut had done nothing wrong and accessed the bank records while aboard the ISS in order to monitor the couple's combined finances -- something she had done over the course of their relationship, the Times reported. NASA investigators have contacted both women, according to the newspaper. McClain, who returned to Earth in June, gained fame for being one of two women picked for a historic all-female spacewalk, but NASA scrapped the planned walk in March due to a lack of well-fitting spacesuits, sparking accusations of sexism. Worden said the FTC has not responded to the identity theft report, but that an investigator specializing in criminal cases with NASA's Office of Inspector General has been looking into the accusation, according to the Times.

NASA investigating first crime committed in space: Report

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the evening - August 23rd, 2019

Russia launches humanoid robot Fedor to assist astronauts on International Space Station

By Nicholas Borroz

India’s Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft has settled into lunar orbit, ahead of its scheduled Moon landing on September 7. If it succeeds India will join a very select club, now comprising the former Soviet Union, the United States and China.

As with all previous Moon missions, national prestige is a big part of India’s Moon shot. But there are some colder calculations behind it as well. Space is poised to become a much bigger business, and both companies and countries are investing in the technological capability to ensure they reap the earthly rewards.

Last year private investment in space-related technology skyrocketed to $3.25 billion, according to the London-based Seraphim Capital – a 29 per cent increase on the previous year.

The list of interested governments is also growing. Along with China and India joining the lunar A-list, in the past decade eight countries have founded space agencies – Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

Of prime interest is carving out a piece of the market for making and launching commercial payloads. As much as we already depend on satellites now, this dependence will only grow.

In 2018 382 objects were launched into space. By 2040 it might easily be double that, with companies like Amazon planning “constellations”, composed of thousands of satellites, to provide telecommunication services.

The satellite business is just a start. The next big prize will be technology for “in-situ resource utilisation” – using materials from space for space operations. One example is extracting water from the Moon (which could also be split to provide oxygen and hydrogen-based rocket fuel). NASA’s administrator, Jim Bridenstine, has suggested Australian agencies and companies could play a key role in this.

All up, the potential gains from a slice of the space economy are huge. It is estimated the space economy could grow from about $350 billion now to more than US$1 trillion (and as possibly as much $2,700 billion) in 2040.

Launch affordability

At the height of its Apollo program to land on the Moon, NASA got more than 4 per cent of the US federal budget. As NASA gears up to return to the Moon and then go to Mars, its budget share is about 0.5 per cent.

In space money has most definitely become an object. But it’s a constraint that’s spurring innovation and opening up economic opportunities.

NASA pulled the pin on its space shuttle program in 2011 when the expected efficiencies of a resusable launch vehicle failed to pan out. Since then it has bought seats on Russian Soyuz rockets to get its astronauts into space. It is now paying SpaceX, the company founded by electric car king Elon Musk, to deliver space cargo.

SpaceX’s stellar trajectory, having entered the business a little more than a decade ago, demonstrates the possibilities for new players.

To get something into orbit using the space shuttle cost about $54,500 a kilogram. SpaceX says the cost of its Falcon 9 rocket and reuseable Dragon spacecraft is about $2,700 a kilogram. With costs falling, the space economy is poised to boom.

Choosing a niche

As the space economy grows, it’s likely different countries will come to occupy different niches. Specialisation will be the key to success, as happens for all industries.

In the hydrocarbon industry, for instance, some countries extract while others process. In the computer industry, some countries design while others manufacture. There will be similar niches in space. Governments’ policies will play a big part in determining which nation fills which niche.

There are three ways to think about niches.

First, function. A country could focus on space mining, for instance, or space observation. It could act as a space communication hub, or specialise in developing space-based weapons.

Luxembourg is an example of functional specialisation. Despite its small size, it punches above its weight in the satellite industry. Another example is Russia, which for now has a monopoly on transporting astronauts to the International Space Station.

Second, value-adding. A national economy can focus on lower or higher value-add processes. In telecommunications, for example, much of the design work is done in the United States, while much of the manufacturing happens in China. Both roles have benefits and drawbacks.

Third, blocs. Global production networks sometimes fragment. One can already see the potential for this happening between the United States and China. If it occurs, other countries must either align with one bloc or remain neutral.

Aligning with a large power ensures patronage, but also dependence. Being between blocs has its risks, but also provides opportunities to gain from each bloc and act as an intermediary.

The first space race, between the Soviet Union and the United States, was singularly driven by political will and government policy. The new space race is more complex, with private players taking the lead in many ways, but government priorities and policy are still crucial. They will determine which countries reach the heights, and which get left behind.

(Nicholas Borroz is PhD candidate in international business and comparative political economy, University of Auckland)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/india-has-it-right-nations-either-aim-for-the-moon-or-get-left-behind-in-the-space-economy-121497">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Nicholas Borroz India’s Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft has settled into lunar orbit, ahead of its scheduled Moon landing on September 7. If it succeeds India will join a very select club, now comprising the former Soviet Union, the United States and China.

By Nicholas Borroz India’s Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft has settled into lunar orbit, ahead of its scheduled Moon landing on September 7. If it succeeds India will join a very select club, now comprising the former Soviet Union, the United States and China. As with all previous Moon missions, national prestige is a big part of India’s Moon shot. But there are some colder calculations behind it as well. Space is poised to become a much bigger business, and both companies and countries are investing in the technological capability to ensure they reap the earthly rewards. Last year private investment in space-related technology skyrocketed to $3.25 billion, according to the London-based Seraphim Capital – a 29 per cent increase on the previous year. The list of interested governments is also growing. Along with China and India joining the lunar A-list, in the past decade eight countries have founded space agencies – Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. Of prime interest is carving out a piece of the market for making and launching commercial payloads. As much as we already depend on satellites now, this dependence will only grow. In 2018 382 objects were launched into space. By 2040 it might easily be double that, with companies like Amazon planning “constellations”, composed of thousands of satellites, to provide telecommunication services. The satellite business is just a start. The next big prize will be technology for “in-situ resource utilisation” – using materials from space for space operations. One example is extracting water from the Moon (which could also be split to provide oxygen and hydrogen-based rocket fuel). NASA’s administrator, Jim Bridenstine, has suggested Australian agencies and companies could play a key role in this. All up, the potential gains from a slice of the space economy are huge. It is estimated the space economy could grow from about $350 billion now to more than US$1 trillion (and as possibly as much $2,700 billion) in 2040. Launch affordability At the height of its Apollo program to land on the Moon, NASA got more than 4 per cent of the US federal budget. As NASA gears up to return to the Moon and then go to Mars, its budget share is about 0.5 per cent. In space money has most definitely become an object. But it’s a constraint that’s spurring innovation and opening up economic opportunities. NASA pulled the pin on its space shuttle program in 2011 when the expected efficiencies of a resusable launch vehicle failed to pan out. Since then it has bought seats on Russian Soyuz rockets to get its astronauts into space. It is now paying SpaceX, the company founded by electric car king Elon Musk, to deliver space cargo. SpaceX’s stellar trajectory, having entered the business a little more than a decade ago, demonstrates the possibilities for new players. To get something into orbit using the space shuttle cost about $54,500 a kilogram. SpaceX says the cost of its Falcon 9 rocket and reuseable Dragon spacecraft is about $2,700 a kilogram. With costs falling, the space economy is poised to boom. Choosing a niche As the space economy grows, it’s likely different countries will come to occupy different niches. Specialisation will be the key to success, as happens for all industries. In the hydrocarbon industry, for instance, some countries extract while others process. In the computer industry, some countries design while others manufacture. There will be similar niches in space. Governments’ policies will play a big part in determining which nation fills which niche. There are three ways to think about niches. First, function. A country could focus on space mining, for instance, or space observation. It could act as a space communication hub, or specialise in developing space-based weapons. Luxembourg is an example of functional specialisation. Despite its small size, it punches above its weight in the satellite industry. Another example is Russia, which for now has a monopoly on transporting astronauts to the International Space Station. Second, value-adding. A national economy can focus on lower or higher value-add processes. In telecommunications, for example, much of the design work is done in the United States, while much of the manufacturing happens in China. Both roles have benefits and drawbacks. Third, blocs. Global production networks sometimes fragment. One can already see the potential for this happening between the United States and China. If it occurs, other countries must either align with one bloc or remain neutral. Aligning with a large power ensures patronage, but also dependence. Being between blocs has its risks, but also provides opportunities to gain from each bloc and act as an intermediary. The first space race, between the Soviet Union and the United States, was singularly driven by political will and government policy. The new space race is more complex, with private players taking the lead in many ways, but government priorities and policy are still crucial. They will determine which countries reach the heights, and which get left behind. (Nicholas Borroz is PhD candidate in international business and comparative political economy, University of Auckland) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

India has it right: Nations either aim for the Moon or get left behind in the space economy

NASA Investigates The Rapid Rate Of Melting Of Ice In Greenland...

WION Gravitas: Greenland melting faster than ever: NASA launches probe

Greenland has been melting at a faster rate than ever before. This summer alone, Greenland has seen two of the biggest ever melt on record since 2012. This has forced NASA into action.

Greenland melting faster than ever: NASA launches probe

To prepare for the next mission to Mars in 2020, NASA has taken to the lava fields of Iceland to get its new robotic space explorer ready for the job. With its black basalt sand, wind-swept dunes and craggy peaks, the Lambahraun lava field at the foot of Iceland's second biggest glacier, Langjokull, was chosen as a stand-in for the Red Planet's surface.

To prepare for the next mission to Mars in 2020, NASA has taken to the lava fields of Iceland to get its new robotic space explorer ready for the job. With its black basalt sand, wind-swept dunes and craggy peaks, the Lambahraun lava field at the foot of Iceland's second biggest glacier, Langjokull, was chosen as a stand-in for the Red Planet's surface. For three weeks, 15 scientists and engineers sent by the US space agency descended on the site, 100 kilometres (62 miles) from the capital, Reykjavik, last month to develop a prototype. It will aim to continue the work of the "Curiosity" rover, which has been exploring Mars since 2012 in search of signs of ancient life and making preparations for human exploration. Experts say that Iceland, a volcanic island in the middle of the North Atlantic, is in many ways reminiscent of the fourth planet from the Sun. "It's a very good analogue for Mars exploration and learning how to drive Mars rovers," said Adam Deslauriers, manager of space and education, at Canada's Mission Control Space Services. The company has been commissioned by NASA to test a rover prototype as part of the SAND-E (Semi-Autonomous Navigation for Detrital Environments) project. 'Indestructible' The prototype is a small, electric vehicle with white panels and an orange chassis. It has a four-wheel-drive propelled by two motors and is powered by 12 small car batteries stacked inside. "This rover we have is indestructible," Deslauriers told AFP. "The rovers that we have on Mars and the Moon would be a lot more sensitive to the environment and conditions of Iceland. "A Moon rover is completely unprepared for rain," he added, just as a rain shower swept in. Equipped with sensors, a computer, a dual-lens camera and controlled remotely, the rover moves its approximately 570 kilograms (1,257 pounds) at a leisurely speed of about 20 centimetres (7.9 inches) per second. The speed needs to be slow to enable the rover to collect data and imagery properly, Mark Vandermeulen, a robotics engineer at Mission Control Space Services, said. The meagre pace on the lava field is still two to four times faster than the speed it will be driving at its extraterrestrial destination. Transmitting from Mars to Earth Utilising its sensors and camera, the rover gathers and classifies data from its environment and sends back the findings to the engineers' trailer. The engineers then package the data and forward it to a tent where the scientists are huddled, to simulate how the data would be sent from Mars to Earth. The rover exploring Iceland is just a prototype for the one that will be going to Mars next year. That one, which has yet to be named, will also be able to collect samples and store them in tubes to be brought back to Earth by future missions. As the prototype isn't capable of doing this, researchers walk to the area studied, armed with radiometers and other equipment, to collect all the data samples that the finished rover would be able to do. 'Similar to Mars' The sites are selected to study how the chemical composition and physical properties of the sand and rocks change as they move from the glacier to a nearby river. Before Mars became an inhospitable frozen desert with an average temperature of minus 63 degrees C (minus 81.4 degrees F), scientists believe that the planet shared many of the characteristics of the subarctic island. "The mineralogy in Iceland is very similar to what we would find on Mars," Ryan Ewing, associate professor of geology at Texas A&M University, said. In particular, Ewing referred to minerals such as olivine and pyroxenes, both dark so-called mafic rocks, which have also been found on Mars. "In addition to that, we don't have much vegetation, it's cold and we have some of the environments like sand dunes and rivers and glaciers that Mars has evidence of in the past," Ewing said. Iceland has previously been used as a training ground for NASA missions. During the Apollo mission years, 32 astronauts in the mid-1960s received geological training in the Askja lava fields and near the Krafla crater in the north of the country. The setting allows NASA to test equipment and procedures, as well as the people performing them, in extreme environments while remaining on terra firma. Mission Control says it is planning to return to Iceland next summer before the launch of the next Mars rover mission, scheduled between July 17 and August 5, 2020.

NASA descends on Icelandic lava field to prepare for Mars

August 12, 2019, marks the 100th birth anniversary of Vikram Sarabhai, father of the Indian space programme. At a time, when Chandrayaan-2 is in orbit, it becomes imperative to look back into the journey of this remarkable man and a towering intellectual.

Sarabhai’s unparalleled contribution as a scientist and as an institution builder is of great significance. Just as it is difficult to imagine the US space programme and its early success without Werhner Von Braun or the Soviets without Sergei Korolev, the Indian space programme cannot be evaluated without the contribution of Vikram Sarabhai.

As someone who believed that institution-building leads to great power status, Sarabhai was behind the successful establishment of institutions in fields as diverse as atomic energy, space sciences and management.

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) and ISRO, owe their existence to this one man.

Coming from an industrial family, Sarabhai was not the typical rags to riches story. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but aspired to see India as a developed nation. Coming from an affluent background helped him get in touch with India’s Who’s Who, including Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who came from a similar background.

The coming together of these two like-minded individuals, who shared similar views about nation-building, paved the way for India’s space programme.

Sarabhai successfully convinced the government of the importance of a space programme for a developing country like India after the USSR’s Sputnik launch. An elite background helped - he did not have to go through time delaying bureaucratic red tape and a vast gestation period, that became the bane of many fine scientific minds.

Sarabhai’s worldwide contacts with scientists, academicians, scholars and politicians made India’s prospects of developing its own space programme a distinct possibility. India was one of the few countries to have begun a space programme in 1963.

Sarabhai was a team leader. He rewarded those who worked hard under his watch. His informal style of working impressed and inspired people around him and he had the knack of recruiting talented people, many of whom went on to become pioneers in the field of space sciences and research.

Sarabhai was chairman of the Indian National Committee on Space Research (INCOSPAR) when it was constituted in 1962. He was also the chairman of the first UN Space Conference held at Vienna in 1968.

The father of India’s space programme famously said: “It is not accidental that on the soil of India, great space powers like the United States, the USSR and France are collaborating with us at the equatorial range near Thumba and even the United Nations sponsorship of this range is not merely a matter of form, but constitutes an umbrella under which regardless of political differences, nations can collaborate in the peaceful usage of outer space. In my opinion, space research is in relation to national capability, it generates self-confidence. The benefits of it (space research) far outweigh any other factor. “

Sarabhai was also founder of the first Experimental Satellite Earth Communication Station (ESECS) at Ahmedabad in 1967. Later, this became the main centre for all of India’s communication experiments.

On ESECS and India’s space journey, he once told an interviewer: “Yes, we set this up because about five years ago we realised that this was going to be one of the most important peaceful applications of outer space and would have a profound influence on the future development of communications and mass communications in this country”.

Vikram Sarabhai spearheaded the country’s space programme for nearly a decade. His death at the early age of 52, left a crisis in the space training for a brief period, as everyone was used to his towering presence.

Sarabhai’s contribution can never be equalled. Had he lived on for a decade or two more, there is not a shred of doubt that India’s space programme would have ascended to its great heights much before it actually did.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-vikram-sarabhai-remembering-the-father-of-the-indian-space-programme-2781016">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

August 12, 2019, marks the 100th birth anniversary of Vikram Sarabhai, father of the Indian space programme. At a time, when Chandrayaan-2 is in orbit, it becomes imperative to look back into the journey of this remarkable man and a towering intellectual.

August 12, 2019, marks the 100th birth anniversary of Vikram Sarabhai, father of the Indian space programme. At a time, when Chandrayaan-2 is in orbit, it becomes imperative to look back into the journey of this remarkable man and a towering intellectual. Sarabhai’s unparalleled contribution as a scientist and as an institution builder is of great significance. Just as it is difficult to imagine the US space programme and its early success without Werhner Von Braun or the Soviets without Sergei Korolev, the Indian space programme cannot be evaluated without the contribution of Vikram Sarabhai. As someone who believed that institution-building leads to great power status, Sarabhai was behind the successful establishment of institutions in fields as diverse as atomic energy, space sciences and management. The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) and ISRO, owe their existence to this one man. Coming from an industrial family, Sarabhai was not the typical rags to riches story. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but aspired to see India as a developed nation. Coming from an affluent background helped him get in touch with India’s Who’s Who, including Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who came from a similar background. The coming together of these two like-minded individuals, who shared similar views about nation-building, paved the way for India’s space programme. Sarabhai successfully convinced the government of the importance of a space programme for a developing country like India after the USSR’s Sputnik launch. An elite background helped - he did not have to go through time delaying bureaucratic red tape and a vast gestation period, that became the bane of many fine scientific minds. Sarabhai’s worldwide contacts with scientists, academicians, scholars and politicians made India’s prospects of developing its own space programme a distinct possibility. India was one of the few countries to have begun a space programme in 1963. Sarabhai was a team leader. He rewarded those who worked hard under his watch. His informal style of working impressed and inspired people around him and he had the knack of recruiting talented people, many of whom went on to become pioneers in the field of space sciences and research. Sarabhai was chairman of the Indian National Committee on Space Research (INCOSPAR) when it was constituted in 1962. He was also the chairman of the first UN Space Conference held at Vienna in 1968. The father of India’s space programme famously said: “It is not accidental that on the soil of India, great space powers like the United States, the USSR and France are collaborating with us at the equatorial range near Thumba and even the United Nations sponsorship of this range is not merely a matter of form, but constitutes an umbrella under which regardless of political differences, nations can collaborate in the peaceful usage of outer space. In my opinion, space research is in relation to national capability, it generates self-confidence. The benefits of it (space research) far outweigh any other factor. “ Sarabhai was also founder of the first Experimental Satellite Earth Communication Station (ESECS) at Ahmedabad in 1967. Later, this became the main centre for all of India’s communication experiments. On ESECS and India’s space journey, he once told an interviewer: “Yes, we set this up because about five years ago we realised that this was going to be one of the most important peaceful applications of outer space and would have a profound influence on the future development of communications and mass communications in this country”. Vikram Sarabhai spearheaded the country’s space programme for nearly a decade. His death at the early age of 52, left a crisis in the space training for a brief period, as everyone was used to his towering presence. Sarabhai’s contribution can never be equalled. Had he lived on for a decade or two more, there is not a shred of doubt that India’s space programme would have ascended to its great heights much before it actually did. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Vikram Sarabhai: Remembering the Father of the Indian space programme

Elon Musk's<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacex-launches-falcon-heavy-rocket-with-24-satellites-230260"> SpaceX</a> is expanding its facilities in Florida to make room for the space company's forthcoming super heavy-lift launch vehicle dubbed Starship, according to a draft of the plans seen by Reuters on Friday.

Starship, a 384-foot (117-meter) reusable two-stage rocket taller than the Statue of Liberty, is a central piece of Musk's interplanetary space travel ambitions as well as US space agency NASA's goal to send humans to the moon again by 2024.

The Starship rocket is expected to launch up to 24 times a year from SpaceX's current flagship launchpad 39A, the draft of the company's environmental assessment said. SpaceX did not specify in the report when it would reach that cadence, but Musk said in September 2018 he wanted to be conducting orbital flights with Starship in two to three years.

SpaceX's launchpad 39A would support NASA's future moon missions from the same Kennedy Space Centre site used for the Apollo lunar missions a half-century ago.

"They're moving very fast," said Dale Ketcham, vice president of government relations at Space Florida, the state's commercial space development agency. "This is actually getting closer to what Elon got into this business for, to begin with. This is a fundamental infrastructure to get to Mars, the early stages of it."

SpaceX has also suffered a number of programme delays and mishaps over the years on its various space endeavours. In April, one of the company's Crew Dragon capsules exploded on a test stand, raising fresh scheduling doubts over a flagship NASA astronaut taxi programme.

Dozens of US-based space companies have been scrambling to heed NASA's goal of sending humans back to the lunar surface by 2024, an accelerated timeline set by Vice President Mike Pence in March.

Separately, Boeing Co is developing NASA's colossal Space Launch System to anchor the agency's moon-to-Mars Artemis programme, though it is years behind schedule.

SpaceX said in its draft environmental assessment that Starship will make return landings on the Air Force landing pad currently used for the company's Falcon 9 boosters.

The company is also considering a plan to install another landing site at the 39A pad. The first booster stage will land on SpaceX's unmanned barge some 300 miles (482.8 km) off Florida's coast, the draft said.

This week, NASA said it plans to work with SpaceX to figure out how to land rockets on the lunar surface and develop a refuelling station for deeper space exploration.

"Orbital refilling is vital to humanity's future in space," Musk tweeted on Thursday. "More likely spacecraft to spacecraft (as aircraft do aerial refuelling), than a dedicated depot, at least at first.

Elon Musk's SpaceX is expanding its facilities in Florida to make room for the space company's forthcoming super heavy-lift launch vehicle dubbed Starship, according to a draft of the plans seen by Reuters on Friday.

Elon Musk's SpaceX is expanding its facilities in Florida to make room for the space company's forthcoming super heavy-lift launch vehicle dubbed Starship, according to a draft of the plans seen by Reuters on Friday. Starship, a 384-foot (117-meter) reusable two-stage rocket taller than the Statue of Liberty, is a central piece of Musk's interplanetary space travel ambitions as well as US space agency NASA's goal to send humans to the moon again by 2024. The Starship rocket is expected to launch up to 24 times a year from SpaceX's current flagship launchpad 39A, the draft of the company's environmental assessment said. SpaceX did not specify in the report when it would reach that cadence, but Musk said in September 2018 he wanted to be conducting orbital flights with Starship in two to three years. SpaceX's launchpad 39A would support NASA's future moon missions from the same Kennedy Space Centre site used for the Apollo lunar missions a half-century ago. "They're moving very fast," said Dale Ketcham, vice president of government relations at Space Florida, the state's commercial space development agency. "This is actually getting closer to what Elon got into this business for, to begin with. This is a fundamental infrastructure to get to Mars, the early stages of it." SpaceX has also suffered a number of programme delays and mishaps over the years on its various space endeavours. In April, one of the company's Crew Dragon capsules exploded on a test stand, raising fresh scheduling doubts over a flagship NASA astronaut taxi programme. Dozens of US-based space companies have been scrambling to heed NASA's goal of sending humans back to the lunar surface by 2024, an accelerated timeline set by Vice President Mike Pence in March. Separately, Boeing Co is developing NASA's colossal Space Launch System to anchor the agency's moon-to-Mars Artemis programme, though it is years behind schedule. SpaceX said in its draft environmental assessment that Starship will make return landings on the Air Force landing pad currently used for the company's Falcon 9 boosters. The company is also considering a plan to install another landing site at the 39A pad. The first booster stage will land on SpaceX's unmanned barge some 300 miles (482.8 km) off Florida's coast, the draft said. This week, NASA said it plans to work with SpaceX to figure out how to land rockets on the lunar surface and develop a refuelling station for deeper space exploration. "Orbital refilling is vital to humanity's future in space," Musk tweeted on Thursday. "More likely spacecraft to spacecraft (as aircraft do aerial refuelling), than a dedicated depot, at least at first.

'Moving fast': Elon Musk's SpaceX eyes Florida for launch site for Mars rocket

The asteroid, labelled 2019 OK, is about the size of a large airplane. Had it hit, it could have wiped out an entire city.

A giant asteroid just whizzed past Earth, and no one had a clue!

A SpaceX rocket successfully launched on Thursday (July 25) en route to the International Space Station with the company's Dragon spacecraft. According to NASA, it was a "great launch" with clear weather. The Dragon will dock at the International Space Station to deliver supplies. The docking is expected on Saturday (July 27). The supplies include scientific equipment and a new docking adapter.

Successful launch for SpaceX rocket en route to International Space Station for resupply mission

On the occasion of 50th anniversary of the Apollo-11 moon landing, NASA's astronauts are ready to blast off to the International Space Station yet again. Watch this video to know more.

NASA to blast off on 50th anniversary of Apollo 11

NASA aims to build on moon as a way station for Mars

As the world prepares to mark fifty years since the day American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon, Reuters journalist Manuel Carrillo recalls his assignment covering the launch of Apollo 11 on July 16, 1969. A young Carrillo was working for Mexico's Excelsior Newspaper at the time and was sent to cover the historic event. On July 16, 1969, Apollo 11 lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, rocketing astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins into space. Four days later, on July 20, 1969, Armstrong and Aldrin landed Apollo 11's module, the Eagle, on the moon and stepped onto the lunar surface.

Like 'science fiction': Mexican journalist remembers Apollo 11

As the United States races to put humans back on the moon for the first time in nearly 50 years, a NASA-funded lab in Colorado aims to launch robots there first to build telescopes that will look far into our galaxy and remotely operated by astronauts.

NASA lab aims to put robots on moon before humans go

NASA lab wants to put robots on the moon

Chandrayaan-2: ISRO gears up to launch second sojourn to the moon

As Barbie turned 60 this year, it decided to take its doll-manufacturing business a notch higher and launching <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astronaut-football-player-barbie-turns-60-with-career-dolls-and-role-models-202121">a new range of dolls</a>, including career women and role models, to inspire young girls.&nbsp;

In a bid to encourage girls to consider careers in the space industry, Barbie's new doll dons the avatar of Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti.

Cristoforetti Barbie has been manufactured in collaboration with toy-making giant Mattel and the European Space Agency.

Cristoforetti was the first Italian woman in space, she hoped the collaboration ''will help young girls and boys to dream about their future without limits," news agency Reuters reported.

The partnership is part of Barbie's ongoing Dream Gap Project, which the brand says is aimed at challenging young girls' beliefs about their possible futures.

To mark the 60th anniversary of the global doll-manufacturing giant, Mattel in March unveiled new-look, high-achieving Barbies that included an astronaut, a football player and a news anchor.

A series of successful women have also had dolls made in their image to mark six decades of Barbie, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

<a href="http://wionew.com/sports/now-a-barbie-doll-named-after-indian-gymnast-dipa-karmakar-202588">Indian gymnast Dipa Karmakar</a> was among the twenty female icons chosen by &nbsp;Mattel for a special edition Barbie dolls to celebrate the 60th birthday of the iconic character.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As Barbie turned 60 this year, it decided to take its doll-manufacturing business a notch higher and launching a new range of dolls, including career women and role models, to inspire young girls.

As Barbie turned 60 this year, it decided to take its doll-manufacturing business a notch higher and launching a new range of dolls, including career women and role models, to inspire young girls. In a bid to encourage girls to consider careers in the space industry, Barbie's new doll dons the avatar of Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti. Cristoforetti Barbie has been manufactured in collaboration with toy-making giant Mattel and the European Space Agency. Cristoforetti was the first Italian woman in space, she hoped the collaboration ''will help young girls and boys to dream about their future without limits," news agency Reuters reported. The partnership is part of Barbie's ongoing Dream Gap Project, which the brand says is aimed at challenging young girls' beliefs about their possible futures. To mark the 60th anniversary of the global doll-manufacturing giant, Mattel in March unveiled new-look, high-achieving Barbies that included an astronaut, a football player and a news anchor. A series of successful women have also had dolls made in their image to mark six decades of Barbie, news agency AFP reported. Indian gymnast Dipa Karmakar was among the twenty female icons chosen by Mattel for a special edition Barbie dolls to celebrate the 60th birthday of the iconic character. (With inputs from agencies)

In a bid to encourage girls to think big, Barbie introduces doll on first Italian woman in space

Saturday marks 50 years since the historic first moon landing of 1969. On July 16, 1969, Apollo 11 lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, rocketing astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins into space. Four days later, on July 20, 1969, Armstrong and Aldrin landed Apollo 11's module, the Eagle, on the moon and stepped onto the lunar surface.

Timeline of space exploration 1969 - 2001

NASA's Apollo-era Mission Control in Houston has been restored to the way it looked 50 years ago when two men walked on the moon, with only a few exceptions. It gets the stamp of approval from retired flight director Gene Kranz, a man for whom failure - or even a minor oversight - is never an option. Seated at the console where he ruled over Apollo 11, Apollo 13 and so many other astronaut missions, Kranz pointed out that a phone was missing behind him. And he said the air vents used to be black from all the smoke, not sparkly clean like they are now.

Mission Control restored 50 years after Apollo 11

A one-time NASA intern who bought a truckload of videotapes to resell them may end up a millionaire next month when Sotheby`s auctions what it says is the only surviving original recording of man`s first steps on the moon 50 years ago.&nbsp;

In the years after the July 20, 1969 moon landing during the Apollo 11 mission, NASA was recording over its tapes or selling them to cut costs, said Gary George, who was a college student when he bought more than 1,100 reels of NASA videotape for about $218 at a government surplus auction in 1976.

"I had no idea there was anything of value on them," said George, a 65-year-old retired mechanical engineer from Las Vegas, told Reuters in a telephone interview. "I was selling them to TV stations just to record over."

But three of the tapes turned out to be invaluable. One of them captures the images of the first steps on the moon by astronaut Neil Armstrong, along with his famous words, "That`s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."&nbsp;

The recordings also show astronaut Buzz Aldrin bounding around in minimal lunar gravity, as well as their call with then US President Richard Nixon, the men planting the American flag on the lunar surface, collecting soil and rock samples and much more, said Sotheby`s spokeswoman Hallie Freer.&nbsp;

The tapes are expected to sell for as much as $2 million when they hit the New York auction block on July 20, Freer said. She declined to disclose the exact financial terms between Sotheby`s and the seller.&nbsp;

Collectors pay huge sums for space exploration artefacts. Sotheby’s in 2017 sold a zippered bag stamped with the words “Lunar Sample Return” laced with moon dust which was used by Armstrong on that 1969 mission, for $1.8 million.

After buying the tapes, George sold about eight reels to television stations for $50 each. It was not until he was packing his station wagon with tapes to donate to a church for a tax write-off that his father spotted the three tapes labeled "Apollo 11 EVA," an acronym for extra vehicular activity, NASA jargon for the moon landing.

"He was really into the space program and he said, `I think I’d hang onto those. They might be valuable someday,`" George recalled. "So, for that very reason, I pulled them out and hauled them around the country for the next 43 years. That’s how come they survived."&nbsp;

NASA admitted in 2006 that no one could find the original video recordings of the historic moon landing. The US space agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the upcoming auction.

In 2008, George was vacationing with a NASA friend who told him he was tasked with locating the lost videotapes.&nbsp;

He said, ‘It seems we’ve lost our original tapes of the Apollo 11 EVA,`” George told Reuters.

"Quite frankly, I was sitting at the table drinking a beer and I said, &nbsp;`Well damn, I have those," he recalled.&nbsp;

At the time, George did not have the proper equipment to view the tapes, and still did not known exactly what was on them. But after opening talks with NASA to turn them over, George said he visited a video studio in California where he watched them for the first time.

The sound and images were transmitted by a camera deployed by Armstrong that remains on the moon`s surface to this day.&nbsp;

A one-time NASA intern who bought a truckload of videotapes to resell them may end up a millionaire next month when Sotheby`s auctions what it says is the only surviving original recording of man`s first steps on the moon 50 years ago.

A one-time NASA intern who bought a truckload of videotapes to resell them may end up a millionaire next month when Sotheby`s auctions what it says is the only surviving original recording of man`s first steps on the moon 50 years ago. In the years after the July 20, 1969 moon landing during the Apollo 11 mission, NASA was recording over its tapes or selling them to cut costs, said Gary George, who was a college student when he bought more than 1,100 reels of NASA videotape for about $218 at a government surplus auction in 1976. "I had no idea there was anything of value on them," said George, a 65-year-old retired mechanical engineer from Las Vegas, told Reuters in a telephone interview. "I was selling them to TV stations just to record over." But three of the tapes turned out to be invaluable. One of them captures the images of the first steps on the moon by astronaut Neil Armstrong, along with his famous words, "That`s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." The recordings also show astronaut Buzz Aldrin bounding around in minimal lunar gravity, as well as their call with then US President Richard Nixon, the men planting the American flag on the lunar surface, collecting soil and rock samples and much more, said Sotheby`s spokeswoman Hallie Freer. The tapes are expected to sell for as much as $2 million when they hit the New York auction block on July 20, Freer said. She declined to disclose the exact financial terms between Sotheby`s and the seller. Collectors pay huge sums for space exploration artefacts. Sotheby’s in 2017 sold a zippered bag stamped with the words “Lunar Sample Return” laced with moon dust which was used by Armstrong on that 1969 mission, for $1.8 million. After buying the tapes, George sold about eight reels to television stations for $50 each. It was not until he was packing his station wagon with tapes to donate to a church for a tax write-off that his father spotted the three tapes labeled "Apollo 11 EVA," an acronym for extra vehicular activity, NASA jargon for the moon landing. "He was really into the space program and he said, `I think I’d hang onto those. They might be valuable someday,`" George recalled. "So, for that very reason, I pulled them out and hauled them around the country for the next 43 years. That’s how come they survived." NASA admitted in 2006 that no one could find the original video recordings of the historic moon landing. The US space agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the upcoming auction. In 2008, George was vacationing with a NASA friend who told him he was tasked with locating the lost videotapes. He said, ‘It seems we’ve lost our original tapes of the Apollo 11 EVA,`” George told Reuters. "Quite frankly, I was sitting at the table drinking a beer and I said, `Well damn, I have those," he recalled. At the time, George did not have the proper equipment to view the tapes, and still did not known exactly what was on them. But after opening talks with NASA to turn them over, George said he visited a video studio in California where he watched them for the first time. The sound and images were transmitted by a camera deployed by Armstrong that remains on the moon`s surface to this day.

Sotheby's to auction rare videotape of Neil Armstrong's first steps on moon

Three crew members safely returned to Earth on Tuesday after spending more than six months aboard the International Space Station.

Behind the wheel, a year on: Saudi women savour new freedom

A hacker used a tiny Raspberry Pi computer to infiltrate NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory network, stealing sensitive data and forcing the temporary disconnection of space-flight systems, the agency has revealed.

The April 2018 attack went undetected for nearly a year, according to an audit report issued on June 18, and an investigation is still underway to find the culprit.

A Raspberry Pi is a credit-card sized device sold for about $35 that plugs into home televisions and is used mainly to teach coding to children and promote computing in developing countries.

Prior to detection, the attacker was able to exfiltrate 23 files amounting to approximately 500 megabytes of data, the report from NASA's Office of Inspector General said.

These included two restricted files from the Mars Science Laboratory mission, which handles the Curiosity Rover, and information relating to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations which restrict the export of US defence and military technologies.

"More importantly, the attacker successfully accessed two of the three primary JPL networks," the report said.

"Officials were concerned the cyberattackers could move laterally from the gateway into their mission systems, potentially gaining access and initiating malicious signals to human space flight missions that use those systems."

NASA came to question the integrity of its Deep Space Network data "and temporarily disconnected several space flight-related systems from the JPL network."

The breach came about as a result of a system administrator failing to update the database that determines which devices have access to the network. As a result, new devices could be added without proper vetting.

In response to the attack, the JPL "installed additional monitoring agents on its firewalls" and was reviewing network access agreements with its external partners, the report said.

A hacker used a tiny Raspberry Pi computer to infiltrate NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory network, stealing sensitive data and forcing the temporary disconnection of space-flight systems, the agency has revealed.

A hacker used a tiny Raspberry Pi computer to infiltrate NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory network, stealing sensitive data and forcing the temporary disconnection of space-flight systems, the agency has revealed. The April 2018 attack went undetected for nearly a year, according to an audit report issued on June 18, and an investigation is still underway to find the culprit. A Raspberry Pi is a credit-card sized device sold for about $35 that plugs into home televisions and is used mainly to teach coding to children and promote computing in developing countries. Prior to detection, the attacker was able to exfiltrate 23 files amounting to approximately 500 megabytes of data, the report from NASA's Office of Inspector General said. These included two restricted files from the Mars Science Laboratory mission, which handles the Curiosity Rover, and information relating to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations which restrict the export of US defence and military technologies. "More importantly, the attacker successfully accessed two of the three primary JPL networks," the report said. "Officials were concerned the cyberattackers could move laterally from the gateway into their mission systems, potentially gaining access and initiating malicious signals to human space flight missions that use those systems." NASA came to question the integrity of its Deep Space Network data "and temporarily disconnected several space flight-related systems from the JPL network." The breach came about as a result of a system administrator failing to update the database that determines which devices have access to the network. As a result, new devices could be added without proper vetting. In response to the attack, the JPL "installed additional monitoring agents on its firewalls" and was reviewing network access agreements with its external partners, the report said.

Hacker used $35 computer to steal restricted NASA data

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