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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