India's first privately developed rocket was launched in Sriharikota today. Priyanka Sharma tells you what this means for India's space program.

Gravitas: A giant leap forward for India's space sector

The Indian Space Research Organization has launched its first privately built rocket. The rocket named Vikram-S lifted off at 11:30 am local time from the Southern Indian.

WION Dispatch: India's space agency launches Vikram-S

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said, that it has increased the carrying capacity of its LVM3 (GSLV MkIII) rocket by 450 kg with additional propellant loading of its cryogenic engine CE20

ISRO increases carrying capacity of LVM3 rocket by 450kg

Indian launch vehicle firm Skyroot Aerospace has announced that their company's first rocket launch would be carried out at 11:30 am on Tuesday, 15 November. The launch of the sub-orbital rocket named 'Vikram-S' will take place from India's spaceport Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This rocket flight will mark the first-ever launch of a privately designed and built rocket from India. The launch window was announced as 12-16 November and the launch date had to be firmed up based on the weather conditions in India's East Coast, given the prevailing North East Monsoon.&nbsp;

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Named 'Vikram-S', the rocket built by Skyroot is meant to lift three payloads belonging to their customers in a Sub-orbital flight(roughly 80 kms above sea level). Generally, anything lofted above the 'Karman Line' (100 kms above sea level) is considered a foray into space and those below the Karman Line are known as sub-orbital flights for upper-atmospheric experiments.&nbsp;

This launch gains significance because it would offer an opportunity for Skyroot to test its flight hardware and systems, thus helping validate their work so far. the company is working on three orbital-class rockets in the Vikram series. The Vikram series of rockets are named after the Indian Physicist and Astronomer Dr. Vikram A Sarabhai, who founded the Indian Space Programme and laid down the ambitious vision for India to use space technology to benefit the common man.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-delivers-rocket-self-destruct-mechanism-for-launch-vehicle-built-by-indian-start-up-533396">ISRO delivers rocket self-destruct mechanism for launch vehicle built by Indian start-up</a>

"We could build and get our 'Vikram-S' rocket mission-ready in such a short time only because of the invaluable support we received from ISRO and IN-SPACe, and the technology talent that we inherently possess. We are proud to announce our pathbreaking mission 'Prarambh'(the beginning) dedicated to the Indian private space sector, which has hugely benefited from the reforms that were guided by the Government of India and its vision" said Pawan Chandana, Co-Founder and CEO, Skyroot Aerospace.&nbsp;

Also WATCH |&nbsp;WION Dispatch: ASEAN leaders meet with Cambodian King ahead of Summit

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Pawan had told WION that 'Vikram-S' would be a single-stage rocket that is powered by solid fuel. It will be burning a combination of Aluminium and Ammonium Perchlorate, with Hydroxyl-terminated Polybutadiene acting as a binder. This is a tried and tested solid fuel and is also the same fuel that is used in the solid-stages of India's PSLV and GSLV rockets. ISRO (then known as INCOSPAR) began experimenting with small rockets in the early 1960s and marked the beginning of India's Space programme and the launch of a private rocket from India will kick-start a new era for the private space sector in India.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajiv-gandhi-assasination-supreme-court-frees-six-killers-of-indian-former-prime-minister-533256">Rajiv Gandhi&nbsp;assasination case: Supreme Court frees six killers of India's former prime minister</a>

India's space sector has been dominated by the state-run space agency, Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) and a few industries that make components for ISRO. However, from 2020 onwards the Indian Government began the roll out of Space Sector Reforms. These reforms are meant to enable private firms in building their own rockets, satellites, related ground equipment etc. This was done with the intention of ensuring that more firms in India can capitalise on the booming global space economy, which is estimated around $450bn.&nbsp;

Though India has end-to-end indigenous capability in designing, building and launching rockets, orbiting satellites and using the data for civilian strategic purposes, India is a small player in the global market. While India does launch satellites for foreign nations, India's share remains around 1.6-2% of the $450bn global market. Private sector players with their innovative ideas and competitive pricing are expected to gradually push the share further and create an aerospace ecosystem in India. IN-SPACe, under the Government of India, is meant to develop the Indian Space ecosystem, accelerate the space economy in India and nurture private firms to accomplish their ventures in the space sector.

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Indian launch vehicle firm Skyroot Aerospace has announced that their company's first rocket launch would be carried out at 11:30 am on Tuesday, 15 November. The launch of the sub-orbital rocket named 'Vikram-S' will take place from India's spaceport Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Indian launch vehicle firm Skyroot Aerospace has announced that their company's first rocket launch would be carried out at 11:30 am on Tuesday, 15 November. The launch of the sub-orbital rocket named 'Vikram-S' will take place from India's spaceport Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This rocket flight will mark the first-ever launch of a privately designed and built rocket from India. The launch window was announced as 12-16 November and the launch date had to be firmed up based on the weather conditions in India's East Coast, given the prevailing North East Monsoon. Named 'Vikram-S', the rocket built by Skyroot is meant to lift three payloads belonging to their customers in a Sub-orbital flight(roughly 80 kms above sea level). Generally, anything lofted above the 'Karman Line' (100 kms above sea level) is considered a foray into space and those below the Karman Line are known as sub-orbital flights for upper-atmospheric experiments. This launch gains significance because it would offer an opportunity for Skyroot to test its flight hardware and systems, thus helping validate their work so far. the company is working on three orbital-class rockets in the Vikram series. The Vikram series of rockets are named after the Indian Physicist and Astronomer Dr. Vikram A Sarabhai, who founded the Indian Space Programme and laid down the ambitious vision for India to use space technology to benefit the common man. Also read | ISRO delivers rocket self-destruct mechanism for launch vehicle built by Indian start-up "We could build and get our 'Vikram-S' rocket mission-ready in such a short time only because of the invaluable support we received from ISRO and IN-SPACe, and the technology talent that we inherently possess. We are proud to announce our pathbreaking mission 'Prarambh'(the beginning) dedicated to the Indian private space sector, which has hugely benefited from the reforms that were guided by the Government of India and its vision" said Pawan Chandana, Co-Founder and CEO, Skyroot Aerospace. Also WATCH | WION Dispatch: ASEAN leaders meet with Cambodian King ahead of Summit Pawan had told WION that 'Vikram-S' would be a single-stage rocket that is powered by solid fuel. It will be burning a combination of Aluminium and Ammonium Perchlorate, with Hydroxyl-terminated Polybutadiene acting as a binder. This is a tried and tested solid fuel and is also the same fuel that is used in the solid-stages of India's PSLV and GSLV rockets. ISRO (then known as INCOSPAR) began experimenting with small rockets in the early 1960s and marked the beginning of India's Space programme and the launch of a private rocket from India will kick-start a new era for the private space sector in India. Also read | Rajiv Gandhi assasination case: Supreme Court frees six killers of India's former prime minister India's space sector has been dominated by the state-run space agency, Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) and a few industries that make components for ISRO. However, from 2020 onwards the Indian Government began the roll out of Space Sector Reforms. These reforms are meant to enable private firms in building their own rockets, satellites, related ground equipment etc. This was done with the intention of ensuring that more firms in India can capitalise on the booming global space economy, which is estimated around $450bn. Though India has end-to-end indigenous capability in designing, building and launching rockets, orbiting satellites and using the data for civilian strategic purposes, India is a small player in the global market. While India does launch satellites for foreign nations, India's share remains around 1.6-2% of the $450bn global market. Private sector players with their innovative ideas and competitive pricing are expected to gradually push the share further and create an aerospace ecosystem in India. IN-SPACe, under the Government of India, is meant to develop the Indian Space ecosystem, accelerate the space economy in India and nurture private firms to accomplish their ventures in the space sector. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Skyroot Aerospace all set to launch India's first private rocket

The Indian Space Research Organization launched its heaviest rocket. So far a total of 36 Broadband communication satellites are onboard.

ISRO Rocket Launch: Mission grants entry of LVM3 into commercial lounge service area

ISRO Rocket Launch | Oneweb: Joint venture between Bharti Enterprises and UK government

India’s GSLV-MK3 maiden commercial flight, heaviest and largest spacefaring rocket

ISRO Rocket Launch: Rocket successfully orbited 36 satellites of UK-based oneweb

Preparations are in full swing in India's spaceport at Satish Dhawan Space Centre(SDSC), as the country gears up for the maiden commercial launch of the GSLV Mark3 rocket. Standing 44-nearly metres tall and weighing 640 tonnes, the GSLV Mark 3 is India's heaviest operational rocket. In a significant step-up for India in the global commercial rocket launch market, the GSLV Mark 3 will be making its maiden commercial flight by October-end, to orbit satellites from UK-based OneWeb.

The three-stage GSLV Mark3 rocket is powered by a solid-fueled first stage that is comprised of two strap-on boosters, followed by a liquid-fueled core stage and the final cryogenic stage. While the first two stages are responsible for lift-off and propelling the rocket out of the earth's atmosphere and into space, the final cryogenic stage provides it with high velocity and injects the satellites into the desired orbit.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gslv?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#gslv</a> Mk3, India’s heaviest rocket getting ready for making history,as the 1st-ever commercial <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/launch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#launch</a> of LVM3, by end <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/October2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#October2022</a> 
 
1st stage(2 solid boosters), 2nd stage 2 Vikas engines integrated; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cryogenic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cryogenic</a> engine,36 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/satellites?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#satellites</a> &amp; payload fairing are next <a href="https://twitter.com/OneWeb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OneWeb</a> <a href="https://t.co/qckiu5Or2w">pic.twitter.com/qckiu5Or2w</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1577866120400228358?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The GSLV Mk3 is a special rocket for India, as it has a track record of delivering total success in the four launches it has had to date. So far, the rocket has had flights in 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019. The high-profile Chandrayaan-2 lunar mission was also carried out on the Mk3 rocket in 2019. This is also a vehicle that ISRO has pinned high hopes on for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, as this rocket is being modified to carry Indian astronauts to space.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-isro-launch-vehicle-gslv-mk3-gets-ready-for-maiden-commercial-flight-oneweb-passengers-arrive-518038">Also read |&nbsp;As ISRO launch vehicle GSLV Mk3 gets ready for maiden commercial flight; 'OneWeb' passengers arrive</a>

At present, the two solid strap-on boosters and the liquid core stage of the rocket have been fully integrated at the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The mission update added that the 36 satellites from OneWeb have successfully undergone health checks and have been assembled with the dispenser unit. In the coming days, the integration of the cryogenic upper stage (the final stage) of the rocket and the integration of the payload fairing( protective shield that houses the satellites) with 36 satellites will take place.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-moves-one-step-ahead-in-converting-cargo-carrier-gslv-rocket-into-human-carrier-398249">Also read |&nbsp;ISRO moves one step ahead in converting ‘cargo-carrier’ GSLV rocket into human-carrier</a>

NewSpace India Limited(NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO, has signed two launch service contracts with Network Access Associated Limited(OneWeb), UK for launching OneWeb LEO Broadband Communication Satellites on board ISRO's heaviest launcher GSLV Mark 3. This is a historic milestone for India as it will mean the foray of GSLV Mark3 into the global commercial launch service market.

OneWeb is a global communications network powered by space, enabling connectivity for governments, businesses, and communities. It is implementing a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites. India's Bharti serves as a major investor and shareholder in OneWeb. Recently, WION reported about the OneWeb passenger satellites having arrived at the Chennai airport in India, from the US.

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Preparations are in full swing in India's spaceport at Satish Dhawan Space Centre(SDSC), as the country gears up for the maiden commercial launch of the GSLV Mark3 rocket.

Preparations are in full swing in India's spaceport at Satish Dhawan Space Centre(SDSC), as the country gears up for the maiden commercial launch of the GSLV Mark3 rocket. Standing 44-nearly metres tall and weighing 640 tonnes, the GSLV Mark 3 is India's heaviest operational rocket. In a significant step-up for India in the global commercial rocket launch market, the GSLV Mark 3 will be making its maiden commercial flight by October-end, to orbit satellites from UK-based OneWeb. The three-stage GSLV Mark3 rocket is powered by a solid-fueled first stage that is comprised of two strap-on boosters, followed by a liquid-fueled core stage and the final cryogenic stage. While the first two stages are responsible for lift-off and propelling the rocket out of the earth's atmosphere and into space, the final cryogenic stage provides it with high velocity and injects the satellites into the desired orbit. #ISRO #gslv Mk3, India’s heaviest rocket getting ready for making history,as the 1st-ever commercial #launch of LVM3, by end #October2022 1st stage(2 solid boosters), 2nd stage 2 Vikas engines integrated; #cryogenic engine,36 #satellites & payload fairing are next @OneWeb pic.twitter.com/qckiu5Or2w — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 6, 2022 × The GSLV Mk3 is a special rocket for India, as it has a track record of delivering total success in the four launches it has had to date. So far, the rocket has had flights in 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019. The high-profile Chandrayaan-2 lunar mission was also carried out on the Mk3 rocket in 2019. This is also a vehicle that ISRO has pinned high hopes on for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, as this rocket is being modified to carry Indian astronauts to space. Also read | As ISRO launch vehicle GSLV Mk3 gets ready for maiden commercial flight; 'OneWeb' passengers arrive At present, the two solid strap-on boosters and the liquid core stage of the rocket have been fully integrated at the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The mission update added that the 36 satellites from OneWeb have successfully undergone health checks and have been assembled with the dispenser unit. In the coming days, the integration of the cryogenic upper stage (the final stage) of the rocket and the integration of the payload fairing( protective shield that houses the satellites) with 36 satellites will take place. Also read | ISRO moves one step ahead in converting ‘cargo-carrier’ GSLV rocket into human-carrier NewSpace India Limited(NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO, has signed two launch service contracts with Network Access Associated Limited(OneWeb), UK for launching OneWeb LEO Broadband Communication Satellites on board ISRO's heaviest launcher GSLV Mark 3. This is a historic milestone for India as it will mean the foray of GSLV Mark3 into the global commercial launch service market. OneWeb is a global communications network powered by space, enabling connectivity for governments, businesses, and communities. It is implementing a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites. India's Bharti serves as a major investor and shareholder in OneWeb. Recently, WION reported about the OneWeb passenger satellites having arrived at the Chennai airport in India, from the US. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India's heaviest rocket, GSLVMk3 undergoing final assembly ahead of October-end launch

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NASA called off a test flight on Monday of its largest-ever rocket in a setback to the ambitious program to send humans back to the Moon and eventually to Mars. Molly Gambhir tells you why NASA is going back to the moon.

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The NASA is now getting ready to send man to the moon, mars and beyond. NASA is ready for the next lunar odyssey, it has concluded its test for its Artemis program rockets.

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Now, NASA's launch from a commercial site outside of the United States blasted off from Australia's outback. The rocket launch is momentous as it is the first in Australia in more than 25 years.

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Satellite images have revealed that Iran could be preparing to launch a rocket. The United States has urged Tehran to de-escalate tensions. Palki Sharma tells you why America is worried.

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Following the stalled Iran nuclear talks, the IAEA reprimanded Iran for its failure to explain traces of uranium found at undeclared sites and Iran turning off 27 surveillance cameras from nuclear sites across the country. Satellite images have now shown Iran reportedly making preparations for a space rocket launch

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The residents of Florida were in for a visual treat when SpaceX launched 53 internet satellites, known as Starlinks satellite, into space.

The Falcon 9 rocket's launch didn’t create any excitement per se, but the after effect of it that illuminated the sky mesmerised millions of people in the city.

On early Thursday morning, many witnessed a striking spectacle above—an ethereal cloud of illuminated gases that resembled a jellyfish.

It earned the moniker “space jellyfish” from the expanding gasses behind the rocket that created these eerie coloured clouds.

Explaining the phenomenon, SpaceX's director of Dragon mission management Jessica Jenson told media, "Basically, what's happening is, it's still dark outside, but you have the sun illuminating the plume as it's in space."

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🚀 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/spacex?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#spacex</a> Starlink mission launching into Orbital Sunrise this morning! As seen from Tampa, Florida. 
 
Photo: me for <a href="https://twitter.com/SuperclusterHQ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SuperclusterHQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/TpegAi8gEA">pic.twitter.com/TpegAi8gEA</a>
— Erik Kuna 🚀 (@erikkuna) <a href="https://twitter.com/erikkuna/status/1522517520024064002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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So cool. 
 
A <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> launch seen from a friend piloting an early morning departure from <a href="https://twitter.com/MCO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MCO</a> today. <a href="https://t.co/PPBzZUGnWZ">pic.twitter.com/PPBzZUGnWZ</a>
— Edward Russell (@ByERussell) <a href="https://twitter.com/ByERussell/status/1522591366383087617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Falcon 9’s first stage has landed on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship <a href="https://t.co/Yvw0IDTGa1">pic.twitter.com/Yvw0IDTGa1</a>
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1522514421171384320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Chris Combs, a professor of aerodynamics and mechanical engineering at the University of Texas at San Antonio, on Twitter wrote that it is a combination of physics and perfect timing.

Combs explained that the long, blobby "body" of the jellyfish is, simply, exhaust leaving the Falcon 9's rocket engine nozzle.

The reason the exhaust takes on such a bulbous shape has to do with the pressure difference inside and outside the nozzle.

In this case, the exhaust leaving the nozzle is "under-expanded" – meaning the gas is at higher pressure than the ambient air around it as the exhaust leaves the engine's nozzle, reports Live Science.&nbsp;

To match the ambient background pressure in the atmosphere, the rocket exhaust drops its own pressure by expanding as soon as it leaves the nozzle, he said.

"In under-expanded exhaust you get expansion fans at the nozzle exit to decrease pressure and match background: jellyfish, at high altitude.”

Now explaining the reason behind the glow, Comb said that it is purely because of the timing.

Since the rocket launch occurred in the pre-dawn hours of Thursday morning (around 5:45 a.m. local time), light from the sun came from just over the horizon, illuminating up the exhaust plume, causing it to glow brightly against the dark sky, he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The residents of Florida were in for a visual treat when SpaceX launched 53 internet satellites, known as Starlinks satellite, into space. The Falcon 9 rocket's launch didn’t create any excitement per se, but the after effect of it that illuminated the sky mesmerised millions of people in the city.

The residents of Florida were in for a visual treat when SpaceX launched 53 internet satellites, known as Starlinks satellite, into space. The Falcon 9 rocket's launch didn’t create any excitement per se, but the after effect of it that illuminated the sky mesmerised millions of people in the city. On early Thursday morning, many witnessed a striking spectacle above—an ethereal cloud of illuminated gases that resembled a jellyfish. It earned the moniker “space jellyfish” from the expanding gasses behind the rocket that created these eerie coloured clouds. Explaining the phenomenon, SpaceX's director of Dragon mission management Jessica Jenson told media, "Basically, what's happening is, it's still dark outside, but you have the sun illuminating the plume as it's in space." 🚀 #spacex Starlink mission launching into Orbital Sunrise this morning! As seen from Tampa, Florida. Photo: me for @SuperclusterHQ pic.twitter.com/TpegAi8gEA — Erik Kuna 🚀 (@erikkuna) May 6, 2022 × So cool. A @SpaceX launch seen from a friend piloting an early morning departure from @MCO today. pic.twitter.com/PPBzZUGnWZ — Edward Russell (@ByERussell) May 6, 2022 × Falcon 9’s first stage has landed on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship pic.twitter.com/Yvw0IDTGa1 — SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 6, 2022 × Chris Combs, a professor of aerodynamics and mechanical engineering at the University of Texas at San Antonio, on Twitter wrote that it is a combination of physics and perfect timing. Combs explained that the long, blobby "body" of the jellyfish is, simply, exhaust leaving the Falcon 9's rocket engine nozzle. The reason the exhaust takes on such a bulbous shape has to do with the pressure difference inside and outside the nozzle. In this case, the exhaust leaving the nozzle is "under-expanded" – meaning the gas is at higher pressure than the ambient air around it as the exhaust leaves the engine's nozzle, reports Live Science. To match the ambient background pressure in the atmosphere, the rocket exhaust drops its own pressure by expanding as soon as it leaves the nozzle, he said. "In under-expanded exhaust you get expansion fans at the nozzle exit to decrease pressure and match background: jellyfish, at high altitude.” Now explaining the reason behind the glow, Comb said that it is purely because of the timing. Since the rocket launch occurred in the pre-dawn hours of Thursday morning (around 5:45 a.m. local time), light from the sun came from just over the horizon, illuminating up the exhaust plume, causing it to glow brightly against the dark sky, he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Is that a space jellyfish? SpaceX rocket launch illuminates sky, gives visual treat to viewers

Russia has test-launched its Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, it's a new addition to the country's nuclear arsenal and Vladimir Putin has said that the missile will give Moscow's enemies something serious to ponder about.

United States downplays Russia missile test, says 'not a threat'

Russia has launched a carrier rocket Soyuz into space with the letter 'Z' painted on the rocket. The letter Z has become a symbol for Russians supporting the invasion, the same letter is printed on equipment of the Russian army participating in the Ukraine invasion.

Russian space rocket blasts off with letter Z amid Russia-Ukraine conflict

Dr K Sivan, the former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has revealed that 1,200 acres of land in southern Tamil Nadu state have been acquired and handed over to the Indian space agency for the construction of the country's second spaceport.

Sivan said the second spaceport has been a project that both the Indian government and the Tamil Nadu government have keenly been working on.

The project to build a second spaceport is meant to launch smaller rockets, such as India's upcoming rocket the SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle), in an efficient and effective manner from Kulasekarapattinam in the Tuticorin district.

&nbsp;Addressing the media in Coimbatore, where he had presided over a college convocation, Sivan said that the second spaceport project required 2,233 acres of land and that the work was underway to acquire the remaining portion.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Update?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Update</a> on India's second spaceport coming up at Kulasekarapattinam, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> : 
"Total land area 2233 acres. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TNGovt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TNGovt</a> acquired &amp;handed over 1200acr to <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> .Rest could be done in next 2 months, then construction will begin" says Dr.K.Sivan, fmr Chairman, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> <a href="https://t.co/J9km6kyLeq">pic.twitter.com/J9km6kyLeq</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1506592992651616256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The former chairman expressed hope that the remaining acquisition could be completed in about two months, following which the construction work would commence.

Explaining the benefits of having a second spaceport, which is further down south from the existing one at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, Sivan mentioned a complex manoeuvre that rockets would have to undertake when launched from Sriharikota.

Simply put, when rockets are launched into polar orbit (to circle the earth along the poles) from Sriharikota, the rockets will have to fly towards the South Pole. However, this would also mean overflying Sri Lankan landmass, thus giving rise to the danger of rocket debris falling on the island.

However, this step (diverting the rocket towards the southeast to avoid overflying Sri Lanka) expends a considerable amount of fuel, thus affecting the efficiency of the launch.

While this loss in efficiency is negligible in large rockets like the 320-ton PSLV, it would significantly impact the 110-ton SSLV, thus reducing the payload it can carry.

From the new launch port, small rockets need not take a diversion, they can fly straight southwards and perform the mission at best efficiency.

In addition to this, Sivan also said that the new spaceport would generate jobs and economic activity in the region and for the local population.

According to ISRO, the newly developed solid booster stage&nbsp;(SS1) was tested recently for the new launch vehicle SSLV. This successful test has given the Indian space agency sufficient confidence to proceed with the first developmental flight of SSLV (SSLV-D1) which is scheduled in May 2022.

The remaining stages of SSLV, namely SS2 &amp; SS3, have successfully undergone necessary ground tests and are ready for integration, ISRO said.

However, until the new spaceport for small rockets is fully ready, ISRO would have to expend extra fuel, compromise on rocket performance, efficiency and launch of the SSLV from Sriharikota.

Dr K Sivan, the former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has revealed that 1,200 acres of land in southern Tamil Nadu state have been acquired and handed over to the Indian space agency for the construction of the country's second spaceport.

Dr K Sivan, the former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has revealed that 1,200 acres of land in southern Tamil Nadu state have been acquired and handed over to the Indian space agency for the construction of the country's second spaceport. Sivan said the second spaceport has been a project that both the Indian government and the Tamil Nadu government have keenly been working on. The project to build a second spaceport is meant to launch smaller rockets, such as India's upcoming rocket the SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle), in an efficient and effective manner from Kulasekarapattinam in the Tuticorin district. Addressing the media in Coimbatore, where he had presided over a college convocation, Sivan said that the second spaceport project required 2,233 acres of land and that the work was underway to acquire the remaining portion. #Update on India's second spaceport coming up at Kulasekarapattinam, #TamilNadu : "Total land area 2233 acres. #TNGovt acquired &handed over 1200acr to @isro .Rest could be done in next 2 months, then construction will begin" says Dr.K.Sivan, fmr Chairman, #ISRO #space #Indian pic.twitter.com/J9km6kyLeq — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) March 23, 2022 × The former chairman expressed hope that the remaining acquisition could be completed in about two months, following which the construction work would commence. Explaining the benefits of having a second spaceport, which is further down south from the existing one at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, Sivan mentioned a complex manoeuvre that rockets would have to undertake when launched from Sriharikota. Simply put, when rockets are launched into polar orbit (to circle the earth along the poles) from Sriharikota, the rockets will have to fly towards the South Pole. However, this would also mean overflying Sri Lankan landmass, thus giving rise to the danger of rocket debris falling on the island. However, this step (diverting the rocket towards the southeast to avoid overflying Sri Lanka) expends a considerable amount of fuel, thus affecting the efficiency of the launch. While this loss in efficiency is negligible in large rockets like the 320-ton PSLV, it would significantly impact the 110-ton SSLV, thus reducing the payload it can carry. From the new launch port, small rockets need not take a diversion, they can fly straight southwards and perform the mission at best efficiency. In addition to this, Sivan also said that the new spaceport would generate jobs and economic activity in the region and for the local population. According to ISRO, the newly developed solid booster stage (SS1) was tested recently for the new launch vehicle SSLV. This successful test has given the Indian space agency sufficient confidence to proceed with the first developmental flight of SSLV (SSLV-D1) which is scheduled in May 2022. The remaining stages of SSLV, namely SS2 & SS3, have successfully undergone necessary ground tests and are ready for integration, ISRO said. However, until the new spaceport for small rockets is fully ready, ISRO would have to expend extra fuel, compromise on rocket performance, efficiency and launch of the SSLV from Sriharikota.

50% land for India's new spaceport in Tamil Nadu handed over to ISRO, says ex-chairman Sivan

In a rare health-related pause, NASA has delayed a SpaceX rocket launch of four astronauts to the international space station (ISS). &nbsp;

This is the second postponement of the mission in a week. The agency cited an unspecified medical issue with one of the crew member as the reason behind this decision. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/during-halloween-weekend-solar-flare-helps-northern-lights-become-visible-to-us-425602" hreflang="en">During Halloween weekend, solar flare helps northern lights become visible to US</a>

On Monday, the space agency described it as a “minor medical issue” that was “not a medical emergency and not related to Covid”. It declined to elaborate on the nature of the issue or say which astronaut was involved. &nbsp;

Originally set for Sunday, the launch has been postponed until Wednesday because of unsuitable weather conditions and then had been rescheduled for Saturday night, said NASA. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-would-russia-or-china-help-us-if-we-were-invaded-by-space-aliens-425862" hreflang="en">Opinion: Would Russia or China help us if we were invaded by space aliens?</a>

The SpaceX-built vehicle is set to fly this weekend. It consists of a Crew Dragon capsule and a two-stage Falcon 9 rocket. It is now set for liftoff at 11.36 pm on Saturday from NASA’s Kennedy space centre in Cape Canaveral, Florida. &nbsp;

If everything goes smoothly, the three US astronauts and their European Space Agency (ESA) crewmate will reach 22 hours later and dock with the space station 400km (250 miles) above the Earth to begin a six-month science mission. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a rare health-related pause, NASA has delayed a SpaceX rocket launch of four astronauts to the international space station (ISS). This is the second postponement of the mission in a week.

In a rare health-related pause, NASA has delayed a SpaceX rocket launch of four astronauts to the international space station (ISS). This is the second postponement of the mission in a week. The agency cited an unspecified medical issue with one of the crew member as the reason behind this decision. Also Read: During Halloween weekend, solar flare helps northern lights become visible to US On Monday, the space agency described it as a “minor medical issue” that was “not a medical emergency and not related to Covid”. It declined to elaborate on the nature of the issue or say which astronaut was involved. Originally set for Sunday, the launch has been postponed until Wednesday because of unsuitable weather conditions and then had been rescheduled for Saturday night, said NASA. Also Read: Opinion: Would Russia or China help us if we were invaded by space aliens? The SpaceX-built vehicle is set to fly this weekend. It consists of a Crew Dragon capsule and a two-stage Falcon 9 rocket. It is now set for liftoff at 11.36 pm on Saturday from NASA’s Kennedy space centre in Cape Canaveral, Florida. If everything goes smoothly, the three US astronauts and their European Space Agency (ESA) crewmate will reach 22 hours later and dock with the space station 400km (250 miles) above the Earth to begin a six-month science mission. (With inputs from agencies)

After ‘medical issue’ with astronaut, NASA delays SpaceX rocket launch to ISS

SpaceX has made history with a manned mission to the International Space station. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report on the many firsts this American aerospace giant has achieved through its latest mission.

Gravitas: SpaceX Space Station mission | New era in space exploration

India's ambitious <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaans-discovery-of-water-on-moons-surface-re-started-race-for-lunar-exploration-padma-shri-mylswamy-annadurai-234383">Chandrayaan-2 lunar mission</a> to the moon is all set for launch on July 15 at 2:51am.

This will be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-2-delayed-due-to-policy-differences-under-upa-2-ex-isro-chief-227046">India's first attempt to land on the moon</a> and the rover will go to the moon's south pole where no country has gone before.

The moon is the hottest destination in our solar system. Humans have not walked on the moon since 1972 but countries and private organisations are racing towards the lunar body.

Jeff Bezos's company Blue Origin is planning a trip to the south pole as well. Till now only three countries have landed on the moon i.e. the Soviet Union, the United States and China.

An Israeli organisation made an attempt in April 2019, but their rocket failed at the last moment.

The moon holds the key to a human colony in space. In 2018--NASA images showed what appears to be water and ice on the surface of the moon's polar regions.

Scientists estimated that there could be anywhere between 10,000-1 million tonnes of ice. So if water can be extracted instead of being transported from earth it could save lots of rocket fuel.

Elements that makeup water, hydrogen and oxygen also make up rocket fuel.

And fuel accounts for around 90 per cent of the weight of a rocket. Every kilogram of weight brought from earth to the moon costs roughly around $35,000.

Given the enormous benefits of water ice, what was once considered as science fiction can soon be a reality. Lunar colonies and moon bases teeming with humans can be easily facilitated.

And if the moon can sustain lunar colonies and produce rocket fuel, then the stage is set for trips further out into the solar system. Travelling off to mars and beyond will not only be more convenient but cheaper as well.

India's mission is the world's first attempt to land at the polar region and see how abundant the ice is. Confirming ice on the celestial body could be a huge milestone in human history.

The nation that gets to the lunar caps first will get an upper hand in accessing the resources of the moon.

India's ambitious Chandrayaan-2 lunar mission to the moon is all set for launch on July 15 at 2:51am. This will be India's first attempt to land on the moon and the rover will go to the moon's south pole where no country has gone before.

India's ambitious Chandrayaan-2 lunar mission to the moon is all set for launch on July 15 at 2:51am. This will be India's first attempt to land on the moon and the rover will go to the moon's south pole where no country has gone before. The moon is the hottest destination in our solar system. Humans have not walked on the moon since 1972 but countries and private organisations are racing towards the lunar body. Jeff Bezos's company Blue Origin is planning a trip to the south pole as well. Till now only three countries have landed on the moon i.e. the Soviet Union, the United States and China. An Israeli organisation made an attempt in April 2019, but their rocket failed at the last moment. The moon holds the key to a human colony in space. In 2018--NASA images showed what appears to be water and ice on the surface of the moon's polar regions. Scientists estimated that there could be anywhere between 10,000-1 million tonnes of ice. So if water can be extracted instead of being transported from earth it could save lots of rocket fuel. Elements that makeup water, hydrogen and oxygen also make up rocket fuel. And fuel accounts for around 90 per cent of the weight of a rocket. Every kilogram of weight brought from earth to the moon costs roughly around $35,000. Given the enormous benefits of water ice, what was once considered as science fiction can soon be a reality. Lunar colonies and moon bases teeming with humans can be easily facilitated. And if the moon can sustain lunar colonies and produce rocket fuel, then the stage is set for trips further out into the solar system. Travelling off to mars and beyond will not only be more convenient but cheaper as well. India's mission is the world's first attempt to land at the polar region and see how abundant the ice is. Confirming ice on the celestial body could be a huge milestone in human history. The nation that gets to the lunar caps first will get an upper hand in accessing the resources of the moon.

Chandrayaan-2 lunar mission: Why the interest in moon?

Russia has launched a criminal probe to investigate the cause of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/crew-of-soyuz-rocket-alive-after-emergency-landing-russian-space-agency-170888">failed rocket launch Soyuz</a> on Thursday.

The launch had a problem with the booster (rocket) a few seconds after the first stage separation, the voice-over on a NASA live stream from mission control in Houston said.

The<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/crew-of-soyuz-rocket-alive-after-emergency-landing-russian-space-agency-170888"> two crewmen in the rocket were forced to make an emergency landing </a>in Kazakhstan following the lift-off to the International Space Station.

NASA rookie astronaut Nick Hague and second-time flyer Aleksey Ovchinin of the Russian space agency landed without injuries, the Interfax news agency reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia has launched a criminal probe to investigate the cause of failed rocket launch Soyuz on Thursday. The launch had a problem with the booster (rocket) a few seconds after the first stage separation, the voice-over on a NASA live stream from mission control in Houston said.

Russia has launched a criminal probe to investigate the cause of failed rocket launch Soyuz on Thursday. The launch had a problem with the booster (rocket) a few seconds after the first stage separation, the voice-over on a NASA live stream from mission control in Houston said. The two crewmen in the rocket were forced to make an emergency landing in Kazakhstan following the lift-off to the International Space Station. NASA rookie astronaut Nick Hague and second-time flyer Aleksey Ovchinin of the Russian space agency landed without injuries, the Interfax news agency reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia launches criminal probe over failed rocket launch

&nbsp;Russian Defence Ministry released a video showing a Soyuz rocket launch from the Plesetsk cosmodrome.

The rocket carried on board a military satellite, the precise purpose of which was left unmentioned in official statements released by the Ministry of Defence.

The satellite was given an official title "Kosmos-2525" and came online in orbit without complications.

The satellite was given an official title "Kosmos-2525" and came online in orbit without complications.

Russian Defence Ministry released a video showing a Soyuz rocket launch from the Plesetsk cosmodrome. The rocket carried on board a military satellite, the precise purpose of which was left unmentioned in official statements released by the Ministry of Defence. The satellite was given an official title "Kosmos-2525" and came online in orbit without complications.

Watch: Russian rocket takes military satellite into orbit

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