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<p>Pakistan's military wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday (Dec 27) claimed it had successfully conducted the flight test of Fatah-II, a guided multi-launch rocket system (MLRS). Senior officers from all three wings of the military as well as scientists and engineers were present to witness the flight test.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and navigation system, Fatah-II is capable of engaging targets with high precision up to a range of 400 kilometres, ISPR claimed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the successful launch, the president, prime minister,&nbsp;chairman joint chiefs of staff committee and chief of army staff congratulated participating troops.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the flight test of the second iteration of Fatah MLRS comes over two years after Fatah-1 was launched in August 2021. At the time, ISPR said the rocket system was capable of delivering a conventional warhead.</p>

<p>In October, earlier this year, Islamabad claimed it also successfully test-fired&nbsp;the Ababeel Weapon System, aimed at "strengthening deterrence and enhancing strategic stability in the region".&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hindu-temple-in-pakistans-sindh-attacked-with-rocket-launchers-616676"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Hindu temple in Pakistan's Sindh attacked with rocket launchers</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Pakistan's ammunition supply to Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, earlier this year, multiple reports suggested that Pakistan had supplied a shipment of over 10,000 rockets intended for use in Grad multi-barrel rocket launchers to Ukraine in its war with Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, a few months later, Ukrainian commanders on the frontlines stated that ammunitions supplied&nbsp;from Pakistan were not of good quality.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, the UK allegedly used the Pakistani Air Force based in Rawalpindi as the air bridge to transfer Ukraine-bound arms from a British air base in the Mediterranean to Avram Iancu Cluj International Airport in Romania.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brahmos-missile-misfiring-into-pakistan-cost-india-rs-240-million-598251" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | 'BrahMos missile misfiring into Pakistan cost India Rs 240 million'</strong></a></p>

<p>Moscow, at the time, said it was aware of the developments, adding that Islamabad was indulging in 'explicit anti-Russia actions'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Yes, there have been reports and information about such instances. We take this information very seriously. Such examples, if confirmed, are very explicit anti-Russia actions that we cannot ignore,” said Denis Alipov, the Russian ambassador to India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Security experts view the launch of Fatah-II as another attempt by Islamabad to flood the Ukrainian market with its weapons.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan's military wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday (Dec 27) claimed it had successfully conducted the flight test of Fatah-II, a guided multi-launch rocket system (MLRS).

Pakistan's military wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday (Dec 27) claimed it had successfully conducted the flight test of Fatah-II, a guided multi-launch rocket system (MLRS). Senior officers from all three wings of the military as well as scientists and engineers were present to witness the flight test. Equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and navigation system, Fatah-II is capable of engaging targets with high precision up to a range of 400 kilometres, ISPR claimed. After the successful launch, the president, prime minister, chairman joint chiefs of staff committee and chief of army staff congratulated participating troops. Notably, the flight test of the second iteration of Fatah MLRS comes over two years after Fatah-1 was launched in August 2021. At the time, ISPR said the rocket system was capable of delivering a conventional warhead. In October, earlier this year, Islamabad claimed it also successfully test-fired the Ababeel Weapon System, aimed at "strengthening deterrence and enhancing strategic stability in the region". Watch | Hindu temple in Pakistan's Sindh attacked with rocket launchers × Pakistan's ammunition supply to Ukraine Notably, earlier this year, multiple reports suggested that Pakistan had supplied a shipment of over 10,000 rockets intended for use in Grad multi-barrel rocket launchers to Ukraine in its war with Russia. However, a few months later, Ukrainian commanders on the frontlines stated that ammunitions supplied from Pakistan were not of good quality. Last year, the UK allegedly used the Pakistani Air Force based in Rawalpindi as the air bridge to transfer Ukraine-bound arms from a British air base in the Mediterranean to Avram Iancu Cluj International Airport in Romania. Also read | 'BrahMos missile misfiring into Pakistan cost India Rs 240 million' Moscow, at the time, said it was aware of the developments, adding that Islamabad was indulging in 'explicit anti-Russia actions'. "Yes, there have been reports and information about such instances. We take this information very seriously. Such examples, if confirmed, are very explicit anti-Russia actions that we cannot ignore,” said Denis Alipov, the Russian ambassador to India. Security experts view the launch of Fatah-II as another attempt by Islamabad to flood the Ukrainian market with its weapons. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan successfully tests Fatah-II guided multi-launch rocket system

<p>NASA&nbsp;may look like a space agency that just keeps its lenses pointed at the sky to click pictures of distant galaxies. But the agency keeps on testing and developing new engines and space vehicles. And it&nbsp;successfully tested a 3D-printed engine&nbsp;on Wednesday (Dec 20). The innovation system of propulsion is called the Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE).</p>

<p>'In fall 2023' as NASA put it, the RDRE was tested at the agency's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The engine successfully completed a 251-second 'hot fire test,' said NASA. The engine generated more than 5800 pounds of thrust.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | NASA streams an ultra-high-definition video of a cat back to Earth from deep space</strong></p>

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<p>Such a sustained rocket burn is similar to one required for touchdown of a lander or even for a deep-space burn which would send a rocket say, from the Moon to Mars, according to Thomas Teasley, Marshall combustion devices engineer as quoted by NASA. Teasley is head of RDRE test effort at the center.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A 'huge leap'</strong></h2>

<p>“The RDRE enables a huge leap in design efficiency,” he said. “It demonstrates we are closer to making lightweight propulsion systems that will allow us to send more mass and payload further into deep space, a critical component to NASA’s Moon to Mars vision.”</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hubbles-spectacular-capture-shows-distant-spiral-galaxy-with-forbidden-light-671530">Celestial masterpiece: Forbidden light of distant spiral galaxy captured by Hubble</a></strong></p>

<p>The first hot fire test of the RDRE was carried out at the center in summer of 2022. For this, NASA teamed up with In Space LLC and Purdue University. In this test produced more than 4000 pounds of thrust for almost a minute.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/its-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-cosmos-nasa-releases-breathtaking-image-of-a-cosmic-christmas-tree-671532">Cosmic Christmas tree stuns ahead of holidays in new image shared by NASA</a></strong></p>

<p>Teasly said that theh primary aim of the latest test was to gain better understanding about how to scale the combustor for different thrust classes, 'supporting engine systems of all types and maximizing the variety of missions it could serve.' These missions could include use of machinery from landers to upper stage engines to supersonic retropropulsion.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA may look like a space agency that just keeps its lenses pointed at the sky to click pictures of distant galaxies. But the agency keeps on testing and developing new engines and space vehicles.

NASA may look like a space agency that just keeps its lenses pointed at the sky to click pictures of distant galaxies. But the agency keeps on testing and developing new engines and space vehicles. And it successfully tested a 3D-printed engine on Wednesday (Dec 20). The innovation system of propulsion is called the Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE). 'In fall 2023' as NASA put it, the RDRE was tested at the agency's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The engine successfully completed a 251-second 'hot fire test,' said NASA. The engine generated more than 5800 pounds of thrust. Watch | NASA streams an ultra-high-definition video of a cat back to Earth from deep space × Such a sustained rocket burn is similar to one required for touchdown of a lander or even for a deep-space burn which would send a rocket say, from the Moon to Mars, according to Thomas Teasley, Marshall combustion devices engineer as quoted by NASA. Teasley is head of RDRE test effort at the center. A 'huge leap' “The RDRE enables a huge leap in design efficiency,” he said. “It demonstrates we are closer to making lightweight propulsion systems that will allow us to send more mass and payload further into deep space, a critical component to NASA’s Moon to Mars vision.” Also Read | Celestial masterpiece: Forbidden light of distant spiral galaxy captured by Hubble The first hot fire test of the RDRE was carried out at the center in summer of 2022. For this, NASA teamed up with In Space LLC and Purdue University. In this test produced more than 4000 pounds of thrust for almost a minute. Also Read | Cosmic Christmas tree stuns ahead of holidays in new image shared by NASA Teasly said that theh primary aim of the latest test was to gain better understanding about how to scale the combustor for different thrust classes, 'supporting engine systems of all types and maximizing the variety of missions it could serve.' These missions could include use of machinery from landers to upper stage engines to supersonic retropropulsion. (With inputs from agencies)

'Huge Leap': NASA successfully tests 3D-printed rocket engine

<p>A secret space plane was launched by China for the third time on Thursday (Dec 15) as the United States Space Force kept waiting for its X-37B to get off the pad after facing numerous delays.</p>

<p>The Chinese “reusable experimental spacecraft” lifted off successfully atop a Long March 2F rocket at around 11 pm (local time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi Desert, reported state news agency Xinhua.</p>

<p>As with the other two launches in 2020 and 2022, technical details or images of the spacecraft were not revealed by Xinhua and they did not state how long the flight would be.</p>

<p>“It’s going to operate in orbit for a period of time before returning to its intended landing site in China,” said the report.</p>

<p>“Reusable technology verification and space science experiments will be carried out to provide technical support for the peaceful use of space,” said the report, while using the same wording which it was used for the 2020 and 2022 missions.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vp-harris-urges-president-biden-to-be-tougher-on-netanyahu-sparks-tensions-report-669927">US VP Harris urges President Biden to be 'tougher' on Netanyahu, sparks tensions: Report</a></p>

<p>Harvard astronomer Jonathan McDowell, who tracks space activities and rocket launches, said that the US Space Force was tracking the uncrewed plane in a roughly circular orbit nearly 300km in altitude.</p>

<p>“This is very similar to the first launch in 2020. The second launch in 2022 went to a slightly higher orbit of 345 x 593km,” he said, as reported by the South China Morning Post.</p>

<h2><strong>US spacecraft waits for launch</strong></h2>

<p>Its US counterpart Boeing X-37B, which was originally scheduled to take off at a similar time, remained grounded atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket in Florida's Kennedy Space Centre, after postponements due to launch site issues and poor weather.</p>

<p>The mission, which is called as USSF-52, will be the seventh mission of the US plane to orbit since 2010 and the second ride with a SpaceX rocket.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Few US adults want a Biden-Trump rematch, says survey</strong></p>

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<p>In a statement, Space Force in November said that it has been planning to carry out multiple ranges of tests, which include experimenting with future space domain awareness, operating in new orbital regimes and investigating the effect of radiation on materials. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The US military has been tight-lipped about the capabilities and objectives of X-37B, which makes it one of the most enigmatic spacecraft known to take&nbsp;flight.</p>

<p>Chief of Space Operations General Chance Saltzman said that the future of X-37B can be brighter because of the competition between China and the Pentagon.</p>

<p>On Wednesday (Dec 13), Space X cancelled the launch of the US military's X-37B robot spaceplane and wrote on X, "We are standing down from tomorrow's Falcon Heavy launch of USSF-52 to perform additional system checkouts."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A secret space plane was launched by China for the third time on Thursday (Dec 15) as the United States Space Force kept waiting for its X-37B to get off the pad after facing numerous delays.

A secret space plane was launched by China for the third time on Thursday (Dec 15) as the United States Space Force kept waiting for its X-37B to get off the pad after facing numerous delays. The Chinese “reusable experimental spacecraft” lifted off successfully atop a Long March 2F rocket at around 11 pm (local time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi Desert, reported state news agency Xinhua. As with the other two launches in 2020 and 2022, technical details or images of the spacecraft were not revealed by Xinhua and they did not state how long the flight would be. “It’s going to operate in orbit for a period of time before returning to its intended landing site in China,” said the report. “Reusable technology verification and space science experiments will be carried out to provide technical support for the peaceful use of space,” said the report, while using the same wording which it was used for the 2020 and 2022 missions. Also read: US VP Harris urges President Biden to be 'tougher' on Netanyahu, sparks tensions: Report Harvard astronomer Jonathan McDowell, who tracks space activities and rocket launches, said that the US Space Force was tracking the uncrewed plane in a roughly circular orbit nearly 300km in altitude. “This is very similar to the first launch in 2020. The second launch in 2022 went to a slightly higher orbit of 345 x 593km,” he said, as reported by the South China Morning Post. US spacecraft waits for launch Its US counterpart Boeing X-37B, which was originally scheduled to take off at a similar time, remained grounded atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket in Florida's Kennedy Space Centre, after postponements due to launch site issues and poor weather. The mission, which is called as USSF-52, will be the seventh mission of the US plane to orbit since 2010 and the second ride with a SpaceX rocket. Watch: Few US adults want a Biden-Trump rematch, says survey In a statement, Space Force in November said that it has been planning to carry out multiple ranges of tests, which include experimenting with future space domain awareness, operating in new orbital regimes and investigating the effect of radiation on materials. The US military has been tight-lipped about the capabilities and objectives of X-37B, which makes it one of the most enigmatic spacecraft known to take flight. Chief of Space Operations General Chance Saltzman said that the future of X-37B can be brighter because of the competition between China and the Pentagon. On Wednesday (Dec 13), Space X cancelled the launch of the US military's X-37B robot spaceplane and wrote on X, "We are standing down from tomorrow's Falcon Heavy launch of USSF-52 to perform additional system checkouts." (With inputs from agencies)

US plans to beat China in launch of secret space plane. SpaceX foils plan

<p>North Korea issued a stern warning on Saturday (Dec 2) declaring that any interference by US in its satellite operations would be tantamount to a declaration of war.</p>

<p>The warning by North Korea came after the country successfully launched its inaugural military spy satellite on November 21, sharing images of military installations in the US mainland, Japan, and Guam, to which Washington responded with sanctions. The regime in Pyongyang asserted that it would activate its war deterrence measures in response to any perceived threat against its strategic assets, reported Reuters.</p>

<p>According to state media KCNA, the North Korean defense ministry spokesperson in a statement said, "In case the U.S. tries to violate the legitimate territory of a sovereign state by weaponising the latest technologies illegally and unjustly, the DPRK will consider taking responsive action measures for self-defence to undermine or destroy the viability of the U.S. spy satellites."&nbsp;</p>

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<p>A spokesperson from the US Space Command reportedly spoke of Washington's ability to deny adversaries' space power using various means.</p>

<p>In a subsequent statement on the matter, North Korea's foreign ministry announced its intent to take countermeasures against individuals and organisations from the US and its "vassal forces" involved in imposing and enforcing sanctions against North Korea.</p>

<p>The regime also argued that such sanctions violated international law.</p>

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<p>North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons has been a major source of concern for the United States. Despite numerous sanctions, North Korea has continued its development of nuclear capabilities. The US has consistently opposed North Korea's nuclear programme, viewing it as a threat to regional and global security.</p>

<p>“The DPRK is unabashedly trying to advance its nuclear weapons delivery systems by testing ballistic missile technology in clear violation of this council’s resolutions,” US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told UNSC members earlier.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un rebuffed US appeals for a resumption of diplomatic efforts. She criticised the US for its condemnation of North Korea's recent spy satellite launch and pledged to carry out additional launches in defiance of United Nations prohibitions.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


North Korea issued a stern warning on Saturday (Dec 2) declaring that any interference by US in its satellite operations would be tantamount to a declaration of war.

North Korea issued a stern warning on Saturday (Dec 2) declaring that any interference by US in its satellite operations would be tantamount to a declaration of war. The warning by North Korea came after the country successfully launched its inaugural military spy satellite on November 21, sharing images of military installations in the US mainland, Japan, and Guam, to which Washington responded with sanctions. The regime in Pyongyang asserted that it would activate its war deterrence measures in response to any perceived threat against its strategic assets, reported Reuters. According to state media KCNA, the North Korean defense ministry spokesperson in a statement said, "In case the U.S. tries to violate the legitimate territory of a sovereign state by weaponising the latest technologies illegally and unjustly, the DPRK will consider taking responsive action measures for self-defence to undermine or destroy the viability of the U.S. spy satellites." Also Read | Zaporizhzhia plant's power cut carried risk of nuclear 'accident': Ukraine A spokesperson from the US Space Command reportedly spoke of Washington's ability to deny adversaries' space power using various means. In a subsequent statement on the matter, North Korea's foreign ministry announced its intent to take countermeasures against individuals and organisations from the US and its "vassal forces" involved in imposing and enforcing sanctions against North Korea. The regime also argued that such sanctions violated international law. Also Read | What after Gaza war ends? Israel plans to hunt down Hamas leaders globally, says report Watch | China mystery illness: US Senators push for urgent China travel ban × North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons has been a major source of concern for the United States. Despite numerous sanctions, North Korea has continued its development of nuclear capabilities. The US has consistently opposed North Korea's nuclear programme, viewing it as a threat to regional and global security. “The DPRK is unabashedly trying to advance its nuclear weapons delivery systems by testing ballistic missile technology in clear violation of this council’s resolutions,” US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told UNSC members earlier. Meanwhile, Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un rebuffed US appeals for a resumption of diplomatic efforts. She criticised the US for its condemnation of North Korea's recent spy satellite launch and pledged to carry out additional launches in defiance of United Nations prohibitions. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea roars back at US, says satellite interference will be seen as declaration of war

<p>Europe's heavy-lift rocket Ariane-5 completed its final launch in July 2023 by lifting two telecoms satellites into space. Now, the new European-built Ariane 6 rocket is gearing up for its mission for its first test flight ever. In an exciting development, the rocket has cleared a major full-scale rehearsal on Friday (Nov 24).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ariane 6 rocket was developed by Arianespace on behalf of the European Space Agency. As part of the trial, the ground teams completed the launch countdown. It was followed by a 7-minute full firing of the core stage’s engine.</p>

<p>Everything went just as it would transpire if fired for an actual launch into space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-conflict-risks-lasting-to-2030-without-peace-talks-says-slovak-pm-662531">Ukraine war: Conflict risks lasting to 2030 without peace talks, says Slovak PM</a></p>

<p>Things went as per plan, which included plans for not igniting boosters. This was done to ensure that Ariane 6 stayed on the launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The engine-fire trial reenacts how the Ariane 6 core stage will fire during a normal flight into space. Once complete the main engine would shut down and the core stage would separate from the upper stage, which would then take over propulsion and complete its mission," European Space Agency said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-release-13-israeli-hostages-12-thai-nationals-amid-truce-in-gaza-662502">Hamas releases 24 hostages amid temporary truce in Gaza</a></p>

<h2><strong>What did the trial include?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>A test model was used for the trial, which was the longest ‘full-stack' run yet for Ariane 6’s lower liquid propulsion module with a Vulcain 2.1 engine.</p>

<p>Speaking over the trial, ESA’s Director General Josef Aschbacher said, “The teams from ArianeGroup, CNES and ESA have now run through every step of the rocket's flight without it leaving Earth."&nbsp;</p>

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<p>He termed the successful trial a "milestone" because it came after humongous efforts being put in every aspect of the mission right from&nbsp;designing and planning to preparing and building.</p>

<p>The mission included hard work of some of the most talented space engineers in Europe. "We are back on track towards resecuring Europe’s autonomous access to space. Well done to all involved!”&nbsp;Aschbacher said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Vulcain 2.1 engine</strong></h2>

<p>Nearly 150 tonnes of propellant were used in the Vulcain 2.1 engine in the Ariane 6 core stage tanks – liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. The liquid hydrogen tank was supercooled to temperatures below -250°C.</p>

<p>The earlier Ariane 5 touted as Europe's most successful launch system to date used&nbsp;Vulcain 2 engine. The current mission&nbsp;Ariane 6 uses an advanced version - Vulcain 2.1.</p>

<p>"The upgrade has a simplified and cheaper design, and new technology in the engine nozzle and ignition system has been moved from the engine to the launch pad structure, to make the stage perform better and cost less," as per ESA.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Europe's heavy-lift rocket Ariane-5 completed its final launch in July 2023 by lifting two telecoms satellites into space. Now, the new European-built Ariane 6 rocket is gearing up for its mission for its first test flight ever.

Europe's heavy-lift rocket Ariane-5 completed its final launch in July 2023 by lifting two telecoms satellites into space. Now, the new European-built Ariane 6 rocket is gearing up for its mission for its first test flight ever. In an exciting development, the rocket has cleared a major full-scale rehearsal on Friday (Nov 24). The Ariane 6 rocket was developed by Arianespace on behalf of the European Space Agency. As part of the trial, the ground teams completed the launch countdown. It was followed by a 7-minute full firing of the core stage’s engine. Everything went just as it would transpire if fired for an actual launch into space. Also Read | Ukraine war: Conflict risks lasting to 2030 without peace talks, says Slovak PM Things went as per plan, which included plans for not igniting boosters. This was done to ensure that Ariane 6 stayed on the launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. "The engine-fire trial reenacts how the Ariane 6 core stage will fire during a normal flight into space. Once complete the main engine would shut down and the core stage would separate from the upper stage, which would then take over propulsion and complete its mission," European Space Agency said. Also Read | Hamas releases 24 hostages amid temporary truce in Gaza What did the trial include? A test model was used for the trial, which was the longest ‘full-stack' run yet for Ariane 6’s lower liquid propulsion module with a Vulcain 2.1 engine. Speaking over the trial, ESA’s Director General Josef Aschbacher said, “The teams from ArianeGroup, CNES and ESA have now run through every step of the rocket's flight without it leaving Earth." Watch | Hostages release: Israel's hostage-for-prisoner swap × He termed the successful trial a "milestone" because it came after humongous efforts being put in every aspect of the mission right from designing and planning to preparing and building. The mission included hard work of some of the most talented space engineers in Europe. "We are back on track towards resecuring Europe’s autonomous access to space. Well done to all involved!” Aschbacher said. Vulcain 2.1 engine Nearly 150 tonnes of propellant were used in the Vulcain 2.1 engine in the Ariane 6 core stage tanks – liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. The liquid hydrogen tank was supercooled to temperatures below -250°C. The earlier Ariane 5 touted as Europe's most successful launch system to date used Vulcain 2 engine. The current mission Ariane 6 uses an advanced version - Vulcain 2.1. "The upgrade has a simplified and cheaper design, and new technology in the engine nozzle and ignition system has been moved from the engine to the launch pad structure, to make the stage perform better and cost less," as per ESA. (With inputs from agencies)

Europe’s new Ariane 6 rocket successfully clears ‘major full-scale’ trial

SpaceX's Starship spacecraft blasted off from the Starbase launch site near Boca Chica in Texas, on a test flight. The two-stage rocket ship developed to carry astronauts to the moon and beyond, reached space for the first time but was presumed to have failed minutes later.

SpaceX's spaceship blasted off from Starbase in Texas

<p>Indian firm Skyroot Aerospace unveiled what is the country's first privately designed and developed orbital-class rocket. Named 'Vikram-1', this rocket is expected to perform its maiden flight to space in the first quarter of 2024. This is a milestone for the country's fledgling space sector, that has seen significant growth over the last three years, following the roll-out of Space-sector reforms by the Indian Government. The reforms enabled private firms to design, develop, build and launch their own rockets, satellites and offer allied services.<br />
<br />
The Indian Space sector has always been dominated by the Indian Government-run ISRO and is expected to remain so for the foreseeable future. However, the mushrooming of startups is expected to improve the spread and size of the Indian space economy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Unveiling the Vikram-1 rocket at Skyroot's new facility in Hyderabad, Telangana, the firm's Co-Founder Pawan K Chandana said that their firm now employs 300 personnel and has bagged more than Rs. 500crore ($62.5mn approx) in investment.&nbsp;With Skyroot's maiden rocket launch of the vehicle Vikram-S in November, 2022, India became the fourth nation&nbsp;where private firms have built and launched rockets. Ours is the largest private rocket development centre in South Asia, he said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The unveiling of India's first privately designed &amp;developed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> faring rocket Vikram-1 by <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyrootA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SkyrootA</a>, at their new HQ 'MaxQ' in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/hyderabad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#hyderabad</a><br />
<br />
Skyroot was first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indian</a> firm to 🚀Upper atmosphere, Nov 2022<br />
<br />
Orbital 🚀 Vikram-1 will fly Q1, 2024 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tech</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/science?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#science</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rocket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rocket</a> <a href="https://t.co/lG8X99M8qf">pic.twitter.com/lG8X99M8qf</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1716760853100613702?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"We've named our new facility 'MaxQ', it is a technical term denoting the maximum stress and loads that a rocket experiences during its ascent. A rocket has to undergo and push through all this, before it reaches space. Likewise, we would like our team to push ourselves to do extraordinary things in the space sector" he reasoned. Skyroot also showcased an animated preview of their maiden orbital launch, that is expected in the first quarter of 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-indias-ins-shakti-and-sci-saraswati-to-recover-isros-crew-module-from-sea-649457">Also read |&nbsp;Exclusive: India's INS Shakti and SCI Saraswati to recover ISRO Gaganyaan crew module from sea</a></p>

<p>According to Skyroot, the Vikram-1 vehicle would be able to deliver payloads weighing between 290-480kg, to different orbits that are 500kms above the earth. Being a solid-fuelled rocket and using relatively simpler technologies would mean that launching this vehicle would require minimal infrastructure and that the rocket can be assembled and launched within 24hours from any site. The firm is also developing more versions in the Vikram series and those would involve the use of Cryogenic engines that are more efficient and sophisticated. The firm recently signed pacts with French satellite firms, indicating that they are gradually working towards on-boarding customer satellites for commercial launches. Gaining customers is crucial for a rocket company to stay afloat. This is all the more important, given how Skyroot has a direct competitor in ISRO's newest rocket SSLV, that also ferries similar payloads to orbit. SSLV has already flown twice and delivered one successful mission.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indian</a> 🚀 firm Skyroot takes us to the future(Q1 2024), shows how their maiden launch to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> -of Vikram-1 rocket will look like<br />
<br />
Vikram-1 is a 7-storey tall rocket<a href="https://twitter.com/SkyrootA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SkyrootA</a> Vikram-S(launched Nov 2022) is a 2-storey tall rocket<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/science?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#science</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tech</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hyderabad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hyderabad</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Telangana?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Telangana</a> <a href="https://t.co/CrbMzqI1eG">pic.twitter.com/CrbMzqI1eG</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1716768564286489035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Speaking on the occasion, Dr&nbsp;Jitendra Singh, India's Union Minister of State, Prime Minister's Office, said that the increased role of the private sector in the space domain would lead to a healthy synergy between the Government-run ISRO and the startups, thereby leading to knowledge sharing. He also mentioned that it would eventually result in more rocket launches being carried out from India and more revenue being generated by it. "The scale of wok is increasing, we can't meet our future requirements in isolation. The opening-up of the space sector for private firms is a win-win situation" he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indian-navy-recovered-isros-gaganyaan-crew-module-as-storm-brewed-in-bay-of-bengal-649692">Also read |&nbsp;Indian Navy recovered ISRO's Gaganyaan Crew module, as storm brewed in Bay of Bengal</a></p>

<p>Quoting estimates, Dr&nbsp;Singh said that the Indian space economy(presently at $8bn) was expected to be worth $40bn by the year 2040. He also said that there were some foreign-origin estimated pegging the Indian space economy at $100bn by 2040. At present, the Indian space economy is said to be around 2percent of the $450bn global space economy. In order to create greater synergy between the space agencies of G20 nations, India's Government-run Department of Space also held a Space Economy Leaders Meeting, under the umbrella of the G20 Summit that India hosted this year.&nbsp;</p>

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Indian firm Skyroot Aerospace unveiled what is the country's first privately designed and developed orbital-class rocket. Named 'Vikram-1', this rocket is expected to perform its maiden flight to space in the first quarter of 2024.

Indian firm Skyroot Aerospace unveiled what is the country's first privately designed and developed orbital-class rocket. Named 'Vikram-1', this rocket is expected to perform its maiden flight to space in the first quarter of 2024. This is a milestone for the country's fledgling space sector, that has seen significant growth over the last three years, following the roll-out of Space-sector reforms by the Indian Government. The reforms enabled private firms to design, develop, build and launch their own rockets, satellites and offer allied services. The Indian Space sector has always been dominated by the Indian Government-run ISRO and is expected to remain so for the foreseeable future. However, the mushrooming of startups is expected to improve the spread and size of the Indian space economy. Unveiling the Vikram-1 rocket at Skyroot's new facility in Hyderabad, Telangana, the firm's Co-Founder Pawan K Chandana said that their firm now employs 300 personnel and has bagged more than Rs. 500crore ($62.5mn approx) in investment. With Skyroot's maiden rocket launch of the vehicle Vikram-S in November, 2022, India became the fourth nation where private firms have built and launched rockets. Ours is the largest private rocket development centre in South Asia, he said. The unveiling of India's first privately designed &developed #space faring rocket Vikram-1 by @SkyrootA, at their new HQ 'MaxQ' in #hyderabad Skyroot was first #indian firm to 🚀Upper atmosphere, Nov 2022 Orbital 🚀 Vikram-1 will fly Q1, 2024 #india #tech #science #rocket pic.twitter.com/lG8X99M8qf — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 24, 2023 × "We've named our new facility 'MaxQ', it is a technical term denoting the maximum stress and loads that a rocket experiences during its ascent. A rocket has to undergo and push through all this, before it reaches space. Likewise, we would like our team to push ourselves to do extraordinary things in the space sector" he reasoned. Skyroot also showcased an animated preview of their maiden orbital launch, that is expected in the first quarter of 2024. Also read | Exclusive: India's INS Shakti and SCI Saraswati to recover ISRO Gaganyaan crew module from sea According to Skyroot, the Vikram-1 vehicle would be able to deliver payloads weighing between 290-480kg, to different orbits that are 500kms above the earth. Being a solid-fuelled rocket and using relatively simpler technologies would mean that launching this vehicle would require minimal infrastructure and that the rocket can be assembled and launched within 24hours from any site. The firm is also developing more versions in the Vikram series and those would involve the use of Cryogenic engines that are more efficient and sophisticated. The firm recently signed pacts with French satellite firms, indicating that they are gradually working towards on-boarding customer satellites for commercial launches. Gaining customers is crucial for a rocket company to stay afloat. This is all the more important, given how Skyroot has a direct competitor in ISRO's newest rocket SSLV, that also ferries similar payloads to orbit. SSLV has already flown twice and delivered one successful mission. #indian 🚀 firm Skyroot takes us to the future(Q1 2024), shows how their maiden launch to #space -of Vikram-1 rocket will look like Vikram-1 is a 7-storey tall rocket@SkyrootA Vikram-S(launched Nov 2022) is a 2-storey tall rocket#india #science #tech #Hyderabad #Telangana pic.twitter.com/CrbMzqI1eG — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 24, 2023 × Speaking on the occasion, Dr Jitendra Singh, India's Union Minister of State, Prime Minister's Office, said that the increased role of the private sector in the space domain would lead to a healthy synergy between the Government-run ISRO and the startups, thereby leading to knowledge sharing. He also mentioned that it would eventually result in more rocket launches being carried out from India and more revenue being generated by it. "The scale of wok is increasing, we can't meet our future requirements in isolation. The opening-up of the space sector for private firms is a win-win situation" he added. Also read | Indian Navy recovered ISRO's Gaganyaan Crew module, as storm brewed in Bay of Bengal Quoting estimates, Dr Singh said that the Indian space economy(presently at $8bn) was expected to be worth $40bn by the year 2040. He also said that there were some foreign-origin estimated pegging the Indian space economy at $100bn by 2040. At present, the Indian space economy is said to be around 2percent of the $450bn global space economy. In order to create greater synergy between the space agencies of G20 nations, India's Government-run Department of Space also held a Space Economy Leaders Meeting, under the umbrella of the G20 Summit that India hosted this year. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Indian firm Skyroot unveils 7-storeys tall spacefaring rocket 'Vikram-1'

The sky is not the limit for Elon Musk after launching the largest number of orbital satellites by a private company in 2023. Now it aims to expand the company.

SpaceX plans to launch 144 missions in 2024

<p>In the 1970s, the Indian Space Research Organisation was in its nascent years. With minimal resources and funding, an assortment of experienced and enthusiastic young engineers were working on developing and launching India's first spacefaring rocket - SLV-3.</p>

<p>Amid the rush to make history for India, the SLV-3 team leader (Project Director) APJ Abdul Kalam lost three members of his family, in quick succession.</p>

<p>Despite the devastating loss on the personal front, he absorbed his sorrow and toiled for the national mission, a new book reveals. October 15th marks the birth anniversary of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the veteran rocket and missile scientist, who later went on to serve as the President of India.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">15th Oct APJ AK Birth Anni🙏<br />
"Late 1970s, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> was preparing for maiden <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> 🚀 launch SLV-3, Dr.Kalam headed the team..in quick succession, he lost his bro-in-law, parents..despite this, he contained the sorrow within &amp;launched 🚀in Aug 1979"<br />
Dr. Madhavan Nair recalls <a href="https://t.co/Z5Ctoh7cGf">pic.twitter.com/Z5Ctoh7cGf</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1713399475560161521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The years nearing the completion of the SLV-3 programme were very painful for Dr. Kalam. The deaths of three very dear family members shook him. First was his sister's husband Ahmed Jamaludeen, who had played a crucial role in his education. A close friend, he was the only person who was literate in English on the entire island of their native Rameswaram in his childhood. How could Dr. Kalam ever come to terms with that untimely death?,"&nbsp;reads a para from 'Rocketing Through the Skies', the autobiography of Former ISRO Chairman, Dr. Madhavan Nair.</p>

<p>After returning from the funeral of his brother-in-law and immersing himself in work, Dr. Kalam lost his father Jainulabdeen Marakayar. It was from his father that Dr. Kalam had inherited his deep-rooted spirituality, the book reveals. Soon after, he also lost his mother. On hearing about her death, he rushed home in a passenger bus for her last rites. He contained all these sorrows within himself and headed the SLV-3 project, Dr. Nair reminisces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gaganyaans-maiden-test-flight-tv-d1-on-oct-21-isro-chief-646869">Gaganyaan's maiden test flight 'TV-D1' on Oct 21: ISRO Chief</a></p>

<p>Finally, it was it on August 10, 1979 that the maiden flight of SLV-3 took place from Sriharikota. The four-stage rocket which stood 23 metres tall and weighed 17 tonnes, was meant to carry a 40kg satellite into orbit. While the vehicle lifted off and flew as planned, it faced a setback after the first stage burned out and then it tumbled and fell deep into the Bay of Bengal, 560kms off India's east coast.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After a detailed failure analysis, team ISRO rectified the errors and launched again in July 1980 and the Rohini satellite was injected into orbit.</p>

<p>This was the first time that an Indian satellite was being placed into orbit by an Indian rocket. Ten&nbsp;years after this successful launch, the Government of India bestowed the honour of the Padma Shri award on Dr. Kalam, the book reveals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-out-why-night-shifts-take-a-toll-on-your-health-646697">Scientists find out why night shifts take a toll on your health</a></p>

<p>In the English autobiography, 'Rocketing Through the Skies' Dr. Madhavan Nair narrates the transition from ISRO's modest Thumba-era to the Chandrayaan-era, as he lived through it all and devoted his life for the cause of Indian Space programme. Throughout the book, he shares the cherished experiences and learnings that he could gain by working under Dr. Kalam, whom he refers to as his Guru (teacher). &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-hamas-leader-orders-palestinians-not-to-leave-gaza-647039">Israel-Palestine war: Hamas leader orders Palestinians not to leave Gaza</a></strong></p>

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<p>Dr. Madhavan Nair was the Chairman of ISRO from 2003-09 and his tenure witnessed the success of Indias maiden moon mission Chandrayaan-1. He is also a recipient of top Indian Government honours such as the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. Former ISRO scientist Jaya G Nair has collaborated with Dr. Madhavan Nair in translating, re-narrating and editing the original autobiography 'Agniparikshakal', that was in Malayalam.</p>

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In the 1970s, the Indian Space Research Organisation was in its nascent years. With minimal resources and funding, an assortment of experienced and enthusiastic young engineers were working on developing and launching India's first spacefaring rocket - SLV-3.

In the 1970s, the Indian Space Research Organisation was in its nascent years. With minimal resources and funding, an assortment of experienced and enthusiastic young engineers were working on developing and launching India's first spacefaring rocket - SLV-3. Amid the rush to make history for India, the SLV-3 team leader (Project Director) APJ Abdul Kalam lost three members of his family, in quick succession. Despite the devastating loss on the personal front, he absorbed his sorrow and toiled for the national mission, a new book reveals. October 15th marks the birth anniversary of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the veteran rocket and missile scientist, who later went on to serve as the President of India. 15th Oct APJ AK Birth Anni🙏 "Late 1970s, #isro #india was preparing for maiden #space 🚀 launch SLV-3, Dr.Kalam headed the team..in quick succession, he lost his bro-in-law, parents..despite this, he contained the sorrow within &launched 🚀in Aug 1979" Dr. Madhavan Nair recalls pic.twitter.com/Z5Ctoh7cGf — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 15, 2023 × "The years nearing the completion of the SLV-3 programme were very painful for Dr. Kalam. The deaths of three very dear family members shook him. First was his sister's husband Ahmed Jamaludeen, who had played a crucial role in his education. A close friend, he was the only person who was literate in English on the entire island of their native Rameswaram in his childhood. How could Dr. Kalam ever come to terms with that untimely death?," reads a para from 'Rocketing Through the Skies', the autobiography of Former ISRO Chairman, Dr. Madhavan Nair. After returning from the funeral of his brother-in-law and immersing himself in work, Dr. Kalam lost his father Jainulabdeen Marakayar. It was from his father that Dr. Kalam had inherited his deep-rooted spirituality, the book reveals. Soon after, he also lost his mother. On hearing about her death, he rushed home in a passenger bus for her last rites. He contained all these sorrows within himself and headed the SLV-3 project, Dr. Nair reminisces. Also Read | Gaganyaan's maiden test flight 'TV-D1' on Oct 21: ISRO Chief Finally, it was it on August 10, 1979 that the maiden flight of SLV-3 took place from Sriharikota. The four-stage rocket which stood 23 metres tall and weighed 17 tonnes, was meant to carry a 40kg satellite into orbit. While the vehicle lifted off and flew as planned, it faced a setback after the first stage burned out and then it tumbled and fell deep into the Bay of Bengal, 560kms off India's east coast. After a detailed failure analysis, team ISRO rectified the errors and launched again in July 1980 and the Rohini satellite was injected into orbit. This was the first time that an Indian satellite was being placed into orbit by an Indian rocket. Ten years after this successful launch, the Government of India bestowed the honour of the Padma Shri award on Dr. Kalam, the book reveals. Also Read | Scientists find out why night shifts take a toll on your health In the English autobiography, 'Rocketing Through the Skies' Dr. Madhavan Nair narrates the transition from ISRO's modest Thumba-era to the Chandrayaan-era, as he lived through it all and devoted his life for the cause of Indian Space programme. Throughout the book, he shares the cherished experiences and learnings that he could gain by working under Dr. Kalam, whom he refers to as his Guru (teacher). Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Hamas leader orders Palestinians not to leave Gaza × Dr. Madhavan Nair was the Chairman of ISRO from 2003-09 and his tenure witnessed the success of Indias maiden moon mission Chandrayaan-1. He is also a recipient of top Indian Government honours such as the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. Former ISRO scientist Jaya G Nair has collaborated with Dr. Madhavan Nair in translating, re-narrating and editing the original autobiography 'Agniparikshakal', that was in Malayalam. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Overcoming grief after parents' demise, Dr. Kalam led launch of India's first rocket SLV-3

Indian Space Research Organisation, ISRO, faces over 100 cyber-attacks daily. With the risk of cyber-attacks being much higher in rocket technology, the chairman of ISRO has said that India's space agency faces more than 100 cyber attacks on a daily basis. Interestingly the possibility of cyber attacks is much higher in rocket technology.

Indian space agency ISRO fights over 100 cyber attacks every day

<p>The Israel-Hamas conflict, a long-standing influence on stability in the Middle East, hinges significantly on Hamas' access to diverse weaponry. In view of the recent surprise attack by the Hamas in Israel, by launching thousands of rockets, arms being used by its terrorists who have infiltrated and taken soldiers and civilians hostage, it&nbsp;becomes pivotal to understand the&nbsp;numerous arms supply routes, including ship-to-shore transfers, and clandestine channels from Iran and Syria. The most important question that arises is:&nbsp;"From where does Hamas gets its so many weapons?"</p>

<h2><strong>Post-2005 shift</strong></h2>

<p>A pivotal shift occurred in 2005 when Israel withdrew from Gaza, enabling Hamas to establish a covert supply line with Iran and Syria, bolstering its weapons arsenal. Despite Israel's interception of a 2007 shipment of Fajr-5 rockets destined for Hamas via Sudan, ship-to-shore smuggling, a thriving black market, and the dominance of rocket weaponry ensured a steady flow of arms, according to the Co-operation of Worldwide Broadcast (CooPWB).</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-shielding-skies-with-iron-dome-defence-system-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-work-643921">Israel shielding skies with Iron Dome defence system. What is it and how does it work?</a></p>

<h2><strong>Sea-based smuggling</strong></h2>

<p>Historically, a significant proportion of Hamas's weaponry arrived via sea, where sealed capsules containing arms are dropped off Gaza's coast, known as "ship-to-shore transfer." This method, despite the risks posed by the Israeli naval presence, allows Hamas to bypass official border controls, facilitating a continuous supply of substantial weapon caches.</p>

<h2><strong>Secret tunnel network</strong></h2>

<p>Following Israel's 2005 Gaza withdrawal, Hamas established a covert supply route with Iran and Syria through an intricate tunnel network beneath the Egypt-Gaza border, remaining largely hidden from the international community.</p>

<p><strong>Foreign sources of weapons</strong></p>

<p>While Hamas maintains close alliance&nbsp;with Iran and Syria, it has also procured arms, including Fajr-3, Fajr-5, and M302 rockets, from foreign sources. This diversity in sourcing enhances Hamas's capacity to engage in conflicts.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Hamas attack lays bare intelligence gaps</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Dominance of rocket weaponry</strong></h2>

<p>Rocket weaponry holds paramount importance for Palestinian factions, particularly Hamas, as it enables cost-effective and relatively straightforward long-distance strikes. The 2014 Gaza War witnessed over 4,500 rockets fired at Israel by Hamas, underscoring their significance.</p>

<p>Unveiling the intricate supply chain for Hamas's weaponry is a challenging task, involving various actors such as smugglers, shippers, and financiers, each contributing to the continuous flow of arms. Both Israel and Hamas adapt constantly, rendering the weapons procurement process an ever-evolving landscape.</p>

<p>Hamas's weapon procurement methods are multifaceted and adaptable, encompassing ship-to-shore smuggling, covert alliances with Iran and Syria, and involvement in the black market. Rocket weaponry remains a potent element of Hamas'&nbsp;arsenal.&nbsp;</p>

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The Israel-Hamas conflict, a long-standing influence on stability in the Middle East, hinges significantly on Hamas' access to diverse weaponry. In view of the recent surprise attack by the Hamas in Israel, by launching thousands of rockets, arms being used by its terrorists who have infiltrated and taken soldiers and civilians hostage, it becomes pivotal to understand the numerous arms supply routes, including ship-to-shore transfers, and clandestine channels from Iran and Syria.

The Israel-Hamas conflict, a long-standing influence on stability in the Middle East, hinges significantly on Hamas' access to diverse weaponry. In view of the recent surprise attack by the Hamas in Israel, by launching thousands of rockets, arms being used by its terrorists who have infiltrated and taken soldiers and civilians hostage, it becomes pivotal to understand the numerous arms supply routes, including ship-to-shore transfers, and clandestine channels from Iran and Syria. The most important question that arises is: "From where does Hamas gets its so many weapons?" Post-2005 shift A pivotal shift occurred in 2005 when Israel withdrew from Gaza, enabling Hamas to establish a covert supply line with Iran and Syria, bolstering its weapons arsenal. Despite Israel's interception of a 2007 shipment of Fajr-5 rockets destined for Hamas via Sudan, ship-to-shore smuggling, a thriving black market, and the dominance of rocket weaponry ensured a steady flow of arms, according to the Co-operation of Worldwide Broadcast (CooPWB). Also read | Israel shielding skies with Iron Dome defence system. What is it and how does it work? Sea-based smuggling Historically, a significant proportion of Hamas's weaponry arrived via sea, where sealed capsules containing arms are dropped off Gaza's coast, known as "ship-to-shore transfer." This method, despite the risks posed by the Israeli naval presence, allows Hamas to bypass official border controls, facilitating a continuous supply of substantial weapon caches. Secret tunnel network Following Israel's 2005 Gaza withdrawal, Hamas established a covert supply route with Iran and Syria through an intricate tunnel network beneath the Egypt-Gaza border, remaining largely hidden from the international community. Foreign sources of weapons While Hamas maintains close alliance with Iran and Syria, it has also procured arms, including Fajr-3, Fajr-5, and M302 rockets, from foreign sources. This diversity in sourcing enhances Hamas's capacity to engage in conflicts. Also watch | Hamas attack lays bare intelligence gaps Dominance of rocket weaponry Rocket weaponry holds paramount importance for Palestinian factions, particularly Hamas, as it enables cost-effective and relatively straightforward long-distance strikes. The 2014 Gaza War witnessed over 4,500 rockets fired at Israel by Hamas, underscoring their significance. Unveiling the intricate supply chain for Hamas's weaponry is a challenging task, involving various actors such as smugglers, shippers, and financiers, each contributing to the continuous flow of arms. Both Israel and Hamas adapt constantly, rendering the weapons procurement process an ever-evolving landscape. Hamas's weapon procurement methods are multifaceted and adaptable, encompassing ship-to-shore smuggling, covert alliances with Iran and Syria, and involvement in the black market. Rocket weaponry remains a potent element of Hamas' arsenal. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

From where does Hamas acquire its weapons? Understanding the sources and transit routes

<p>Japan on Thursday (September 7) launched a rocket carrying what it plans to be the country's first successful Moon lander, as was seen in the live footage shared by the country's space agency.<br />
<br />
The H2-A rocket, carrying the precision "Moon Sniper" lander blasted off at 8:42 am (2342 GMT Wednesday) and is expected to touch down on the lunar surface in a span of four to six months.<br />
<br />
The rocket was launched from Tanegashima in southern Japan after getting postponed three times due to bad weather and garnered around 35,000 online viewers.<br />
<br />
The rocket is also carrying a research satellite which has been developed by NASA, the European Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-poised-to-make-giant-leap-in-its-space-endeavors-to-launch-moon-sniper-on-sept-7-633074">Japan poised to make giant leap in its space endeavours, to launch 'moon sniper' on Sept 7</a></p>

<h2><strong>SLIM designed to land within 100 metres of target</strong></h2>

<p>The moon lander was launched by Japan just a month after India's craft landed near the south pole of the Moon, which was seen as a historic triumph for the country.<br />
<br />
The compact lander of Japan, officially called the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), has been designed to successfully land within 100 metres of the specific target on the Moon's surface.<br />
<br />
"By creating the SLIM lander humans will make a qualitative shift towards being able to land where we want and not just where it is easy to land," said JAXA, before the launch.<br />
<br />
"By achieving this, it will become possible to land on planets even more resource-scarce than the Moon. Globally there are no previous instances of pinpoint landing on celestial bodies with significant gravity such as the Moon," it added.<br />
<br />
Till now, India, the United States, Russia and China have been able to place their spacecraft on the surface of the Moon and India became the first country to do so on the south pole. All the previous attempts by Japan have failed, including a lunar probe named Omotenashi sent by it last year as part of the Artemis programme of the United States.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Unification Church to be dissolved in Japan?</strong></p>

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<p><br />
Omotenashi, which was the size of a backpack, would have been the smallest Moon lander in the world. However, after the probe was launched by the powerful rocket of NASA from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the mission faced issues and finally they lost communication with it.<br />
<br />
Japan also faced problems with launch rockets, after the next-generation H3 model failed after liftoff in March and reliable solid-fuel Epsilon was unsuccessful last October.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Japan on Thursday (September 7) launched a rocket carrying what it plans to be the country's first successful Moon lander, as was seen in the live footage shared by the country's space agency.

Japan on Thursday (September 7) launched a rocket carrying what it plans to be the country's first successful Moon lander, as was seen in the live footage shared by the country's space agency. The H2-A rocket, carrying the precision "Moon Sniper" lander blasted off at 8:42 am (2342 GMT Wednesday) and is expected to touch down on the lunar surface in a span of four to six months. The rocket was launched from Tanegashima in southern Japan after getting postponed three times due to bad weather and garnered around 35,000 online viewers. The rocket is also carrying a research satellite which has been developed by NASA, the European Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). ALSO READ | Japan poised to make giant leap in its space endeavours, to launch 'moon sniper' on Sept 7 SLIM designed to land within 100 metres of target The moon lander was launched by Japan just a month after India's craft landed near the south pole of the Moon, which was seen as a historic triumph for the country. The compact lander of Japan, officially called the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), has been designed to successfully land within 100 metres of the specific target on the Moon's surface. "By creating the SLIM lander humans will make a qualitative shift towards being able to land where we want and not just where it is easy to land," said JAXA, before the launch. "By achieving this, it will become possible to land on planets even more resource-scarce than the Moon. Globally there are no previous instances of pinpoint landing on celestial bodies with significant gravity such as the Moon," it added. Till now, India, the United States, Russia and China have been able to place their spacecraft on the surface of the Moon and India became the first country to do so on the south pole. All the previous attempts by Japan have failed, including a lunar probe named Omotenashi sent by it last year as part of the Artemis programme of the United States. WATCH | Gravitas: Unification Church to be dissolved in Japan? Omotenashi, which was the size of a backpack, would have been the smallest Moon lander in the world. However, after the probe was launched by the powerful rocket of NASA from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the mission faced issues and finally they lost communication with it. Japan also faced problems with launch rockets, after the next-generation H3 model failed after liftoff in March and reliable solid-fuel Epsilon was unsuccessful last October. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Japan's 'Moon Sniper' lander blasts off into space after three postponements

<p>Indian firm Agnikul Cosmos is on its way to becoming the first in the country to privately design, develop and launch a liquid-fuelled rocket.</p>

<p>Liquid-fuelled rockets are much more complicated to design and build, when compared to solid-fuelled rockets.</p>

<p>Agnikul is targeting to launch their maiden rocket known as 'Agnibaan SOrTeD' (SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator) within a few weeks, the firm said.</p>

<p>Suborbital launches are meant to take the vehicle to the earth's upper atmosphere and not venture into space. Suborbital launches are the preferred method for startups to test and validate their maiden rocket, related sub-systems and thereby progress to more ambitious launch vehicle projects.</p>

<p>According to the firm, 'Agnibaan SOrTeD' is a single-stage launch vehicle driven by Agnikul’s patented Agnilet engine- an entirely 3D-printed, single-piece, 6kN semi-cryogenic engine.</p>

<p>Unlike traditional (solid-fuelled) sounding rockets that launch from guide rails, Agnibaan SOrTeD will lift off vertically and follow a predetermined trajectory while performing a precisely orchestrated set of manoeuvres during flight, they added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the presence of ISRO and IN-SPACe officials, members of the Agnikul team unveiled their launch vehicle at Agnikul's Mission Control Centre (AMCC), in the Indian Government-run spaceport, Satish Dhawan Space Centre.</p>

<p>Notably, Agnikul also has India's first private rocket launch pad, housed within the same campus.</p>

<p>“Delighted to see the progress Agnikul team has made so far. They have our best wishes to have a successful first flight and further activities”, said A. Rajarajan, Director of SDSC-SHAR, at the event where the vehicle was unveiled.</p>

<p>According to&nbsp;Srinath Ravichandran, co-founder and CEO of Agnikul, this upcoming suborbital launch is meant to validate Agnikul's proprietary autopilot, navigation, and guidance algorithms and the capability of their launchpad to undertake more complex missions.</p>

<p>Moin SPM, co-founder and COO of Agnikul, said, “Building a launch vehicle entails the integration of diverse systems, and coming together of various teams spanning different disciplines uniting towards a common goal. This vehicle standing on the launchpad is a testament of everyone’s hard work in the team.”</p>

<p>Agnikul was established in 2017 by Srinath Ravichandran, Moin SPM, and Prof. SR Chakravarthy, who hail from IIT Madras.</p>

<p>The firm’s primary objective is to democratise space exploration by making it both accessible and cost-effective.</p>

<p>The firm had been targeting a maiden launch by September 2022, but owing to the complexities and engineering sophistication involved in kerosene-liquid oxygen rockets, the firm has overshot their initial target by a year.</p>

<p>Notably, this will be the first kerosene-liquid oxygen (semi-cryogenic) rocket to be designed, developed and launched from India.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Indian space agency ISRO is also testing its own semi-cryogenic engine, but its engine is exponentially more powerful and sophisticated than that of the private firm.</p>

<p>ISRO's SCE-2000 is meant to significantly enhance the lifting power of India's LVM3 rocket.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Indian firm Agnikul Cosmos is on its way to becoming the first in the country to privately design, develop and launch a liquid-fuelled rocket. Liquid-fuelled rockets are much more complicated to design and build, when compared to solid-fuelled rockets.

Indian firm Agnikul Cosmos is on its way to becoming the first in the country to privately design, develop and launch a liquid-fuelled rocket. Liquid-fuelled rockets are much more complicated to design and build, when compared to solid-fuelled rockets. Agnikul is targeting to launch their maiden rocket known as 'Agnibaan SOrTeD' (SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator) within a few weeks, the firm said. Suborbital launches are meant to take the vehicle to the earth's upper atmosphere and not venture into space. Suborbital launches are the preferred method for startups to test and validate their maiden rocket, related sub-systems and thereby progress to more ambitious launch vehicle projects. According to the firm, 'Agnibaan SOrTeD' is a single-stage launch vehicle driven by Agnikul’s patented Agnilet engine- an entirely 3D-printed, single-piece, 6kN semi-cryogenic engine. Unlike traditional (solid-fuelled) sounding rockets that launch from guide rails, Agnibaan SOrTeD will lift off vertically and follow a predetermined trajectory while performing a precisely orchestrated set of manoeuvres during flight, they added. In the presence of ISRO and IN-SPACe officials, members of the Agnikul team unveiled their launch vehicle at Agnikul's Mission Control Centre (AMCC), in the Indian Government-run spaceport, Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Notably, Agnikul also has India's first private rocket launch pad, housed within the same campus. “Delighted to see the progress Agnikul team has made so far. They have our best wishes to have a successful first flight and further activities”, said A. Rajarajan, Director of SDSC-SHAR, at the event where the vehicle was unveiled. According to Srinath Ravichandran, co-founder and CEO of Agnikul, this upcoming suborbital launch is meant to validate Agnikul's proprietary autopilot, navigation, and guidance algorithms and the capability of their launchpad to undertake more complex missions. Moin SPM, co-founder and COO of Agnikul, said, “Building a launch vehicle entails the integration of diverse systems, and coming together of various teams spanning different disciplines uniting towards a common goal. This vehicle standing on the launchpad is a testament of everyone’s hard work in the team.” Agnikul was established in 2017 by Srinath Ravichandran, Moin SPM, and Prof. SR Chakravarthy, who hail from IIT Madras. The firm’s primary objective is to democratise space exploration by making it both accessible and cost-effective. The firm had been targeting a maiden launch by September 2022, but owing to the complexities and engineering sophistication involved in kerosene-liquid oxygen rockets, the firm has overshot their initial target by a year. Notably, this will be the first kerosene-liquid oxygen (semi-cryogenic) rocket to be designed, developed and launched from India. Meanwhile, the Indian space agency ISRO is also testing its own semi-cryogenic engine, but its engine is exponentially more powerful and sophisticated than that of the private firm. ISRO's SCE-2000 is meant to significantly enhance the lifting power of India's LVM3 rocket. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Agnikul Cosmos to soon launch India's first kerosene-oxygen-powered rocket

NASA is working to create a nuclear rocket to transport people to Mars and beyond in the most recent attempt to carry people to the planet Mars.

NASA, Lockheed Martin join hands to send humans to Mars on a rocket

Liquid oxygen as the oxidizer is widely considered China's answer to SpaceX's land space. And, hopes to launch this launch will further cement methane as a reliable next-generation rocket fuel.

Methalox rocket beats SpaceX: Uses liquid methane as fuel

<p>Israeli military carried out cross-border strikes after two rockets were fired from southern Lebanon on Thursday (July 6), reported Reuters quoting sources on both sides. This incident has come just when tensions are high between Israel and the Arabs. This week, Israel conducted one the largest military incursions in decades in the occupied West Bank targetting the Jenin camp, a Palestinian military stronghold.</p>

<p>Two rockets were fired from Lebanon towards Israel, one of them landed in Lebanese territory and the second near a disputed area at the border.</p>

<p>The Israeli military initially said that there were no indications that any unusual incidents had taken place on its side of the border. But later it said that a projectile had exploded there. There wasn't any immediate report of damage.</p>

<p>"In response, the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) is currently striking the area in Lebanese territory from where the launch was carried out," a military statement said.</p>

<p>The Israeli military has not issued any special instructions to Israeli communities near the border. Israel usually orders civilians within range to take cover.</p>

<p>Reuters reported plumes of white smoke rising from the hilly south. A resident of Wazzani, the southern Lebanese village where one of the rockets fell, said artillery fire had hit there from the direction of Israel.</p>

<p>Lebanon's National News Agency reported some 15 shells fired from Israel had landed in Lebanon.</p>

<p>There was no claim of responsibility for the original reported rocket fire from Lebanon. Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said he was following up on the issue with the commander of Lebanon's army.</p>

<p>The second rocket has reportedly landed near the disputed village of Ghajar. The village straddles the Israel-Lebanon border. The residents of this village profess allegiance to Syria.</p>

<h2><strong>No comments from Hezbollah</strong></h2>

<p>Hezbollah has expressed support for the Palestinian cause during this week's Israeli operation in Jenin. Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese group that controls southern Lebanon has fought several wars with Isreal.</p>

<p>There was no immediate comment incoming from Hezbollah.</p>

<p>In a separate statement, the armed group condemned what it called "dangerous measures" taken by Israeli forces in the northern part of Ghajar, which Lebanon considers to be its territory.</p>

<p>Hezbollah accused Israel of erecting a wire fence and building a cement wall. Lebanon's foreign ministry on Tuesday said it was concerned by the moves, saying they were creating a "new reality on the ground". There was no immediate response from Israel's military to the Hezbollah accusation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</em></p>

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Israeli military carried out cross-border strikes after two rockets were fired from southern Lebanon on Thursday (July 6), reported Reuters quoting sources on both sides.

Israeli military carried out cross-border strikes after two rockets were fired from southern Lebanon on Thursday (July 6), reported Reuters quoting sources on both sides. This incident has come just when tensions are high between Israel and the Arabs. This week, Israel conducted one the largest military incursions in decades in the occupied West Bank targetting the Jenin camp, a Palestinian military stronghold. Two rockets were fired from Lebanon towards Israel, one of them landed in Lebanese territory and the second near a disputed area at the border. The Israeli military initially said that there were no indications that any unusual incidents had taken place on its side of the border. But later it said that a projectile had exploded there. There wasn't any immediate report of damage. "In response, the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) is currently striking the area in Lebanese territory from where the launch was carried out," a military statement said. The Israeli military has not issued any special instructions to Israeli communities near the border. Israel usually orders civilians within range to take cover. Reuters reported plumes of white smoke rising from the hilly south. A resident of Wazzani, the southern Lebanese village where one of the rockets fell, said artillery fire had hit there from the direction of Israel. Lebanon's National News Agency reported some 15 shells fired from Israel had landed in Lebanon. There was no claim of responsibility for the original reported rocket fire from Lebanon. Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said he was following up on the issue with the commander of Lebanon's army. The second rocket has reportedly landed near the disputed village of Ghajar. The village straddles the Israel-Lebanon border. The residents of this village profess allegiance to Syria. No comments from Hezbollah Hezbollah has expressed support for the Palestinian cause during this week's Israeli operation in Jenin. Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese group that controls southern Lebanon has fought several wars with Isreal. There was no immediate comment incoming from Hezbollah. In a separate statement, the armed group condemned what it called "dangerous measures" taken by Israeli forces in the northern part of Ghajar, which Lebanon considers to be its territory. Hezbollah accused Israel of erecting a wire fence and building a cement wall. Lebanon's foreign ministry on Tuesday said it was concerned by the moves, saying they were creating a "new reality on the ground". There was no immediate response from Israel's military to the Hezbollah accusation. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Rockets fired at Israel from Lebanon, IDF retaliates with counter strikes

<p>India's third Lunar Mission Chandrayaan-3 will have an orbiter (designated as Propulsion Module), but this orbiter won't carry scientific payloads, as was done during Chandrayaan-2. This means that the orbiter weighs lesser than that of its predecessor. However,&nbsp;the payload mass reduced from the orbiter has been added to the Chandrayaan-3 Lunar lander. The Indian Lunar spacecraft comprises three parts - Orbiter, Lander, and Rover.</p>

<p>"The added mass on the Lunar lander comprises more fuel, more ruggedisation, measures for failure tolerance and strengthening of landing legs and increased scientific payloads, larger solar panels for better power generation," Dr&nbsp;S Somanath, Chairman, ISRO told WION. He was responding to WION's question on whether the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft would weigh lesser than its predecessor (which weighed around 3.6 tonnes or 3,600kgs).</p>

<p>Addressing media on the sidelines of ISRO's maiden International Conference on Spacecraft Mission Operations, the Chief of the Indian Space Agency said that Chandrayaan-3 is to be launched in the 1-week window that begins on July 12<sup>th</sup>,&nbsp;if all were to go as per plan.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/openais-ceo-sam-altman-meets-pm-modi-heres-what-was-discussed-602248">OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman meets PM Modi, here's what was discussed</a></p>

<p>Deep space missions are launched within a specific window (period of time), keeping in mind various factors including the dynamic position of the destination (with respect to Earth), the time taken to travel to the destination, the steps involved, the rocket being used, the purpose of the mission, the movement and impact of other heavenly bodies, etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Elaborating on the status of Chandrayaan-3, he added that the spacecraft was undergoing testing of its propulsion module (orbiter), lander, and rover, while the LVM3 rocket is also being integrated. "India's largest rocket LVM3 will be integrated and ready for Chandrayaan-3 by June-end, whereas by early July the spacecraft would be ready," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Queried about how confident the positive mission outcome of Chandrayaan-3 is, Dr&nbsp;Somanath told WION that he is always confident, but space is an unforgiving domain, where only rigorous testing and clear decision-making yield favourable results. Smilingly, making a mention of luck being involved, he said that "even luck comes out of hard work and the perseverance to do the right thing at the right time".</p>

<p>India's latest Lunar mission will take the same path and trajectory as its predecessor, as it is a tried and tested route to the moon, which is at a distance of 3,84,000 kms from Earth. The journey is expected to take around a month and a half, as a circuitous route would be followed. In September 2019, India's second Lunar Mission Chandrayaan-2 crash-landed on the lunar surface, minutes before it was expected to make a controlled vertical landing at the Lunar South Pole. With a successful Lunar landing, India hopes to join the list of nations that includes the US, Russia, and China.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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India's third Lunar Mission Chandrayaan-3 will have an orbiter (designated as Propulsion Module), but this orbiter won't carry scientific payloads, as was done during Chandrayaan-2.

India's third Lunar Mission Chandrayaan-3 will have an orbiter (designated as Propulsion Module), but this orbiter won't carry scientific payloads, as was done during Chandrayaan-2. This means that the orbiter weighs lesser than that of its predecessor. However, the payload mass reduced from the orbiter has been added to the Chandrayaan-3 Lunar lander. The Indian Lunar spacecraft comprises three parts - Orbiter, Lander, and Rover. "The added mass on the Lunar lander comprises more fuel, more ruggedisation, measures for failure tolerance and strengthening of landing legs and increased scientific payloads, larger solar panels for better power generation," Dr S Somanath, Chairman, ISRO told WION. He was responding to WION's question on whether the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft would weigh lesser than its predecessor (which weighed around 3.6 tonnes or 3,600kgs). Addressing media on the sidelines of ISRO's maiden International Conference on Spacecraft Mission Operations, the Chief of the Indian Space Agency said that Chandrayaan-3 is to be launched in the 1-week window that begins on July 12th, if all were to go as per plan. Also read | OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman meets PM Modi, here's what was discussed Deep space missions are launched within a specific window (period of time), keeping in mind various factors including the dynamic position of the destination (with respect to Earth), the time taken to travel to the destination, the steps involved, the rocket being used, the purpose of the mission, the movement and impact of other heavenly bodies, etc. Elaborating on the status of Chandrayaan-3, he added that the spacecraft was undergoing testing of its propulsion module (orbiter), lander, and rover, while the LVM3 rocket is also being integrated. "India's largest rocket LVM3 will be integrated and ready for Chandrayaan-3 by June-end, whereas by early July the spacecraft would be ready," he said. Queried about how confident the positive mission outcome of Chandrayaan-3 is, Dr Somanath told WION that he is always confident, but space is an unforgiving domain, where only rigorous testing and clear decision-making yield favourable results. Smilingly, making a mention of luck being involved, he said that "even luck comes out of hard work and the perseverance to do the right thing at the right time". India's latest Lunar mission will take the same path and trajectory as its predecessor, as it is a tried and tested route to the moon, which is at a distance of 3,84,000 kms from Earth. The journey is expected to take around a month and a half, as a circuitous route would be followed. In September 2019, India's second Lunar Mission Chandrayaan-2 crash-landed on the lunar surface, minutes before it was expected to make a controlled vertical landing at the Lunar South Pole. With a successful Lunar landing, India hopes to join the list of nations that includes the US, Russia, and China. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Chandrayaan-3 intended to be launched between July 12  and 19: ISRO chairman to WION

<p>India's space agency, ISRO, successfully launched a satellite crucial to the country's satellite navigation system using the GSLV rocket.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations, <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a>, on the successful launch of GSLV-F12/NVS-01 Mission 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/cr2195goNk">pic.twitter.com/cr2195goNk</a></p>
— Indian Aerospace Defence News - IADN (@NewsIADN) <a href="https://twitter.com/NewsIADN/status/1663052833770590208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The NVS-01 satellite is the initial satellite in the second-generation navigation satellite series developed by the UR Rao Satellite Centre of ISRO in Bengaluru. Currently, India relies on its NavIC series of satellites to provide navigation, positioning, and timing services for civilian and defence purposes within India and up to 1500 kilometres beyond its borders.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mysterious-venice-canal-stuns-locals-as-patch-takes-on-fluorescent-green-hue-597632">Mysterious! Venice canal stuns locals as patch takes on fluorescent green hue</a></p>

<p>The NVS series of satellites aims to support and expand the capabilities of NavIC with improved features. These satellites will introduce L1 band signals to broaden the range of services offered. Notably, the NVS-01 satellite will also include an indigenous atomic clock, a significant milestone for ISRO.</p>

<p>Atomic clocks are extremely accurate timekeeping devices deployed within satellites. They provide time measurements with precision down to the nanosecond, which is equivalent to one billionth of a second. This level of precision is crucial in ensuring accurate positioning services.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-secures-approval-for-second-hydropower-project-in-nepal-strengthening-bilateral-energy-cooperation-597637">India secures approval for second hydropower project in Nepal, strengthening bilateral energy cooperation</a></p>

<p>When utilising satellite-based positioning and navigation services, our position is determined by calculating the distance from multiple satellites.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This calculation involves multiplying the time it takes for signals to travel with the speed of the signal, which is nearly the speed of light. In such calculations involving large values, even a tiny variation of a billionth of a second can result in an incorrect distance measurement, leading to inaccuracies in positioning by several meters or even tens of meters.</p>

<p>To address this, the presence of atomic clocks becomes essential. These clocks are designed to operate for several years without experiencing errors in timekeeping at the nanosecond level. Their exceptional accuracy ensures that precise time measurements are maintained consistently, allowing for accurate distance calculations and reliable positioning services.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Turkey Elections 2023: Erdogan back for another five years</strong></p>

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<p>In a statement to reporters before the launch, Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman of ISRO, revealed that only four of India's current NavIC satellites were operational. Instead of replacing the three non-functional satellites from the previous generation, ISRO has decided to launch a set of five next-generation NavIC satellites, with NVS-01 being the first among them.</p>

<p>The reason behind launching a new fleet of five satellites is that the existing constellation is expected to reach the end of its mission life in a few years. Therefore, it is not advisable to simply replace the old fleet. The plan is to launch two next-generation NavIC satellites annually.</p>

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India's space agency, ISRO, successfully launched a satellite crucial to the country's satellite navigation system using the GSLV rocket. Congratulations, @isro, on the successful launch of GSLV-F12/NVS-01 Mission 🇮🇳 pic.

India's space agency, ISRO, successfully launched a satellite crucial to the country's satellite navigation system using the GSLV rocket. Congratulations, @isro, on the successful launch of GSLV-F12/NVS-01 Mission 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/cr2195goNk — Indian Aerospace Defence News - IADN (@NewsIADN) May 29, 2023 × The NVS-01 satellite is the initial satellite in the second-generation navigation satellite series developed by the UR Rao Satellite Centre of ISRO in Bengaluru. Currently, India relies on its NavIC series of satellites to provide navigation, positioning, and timing services for civilian and defence purposes within India and up to 1500 kilometres beyond its borders. Also Read | Mysterious! Venice canal stuns locals as patch takes on fluorescent green hue The NVS series of satellites aims to support and expand the capabilities of NavIC with improved features. These satellites will introduce L1 band signals to broaden the range of services offered. Notably, the NVS-01 satellite will also include an indigenous atomic clock, a significant milestone for ISRO. Atomic clocks are extremely accurate timekeeping devices deployed within satellites. They provide time measurements with precision down to the nanosecond, which is equivalent to one billionth of a second. This level of precision is crucial in ensuring accurate positioning services. Also Read | India secures approval for second hydropower project in Nepal, strengthening bilateral energy cooperation When utilising satellite-based positioning and navigation services, our position is determined by calculating the distance from multiple satellites. This calculation involves multiplying the time it takes for signals to travel with the speed of the signal, which is nearly the speed of light. In such calculations involving large values, even a tiny variation of a billionth of a second can result in an incorrect distance measurement, leading to inaccuracies in positioning by several meters or even tens of meters. To address this, the presence of atomic clocks becomes essential. These clocks are designed to operate for several years without experiencing errors in timekeeping at the nanosecond level. Their exceptional accuracy ensures that precise time measurements are maintained consistently, allowing for accurate distance calculations and reliable positioning services. Watch | Turkey Elections 2023: Erdogan back for another five years × In a statement to reporters before the launch, Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman of ISRO, revealed that only four of India's current NavIC satellites were operational. Instead of replacing the three non-functional satellites from the previous generation, ISRO has decided to launch a set of five next-generation NavIC satellites, with NVS-01 being the first among them. The reason behind launching a new fleet of five satellites is that the existing constellation is expected to reach the end of its mission life in a few years. Therefore, it is not advisable to simply replace the old fleet. The plan is to launch two next-generation NavIC satellites annually. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

ISRO achieves milestone with successful launch of next-gen navigation satellite on GSLV rocket

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<p>Elon Musk owned-SpaceX will be launching its powerful Spaceship spacecraft in the coming six to eight weeks, the billionaire informed during a Twitter Spaces chat on Saturday. The April 20 liftoff of Starship, which can take astronauts to the Moon and back, did not end in the way desired as it exploded minutes after liftoff in a test flight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Musk, during the Twitter chat, said 30 out of 33 engines of Starship worked perfectly and reached 'full thrust', which was perhaps the reason the concrete launchpad was destroyed. Musk added that the pad damage was "quite small"&nbsp;and that it would take "six to eight weeks" to get the infrastructure prepared for another launch.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The outcome was roughly in (line) with what I expected and, maybe slightly exceeded my expectations,” said the SpaceX CEO.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The vehicle structural margins appear to be better than we expected. As we can tell the vehicle is actually doing somersaults towards the end and still staying intact."</p>

<h2><strong>FAA approval required</strong></h2>

<p>However, SpaceX is not allowed a relaunch opportunity until the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) completes its review that “will determine the root cause of the event and identify corrective actions the operator must implement to avoid a recurrence".&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We aren’t going to speculate on timelines. Safety will dictate the<strong>&nbsp;</strong>timeline," stated the FAA.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/spacexs-starship-rocket-lifts-off-for-inaugural-test-flight-584528"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;SpaceX's Starship rocket lifts off for inaugural test flight</strong></a></p>

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<p>After the explosion, SpaceX stated, “Vehicle experienced multiple engines out during the flight test, lost altitude, and began to tumble."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Musk&nbsp;congratulated employees and said he’s optimistic about the programme’s progress. Many called it Musk's way of turning setbacks into 'successful failures.'&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>SpaceX asks people to contact about debris</strong></h2>

<p>After the launch, the debris from the rocket has been washing up on the shores surrounding the Starbase launch facility in Boca Chica, Texas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>SpaceX has asked people not to handle or retrieve the debris of the Starship, and contact the company on its hotline at 1-866-623-0234 or email the information to recovery@spacex.com.</p>

<p>"Teams are actively monitoring both message boxes and will ensure the notification is handled appropriately. We are unable to respond to every message received, but our teams will reach out as appropriate," SpaceX officials wrote. "If you have concerns about an immediate hazard, please contact your local law enforcement agency."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/found-a-piece-of-starship-spacex-would-like-to-have-it-back-585357"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Found a piece of Starship? SpaceX would like to have it back</strong></a></p>

<p>SpaceX is the biggest rocket ever to have been built. According to Musk, Starship has the capability of being reused which could bring down the costs and help humanity set civilisation on alien planets, such as Mars.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Elon Musk owned-SpaceX will be launching its powerful Spaceship spacecraft in the coming six to eight weeks, the billionaire informed during a Twitter Spaces chat on Saturday.

Elon Musk owned-SpaceX will be launching its powerful Spaceship spacecraft in the coming six to eight weeks, the billionaire informed during a Twitter Spaces chat on Saturday. The April 20 liftoff of Starship, which can take astronauts to the Moon and back, did not end in the way desired as it exploded minutes after liftoff in a test flight. Musk, during the Twitter chat, said 30 out of 33 engines of Starship worked perfectly and reached 'full thrust', which was perhaps the reason the concrete launchpad was destroyed. Musk added that the pad damage was "quite small" and that it would take "six to eight weeks" to get the infrastructure prepared for another launch. “The outcome was roughly in (line) with what I expected and, maybe slightly exceeded my expectations,” said the SpaceX CEO. "The vehicle structural margins appear to be better than we expected. As we can tell the vehicle is actually doing somersaults towards the end and still staying intact." FAA approval required However, SpaceX is not allowed a relaunch opportunity until the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) completes its review that “will determine the root cause of the event and identify corrective actions the operator must implement to avoid a recurrence". “We aren’t going to speculate on timelines. Safety will dictate the timeline," stated the FAA. WATCH | SpaceX's Starship rocket lifts off for inaugural test flight × After the explosion, SpaceX stated, “Vehicle experienced multiple engines out during the flight test, lost altitude, and began to tumble." Meanwhile, Musk congratulated employees and said he’s optimistic about the programme’s progress. Many called it Musk's way of turning setbacks into 'successful failures.' SpaceX asks people to contact about debris After the launch, the debris from the rocket has been washing up on the shores surrounding the Starbase launch facility in Boca Chica, Texas. SpaceX has asked people not to handle or retrieve the debris of the Starship, and contact the company on its hotline at 1-866-623-0234 or email the information to recovery@spacex.com. "Teams are actively monitoring both message boxes and will ensure the notification is handled appropriately. We are unable to respond to every message received, but our teams will reach out as appropriate," SpaceX officials wrote. "If you have concerns about an immediate hazard, please contact your local law enforcement agency." ALSO READ | Found a piece of Starship? SpaceX would like to have it back SpaceX is the biggest rocket ever to have been built. According to Musk, Starship has the capability of being reused which could bring down the costs and help humanity set civilisation on alien planets, such as Mars. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Starship could be relaunched in 'six to eight' weeks, says SpaceX CEO Elon Musk

<p>Skyroot Aerospace, the Indian firm that launched the country's first privately-built rocket has now announced a new milestone - the test firing of a 3-D printed Cryogenic Engine for a duration of 200 seconds. Cryogenic engines are among the most sophisticated engineering feats in rocketry and only a few nations and private firms possess this technology.</p>

<p>Cryogenic engines are highly-efficient and powerful and enable rockets to carry heavier payloads to space. WION spoke to Pawan K Chandana, Co-Founder, Skyroot Aerospace to understand the significance of the test.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chatgpt-can-propel-four-day-work-week-heres-what-nobel-prize-winning-economist-says-579621">ChatGPT can propel four-day work-week? Here's what Nobel Prize-winning economist says</a></p>

<p>Cryogenic engines are powered by super-cooled fuels, that are stored at temperatures below -150 degrees centigrade. The most common cryogenic fuel combination is liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. However, Skyroot's latest engine known as 'Dhawan-II' is powered by Liquified Natural Gas(comprising more than 90%methane) and Liquid oxygen.</p>

<p>The engine has been named so, as a tribute to Prof. Satish Dhawan, an pioneer who made great contributions to India's space programme.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-us-south-korea-drills-driving-tensions-in-korean-peninsula-to-brink-of-nuclear-war-579606">North Korea says US-South Korea drills driving tensions in Korean Peninsula to 'brink of nuclear war'</a></p>

<p>Queried about the rationale behind going for a Methane-Liquid oxygen fuel combination, Pawan explained to WION that using alternative cryogenic or semi-cryogenic fuels such as liquid hydrogen or kerosene had certain limitations. "Liquid hydrogen is a very complex fuel to store and handle.</p>

<p>It is also highly explosive in nature and it is expensive as well. Kerosene is not a clean burning fuel like methane and leaves behind carbon soot deposits" he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In November 2022, Skyroot had launched 'Vikram-S', an upper-atmospheric research rocket. However, this doesn't qualify as a spacefaring rocket. It is to develop their own spacefaring rockets that the firm has been developing and testing engines such as 'Dhawan-II'.</p>

<p>The firm is developing two spacefaring rockets Vikram-1 and Vikram-2, both of which are four-stage rockets, with three solid-fuel stages and a liquid-fuelled upper stage. While Vikram-1 uses earth-storable fuels in its upper stage, Vikram-2 will be using a cryogenic upper stage, thus helping it carry more payloads to space.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Gravitas: Is India emerging as a space leader?</strong></p>

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<p>"Vikram-1 is meant to carry 290kg to low earth orbit, whereas Vikram-2 with its Cryogenic(methane-liquid oxygen) engine can carry upto 400kg to the same orbit. This new engine offers a 40percent increase in payload carrying" Pawan said.</p>

<p>He also explained that methane was the most preferred fuel choice, as it was denser than hydrogen and could be stored in smaller tanks. He added that burning of methane released very less carbon and that it is even possible to generate green methane from renewable energy.</p>

<p>Having methane-powered engines given the firm confidence to test and build re-usable rockets as well.</p>

<p>According to the firm, the 'Dhawan-II' cryogenic engine delivers a thrust of 3.5 Kilo Newton, a significant upgrade over the 1.0 Kilo Newton thrust 'Dhawan-I' cryogenic engine that they had test fired in 2021. The firm is looking to launch their maiden spacefaring rocket Vikram-1, by the end of 2023, Pawan told WION.</p>

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Skyroot Aerospace, the Indian firm that launched the country's first privately-built rocket has now announced a new milestone - the test firing of a 3-D printed Cryogenic Engine for a duration of 200 seconds.

Skyroot Aerospace, the Indian firm that launched the country's first privately-built rocket has now announced a new milestone - the test firing of a 3-D printed Cryogenic Engine for a duration of 200 seconds. Cryogenic engines are among the most sophisticated engineering feats in rocketry and only a few nations and private firms possess this technology. Cryogenic engines are highly-efficient and powerful and enable rockets to carry heavier payloads to space. WION spoke to Pawan K Chandana, Co-Founder, Skyroot Aerospace to understand the significance of the test. Also Read | ChatGPT can propel four-day work-week? Here's what Nobel Prize-winning economist says Cryogenic engines are powered by super-cooled fuels, that are stored at temperatures below -150 degrees centigrade. The most common cryogenic fuel combination is liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. However, Skyroot's latest engine known as 'Dhawan-II' is powered by Liquified Natural Gas(comprising more than 90%methane) and Liquid oxygen. The engine has been named so, as a tribute to Prof. Satish Dhawan, an pioneer who made great contributions to India's space programme. Also Read | North Korea says US-South Korea drills driving tensions in Korean Peninsula to 'brink of nuclear war' Queried about the rationale behind going for a Methane-Liquid oxygen fuel combination, Pawan explained to WION that using alternative cryogenic or semi-cryogenic fuels such as liquid hydrogen or kerosene had certain limitations. "Liquid hydrogen is a very complex fuel to store and handle. It is also highly explosive in nature and it is expensive as well. Kerosene is not a clean burning fuel like methane and leaves behind carbon soot deposits" he said. In November 2022, Skyroot had launched 'Vikram-S', an upper-atmospheric research rocket. However, this doesn't qualify as a spacefaring rocket. It is to develop their own spacefaring rockets that the firm has been developing and testing engines such as 'Dhawan-II'. The firm is developing two spacefaring rockets Vikram-1 and Vikram-2, both of which are four-stage rockets, with three solid-fuel stages and a liquid-fuelled upper stage. While Vikram-1 uses earth-storable fuels in its upper stage, Vikram-2 will be using a cryogenic upper stage, thus helping it carry more payloads to space. Watch | Gravitas: Is India emerging as a space leader? × "Vikram-1 is meant to carry 290kg to low earth orbit, whereas Vikram-2 with its Cryogenic(methane-liquid oxygen) engine can carry upto 400kg to the same orbit. This new engine offers a 40percent increase in payload carrying" Pawan said. He also explained that methane was the most preferred fuel choice, as it was denser than hydrogen and could be stored in smaller tanks. He added that burning of methane released very less carbon and that it is even possible to generate green methane from renewable energy. Having methane-powered engines given the firm confidence to test and build re-usable rockets as well. According to the firm, the 'Dhawan-II' cryogenic engine delivers a thrust of 3.5 Kilo Newton, a significant upgrade over the 1.0 Kilo Newton thrust 'Dhawan-I' cryogenic engine that they had test fired in 2021. The firm is looking to launch their maiden spacefaring rocket Vikram-1, by the end of 2023, Pawan told WION. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian firm test fires 3-D printed cryogenic engine; spacefaring rocket launch by 2023 end

<p>Virgin Orbit, the rocket company of British billionaire Sir Richard Branson, announced that it is laying off 85 per cent of its staff after the firm failed to get new investment.</p>

<p>As per the media reports, the firm's operations will remain ceased for the foreseeable future. This comes weeks after the operations of the company were paused in an attempt to shore up its finances.</p>

<p>Earlier in 2023, Virgin Orbit was not able to complete the first satellite launch, using its rocket, from UK soil.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/virgin-orbit-suspends-operations-furloughs-entire-workforce-as-financial-woes-bite-572587"> Virgin Orbit suspends operations, furloughs entire workforce as financial woes bite</a></p>

<p>The shares of the company fell by more than 44 per cent during after-hours trading in New York on Thursday.</p>

<p>In a US regulatory filing, the firm said it made the decision "in order to reduce expenses in light of the company's inability to secure meaningful funding."</p>

<p>Virgin Orbit's layoffs will impact around 675 employees who "are located in all areas of the company."</p>

<p>It stated that $10.9 million (£8.8 million) has been injected by Sir Richard's investment firm Virgin Investments into Virgin Orbit "to fund severance and other costs related to the workforce reduction".</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Richard Branson's rocket company Virgin Orbit to layoff 675 employees</strong></p>

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<p>Virgin Orbit said that, as per estimates, the final payments to the laid-off employees and other costs will sum up to around $15 million.</p>

<p>The announcement comes amid media reports that the company's head has informed its staff about the suspension of all activities till further notice.</p>

<p>"We have no choice but to implement immediate, dramatic and extremely painful changes," said Virgin Orbit chief executive Dan Hart in a meeting with employees, as per CNBC.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Virgin Orbit, the rocket company of British billionaire Sir Richard Branson, announced that it is laying off 85 per cent of its staff after the firm failed to get new investment.

Virgin Orbit, the rocket company of British billionaire Sir Richard Branson, announced that it is laying off 85 per cent of its staff after the firm failed to get new investment. As per the media reports, the firm's operations will remain ceased for the foreseeable future. This comes weeks after the operations of the company were paused in an attempt to shore up its finances. Earlier in 2023, Virgin Orbit was not able to complete the first satellite launch, using its rocket, from UK soil. ALSO READ | Virgin Orbit suspends operations, furloughs entire workforce as financial woes bite The shares of the company fell by more than 44 per cent during after-hours trading in New York on Thursday. In a US regulatory filing, the firm said it made the decision "in order to reduce expenses in light of the company's inability to secure meaningful funding." Virgin Orbit's layoffs will impact around 675 employees who "are located in all areas of the company." It stated that $10.9 million (£8.8 million) has been injected by Sir Richard's investment firm Virgin Investments into Virgin Orbit "to fund severance and other costs related to the workforce reduction". WATCH | Richard Branson's rocket company Virgin Orbit to layoff 675 employees Virgin Orbit said that, as per estimates, the final payments to the laid-off employees and other costs will sum up to around $15 million. The announcement comes amid media reports that the company's head has informed its staff about the suspension of all activities till further notice. "We have no choice but to implement immediate, dramatic and extremely painful changes," said Virgin Orbit chief executive Dan Hart in a meeting with employees, as per CNBC. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Orbit lays off 85 per cent of employees

<p>Announcing the successful launch of India's heaviest rocket LVM3 in its second commercial mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said that all 36 satellites belonging to OneWeb were injected into the intended orbit.</p>

<p>In his post-launch address, ISRO Chairman Dr S Somanath said that ISRO is gearing up for impending launches of its PSLV, GSLV Mk2 and LVM3 rockets in the coming months.</p>

<p>Acknowledging that the LVM3 vehicle did extremely well in its 9 am launch mission on Sunday, Somanath said that the satellites were placed in orbit with minimal disturbance.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isros-largest-rocket-lvm3-lifts-off-successfully-on-2nd-commercial-mission-575788">ISRO's largest rocket LVM3 lifts off successfully on 2nd commercial mission</a></p>

<p>As per the plan, the rocket deployed 16 satellites in orbit initially and 20 satellites were deployed thereafter. ISRO initially confirmed the successful placement of 16 satellites in orbit and said that they would update regarding the deployment of the 20 remaining satellites when they receive tracking information about the same.</p>

<p>When satellites are deployed in space, often they are not immediately visible to ground-based tracking stations or even ship-borne tracking stations. It takes some time before satellites make the orbit and are visible in the range of the tracking stations.</p>

<p>D Radhakrishnan, Chairman of NSIL, the commercial arm of ISRO, said that this was an extremely momentous day. Just as was done in the October 2022 launch, the 'C25' cryogenic stage was used to perform a series of complex manoeuvres to inject the OneWeb satellites in nine batches of four each. He also reassured the customer OneWeb that ISRO-NSIL would be happy to provide more launch solutions as required.</p>

<p>S Mohana Kumar, the Mission Director of the LVM3-M3 mission said that the LVM3 rocket had shown its might and ruggedness in carrying heavy payloads to the required orbit. He also acknowledged team ISRO for having completed the launch campaign (the entire process of integrating, stacking, assembling and launching the rocket) of India's largest rocket in a record time of 72 days.</p>

<p>"We have done the rocket assembly in the 2nd vehicle assembly building and the entire vehicle integration was carried out under a single roof,” he said. He also thanked ISRO's numerous industry partners for supplying thousands of components and hardware to execute the launch successfully.</p>

<p>Referring to the steady and swift progress towards India's high-profile 'Gaganyaan' astronaut mission, chairman Somanath said that the first stage 'S200' twin boosters used on the LVM3-M3 mission was designed with higher margins and features geared towards Gaganyaan, he stated that progress towards Gaganyaan is happening incrementally.</p>

<p>As part of Gaganyaan, the Indian space agency is human-rating the LVM3 rocket (modifying it to be suitable, safe and reliable for ferrying humans to space). In recent years, ISRO has been developing hardware and conducting a host of tests of various systems and sub-systems in preparation for the Gaganyaan Mission.</p>

<p>OneWeb had signed a pact with NSIL and ISRO for placing a total of 72 satellites in orbit (in batches of 36). This deal has raked in more than Rs 10 billion in revenue for the Indian government-run space agency. It also provides an opportunity for ISRO to demonstrate the capability and reliability of their largest rocket for offering commercial launch services.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | WION Wings from Aero India 2023, Sidharth MP reports</strong></p>

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<p>Until October 2022, (the maiden commercial mission of LVM3), ISRO's LVM3 or GSLV Mk3 rocket was being used only for fulfilling India's national missions such as Chandrayaan-2 and launching heavy satellites. Notably, the LVM3 has performed successful launches in all its six missions (including that of March 26).</p>

<p>OneWeb has been utilising the launch services of SpaceX, Arianespace and ISRO to place all its 1st generation constellation satellites in orbit and OneWeb satellites have flown 17&nbsp;times to date, ISRO has carried and delivered the 18th set, thus enabling OneWeb to roll out commercial services. OneWeb aims to offer high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity from space via its constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit.</p>

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Announcing the successful launch of India's heaviest rocket LVM3 in its second commercial mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said that all 36 satellites belonging to OneWeb were injected into the intended orbit.

Announcing the successful launch of India's heaviest rocket LVM3 in its second commercial mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said that all 36 satellites belonging to OneWeb were injected into the intended orbit. In his post-launch address, ISRO Chairman Dr S Somanath said that ISRO is gearing up for impending launches of its PSLV, GSLV Mk2 and LVM3 rockets in the coming months. Acknowledging that the LVM3 vehicle did extremely well in its 9 am launch mission on Sunday, Somanath said that the satellites were placed in orbit with minimal disturbance. ALSO READ | ISRO's largest rocket LVM3 lifts off successfully on 2nd commercial mission As per the plan, the rocket deployed 16 satellites in orbit initially and 20 satellites were deployed thereafter. ISRO initially confirmed the successful placement of 16 satellites in orbit and said that they would update regarding the deployment of the 20 remaining satellites when they receive tracking information about the same. When satellites are deployed in space, often they are not immediately visible to ground-based tracking stations or even ship-borne tracking stations. It takes some time before satellites make the orbit and are visible in the range of the tracking stations. D Radhakrishnan, Chairman of NSIL, the commercial arm of ISRO, said that this was an extremely momentous day. Just as was done in the October 2022 launch, the 'C25' cryogenic stage was used to perform a series of complex manoeuvres to inject the OneWeb satellites in nine batches of four each. He also reassured the customer OneWeb that ISRO-NSIL would be happy to provide more launch solutions as required. S Mohana Kumar, the Mission Director of the LVM3-M3 mission said that the LVM3 rocket had shown its might and ruggedness in carrying heavy payloads to the required orbit. He also acknowledged team ISRO for having completed the launch campaign (the entire process of integrating, stacking, assembling and launching the rocket) of India's largest rocket in a record time of 72 days. "We have done the rocket assembly in the 2nd vehicle assembly building and the entire vehicle integration was carried out under a single roof,” he said. He also thanked ISRO's numerous industry partners for supplying thousands of components and hardware to execute the launch successfully. Referring to the steady and swift progress towards India's high-profile 'Gaganyaan' astronaut mission, chairman Somanath said that the first stage 'S200' twin boosters used on the LVM3-M3 mission was designed with higher margins and features geared towards Gaganyaan, he stated that progress towards Gaganyaan is happening incrementally. As part of Gaganyaan, the Indian space agency is human-rating the LVM3 rocket (modifying it to be suitable, safe and reliable for ferrying humans to space). In recent years, ISRO has been developing hardware and conducting a host of tests of various systems and sub-systems in preparation for the Gaganyaan Mission. OneWeb had signed a pact with NSIL and ISRO for placing a total of 72 satellites in orbit (in batches of 36). This deal has raked in more than Rs 10 billion in revenue for the Indian government-run space agency. It also provides an opportunity for ISRO to demonstrate the capability and reliability of their largest rocket for offering commercial launch services. WATCH | WION Wings from Aero India 2023, Sidharth MP reports Until October 2022, (the maiden commercial mission of LVM3), ISRO's LVM3 or GSLV Mk3 rocket was being used only for fulfilling India's national missions such as Chandrayaan-2 and launching heavy satellites. Notably, the LVM3 has performed successful launches in all its six missions (including that of March 26). OneWeb has been utilising the launch services of SpaceX, Arianespace and ISRO to place all its 1st generation constellation satellites in orbit and OneWeb satellites have flown 17 times to date, ISRO has carried and delivered the 18th set, thus enabling OneWeb to roll out commercial services. OneWeb aims to offer high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity from space via its constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Largest rocket LVM3 places 36 satellites in orbit, augments confidence for Gaganyaan: ISRO chairman

<p>India's largest rocket LVM3 is at the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, getting ready for the lift-off at 9 am on&nbsp;Sunday, March 26. The launch will mark the sixth flight of the LVM3 rocket. However, there's one thing that makes this LVM3 M3 vehicle different from all the LVM3 rockets that flew before it — this rocket has a changed colour scheme at the cryogenic stage, the upper central portion of the rocket (that towers above the two boosters on the side). Instead of the standard grey/black, this time around the C25 cryogenic stage sports white.</p>

<p>To understand the reason and the science behind the colour change, WION spoke to Dr S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSCC), ISRO. Dr Nair heads VSSC, which is ISRO's lead facility for developing its operational rockets and future space transportation systems.<br />
<br />
A rocket specialist with significant contributions towards launch vehicles and manned vehicle systems, Dr Nair explained that the reason&nbsp;behind the colour change takes into account environmental-friendly manufacturing processes, better insulation properties and the use of lightweight materials.</p>

<p>The C25 stage is a cryogenic stage, which comprises a cryogenic engine and fuel tanks that hold tons of frozen fuel — liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen, along with its related systems. Engineering a cryogenic stage has unique design challenges, as liquid Hydrogen is stored at -253 degree&nbsp;centigrade and liquid Oxygen at -195 degree centigrade. To store these cryogenic fluids and maintain them at supercooled temperatures, special multi-layer insulation is provided for the fuel tanks and other structures.</p>

<p>For the first five launches of the LVM3 rocket, ISRO had been using a grey/black insulation material for the C25 stage and now that material has been replaced with a white coloured one.</p>

<p>"The earlier insulation material was based on Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) and owing to environmental concerns, we have switched to greener alternatives based on chemicals such as Hydrofluoro-Olefine," said Nair.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-atul-rane-on-brahmos-indigenous-components-575115"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;WION Exclusive: Atul Rane on Brahmos' Indigenous components</strong></a></p>

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<p>HCFCs are globally regarded as unsafe as they contain chlorine and have the potential to deplete the ozone layer. Owing to this, there are certain manufacturing caps on this material and ISRO is avoiding its use.</p>

<p>Regarding the grey/black colour being replaced with white, he added that the earlier anti-static coating (meant to prevent a build-up of static electricity) has been replaced with a white one. He reasoned that this was owing to solar absorptivity, as dark colours like black attract a lot of heat and affect the temperature of the cryogenic fuels.</p>

<p>Simply put, the use of white is similar to how cricketers wear all-whites for test matches when they have to play all day. White is meant to reflect the sun's heat away, particularly when the fully-built rocket stands exposed to the sun for several days at the launchpad.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/brahmos-in-talks-to-sell-missile-to-nations-in-south-east-asia-middle-east-ceo-atul-rane-575220"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;BrahMos in talks to sell missile to nations in South East Asia, Middle East: CEO Atul Rane</strong></a></p>

<p>Nair also explained that it is not easy to add an extra coat of paint or extra layer of material to a rocket's upper body, as every kilogramme of weight comes at a premium.</p>

<p>Every added component or layer of coating/paint adds to the rocket's weight and affects the vehicle's payload-carrying capacity. So, we have to keep in mind the science, the utility and also the environmental aspects. Hence, it takes time to develop new materials that are lightweight, suited for the purpose and at the same time cost-effective and environment-friendly.</p>

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India's largest rocket LVM3 is at the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, getting ready for the lift-off at 9 am on Sunday, March 26.

India's largest rocket LVM3 is at the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, getting ready for the lift-off at 9 am on Sunday, March 26. The launch will mark the sixth flight of the LVM3 rocket. However, there's one thing that makes this LVM3 M3 vehicle different from all the LVM3 rockets that flew before it — this rocket has a changed colour scheme at the cryogenic stage, the upper central portion of the rocket (that towers above the two boosters on the side). Instead of the standard grey/black, this time around the C25 cryogenic stage sports white. To understand the reason and the science behind the colour change, WION spoke to Dr S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSCC), ISRO. Dr Nair heads VSSC, which is ISRO's lead facility for developing its operational rockets and future space transportation systems. A rocket specialist with significant contributions towards launch vehicles and manned vehicle systems, Dr Nair explained that the reason behind the colour change takes into account environmental-friendly manufacturing processes, better insulation properties and the use of lightweight materials. The C25 stage is a cryogenic stage, which comprises a cryogenic engine and fuel tanks that hold tons of frozen fuel — liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen, along with its related systems. Engineering a cryogenic stage has unique design challenges, as liquid Hydrogen is stored at -253 degree centigrade and liquid Oxygen at -195 degree centigrade. To store these cryogenic fluids and maintain them at supercooled temperatures, special multi-layer insulation is provided for the fuel tanks and other structures. For the first five launches of the LVM3 rocket, ISRO had been using a grey/black insulation material for the C25 stage and now that material has been replaced with a white coloured one. "The earlier insulation material was based on Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) and owing to environmental concerns, we have switched to greener alternatives based on chemicals such as Hydrofluoro-Olefine," said Nair. WATCH | WION Exclusive: Atul Rane on Brahmos' Indigenous components × HCFCs are globally regarded as unsafe as they contain chlorine and have the potential to deplete the ozone layer. Owing to this, there are certain manufacturing caps on this material and ISRO is avoiding its use. Regarding the grey/black colour being replaced with white, he added that the earlier anti-static coating (meant to prevent a build-up of static electricity) has been replaced with a white one. He reasoned that this was owing to solar absorptivity, as dark colours like black attract a lot of heat and affect the temperature of the cryogenic fuels. Simply put, the use of white is similar to how cricketers wear all-whites for test matches when they have to play all day. White is meant to reflect the sun's heat away, particularly when the fully-built rocket stands exposed to the sun for several days at the launchpad. ALSO READ | BrahMos in talks to sell missile to nations in South East Asia, Middle East: CEO Atul Rane Nair also explained that it is not easy to add an extra coat of paint or extra layer of material to a rocket's upper body, as every kilogramme of weight comes at a premium. Every added component or layer of coating/paint adds to the rocket's weight and affects the vehicle's payload-carrying capacity. So, we have to keep in mind the science, the utility and also the environmental aspects. Hence, it takes time to develop new materials that are lightweight, suited for the purpose and at the same time cost-effective and environment-friendly. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

ISRO's C25 cryogenic stage now sports white, ditches black; What's the science behind it?

<p>Rocket launches have been going on for decades. But what happens after a single-use rocket does its part? There is no further use of the machinery. Though now international conventions try to lessen the debris around the Earth, it was often a practice of space agencies to leave the defunct rockets in space. These were then fated to revolve around the Earth for long.</p>

<p>A Soviet-era rocket, or whatever remained of it, has finally returned to Earth after spending decades in orbit around the Earth.</p>

<p>The one-and-a-half tonne Soviet Vostok-2M Blok E rocket was used to propel a surveillance satellite in 1980. The rocket made a re-entry in Earth's atmosphere and collapsed near Novoya Zemlya in the Arctic region of Russia. The rocket had to withstand high temperatures as it fell through Earth's atmosphere.</p>

<p>“...It's been totally dead since mid 1980, so no way to control the re-entry,” astronomer and leading orbit watcher Jonathan McDowell explained on Twitter. “Eventually, the orbit shrank due to friction with the atmosphere.”</p>

<p>The 3000-pound rocket was big enough to keep an eye on during its re-entry, but it was not going to pose as much of a threat as Chinese Long March rockets which weigh 20 tonnes. Some of these rockets have made uncontrolled entries&nbsp;in recent times.</p>

<p>Modern rockets are now fitted with separate propellers which help guide them to a predetermined sparsely populated location for safe re-entry.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Rocket launches have been going on for decades. But what happens after a single-use rocket does its part? There is no further use of the machinery. Though now international conventions try to lessen the debris around the Earth, it was often a practice of space agencies to leave the defunct rockets in space.

Rocket launches have been going on for decades. But what happens after a single-use rocket does its part? There is no further use of the machinery. Though now international conventions try to lessen the debris around the Earth, it was often a practice of space agencies to leave the defunct rockets in space. These were then fated to revolve around the Earth for long. A Soviet-era rocket, or whatever remained of it, has finally returned to Earth after spending decades in orbit around the Earth. The one-and-a-half tonne Soviet Vostok-2M Blok E rocket was used to propel a surveillance satellite in 1980. The rocket made a re-entry in Earth's atmosphere and collapsed near Novoya Zemlya in the Arctic region of Russia. The rocket had to withstand high temperatures as it fell through Earth's atmosphere. “...It's been totally dead since mid 1980, so no way to control the re-entry,” astronomer and leading orbit watcher Jonathan McDowell explained on Twitter. “Eventually, the orbit shrank due to friction with the atmosphere.” The 3000-pound rocket was big enough to keep an eye on during its re-entry, but it was not going to pose as much of a threat as Chinese Long March rockets which weigh 20 tonnes. Some of these rockets have made uncontrolled entries in recent times. Modern rockets are now fitted with separate propellers which help guide them to a predetermined sparsely populated location for safe re-entry. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Soviet-era rocket launched in 1980 makes re-entry, falls in Arctic region of Russia

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

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

<p>Virgin Orbit reported an “anomaly” in its rocket on Tuesday that stopped it from reaching orbit, ending Britain's attempt to become the first European country to launch a satellite into space. "We appear to have an anomaly that has prevented us from reaching orbit. We are evaluating the information," Virgin Orbit said.</p>

<p>Virgin's LauncherOne rocket was carried under the wing of a customised Boeing 747 dubbed "Cosmic Girl" for the "horizontal launch" mission, which departed from the seaside town of Newquay in southwest England. The rocket was later released over the Atlantic Ocean, as per Reuters.</p>

<p>The aircraft engineering company made the "anomaly" public, 10 minutes before midnight. Less than an hour after the rocket was launched from Cosmic Girl, a 747 jumbo plane modified to unleash LauncherOne at 35,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean.</p>

<p>This comes after the failure of a Vega-C rocket mission, which was built in Italy, in late December following lift-off from French Guiana.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionnews.com/science/vega-c-rocket-carrying-two-airbus-satellites-goes-missing-shortly-after-take-off-544967" hreflang="en">Vega-C rocket carrying two Airbus satellites goes missing shortly after take-off</a></strong></p>

<p>In its maiden flight away from its American base, Virgin Orbit, a company owned in part by British billionaire Richard Branson, initially intended to launch nine satellites into lower Earth orbit (LEO). Since then, the rockets have been grounded.</p>

<p>In a now-deleted tweet, Virgin Orbit said that LauncherOne had reached earth orbit.</p>

<p>"Over the coming days there will be an investigation by the government and various bodies, including Virgin Orbit," Matt Archer, Commercial Space Director at the UK Space Agency wrote.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | California-based launch services company said&nbsp;its rocket failed to deliver its satellite to orbit</strong></p>

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<p>In the past year, Europe experienced a string of setbacks, including the delay of its crucial Ariane 6 launcher, access to Russian Soyuz rockets being restricted due to the conflict in Ukraine, the grounding of Vega, and now the cancellation of a showcase launch for the nascent small launcher industry.</p>

<p>It’s likely that an inquiry will be done to ascertain the cause and seriousness of the malfunction.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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Virgin Orbit reported an “anomaly” in its rocket on Tuesday that stopped it from reaching orbit, ending Britain's attempt to become the first European country to launch a satellite into space.

Virgin Orbit reported an “anomaly” in its rocket on Tuesday that stopped it from reaching orbit, ending Britain's attempt to become the first European country to launch a satellite into space. "We appear to have an anomaly that has prevented us from reaching orbit. We are evaluating the information," Virgin Orbit said. Virgin's LauncherOne rocket was carried under the wing of a customised Boeing 747 dubbed "Cosmic Girl" for the "horizontal launch" mission, which departed from the seaside town of Newquay in southwest England. The rocket was later released over the Atlantic Ocean, as per Reuters. The aircraft engineering company made the "anomaly" public, 10 minutes before midnight. Less than an hour after the rocket was launched from Cosmic Girl, a 747 jumbo plane modified to unleash LauncherOne at 35,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean. This comes after the failure of a Vega-C rocket mission, which was built in Italy, in late December following lift-off from French Guiana. Also Read | Vega-C rocket carrying two Airbus satellites goes missing shortly after take-off In its maiden flight away from its American base, Virgin Orbit, a company owned in part by British billionaire Richard Branson, initially intended to launch nine satellites into lower Earth orbit (LEO). Since then, the rockets have been grounded. In a now-deleted tweet, Virgin Orbit said that LauncherOne had reached earth orbit. "Over the coming days there will be an investigation by the government and various bodies, including Virgin Orbit," Matt Archer, Commercial Space Director at the UK Space Agency wrote. Watch | California-based launch services company said its rocket failed to deliver its satellite to orbit In the past year, Europe experienced a string of setbacks, including the delay of its crucial Ariane 6 launcher, access to Russian Soyuz rockets being restricted due to the conflict in Ukraine, the grounding of Vega, and now the cancellation of a showcase launch for the nascent small launcher industry. It’s likely that an inquiry will be done to ascertain the cause and seriousness of the malfunction. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UK’s historic satellite launch fails to reach orbit after rocket ‘anomaly’

<p>ISRO has largely been focusing on launching towering rockets like the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle), GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) and the SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle). But on Wednesday noon, ISRO's lead facility Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) launched its 200th consecutive 'RH-200' Rohini Sounding rocket.&nbsp;While this is a routine launch, what makes it special is the fact that ISRO's journey in rocketry began with sounding rockets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sounding rockets are small, low-cost, solid-fuelled rockets meant for experimental purposes, meteorology, and atmospheric studies. They are used to probe the earth's atmosphere or to test newly developed sub-components, before actually flying them on larger rockets or on satellites.</p>

<p>These rockets take far lesser time to assemble and launch, given that they use solid fuel, which is less sophisticated when compared to liquid fuels. Typically, sounding rockets are launched at sub-orbit (lesser than 100 kilometres) in altitude and are not spacefaring rockets. However, there are larger sounding rockets that are also capable of reaching the low earth orbit (550kms altitude)</p>

<p>November 21, 1963, is widely regarded as the beginning of the Indian Space programme, as the maiden launch of the sounding rocket took place from the then Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (now a part of the larger VSSC campus).</p>

<p>Back then, the US-made 'Nike Apache' rocket was the first to be launched from Indian soil. Thereafter, two-stage rockets imported from Russia (M-100) and France (Centaure) were also launched.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While M-100 could carry a payload of 70 kg to an altitude of 85 km, the Centaure was capable of reaching 150 km with a payload of approximately 30 kg. In 1970, the Hydrometeorological Services of the USSR signed an agreement with ISRO to launch their meteorological sounding rockets, M-100, every week, from TERLS. This programme&nbsp;continued uninterruptedly till 1993.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 1967, ISRO started launching a series of indigenous sounding rockets named 'Rohini' from TERLS. RH-75, with a diameter of 75mm, was the first truly Indian sounding rocket, which was followed by RH-100 and RH-125 rockets. The sounding rocket programme was indeed the bedrock on which the edifice of launch vehicle technology was built. The experience gained was of immense value in the mastering of the solid propellant technology and allied systems of the launch vehicles. Several scientific missions with national and international participation have been conducted using the Rohini sounding rockets.</p>

<p>At present, India operates three sounding rocket variants —RH-200, RH-300-Mk-II and RH-560-Mk-III. These cover a payload range of 8 to 100 kg and can fly to an altitude of 75-550kms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wednesday's launch marks the 200th&nbsp;consecutive flight of the indigenous RH-200 'Rohini' sounding rocket. The event at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, will take place in the presence of former Indian president Ram Nath Kovind, Chairman, ISRO, Dr S Somanath and Director, VSSC, Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair and officials from the space agency.</p>

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ISRO has largely been focusing on launching towering rockets like the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle), GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) and the SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle).

ISRO has largely been focusing on launching towering rockets like the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle), GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) and the SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle). But on Wednesday noon, ISRO's lead facility Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) launched its 200th consecutive 'RH-200' Rohini Sounding rocket. While this is a routine launch, what makes it special is the fact that ISRO's journey in rocketry began with sounding rockets. Sounding rockets are small, low-cost, solid-fuelled rockets meant for experimental purposes, meteorology, and atmospheric studies. They are used to probe the earth's atmosphere or to test newly developed sub-components, before actually flying them on larger rockets or on satellites. These rockets take far lesser time to assemble and launch, given that they use solid fuel, which is less sophisticated when compared to liquid fuels. Typically, sounding rockets are launched at sub-orbit (lesser than 100 kilometres) in altitude and are not spacefaring rockets. However, there are larger sounding rockets that are also capable of reaching the low earth orbit (550kms altitude) November 21, 1963, is widely regarded as the beginning of the Indian Space programme, as the maiden launch of the sounding rocket took place from the then Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (now a part of the larger VSSC campus). Back then, the US-made 'Nike Apache' rocket was the first to be launched from Indian soil. Thereafter, two-stage rockets imported from Russia (M-100) and France (Centaure) were also launched. While M-100 could carry a payload of 70 kg to an altitude of 85 km, the Centaure was capable of reaching 150 km with a payload of approximately 30 kg. In 1970, the Hydrometeorological Services of the USSR signed an agreement with ISRO to launch their meteorological sounding rockets, M-100, every week, from TERLS. This programme continued uninterruptedly till 1993. In 1967, ISRO started launching a series of indigenous sounding rockets named 'Rohini' from TERLS. RH-75, with a diameter of 75mm, was the first truly Indian sounding rocket, which was followed by RH-100 and RH-125 rockets. The sounding rocket programme was indeed the bedrock on which the edifice of launch vehicle technology was built. The experience gained was of immense value in the mastering of the solid propellant technology and allied systems of the launch vehicles. Several scientific missions with national and international participation have been conducted using the Rohini sounding rockets. At present, India operates three sounding rocket variants —RH-200, RH-300-Mk-II and RH-560-Mk-III. These cover a payload range of 8 to 100 kg and can fly to an altitude of 75-550kms. Wednesday's launch marks the 200th consecutive flight of the indigenous RH-200 'Rohini' sounding rocket. The event at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, will take place in the presence of former Indian president Ram Nath Kovind, Chairman, ISRO, Dr S Somanath and Director, VSSC, Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair and officials from the space agency. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

ISRO conducts 200th consecutive launch of 'RH-200' sounding rocket; here's all you need to know 

<p>India's first privately developed rocket has&nbsp;been&nbsp;sent into orbit by Skyroot Aerospace on Friday, marking the nation's first private space launch. The Vikram-S launch vehicle is intended to carry out the Prarambh mission as a demonstration flight in the second week of November.&nbsp;The mission will be significant since the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) formerly controlled the creation, design, and launch of space missions in India, making rockets a public sector enterprise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Mission Prarambh is successfully accomplished. Congratulations" ISRO announced on Twitter.&nbsp;The rocket launch, according to Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who was in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh to witness the historic launch, marked a turning moment for Indian startups.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India's first ever private rocket Vikram-S, named after Vikram Sarabhai, launched from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The rocket has been built by "Skyroot Aerospace". <a href="https://t.co/DJ9oN0LPfH">pic.twitter.com/DJ9oN0LPfH</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1593484880872017920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Why the name 'Prarambh'?</strong></h2>

<p>Prarambh, which means "the beginning" and denotes a new era for the private space industry, is the name given to the mission by the Hyderabad-based rocket start-up.</p>

<p>With this first mission, Skyroot Aerospace will launch a rocket into orbit for the first time as a commercial space enterprise in India, ushering in a new era for the space industry, which was recently opened up to allow for private sector participation, the company stated.</p>

<blockquote>
<p><strong>“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," said Pawan Kumar Chandana, CEO and Co-Founder.</strong></p>
</blockquote>

<p>The name "Vikram" is given to Skyroot Aerospace's launch vehicles in honour of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the eminent scientist who founded the Indian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/artemis-1-launched-as-nasa-ushers-into-a-new-era-of-lunar-exploration-534646">Space Programme</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>All about Vikram-S</strong></h2>

<p>In honour of Vikram Sarabhai, the pioneer of India's space programme, a small-lift launch vehicle known as the Vikram S was created.</p>

<p>The chief operating officer of Skyroot, Naga Bharath Daka, described the Vikram-S rocket as a single-stage sub-orbital launch vehicle that would be able to transport three client payloads and assist test and verifying most of the technology in the Vikram family of space launch vehicles.</p>

<p>Three rockets, dubbed Vikram I, II, and III, are part of the "Vikram" series. Broadband internet, GPS, and Internet of Things (IoT) from orbit and imagery of the planet will all be supported by these rockets.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/space-tourism-a-dream-too-distant-to-achieve-534334">Space Tourism: A dream too distant to achieve?</a></p>

<p>According to Skyroot, "The leading technology architecture of Vikram vehicles offers unique capabilities like multi-orbit insertion, interplanetary missions; while providing customised, dedicated and rideshare options covering a wide spectrum of small satellite customer needs.”</p>

<p>According to Skyroot, the Vikram series is engineered to be manufactured and launched in less than 72 hours and has the "lowest cost in the payload sector."</p>

<p>These rockets are capable of launching satellites into sun-synchronous polar orbits and low Earth orbits that may weigh up to 815 kg each (SSPOs).</p>

<h2><strong>The highlight of the mission</strong></h2>

<p>Three customer satellites from Skyroot Aerospace will be launched aboard Vikram S in a sub-orbital flight as part of the Prarambh project. Three client payloads will be carried by Vikram S during this mission, which will also assist in the testing and validation of technologies for the Vikram family of space launch vehicles.</p>

<p>The 2.5-kilogramme payload "Fun-Sat," which was created by kids from India, the US, Singapore, and Indonesia, will also be launched on board Vikram S by Spacekidz, an aerospace firm located in Chennai.</p>

<h2><strong>Significance of the mission</strong></h2>

<p>Suborbital spaceflight is often conducted at a lower altitude than orbital spaceflight, frequently at a height of around 100 kilometres above the surface of the Earth, and it is believed that they are essential for completing space mission experiments before true commercial trips take place.</p>

<p>Three separate Vikram rocket versions are currently being developed by Skyroot. According to sources, the Vikram-I, Vikram-II, and Vikram-III can launch payloads weighing up to 480 kilogrammes, 595 kilogrammes, and 815 kilogrammes into a 500-kilometre low-inclination orbit, respectively.</p>

<p>To send commercial satellites into orbit, the business is creating cutting-edge space launch vehicles. It wants to lower entry barriers for low-cost satellite launch services as well as space travel by expanding its mission of making spaceflights accessible, dependable, and common for everyone.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-james-webb-telescope-shares-never-seen-before-image-of-birth-of-a-star-534996">NASA’s James Webb Telescope shares never-before-seen image of birth of a star</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


India's first privately developed rocket has been sent into orbit by Skyroot Aerospace on Friday, marking the nation's first private space launch. The Vikram-S launch vehicle is intended to carry out the Prarambh mission as a demonstration flight in the second week of November.

India's first privately developed rocket has been sent into orbit by Skyroot Aerospace on Friday, marking the nation's first private space launch. The Vikram-S launch vehicle is intended to carry out the Prarambh mission as a demonstration flight in the second week of November. The mission will be significant since the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) formerly controlled the creation, design, and launch of space missions in India, making rockets a public sector enterprise. "Mission Prarambh is successfully accomplished. Congratulations" ISRO announced on Twitter. The rocket launch, according to Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who was in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh to witness the historic launch, marked a turning moment for Indian startups. India's first ever private rocket Vikram-S, named after Vikram Sarabhai, launched from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The rocket has been built by "Skyroot Aerospace". pic.twitter.com/DJ9oN0LPfH — ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2022 × Why the name 'Prarambh'? Prarambh, which means "the beginning" and denotes a new era for the private space industry, is the name given to the mission by the Hyderabad-based rocket start-up. With this first mission, Skyroot Aerospace will launch a rocket into orbit for the first time as a commercial space enterprise in India, ushering in a new era for the space industry, which was recently opened up to allow for private sector participation, the company stated. “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," said Pawan Kumar Chandana, CEO and Co-Founder. The name "Vikram" is given to Skyroot Aerospace's launch vehicles in honour of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the eminent scientist who founded the Indian Space Programme. All about Vikram-S In honour of Vikram Sarabhai, the pioneer of India's space programme, a small-lift launch vehicle known as the Vikram S was created. The chief operating officer of Skyroot, Naga Bharath Daka, described the Vikram-S rocket as a single-stage sub-orbital launch vehicle that would be able to transport three client payloads and assist test and verifying most of the technology in the Vikram family of space launch vehicles. Three rockets, dubbed Vikram I, II, and III, are part of the "Vikram" series. Broadband internet, GPS, and Internet of Things (IoT) from orbit and imagery of the planet will all be supported by these rockets. Also read | Space Tourism: A dream too distant to achieve? According to Skyroot, "The leading technology architecture of Vikram vehicles offers unique capabilities like multi-orbit insertion, interplanetary missions; while providing customised, dedicated and rideshare options covering a wide spectrum of small satellite customer needs.” According to Skyroot, the Vikram series is engineered to be manufactured and launched in less than 72 hours and has the "lowest cost in the payload sector." These rockets are capable of launching satellites into sun-synchronous polar orbits and low Earth orbits that may weigh up to 815 kg each (SSPOs). The highlight of the mission Three customer satellites from Skyroot Aerospace will be launched aboard Vikram S in a sub-orbital flight as part of the Prarambh project. Three client payloads will be carried by Vikram S during this mission, which will also assist in the testing and validation of technologies for the Vikram family of space launch vehicles. The 2.5-kilogramme payload "Fun-Sat," which was created by kids from India, the US, Singapore, and Indonesia, will also be launched on board Vikram S by Spacekidz, an aerospace firm located in Chennai. Significance of the mission Suborbital spaceflight is often conducted at a lower altitude than orbital spaceflight, frequently at a height of around 100 kilometres above the surface of the Earth, and it is believed that they are essential for completing space mission experiments before true commercial trips take place. Three separate Vikram rocket versions are currently being developed by Skyroot. According to sources, the Vikram-I, Vikram-II, and Vikram-III can launch payloads weighing up to 480 kilogrammes, 595 kilogrammes, and 815 kilogrammes into a 500-kilometre low-inclination orbit, respectively. To send commercial satellites into orbit, the business is creating cutting-edge space launch vehicles. It wants to lower entry barriers for low-cost satellite launch services as well as space travel by expanding its mission of making spaceflights accessible, dependable, and common for everyone. (With inputs from agencies) Also read | NASA’s James Webb Telescope shares never-before-seen image of birth of a star

Vikram-S: India's first private rocket blasts off successfully, everything about 'Prarambh Mission'

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

India is making some big leaps in the space sector and this is of course something that is expected to come in the next forthcoming year as well.

LVM3 Rocket: Indian Space Agency carries out engine test, being readied to lift more payload

<p>Agnikul Cosmos, an Indian firm has successfully test-fired its single-piece, 3D-printed rocket engine at a facility of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The engine 'Agnilet' was test fired at the Vertical Test Facility at ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). This successful test marks a milestone in the private launch vehicle company's journey to building its spacefaring rocket 'Agnibaan'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the company, this test was conducted with the support of IN-SPACe and ISRO. The test was meant to validate the technological possibility that rocket engines can be made as a single piece of hardware. Agnikul recently announced that the Government of India (GoI) had awarded them the patent for the design and manufacturing of their single-piece rocket engines. '</p>

<p>'Agnilet', one such single-piece engine, is the world's first single-piece 3D printed rocket engine fully designed and manufactured in India. It was successfully test-fired at IIT Madras in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-isro-rocket-launch-36-satellites-on-board-lifts-off-527768"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;India: ISRO Rocket Launch | 36 satellites on board lifts off</strong></a></p>

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<p>The latest test is said to have validated the design and manufacturing methodology followed by the start-up and is a major milestone for 3D printing technology in India. Agnikul had recently announced the inauguration of its Rocket Factory- 1, India’s first-ever rocket facility dedicated to 3D printing such rocket engines at scale, situated at the IIT Madras Research Park.</p>

<p>The new state-of-the-art production house houses world-class machinery, including a 400mm x 400mm x 400mm metal 3D printer from EOS, and a host of other machines that will enable end-to-end manufacturing of a rocket engine under one roof.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-private-rocket-launch-from-india-heres-all-you-need-to-know-532477"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;First private rocket launch from India. Here's all you need to know</strong></a></p>

<p>“This is an unforgettable moment for all of us here at Agnikul. Besides validating our in-house technology, this is also a huge step in understanding how to design, develop and fire rocket engines at a professional level. We are incredibly thankful to IN-SPACe and ISRO for making this happen. Also grateful to the Indian Government for having made such efforts possible by the creation of IN-SPACe," said Srinath Ravichandran, co-founder &amp; CEO, Agnikul.<br />
<br />
<strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Agnikul Cosmos, an Indian firm has successfully test-fired its single-piece, 3D-printed rocket engine at a facility of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Agnikul Cosmos, an Indian firm has successfully test-fired its single-piece, 3D-printed rocket engine at a facility of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The engine 'Agnilet' was test fired at the Vertical Test Facility at ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). This successful test marks a milestone in the private launch vehicle company's journey to building its spacefaring rocket 'Agnibaan'. According to the company, this test was conducted with the support of IN-SPACe and ISRO. The test was meant to validate the technological possibility that rocket engines can be made as a single piece of hardware. Agnikul recently announced that the Government of India (GoI) had awarded them the patent for the design and manufacturing of their single-piece rocket engines. ' 'Agnilet', one such single-piece engine, is the world's first single-piece 3D printed rocket engine fully designed and manufactured in India. It was successfully test-fired at IIT Madras in 2021. WATCH | India: ISRO Rocket Launch | 36 satellites on board lifts off × The latest test is said to have validated the design and manufacturing methodology followed by the start-up and is a major milestone for 3D printing technology in India. Agnikul had recently announced the inauguration of its Rocket Factory- 1, India’s first-ever rocket facility dedicated to 3D printing such rocket engines at scale, situated at the IIT Madras Research Park. The new state-of-the-art production house houses world-class machinery, including a 400mm x 400mm x 400mm metal 3D printer from EOS, and a host of other machines that will enable end-to-end manufacturing of a rocket engine under one roof. Read more: First private rocket launch from India. Here's all you need to know “This is an unforgettable moment for all of us here at Agnikul. Besides validating our in-house technology, this is also a huge step in understanding how to design, develop and fire rocket engines at a professional level. We are incredibly thankful to IN-SPACe and ISRO for making this happen. Also grateful to the Indian Government for having made such efforts possible by the creation of IN-SPACe," said Srinath Ravichandran, co-founder & CEO, Agnikul. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Indian firm successfully test-fires 3D-printed rocket engine at ISRO facility

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