The Dragon spacecraft, a joint venture between NASA and SpaceX, has launched, transporting four men to the International Space Station (ISS). The crew of the Crew-7 mission, which also comprises the Russian Konstantin Borisov, Satoshi Furukawa, and Andreas Mogensen of Denmark, is led by American Jasmin Moghbeli.

NASA, SpaceX launch sends four astronauts from four countries to ISS

Four astronauts — representing four nations and space agencies across the globe — launched aboard a SpaceX rocket toward the International Space Station, kicking off a mission expected to last more than six months.

SpaceX launches truly international astronaut team on Crew-7 flight to space station for NASA

A successful launch to the International Space Station from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 3:27 a.m. EDT on Saturday, August 26, put a crew of four from four different nations in orbit.

NASA sends four astronauts to international space station

When attempting to transport a piece of equipment to China for use on its Tiangong space station, Indian scientists have run into difficulties. About a year ago, a team from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Bangalore asked the Indian Ministry of External Affairs for permission to export the Spectroscopic Investigations of Nebular Gas (Sing) apparatus.

China's Tiangong space station faces equipment delay from India

Tianzhou-6 cargo spacecraft reached the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site. It is expected to deliver supplies to the Tiangong space station in orbit.

Tianzhou-6 cargo spacecraft reaches launch site

The space water is now heating up. China has been working steadily to make a mark on the final frontier and now in a big step forward, China is all set to have its first ever permanent space station with the successful launch of the Mengtian lab module.

China launches third and final module of its T-shaped space station, joins its predecessors in space

A Russian cosmonaut had to cut short his spacewalk because of an issue with his spacesuit. After only a few hours into the walk that was originally intended to go on for seven hours, the cosmonaut was ordered to stop everything and return to the International Space Station's airlock.&nbsp;

"Oleg, you must return to the airlock as soon as possible," Russian mission controllers ordered.

"Drop everything and go back," he was told multiple times, as per a NASA broadcast.

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NASA officials said that there were problems with cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev's battery pack that powers the spacesuit, which is why he was asked to return to the station and attach it to ISS power. Officials say there wasn't any risk to Artemyev's life, who was warned several times before he finally returned.

Artemyev and the other cosmonaut, Denis Matveev, were out to install two cameras on the new European robotic arm affixed to the space station's exterior on a Russian-controlled portion of the ISS. The issues with the battery pack were causing "voltage fluctuations" in Artemyev's spacesuit, according to a commentary on the spacewalk livestream.

Matveev then gathered all the instruments and upon his return Artemyev pressurized the airlock. The spacewalk lasted only about four hours.

"The situation is under control...The health of the cosmonaut is not in danger. The crew is doing well," Russian space agency Roscosmos said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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A Russian cosmonaut had to cut short his spacewalk because of an issue with his spacesuit. After only a few hours into the walk that was originally intended to go on for seven hours, the cosmonaut was ordered to stop everything and return to the International Space Station's airlock.

A Russian cosmonaut had to cut short his spacewalk because of an issue with his spacesuit. After only a few hours into the walk that was originally intended to go on for seven hours, the cosmonaut was ordered to stop everything and return to the International Space Station's airlock. "Oleg, you must return to the airlock as soon as possible," Russian mission controllers ordered. "Drop everything and go back," he was told multiple times, as per a NASA broadcast. Also Read | Voyager Station: World's first space hotel to be fully functional in just three years NASA officials said that there were problems with cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev's battery pack that powers the spacesuit, which is why he was asked to return to the station and attach it to ISS power. Officials say there wasn't any risk to Artemyev's life, who was warned several times before he finally returned. Artemyev and the other cosmonaut, Denis Matveev, were out to install two cameras on the new European robotic arm affixed to the space station's exterior on a Russian-controlled portion of the ISS. The issues with the battery pack were causing "voltage fluctuations" in Artemyev's spacesuit, according to a commentary on the spacewalk livestream. Matveev then gathered all the instruments and upon his return Artemyev pressurized the airlock. The spacewalk lasted only about four hours. "The situation is under control...The health of the cosmonaut is not in danger. The crew is doing well," Russian space agency Roscosmos said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian cosmonaut's spacewalk cut short due to a fault in his suit

Suggesting Moscow is serious about abandoning the International Space Station (ISS), Roscosmos unveiled for the first time a physical model of what a planned new Russian-built space station will look like.

Russia unveils new space station model

Russia's new space chief announced that his country plans to withdraw from the International Space Station after 2024, but senior NASA officials said Moscow has not formally conveyed an intent to end its two-decade-old orbital partnership with the United States.

Russia to pull out of ISS; NASA says it's not official yet

China on Monday (July 25) added a laboratory to its permanent orbiting space station as the country is working towards completing the structure, which is expected to be done by the end of the year. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) informed on Monday that a second laboratory module to its under-construction space station was docked successfully.&nbsp;

With an aim at expanding space ambitions, China launched the Wentian module atop a Long March 5B rocket from Hainan Island at 2:22pm (local time) on Sunday. Shortly after the launch, CCTV reported that the launch was "a complete success".&nbsp;

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China has landed robotic rovers on Mars and the Moon, and the space station is deemed as one of the crown jewels of the nation's ambitious space programme.&nbsp;

Tiangong space station was launched last year in April and the Wentian module is the second of the three modules required to complete it.&nbsp;

Footage from state broadcaster CCTV showed that a few hours after docking, the three astronauts opened the hatch and entered Wentian. Those three astronauts have been living in the core module since June. China is only the third nation to put humans in orbit.

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As mentioned by the official news agency Xinhua, Wentian will focus on life sciences and biotechnology research, including cell research and growth experiments on plants, fruit flies and zebrafish.&nbsp;

The state media also said that the module will have living space for three additional astronauts. It will be housing up to six people during crew transitions.&nbsp;

Another lab named Mengtian, which is the third and final module, is scheduled for launch in October. Once finalised, Tiangong is expected to remain in low orbit 400-450 kilometres above Earth for at least 10 years.&nbsp;

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China on Monday (July 25) added a laboratory to its permanent orbiting space station as the country is working towards completing the structure, which is expected to be done by the end of the year.

China on Monday (July 25) added a laboratory to its permanent orbiting space station as the country is working towards completing the structure, which is expected to be done by the end of the year. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) informed on Monday that a second laboratory module to its under-construction space station was docked successfully. With an aim at expanding space ambitions, China launched the Wentian module atop a Long March 5B rocket from Hainan Island at 2:22pm (local time) on Sunday. Shortly after the launch, CCTV reported that the launch was "a complete success". ALSO READ | Newly discovered rare deep-sea brine pools can help look for ‘alien’ life elsewhere in the universe China has landed robotic rovers on Mars and the Moon, and the space station is deemed as one of the crown jewels of the nation's ambitious space programme. Tiangong space station was launched last year in April and the Wentian module is the second of the three modules required to complete it. Footage from state broadcaster CCTV showed that a few hours after docking, the three astronauts opened the hatch and entered Wentian. Those three astronauts have been living in the core module since June. China is only the third nation to put humans in orbit. ALSO READ | Ever heard about bio-weapons that use DNA to kill specific person? They are reality now As mentioned by the official news agency Xinhua, Wentian will focus on life sciences and biotechnology research, including cell research and growth experiments on plants, fruit flies and zebrafish. The state media also said that the module will have living space for three additional astronauts. It will be housing up to six people during crew transitions. Another lab named Mengtian, which is the third and final module, is scheduled for launch in October. Once finalised, Tiangong is expected to remain in low orbit 400-450 kilometres above Earth for at least 10 years. 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.

Wentian laboratory: Chinese astronauts set up new lab on space station

China sent three astronauts on Sunday on a six-month-long mission to oversee a pivotal period of construction of its space station, whose final modules are due to be launched in the coming months.

The space station, when completed by the year-end, will lay a significant milestone in China`s three-decades long manned space programme, first approved in 1992 and initially code-named "Project 921". It will also flag the start of permanent Chinese habitation in space.

The completion of the structure, about a fifth of the International Space Station (ISS) by mass, is a source of pride among ordinary Chinese people, and caps President Xi Jinping`s 10 years as leader of the ruling Communist Party.

A Long March-2F rocket, which was used to launch China`s first crewed spaceflight on the Shenzhou-5 mission in 2003, lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert in northwest China at 10:44 a.m. (0244 GMT) with the spacecraft Shenzhou-14, or "Divine Vessel", and its three astronauts, a live broadcast by state television showed.

"I watched the launch of Shenzhou-5 when I was a primary student, and now we have Shenzhou-14," Zanna Zhang, a social media developer, told Reuters.

"Of course I`m super excited, and I`m so proud as a Chinese. We`re one step closer to becoming a space superpower," the 25-year-old said. 
Construction began in April last year with the launch of the first and largest of its three modules - Tianhe - the living quarters of visiting astronauts. The lab modules Wentian

and Mengtian are to be launched in July and October, respectively. 
Shenzhou-14 mission commander Chen Dong, 43, and teammates Liu Yang, 43, and Cai Xuzhe, 46, all from China`s second cohort of astronauts, will live and work on the space station for about 180 days before returning to Earth in December with the arrival of the Shenzhou-15 crew.

'Pivotal battle'

Former air force pilot Chen with Liu, who became China`s first female astronaut in space a decade ago, and space mission debutant Cai, will oversee the rendezvous, docking and integration of Wentian and Mengtian with the core module.

They will also install equipment inside and outside the space station and carry out a range of scientific research.

"The Shenzhou-14 mission is a pivotal battle in the construction stage of China`s space station," Chen told a news conference in Jiuquan on Saturday. "The task will be tougher, there will be more problems and the challenges will be greater."

When completed, the T-shaped space station can accommodate as many as 25 lab cabinets, each a micro lab that can be used to conduct experiments. Wentian will be equipped to support life science research while Mengtian will focus on microgravity experiments.

Wentian will also have an airlock cabin for extravehicular trips, as well as short-term living quarters for astronauts during crew rotations.

The space station is designed for a lifespan of at least a decade.

Its ability for long-term accommodation of just three astronauts, compared with seven on the ISS, has not deterred China from extending invitations to foreign astronauts in its ambition to internationalise the space station.

The three-module station could be expanded into a four-module cross-shaped configuration in the future, a deputy designer of the space station told Chinese media last year.

Mirroring the ISS, spacecraft and modules launched by other nations are also welcome to dock with and become a long-term member of the Chinese station. Commercial human spaceflight to the station is also being explored.

China sent three astronauts on Sunday on a six-month-long mission to oversee a pivotal period of construction of its space station, whose final modules are due to be launched in the coming months.

China sent three astronauts on Sunday on a six-month-long mission to oversee a pivotal period of construction of its space station, whose final modules are due to be launched in the coming months. The space station, when completed by the year-end, will lay a significant milestone in China`s three-decades long manned space programme, first approved in 1992 and initially code-named "Project 921". It will also flag the start of permanent Chinese habitation in space. The completion of the structure, about a fifth of the International Space Station (ISS) by mass, is a source of pride among ordinary Chinese people, and caps President Xi Jinping`s 10 years as leader of the ruling Communist Party. A Long March-2F rocket, which was used to launch China`s first crewed spaceflight on the Shenzhou-5 mission in 2003, lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert in northwest China at 10:44 a.m. (0244 GMT) with the spacecraft Shenzhou-14, or "Divine Vessel", and its three astronauts, a live broadcast by state television showed. "I watched the launch of Shenzhou-5 when I was a primary student, and now we have Shenzhou-14," Zanna Zhang, a social media developer, told Reuters. "Of course I`m super excited, and I`m so proud as a Chinese. We`re one step closer to becoming a space superpower," the 25-year-old said. Construction began in April last year with the launch of the first and largest of its three modules - Tianhe - the living quarters of visiting astronauts. The lab modules Wentian and Mengtian are to be launched in July and October, respectively. Shenzhou-14 mission commander Chen Dong, 43, and teammates Liu Yang, 43, and Cai Xuzhe, 46, all from China`s second cohort of astronauts, will live and work on the space station for about 180 days before returning to Earth in December with the arrival of the Shenzhou-15 crew. 'Pivotal battle' Former air force pilot Chen with Liu, who became China`s first female astronaut in space a decade ago, and space mission debutant Cai, will oversee the rendezvous, docking and integration of Wentian and Mengtian with the core module. They will also install equipment inside and outside the space station and carry out a range of scientific research. "The Shenzhou-14 mission is a pivotal battle in the construction stage of China`s space station," Chen told a news conference in Jiuquan on Saturday. "The task will be tougher, there will be more problems and the challenges will be greater." When completed, the T-shaped space station can accommodate as many as 25 lab cabinets, each a micro lab that can be used to conduct experiments. Wentian will be equipped to support life science research while Mengtian will focus on microgravity experiments. Wentian will also have an airlock cabin for extravehicular trips, as well as short-term living quarters for astronauts during crew rotations. The space station is designed for a lifespan of at least a decade. Its ability for long-term accommodation of just three astronauts, compared with seven on the ISS, has not deterred China from extending invitations to foreign astronauts in its ambition to internationalise the space station. The three-module station could be expanded into a four-module cross-shaped configuration in the future, a deputy designer of the space station told Chinese media last year. Mirroring the ISS, spacecraft and modules launched by other nations are also welcome to dock with and become a long-term member of the Chinese station. Commercial human spaceflight to the station is also being explored.

Chinese astronauts blast off to space station as construction enters high gear

Three Chinese astronauts returned to earth on Saturday after 183 days in space, state television reported, completing the country's longest crewed space mission to date. Here are ten things you should know.

10 things about China's recent space mission

NASA confirmed in a new transition plan that the International Space Station (ISS) will continue its operations until 2030 before heading for a watery grave at the most remote point in the Pacific.

NASA to retire International Space Station in January 2031

China has launched a three-person crew to the core module of a future space station where they will live and work for six months, the longest orbit for Chinese astronauts.

China launches second crewed mission to build space station

The first astronauts arrived at China's new space station on Thursday in the country's longest crewed mission to date, a landmark step in establishing Beijing as a major space power.

The trio blasted off on a Long March-2F rocket from the Jiuquan launch centre in northwest China's Gobi desert, and their craft docked at the Tiangong station around seven hours later, where they will spend the next three months. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shenzhou-12-chinas-rocket-carrying-first-crew-blasts-off-to-new-space-station-392043">Also read | Shenzhou-12: China's rocket carrying first crew blasts off to new space station</a> 
 
State broadcaster CCTV showed a live feed from inside the spacecraft during the journey, with the three astronauts lifting their helmet visors after it reached orbit as one smiled and waved at the camera.

Another floated a pen just off his lap in zero-gravity as he browsed the flight manual. 
 
Watch: China launches three-man crew to new space station

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Around seven hours after lift-off, space officials confirmed that the craft had docked with Tianhe, the core module of the country's new space station.

The Shenzhou-12 craft has "successfully docked with the forward port of the core module" of the Tiangong station, said the China Manned Space Agency, as state TV showed live footage.

At a ceremony before blast-off, the three astronauts, already wearing their spacesuits, greeted a crowd of supporters and space workers, who sang the patriotic song "Without the Chinese Communist Party, there would be no new China".

The mission's commander is Nie Haisheng, a decorated air force pilot in the People's Liberation Army who has already participated in two space missions.

The two other members are also members of the military.

Space Life

The Tianhe module of the space station has separate living spaces for each of the astronauts, a "space treadmill" and bike for exercise, and a communication centre for emails and video calls with ground control.

It is China's first crewed mission in nearly five years.

Huang Weifen of the China Manned Space Program said the astronauts will perform two spacewalks during the mission, both lasting around six or seven hours.

She also said the trio will wear newly-developed spacewalk suits.

The launch represents a matter of huge prestige in China, as Beijing prepares to mark the 100th anniversary of the ruling Communist Party on July 1 with a massive propaganda campaign.

To prepare for the mission, the crew underwent more than 6,000 hours of training, including hundreds of underwater somersaults in full space gear.

The Chinese space agency is planning a total of 11 launches through to the end of next year, including three more manned missions that will deliver two lab modules to expand the 70-tonne station, along with supplies and crew members.

China's space ambitions have been fuelled in part by a US ban on its astronauts on the International Space Station, a collaboration between the United States, Russia, Canada, Europe and Japan.

It is due for retirement after 2024, even though NASA has said it could potentially remain functional beyond 2028.

Tiangong will be much smaller than the ISS and is expected to have a lifespan of at least 10 years.

China has said it would be open to international collaboration on its space station although it has yet to give specific details.

Zhou Jianping, the chief designer for the space programme, said "foreign astronauts are certainly going to enter the Chinese space station one day".

"There are a number of countries that have expressed a desire to do that and we will be open to that in future," he said.

The first astronauts arrived at China's new space station on Thursday in the country's longest crewed mission to date, a landmark step in establishing Beijing as a major space power.

The first astronauts arrived at China's new space station on Thursday in the country's longest crewed mission to date, a landmark step in establishing Beijing as a major space power. The trio blasted off on a Long March-2F rocket from the Jiuquan launch centre in northwest China's Gobi desert, and their craft docked at the Tiangong station around seven hours later, where they will spend the next three months. Also read | Shenzhou-12: China's rocket carrying first crew blasts off to new space station State broadcaster CCTV showed a live feed from inside the spacecraft during the journey, with the three astronauts lifting their helmet visors after it reached orbit as one smiled and waved at the camera. Another floated a pen just off his lap in zero-gravity as he browsed the flight manual. Watch: China launches three-man crew to new space station Around seven hours after lift-off, space officials confirmed that the craft had docked with Tianhe, the core module of the country's new space station. The Shenzhou-12 craft has "successfully docked with the forward port of the core module" of the Tiangong station, said the China Manned Space Agency, as state TV showed live footage. At a ceremony before blast-off, the three astronauts, already wearing their spacesuits, greeted a crowd of supporters and space workers, who sang the patriotic song "Without the Chinese Communist Party, there would be no new China". The mission's commander is Nie Haisheng, a decorated air force pilot in the People's Liberation Army who has already participated in two space missions. The two other members are also members of the military. Space Life The Tianhe module of the space station has separate living spaces for each of the astronauts, a "space treadmill" and bike for exercise, and a communication centre for emails and video calls with ground control. It is China's first crewed mission in nearly five years. Huang Weifen of the China Manned Space Program said the astronauts will perform two spacewalks during the mission, both lasting around six or seven hours. She also said the trio will wear newly-developed spacewalk suits. The launch represents a matter of huge prestige in China, as Beijing prepares to mark the 100th anniversary of the ruling Communist Party on July 1 with a massive propaganda campaign. To prepare for the mission, the crew underwent more than 6,000 hours of training, including hundreds of underwater somersaults in full space gear. The Chinese space agency is planning a total of 11 launches through to the end of next year, including three more manned missions that will deliver two lab modules to expand the 70-tonne station, along with supplies and crew members. China's space ambitions have been fuelled in part by a US ban on its astronauts on the International Space Station, a collaboration between the United States, Russia, Canada, Europe and Japan. It is due for retirement after 2024, even though NASA has said it could potentially remain functional beyond 2028. Tiangong will be much smaller than the ISS and is expected to have a lifespan of at least 10 years. China has said it would be open to international collaboration on its space station although it has yet to give specific details. Zhou Jianping, the chief designer for the space programme, said "foreign astronauts are certainly going to enter the Chinese space station one day". "There are a number of countries that have expressed a desire to do that and we will be open to that in future," he said.

Shenzhou-12: First astronauts arrive at China's Tiangong space station

In China's longest crewed mission to date, the first astronauts for its new space station blasted off on Thursday, June 17. Carrying three astronauts, the Long March-2F rocket lifted off at 9:22 am local time (0122 GMT) in a cloud of smoke from the Jiuquan launch centre in northwest China's Gobi desert.

In China's longest crewed mission to date, the first astronauts for its new space station blasted off on Thursday, June 17. Carrying three astronauts, the Long March-2F rocket lifted off at 9:22 am local time (0122 GMT) in a cloud of smoke from the Jiuquan launch centre in northwest China's Gobi desert. This is being considered as a 'landmark' step in establishing Beijing as a major space power. A Long March-2F carrier rocket, carrying the Shenzhou-12 spacecraft and a crew of three astronauts, lifts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre. Image Credits: AFP The first crewed mission to China's new space station. Image Credits: AFP The Shenzhou-12 spacecraft will dock with the Tianhe main section of the space station, which was placed in orbit on April 29. Also Read | Astronauts spacewalk on International Space Station to boost its solar power The module has separate living spaces for each of them. It includes a treadmill for exercise and a communication center for emails and video calls with ground control. In the coming time, another 11 missions are planned to complete the construction of Tiangong in orbit. It is the job of the first crew to test and maintain the systems onboard, conduct spacewalks, and undertake scientific experiments. To prepare for the mission, the crew has undergone more than 6,000 hours of training. This included hundreds of underwater somersaults in full space gear. The mission includes commander Nie Haisheng, who is a decorated air force pilot in the People's Liberation Army and already has experience in two space missions. The two other members are also members of the military.

Shenzhou-12: China's rocket carrying first crew blasts off to new space station

The Pentagon is fully aware of and is tracking the uncontrolled entry of the Chinese rocket into the atmosphere this weekend, a spokesman has announced.

On Thursday, China launched the first of the three elements for its space station, the CSS. This was powered by the Long March 5B rocket, which is now being tracked by the Pentagon.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is "aware and he knows the space command is tracking, literally tracking this rocket debris".

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The rocket is supposed to enter back into the atmosphere around Saturday with an almost intact body while coming down.

Experts have revealed that after the rocket was separated from the space station module, the rocket began to orbit the Earth in an uncharted and irregular trajectory and it slowly lost its altitude. This made it almost impossible to make any predictions about where, when, and how will it re-enter the atmosphere or where will it hit the ground.

There is also a possibility that the rocket might break apart upon its re-entry into the atmosphere. In such a case, only small debris of the broken rocket might land on the Earth. However, another possibility is also that the rocket, if it does not break, makes a splash in an ocean.

"We're tracking it. We're following it as closely as we can," Kirby said. "It's just a little too soon right now to know where it's going to go or what, if anything, can be done about that."

The Pentagon is fully aware of and is tracking the uncontrolled entry of the Chinese rocket into the atmosphere this weekend, a spokesman has announced. On Thursday, China launched the first of the three elements for its space station, the CSS.

The Pentagon is fully aware of and is tracking the uncontrolled entry of the Chinese rocket into the atmosphere this weekend, a spokesman has announced. On Thursday, China launched the first of the three elements for its space station, the CSS. This was powered by the Long March 5B rocket, which is now being tracked by the Pentagon. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is "aware and he knows the space command is tracking, literally tracking this rocket debris". Also read | International Space Station astronauts splashdown off Florida on SpaceX craft The rocket is supposed to enter back into the atmosphere around Saturday with an almost intact body while coming down. Experts have revealed that after the rocket was separated from the space station module, the rocket began to orbit the Earth in an uncharted and irregular trajectory and it slowly lost its altitude. This made it almost impossible to make any predictions about where, when, and how will it re-enter the atmosphere or where will it hit the ground. There is also a possibility that the rocket might break apart upon its re-entry into the atmosphere. In such a case, only small debris of the broken rocket might land on the Earth. However, another possibility is also that the rocket, if it does not break, makes a splash in an ocean. "We're tracking it. We're following it as closely as we can," Kirby said. "It's just a little too soon right now to know where it's going to go or what, if anything, can be done about that."

US closely tracking uncontrolled Chinese rocket re-entering atmosphere: Pentagon

Russian space agency Roscosmos on Tuesday said that it hoped to launch its own space station in 2025. Moscow is considering withdrawing from the International Space Station programme. Dmitry Rogozin, chief of Roscosmos said work had already begun on the first module of the new space station.&nbsp;

"The first core module of the new Russian orbital station is in the works," Rogozin said in a statement on messaging app Telegram.&nbsp;

He said Russia's Energia space corporation was aiming to have the module "ready for launch" in 2025 and released a video of Energia staff at work.

The announcement came with tensions soaring over espionage claims, a Russian troop build-up along Ukraine's borders and the deteriorating health of President Vladimir Putin's imprisoned critic Alexei Navalny.

International Space Station (ISS) which is currently in orbit is one of the most ambitious international collaborations in human history.

The ISS was launched in 1998 with co-operation between Russia, the US, Japan, Canada and the European Space Agency.

Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov said in recent days that Moscow was considering whether to leave the ISS programme from 2025 because of the station's age.

However, Roscosmos said on Monday that a decision on quitting the ISS had not yet been made.

"When we make a decision we will start negotiations with our partners on forms and conditions of cooperation beyond 2024," the space agency told AFP in a statement.

Russia lost its monopoly for manned flights to the ISS last year after the first successful mission of US company Space X.

Despite its much-lauded history -- Russia this month marked the 60th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin becoming the first person in orbit -- the country's space programme has struggled in recent years.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian space agency Roscosmos on Tuesday said that it hoped to launch its own space station in 2025. Moscow is considering withdrawing from the International Space Station programme.

Russian space agency Roscosmos on Tuesday said that it hoped to launch its own space station in 2025. Moscow is considering withdrawing from the International Space Station programme. Dmitry Rogozin, chief of Roscosmos said work had already begun on the first module of the new space station. "The first core module of the new Russian orbital station is in the works," Rogozin said in a statement on messaging app Telegram. He said Russia's Energia space corporation was aiming to have the module "ready for launch" in 2025 and released a video of Energia staff at work. The announcement came with tensions soaring over espionage claims, a Russian troop build-up along Ukraine's borders and the deteriorating health of President Vladimir Putin's imprisoned critic Alexei Navalny. International Space Station (ISS) which is currently in orbit is one of the most ambitious international collaborations in human history. The ISS was launched in 1998 with co-operation between Russia, the US, Japan, Canada and the European Space Agency. Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov said in recent days that Moscow was considering whether to leave the ISS programme from 2025 because of the station's age. However, Roscosmos said on Monday that a decision on quitting the ISS had not yet been made. "When we make a decision we will start negotiations with our partners on forms and conditions of cooperation beyond 2024," the space agency told AFP in a statement. Russia lost its monopoly for manned flights to the ISS last year after the first successful mission of US company Space X. Despite its much-lauded history -- Russia this month marked the 60th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin becoming the first person in orbit -- the country's space programme has struggled in recent years. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia to launch its own space station in 2025

Astronauts had found an air leak in its section of the International Space Station, with a senior space official calling the air loss beyond expected levels, Russia said on Tuesday.

The crew on the ISS have been searching for the air leak since August, first checking the US segment.

The crew notably consists of Russian cosmonauts Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner and NASA astronaut Christopher Cassidy.

Russia's space agency, Roscosmos, said in a statement that after analysis and a search for the leak "it was established that the spot is located in the Zvezda (star) service module, which contains scientific equipment."

It said a search was now underfoot to pinpoint the exact location, saying the situation "is not dangerous for the life and health of the ISS crew and does not prevent the ISS continuing manned flight."

Sergei Krikalyov, the executive director of Russia's manned space programmes, however, said in a televised comment that the ISS always has slight air loss due to the air purifying system.

He said the crew were now resting but hoped to find the precise spot and fix the leak on Wednesday.

NASA said that the leak had appeared to grow in size overnight Monday to Tuesday and the crew were awakened by flight controllers to carry out a search.&nbsp;It was later found that a temperature change had made the leak seem to grow, while the rate of air escaping was "unchanged," the US space agency said.

Previously, astronauts had searched for the source of the leak in the US segment of the station using an ultrasound detector.

The incident comes after astronauts in 2018 found a hole in the wall of a Russian-made Soyuz space capsule docked onto the ISS.

Three new crew members, Russians Sergei Ryzhikov and Sergei Kud-Sverchkov and NASA astronaut Kate Rubins, are set to arrive in a Russian Soyuz spacecraft due to launch October 14.

(with inputs)

Astronauts had found an air leak in its section of the International Space Station, with a senior space official calling the air loss beyond expected levels, Russia said on Tuesday.

Astronauts had found an air leak in its section of the International Space Station, with a senior space official calling the air loss beyond expected levels, Russia said on Tuesday. The crew on the ISS have been searching for the air leak since August, first checking the US segment. The crew notably consists of Russian cosmonauts Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner and NASA astronaut Christopher Cassidy. Russia's space agency, Roscosmos, said in a statement that after analysis and a search for the leak "it was established that the spot is located in the Zvezda (star) service module, which contains scientific equipment." It said a search was now underfoot to pinpoint the exact location, saying the situation "is not dangerous for the life and health of the ISS crew and does not prevent the ISS continuing manned flight." Sergei Krikalyov, the executive director of Russia's manned space programmes, however, said in a televised comment that the ISS always has slight air loss due to the air purifying system. He said the crew were now resting but hoped to find the precise spot and fix the leak on Wednesday. NASA said that the leak had appeared to grow in size overnight Monday to Tuesday and the crew were awakened by flight controllers to carry out a search. It was later found that a temperature change had made the leak seem to grow, while the rate of air escaping was "unchanged," the US space agency said. Previously, astronauts had searched for the source of the leak in the US segment of the station using an ultrasound detector. The incident comes after astronauts in 2018 found a hole in the wall of a Russian-made Soyuz space capsule docked onto the ISS. Three new crew members, Russians Sergei Ryzhikov and Sergei Kud-Sverchkov and NASA astronaut Kate Rubins, are set to arrive in a Russian Soyuz spacecraft due to launch October 14. (with inputs)

Russia reports 'non-standard' air leak on space station. But there's no danger to crew

India is now planning to set up a space station. ISRO said that it will focus on Gaganyaan Mission. Gaganyaan is India's first human space mission. Dr. K. Sivan has announced that there will be a separate space station of India.

India Watch: India Plans Its Own Space Station

ISRO Announces Plan For Space Station

India is planning to launch its own space station, ISRO chief K Sivan said Thursday.

The ambitious project will be an extension of the Gaganyaan mission. 
"We have to sustain the Gaganyaan programme after the launch of (the) human space mission. In this context, India is planning to have its own space station," Sivan told reporters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandryaan-2-will-explore-region-of-moon-where-no-mission-has-ever-set-foot-isro-chairman-k-sivan-226520">India's second sojourn to the moon, Chandrayaan-2</a>, would be launched on July 15, Indian Space Research Organisation announced Wednesday, as it is all set for the most complex mission ever undertaken by it.

Under the nearly Rs 1,000 crore mission, the landing on the moon near the South Pole would be on September 6 or 7 on uncharted territory, ISRO chairman K Sivan said.

The Lander, named after the father of the Indian space programme, Vikram Sarabhai, will touch down on a rugged lunar surface in the final descent, which, according to Sivan, would be the "most terrifying moment" of the mission.

"This 15 minutes is going to be terrifying to all of us not only people from ISRO, but for entire India, because the space agency has never undertaken such type of complex flight... This 15 minutes flight is the most complex mission ISRO has ever undertaken," he said.

The ISRO had earlier kept the launch window for the mission from July 9 to July 16.

Watch: ISRO announces Chandrayaan-2 launch on July 15th

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/isro-announces-chandrayaan-2-launch-on-july-15th-226496/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Soft-landing on the South Pole of the moon, a territory that has never been visited by any spacecraft, is considered the most challenging part of the mission.

Pointing out <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-releases-first-pictures-of-chandrayaan-2-set-to-launched-in-july-226446">Chandrayaan 2 is going to the South Pole</a>, a place where nobody else has gone, Sivan said the entire scientific community of the nation and the globe were eagerly waiting for the mission.

According to him, there is both convenience and science involved for choosing the South Pole.

"From the science point of view, the South Pole is under shadow region more than the North Pole, so because of this special aspect of the South Pole, water is expected to be more there and also more minerals are expected to be there," he added.

"Whole country is waiting for this Chandrayaan-2 mission, yes ISRO has slipped (dates) many times, now ISRO has firmed up the date of launch, it is July 15 early morning at 2:51," Sivan told reporters.

He said the lander and rover will have the mission life of 1 lunar day (14 earth days) and the day of landing (September 6 or 7) will be the beginning of the lunar day.

"For one lunar day this lander and rover will be functioning and carry out scientific experiments," Sivan said.

The orbiter will be going around the moon for one year, he added.

Chandrayaan 2 will also have the credit of being India's first interplanetary mission to be steered by two women- with M Vanitha as Project Director and Ritu Karidhal as Mission Director.

Chandrayaan will carry 13 Indian payloads (8 on orbiter, 3 on lander and 2 on rover) and one passive experiment from NASA.

The mission cost of Chandrayaan-2 with regard to the satellite was Rs 603 crore, Sivan noted.

The cost of GSLV MK III is Rs 375 crore.

According to ISRO, Orbiter, with scientific payloads, would orbit around the moon.

Lander would soft-land on the moon at a predetermined site and deploy the Rover.

Chandrayaan-2 is an advanced version of the previous Chandrayaan-1 mission, which was launched about 10 years ago.

Chandrayaan-1 had 11 payloads - five from India, three from Europe, two from the US and one from Bulgaria - and the mission had the credit for the discovery of water on the lunar surface.

The 1.4-tonne spacecraft was launched using PSLV and the orbiter had orbited 100 km from the lunar surface.&nbsp;

India is planning to launch its own space station, ISRO chief K Sivan said Thursday. The ambitious project will be an extension of the Gaganyaan mission. "We have to sustain the Gaganyaan programme after the launch of (the) human space mission.

India is planning to launch its own space station, ISRO chief K Sivan said Thursday. The ambitious project will be an extension of the Gaganyaan mission. "We have to sustain the Gaganyaan programme after the launch of (the) human space mission. In this context, India is planning to have its own space station," Sivan told reporters. India's second sojourn to the moon, Chandrayaan-2, would be launched on July 15, Indian Space Research Organisation announced Wednesday, as it is all set for the most complex mission ever undertaken by it. Under the nearly Rs 1,000 crore mission, the landing on the moon near the South Pole would be on September 6 or 7 on uncharted territory, ISRO chairman K Sivan said. The Lander, named after the father of the Indian space programme, Vikram Sarabhai, will touch down on a rugged lunar surface in the final descent, which, according to Sivan, would be the "most terrifying moment" of the mission. "This 15 minutes is going to be terrifying to all of us not only people from ISRO, but for entire India, because the space agency has never undertaken such type of complex flight... This 15 minutes flight is the most complex mission ISRO has ever undertaken," he said. The ISRO had earlier kept the launch window for the mission from July 9 to July 16. Watch: ISRO announces Chandrayaan-2 launch on July 15th Soft-landing on the South Pole of the moon, a territory that has never been visited by any spacecraft, is considered the most challenging part of the mission. Pointing out Chandrayaan 2 is going to the South Pole, a place where nobody else has gone, Sivan said the entire scientific community of the nation and the globe were eagerly waiting for the mission. According to him, there is both convenience and science involved for choosing the South Pole. "From the science point of view, the South Pole is under shadow region more than the North Pole, so because of this special aspect of the South Pole, water is expected to be more there and also more minerals are expected to be there," he added. "Whole country is waiting for this Chandrayaan-2 mission, yes ISRO has slipped (dates) many times, now ISRO has firmed up the date of launch, it is July 15 early morning at 2:51," Sivan told reporters. He said the lander and rover will have the mission life of 1 lunar day (14 earth days) and the day of landing (September 6 or 7) will be the beginning of the lunar day. "For one lunar day this lander and rover will be functioning and carry out scientific experiments," Sivan said. The orbiter will be going around the moon for one year, he added. Chandrayaan 2 will also have the credit of being India's first interplanetary mission to be steered by two women- with M Vanitha as Project Director and Ritu Karidhal as Mission Director. Chandrayaan will carry 13 Indian payloads (8 on orbiter, 3 on lander and 2 on rover) and one passive experiment from NASA. The mission cost of Chandrayaan-2 with regard to the satellite was Rs 603 crore, Sivan noted. The cost of GSLV MK III is Rs 375 crore. According to ISRO, Orbiter, with scientific payloads, would orbit around the moon. Lander would soft-land on the moon at a predetermined site and deploy the Rover. Chandrayaan-2 is an advanced version of the previous Chandrayaan-1 mission, which was launched about 10 years ago. Chandrayaan-1 had 11 payloads - five from India, three from Europe, two from the US and one from Bulgaria - and the mission had the credit for the discovery of water on the lunar surface. The 1.4-tonne spacecraft was launched using PSLV and the orbiter had orbited 100 km from the lunar surface.

India is planning to have its own space station: ISRO chief

Using knives and shears, a pair of Russian spacewalkers Tuesday cut samples of material around a mysterious hole in a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/soyuz-arrives-at-iss-on-first-manned-mission-since-october-failure-181307">Soyuz spacecraft</a> docked on the International Space Station that a Moscow official suggested could have been deliberate sabotage.

Roscosmos space agency said the aim was to discover whether the "small but dangerous" hole had been made on Earth or in space.

The two-millimetre cavity on the Soyuz spaceship docked at the ISS caused an air leak detected in August, two months after the craft's last voyage. 
Until Tuesday, astronauts had only been able to examine the hole from inside the spacecraft.

During the seven-hour, 45-minute spacewalk, veteran cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Sergei Prokopyev struggled, but eventually succeeded, in cutting away the insulation covering the hole and taking out a sample to analyse.

What made it especially hard is that the Soyuz spacecraft, unlike the ISS, was not designed to be repaired in spacewalks and has no outside railings for astronauts to hold onto.

"There's nothing, that's the problem," Kononenko said ahead of the outing. Roscosmos chief Dmitry Rogozin said in October that an investigation had ruled out a manufacturing error. He had said earlier that Russia did not exclude "deliberate interference in space."&nbsp;

Russian media reported the investigation was probing the possibility US astronauts deliberately drilled the hole to get a sick colleague sent back home. Russian officials later denied those reports.

The discovery of the hole was followed in October by the failure of a manned Soyuz launch, although the Russian and US astronauts returned safely to Earth.

The samples will be sent to Earth to "get at the truth" of the cavity's origins, the space agency said. The cosmonauts also took photographs and filmed video, before putting new insulation over the area. The spacewalk was the fourth for Kononenko and the second for Prokopyev.

Rogozin called the spacewalk "unprecedented in its complexity" on Twitter and Roscosmos said it would "enter the history of space exploration." The Soyuz spacecraft is used to ferry astronauts to and from the ISS. The hole is in a section that will not be used for the return journey to Earth on December 20.

The ISS is one of the few areas of Russia-US cooperation that remains unaffected by the slump in relations and Washington's sanctions.

Using knives and shears, a pair of Russian spacewalkers Tuesday cut samples of material around a mysterious hole in a Soyuz spacecraft docked on the International Space Station that a Moscow official suggested could have been deliberate sabotage.

Using knives and shears, a pair of Russian spacewalkers Tuesday cut samples of material around a mysterious hole in a Soyuz spacecraft docked on the International Space Station that a Moscow official suggested could have been deliberate sabotage. Roscosmos space agency said the aim was to discover whether the "small but dangerous" hole had been made on Earth or in space. The two-millimetre cavity on the Soyuz spaceship docked at the ISS caused an air leak detected in August, two months after the craft's last voyage. Until Tuesday, astronauts had only been able to examine the hole from inside the spacecraft. During the seven-hour, 45-minute spacewalk, veteran cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Sergei Prokopyev struggled, but eventually succeeded, in cutting away the insulation covering the hole and taking out a sample to analyse. What made it especially hard is that the Soyuz spacecraft, unlike the ISS, was not designed to be repaired in spacewalks and has no outside railings for astronauts to hold onto. "There's nothing, that's the problem," Kononenko said ahead of the outing. Roscosmos chief Dmitry Rogozin said in October that an investigation had ruled out a manufacturing error. He had said earlier that Russia did not exclude "deliberate interference in space." Russian media reported the investigation was probing the possibility US astronauts deliberately drilled the hole to get a sick colleague sent back home. Russian officials later denied those reports. The discovery of the hole was followed in October by the failure of a manned Soyuz launch, although the Russian and US astronauts returned safely to Earth. The samples will be sent to Earth to "get at the truth" of the cavity's origins, the space agency said. The cosmonauts also took photographs and filmed video, before putting new insulation over the area. The spacewalk was the fourth for Kononenko and the second for Prokopyev. Rogozin called the spacewalk "unprecedented in its complexity" on Twitter and Roscosmos said it would "enter the history of space exploration." The Soyuz spacecraft is used to ferry astronauts to and from the ISS. The hole is in a section that will not be used for the return journey to Earth on December 20. The ISS is one of the few areas of Russia-US cooperation that remains unaffected by the slump in relations and Washington's sanctions.

Russian spacewalkers take sample of mystery hole at space station

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