SpaceX has delayed the launch of a rocket due to take 57 mini-satellites into space as part of plan to build a global broadband internet system.

The company tweeted that it was postponing the 10th Starlink mission "to allow more time for checkouts." It said it was working to identify a new launch window.

The mission had been postponed before also.

The Falcon 9 rocket taking the satellites was also due to have carried two satellites from BlackSky, a SpaceX customer. Saturday's aborted flight would have been SpaceX's third Starlink satellite launch in less than two months.

Elon Musk's California-based company has so far received US authorization to launch 12,000 satellites in several different orbits, and it has applied to launch as many as 30,000 more.

SpaceX has delayed the launch of a rocket due to take 57 mini-satellites into space as part of plan to build a global broadband internet system. The company tweeted that it was postponing the 10th Starlink mission "to allow more time for checkouts.

SpaceX has delayed the launch of a rocket due to take 57 mini-satellites into space as part of plan to build a global broadband internet system. The company tweeted that it was postponing the 10th Starlink mission "to allow more time for checkouts." It said it was working to identify a new launch window. The mission had been postponed before also. The Falcon 9 rocket taking the satellites was also due to have carried two satellites from BlackSky, a SpaceX customer. Saturday's aborted flight would have been SpaceX's third Starlink satellite launch in less than two months. Elon Musk's California-based company has so far received US authorization to launch 12,000 satellites in several different orbits, and it has applied to launch as many as 30,000 more.

SpaceX delays launch of 57 mini-satellites

American company Rocket Lab's commercial rocket that was carrying four satellites and took off from New Zealand launch pad has been "lost". The founder and chief executive of the company, Peter Beck took to Twitter to confirm the news.

American company Rocket Lab's commercial rocket that was carrying four satellites and took off from New Zealand launch pad has been "lost". The founder and chief executive of the company, Peter Beck took to Twitter to confirm the news. "We lost the flight late into the mission," he tweeted. "I am incredibly sorry that we failed to deliver our customers' satellites today. Rest assured we will find the issue, correct it and be back on the pad soon." A brief statement about today's mission from our founder and CEO, Peter Beck. pic.twitter.com/QUShtzp7J0 — Rocket Lab (@RocketLab) July 5, 2020 × Despite locating its headquarters in New Zealand, Rocket Lab lists itself as an American company and specialises in delivering small satellites to Earth's lower orbit. Its backers include US companies Khosla Ventures, Bessemer Venture Partners, Lockheed Martin, Promus Ventures and Data Collective. According to a statement by the Rocket Lab's website, the rocket faced an 'anomaly' four minutes into the flight and was working with the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States to identify the cause. The rocket was carrying satellites for companies Spaceflight, Canon Electronics, Planet and In-Space Missions, Beck said. "Today's anomaly is a reminder that space launch can be unforgiving, but we will identify the issue, rectify it, and be safely back on the pad as soon as possible." (Inputs from AFP)

Rocket carrying four satellites 'lost' after being launched from New Zealand

We have all read about how the magnetic field of the earth protects us from the solar radiation. However, according to reports, that magnetic field is now weakening.

As per the reports, the magnetic field around the earth, on an average, has lost almost 10% of its strength over the last two centuries.

However, a rapid shrink has been observed in the South Atlantic Anomaly, a stretch between Africa and South America. A large and rapid shrink has been observed in this region over the past&nbsp;50 years just as the area itself has grown and moved westward.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/nasa-finds-evidence-of-parallel-universe-where-time-runs-backward-299949">Also read:&nbsp;NASA finds evidence of parallel universe where time runs backward</a>

Scientists from European Space Agency (ESA) from the Swarm Data, Innovation and Science Cluster (DISC) are using this data from ESA's Swarm satellite constellation to study the anomaly. The Swarm satellites can identify and measure the the various magnetic signals that combine to make up the Earth's magnetic field.In the last five years, a second centre of minimum intensity has developed towards southwest of Africa. Researchers believe that this could mean that the anomaly can split into two separate cells.

The weakening of the magnetic field is also causing technical difficulties for the satellites and spacecrafts orbiting the planet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-prepare-a-map-of-antarctica-turning-green-due-to-climate-change-300122">Also read:&nbsp;Scientists prepare a map of Antarctica turning green due to climate change</a>

The South Atlantic Anomaly has been appearing over the last decade, but has developed vigorously in the last few years. Dr Jurgen Matzka, from the German Research Centre for Geosciences, said:&nbsp;"We are very lucky to have the Swarm satellites in orbit to investigate the development of the South Atlantic Anomaly. The challenge now is to understand the processes in Earth's core driving these changes."

One most speculated reason behind this is that there is a chance that the time for Earth's pole reversal is coming near.

Pole reversal is when the north and south magnetic poles flip. While this flip will not occur immediately or suddenly, and will happen over centuries,&nbsp;there would be multiple north and south magnetic poles during this period, all around the planet.

This is definitely not the first time that pole reversal will be happening on the Earth. This event has occurred few times in the history of our planet, as per the scientists and we are long overdue by the average rate at which these reversals take place (roughly every 250,000 years).

While this is not going to affect or alarm the general public to a huge extent, it is causing technical difficulties for various satellites and spacecrafts, as the&nbsp;magnetic field getting weaker, charged particles from the cosmos can penetrate through to the altitudes that low-Earth orbiting satellites fly at.

(With inputs from agencies)

We have all read about how the magnetic field of the earth protects us from the solar radiation. However, according to reports, that magnetic field is now weakening.

We have all read about how the magnetic field of the earth protects us from the solar radiation. However, according to reports, that magnetic field is now weakening. As per the reports, the magnetic field around the earth, on an average, has lost almost 10% of its strength over the last two centuries. However, a rapid shrink has been observed in the South Atlantic Anomaly, a stretch between Africa and South America. A large and rapid shrink has been observed in this region over the past 50 years just as the area itself has grown and moved westward. Also read: NASA finds evidence of parallel universe where time runs backward Scientists from European Space Agency (ESA) from the Swarm Data, Innovation and Science Cluster (DISC) are using this data from ESA's Swarm satellite constellation to study the anomaly. The Swarm satellites can identify and measure the the various magnetic signals that combine to make up the Earth's magnetic field.In the last five years, a second centre of minimum intensity has developed towards southwest of Africa. Researchers believe that this could mean that the anomaly can split into two separate cells. The weakening of the magnetic field is also causing technical difficulties for the satellites and spacecrafts orbiting the planet. Also read: Scientists prepare a map of Antarctica turning green due to climate change The South Atlantic Anomaly has been appearing over the last decade, but has developed vigorously in the last few years. Dr Jurgen Matzka, from the German Research Centre for Geosciences, said: "We are very lucky to have the Swarm satellites in orbit to investigate the development of the South Atlantic Anomaly. The challenge now is to understand the processes in Earth's core driving these changes." One most speculated reason behind this is that there is a chance that the time for Earth's pole reversal is coming near. Pole reversal is when the north and south magnetic poles flip. While this flip will not occur immediately or suddenly, and will happen over centuries, there would be multiple north and south magnetic poles during this period, all around the planet. This is definitely not the first time that pole reversal will be happening on the Earth. This event has occurred few times in the history of our planet, as per the scientists and we are long overdue by the average rate at which these reversals take place (roughly every 250,000 years). While this is not going to affect or alarm the general public to a huge extent, it is causing technical difficulties for various satellites and spacecrafts, as the magnetic field getting weaker, charged particles from the cosmos can penetrate through to the altitudes that low-Earth orbiting satellites fly at. (With inputs from agencies)

Earth's magnetic field weakens; satellites and spacecrafts malfunction

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-spacex-hope-for-manned-mission-to-international-space-station-in-early-2020-255078">SpaceX</a> today launched 60 mini-satellites into orbit, the third batch to do so, in the company's bid to build a constellation of spacecraft to facilitate the creation of a global internet system.

The satellites were launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida at 02.19 GMT. The separation from a Falcon 9 rocket was successful on the stretch between Australia and Antarctica.&nbsp;

<img alt="SpaceX" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ec59621b-e6b5-4315-8936-3e2bc08a5531" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_27.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;This NASA photo obtained December 17, 2019 shows the SpaceX Dragon resupply ship as it approaches the International Space Station as both spacecraft orbited 257 miles above the Sahara on December 8, 2019. Courtesy: AFP

The launch was filmed by a camera on the rocket. The total number of satellites part of American company Starlink's network now stands at 180.&nbsp;

However, this figure could eventually shoot up to 42,000, which will result in more crowded skies.

According to the Satellite Industry Association, 21,000 satellites currently orbit the planet.

SpaceX was created by Elon Musk, the Chief Executive of Tesla. The company intends to control the internet market from space.

Other companies are also attempting to break into this new market, including OneWeb, a London-based start-up along with interest from US retailer Amazon, with ''Project Kuiper'' in the works.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-spacex-hope-for-manned-mission-to-international-space-station-in-early-2020-255078">NASA,&nbsp;SpaceX hope for manned mission to International Space Station in early 2020</a>

Earlier, Musk asserted his will to control three to five per cent of the global internet market. This will be valued at $30 billion a year, which is roughly ten times what SpaceX earns from space launches. According to the company, this money will be renavigated into rocket and spaceship development.

Musk had also shown interest in colonising Mars.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacexs-mars-rocket-prototype-rattles-nerves-of-nearby-residents-in-texas-flight-test-246144">SpaceX</a>, so far, has received authorisation to launch 12,000 satellites from the US, with plans to launch 30,000 more. 
 
(With inputs from AFP)

SpaceX today launched 60 mini-satellites into orbit, the third batch to do so, in the company's bid to build a constellation of spacecraft to facilitate the creation of a global internet system.

SpaceX today launched 60 mini-satellites into orbit, the third batch to do so, in the company's bid to build a constellation of spacecraft to facilitate the creation of a global internet system. The satellites were launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida at 02.19 GMT. The separation from a Falcon 9 rocket was successful on the stretch between Australia and Antarctica. Image: This NASA photo obtained December 17, 2019 shows the SpaceX Dragon resupply ship as it approaches the International Space Station as both spacecraft orbited 257 miles above the Sahara on December 8, 2019. Courtesy: AFP The launch was filmed by a camera on the rocket. The total number of satellites part of American company Starlink's network now stands at 180. However, this figure could eventually shoot up to 42,000, which will result in more crowded skies. According to the Satellite Industry Association, 21,000 satellites currently orbit the planet. SpaceX was created by Elon Musk, the Chief Executive of Tesla. The company intends to control the internet market from space. Other companies are also attempting to break into this new market, including OneWeb, a London-based start-up along with interest from US retailer Amazon, with ''Project Kuiper'' in the works. Also read: NASA, SpaceX hope for manned mission to International Space Station in early 2020 Earlier, Musk asserted his will to control three to five per cent of the global internet market. This will be valued at $30 billion a year, which is roughly ten times what SpaceX earns from space launches. According to the company, this money will be renavigated into rocket and spaceship development. Musk had also shown interest in colonising Mars. SpaceX, so far, has received authorisation to launch 12,000 satellites from the US, with plans to launch 30,000 more. (With inputs from AFP)

SpaceX launches third batch of mini-satellites into orbit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/some-of-isros-computers-used-for-web-surfing-were-affected-by-malware-260328">The Indian Space Research Organisation</a> (ISRO) has scheduled the launch of their next satellite for later this month.

According to ISRO's website, India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C47 will launch Cartosat-3 and 13 commercial nanosatellites into Sun Synchronous orbit from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

The launch is tentatively scheduled for 0928 am on November 25, 2019, subject to weather conditions.

PSLV-C47 is the 21st flight of PSLV series by ISRO. It rests in 'XL' configuration, with 6 solid strap-on motors.&nbsp;

Cartosat-3 satellite is a third-generation agile advanced satellite having high-resolution imaging capability. &nbsp;The satellite will be placed in an orbit of 509 km at an inclination of 97.5 degrees, from where it will send crisp images to the earth.

Watch: ISRO fixes the date for Cartosat-3 launch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/isro-fixed-a-date-time-for-launch-of-cartosat-3-and-13-commercial-nanosatellites-263250/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As part of a commercial arrangement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), and Department of Space, PSLV-C47 will also carry 13 commercial nanosatellites from the United States of America.

This will be the 74th launch vehicle mission from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota.

Later, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-2-not-the-end-isro-will-pull-off-soft-landing-in-near-future-k-sivan-259498">ISRO will launch two more surveillance satellites</a> - Risat-2BR1 and Risat-2BR2 in December. The organisation has already launched two surveillance satellites Risat-2B and EMISAT on May 22 and April 1 respectively.

ISRO took a six-month hiatus from launching satellites owing to the moon mission called Chandrayaan-2.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has scheduled the launch of their next satellite for later this month. According to ISRO's website, India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C47 will launch Cartosat-3 and 13 commercial nanosatellites into Sun Synchronous orbit from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has scheduled the launch of their next satellite for later this month. According to ISRO's website, India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C47 will launch Cartosat-3 and 13 commercial nanosatellites into Sun Synchronous orbit from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The launch is tentatively scheduled for 0928 am on November 25, 2019, subject to weather conditions. PSLV-C47 is the 21st flight of PSLV series by ISRO. It rests in 'XL' configuration, with 6 solid strap-on motors. Cartosat-3 satellite is a third-generation agile advanced satellite having high-resolution imaging capability. The satellite will be placed in an orbit of 509 km at an inclination of 97.5 degrees, from where it will send crisp images to the earth. Watch: ISRO fixes the date for Cartosat-3 launch As part of a commercial arrangement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), and Department of Space, PSLV-C47 will also carry 13 commercial nanosatellites from the United States of America. This will be the 74th launch vehicle mission from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota. Later, ISRO will launch two more surveillance satellites - Risat-2BR1 and Risat-2BR2 in December. The organisation has already launched two surveillance satellites Risat-2B and EMISAT on May 22 and April 1 respectively. ISRO took a six-month hiatus from launching satellites owing to the moon mission called Chandrayaan-2.

ISRO to launch Cartosat-3, 13 nano satellites on November 25

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crew-capsule-destroyed-during-april-test-accident-confirms-spacex-215535">SpaceX</a> on Thursday launched a rocket containing the first 60 satellites of its "Starlink" constellation, which is intended to provide internet from space and could one-day number 12,000 satellites.

One of the company's Falcon 9 rockets took off without incident from Cape Canaveral in Florida around 10:30 pm.

The second stage of the rocket will begin to release them one hour after launch, at an altitude of&nbsp; &nbsp;440 kilometres, and then the satellites will use their thrusters to take up their places in a relatively low orbit of 550 kilometres.

That's slightly higher than the International Space Station, but well below the majority of terrestrial satellites, the highest of which sits in a geostationary orbit of 36,000 kilometres.

The launch was originally scheduled for last week but was postponed, first due to high winds and then due to the need for a software update.

Billionaire Elon Musk's firm, which is leading the private space race when it comes to rocket launches, is now looking to seize a chunk of the future space internet market.

The launch will make it an early forerunner, along with rival OneWeb, a startup, but well ahead of Amazon's Project Kuiper, the brainchild of Musk's space rival Jeff Bezos.

Each of the satellites weighs just 227 kilograms (500 pounds) and was built in-house in Redmond, near Seattle.

Starlink will become operational once 800 satellites have been activated, which will require a dozen more launches.

SpaceX on Thursday launched a rocket containing the first 60 satellites of its "Starlink" constellation, which is intended to provide internet from space and could one-day number 12,000 satellites.

SpaceX on Thursday launched a rocket containing the first 60 satellites of its "Starlink" constellation, which is intended to provide internet from space and could one-day number 12,000 satellites. One of the company's Falcon 9 rockets took off without incident from Cape Canaveral in Florida around 10:30 pm. The second stage of the rocket will begin to release them one hour after launch, at an altitude of 440 kilometres, and then the satellites will use their thrusters to take up their places in a relatively low orbit of 550 kilometres. That's slightly higher than the International Space Station, but well below the majority of terrestrial satellites, the highest of which sits in a geostationary orbit of 36,000 kilometres. The launch was originally scheduled for last week but was postponed, first due to high winds and then due to the need for a software update. Billionaire Elon Musk's firm, which is leading the private space race when it comes to rocket launches, is now looking to seize a chunk of the future space internet market. The launch will make it an early forerunner, along with rival OneWeb, a startup, but well ahead of Amazon's Project Kuiper, the brainchild of Musk's space rival Jeff Bezos. Each of the satellites weighs just 227 kilograms (500 pounds) and was built in-house in Redmond, near Seattle. Starlink will become operational once 800 satellites have been activated, which will require a dozen more launches.

SpaceX launches first satellites of its internet network

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on March 27 that India had successfully shot down one of its own low-grade decommissioned satellites with the help of an indigenously made missile produced by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It was unclear which missile from the family of missiles India possesses was employed for this. With a process code-named Mission Shakti, India became the fourth country in the world to develop this specialised technology and successfully test it, after the US, Russia and China. The test was carried out off the coast of Odisha and on a low orbit satellite 300 km above surface level.&nbsp;

To a public, even of the reasonably well-informed variety, the downing of our own satellite by an Indian missile and going into celebration mode must appear rather strange. The military-strategic implications of the achievement will take a little time to sink once the brouhaha over the application of Election Commission norms to the announcement, gets over.&nbsp;

A simple explanation from a military point of view is given here. Remember, having an eye in the sky in the form of satellites is a major advantage for militaries, which possess such capability. Besides the operational strategic domain involving close surveillance, there is navigation for aircraft, surface vehicles, vessels at sea and personnel on foot. Pinpoint targeting of long-range missiles is possible because of these. With the development of armed drones, the US operators have been located in Florida, US, and homing the drones to their targets in Afghanistan with the help of satellite surveillance and navigation. Surveillance from space has distinct advantage, in that it is like a permanent drone in the sky and covering an area well beyond imagination. It makes the verifiability of agreement on limitation of troops, or early warning signals of troop movement much more credible. India’s massive mobilisation before it can go to war with either adversary is vulnerable due to satellite pick up. In today’s world the Internet and many other networks are dependent for their area coverage on satellites. Modern wars without network centricity are almost unthinkable. Similarly, war without the cyber domain activated for offensive or defensive tasks cannot be imagined today. Satellites provide the capacity for wide area coverage and can assist with both offensive and defensive exploitation of the cyber domain.&nbsp;

Since so much now depends on satellites, making your adversary’s eyes, ears and nodes in the sky vulnerable to incapacitation through a physical attack (by kinetic contact) or other means was an obvious measure that militaries would pursue. When a satellite or satellites are taken out or rendered unusable, the resultant effect is most felt on the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capability of a nation or force. It helps in the efforts to remain ahead in the information and decision cycle. There are networks for command and control, control of artillery, logistics and communications, without which military operations are rendered almost ineffective. The US has been pursuing a programme focused on this from as early as 1959. The first test missed a satellite by a couple of kilometres but in 1962 and 1963 successful tests were conducted with ballistic missiles going up to a vertical height of 400 miles. It was the time of President Ronald Reagan that research took a different turn with the ‘Star Wars’ programme which was designed to destroy all incoming projectiles or unfriendly equipment in space through kinetic of directed energy means.&nbsp;

China commenced testing in 2007 but its very first test left a tremendous amount of space debris from the destruction of a low orbit older satellite. Debris in space resulting from the use of ASAT weapons, even for testing purposes, is a major challenge as even small particles can ram against functional satellites and damage them. It is reported by the UN Outer Space Affairs Department that only 1400 of the 19000 artificial objects being currently tracked in space are functional satellites, the rest mostly being debris. A set of UN guidelines on space debris have been formulated. India’s ASAT test was in a very low earth orbit thus mitigating the danger emerging from the resultant debris after the test.&nbsp;

So why has India undertaken the ASAT test? Firstly, much like nuclear weapons, ASAT could remain a strategic weapon for only deterrence and not be involved in actual war fighting although its direct life-threatening capability is lower by volumes. It is important to demonstrate the capability for deterrence especially since China has been developing its capability for fairly long. Secondly, it is always possible that a Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) kind of international agreement may force a moratorium on development and testing of ASAT in the future. That would leave India in the lurch and future testing against the treaty would draw sanctions and international ire. A physical test with data all canned gives a boost to strategic capability. While the MEA may have made the right move by discounting any objective or country being focused upon by India’s ASAT programme, it is important that the successful test has been done at a time when the subcontinent has just emerged from its latest crisis involving a near showdown between India and Pakistan. Pakistan is known for its copy cat approach and it could just be tempted to acquire such a capability of its own; of course with the assistance of its all-weather friend, China. Affordability is not something Pakistan usually looks at despite its almost paralysed economy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There are fast emerging technologies in this field and we have to hear more about India’s progress in the anti-ballistic missile (ABM) domain for a future ‘iron dome’ concept. The US and Russia have the capabilities of launching an ASAT from the ship, land and space, while India, presently, has used a land installation. No doubt progress towards that will also be made as ISRO has demonstrated.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-blinding-the-eye-in-the-sky-2734548">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on March 27 that India had successfully shot down one of its own low-grade decommissioned satellites with the help of an indigenously made missile produced by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on March 27 that India had successfully shot down one of its own low-grade decommissioned satellites with the help of an indigenously made missile produced by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It was unclear which missile from the family of missiles India possesses was employed for this. With a process code-named Mission Shakti, India became the fourth country in the world to develop this specialised technology and successfully test it, after the US, Russia and China. The test was carried out off the coast of Odisha and on a low orbit satellite 300 km above surface level. To a public, even of the reasonably well-informed variety, the downing of our own satellite by an Indian missile and going into celebration mode must appear rather strange. The military-strategic implications of the achievement will take a little time to sink once the brouhaha over the application of Election Commission norms to the announcement, gets over. A simple explanation from a military point of view is given here. Remember, having an eye in the sky in the form of satellites is a major advantage for militaries, which possess such capability. Besides the operational strategic domain involving close surveillance, there is navigation for aircraft, surface vehicles, vessels at sea and personnel on foot. Pinpoint targeting of long-range missiles is possible because of these. With the development of armed drones, the US operators have been located in Florida, US, and homing the drones to their targets in Afghanistan with the help of satellite surveillance and navigation. Surveillance from space has distinct advantage, in that it is like a permanent drone in the sky and covering an area well beyond imagination. It makes the verifiability of agreement on limitation of troops, or early warning signals of troop movement much more credible. India’s massive mobilisation before it can go to war with either adversary is vulnerable due to satellite pick up. In today’s world the Internet and many other networks are dependent for their area coverage on satellites. Modern wars without network centricity are almost unthinkable. Similarly, war without the cyber domain activated for offensive or defensive tasks cannot be imagined today. Satellites provide the capacity for wide area coverage and can assist with both offensive and defensive exploitation of the cyber domain. Since so much now depends on satellites, making your adversary’s eyes, ears and nodes in the sky vulnerable to incapacitation through a physical attack (by kinetic contact) or other means was an obvious measure that militaries would pursue. When a satellite or satellites are taken out or rendered unusable, the resultant effect is most felt on the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capability of a nation or force. It helps in the efforts to remain ahead in the information and decision cycle. There are networks for command and control, control of artillery, logistics and communications, without which military operations are rendered almost ineffective. The US has been pursuing a programme focused on this from as early as 1959. The first test missed a satellite by a couple of kilometres but in 1962 and 1963 successful tests were conducted with ballistic missiles going up to a vertical height of 400 miles. It was the time of President Ronald Reagan that research took a different turn with the ‘Star Wars’ programme which was designed to destroy all incoming projectiles or unfriendly equipment in space through kinetic of directed energy means. China commenced testing in 2007 but its very first test left a tremendous amount of space debris from the destruction of a low orbit older satellite. Debris in space resulting from the use of ASAT weapons, even for testing purposes, is a major challenge as even small particles can ram against functional satellites and damage them. It is reported by the UN Outer Space Affairs Department that only 1400 of the 19000 artificial objects being currently tracked in space are functional satellites, the rest mostly being debris. A set of UN guidelines on space debris have been formulated. India’s ASAT test was in a very low earth orbit thus mitigating the danger emerging from the resultant debris after the test. So why has India undertaken the ASAT test? Firstly, much like nuclear weapons, ASAT could remain a strategic weapon for only deterrence and not be involved in actual war fighting although its direct life-threatening capability is lower by volumes. It is important to demonstrate the capability for deterrence especially since China has been developing its capability for fairly long. Secondly, it is always possible that a Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) kind of international agreement may force a moratorium on development and testing of ASAT in the future. That would leave India in the lurch and future testing against the treaty would draw sanctions and international ire. A physical test with data all canned gives a boost to strategic capability. While the MEA may have made the right move by discounting any objective or country being focused upon by India’s ASAT programme, it is important that the successful test has been done at a time when the subcontinent has just emerged from its latest crisis involving a near showdown between India and Pakistan. Pakistan is known for its copy cat approach and it could just be tempted to acquire such a capability of its own; of course with the assistance of its all-weather friend, China. Affordability is not something Pakistan usually looks at despite its almost paralysed economy. There are fast emerging technologies in this field and we have to hear more about India’s progress in the anti-ballistic missile (ABM) domain for a future ‘iron dome’ concept. The US and Russia have the capabilities of launching an ASAT from the ship, land and space, while India, presently, has used a land installation. No doubt progress towards that will also be made as ISRO has demonstrated. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Having an eye in sky in form of satellites is a major advantage for militaries

Satellite images analyzed by experts on Wednesday show the partial reconstruction of facilities at the satellite launching base in Sohae, North Korea, which the regime had started to dismantle last year, and which had shown no activity for months.

The satellite images analyzed, captured on March 2, two days after the Hanoi summit that concluded without an agreement between the US and North Korea, show that reconstruction has begun on the launch pad and the vertical test bench for rocket engines.

The images analyzed separately by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and the website 38 North (both based in Washington DC), show that the vertical test stand has been partially rebuilt and around it are construction cranes, vehicles and various supplies.

The images also show that on the launch pad, the rail-mounted transfer building is being reassembled and support cranes are visible at the base, located in the northwest of the country, close to the border with China.

North Korea began to dismantle these two key facilities at Sohae last June, after the first summit between the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/no-meeting-with-china-as-north-korea-leader-kim-jong-uns-train-makes-no-stop-in-beijing-201088">North Korean leader Kim Jong Un</a> and US president Donald Trump, in Singapore.

Although the regime did not commit to dismantling Sohae on paper, Trump assured that Kim himself had given him his word that he would dismantle the launch site, and the works to dismantle the base were interpreted as a gesture showing the willingness of Pyongyang to advance towards denuclearization.

The reasons why the regime has opted to restore these structures are unknown, as well as the exact date on which the reconstruction work began, it must be some time between February 16 and March 2 based on previous satellite images.

CSIS analysts believe that it could indicate that North Korea wants to be defiant after the US rejected its demands for the lifting of sanctions at the summit in Hanoi.

Pyongyang and Washington DC give different versions of what each side put on the table, but the Hanoi meeting made it clear that the disagreement circles around the number of North Korean nuclear program facilities and assets that should be dismantled and the selection and extend of international sanctions on Pyongyang that would be alleviated in return.

Satellite images analyzed by experts on Wednesday show the partial reconstruction of facilities at the satellite launching base in Sohae, North Korea, which the regime had started to dismantle last year, and which had shown no activity for months.

Satellite images analyzed by experts on Wednesday show the partial reconstruction of facilities at the satellite launching base in Sohae, North Korea, which the regime had started to dismantle last year, and which had shown no activity for months. The satellite images analyzed, captured on March 2, two days after the Hanoi summit that concluded without an agreement between the US and North Korea, show that reconstruction has begun on the launch pad and the vertical test bench for rocket engines. The images analyzed separately by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and the website 38 North (both based in Washington DC), show that the vertical test stand has been partially rebuilt and around it are construction cranes, vehicles and various supplies. The images also show that on the launch pad, the rail-mounted transfer building is being reassembled and support cranes are visible at the base, located in the northwest of the country, close to the border with China. North Korea began to dismantle these two key facilities at Sohae last June, after the first summit between the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US president Donald Trump, in Singapore. Although the regime did not commit to dismantling Sohae on paper, Trump assured that Kim himself had given him his word that he would dismantle the launch site, and the works to dismantle the base were interpreted as a gesture showing the willingness of Pyongyang to advance towards denuclearization. The reasons why the regime has opted to restore these structures are unknown, as well as the exact date on which the reconstruction work began, it must be some time between February 16 and March 2 based on previous satellite images. CSIS analysts believe that it could indicate that North Korea wants to be defiant after the US rejected its demands for the lifting of sanctions at the summit in Hanoi. Pyongyang and Washington DC give different versions of what each side put on the table, but the Hanoi meeting made it clear that the disagreement circles around the number of North Korean nuclear program facilities and assets that should be dismantled and the selection and extend of international sanctions on Pyongyang that would be alleviated in return.

Satellites detect partial reconstruction of North Korean missile base

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/coalition-of-us-states-sue-trump-administration-in-showdown-over-border-wall-funds-198324">President Donald Trump</a> signed an order Tuesday outlining his vision for a new "Space Force" that could one day become a separate military branch on an equal footing to the Army and Navy.

Trump wants to create a space force to protect satellites, tackle vulnerabilities in space and assert US dominance in orbit.

"We have to be prepared," Trump told reporters after signing the directive.

"My administration has made the creation of a space force a national security issue."

Space Force would be the sixth branch of the military alongside the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard.

The order calls for Congress to draft legislation that would establish Space Force as a branch that falls under the Air Force, similar to how the Navy oversees the Marine Corps.

Defence Department spokesman Charlie Summers said the Pentagon would submit its legislative proposal within the coming weeks.

With the new directive, "Trump is posturing the United States to compete, deter, and win in a complex multi-domain environment characterized by great power competition," Summers said in a statement.

The Air Force said a space force would work "to ensure unfettered access to, and freedom to operate in space, and to provide vital capabilities to joint and coalition forces."

But the creation of Space Force is by no means a done deal, as it must be vetted and approved by Congress.&nbsp;

Lawmakers and defence officials have reacted with scepticism, wary of the cost and added bureaucracy.

Space plays a vital role in just about every aspect of modern warfare, with many military technologies reliant on a network of orbiting sensors and satellites, and the Pentagon has warned that countries such as Russia and China are working to build anti-satellite capabilities.

President Donald Trump signed an order Tuesday outlining his vision for a new "Space Force" that could one day become a separate military branch on an equal footing to the Army and Navy.

President Donald Trump signed an order Tuesday outlining his vision for a new "Space Force" that could one day become a separate military branch on an equal footing to the Army and Navy. Trump wants to create a space force to protect satellites, tackle vulnerabilities in space and assert US dominance in orbit. "We have to be prepared," Trump told reporters after signing the directive. "My administration has made the creation of a space force a national security issue." Space Force would be the sixth branch of the military alongside the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard. The order calls for Congress to draft legislation that would establish Space Force as a branch that falls under the Air Force, similar to how the Navy oversees the Marine Corps. Defence Department spokesman Charlie Summers said the Pentagon would submit its legislative proposal within the coming weeks. With the new directive, "Trump is posturing the United States to compete, deter, and win in a complex multi-domain environment characterized by great power competition," Summers said in a statement. The Air Force said a space force would work "to ensure unfettered access to, and freedom to operate in space, and to provide vital capabilities to joint and coalition forces." But the creation of Space Force is by no means a done deal, as it must be vetted and approved by Congress. Lawmakers and defence officials have reacted with scepticism, wary of the cost and added bureaucracy. Space plays a vital role in just about every aspect of modern warfare, with many military technologies reliant on a network of orbiting sensors and satellites, and the Pentagon has warned that countries such as Russia and China are working to build anti-satellite capabilities.

Trump signs 'Space Force' directive

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-to-launch-two-satellites-in-coming-days-190236">Iran's bid to launch a satellite</a> has failed, Telecoms Minister Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi said on Tuesday, after it ignored US&nbsp;warnings to avoid such activity.

Washington warned Tehran this month against undertaking three planned rocket launches that it said would violate a UN&nbsp;Security Council resolution because they use ballistic missile technology.

The United States is concerned that the long-range ballistic technology used to put satellites into orbit can also be used to launch warheads.

In a tweet on Tuesday, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Iran had carried out the launch "in defiance of the international community" and added: "The launch yet again shows that Iran is pursuing enhanced missile capabilities that threaten Europe and the Middle East."

In a subsequent statement, Pompeo said the launch furthered Iran`s ability to eventually build an intercontinental ballistic missile. 
&nbsp; 
"We have been clear that we will not stand for Iran’s flagrant disregard for international norms," he said. "The United States is working with our allies and partners to counter the entire range of the Islamic Republic’s threats."

Iran, which considers its space programme a matter of national pride, has said its space vehicle launches and missile tests were not violations and would continue.

Under the United Nations Security Council resolution that enshrined Iran`s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers - which Washington pulled out of last spring - the country is "called upon" to refrain from work on ballistic missiles designed to deliver nuclear weapons for up to eight years.

Azari-Jahromi said the satellite, named Payam, failed in the third stage of the launch because it "did not reach adequate speed," according to a report on the ministry`s website.

The satellite was intended to be used for imaging and communications purposes and was mounted with four cameras, according to the report.&nbsp; 
The satellite was intended to stay at an altitude of 500 km for about three years. 
&nbsp; 
Another satellite named Doosti is waiting to be launched, Azari-Jahromi tweeted.

"We should not come up short or stop," Azari-Jahromi wrote on Twitter after announcing the failed launch. "It`s exactly in these circumstances that we Iranians are different than other people in spirit and bravery."

Iran launched its first domestically built satellite, the OMID (Hope) research and telecoms satellite in 2009 on the 30th anniversary of the country’s 1979 Islamic revolution in 2009.

The 40th anniversary falls in February.

Iran's bid to launch a satellite has failed, Telecoms Minister Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi said on Tuesday, after it ignored US warnings to avoid such activity.

Iran's bid to launch a satellite has failed, Telecoms Minister Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi said on Tuesday, after it ignored US warnings to avoid such activity. Washington warned Tehran this month against undertaking three planned rocket launches that it said would violate a UN Security Council resolution because they use ballistic missile technology. The United States is concerned that the long-range ballistic technology used to put satellites into orbit can also be used to launch warheads. In a tweet on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Iran had carried out the launch "in defiance of the international community" and added: "The launch yet again shows that Iran is pursuing enhanced missile capabilities that threaten Europe and the Middle East." In a subsequent statement, Pompeo said the launch furthered Iran`s ability to eventually build an intercontinental ballistic missile. "We have been clear that we will not stand for Iran’s flagrant disregard for international norms," he said. "The United States is working with our allies and partners to counter the entire range of the Islamic Republic’s threats." Iran, which considers its space programme a matter of national pride, has said its space vehicle launches and missile tests were not violations and would continue. Under the United Nations Security Council resolution that enshrined Iran`s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers - which Washington pulled out of last spring - the country is "called upon" to refrain from work on ballistic missiles designed to deliver nuclear weapons for up to eight years. Azari-Jahromi said the satellite, named Payam, failed in the third stage of the launch because it "did not reach adequate speed," according to a report on the ministry`s website. The satellite was intended to be used for imaging and communications purposes and was mounted with four cameras, according to the report. The satellite was intended to stay at an altitude of 500 km for about three years. Another satellite named Doosti is waiting to be launched, Azari-Jahromi tweeted. "We should not come up short or stop," Azari-Jahromi wrote on Twitter after announcing the failed launch. "It`s exactly in these circumstances that we Iranians are different than other people in spirit and bravery." Iran launched its first domestically built satellite, the OMID (Hope) research and telecoms satellite in 2009 on the 30th anniversary of the country’s 1979 Islamic revolution in 2009. The 40th anniversary falls in February.

Iran satellite launch fails after US warning

The 28-hour countdown for the launch of earth observation satellite HysISalong with 30 satellites from eight countries on board <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-to-launch-gsat-29-shortly-satellite-to-meet-communication-needs-of-remote-areas-177320">ISRO</a>'s trusted workhorse PSLV-C43 began at 5.58 AM on Wednesday.

The launch is scheduled at 9.58 am on Thursday from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh about 110 km from Chennai, said Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

"The countdown for the launch of PSLV-C43/HysIS mission started today at 05:58 hrs IST," it said.

The space agency said fuel filling of a PS4 stage (fourth stage) has been completed.

The Hyper Spectral Imaging Satellite (HysIS), an earth observation satellite developed by ISRO, is the primary satellite of the PSLV-C43 mission.

The mass of the spacecraft is about 380 kg, the space agency said adding that the satellite would be placed in 636 km-polar sun-synchronous orbits with an inclination of 97.957 degrees.

The primary goal of HysIS, whose mission life is five years, is to study the earth's surface invisible near infrared and shortwave infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.

The co-passengers of HysIS include 1 micro and 29 nanosatellites from eight different countries.

All these satellites have been commercially contracted for launch through ISRO's commercial arm Antrix Corporation Limited.

All the satellites would be placed in a 504 km orbit by PSLV-C43, the space agency said PSLV is a four-stage launch vehicle with alternating solid and liquid stages.

PSLV-C43, which is the 45th flight of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), is the 'Core Alone' version of PSLV.

It is the lightest version of the launch vehicle. This will be ISRO's second launch in the month.

The space agency had launched its latest communication satellite GSAT-29 on board GSLV MkIII-D2 on November 14.

The 28-hour countdown for the launch of earth observation satellite HysISalong with 30 satellites from eight countries on board ISRO's trusted workhorse PSLV-C43 began at 5.

The 28-hour countdown for the launch of earth observation satellite HysISalong with 30 satellites from eight countries on board ISRO's trusted workhorse PSLV-C43 began at 5.58 AM on Wednesday. The launch is scheduled at 9.58 am on Thursday from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh about 110 km from Chennai, said Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). "The countdown for the launch of PSLV-C43/HysIS mission started today at 05:58 hrs IST," it said. The space agency said fuel filling of a PS4 stage (fourth stage) has been completed. The Hyper Spectral Imaging Satellite (HysIS), an earth observation satellite developed by ISRO, is the primary satellite of the PSLV-C43 mission. The mass of the spacecraft is about 380 kg, the space agency said adding that the satellite would be placed in 636 km-polar sun-synchronous orbits with an inclination of 97.957 degrees. The primary goal of HysIS, whose mission life is five years, is to study the earth's surface invisible near infrared and shortwave infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The co-passengers of HysIS include 1 micro and 29 nanosatellites from eight different countries. All these satellites have been commercially contracted for launch through ISRO's commercial arm Antrix Corporation Limited. All the satellites would be placed in a 504 km orbit by PSLV-C43, the space agency said PSLV is a four-stage launch vehicle with alternating solid and liquid stages. PSLV-C43, which is the 45th flight of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), is the 'Core Alone' version of PSLV. It is the lightest version of the launch vehicle. This will be ISRO's second launch in the month. The space agency had launched its latest communication satellite GSAT-29 on board GSLV MkIII-D2 on November 14.

ISRO's PSLV-C43 all set to launch 31 satellites on Thursday

Turkey&rsquo;s Turksat 5A and 5B satellites will be launched by Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX), Turkish Transport Minister Ahmet Arslan said on Thursday.

&ldquo;Our friends decided to launch our satellites with the Falcon 9 rockets of Airbus&rsquo; subcontractor, SpaceX,&rdquo; Arslan said at an event in Istanbul. The agreement to build and launch satellites will be worth around $500 million, Turksat Chairman said during his speech at the same event.

In October, Airbus submitted the best bid to build the satellites. The 5A satellite will be launched in 2020 and the 5B in 2021.

Elon Musk, chief executive of American electric car maker Tesla and aerospace company SpaceX, met Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Wednesday and discussed cooperation between Tesla, SpaceX, and Turkish firms. Musk&rsquo;s SpaceX plans a manned mission to Mars by 2024 and a rocket capable of carrying passengers from one continent to another in less than an hour.

In October, Airbus submitted the best bid to build the satellites. The 5A satellite will be launched in 2020 and the 5B in 2021.

Turkey’s Turksat 5A and 5B satellites will be launched by Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX), Turkish Transport Minister Ahmet Arslan said on Thursday. “Our friends decided to launch our satellites with the Falcon 9 rockets of Airbus’ subcontractor, SpaceX,” Arslan said at an event in Istanbul. The agreement to build and launch satellites will be worth around $500 million, Turksat Chairman said during his speech at the same event. In October, Airbus submitted the best bid to build the satellites. The 5A satellite will be launched in 2020 and the 5B in 2021. Elon Musk, chief executive of American electric car maker Tesla and aerospace company SpaceX, met Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Wednesday and discussed cooperation between Tesla, SpaceX, and Turkish firms. Musk’s SpaceX plans a manned mission to Mars by 2024 and a rocket capable of carrying passengers from one continent to another in less than an hour.

Now, SpaceX to launch Turkish satellites

In a bid to win the competition in<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/be-good-audience-china-state-media-says-after-india-skips-obor-15593"> satellite communication, China plans to build global positioning</a> and navigation system in the next three years to join the big two - US and Russia- as the war in space technology hots up around the world.

China had launched the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-skips-chinas-obor-summit-over-sovereignty-concerns-15556">two BeiDou satellites officially called &nbsp;BeiDou Navigation Satellite </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-skips-chinas-obor-summit-over-sovereignty-concerns-15556">system</a>(BDS) into space on Sunday to increase its global footprint.&nbsp;

According to China&#39;s Global Times, the satellites were aboard a Long March-3B carrier rocket which took off from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the southwestern province of Sichuan.

The BeiDou satellites named after Chinese term for the plough or the Big Dipper constellation was started in 1994.

&quot;China plans to build BeiDou into a global positioning and navigation system by around 2020, making it the third country in the world after the United States and Russia to operate its own navigation system,&quot; China&#39;s Global Times said.

&quot;New technology has significantly improved the performance of the BeiDou-3, with the signal accuracy in space higher than half a meter while its positioning accuracy has reached 2.5 to five meters,&quot; the Global Times quoted Yang Changfeng, chief designer of the BeiDou system as saying.&nbsp;

China hopes the BeiDou satellite will prove to be a game-changer by expanding its footprints to countries along the One Belt, One Road(OBOR) route. Pakistan is set to be the biggest bineficiary of the project as it is a key ally of China over the OBOR project.

&quot;The BeiDou-2 is strategically the second step. Its positioning accuracy in regional wide was higher than 10 meters. The BeiDou-3 is scheduled to offer service to countries along the Belt and Road routes in 2018 and will go global in 2020,&quot; Deputy chief designer of the BeiDou-3 Project Xie Jun told Reuters. 
&nbsp; 
By around 2020, when the system goes global, it will have more than 30 satellites,&quot; the Global Times said.

The third generation BeiDou-3 satellites developed by China Academy of Space Technology and China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology has so far combined with various technologies such as big data, Internet of Things and telecommunications to provide richer comprehensive services, Reuters reported.

&quot;BeiDou-1 actually achieved providing positioning service to users on the ground or at low altitudes through satellites, which marked a milestone for China, &quot; Xie Jun told Reuters.

&quot;The satellite navigation system is actually a kind of space infrastructure. It is very important to traffic, power and statistics of cash flow among banks. These are lifelines to the nation. If we rely on foreign countries for these critical lifeline systems, strategically it is very dangerous to the national security,&quot; he said.

&quot;Our country must build its own self-developed BDS that can run independently,&quot; Xie asserted.

The BeiDou satellites named after Chinese term for the plough or the Big Dipper constellation was started in 1994.

In a bid to win the competition in satellite communication, China plans to build global positioning and navigation system in the next three years to join the big two - US and Russia- as the war in space technology hots up around the world. China had launched the two BeiDou satellites officially called BeiDou Navigation Satellite system(BDS) into space on Sunday to increase its global footprint. According to China's Global Times, the satellites were aboard a Long March-3B carrier rocket which took off from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the southwestern province of Sichuan. The BeiDou satellites named after Chinese term for the plough or the Big Dipper constellation was started in 1994. "China plans to build BeiDou into a global positioning and navigation system by around 2020, making it the third country in the world after the United States and Russia to operate its own navigation system," China's Global Times said. "New technology has significantly improved the performance of the BeiDou-3, with the signal accuracy in space higher than half a meter while its positioning accuracy has reached 2.5 to five meters," the Global Times quoted Yang Changfeng, chief designer of the BeiDou system as saying. China hopes the BeiDou satellite will prove to be a game-changer by expanding its footprints to countries along the One Belt, One Road(OBOR) route. Pakistan is set to be the biggest bineficiary of the project as it is a key ally of China over the OBOR project. "The BeiDou-2 is strategically the second step. Its positioning accuracy in regional wide was higher than 10 meters. The BeiDou-3 is scheduled to offer service to countries along the Belt and Road routes in 2018 and will go global in 2020," Deputy chief designer of the BeiDou-3 Project Xie Jun told Reuters. By around 2020, when the system goes global, it will have more than 30 satellites," the Global Times said. The third generation BeiDou-3 satellites developed by China Academy of Space Technology and China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology has so far combined with various technologies such as big data, Internet of Things and telecommunications to provide richer comprehensive services, Reuters reported. "BeiDou-1 actually achieved providing positioning service to users on the ground or at low altitudes through satellites, which marked a milestone for China, " Xie Jun told Reuters. "The satellite navigation system is actually a kind of space infrastructure. It is very important to traffic, power and statistics of cash flow among banks. These are lifelines to the nation. If we rely on foreign countries for these critical lifeline systems, strategically it is very dangerous to the national security," he said. "Our country must build its own self-developed BDS that can run independently," Xie asserted.

Eye on OBOR: After BeiDou satellite launch, China aims to build own global positioning system

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