In an unusual back-to-back setback for India's space agency, ISRO, both space missions undertaken in 2025 have encountered serious trouble. On Sunday, 18th May, barely eight minutes after liftoff, ISRO halted the live stream of the PSLV-C61/EOS-09 mission. As per initial information, the four-staged rocket encountered trouble mid-flight. "Up to the second stage, performance was normal. The third stage ignited, but we observed its functioning. The mission could not be accomplished. We are studying the data," said ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan towards the end of the official live stream.&nbsp;Over a dozen Indian Parliamentarians, who are part of the Parliamentary Standing Committee of Science and Technology, were at the spaceport in Sriharikota to witness ISRO's 101st rocket launch mission. Notably, the PSLV is ISRO's most-flown rocket and has a great track record of launching over two hundred satellites belonging to India and foreign customers. In its 63 launch missions to date, this is the third failure of the PSLV. &nbsp;Addressing journalists at the spaceport, the ISRO Chief elaborated on the observations. "The third stage of the PSLV uses a solid-fuel motor system. There was a fall in the chamber pressure in the motor case. We are studying the entire performance," Dr. Narayanan said.EOS-09 is a radar imaging satellite(earlier known as RISAT) that is capable of day and night imaging. It can see through clouds, deliver images under all weather conditions. This 1,700kg satellite was meant to have an operational life of at least five years. Ideally, the EOS-09 satellite should have been placed in its designated orbit, almost 18 minutes after liftoff.&nbsp;Radar imaging satellites are unique because they do not take pictures like a conventional camera-carrying satellite. Instead of giving an optics-based picture(like a photograph), the RISAT beams radar waves onto the Earth. The features on the Earth's surface (buildings, trees, mountains, water bodies, roads) reflect these radar waves back to the satellite. It is by collecting and processing the reflected radar waves that RISAT can provide the end product, which is round-the-clock, all-weather imagery. While conventional Optical satellite images are in colour, radar satellite images are inherently black and white.&nbsp;The launch of this strategic satellite comes a week after Nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan announced a ceasefire, following three days of a rapidly escalating war-like situation. However, it must be emphasised that the space launch mission taking place at this time is a mere coincidence. The PSLV rocket takes a little over a month to assemble, and it takes well over a year to build a satellite like EOS-09. At the Indian Spaceport, the preparations for this launch are said to have commenced in mid-March, more than a month before the situation between India and Pakistan deteriorated.&nbsp;Following the April 22nd Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan had cited the need for launching 100-150 satellites to keep a constant vigil over India's 7,500 km long coastline and 15,000 km long land borders.At present, India operates multiple satellites for strategic purposes, this includes the Cartosat series of satellites, the RISAT(Radar imaging satellites) series, EMISAT etc. In addition to this, there are large communication satellites such as GSAT-7 that caters to the Indian Navy and the GSAT-7A that caters to the Indian Air Force and Strategic Forces Command.&nbsp;Strategic satellite NVS-02 faced a setback in February 2025&nbsp;In February 2025, ISRO announced that its NVS-02 satellite, which is meant to serve strategic purposes, remains stuck in an initial orbit, and it has not been possible to move it to its intended orbit. Satellites have to be placed in their precise orbital slots to perform their designated role. After the announcement of the setback in February, ISRO had not provided any further updates.&nbsp;Satellites are moved from one orbit to another by firing their liquid-fuelled engines that burn a fuel and oxidiser combination. In this case, it had not been possible to fire the engine and raise the satellite's orbit, due to a suspected electrical issue with the valve that releases the oxidiser. The 2,250kg NVS-02 satellite was launched by a GSLV-Mk2 rocket on January 29th, in what was ISRO's 100th rocket launch mission from the country's premier Sriharikota spaceport.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In an unusual back-to-back setback for India's space agency, ISRO, both space missions undertaken in 2025 have encountered serious trouble. On Sunday, 18th May, barely eight minutes after liftoff, ISRO halted the live stream of the PSLV-C61/EOS-09 mission.

In an unusual back-to-back setback for India's space agency, ISRO, both space missions undertaken in 2025 have encountered serious trouble. On Sunday, 18th May, barely eight minutes after liftoff, ISRO halted the live stream of the PSLV-C61/EOS-09 mission. As per initial information, the four-staged rocket encountered trouble mid-flight. "Up to the second stage, performance was normal. The third stage ignited, but we observed its functioning. The mission could not be accomplished. We are studying the data," said ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan towards the end of the official live stream. Over a dozen Indian Parliamentarians, who are part of the Parliamentary Standing Committee of Science and Technology, were at the spaceport in Sriharikota to witness ISRO's 101st rocket launch mission. Notably, the PSLV is ISRO's most-flown rocket and has a great track record of launching over two hundred satellites belonging to India and foreign customers. In its 63 launch missions to date, this is the third failure of the PSLV. Addressing journalists at the spaceport, the ISRO Chief elaborated on the observations. "The third stage of the PSLV uses a solid-fuel motor system. There was a fall in the chamber pressure in the motor case. We are studying the entire performance," Dr. Narayanan said. EOS-09 is a radar imaging satellite(earlier known as RISAT) that is capable of day and night imaging. It can see through clouds, deliver images under all weather conditions. This 1,700kg satellite was meant to have an operational life of at least five years. Ideally, the EOS-09 satellite should have been placed in its designated orbit, almost 18 minutes after liftoff. Radar imaging satellites are unique because they do not take pictures like a conventional camera-carrying satellite. Instead of giving an optics-based picture(like a photograph), the RISAT beams radar waves onto the Earth. The features on the Earth's surface (buildings, trees, mountains, water bodies, roads) reflect these radar waves back to the satellite. It is by collecting and processing the reflected radar waves that RISAT can provide the end product, which is round-the-clock, all-weather imagery. While conventional Optical satellite images are in colour, radar satellite images are inherently black and white. The launch of this strategic satellite comes a week after Nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan announced a ceasefire, following three days of a rapidly escalating war-like situation. However, it must be emphasised that the space launch mission taking place at this time is a mere coincidence. The PSLV rocket takes a little over a month to assemble, and it takes well over a year to build a satellite like EOS-09. At the Indian Spaceport, the preparations for this launch are said to have commenced in mid-March, more than a month before the situation between India and Pakistan deteriorated. Following the April 22nd Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan had cited the need for launching 100-150 satellites to keep a constant vigil over India's 7,500 km long coastline and 15,000 km long land borders. At present, India operates multiple satellites for strategic purposes, this includes the Cartosat series of satellites, the RISAT(Radar imaging satellites) series, EMISAT etc. In addition to this, there are large communication satellites such as GSAT-7 that caters to the Indian Navy and the GSAT-7A that caters to the Indian Air Force and Strategic Forces Command. Strategic satellite NVS-02 faced a setback in February 2025 In February 2025, ISRO announced that its NVS-02 satellite, which is meant to serve strategic purposes, remains stuck in an initial orbit, and it has not been possible to move it to its intended orbit. Satellites have to be placed in their precise orbital slots to perform their designated role. After the announcement of the setback in February, ISRO had not provided any further updates. Satellites are moved from one orbit to another by firing their liquid-fuelled engines that burn a fuel and oxidiser combination. In this case, it had not been possible to fire the engine and raise the satellite's orbit, due to a suspected electrical issue with the valve that releases the oxidiser. The 2,250kg NVS-02 satellite was launched by a GSLV-Mk2 rocket on January 29th, in what was ISRO's 100th rocket launch mission from the country's premier Sriharikota spaceport.

In an unusual back-to-back setback for India's space agency, ISRO, both space missions undertaken in 2025 have encountered serious trouble. On Sunday, 18th May, barely eight minutes after liftoff, ISRO halted the live stream of the PSLV-C61/EOS-09 mission.

ISRO space missions NVS-02 and PSLV-C61 face setbacks in 2025

The Indian government has appointed a new chief for the Indian space agency ISRO. Dr. V. Narayanan, who currently serves as the Director of ISRO's rocket and satellite engine development facility, will take charge from January 14th, barely a week from now. Dr. V. Narayanan will succeed incumbent ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath, who has delivered stellar success over the last three years.

V Narayanan Appointed New Space Secretary & ISRO Chief, Will Take Over From S Somanath

The world is set to receive the biggest meteor shower on Earth and NASA has suggested that Americans must leave the cities this weekend and travel to areas where they can witness the magic of the Perseid meteor shower.

The Perseid meteor shower is expected to peak from the evening of Sunday and go on till Monday in which nearly 50 to 75 shooting stars will be visible every hour.

However, the US space agency has warned that the cosmic show might not be visible in its best form in the urban areas because of the light pollution.&nbsp;

NASA has suggested the skygazers move outside between 12 am and 5:30 am to witness the meteors which is expected to appear in the northeastern sky.

The peak period in a meteor shower generally occurs when the sky is dark with no moon which forms the perfect backdrop for such a cosmic event.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/delta-aquariids-meteor-shower-to-peak-this-week-how-when-and-where-to-watch-celestial-event-745148">Delta Aquariids meteor shower to peak this week. How, when and where to watch celestial event</a>

"Try to get to the darkest location you can. The darker it is where you are, the more meteors you will see streaking across the sky," wrote NASA, in its press release.

The Perseid meteor shower started on July 14 and will continue till September 1, however, the best viewing is this weekend.

NASA has given the annual meteor showers the nickname of the 'fireball champion' for creating the highest number of super bright meteors.&nbsp;

<h2>Here's the best way to watch Perseid meteor shower</h2>

For those wishing to watch the Perseid meteor shower, first one should find a place outside the city that has very little light pollution and a clear view of the sky.

To locate the meteor shower, the skygazers need to find the Perseus constellation which is the 24th largest constellation present in the sky. In the night sky, this constellation is located in the northern region.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Stuck in space for 52 days, no way home for astronauts; Helium leaks delaying return

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/stuck-in-space-for-52-days-no-way-home-for-astronauts-helium-leaks-delaying-return-746104/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

After finding the dark sky location all one needs to do is look up at the stars. The meteors will appear the brightest when it is the darkest period of the night sky that is during the pre-dawn hours after the moon has set and the sun has not risen.

The Perseids meteors will appear in the Northeast where the constellation Perseus will rise after the sky gets dark.&nbsp;

The sky-gazers should avoid looking at their phones or any sources of white light when watching meteors because they will disturb their night vision. People should avoid using a telescope or binoculars to locate the Perseids.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The world is set to receive the biggest meteor shower on Earth and NASA has suggested that Americans must leave the cities this weekend and travel to areas where they can witness the magic of the Perseid meteor shower.

The world is set to receive the biggest meteor shower on Earth and NASA has suggested that Americans must leave the cities this weekend and travel to areas where they can witness the magic of the Perseid meteor shower. The Perseid meteor shower is expected to peak from the evening of Sunday and go on till Monday in which nearly 50 to 75 shooting stars will be visible every hour. However, the US space agency has warned that the cosmic show might not be visible in its best form in the urban areas because of the light pollution. NASA has suggested the skygazers move outside between 12 am and 5:30 am to witness the meteors which is expected to appear in the northeastern sky. The peak period in a meteor shower generally occurs when the sky is dark with no moon which forms the perfect backdrop for such a cosmic event. Also Read: Delta Aquariids meteor shower to peak this week. How, when and where to watch celestial event "Try to get to the darkest location you can. The darker it is where you are, the more meteors you will see streaking across the sky," wrote NASA, in its press release. The Perseid meteor shower started on July 14 and will continue till September 1, however, the best viewing is this weekend. NASA has given the annual meteor showers the nickname of the 'fireball champion' for creating the highest number of super bright meteors. Here's the best way to watch Perseid meteor shower For those wishing to watch the Perseid meteor shower, first one should find a place outside the city that has very little light pollution and a clear view of the sky. To locate the meteor shower, the skygazers need to find the Perseus constellation which is the 24th largest constellation present in the sky. In the night sky, this constellation is located in the northern region. Watch: Stuck in space for 52 days, no way home for astronauts; Helium leaks delaying return After finding the dark sky location all one needs to do is look up at the stars. The meteors will appear the brightest when it is the darkest period of the night sky that is during the pre-dawn hours after the moon has set and the sun has not risen. The Perseids meteors will appear in the Northeast where the constellation Perseus will rise after the sky gets dark. The sky-gazers should avoid looking at their phones or any sources of white light when watching meteors because they will disturb their night vision. People should avoid using a telescope or binoculars to locate the Perseids. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA issues Perseid meteor shower alert! Space agency asks Americans to flee cities

NASA has awarded nearly $1.5 million each to seven companies for studies aimed at exploring more cost-effective methods for the Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission. The&nbsp; program, which has encountered challenges due to its high cost is currently estimated at $11 billion and involves a&nbsp;plan requiring multiple launches to Mars.

Given the high costs and complexities, NASA is seeking simpler and more affordable methods through studies submitted by industry and academic groups. These studies are aimed at optimising the MSR architecture to reduce risks, expedite the timeline, and lower costs.

MSR, a multi-mission campaign with the ambitious goal of collecting samples from the surface of Mars and returning them to Earth, is a collaborative effort between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).

The selected companies, including Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, Blue Origin, Quantum Space, and Northrop Grumman, will each conduct ten three-month-long studies to develop innovative approaches.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/washington-vancouver-island-as-epicentres-of-future-cascadian-earthquakes-study-729911">Washington, Vancouver Island as epicentres of future Cascadian earthquakes: Study</a>

The mission, in its original form, would place a Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) on the Martian surface to retrieve samples collected by the Perseverance rover. These samples would then be launched into orbit by the MAV, where a spacecraft would collect them and return them to Earth.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-remains-of-smallest-known-great-ape-in-germany-729800">Scientists find remains of smallest known great ape in Germany</a>

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, along with Johns Hopkins' Applied Physics Laboratory, is also contributing to these studies. NASA is planning to review all findings to consider possible modifications or improvements to the MSR mission plan.

<h2>Looking into innovative ideas</h2>

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said that the mission will be "critical to carry it out more quickly, with less risk, and at a lower cost." He added, "I'm excited to see the vision that these companies, centres, and partners present as we look for fresh, exciting, and innovative ideas to uncover great cosmic secrets from the Red Planet."

Watch | Energy drinks linked to sudden cardiac arrests, says new study | Gravitas

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/energy-drinks-linked-to-sudden-cardiac-arrests-says-new-study-gravitas-729751/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Mars Sample Return mission is part of NASA's broader effort to understand Mars' early history and the formation and evolution of habitable worlds, including Earth.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA has awarded nearly $1.5 million each to seven companies for studies aimed at exploring more cost-effective methods for the Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission.

NASA has awarded nearly $1.5 million each to seven companies for studies aimed at exploring more cost-effective methods for the Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission. The program, which has encountered challenges due to its high cost is currently estimated at $11 billion and involves a plan requiring multiple launches to Mars. Given the high costs and complexities, NASA is seeking simpler and more affordable methods through studies submitted by industry and academic groups. These studies are aimed at optimising the MSR architecture to reduce risks, expedite the timeline, and lower costs. MSR, a multi-mission campaign with the ambitious goal of collecting samples from the surface of Mars and returning them to Earth, is a collaborative effort between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). The selected companies, including Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, Blue Origin, Quantum Space, and Northrop Grumman, will each conduct ten three-month-long studies to develop innovative approaches. Also Read | Washington, Vancouver Island as epicentres of future Cascadian earthquakes: Study The mission, in its original form, would place a Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) on the Martian surface to retrieve samples collected by the Perseverance rover. These samples would then be launched into orbit by the MAV, where a spacecraft would collect them and return them to Earth. Also Read | Scientists find remains of smallest known great ape in Germany NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, along with Johns Hopkins' Applied Physics Laboratory, is also contributing to these studies. NASA is planning to review all findings to consider possible modifications or improvements to the MSR mission plan. Looking into innovative ideas NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said that the mission will be "critical to carry it out more quickly, with less risk, and at a lower cost." He added, "I'm excited to see the vision that these companies, centres, and partners present as we look for fresh, exciting, and innovative ideas to uncover great cosmic secrets from the Red Planet." Watch | Energy drinks linked to sudden cardiac arrests, says new study | Gravitas × The Mars Sample Return mission is part of NASA's broader effort to understand Mars' early history and the formation and evolution of habitable worlds, including Earth. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA awards over $10mn grants to explore innovative Mars sample return methods

In hopes of turning science fiction into reality, NASA has been funding projects which seem far from reality, but if completed can take mankind's achievements in space to new heights.

In hopes of turning science fiction into reality, NASA has been funding projects which seem far from reality, but if completed can take mankind's achievements in space to new heights. Speaking about such ambitious projects, even the space agency's representative John Nelson calls them "science fiction-like concepts". Although there is no guarantee of them materialising, projects like the lunar rail system may become part of an aerospace mission someday. What are these 'ambitious' projects of NASA? These 'ambitious' projects include a fluid-based telescope, a transit system to transfer humans and cargo to Mars and a lunar railway system. These projects are part of NASA's Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) programme that has been set aside to be funded for continuous research. Also Read: 'Grab your popcorn', NASA just released mesmerising Nebula timelapses captured by Chandra observatory In all, there are six projects and each of them has completed the initial NIAC phase. Moving into Phase II, the conceptual studies will get more than $600,000 for continuing their research in the next two years. No guarantee of success These projects are still in the exploratory stage and there is no guarantee of success. However, the projects have been moving on the intended path for a future aerospace mission if they reach the final NIAC phase. NIAC programme executive at NASA headquarters in Washington John Nelson said, "Our NIAC fellows never cease to amaze and inspire, and this class definitely gives NASA a lot to think about in terms of what's possible in the future." To advance this space research, a fundamental requirement is ever-larger telescope development. According to NASA's Edward Balaban, it does not appear economically viable to scale current space telescope technologies to aperture sizes beyond 10 metres. "Thus, there is a need for cost-effective solutions to scale space telescopes to larger sizes," he said. What do these projects promise? The FLUTE project gives a potential solution for creating space observatories which have a large aperture or unsegmented liquid primary mirrors. Such liquid primary mirrors get formed in space with the use of fluidic shaping in microgravity, said Balaban. Watch: Strongest sign of alien found: The search for life beyond earth The scientists have already demonstrated this concept in laboratories amid neutral buoyancy environments, aboard the International Space Station and during parabolic microgravity flights. Meanwhile, another project of NASA is the Pulsed Plasma Rocket entailing electric spacecraft propulsion. As of now, no technology allows the shifting of humans and cargo efficiently and rapidly through the vast distances of space. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA working on building rail tracks on Moon, sending humans and cargo to Mars

Boeing Starliner's debut crew, Sunita Williams and Barry Butch Wilmore are super excited for their liftoff.

While talking to the reporters on Wednesday (May 1), the astronauts said that their test pilot experience with the US Navy will help them assess the spacecraft during its debut crewed launch.&nbsp;

The liftoff is set for Monday (May 6) at 10:34 p.m. EDT (0234 GMT May 7), and the event will be live-streamed via NASA Television.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/boeing-aim-may-6th-for-first-starliner-astronaut-mission-715135">Sunita Williams set to pilot Starliner spacecraft for her first trip to ISS in 12 years</a>

Wilmore and Williams, both ex-Navy test pilots, aim to dock at the space station on May 8th. If their mission goes well, they'll return to Earth around May 15.

"It almost feels unreal," said Williams, who will be the mission pilot. The discussion was conducted remotely because both Williams and Wilmore are currently quarantining for the impending journey.

Notably, its historic liftoff will mount both the astronauts atop the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket — another first for humans.&nbsp;

Sunita Williams is going to the International Space Station after 12 years. Williams boasts a seasoned career with two previous space missions under her belt — Expeditions 14/15 and 32/33.

<h2>About the&nbsp;Starliner mission</h2>

A successful mission paves the way for regular Starliner crew rotations starting in 2025, with launches alternating between Boeing's Starliner and SpaceX's Crew Dragon. This would provide NASA with a robust two-company system for ferrying astronauts to the station.

Since the beginning, NASA's plan was to have both SpaceX and Boeing operational. This means their Crew Dragon and Starliner capsules would act as backups for each other. In case of technical problems or delays with one spacecraft, astronauts could still launch on the other. This two-capsule system provides redundancy and ensures a more reliable path to space for NASA's crews.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/spiders-on-mars-esas-mars-express-captures-unique-phenomenon-on-the-red-planet-714917">Spiders on Mars? European mission captures weird black spots near Inca City</a>

NASA at first did not envision that SpaceX’s Crew Dragon would function on its own for nearly four years before Boeing’s Starliner reached its first crewed test flight.

Earlier in 2014, when NASA awarded contracts to SpaceX and Boeing, the space agency initially leaned towards Boeing as it has been a trusted partner since the mid-20th century. However, SpaceX on the other hand, was a young and ambitious company, seen by some at NASA as a bit of a gamble.

(With inputs from agencies)

Boeing Starliner's debut crew, Sunita Williams and Barry Butch Wilmore are super excited for their liftoff. While talking to the reporters on Wednesday (May 1), the astronauts said that their test pilot experience with the US Navy will help them assess the spacecraft during its debut crewed launch.

Boeing Starliner's debut crew, Sunita Williams and Barry Butch Wilmore are super excited for their liftoff. While talking to the reporters on Wednesday (May 1), the astronauts said that their test pilot experience with the US Navy will help them assess the spacecraft during its debut crewed launch. The liftoff is set for Monday (May 6) at 10:34 p.m. EDT (0234 GMT May 7), and the event will be live-streamed via NASA Television. Also read: Sunita Williams set to pilot Starliner spacecraft for her first trip to ISS in 12 years Wilmore and Williams, both ex-Navy test pilots, aim to dock at the space station on May 8th. If their mission goes well, they'll return to Earth around May 15. "It almost feels unreal," said Williams, who will be the mission pilot. The discussion was conducted remotely because both Williams and Wilmore are currently quarantining for the impending journey. Notably, its historic liftoff will mount both the astronauts atop the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket — another first for humans. Sunita Williams is going to the International Space Station after 12 years. Williams boasts a seasoned career with two previous space missions under her belt — Expeditions 14/15 and 32/33. About the Starliner mission A successful mission paves the way for regular Starliner crew rotations starting in 2025, with launches alternating between Boeing's Starliner and SpaceX's Crew Dragon. This would provide NASA with a robust two-company system for ferrying astronauts to the station. Since the beginning, NASA's plan was to have both SpaceX and Boeing operational. This means their Crew Dragon and Starliner capsules would act as backups for each other. In case of technical problems or delays with one spacecraft, astronauts could still launch on the other. This two-capsule system provides redundancy and ensures a more reliable path to space for NASA's crews. Also read: Spiders on Mars? European mission captures weird black spots near Inca City NASA at first did not envision that SpaceX’s Crew Dragon would function on its own for nearly four years before Boeing’s Starliner reached its first crewed test flight. Earlier in 2014, when NASA awarded contracts to SpaceX and Boeing, the space agency initially leaned towards Boeing as it has been a trusted partner since the mid-20th century. However, SpaceX on the other hand, was a young and ambitious company, seen by some at NASA as a bit of a gamble. (With inputs from agencies)

Sunita Williams excited for first-ever human launch of Boeing Starliner

Japan's launch of an H-IIA rocket, carrying a moon lander into space, has been postponed due to unfavourable wind conditions in the upper atmosphere, according to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), the operator of the rocket, media reports said. The announcement was made through MHI's launch services unit on the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, just 24 minutes before the scheduled launch time. The mission was cancelled "because it was confirmed that the upper wind does not satisfy the constraints at launch," MHI's launch services unit said.&nbsp;

The launch was planned to take place at 9:26 am local time (0026 GMT) on Monday (August 28) from the Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan, operated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

JAXA, during its live YouTube stream, indicated that further information would be provided by MHI.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-authorities-to-ban-wearing-islamic-abayas-in-schools-629795">French authorities to ban wearing Islamic abayas in schools</a>

<h2>Third failed attempt&nbsp;</h2>

This is Japan's third failed moon mission. Japan's previous endeavours include an unsuccessful endeavour last year when they sought to achieve a lunar landing with the Omotenashi probe, transported by NASA's Artemis 1. Regrettably, this mission encountered setbacks leading to a loss of communication.

In the second failed attempt in April this year, a Japanese start-up ispace faced a setback in its ambitious aspiration to become the pioneering private enterprise to successfully land on the Moon. Unfortunately, communication was lost following what the company described as a "hard landing".

<h2>'Moon Sniper'&nbsp;</h2>

Dubbed the "Moon Sniper," JAXA's mission has earned this moniker due to its precise objective of achieving a lunar landing within a mere 100 meters (330 feet) of a designated target. This target range stands in stark contrast to the routine range of several kilometres.

Japan's space exploration journey has been marred by challenges in its rocket launches.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-definitely-be-left-alone-zelensky-says-allies-will-not-back-ukraine-in-hostilities-on-russian-soil-629791">'We will definitely be left alone': Zelensky says allies will not back Ukraine in hostilities on Russian soil</a>

The H3 model, touted as Japan's next-generation launch vehicle, experienced failures post liftoff in March. Moreover, the usually dependable solid-fuel Epsilon also encountered issues in October last year.

Watch | Iranian pop singer Mehdi Yarrahi under scanner for Hijab removal song

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iranian-pop-singer-mehdi-yarrahi-under-scanner-for-hijab-removal-song-629789/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

JAXA had plans to kick off Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM's) moon landing sometime between January and February 2024, This comes in the backdrop of the success of India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar exploration mission.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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">here</a>.
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Japan's launch of an H-IIA rocket, carrying a moon lander into space, has been postponed due to unfavourable wind conditions in the upper atmosphere, according to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), the operator of the rocket, media reports said.

Japan's launch of an H-IIA rocket, carrying a moon lander into space, has been postponed due to unfavourable wind conditions in the upper atmosphere, according to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), the operator of the rocket, media reports said. The announcement was made through MHI's launch services unit on the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, just 24 minutes before the scheduled launch time. The mission was cancelled "because it was confirmed that the upper wind does not satisfy the constraints at launch," MHI's launch services unit said. The launch was planned to take place at 9:26 am local time (0026 GMT) on Monday (August 28) from the Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan, operated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). JAXA, during its live YouTube stream, indicated that further information would be provided by MHI. Also Read | French authorities to ban wearing Islamic abayas in schools Third failed attempt This is Japan's third failed moon mission. Japan's previous endeavours include an unsuccessful endeavour last year when they sought to achieve a lunar landing with the Omotenashi probe, transported by NASA's Artemis 1. Regrettably, this mission encountered setbacks leading to a loss of communication. In the second failed attempt in April this year, a Japanese start-up ispace faced a setback in its ambitious aspiration to become the pioneering private enterprise to successfully land on the Moon. Unfortunately, communication was lost following what the company described as a "hard landing". 'Moon Sniper' Dubbed the "Moon Sniper," JAXA's mission has earned this moniker due to its precise objective of achieving a lunar landing within a mere 100 meters (330 feet) of a designated target. This target range stands in stark contrast to the routine range of several kilometres. Japan's space exploration journey has been marred by challenges in its rocket launches. Also Read | 'We will definitely be left alone': Zelensky says allies will not back Ukraine in hostilities on Russian soil The H3 model, touted as Japan's next-generation launch vehicle, experienced failures post liftoff in March. Moreover, the usually dependable solid-fuel Epsilon also encountered issues in October last year. Watch | Iranian pop singer Mehdi Yarrahi under scanner for Hijab removal song × JAXA had plans to kick off Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM's) moon landing sometime between January and February 2024, This comes in the backdrop of the success of India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar exploration mission. 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. ×

Japan postpones 'Moon Sniper' mission due to wind conditions

Rolls-Royce has secured a funding from UK Space Agency backing research by the British luxury carmaker into how nuclear power could be used to support a future moon base for astronauts.

In a statement, the aero-engine manufacturing business said that scientists and engineers at Rolls-Royce are working on the Micro-Reactor programme to develop technology that will provide power needed for humans to live and work on the Moon.&nbsp;

Nuclear power has the potential to "dramatically increase" the duration of future Lunar missions, the company said.&nbsp;It is important to note that all space missions rely on a power source to support systems for communications, science experiments and life-support.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-arrested-after-khalistani-extremists-vandalised-indian-high-commission-in-uk-573718">One arrested after Khalistani extremists vandalise Indian High Commission in UK</a>

As per the press release, the UK Space Agency has announced £2.9 million of new funding for the project which will deliver an initial demonstration of a UK lunar modular nuclear reactor.&nbsp;This follows a £249,000 study funded by the UK Space Agency in 2022, the statement read.&nbsp;

Minister of State at the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, George Freeman, said, “Partnerships like this, between British industry, the UK Space Agency and government are helping to create jobs across our £16 billion Space Tech sector and help ensure the UK continues to be a major force in frontier science.”

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/tiktoks-lesser-known-sibling-capcut-making-waves-in-video-editing-world-573795">TikTok’s lesser-known sibling, CapCut, making waves in US. But is it safe?</a>

As per Rolls-Royce, a reactor will be ready to send to the Moon by 2029.&nbsp;

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/after-iran-saudi-pact-china-to-play-peacemaker-in-ukraine-war-573689">After Iran-Saudi pact, China to play peacemaker in Ukraine war?</a>

The partnership with Rolls-Royce comes after the UK Space Agency recently announced £51 million of funding available for UK companies to develop communication and navigation services for missions to the Moon.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

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">here</a>.

Rolls-Royce has secured a funding from UK Space Agency backing research by the British luxury carmaker into how nuclear power could be used to support a future moon base for astronauts.

Rolls-Royce has secured a funding from UK Space Agency backing research by the British luxury carmaker into how nuclear power could be used to support a future moon base for astronauts. In a statement, the aero-engine manufacturing business said that scientists and engineers at Rolls-Royce are working on the Micro-Reactor programme to develop technology that will provide power needed for humans to live and work on the Moon. Nuclear power has the potential to "dramatically increase" the duration of future Lunar missions, the company said. It is important to note that all space missions rely on a power source to support systems for communications, science experiments and life-support. Also Read | One arrested after Khalistani extremists vandalise Indian High Commission in UK As per the press release, the UK Space Agency has announced £2.9 million of new funding for the project which will deliver an initial demonstration of a UK lunar modular nuclear reactor. This follows a £249,000 study funded by the UK Space Agency in 2022, the statement read. Minister of State at the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, George Freeman, said, “Partnerships like this, between British industry, the UK Space Agency and government are helping to create jobs across our £16 billion Space Tech sector and help ensure the UK continues to be a major force in frontier science.” Also Read | TikTok’s lesser-known sibling, CapCut, making waves in US. But is it safe? As per Rolls-Royce, a reactor will be ready to send to the Moon by 2029. Watch | After Iran-Saudi pact, China to play peacemaker in Ukraine war? The partnership with Rolls-Royce comes after the UK Space Agency recently announced £51 million of funding available for UK companies to develop communication and navigation services for missions to the Moon. 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.

Nuclear reactor for moon base? UK space agency backs Rolls-Royce in its research

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.

Announcing the ambitious plans on Tuesday, the space agency said that it will partner with DARPA on the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations, or DRACO, programme. It is slated to happen by 2027.

Watch |&nbsp;NASA's Mars Perseverance rover finds samples of Microbial life on mars

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasas-mars-perseverance-rover-finds-samples-of-microbial-life-on-mars-517011/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"NASA will work with our long-term partner, DARPA, to develop and demonstrate advanced nuclear thermal propulsion technology as soon as 2027," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson as he announced the mission.

"With the help of this new technology, astronauts could journey to and from deep space faster than ever—a major capability to prepare for crewed missions to Mars," he explained.&nbsp;

The nuclear thermal rocket, as per the NASA website, will allow for a " faster transit time" and will also reduce the risk for astronauts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/india-based-telescope-detects-faint-radio-signal-from-an-extremely-distant-galaxy-553716">India-based telescope detects faint radio signal from an extremely distant galaxy</a>

Reducing transit time is fundamental to human missions to the red planet. This is because a longer transit time means more supplies and more robust systems.

The current technology allows for the 225 million-kilometre average distance journey from Earth to Mars to be completed in about seven months. While the estimated time using a nuclear thermal rocket engine is not known, as per the NASA Administrator, it would allow astronauts to undertake the "journey to and from deep space faster than ever".

Before this, NASA had last tested a nuclear thermal rocket engine in the mid-19th century, some 50 years back.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/rare-and-exciting-find-international-team-of-researchers-discover-8kg-meteorite-in-antarctica-555001">'Rare and exciting' find: International team of researchers discover meteorite weighing 8 kg in Antarctica</a>

"Congratulations to both NASA and DARPA on this exciting investment, as we ignite the future, together," said Nelson.

The engine would rely on a nuclear reactor and will use atomic fission to heat up the propellant, which will provide thrust to the rocket. This as per NASA will be around three times more efficient than the chemical propulsion technology currently in use.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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">here</a>.

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.

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. Announcing the ambitious plans on Tuesday, the space agency said that it will partner with DARPA on the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations, or DRACO, programme. It is slated to happen by 2027. Watch | NASA's Mars Perseverance rover finds samples of Microbial life on mars "NASA will work with our long-term partner, DARPA, to develop and demonstrate advanced nuclear thermal propulsion technology as soon as 2027," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson as he announced the mission. "With the help of this new technology, astronauts could journey to and from deep space faster than ever—a major capability to prepare for crewed missions to Mars," he explained. The nuclear thermal rocket, as per the NASA website, will allow for a " faster transit time" and will also reduce the risk for astronauts. Also read | India-based telescope detects faint radio signal from an extremely distant galaxy Reducing transit time is fundamental to human missions to the red planet. This is because a longer transit time means more supplies and more robust systems. The current technology allows for the 225 million-kilometre average distance journey from Earth to Mars to be completed in about seven months. While the estimated time using a nuclear thermal rocket engine is not known, as per the NASA Administrator, it would allow astronauts to undertake the "journey to and from deep space faster than ever". Before this, NASA had last tested a nuclear thermal rocket engine in the mid-19th century, some 50 years back. Also read | 'Rare and exciting' find: International team of researchers discover meteorite weighing 8 kg in Antarctica "Congratulations to both NASA and DARPA on this exciting investment, as we ignite the future, together," said Nelson. The engine would rely on a nuclear reactor and will use atomic fission to heat up the propellant, which will provide thrust to the rocket. This as per NASA will be around three times more efficient than the chemical propulsion technology currently in use. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

NASA to test 'DRACO', a nuclear power rocket engine that'll send humans to Mars ‘faster than ever'

Russia's Soyuz spacecraft MS-22 suffered a three hour long coolant leakage episode on Wednesday night. The untimely leakage forced the Russian space agency to call off its planned six hour long spacewalk of its two astronauts.

WION Fineprint | Russian Space Agency: Soyuz MS-22 radiator hit by micro meteoroid

Elaborating on a Venus Orbiter mission that has been on the drawing board of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Chairman Dr S. Somanath said that its project report has been made, the plan is prepared, and the budget has been identified.

While explaining the potential of Venus exploration, studies, and future science missions of the state-run Indian space agency, Somanath urged scientists and academia to think of unique, larger outcomes from such missions and how they could benefit India and the world.&nbsp;

Speaking at the ISRO-organized national meet on Venus Science, Somanath, who also serves as Secretary, Department of Space, said that right from inception, ISRO had been seeing space as a platform for conducting experiments and understanding the universe. However, over the years, the organisation evolved to perform operational activities such as building and launching satellites and rockets and performing national missions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-is-isros-gagan-which-can-aid-gps-and-enable-precise-navigation-of-aircraft-474733">What is ISRO's 'Gagan', which can aid GPS and enable precise navigation of aircraft?</a>

"Building some instruments (integrating them on a satellite), launching them, and taking them to Venus may be possible within a short period of time, because the capability exists in ISRO to do that. Building a Venus mission satellite is definitely possible, the mission management to reach there is definitely possible, and we have a launch vehicle to reach there (Venus)", Somanath said, on ISRO's current capabilities.

However, he also wanted scientists and academia to ponder over questions such as: what are you going to provide as a result to society? What is going to be your contribution to global knowledge? How effectively will the mission be utilised for the goals set in the beginning?&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;All the times humanity tried to communicate with aliens

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/all-the-times-humanity-tried-to-communicate-with-aliens-475869/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On performing impactful science missions, he said that unique mission outcomes are necessary and that merely repeating what other countries have done is not sufficient. He stressed the necessity of reviewing the additional information, knowledge, and observations that a mission would offer, with regard to what has not been done by other agencies. While he added that repeating some experiments and re-validating what is done by other countries (space agencies) is not wrong, he emphasized that a mission needed to have unique outcomes.&nbsp;

"From my position of Chairman, ISRO, I am faced with conflicting requirements when planning science missions. Most importantly, it is a costly affair that involves an expensive rocket and satellite, besides the years-long efforts of a lot of people, "Somanath explained to the scientists. He touched upon how it was extremely important to have adequate "selling points" to convince the decision-makers (government) regarding the value of performing such missions.&nbsp;

Watch WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Elaborating on futuristic concepts like having a human colony on Venus, Somanath spoke about the possibility and challenges of having balloons floating in the harsh Venusian atmosphere amid acid clouds and supporting human life. He also pointed out the necessity of India taking first steps in that direction, in a manner that benefits the entire nation. "Scientists have a responsibility to satisfy their inner desire to prove science and also a responsibility to prove to the nation that your (scientific) work is worth doing for the nation," he concluded.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/were-great-admirers-of-isro-says-omran-sharaf-project-manager-of-emirates-mars-mission-473814">We’re great admirers of ISRO, says Omran Sharaf, project director of Emirates Mars Mission</a>

Regarding the fundamental challenges in the exploration of Venus, Dr. Maria Antonita from ISRO's Space Science Programme Office said that Venus has a maximum surface temperature of 462 degrees Celsius, which is even capable of melting rocks. Besides the hot and dry weather, the planet's atmospheric composition was dominated by carbon dioxide, which amounts to 96.5 per cent. In addition to this, the pressure on Venus, is more than 90 times as much as that on Earth. She added that as a planet that is considered a twin of Earth and one that is relatively close to Earth, Venus continues to intrigue scientists, thus leading to many science missions since the 1960s) to study the planet.

Elaborating on a Venus Orbiter mission that has been on the drawing board of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Chairman Dr S. Somanath said that its project report has been made, the plan is prepared, and the budget has been identified.

Elaborating on a Venus Orbiter mission that has been on the drawing board of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Chairman Dr S. Somanath said that its project report has been made, the plan is prepared, and the budget has been identified. While explaining the potential of Venus exploration, studies, and future science missions of the state-run Indian space agency, Somanath urged scientists and academia to think of unique, larger outcomes from such missions and how they could benefit India and the world. Speaking at the ISRO-organized national meet on Venus Science, Somanath, who also serves as Secretary, Department of Space, said that right from inception, ISRO had been seeing space as a platform for conducting experiments and understanding the universe. However, over the years, the organisation evolved to perform operational activities such as building and launching satellites and rockets and performing national missions. Also read | What is ISRO's 'Gagan', which can aid GPS and enable precise navigation of aircraft? "Building some instruments (integrating them on a satellite), launching them, and taking them to Venus may be possible within a short period of time, because the capability exists in ISRO to do that. Building a Venus mission satellite is definitely possible, the mission management to reach there is definitely possible, and we have a launch vehicle to reach there (Venus)", Somanath said, on ISRO's current capabilities. However, he also wanted scientists and academia to ponder over questions such as: what are you going to provide as a result to society? What is going to be your contribution to global knowledge? How effectively will the mission be utilised for the goals set in the beginning? Watch | All the times humanity tried to communicate with aliens On performing impactful science missions, he said that unique mission outcomes are necessary and that merely repeating what other countries have done is not sufficient. He stressed the necessity of reviewing the additional information, knowledge, and observations that a mission would offer, with regard to what has not been done by other agencies. While he added that repeating some experiments and re-validating what is done by other countries (space agencies) is not wrong, he emphasized that a mission needed to have unique outcomes. "From my position of Chairman, ISRO, I am faced with conflicting requirements when planning science missions. Most importantly, it is a costly affair that involves an expensive rocket and satellite, besides the years-long efforts of a lot of people, "Somanath explained to the scientists. He touched upon how it was extremely important to have adequate "selling points" to convince the decision-makers (government) regarding the value of performing such missions. Watch WION LIVE HERE: Elaborating on futuristic concepts like having a human colony on Venus, Somanath spoke about the possibility and challenges of having balloons floating in the harsh Venusian atmosphere amid acid clouds and supporting human life. He also pointed out the necessity of India taking first steps in that direction, in a manner that benefits the entire nation. "Scientists have a responsibility to satisfy their inner desire to prove science and also a responsibility to prove to the nation that your (scientific) work is worth doing for the nation," he concluded. Also read | We’re great admirers of ISRO, says Omran Sharaf, project director of Emirates Mars Mission Regarding the fundamental challenges in the exploration of Venus, Dr. Maria Antonita from ISRO's Space Science Programme Office said that Venus has a maximum surface temperature of 462 degrees Celsius, which is even capable of melting rocks. Besides the hot and dry weather, the planet's atmospheric composition was dominated by carbon dioxide, which amounts to 96.5 per cent. In addition to this, the pressure on Venus, is more than 90 times as much as that on Earth. She added that as a planet that is considered a twin of Earth and one that is relatively close to Earth, Venus continues to intrigue scientists, thus leading to many science missions since the 1960s) to study the planet.

'Focus on how it will benefit India and the world' ISRO Chairman tells scientists, on upcoming Venus Mission

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope confirmed the largest icy comet nucleus ever seen by astronomers, with a mass of 500 trillion tonnes. It is said to be a hundred thousand times greater than the mass of a typical "comet found much closer to the Sun".

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope confirmed the largest icy comet nucleus ever seen by astronomers, with a mass of 500 trillion tonnes. It is said to be a hundred thousand times greater than the mass of a typical "comet found much closer to the Sun". NASA revealed that the estimated diameter of the comet is appeared to be 80 miles across, which means it is larger than the US state of Rhode Island. The comet's nucleus is about 50 times bigger as compared to those found in most known comets, NASA says. The US-based space agency further revealed that the comet, C/2014 UN271 (Bernardinelli-Bernstein) is heading towards Earth at 22,000 miles per hour. However, there is no need to worry as it will not get closer to the planet. NASA noted: "It will never get closer than 1 billion miles away from the Sun, which is slightly farther than the distance of the planet Saturn. And that won't be until the year 2031." ALSO READ | 'Looks like alien footprints': NASA posts stunning image. Read details here "This comet is literally the tip of the iceberg for many thousands of comets that are too faint to see in the more distant parts of the solar system," NASA quoted David Jewitt as saying who is a professor of planetary science and astronomy at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and co-author of the new study in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. "We've always suspected this comet had to be big because it is so bright at such a large distance. Now we confirm it is," Jewitt added. "This is an amazing object, given how active it is when it's still so far from the Sun," said the paper's lead author Man-To Hui of the Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau. "We guessed the comet might be pretty big, but we needed the best data to confirm this," Hui added. ALSO READ | Solar system's most distant planet presents unexplained shift in temperature Image Credits: NASA, ESA, Man-To Hui (Macau University of Science and Technology), David Jewitt (UCLA); Image processing: Alyssa Pagan (STScI) NASA stated that the team used Hubble to take five photos of the comet on January 8, 2022. News about asteroids and meteorites barrelling toward Earth reminds of a popular Hollywood movie 'Don't Look Up' which was basically a satire. In the movie, two astronomers warn about an approaching comet that will destroy planet Earth, but the warning was overlooked resulting apocalypse. However, the reality is quite far from the movie as there is no doubt about the fact that space agencies around the world send alerts and remain vigilant. WATCH this explanation NASA: ×

Watch: Striking details about 'largest comet ever seen' that is hurtling towards Earth at 22,000mph

The world is witnessing a space race of sorts again with entry of private companies in the domain previously exclusive to government space agencies. Questions are often raised about whether we need to spend billions on space when we have pressing issues here on Earth. But it has been seen the technological and scientific frontiers heralded by space exploration has often led to advancement of science and tech on Earth.

"There’s great benefits here on earth as a result of space exploration activities and continued human presence in Low Earth Orbit," says Colonel Pam Melroy, a former NASA Astronaut who is currently NASA’s deputy administrator.&nbsp;

“Climate change is an existential crisis, the best place to monitor earth, is from space… There are a lot of problems to solve… We go to space to benefit life on Earth and those who spend their effort on it see a direct line of sight.”&nbsp;

The top American official was in discussion with heads of space agencies from the Quad countries (Japan, Australia, India, US), hosted as part of the Sydney Dialogue, by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.&nbsp;

“Traditionally government agencies carried out space activities, but there has been increased activity in low earth orbit (LEO) in the last decade. In the midst of this, ordinary people and astronauts are going to space. Increasing access to space can create new services on Earth and improve life here,” agrees Dr Hiroshi Yamakawa, president, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency(JAXA).&nbsp;

On the need for greater collaboration between Quad countries, he added that the future lunar exploration has to be a joint effort, as there exists the possibility of having a manned space station in the vicinity of the Moon, which can enable sustained exploration in the region and also on the lunar surface. The Japanese space agency head emphasised the need for multi-national missions to Mars that would be led by Quad countries, owing to the high costs of manned missions.&nbsp;

Despite being a recent entrant, the Australian Space Agency hopes to build upon its long legacy of having performed and facilitated deep space communications, remote operations and space medicine, life sciences, to further its spacefaring ambitions.&nbsp;

It is noteworthy that, unlike the other Quad countries, Australia doesn’t yet have a standalone, independent space-faring programme and that they work with other agencies and countries to jointly perform missions. However, the Australian Space Agency wants to grow big and grow quick.&nbsp;

“We are looking to nurture and foster industry, by investing on R&amp;D, by offering grants, special programmes, working with other space agencies and instilling confidence about there being a market” says Enrico Palermo, Head, Australian Space Agency.&nbsp;

Asked about Australia having its own human spaceflight programme, Palermo expressed optimism and said that they would have a shot eventually, considering the increasing easy access to space and rapid miniaturization of technological, aerospace components. Elaborating on Australia’s geographic advantages, open ranges, experience in space medicine and life sciences, deep space communication networks, he said that Australia would end up in a position to have an astronaut programme. He also made a mention of Australia’s communication and tracking support being offered to India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme and NASA’s Artemis, manned lunar exploration programme.&nbsp;

“NASA is an engine to drive commercial development and space exploration is the fuel for this engine… Pushing ourselves to do something super challenging is the fuel..” Says the former NASA Astronaut. According to her, NASA would be a facilitator that would provide funding, strike partnerships, open doors and nurture private players to go forward in the exploration of deep space.&nbsp;

“Sustained presence in low Earth orbit had helped us understand and develop more efficient combustion engines, key processes in the human body, insights for medicine development etc.” she said.

On NASA’s future plans, Melroy said that the agency intends to handoff LEO (500-200 km orbits) to commercial partners, so that it can put more investment into expanding out into the solar system.&nbsp;

“If we continue to do everything on our own, it would be very tough to find the resources for it” she said on the importance of having private companies undertaking important spacefaring and support missions.&nbsp;

It is significant to note that the Indian government had announced reforms in the country’s space sector, in 2020, to enable private players to perform end-to-end spacefaring activities including designing, owning, building rockets, satellites, launching rockets and spacecrafts, providing support and ground services etc. The Indian Space sector has been dominated by the state-run Indian Space Research Organisation, since the very inception of India’s space programme, while private companies were only vendors and suppliers of components and services. However, the latest reforms in India are aimed at opening up this lucrative industry, which is estimated to be worth $440 billion worldwide.&nbsp;

The world is witnessing a space race of sorts again with entry of private companies in the domain previously exclusive to government space agencies. Questions are often raised about whether we need to spend billions on space when we have pressing issues here on Earth.

The world is witnessing a space race of sorts again with entry of private companies in the domain previously exclusive to government space agencies. Questions are often raised about whether we need to spend billions on space when we have pressing issues here on Earth. But it has been seen the technological and scientific frontiers heralded by space exploration has often led to advancement of science and tech on Earth. "There’s great benefits here on earth as a result of space exploration activities and continued human presence in Low Earth Orbit," says Colonel Pam Melroy, a former NASA Astronaut who is currently NASA’s deputy administrator. “Climate change is an existential crisis, the best place to monitor earth, is from space… There are a lot of problems to solve… We go to space to benefit life on Earth and those who spend their effort on it see a direct line of sight.” The top American official was in discussion with heads of space agencies from the Quad countries (Japan, Australia, India, US), hosted as part of the Sydney Dialogue, by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. “Traditionally government agencies carried out space activities, but there has been increased activity in low earth orbit (LEO) in the last decade. In the midst of this, ordinary people and astronauts are going to space. Increasing access to space can create new services on Earth and improve life here,” agrees Dr Hiroshi Yamakawa, president, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency(JAXA). On the need for greater collaboration between Quad countries, he added that the future lunar exploration has to be a joint effort, as there exists the possibility of having a manned space station in the vicinity of the Moon, which can enable sustained exploration in the region and also on the lunar surface. The Japanese space agency head emphasised the need for multi-national missions to Mars that would be led by Quad countries, owing to the high costs of manned missions. Despite being a recent entrant, the Australian Space Agency hopes to build upon its long legacy of having performed and facilitated deep space communications, remote operations and space medicine, life sciences, to further its spacefaring ambitions. It is noteworthy that, unlike the other Quad countries, Australia doesn’t yet have a standalone, independent space-faring programme and that they work with other agencies and countries to jointly perform missions. However, the Australian Space Agency wants to grow big and grow quick. “We are looking to nurture and foster industry, by investing on R&D, by offering grants, special programmes, working with other space agencies and instilling confidence about there being a market” says Enrico Palermo, Head, Australian Space Agency. Asked about Australia having its own human spaceflight programme, Palermo expressed optimism and said that they would have a shot eventually, considering the increasing easy access to space and rapid miniaturization of technological, aerospace components. Elaborating on Australia’s geographic advantages, open ranges, experience in space medicine and life sciences, deep space communication networks, he said that Australia would end up in a position to have an astronaut programme. He also made a mention of Australia’s communication and tracking support being offered to India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme and NASA’s Artemis, manned lunar exploration programme. “NASA is an engine to drive commercial development and space exploration is the fuel for this engine… Pushing ourselves to do something super challenging is the fuel..” Says the former NASA Astronaut. According to her, NASA would be a facilitator that would provide funding, strike partnerships, open doors and nurture private players to go forward in the exploration of deep space. “Sustained presence in low Earth orbit had helped us understand and develop more efficient combustion engines, key processes in the human body, insights for medicine development etc.” she said. On NASA’s future plans, Melroy said that the agency intends to handoff LEO (500-200 km orbits) to commercial partners, so that it can put more investment into expanding out into the solar system. “If we continue to do everything on our own, it would be very tough to find the resources for it” she said on the importance of having private companies undertaking important spacefaring and support missions. It is significant to note that the Indian government had announced reforms in the country’s space sector, in 2020, to enable private players to perform end-to-end spacefaring activities including designing, owning, building rockets, satellites, launching rockets and spacecrafts, providing support and ground services etc. The Indian Space sector has been dominated by the state-run Indian Space Research Organisation, since the very inception of India’s space programme, while private companies were only vendors and suppliers of components and services. However, the latest reforms in India are aimed at opening up this lucrative industry, which is estimated to be worth $440 billion worldwide.

Being in space has given us better science and tech on Earth, say top officials of Quad space agencies

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is working towards launching India’s GISAT-1, an Earth Observation satellite, in August, Dr&nbsp;K&nbsp;Sivan, Chairman ISRO, told WION.

This will be the state-run space agency’s second launch of 2021, after Brazilian Amazonia-1 was injected into orbit by a PSLV rocket in February, on a commercial basis.

GISAT-1 will be launched by India’s medium-lift capability rocket, the GSLV Mk2.&nbsp;

Queried on reports by a news agency regarding the launch being scheduled for 5:43 am on August 12th, Dr. Sivan told WION that, August 12th was more of an internal deadline and not an official launch date.

He also added that activities for the launch have started and are underway. He confirmed that the formal launch date and time would be revealed later.&nbsp;

Since the pandemic started spreading in India in early 2020, the space agency’s activities have been delayed, owing to travel restrictions and lockdowns.

It is noteworthy that ISRO has centers spread across various states in the country, whereas launch activity requires critical teams of engineers and scientists from these centers to converge at the spaceport in Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota on the East Coast.&nbsp;

With the second wave of the pandemic having come under control and lockdowns relaxed across major states in India, industries too have resumed activities. Indian industry plays a major role in carrying out manufacturing and fabrication processes for rocket parts, fuel and components for ISRO.&nbsp;

According to ISRO, GISAT-1 is meant to provide near-realtime imaging of large regions of interest at frequent intervals, quick monitoring of natural disasters, episodic events, and also obtain spectral signatures for agriculture, forestry, mineralogy, disaster warning, cloud properties, snow &amp; glaciers, and oceanography.&nbsp;

Conventionally, such earth-observation satellites are placed in low-earth orbit (between 500 and 2000kms), to ensure high resolution imagery and better capabilities.

However, it is pertinent to note that ISRO’s latest agile earth-observation satellite is to be placed 36,000kms away from the earth’s surface, Geostationary Orbit (GEO).

GEO orbit is generally meant for communication satellites that are required to relay signals across a vast landmass. Being placed in a 36,000km circular orbit would also mean that the 2268kg GISAT-1 is beyond the range of anti-satellite missiles.

WION had earlier reported that, despite GISAT’s placement in a far-away 36,000km orbit, it can use different types of imaging technologies to provide constant monitoring of a region of interest/calamity/weather pattern.

This is unlike low earth orbit satellites, which can make a pass only once every 110 minutes or so to click pictures and collect data.

If a cyclone or similar rapidly-changing weather pattern is being continually monitored by GISAT-1, then the satellites in low earth orbit can also be tasked with getting higher resolution imagery from a relatively closer range.&nbsp;

GISAT, was originally meant to be launched in March 2020, but the launch was called off for technical reasons.

After the pandemic-related delays, the launch was scheduled for March 2021, when it was further delayed due to some technical issues with the satellite.

During the second wave of the pandemic in India, ISRO suspended its launch activities, but the agency contributed to the COVID-19 fight by ramping up production of liquid oxygen (for hospitals), re-purposing its storage tanks for oxygen, developing low-cost ventilators, etc.&nbsp;

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is working towards launching India’s GISAT-1, an Earth Observation satellite, in August, Dr K Sivan, Chairman ISRO, told WION.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is working towards launching India’s GISAT-1, an Earth Observation satellite, in August, Dr K Sivan, Chairman ISRO, told WION. This will be the state-run space agency’s second launch of 2021, after Brazilian Amazonia-1 was injected into orbit by a PSLV rocket in February, on a commercial basis. GISAT-1 will be launched by India’s medium-lift capability rocket, the GSLV Mk2. Queried on reports by a news agency regarding the launch being scheduled for 5:43 am on August 12th, Dr. Sivan told WION that, August 12th was more of an internal deadline and not an official launch date. He also added that activities for the launch have started and are underway. He confirmed that the formal launch date and time would be revealed later. Since the pandemic started spreading in India in early 2020, the space agency’s activities have been delayed, owing to travel restrictions and lockdowns. It is noteworthy that ISRO has centers spread across various states in the country, whereas launch activity requires critical teams of engineers and scientists from these centers to converge at the spaceport in Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota on the East Coast. With the second wave of the pandemic having come under control and lockdowns relaxed across major states in India, industries too have resumed activities. Indian industry plays a major role in carrying out manufacturing and fabrication processes for rocket parts, fuel and components for ISRO. According to ISRO, GISAT-1 is meant to provide near-realtime imaging of large regions of interest at frequent intervals, quick monitoring of natural disasters, episodic events, and also obtain spectral signatures for agriculture, forestry, mineralogy, disaster warning, cloud properties, snow & glaciers, and oceanography. Conventionally, such earth-observation satellites are placed in low-earth orbit (between 500 and 2000kms), to ensure high resolution imagery and better capabilities. However, it is pertinent to note that ISRO’s latest agile earth-observation satellite is to be placed 36,000kms away from the earth’s surface, Geostationary Orbit (GEO). GEO orbit is generally meant for communication satellites that are required to relay signals across a vast landmass. Being placed in a 36,000km circular orbit would also mean that the 2268kg GISAT-1 is beyond the range of anti-satellite missiles. WION had earlier reported that, despite GISAT’s placement in a far-away 36,000km orbit, it can use different types of imaging technologies to provide constant monitoring of a region of interest/calamity/weather pattern. This is unlike low earth orbit satellites, which can make a pass only once every 110 minutes or so to click pictures and collect data. If a cyclone or similar rapidly-changing weather pattern is being continually monitored by GISAT-1, then the satellites in low earth orbit can also be tasked with getting higher resolution imagery from a relatively closer range. GISAT, was originally meant to be launched in March 2020, but the launch was called off for technical reasons. After the pandemic-related delays, the launch was scheduled for March 2021, when it was further delayed due to some technical issues with the satellite. During the second wave of the pandemic in India, ISRO suspended its launch activities, but the agency contributed to the COVID-19 fight by ramping up production of liquid oxygen (for hospitals), re-purposing its storage tanks for oxygen, developing low-cost ventilators, etc.

GISAT-1: India’s 'Eye in the Sky’ likely to be launched in August, says ISRO chairman Dr K Sivan

The claw that will clean space - no kidding!

Space clutter is now a hindrance in effective space exploration, and scientists are working on a quick fix. Over the last decade, new countries have entered the “Space war”, deploying satellites and technology of their own over time. However, this has clogged space, and filled it with debris.&nbsp;

According to DailyMail, there are around 160 million pieces of space debris around planet Earth. These have been captured by our gravity, and circling around the planet at speeds of 18,000 miles per hour.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/nasa-seeking-explorers-for-mining-on-the-moon-all-nationalities-welcome-326795" hreflang="en">NASA seeking explorers for mining on the moon, all nationalities welcome</a>

Additionally, out of these 160 million pieces, at least one million may be larger than 1 cm, posing risks of collision with satellites. Scientists worry that such debris is capable of setting a chain reaction of destruction, whereby a single damage to a single satellite could escalate into large scale global satellite technology damage.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/scientists-recently-scanned-10-million-stars-for-alien-technology-what-did-they-find-326020">Scientists recently scanned 10 million stars for alien technology, what did they find?</a>

What does this mean, you wonder? For starters, good bye GPS! In case our satellite connections are seriously severed, we will lose access to the map technology which has made navigating around the world easier. Additionally, mobile communication would be heavily disrupted, and weather forecasting interrupted.

2,800 satellites are currently orbiting earth. 3,000 dead satellites also orbit the Earth. Scientists and engineers have come up with a plan: A claw in space which will get hold of defunct satellites and push them back into the earth’s atmosphere. Once they enter the earth’s atmosphere, they will burn out.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/uk-is-planning-to-remove-debris-from-space-heres-why-every-country-should-be-doing-it-327976" hreflang="en">UK is planning to remove debris from space. Here's why every country should be doing it!</a>

The European Space Agency came up with the plan in 2019, but now the agency is signing a contract with ClearSpace SA to kick start the mission called ClearSpace-1. The claw will first target VESPA (Vega Secondary Payload Adapter) which has been orbiting Earth since 2013.&nbsp;

The ESA is expected to contribute €86 million to the mission cost, with the rest of the money expected to be raised by ClearSpace, which intends to venture into the business of junk removal. ClearSpace SA hopes to launch its first mission in 2025.

The claw that will clean space - no kidding! Space clutter is now a hindrance in effective space exploration, and scientists are working on a quick fix. Over the last decade, new countries have entered the “Space war”, deploying satellites and technology of their own over time.

The claw that will clean space - no kidding! Space clutter is now a hindrance in effective space exploration, and scientists are working on a quick fix. Over the last decade, new countries have entered the “Space war”, deploying satellites and technology of their own over time. However, this has clogged space, and filled it with debris. According to DailyMail, there are around 160 million pieces of space debris around planet Earth. These have been captured by our gravity, and circling around the planet at speeds of 18,000 miles per hour. Also read: NASA seeking explorers for mining on the moon, all nationalities welcome Additionally, out of these 160 million pieces, at least one million may be larger than 1 cm, posing risks of collision with satellites. Scientists worry that such debris is capable of setting a chain reaction of destruction, whereby a single damage to a single satellite could escalate into large scale global satellite technology damage. Also read: Scientists recently scanned 10 million stars for alien technology, what did they find? What does this mean, you wonder? For starters, good bye GPS! In case our satellite connections are seriously severed, we will lose access to the map technology which has made navigating around the world easier. Additionally, mobile communication would be heavily disrupted, and weather forecasting interrupted. 2,800 satellites are currently orbiting earth. 3,000 dead satellites also orbit the Earth. Scientists and engineers have come up with a plan: A claw in space which will get hold of defunct satellites and push them back into the earth’s atmosphere. Once they enter the earth’s atmosphere, they will burn out. Also read: UK is planning to remove debris from space. Here's why every country should be doing it! The European Space Agency came up with the plan in 2019, but now the agency is signing a contract with ClearSpace SA to kick start the mission called ClearSpace-1. The claw will first target VESPA (Vega Secondary Payload Adapter) which has been orbiting Earth since 2013. The ESA is expected to contribute €86 million to the mission cost, with the rest of the money expected to be raised by ClearSpace, which intends to venture into the business of junk removal. ClearSpace SA hopes to launch its first mission in 2025.

European Space Agency has the perfect fix for space junk - a claw!

Russian authorities have detained a former journalist and a close aide to the head of Russia's space agency Roscosmos on Tuesday on treason charges, as per the agency.

Russian authorities have detained a former journalist and a close aide to the head of Russia's space agency Roscosmos on Tuesday on treason charges, as per the agency. Also read: Exiled Uighurs approach ICC for seeking justice against Chinese 'genocide' Roscosmos have said that the probe against Ivan Safranov is underway and that he was "fully cooperating with the investigative authorities". According to the reports, Safronov's detention was not linked with his work for Roscosmos, where he worked as an advisor to General Director Dmitry Rogozin. A source told news agency Interfax that Safronov's detention could be linked to his earlier work in journalism and that he did not have clearance to access state secrets as a Roscomos employee. Safranov is expected to appear in the court later on Tuesday. Ivan Safronov worked in Russian daily newspapers Kommersant and Vedomosti he used to report on politics, the military, and Russia's space programmes. In 2019, Kommersant removed from its website an article co-authored by Safronov about the delivery of Russian jets to Egypt after court proceedings into the disclosure of state secrets. He was forced to resign from Kommersant in May last year after a report alleging the speaker of Russia's upper house of parliament was planning to step down. The entire politics desk of the newspaper resigned in protest against the dismissal of Safronov and another colleague whose name appeared on the story. (Inputs from AFP)

Former journalist and aide to Russian space chief held on treason charges

NASA has launched a Lunar loo challenge, asking the public&nbsp;to send across designs for compact toilets that can function in microgravity and lunar gravity.

NASA is offering $35,000 as a cash reward to people for engineering the best' lunar loo' design - the winning design in the technical category will receive $20,000, $10,000 for second place and $5,000 for third. Submissions can be made until August 17.

The last time astronauts landed on the moon was in 1972 during the Apollo Missions when they wore diapers and used bags to poop. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-offering-35000-prize-money-for-best-lunar-loo-design-308710">Also Read:&nbsp;NASA offering $35,000 prize money for best 'lunar loo' design</a>

The design will be used for&nbsp;the Nasa's 'Artemis' programme to land the first woman and the next man on the moon in 2024.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-nasa-will-pay-you-to-design-a-toilet-for-moon-309513/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This mission's flight requires a female-friendly loo which should be able to support a crew of two astronauts for 14 days. They should be easy to clean and maintain and the turnaround time should be 5 minutes. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/nasa-finds-evidence-of-parallel-universe-where-time-runs-backward-299949">Also Read: NASA finds evidence of parallel universe where time runs backward</a>

Furthermore, there is a bonus point for designs that can capture vomit without requiring the crew member to put his or her head in the toilet.

Nasa’s Artemis-3 mission, which has a launch target of 2024, aims to land a man and a woman at the lunar south pole. It would be the first time astronauts have travelled to the lunar surface since 1972. “As we prepare for this extraordinary event, we can’t forget about the ordinary needs of our astronauts,” said Interbartolo.

&nbsp;

NASA has launched a Lunar loo challenge, asking the public to send across designs for compact toilets that can function in microgravity and lunar gravity. NASA is offering $35,000 as a cash reward to people for engineering the best' lunar loo' design - the winning design in the technical category will receive $20,000, $10,000 for second place and $5,000 for third.

NASA has launched a Lunar loo challenge, asking the public to send across designs for compact toilets that can function in microgravity and lunar gravity. NASA is offering $35,000 as a cash reward to people for engineering the best' lunar loo' design - the winning design in the technical category will receive $20,000, $10,000 for second place and $5,000 for third. Submissions can be made until August 17. The last time astronauts landed on the moon was in 1972 during the Apollo Missions when they wore diapers and used bags to poop. Also Read: NASA offering $35,000 prize money for best 'lunar loo' design The design will be used for the Nasa's 'Artemis' programme to land the first woman and the next man on the moon in 2024. This mission's flight requires a female-friendly loo which should be able to support a crew of two astronauts for 14 days. They should be easy to clean and maintain and the turnaround time should be 5 minutes. Also Read: NASA finds evidence of parallel universe where time runs backward Furthermore, there is a bonus point for designs that can capture vomit without requiring the crew member to put his or her head in the toilet. Nasa’s Artemis-3 mission, which has a launch target of 2024, aims to land a man and a woman at the lunar south pole. It would be the first time astronauts have travelled to the lunar surface since 1972. “As we prepare for this extraordinary event, we can’t forget about the ordinary needs of our astronauts,” said Interbartolo.

NASA wants inventors to design a loo for the moon

India in Space: ISRO's beginnings, achievements and vision 2020

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) would launch India's latest spy satellite RISAT-2BR1 and nine foreign satellites on December 11. The radar imaging earth observation satellite, RISAT-2BR1 would be launched through Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). Today's launch will mark a significant milestone for the space agency as it would be the 50th flight of the PSLV.

ISRO to launch PSLV-C48 from Sriharikota today

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

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

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

Vikram Sarabhai: Remembering the Father of the Indian space programme

By David Rothery

In a spectacular few days for solar system exploration – during which NASA whizzed the New Horizons spacecraft past the Kuiper Belt object 2009 MU69 (somewhat controversially nicknamed “Ultima Thule”) and eased OSIRIS-REx into orbit about the asteroid Bennu – the Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA) has set its Chang'e 4 lander and rover down on the far side of the moon.

Chang'e is the name of the Chinese moon goddess – and Chang'e 4 builds on the success of the Chang'e 3 lander, which touched down on the moon in December 2013.

This new landing is far from being a mundane event. Only the US and the Soviet Union have ever landed spacecraft on the moon before. Those were either steered by humans onboard or, if uncrewed, relied on luck for a safe landing. Chang’e 4 used a downward-looking camera and hazard avoidance software to steer itself to a flat and sufficiently boulder-free landing spot, as it slowed its descent using retrorockets – an impressive technological feat.

Crucially, any spacecraft on the lunar far side cannot “see” the Earth, and so it can neither send to nor receive a radio signal from its control centre on Earth. To circumvent this problem, CNSA placed a relay satellite in a cunning “halo orbit” around a point in space sufficiently far beyond the moon that it can always see both the lunar far side and the Earth above the lunar horizon. The relay satellite is called Queqiao, which means “Magpie Bridge”, recalling a bridge formed by birds across the Milky Way in Chinese mythology.

This is the first time ever that anyone has landed a probe on the far side of the moon. That side sees just as much sunlight as the Earth-facing side of the moon, so is not literally a “dark side”, as it is often casually called. However, it is metaphorically dark, in that the moon’s rotation acts to keep that side facing away from the Earth as it progresses around its orbit, and its nature was unknown before the space age.

The far side of the moon differs from the near side in having far less area covered by dark lava flows (the lunar maria or “seas”). There is also a 2,500 km wide depression known as the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin occupying much of the southern part of the far side. This is probably the scar of a very ancient impact – and because it is about 8 km deep it provides a window through the moon’s crust and into the mantle that underlies it. It is special in that it never became flooded by lava like the large impact basins on the near side.

The chosen landing site, Von Karman crater, is in the north of the SPA basin about halfway between the south pole and the equator, and punches a little deeper than the surrounding basin floor. This gives the rover the best possible chance of locating rocks that originated from deeper inside the moon than have been analysed before – offering a chance to learn more about how the satellite formed.

There is some lava on the floor of Von Karman (which is what makes it a smooth, and hence fairly safe, place to land), however, but the rover will probably not have to travel far to find some lumps of rock redistributed from the exposed floor of the SPA by later, smaller, impacts. A few candidates can be seen in the first image from the surface.

Scientific measurements

The solar-powered six-wheeled rover is only 140kg, and measures 1.5 metres in its longest dimension. Its nominal lifetime is three months, but with luck, it may keep going for more than a year. Its science instruments are a camera, a ground-penetrating radar (to measure the depth and physical state of the lunar regolith or “soil”), an imaging spectrometer that will give some information on the mineralogy of the rocks and regolith, and a Swedish instrument to look at how the solar wind interacts with the surface.

This science payload is relatively modest and doesn’t take the best advantage of being inside the SPA basin. But just landing on the far side is nevertheless a notable milestone. China’s next step will probably be Chang'e 5, a mission to bring samples back to Earth from a region of apparently young lavas on the near side.

Measuring their age by laboratory techniques on Earth will provide an important piece for the jigsaw of lunar chronology, which is missing because these have never been sampled. Bizarrely, this was originally scheduled to happen before Chang'e 4, but was delayed by problems with the heavy-lift Long March 5 rocket.

China’s further steps in lunar exploration will clearly include a crewed landing, probably within five to ten years. In partial preparation for this, the static part of the Chang'e 4 lander includes a 3kg sealed biosphere within which potato seeds and silkworm eggs will be encouraged to germinate and hatch. This could help unveil whether the carbon dioxide exhaled from the larvae can be balanced by the amount taken up by the seedlings during photosynthesis.

Ultimately, that’s one small step towards a sustainable closed ecosystem on the moon.

(David Rothery is Professor of Planetary Geosciences, The Open University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/china-lands-on-the-far-side-of-moon-here-is-the-science-behind-the-mission-108566">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

By David Rothery In a spectacular few days for solar system exploration – during which NASA whizzed the New Horizons spacecraft past the Kuiper Belt object 2009 MU69 (somewhat controversially nicknamed “Ultima Thule”) and eased OSIRIS-REx into orbit about the asteroid Bennu – the Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA) has set its Chang'e 4 lander and rover down on the far side of the moon.

By David Rothery In a spectacular few days for solar system exploration – during which NASA whizzed the New Horizons spacecraft past the Kuiper Belt object 2009 MU69 (somewhat controversially nicknamed “Ultima Thule”) and eased OSIRIS-REx into orbit about the asteroid Bennu – the Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA) has set its Chang'e 4 lander and rover down on the far side of the moon. Chang'e is the name of the Chinese moon goddess – and Chang'e 4 builds on the success of the Chang'e 3 lander, which touched down on the moon in December 2013. This new landing is far from being a mundane event. Only the US and the Soviet Union have ever landed spacecraft on the moon before. Those were either steered by humans onboard or, if uncrewed, relied on luck for a safe landing. Chang’e 4 used a downward-looking camera and hazard avoidance software to steer itself to a flat and sufficiently boulder-free landing spot, as it slowed its descent using retrorockets – an impressive technological feat. Crucially, any spacecraft on the lunar far side cannot “see” the Earth, and so it can neither send to nor receive a radio signal from its control centre on Earth. To circumvent this problem, CNSA placed a relay satellite in a cunning “halo orbit” around a point in space sufficiently far beyond the moon that it can always see both the lunar far side and the Earth above the lunar horizon. The relay satellite is called Queqiao, which means “Magpie Bridge”, recalling a bridge formed by birds across the Milky Way in Chinese mythology. This is the first time ever that anyone has landed a probe on the far side of the moon. That side sees just as much sunlight as the Earth-facing side of the moon, so is not literally a “dark side”, as it is often casually called. However, it is metaphorically dark, in that the moon’s rotation acts to keep that side facing away from the Earth as it progresses around its orbit, and its nature was unknown before the space age. The far side of the moon differs from the near side in having far less area covered by dark lava flows (the lunar maria or “seas”). There is also a 2,500 km wide depression known as the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin occupying much of the southern part of the far side. This is probably the scar of a very ancient impact – and because it is about 8 km deep it provides a window through the moon’s crust and into the mantle that underlies it. It is special in that it never became flooded by lava like the large impact basins on the near side. The chosen landing site, Von Karman crater, is in the north of the SPA basin about halfway between the south pole and the equator, and punches a little deeper than the surrounding basin floor. This gives the rover the best possible chance of locating rocks that originated from deeper inside the moon than have been analysed before – offering a chance to learn more about how the satellite formed. There is some lava on the floor of Von Karman (which is what makes it a smooth, and hence fairly safe, place to land), however, but the rover will probably not have to travel far to find some lumps of rock redistributed from the exposed floor of the SPA by later, smaller, impacts. A few candidates can be seen in the first image from the surface. Scientific measurements The solar-powered six-wheeled rover is only 140kg, and measures 1.5 metres in its longest dimension. Its nominal lifetime is three months, but with luck, it may keep going for more than a year. Its science instruments are a camera, a ground-penetrating radar (to measure the depth and physical state of the lunar regolith or “soil”), an imaging spectrometer that will give some information on the mineralogy of the rocks and regolith, and a Swedish instrument to look at how the solar wind interacts with the surface. This science payload is relatively modest and doesn’t take the best advantage of being inside the SPA basin. But just landing on the far side is nevertheless a notable milestone. China’s next step will probably be Chang'e 5, a mission to bring samples back to Earth from a region of apparently young lavas on the near side. Measuring their age by laboratory techniques on Earth will provide an important piece for the jigsaw of lunar chronology, which is missing because these have never been sampled. Bizarrely, this was originally scheduled to happen before Chang'e 4, but was delayed by problems with the heavy-lift Long March 5 rocket. China’s further steps in lunar exploration will clearly include a crewed landing, probably within five to ten years. In partial preparation for this, the static part of the Chang'e 4 lander includes a 3kg sealed biosphere within which potato seeds and silkworm eggs will be encouraged to germinate and hatch. This could help unveil whether the carbon dioxide exhaled from the larvae can be balanced by the amount taken up by the seedlings during photosynthesis. Ultimately, that’s one small step towards a sustainable closed ecosystem on the moon. (David Rothery is Professor of Planetary Geosciences, The Open University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

China lands on the far side of moon – here is the science behind the mission

The ISRO will send human for the first time to space by 2022 while its ambitious project Chandrayaan 2 will be completed in 2019 with landing of an indigenous spacecraft, the space agency's chairman Kailasavadivoo Sivan said here Thursday.

Sivan, who is here to attend the convocation ceremony of DDU Gorakhpur University Friday, told reporters, "We have set a deadline of sending human to space by the end of 2021 or beginning of 2022".

The Chandrayaan 2 will be sent on the moon by January or February next year. Chandrayaan 2 is designed to make soft landing on the moon and carry out extensive experiments on its surface.

Scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will undertake three to six missions in the next six months, he said.

The ISRO is serving the nation in various fields including communication, navigation, space science etc and every single person of India is somehow linked with its services, he said.

"Under Digital India Mission launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ISRO is all set to provide high data connectivity of 100 GBPS in rural and remote areas by placing four communication satellites in to space, of which one is already placed this year, while the rest three will be placed in November,

December and early next year," he said.

He said more than 75 per cent of the population of country lives in remote areas and it is advisable to space technology to provide services in various speeds.&nbsp;

The ISRO chairman said although it was not possible for India's premier space agency to recruit all potential engineers passing out from Indian universities yet it was working on capacity building programmes to tab their potential through incubation and research centers.

"The ISRO is all set to give young engineers opportunity to serve the nation by opening six incubation centers, research centers and research chair in north, south, east, central and west India," he said.

While one incubation center is already opened in Agartala, rest will operationalise in Jalandhar, Bhubneshwar, Indore, Nagpur and Kochi. Similarly, research centers would come up in Guwahati, Jaipur, Krukshetra, Kanyakumari, Patna and Varansi, he said.&nbsp;

The ISRO will send human for the first time to space by 2022 while its ambitious project Chandrayaan 2 will be completed in 2019 with landing of an indigenous spacecraft, the space agency's chairman Kailasavadivoo Sivan said here Thursday.

The ISRO will send human for the first time to space by 2022 while its ambitious project Chandrayaan 2 will be completed in 2019 with landing of an indigenous spacecraft, the space agency's chairman Kailasavadivoo Sivan said here Thursday. Sivan, who is here to attend the convocation ceremony of DDU Gorakhpur University Friday, told reporters, "We have set a deadline of sending human to space by the end of 2021 or beginning of 2022". The Chandrayaan 2 will be sent on the moon by January or February next year. Chandrayaan 2 is designed to make soft landing on the moon and carry out extensive experiments on its surface. Scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will undertake three to six missions in the next six months, he said. The ISRO is serving the nation in various fields including communication, navigation, space science etc and every single person of India is somehow linked with its services, he said. "Under Digital India Mission launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ISRO is all set to provide high data connectivity of 100 GBPS in rural and remote areas by placing four communication satellites in to space, of which one is already placed this year, while the rest three will be placed in November, December and early next year," he said. He said more than 75 per cent of the population of country lives in remote areas and it is advisable to space technology to provide services in various speeds. The ISRO chairman said although it was not possible for India's premier space agency to recruit all potential engineers passing out from Indian universities yet it was working on capacity building programmes to tab their potential through incubation and research centers. "The ISRO is all set to give young engineers opportunity to serve the nation by opening six incubation centers, research centers and research chair in north, south, east, central and west India," he said. While one incubation center is already opened in Agartala, rest will operationalise in Jalandhar, Bhubneshwar, Indore, Nagpur and Kochi. Similarly, research centers would come up in Guwahati, Jaipur, Krukshetra, Kanyakumari, Patna and Varansi, he said.

ISRO to send human to space by 2022: Space agency chief

space-agency

Space Agency, News on Space Agency, stories on Space Agency, articles on Space Agency, Space Agency stories at Wion, Space Agency news, Space Agency latest news