The world is witnessing a new emerging threat. There is an upsurge in peculiar sightings reported over the skies. Commonly knowns as Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO), these objects may pose a threat. Could these unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) be satellites deployed by foreign governments? Or falling space junk or maybe even floating speciality balloons or purposely faked UFOs?

'UFO Panel' by NASA explains mysterious sightings for the first time

<p>North Korea state media said on Wednesday that a military spy satellite was&nbsp;launched but it failed and crashed into the sea.</p>

<p>"The launched new satellite transport rocket 'Cheollima-1' crashed into the West Sea of Korea as it lost momentum due to abnormal start-up of the two-stage engine after one step separation while flying normally," the Korean Central News Agency reported.<br />
<br />
Pyongyang’s&nbsp;failure to put the country’s first spy satellite into orbit is&nbsp;being viewed as an embarrassment for its leader Kim Jong Un who has been pushing for a boost of North Korea’s military capability amid the security tensions with the United States and South Korea.<br />
<br />
It was the nuclear-armed state's sixth satellite launch attempt, and the first since 2016 and would have been North Korea’s first spy satellite in orbit.<br />
<br />
North Korea's National Aerospace Development Administration (NADA) will investigate the "serious defects" and take action to overcome them before conducting a second launch as soon as possible, KCNA said.</p>

<p>The launch of the satellite, meanwhile, caused panic and a flurry of activity in South Korean capital Seoul as air raid sirens blared and city authorities asked citizens to be prepared for evacuation before saying that the evacuation order was 'incorrectly issued'.</p>

<p>The text alert that was initially sent read,&nbsp;"Citizens, please prepare to evacuate and allow children and the elderly to evacuate first."</p>

<h2><strong>Missile alert warning system activated in Japan</strong></h2>

<p>Japan activated its missile alert warning system for the southern region of Okinawa soon after the North Korean launch.</p>

<p>"Missile launch. Missile launch. North Korea appears to have launched a missile. Please take shelters inside buildings or underground," said the alert tweeted by the prime minister’s office and carried on national broadcaster NHK.</p>

<p>The official English language Twitter handle of Japan PMO said in its tweets that a 'suspected ballistic missile' has been fired by North Korea and that&nbsp;'it will possibly land in the area around Okinawa'.</p>

<p>But around 30 minutes later, the government tweeted that the alert was being cancelled.</p>

<p>"It is expected that the missile reported earlier will not come to Japan. The call for evacuation is lifted," it said.</p>

<p>News agency Yonhap quoted South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff assaying that the projectile flew over the Yellow Sea and didn't affect the Seoul metropolitan area.<br />
<br />
Officials from the United States, Japan, South Korea held a phone call and&nbsp;“strongly condemned" the launch, Japan’s foreign ministry said.</p>

<p>South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the military was conducting operation to recover parts of the space launch vehicle.&nbsp;The military shared pictures of debris pulled from the water.&nbsp;</p>

<p>North Korea had earlier given indications that it intends to launch a spy satellite. On Tuesday, North Korea said that the satellite would be "indispensable to tracking, monitoring... and coping with in advance in real time the dangerous military acts of the US and its vassal forces".</p>

<p>The North had criticised US-South Korea joint military exercises, including the one going on right now. According to North Korean state media, one of country's top military officials said that Pyongyang felt "the need to expand reconnaissance and information means and improve various defensive and offensive weapons."</p>

<p>However, since&nbsp;long-range rockets and space launchers share the same technology, analysts say developing the ability to put a satellite in orbit would provide Pyongyang with cover for testing banned intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).</p>

<p>In 2012 and 2016, Pyongyang tested ballistic missiles that it called satellite launches. Both flew over Japan's southern Okinawa region.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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North Korea state media said on Wednesday that a military spy satellite was launched but it failed and crashed into the sea. "The launched new satellite transport rocket 'Cheollima-1' crashed into the West Sea of Korea as it lost momentum due to abnormal start-up of the two-stage engine after one step separation while flying normally," the Korean Central News Agency reported.

North Korea state media said on Wednesday that a military spy satellite was launched but it failed and crashed into the sea. "The launched new satellite transport rocket 'Cheollima-1' crashed into the West Sea of Korea as it lost momentum due to abnormal start-up of the two-stage engine after one step separation while flying normally," the Korean Central News Agency reported. Pyongyang’s failure to put the country’s first spy satellite into orbit is being viewed as an embarrassment for its leader Kim Jong Un who has been pushing for a boost of North Korea’s military capability amid the security tensions with the United States and South Korea. It was the nuclear-armed state's sixth satellite launch attempt, and the first since 2016 and would have been North Korea’s first spy satellite in orbit. North Korea's National Aerospace Development Administration (NADA) will investigate the "serious defects" and take action to overcome them before conducting a second launch as soon as possible, KCNA said. The launch of the satellite, meanwhile, caused panic and a flurry of activity in South Korean capital Seoul as air raid sirens blared and city authorities asked citizens to be prepared for evacuation before saying that the evacuation order was 'incorrectly issued'. The text alert that was initially sent read, "Citizens, please prepare to evacuate and allow children and the elderly to evacuate first." Missile alert warning system activated in Japan Japan activated its missile alert warning system for the southern region of Okinawa soon after the North Korean launch. "Missile launch. Missile launch. North Korea appears to have launched a missile. Please take shelters inside buildings or underground," said the alert tweeted by the prime minister’s office and carried on national broadcaster NHK. The official English language Twitter handle of Japan PMO said in its tweets that a 'suspected ballistic missile' has been fired by North Korea and that 'it will possibly land in the area around Okinawa'. But around 30 minutes later, the government tweeted that the alert was being cancelled. "It is expected that the missile reported earlier will not come to Japan. The call for evacuation is lifted," it said. News agency Yonhap quoted South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff assaying that the projectile flew over the Yellow Sea and didn't affect the Seoul metropolitan area. Officials from the United States, Japan, South Korea held a phone call and “strongly condemned" the launch, Japan’s foreign ministry said. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the military was conducting operation to recover parts of the space launch vehicle. The military shared pictures of debris pulled from the water. North Korea had earlier given indications that it intends to launch a spy satellite. On Tuesday, North Korea said that the satellite would be "indispensable to tracking, monitoring... and coping with in advance in real time the dangerous military acts of the US and its vassal forces". The North had criticised US-South Korea joint military exercises, including the one going on right now. According to North Korean state media, one of country's top military officials said that Pyongyang felt "the need to expand reconnaissance and information means and improve various defensive and offensive weapons." However, since long-range rockets and space launchers share the same technology, analysts say developing the ability to put a satellite in orbit would provide Pyongyang with cover for testing banned intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). In 2012 and 2016, Pyongyang tested ballistic missiles that it called satellite launches. Both flew over Japan's southern Okinawa region. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

North Korea military spy satellite launch fails, crashes into sea; Pyongyang vows second attempt soon

<p>Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Arab woman astronaut, along with a team of two Americans and two Saudis, returned safely to Earth on Tuesday night, after spending eight days on the International Space Station as a part of the historic research mission.</p>

<p>Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali Al Qarni scripted history by becoming the first Saudi astronauts to go on a mission to the orbiting outpost.</p>

<p>The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, that was carrying the astronauts, made a parachute-assisted splashdown into the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Panama City, Florida, after a 12-hour return flight and smouldering re-entry descent through Earth's atmosphere.</p>

<p>The splashdown was telecast&nbsp;live by a joint webcast presented by SpaceX and Axiom Space, which is the company behind the mission.</p>

<p>The Axiom 2 crew was led by 63-year-old Peggy Whitson, who is a retired NASA astronaut and also holds the US&nbsp;record for most time spent in orbit, with 665 days in space over three long-duration missions to the ISS, including ten spacewalks. She now serves as Axiom's director of human spaceflight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"That was a phenomenal ride. We really enjoyed all of it," Whitson radioed to mission controllers after the capsule splashed down.</p>

<p>Ax-2's assigned pilot was 67-year-old John Shoffner. He is an aviator, race car driver and investor from Alaska.</p>

<p>Rounding off&nbsp;the crew as mission specialists were the first two astronauts from Saudi Arabia to fly aboard a private spacecraft - Ali Alqarni, 31, a fighter pilot for the Royal Saudi Air Force; and Rayyanah Barnawi, 34, a biomedical scientist in cancer stem-cell research.</p>

<h2><strong>Rayyanah Barnawi bids emotional farewell&nbsp;</strong>to space station</h2>

<p>Taking to Twitter, Barnawi bid an emotional farewell to the space station saying, "Every story comes to an end".</p>

<p>"Every story comes to an end, and this is only the beginning of a new era for our country and our region.. thanks to everyone who have helped us," she wrote.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">كلمات الوداع في نهاية رحلتنا العلمية <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D9%86%D8%AD%D9%88_%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%B6%D8%A7%D8%A1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#نحو_الفضاء</a> 🛰<br />
دموع الفرح والإنجاز هي الختام فالحمدلله على التمام🙏🏼<br />
<br />
“Every story comes to an end, and this is only the beginning of a new era for our country and our region.. thanks to everyone who have helped us” 🙏🏼<br />
BYE <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a> 🛰… <a href="https://t.co/XxQnGB9hXx">pic.twitter.com/XxQnGB9hXx</a></p>
— RAYYANAH BARNAWI (@Astro_Rayyanah) <a href="https://twitter.com/Astro_Rayyanah/status/1663527128174829569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Who is Barnawi, the first Arab woman to go on a space mission?</strong></h2>

<p>Axiom Space's biography highlights Rayyanah Barnawi's remarkable career. She was born in 1988 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and has a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences from Otago University in New Zealand and a Master of Biomedical Sciences from Alfaisal University in Saudi Arabia. She is a biomedical researcher with almost ten years of expertise in the study of cancer stem cells.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Arab woman astronaut, along with a team of two Americans and two Saudis, returned safely to Earth on Tuesday night, after spending eight days on the International Space Station as a part of the historic research mission.

Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Arab woman astronaut, along with a team of two Americans and two Saudis, returned safely to Earth on Tuesday night, after spending eight days on the International Space Station as a part of the historic research mission. Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali Al Qarni scripted history by becoming the first Saudi astronauts to go on a mission to the orbiting outpost. The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, that was carrying the astronauts, made a parachute-assisted splashdown into the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Panama City, Florida, after a 12-hour return flight and smouldering re-entry descent through Earth's atmosphere. The splashdown was telecast live by a joint webcast presented by SpaceX and Axiom Space, which is the company behind the mission. The Axiom 2 crew was led by 63-year-old Peggy Whitson, who is a retired NASA astronaut and also holds the US record for most time spent in orbit, with 665 days in space over three long-duration missions to the ISS, including ten spacewalks. She now serves as Axiom's director of human spaceflight. "That was a phenomenal ride. We really enjoyed all of it," Whitson radioed to mission controllers after the capsule splashed down. Ax-2's assigned pilot was 67-year-old John Shoffner. He is an aviator, race car driver and investor from Alaska. Rounding off the crew as mission specialists were the first two astronauts from Saudi Arabia to fly aboard a private spacecraft - Ali Alqarni, 31, a fighter pilot for the Royal Saudi Air Force; and Rayyanah Barnawi, 34, a biomedical scientist in cancer stem-cell research. Rayyanah Barnawi bids emotional farewell to space station Taking to Twitter, Barnawi bid an emotional farewell to the space station saying, "Every story comes to an end". "Every story comes to an end, and this is only the beginning of a new era for our country and our region.. thanks to everyone who have helped us," she wrote. كلمات الوداع في نهاية رحلتنا العلمية #نحو_الفضاء 🛰 دموع الفرح والإنجاز هي الختام فالحمدلله على التمام🙏🏼 “Every story comes to an end, and this is only the beginning of a new era for our country and our region.. thanks to everyone who have helped us” 🙏🏼 BYE @Space_Station 🛰… pic.twitter.com/XxQnGB9hXx — RAYYANAH BARNAWI (@Astro_Rayyanah) May 30, 2023 × Who is Barnawi, the first Arab woman to go on a space mission? Axiom Space's biography highlights Rayyanah Barnawi's remarkable career. She was born in 1988 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and has a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences from Otago University in New Zealand and a Master of Biomedical Sciences from Alfaisal University in Saudi Arabia. She is a biomedical researcher with almost ten years of expertise in the study of cancer stem cells. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Axiom-2 crew, including first Saudi Arabian woman in orbit, returns to Earth safely

Axiom-2 crew returns home after successfully concluding space mission

Nations around the world are brawling over becoming the dominant power in space. Major global powers like Russia, China & the United States are competing with each other. As per a senior military official, the U.S. is ready for conflict in outer space. U.S. is alarmed by growing Russian aggression & China’s vision to become dominant space power by mid-century.

Is the U.S. prepared to fight in space amid threat posed by ‘provocative’ Russia & China?

<p>Virgin Galactic successfully carried out its first spaceflight in nearly two years Thursday, the company said, after an "enhancement period" to make safety upgrades to its fleet.</p>

<p>It was the fifth time the space tourism company brushed the boundary of space, and has been billed as the final test before commercial operations can begin in late June, with members of the Italian Air Force as the first paying customers.</p>

<p>"Touchdown, VSS Unity!" the company tweeted, referring to the name of the company's spaceplane. "Our crew and spaceship are back on Earth after landing smoothly at Spaceport America, New Mexico."</p>

<p>The mission "was a fantastic achievement for everyone at Virgin Galactic," added CEO Michael Colglazier, in a statement.</p>

<p>The Unity 25 mission flew four of the company employees to an altitude of just over 54 miles (87 kilometres) above sea level.</p>

<p>Virgin Galactic's space programme has suffered years of delays and a 2014 accident in which a pilot died.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sunspot-four-times-bigger-than-the-size-of-earth-is-visible-right-now-heres-how-you-can-see-it-596638">Sunspot four times bigger than earth is visible right now. Here's how you can see it</a></strong></p>

<p>Unlike other companies that use vertical-launch rockets, Virgin Galactic uses a carrier aircraft with two pilots that takes off from a runway, gains high altitude, and drops a rocket-powered plane that soars into space at nearly Mach 3, before gliding back to Earth.</p>

<p>The total journey time is 90 minutes, with passengers experiencing a few minutes of weightlessness in the space plane's cabin.</p>

<p>Its first fully crewed flight in 2021 included the company's flamboyant founder, British billionaire Richard Branson.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But what had appeared to be a breakthrough moment for the company was marred by an official safety probe after the spaceplane was found to have dropped below its assigned airspace on its descent.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-spacecraft-discovers-how-jupiters-lightning-shares-similarity-with-earths-596297">NASA spacecraft discovers how Jupiter's lightning shares similarity with Earth's</a></strong></p>

<p>The Federal Aviation Agency later cleared the company to resume activity after it promised corrective actions.</p>

<p>Virgin Galactic has sold 800 tickets for future commercial flights -- 600 between 2005 and 2014 for $200,000 to $250,000, and 200 since then for $450,000 each.</p>

<p>It competes in the "suborbital" space tourism sector with billionaire Jeff Bezos' company, Blue Origin, which has already sent 32 people into space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But since an accident in September 2022 during an unmanned flight, Blue Origin's rocket has been grounded. In March, the company promised to resume spaceflight soon.</p>

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Virgin Galactic successfully carried out its first spaceflight in nearly two years Thursday, the company said, after an "enhancement period" to make safety upgrades to its fleet.

Virgin Galactic successfully carried out its first spaceflight in nearly two years Thursday, the company said, after an "enhancement period" to make safety upgrades to its fleet. It was the fifth time the space tourism company brushed the boundary of space, and has been billed as the final test before commercial operations can begin in late June, with members of the Italian Air Force as the first paying customers. "Touchdown, VSS Unity!" the company tweeted, referring to the name of the company's spaceplane. "Our crew and spaceship are back on Earth after landing smoothly at Spaceport America, New Mexico." The mission "was a fantastic achievement for everyone at Virgin Galactic," added CEO Michael Colglazier, in a statement. The Unity 25 mission flew four of the company employees to an altitude of just over 54 miles (87 kilometres) above sea level. Virgin Galactic's space programme has suffered years of delays and a 2014 accident in which a pilot died. Also Read | Sunspot four times bigger than earth is visible right now. Here's how you can see it Unlike other companies that use vertical-launch rockets, Virgin Galactic uses a carrier aircraft with two pilots that takes off from a runway, gains high altitude, and drops a rocket-powered plane that soars into space at nearly Mach 3, before gliding back to Earth. The total journey time is 90 minutes, with passengers experiencing a few minutes of weightlessness in the space plane's cabin. Its first fully crewed flight in 2021 included the company's flamboyant founder, British billionaire Richard Branson. But what had appeared to be a breakthrough moment for the company was marred by an official safety probe after the spaceplane was found to have dropped below its assigned airspace on its descent. Also Read | NASA spacecraft discovers how Jupiter's lightning shares similarity with Earth's The Federal Aviation Agency later cleared the company to resume activity after it promised corrective actions. Virgin Galactic has sold 800 tickets for future commercial flights -- 600 between 2005 and 2014 for $200,000 to $250,000, and 200 since then for $450,000 each. It competes in the "suborbital" space tourism sector with billionaire Jeff Bezos' company, Blue Origin, which has already sent 32 people into space. But since an accident in September 2022 during an unmanned flight, Blue Origin's rocket has been grounded. In March, the company promised to resume spaceflight soon. 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.

Virgin Galactic resumes spaceflights successfully after two-year pause for safety upgrade

<p>Space is astounding. Every day, scientists make amazing, momentous discoveries that leave us the ones stuck on Earth a little more in awe. One such latest discovery has been made on Saturn's icy moon Enceladus. NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has glimpsed the moon spraying a "huge plume" of watery vapour far into space. Researchers believe that this plume very likely contains chemical components necessary for life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The eruption was detected by the James Webb Space Telescope in November 2022 and was presented at a conference at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore on May 17.</p>

<p>As per Nature.com, Sara Faggi, a planetary astronomer at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, said the plume is "immense".&nbsp;</p>

<p>She said that a comprehensive research paper on this significant event is currently pending.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Is this the first time scientists spotted these water spouts?</strong></h2>

<p>This may come as a surprise, but this isn't actually the first time scientists have seen Enceladus spouting water into space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the JWST's wider perspective and higher sensitivity have added to the amazement. It revealed that the jets of vapour extend much deeper into space than previously thought, surpassing the moon's own span multiple times. Enceladus has a diameter of approximately 313 miles (504 kilometres).</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-first-nasa-finds-strong-cyclone-swirling-on-north-pole-of-uranus-597230">In a first, NASA finds strong cyclone swirling on north pole of Uranus</a></strong></p>

<h2>When did scientists first observe Enceladus' watery eruptions?</h2>

<p>As per Space.com, the original discovery of Enceladus' watery eruptions dates back to 2005 when NASA's Cassini spacecraft observed icy particles being propelled through large cracks on the moon's surface known as "tiger stripes."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The intensity of these blasts is so powerful that the ejected material forms one of Saturn's rings.</p>

<h2>What is so special about water being spouted into space?</h2>

<p>Analysis of the jets revealed the presence of methane, carbon dioxide, and ammonia—organic molecules that contain the necessary building blocks for life.</p>

<p>In fact, researchers proposed in a study published last year in The Planetary Science Journal that some of these gases might be produced by life itself, emanating from deep within Enceladus.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/stars-to-become-invisible-in-two-decades-due-to-light-pollution-warn-scientists-597456">Stars to become invisible in two decades due to light pollution, warn scientists</a></strong></p>

<p>Additionally, the water on Enceladus supports the possibility of life. While the moon is covered in a thick layer of water ice, measurements of its rotation indicate the presence of a vast hidden ocean beneath the frozen surface.</p>

<p>Scientists believe that the water jets detected by the JWST and Cassini originate from hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor. This hypothesis is supported by the presence of silica in the vapour plumes — a common component of planetary crusts.</p>

<h2><strong>Missions to find alien life on Saturn's icy moon Enceladus</strong></h2>

<p>To gain confirmation of the alien life and more, NASA scientists are currently discussing future missions to Enceladus to search for signs of life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One proposed mission is the Enceladus Orbilander, which would orbit the moon for about six months, traversing through its watery plumes and collecting samples. The spacecraft would then transform into a lander and descend onto the icy moon's surface, equipped with instruments to weigh, and analyse molecules, and even a DNA sequencer and microscope. Cameras, radio sounders, and lasers would remotely explore the moon's surface.</p>

<p>Another mission concept involves deploying an autonomous "snake robot" called the Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor into the submerged depths of Enceladus. This robot, equipped with cameras and lidar, would navigate the unknown environment of Enceladus' ocean floor in search of signs of life.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Space is astounding. Every day, scientists make amazing, momentous discoveries that leave us the ones stuck on Earth a little more in awe. One such latest discovery has been made on Saturn's icy moon Enceladus.

Space is astounding. Every day, scientists make amazing, momentous discoveries that leave us the ones stuck on Earth a little more in awe. One such latest discovery has been made on Saturn's icy moon Enceladus. NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has glimpsed the moon spraying a "huge plume" of watery vapour far into space. Researchers believe that this plume very likely contains chemical components necessary for life. The eruption was detected by the James Webb Space Telescope in November 2022 and was presented at a conference at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore on May 17. As per Nature.com, Sara Faggi, a planetary astronomer at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, said the plume is "immense". She said that a comprehensive research paper on this significant event is currently pending. Is this the first time scientists spotted these water spouts? This may come as a surprise, but this isn't actually the first time scientists have seen Enceladus spouting water into space. However, the JWST's wider perspective and higher sensitivity have added to the amazement. It revealed that the jets of vapour extend much deeper into space than previously thought, surpassing the moon's own span multiple times. Enceladus has a diameter of approximately 313 miles (504 kilometres). Also read | In a first, NASA finds strong cyclone swirling on north pole of Uranus When did scientists first observe Enceladus' watery eruptions? As per Space.com, the original discovery of Enceladus' watery eruptions dates back to 2005 when NASA's Cassini spacecraft observed icy particles being propelled through large cracks on the moon's surface known as "tiger stripes." The intensity of these blasts is so powerful that the ejected material forms one of Saturn's rings. What is so special about water being spouted into space? Analysis of the jets revealed the presence of methane, carbon dioxide, and ammonia—organic molecules that contain the necessary building blocks for life. In fact, researchers proposed in a study published last year in The Planetary Science Journal that some of these gases might be produced by life itself, emanating from deep within Enceladus. Also read | Stars to become invisible in two decades due to light pollution, warn scientists Additionally, the water on Enceladus supports the possibility of life. While the moon is covered in a thick layer of water ice, measurements of its rotation indicate the presence of a vast hidden ocean beneath the frozen surface. Scientists believe that the water jets detected by the JWST and Cassini originate from hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor. This hypothesis is supported by the presence of silica in the vapour plumes — a common component of planetary crusts. Missions to find alien life on Saturn's icy moon Enceladus To gain confirmation of the alien life and more, NASA scientists are currently discussing future missions to Enceladus to search for signs of life. One proposed mission is the Enceladus Orbilander, which would orbit the moon for about six months, traversing through its watery plumes and collecting samples. The spacecraft would then transform into a lander and descend onto the icy moon's surface, equipped with instruments to weigh, and analyse molecules, and even a DNA sequencer and microscope. Cameras, radio sounders, and lasers would remotely explore the moon's surface. Another mission concept involves deploying an autonomous "snake robot" called the Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor into the submerged depths of Enceladus. This robot, equipped with cameras and lidar, would navigate the unknown environment of Enceladus' ocean floor in search of signs of life. (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's James Webb Telescope spots Saturn's moon blasting 'huge plumes' of life-containing water into space

<p>A sunspot&nbsp;has grown large enough to be visible from earth without magnification—but only with proper eye protection.</p>

<p>Sunspot AR3310, a black area on the sun facing us, has grown large enough that it can be seen without a telescope, and is almost four times the size of earth. South Korean astronomer Bum-Suk Yeom shared a chart of the sunspot, comparing its size to that of earth.</p>

<p>"A giant sunspot is crossing the sun's disk, and I could see it clearly with solar glasses," said Yeom, per spaceweather.com, adding: "Caution! You must use eclipse glasses or solar filters to protect your eyes."</p>

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<p>Observers in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Nebraska were able to photograph the sunspot&nbsp;without the need of glasses on Monday, owing&nbsp;to smoke from neighbouring wildfires acting as a natural filter for the setting sun, according to spaceweather.com.</p>

<p>Looking directly at the sun without protective eyewear, on the other hand, is exceedingly harmful since UV rays from the sun may burn your retinas and cause irreversible&nbsp;damage.</p>

<h2><strong>Sunspot -&nbsp;AR3310: What exactly is it?</strong></h2>

<p>Experts have been keeping a close&nbsp;eye on this particular sunspot, called AR3310, as it&nbsp;faces&nbsp;the earth.</p>

<p>Sunspots are places where the magnetic fields of the sun are unusually active. As it travelled around the sun's limb, it emitted a significant solar flare, a massive explosion that shoots energy, light, and high-speed particles into space, as reported by the Business Insider.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ai-discovers-new-antibiotic-that-can-kill-deadly-hospital-superbug-596616">AI discovers new antibiotic that can kill deadly hospital superbug</a></p>

<p>That flare was classified as a high-level M-flare, the second highest level on a scale that ranks the power of solar flares.</p>

<p>As noted by&nbsp;spaceweather.com, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which monitors space weather, there is a 20 per cent&nbsp;probability that the point will emit a massive X-class flare while still facing earth.</p>

<h2><strong>Can it trigger storms?</strong></h2>

<p>A flare of this scale might cause radio blackouts, which would have an impact on aviation, as well as long-lasting radiation storms.</p>

<p>These radiation storms can produce stunning auroras, but they can also disrupt electricity systems and pipelines if the flare is aimed directly at us.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-spacecraft-discovers-how-jupiters-lightning-shares-similarity-with-earths-596297">NASA spacecraft discovers how Jupiter's lightning shares similarity with Earth's</a></p>

<p>This is the latest in a string of spectacular solar sightings in recent months. The sun is presently at the apex of its 11-year cycle, when sunspots like this one are more likely to form.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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A sunspot has grown large enough to be visible from earth without magnification—but only with proper eye protection. Sunspot AR3310, a black area on the sun facing us, has grown large enough that it can be seen without a telescope, and is almost four times the size of earth.

A sunspot has grown large enough to be visible from earth without magnification—but only with proper eye protection. Sunspot AR3310, a black area on the sun facing us, has grown large enough that it can be seen without a telescope, and is almost four times the size of earth. South Korean astronomer Bum-Suk Yeom shared a chart of the sunspot, comparing its size to that of earth. "A giant sunspot is crossing the sun's disk, and I could see it clearly with solar glasses," said Yeom, per spaceweather.com, adding: "Caution! You must use eclipse glasses or solar filters to protect your eyes." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bum-Suk Yeom (@bumsuk_yeom) × Observers in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Nebraska were able to photograph the sunspot without the need of glasses on Monday, owing to smoke from neighbouring wildfires acting as a natural filter for the setting sun, according to spaceweather.com. Looking directly at the sun without protective eyewear, on the other hand, is exceedingly harmful since UV rays from the sun may burn your retinas and cause irreversible damage. Sunspot - AR3310: What exactly is it? Experts have been keeping a close eye on this particular sunspot, called AR3310, as it faces the earth. Sunspots are places where the magnetic fields of the sun are unusually active. As it travelled around the sun's limb, it emitted a significant solar flare, a massive explosion that shoots energy, light, and high-speed particles into space, as reported by the Business Insider. ALSO READ | AI discovers new antibiotic that can kill deadly hospital superbug That flare was classified as a high-level M-flare, the second highest level on a scale that ranks the power of solar flares. As noted by spaceweather.com, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which monitors space weather, there is a 20 per cent probability that the point will emit a massive X-class flare while still facing earth. Can it trigger storms? A flare of this scale might cause radio blackouts, which would have an impact on aviation, as well as long-lasting radiation storms. These radiation storms can produce stunning auroras, but they can also disrupt electricity systems and pipelines if the flare is aimed directly at us. ALSO READ | NASA spacecraft discovers how Jupiter's lightning shares similarity with Earth's This is the latest in a string of spectacular solar sightings in recent months. The sun is presently at the apex of its 11-year cycle, when sunspots like this one are more likely to form. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Sunspot four times bigger than earth is visible right now. Here's how you can see it.

<p>A day after&nbsp;South Korea cancelled the planned launch of its&nbsp;domestically produced space rocket, it announced the&nbsp;successful delivery of&nbsp;a commercial-grade satellite into orbit on Thursday, (May 25).&nbsp;This comes as the country has been moving to mark a significant step in its space programme after its neighbouring North Korea&nbsp;last month said it would launch its first military spy satellite into orbit.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Successful&nbsp;launch</strong><br />
<br />
South Korea’s homegrown Nuri rocket took off from&nbsp;the Naro Space Centre in Goheung, a launch facility in the southern part of the country, at 6:24 pm (local time)&nbsp;in its third flight after the launch.<br />
<br />
Speaking about the launch,&nbsp;Science Minister Lee Jong-ho, said that among the&nbsp;eight satellites&nbsp;aboard the rocket was the&nbsp;main commercial-grade satellite which made contact with a base station in Antarctica after successfully separating from the space vehicle.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
"This will greatly change the way the world sees South Korea's space science technology and its advanced industry," said South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. He also went on to tout the launch which places Seoul among the top seven countries in the world that&nbsp;have put their homegrown&nbsp;satellites into orbit with their domestically built space launch vehicles.<br />
<br />
<strong>Why was the launch delayed?</strong></p>

<p>The announcement was made just two hours before the planned launch was supposed to take place on Wednesday, citing technical glitches, most likely due to&nbsp;communication errors between systems which control a helium relief valve, said the officials, adding that there seems to be no issue with the vehicle itself.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Country’s Deputy Science Minister, Oh Tae-seok, had said during a press conference&nbsp;that the launch could be back on track as soon as Thursday if the glitch is fixed.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>About the launch vehicle,&nbsp;satellites</strong></p>

<p>The vehicle carrying eight satellites was stopped after an anomaly was noticed between the launch control computer and the launch pad control computer during the launch preparation process. The launch would mark the third test for the country’s commercial-grade satellite.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The&nbsp;third planned launch of Nuri follows&nbsp;a failed first attempt and a successful second mission last year. “It’s currently believed there is no problem with the projectile itself, so it will remain erected,” said Oh, adding that scientists and software engineers are working to resolve the issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The three-stage rocket, which is more than 150 feet long and weighs at least 200 tonnes, was supposed to take off at 6:24 pm (local time) after it was transferred and erected at the launch pad on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ko Jeong-hwan, director of the Nuri rocket project at the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), told the press that the launch aims to put the domestically developed 180-kilogram NEXTSat 2 satellite into “target orbit,” which is at an altitude of 550 kilometres.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The satellite has the ability to capture high-resolution images regardless of weather conditions, and while South Korea currently has no military reconnaissance satellites of its own and largely depends on the United States for monitoring facilities in North Korea, Seoul aspires to launch its surveillance satellites soon.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Last month, North Korea said that it would launch its first military spy satellite into orbit which has supposedly increased pressure on South Korea, as the tensions in the region remain high.&nbsp;Pyongyang tested over 100 missiles since the beginning of last year some of which were also said to be nuclear-capable.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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A day after South Korea cancelled the planned launch of its domestically produced space rocket, it announced the successful delivery of a commercial-grade satellite into orbit on Thursday, (May 25).

A day after South Korea cancelled the planned launch of its domestically produced space rocket, it announced the successful delivery of a commercial-grade satellite into orbit on Thursday, (May 25). This comes as the country has been moving to mark a significant step in its space programme after its neighbouring North Korea last month said it would launch its first military spy satellite into orbit. Successful launch South Korea’s homegrown Nuri rocket took off from the Naro Space Centre in Goheung, a launch facility in the southern part of the country, at 6:24 pm (local time) in its third flight after the launch. Speaking about the launch, Science Minister Lee Jong-ho, said that among the eight satellites aboard the rocket was the main commercial-grade satellite which made contact with a base station in Antarctica after successfully separating from the space vehicle. "This will greatly change the way the world sees South Korea's space science technology and its advanced industry," said South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. He also went on to tout the launch which places Seoul among the top seven countries in the world that have put their homegrown satellites into orbit with their domestically built space launch vehicles. Why was the launch delayed? The announcement was made just two hours before the planned launch was supposed to take place on Wednesday, citing technical glitches, most likely due to communication errors between systems which control a helium relief valve, said the officials, adding that there seems to be no issue with the vehicle itself. Country’s Deputy Science Minister, Oh Tae-seok, had said during a press conference that the launch could be back on track as soon as Thursday if the glitch is fixed. About the launch vehicle, satellites The vehicle carrying eight satellites was stopped after an anomaly was noticed between the launch control computer and the launch pad control computer during the launch preparation process. The launch would mark the third test for the country’s commercial-grade satellite. The third planned launch of Nuri follows a failed first attempt and a successful second mission last year. “It’s currently believed there is no problem with the projectile itself, so it will remain erected,” said Oh, adding that scientists and software engineers are working to resolve the issue. The three-stage rocket, which is more than 150 feet long and weighs at least 200 tonnes, was supposed to take off at 6:24 pm (local time) after it was transferred and erected at the launch pad on Tuesday. Ko Jeong-hwan, director of the Nuri rocket project at the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), told the press that the launch aims to put the domestically developed 180-kilogram NEXTSat 2 satellite into “target orbit,” which is at an altitude of 550 kilometres. The satellite has the ability to capture high-resolution images regardless of weather conditions, and while South Korea currently has no military reconnaissance satellites of its own and largely depends on the United States for monitoring facilities in North Korea, Seoul aspires to launch its surveillance satellites soon. Last month, North Korea said that it would launch its first military spy satellite into orbit which has supposedly increased pressure on South Korea, as the tensions in the region remain high. Pyongyang tested over 100 missiles since the beginning of last year some of which were also said to be nuclear-capable. (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.

South Korea successfully launches homegrown rocket after delay due to technical glitch

Who says you cannot reach for the moon? Moon's replica is soon going to be built in Dubai. Canadian entrepreneur Michael Henderson has proposed to create a moon-like resort. A proposed $5 billion real estate project wants to take Dubai to new heights.

Dubai's upcoming 'big thing' could be a moon replica worth billions

<p>Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Arab woman astronaut will go to space as part of Saudi Arabia's maiden space mission on May 21, as per reports citing the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). On board will be another Saudi astronaut, Ali al-Qarni. The two astronauts will go to the International Space Station in a historic space mission that will be launched from the United States.&nbsp;“I am honoured and happy to represent all the dreams and all the hopes of the people in Saudia Arabia. And also the hopes and dreams of all the women in the region,” said Barnawi in a pre-launch conference.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>After delays, Axiom Space's Ax-2 first private mission would launch no later than May 21, according to a statement made earlier this month by NASA Space Operations. According to SPA, the astronauts will carry out 14 ground-breaking scientific experiments in microgravity that will aid in the development of new methods for creating circumstances that would allow people to explore space more effectively.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-ireland-council-elections-2023-sinn-fein-becomes-largest-party-in-local-government-594612">Northern Ireland council elections 2023: Sinn Fein becomes largest party in local government</a></p>

<p>The astronauts will live-stream three educational awareness exercises to 12,000 Saudi youngsters. The outcomes are anticipated to not only strengthen the Kingdom's position in space exploration on a worldwide scale but also to boost Saudi research facilities and improve the field of space exploration.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-streamlines-marriage-registration-process-for-migrant-workers-amid-looming-population-crisis-594576">China streamlines marriage registration process for migrant workers amid looming population crisis</a></p>

<p>Once completed, the trip will make the Kingdom one of the select few nations to have sent two astronauts to the International Space Station at the same time. According to SPA, the Kingdom's astronaut programme, which started in September 2022, is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 ambitions to develop space research.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Ukraine's Zelensky at centre of last day of G7 summit</strong></p>

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<p>Future space-related missions, engagement in scientific research, international collaboration, and top-notch educational and training programmes are all part of the program's strategy to get future astronauts and engineers ready for space.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Barnawi, the first Arab woman to go on a space mission?</strong></h2>

<p>Axiom Space's biography highlights Rayyanah Barnawi's remarkable career. She was born in 1988 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and has a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences from Otago University in New Zealand and a Master of Biomedical Sciences from Alfaisal University in Saudi Arabia. She is a biomedical researcher with almost ten years of expertise in the study of cancer stem cells. She will be concentrating on breast cancer and stem cell research during the trip.</p>

<h2><strong>UAE scripted history earlier this year&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Sultan Al Neyadi of the UAE made history earlier this year when he became the first Arab astronaut to complete a long trip to the International Space Station. In order to meet Barnawi, Aqarni, and the other astronauts who are a part of the Ax-2 mission, Al Neyadi will still be residing on board the space station.</p>

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Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Arab woman astronaut will go to space as part of Saudi Arabia's maiden space mission on May 21, as per reports citing the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Arab woman astronaut will go to space as part of Saudi Arabia's maiden space mission on May 21, as per reports citing the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). On board will be another Saudi astronaut, Ali al-Qarni. The two astronauts will go to the International Space Station in a historic space mission that will be launched from the United States. “I am honoured and happy to represent all the dreams and all the hopes of the people in Saudia Arabia. And also the hopes and dreams of all the women in the region,” said Barnawi in a pre-launch conference. After delays, Axiom Space's Ax-2 first private mission would launch no later than May 21, according to a statement made earlier this month by NASA Space Operations. According to SPA, the astronauts will carry out 14 ground-breaking scientific experiments in microgravity that will aid in the development of new methods for creating circumstances that would allow people to explore space more effectively. Also Read | Northern Ireland council elections 2023: Sinn Fein becomes largest party in local government The astronauts will live-stream three educational awareness exercises to 12,000 Saudi youngsters. The outcomes are anticipated to not only strengthen the Kingdom's position in space exploration on a worldwide scale but also to boost Saudi research facilities and improve the field of space exploration. Also Read | China streamlines marriage registration process for migrant workers amid looming population crisis Once completed, the trip will make the Kingdom one of the select few nations to have sent two astronauts to the International Space Station at the same time. According to SPA, the Kingdom's astronaut programme, which started in September 2022, is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 ambitions to develop space research. Watch | Ukraine's Zelensky at centre of last day of G7 summit × Future space-related missions, engagement in scientific research, international collaboration, and top-notch educational and training programmes are all part of the program's strategy to get future astronauts and engineers ready for space. Who is Barnawi, the first Arab woman to go on a space mission? Axiom Space's biography highlights Rayyanah Barnawi's remarkable career. She was born in 1988 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and has a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences from Otago University in New Zealand and a Master of Biomedical Sciences from Alfaisal University in Saudi Arabia. She is a biomedical researcher with almost ten years of expertise in the study of cancer stem cells. She will be concentrating on breast cancer and stem cell research during the trip. UAE scripted history earlier this year Sultan Al Neyadi of the UAE made history earlier this year when he became the first Arab astronaut to complete a long trip to the International Space Station. In order to meet Barnawi, Aqarni, and the other astronauts who are a part of the Ax-2 mission, Al Neyadi will still be residing on board the space station. 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. ×

Saudi Arabia's first woman astronaut set to blast off into space on a private mission

<p>Space is not all crash, boom, bang. Yes, it started its life after The Big Bang (the OG. Not the sitcom), and collisions, explosions and crashes form large part of its daily schedule, the serenity of it reflected in a quiet night sky cannot be denied. So, what if we told you that a 'space symphony has been created inspired and illustrated by NASA's latest mind-boggling images?</p>

<p>The world premiere outside Washington last week of "Cosmic Cycles" showcased vivid imagery compiled by the US space agency alongside the first-ever public performance of the music.</p>

<p>Henry Dehlinger, the symphony American composer, described the music as "almost like a total artwork".</p>

<p>"It's not just music, it's not just visuals -- it's not a score for a film either," the 56-year-old told AFP before the concert.<br />
<br />
"It's more of an immersive experience that encapsulates both visuals and sound."</p>

<h2><strong>Not the first time</strong></h2>

<p>A similar attempt was made almost a century ago by Gustav Holst, an English composer. He wrote his famous ode to "The planets".</p>

<p>However, much of the astronomy was in theoretical stage at that time.</p>

<p>Much has happened since then. Humans reached the Moon, our rovers reached Mars and telescopes have become breathtakingly powerful to scan the farthest reaches of space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The images from that research, compiled by NASA producers into seven short films, served as the inspiration for Dehlinger.</p>

<p>"I had to almost pinch myself and remind myself that this isn't pretend -- this is the real deal. Not science fiction, it's the actual science," he said.</p>

<p>Piotr Gajewski, music director and conductor of the National Philharmonic, told AFP that the idea for the project came after previous work with NASA on visuals to go with a double-billing of Claude Debussy's "La Mer" ("The Sea") and Holst's "The Planets."</p>

<p>For their next collaboration, 64-year-old Gajewski said he suggested to NASA "that we turn the tables on them."</p>

<p>"Rather than them getting a piece of music and putting pictures to it, that they start by putting short videos together... of their very, very best work."</p>

<p>Wade Sisler, executive producer at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, said the challenge was worth the effort.</p>

<p>"It's a journey unlike one that I have ever helped anyone take," Sisler, 64, told AFP.</p>

<h2><strong>The symphony&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>It is a seven-part piece. It begins at the heart of our solar system -- the Sun -- there are shots of its swirling and gurgling surface along with explosion of particles out to the planets.</p>

<p>Next two movements home-in on Earth, our own planet. It is global perspective that involves Earth photos taken by astronauts.</p>

<p>Apart from photos and videos, interspersed throughout the seven films are a "mesmerizing collection of data visualizations" created by NASA, Sisler explained.</p>

<p>Data on ocean currents, for example, "look like Van Gogh paintings when you put them in motion. The colours are beautiful, you see patterns that you never realised before."</p>

<p>A fourth segment on the Moon is followed by profiles of each planet -- including a focus on images of the Martian surface taken by NASA Rovers.</p>

<p>Jupiter, a "regal subject" according to Dehlinger, is introduced by roaring chimes and horns.</p>

<p>The symphony does attempt to keep itself up-to-date as it takes a detailed look at recent experiments on asteroids before a big finale of black holes, nebulae and other phenomenon in the galaxy.</p>

<p>In addition to two performances at venues outside Washington, NASA has released the videos to its YouTube page with a synthesized version of Dehlinger's soundtrack.<br />
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Space is not all crash, boom, bang. Yes, it started its life after The Big Bang (the OG. Not the sitcom), and collisions, explosions and crashes form large part of its daily schedule, the serenity of it reflected in a quiet night sky cannot be denied.

Space is not all crash, boom, bang. Yes, it started its life after The Big Bang (the OG. Not the sitcom), and collisions, explosions and crashes form large part of its daily schedule, the serenity of it reflected in a quiet night sky cannot be denied. So, what if we told you that a 'space symphony has been created inspired and illustrated by NASA's latest mind-boggling images? The world premiere outside Washington last week of "Cosmic Cycles" showcased vivid imagery compiled by the US space agency alongside the first-ever public performance of the music. Henry Dehlinger, the symphony American composer, described the music as "almost like a total artwork". "It's not just music, it's not just visuals -- it's not a score for a film either," the 56-year-old told AFP before the concert. "It's more of an immersive experience that encapsulates both visuals and sound." Not the first time A similar attempt was made almost a century ago by Gustav Holst, an English composer. He wrote his famous ode to "The planets". However, much of the astronomy was in theoretical stage at that time. Much has happened since then. Humans reached the Moon, our rovers reached Mars and telescopes have become breathtakingly powerful to scan the farthest reaches of space. The images from that research, compiled by NASA producers into seven short films, served as the inspiration for Dehlinger. "I had to almost pinch myself and remind myself that this isn't pretend -- this is the real deal. Not science fiction, it's the actual science," he said. Piotr Gajewski, music director and conductor of the National Philharmonic, told AFP that the idea for the project came after previous work with NASA on visuals to go with a double-billing of Claude Debussy's "La Mer" ("The Sea") and Holst's "The Planets." For their next collaboration, 64-year-old Gajewski said he suggested to NASA "that we turn the tables on them." "Rather than them getting a piece of music and putting pictures to it, that they start by putting short videos together... of their very, very best work." Wade Sisler, executive producer at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, said the challenge was worth the effort. "It's a journey unlike one that I have ever helped anyone take," Sisler, 64, told AFP. The symphony It is a seven-part piece. It begins at the heart of our solar system -- the Sun -- there are shots of its swirling and gurgling surface along with explosion of particles out to the planets. Next two movements home-in on Earth, our own planet. It is global perspective that involves Earth photos taken by astronauts. Apart from photos and videos, interspersed throughout the seven films are a "mesmerizing collection of data visualizations" created by NASA, Sisler explained. Data on ocean currents, for example, "look like Van Gogh paintings when you put them in motion. The colours are beautiful, you see patterns that you never realised before." A fourth segment on the Moon is followed by profiles of each planet -- including a focus on images of the Martian surface taken by NASA Rovers. Jupiter, a "regal subject" according to Dehlinger, is introduced by roaring chimes and horns. The symphony does attempt to keep itself up-to-date as it takes a detailed look at recent experiments on asteroids before a big finale of black holes, nebulae and other phenomenon in the galaxy. In addition to two performances at venues outside Washington, NASA has released the videos to its YouTube page with a synthesized version of Dehlinger's soundtrack. 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.

‘Cosmic Cycles’: An immersive fusion of NASA’s captivating space imagery, and music

Inspired by high-profile triumphs abroad, India wants to lift its space economy. The country wants its private space companies to increase their share of the global launch market. The aim is to escalate the existing market share by fivefold within the next decade. This effort for space push is initiated by PM Narendra Modi.

Why PM Modi's space push for India counts on private players

<p>The largest explosion in space has been witnessed by a team of astronomers led by the University of Southampton. Experts said that the observed explosion is more than 10 times brighter than any known supernova (exploding star) and around three times brighter than the brightest tidal disruption event — a cosmic event in which the star falls into a supermassive black hole. The explosion lasted for three years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The results were published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, which presented the multiwavelength observations of the explosive event dubbed as AT2021lwx - which is the most luminous of such flares ever detected and traced to eight billion years away from Earth and occurred when the universe was just six billion years old.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by The Guardian, Dr Philip Wiseman, who is a Research Fellow at the University of Southampton, "We came upon this by chance, as it was flagged by our search algorithm when we were searching for a type of supernova."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr Wiseman, who led the research, said "We've estimated it’s a fireball 100 times the size of the solar system with a brightness about 2tn times the sun's. In three years, this event has released about 100 times as much energy as the sun will in its 10bn-year lifetime."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The conclusion of the study noted that AT2021lwx is an "extraordinary event" that does not fit into any common class of transient. It is one of the most luminous transients ever discovered with a total radiated energy greater than 1053 erg. The conclusion was made after collecting and analysing multiwavelength photometry and spectroscopy of the transient.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The team of astronomers think that AT2021lwx may be the result of a black hole violently disrupting a cloud of gas, but they also mentioned that further mentioned that they need to follow it up to reveal more about the scenario that caused the flare, and the community is strongly encouraged to search for similar events in both the future and in archival data.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) based in Hawaii picked AT2021lwx after it was first spotted by the Zwicky Transient Facility in California in 2020.&nbsp;</p>

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The largest explosion in space has been witnessed by a team of astronomers led by the University of Southampton. Experts said that the observed explosion is more than 10 times brighter than any known supernova (exploding star) and around three times brighter than the brightest tidal disruption event — a cosmic event in which the star falls into a supermassive black hole.

The largest explosion in space has been witnessed by a team of astronomers led by the University of Southampton. Experts said that the observed explosion is more than 10 times brighter than any known supernova (exploding star) and around three times brighter than the brightest tidal disruption event — a cosmic event in which the star falls into a supermassive black hole. The explosion lasted for three years. The results were published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, which presented the multiwavelength observations of the explosive event dubbed as AT2021lwx - which is the most luminous of such flares ever detected and traced to eight billion years away from Earth and occurred when the universe was just six billion years old. As quoted by The Guardian, Dr Philip Wiseman, who is a Research Fellow at the University of Southampton, "We came upon this by chance, as it was flagged by our search algorithm when we were searching for a type of supernova." Dr Wiseman, who led the research, said "We've estimated it’s a fireball 100 times the size of the solar system with a brightness about 2tn times the sun's. In three years, this event has released about 100 times as much energy as the sun will in its 10bn-year lifetime." The conclusion of the study noted that AT2021lwx is an "extraordinary event" that does not fit into any common class of transient. It is one of the most luminous transients ever discovered with a total radiated energy greater than 1053 erg. The conclusion was made after collecting and analysing multiwavelength photometry and spectroscopy of the transient. The team of astronomers think that AT2021lwx may be the result of a black hole violently disrupting a cloud of gas, but they also mentioned that further mentioned that they need to follow it up to reveal more about the scenario that caused the flare, and the community is strongly encouraged to search for similar events in both the future and in archival data. The Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) based in Hawaii picked AT2021lwx after it was first spotted by the Zwicky Transient Facility in California in 2020. 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.

'Extraordinary event': Astronomers witness largest cosmic explosion in space

<p>Space is a dream for many, the prospect of travelling to the stars is a fantasy. When you imagine that amazing journey what comes to your mind? A high-tech rocket, and you strapped into a huge space suit? Not to burst your bubble, but a French startup called Space Perspective is developing a luxury tourism experience that will take passengers to the edge of space aboard a giant balloon.</p>

<p>As per space.com, the France-based startup called Zephalto has partnered with the French space agency the Centre national d'études spatiales (CNES), for this "high-altitude stratospheric balloon flights."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The huge balloon would reportedly be filled with hydrogen or helium and will ascend around 25 kilometres (or 15.5 miles) high into the atmosphere and will offer passengers a "unique view" of the world below.</p>

<p>As per a Bloomberg report, while the flights are scheduled to begin by 2025, the company has started booking reservations for an $11,000 (€120,000) deposit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/alien-transmission-likely-to-happen-in-60-years-claim-scientists-589815">Alien transmission likely to happen in next 60 years, claim scientists</a></strong></p>

<p>The balloon has enough space to carry six passengers and two pilots and will liftoff from the French spaceport as per space.com.</p>

<p>However, the company hopes to expand its access worldwide and is planning to expand its access worldwide by establishing spaceports on different continents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The company reportedly is aiming to make its space tourism experience available to a wider audience and become a global player in the industry and even has a global map on its website featuring "next opening" pins for its spaceports located in populated areas around the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The company plans to offer the experience at $132,000 per person (or €120,000), to "eat lunch at the edge of space," wherein it will offer passengers "fine French cuisine," which means it'll offer a "Michelin-star calibre dining experience with a window-seat view of the cosmos."</p>

<p>On top of that, there will be wi-fi which the passengers can use to post their space pics before even landing on the Earth.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/just-three-planets-down-from-earth-this-icy-alien-planets-moons-may-be-hiding-oceans-of-salty-water-589855">Just three planets down from Earth, this icy alien planet's moons may be hiding oceans of salty water</a></strong></p>

<p>The flight will consist of three parts, with the first part being a one-and-a-half-hour ascent to an altitude of 25 kilometres. The second part of the flight will be three hours long and will include wining, dining, and sightseeing for passengers to enjoy the breathtaking view. The final part of the flight will be an hour-and-a-half-long descent back to Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Space Perspective believes that its experience will appeal to wealthy travellers who are looking for a unique and unforgettable adventure. The company sees its balloon-based approach as a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to rocket-based space tourism.</p>

<p>To ensure the safety of its passengers, Space Perspective is working closely with regulatory agencies and aerospace experts to design and test the spacecraft and its systems. The company's management team includes experienced professionals from the aerospace industry, including former NASA astronaut Mark Kelly.</p>

<p>Space Perspective faces competition from other companies, such as Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic, that are also developing space tourism experiences. However, the company believes that its balloon-based approach and focus on luxury will set it apart in the market.</p>

<p>Zephalto has conducted three piloted test flights of its stratospheric balloon as part of its development process. However, none of these test flights have&nbsp;reached the altitude that the company plans to take regular passengers. Before the company can begin operating commercially, it needs to obtain certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as a commercial airliner. But once it receives certification, the company plans to operate up to 60 flights per year.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Space is a dream for many, the prospect of travelling to the stars is a fantasy. When you imagine that amazing journey what comes to your mind? A high-tech rocket, and you strapped into a huge space suit?

Space is a dream for many, the prospect of travelling to the stars is a fantasy. When you imagine that amazing journey what comes to your mind? A high-tech rocket, and you strapped into a huge space suit? Not to burst your bubble, but a French startup called Space Perspective is developing a luxury tourism experience that will take passengers to the edge of space aboard a giant balloon. As per space.com, the France-based startup called Zephalto has partnered with the French space agency the Centre national d'études spatiales (CNES), for this "high-altitude stratospheric balloon flights." The huge balloon would reportedly be filled with hydrogen or helium and will ascend around 25 kilometres (or 15.5 miles) high into the atmosphere and will offer passengers a "unique view" of the world below. As per a Bloomberg report, while the flights are scheduled to begin by 2025, the company has started booking reservations for an $11,000 (€120,000) deposit. Also read | Alien transmission likely to happen in next 60 years, claim scientists The balloon has enough space to carry six passengers and two pilots and will liftoff from the French spaceport as per space.com. However, the company hopes to expand its access worldwide and is planning to expand its access worldwide by establishing spaceports on different continents. The company reportedly is aiming to make its space tourism experience available to a wider audience and become a global player in the industry and even has a global map on its website featuring "next opening" pins for its spaceports located in populated areas around the world. The company plans to offer the experience at $132,000 per person (or €120,000), to "eat lunch at the edge of space," wherein it will offer passengers "fine French cuisine," which means it'll offer a "Michelin-star calibre dining experience with a window-seat view of the cosmos." On top of that, there will be wi-fi which the passengers can use to post their space pics before even landing on the Earth. Also read | Just three planets down from Earth, this icy alien planet's moons may be hiding oceans of salty water The flight will consist of three parts, with the first part being a one-and-a-half-hour ascent to an altitude of 25 kilometres. The second part of the flight will be three hours long and will include wining, dining, and sightseeing for passengers to enjoy the breathtaking view. The final part of the flight will be an hour-and-a-half-long descent back to Earth. Space Perspective believes that its experience will appeal to wealthy travellers who are looking for a unique and unforgettable adventure. The company sees its balloon-based approach as a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to rocket-based space tourism. To ensure the safety of its passengers, Space Perspective is working closely with regulatory agencies and aerospace experts to design and test the spacecraft and its systems. The company's management team includes experienced professionals from the aerospace industry, including former NASA astronaut Mark Kelly. Space Perspective faces competition from other companies, such as Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic, that are also developing space tourism experiences. However, the company believes that its balloon-based approach and focus on luxury will set it apart in the market. Zephalto has conducted three piloted test flights of its stratospheric balloon as part of its development process. However, none of these test flights have reached the altitude that the company plans to take regular passengers. Before the company can begin operating commercially, it needs to obtain certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as a commercial airliner. But once it receives certification, the company plans to operate up to 60 flights per year. (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.

French startup will take people to space in a balloon. Here's how

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<p>A mysterious Chinese spacecraft returned to Earth on Monday to the Jiuquan launch centre in northwest China after staying in orbit for over nine months or 276 days, which was 100 times longer than its maiden flight less than three years ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Little is known about the spacecraft and the Chinese space authorities are not in any hurry to provide information about it. However, according to a South China Morning Post report, the 'mysterious' spacecraft might be a reusable, uncrewed space vehicle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the country's biggest space defence contractor is known to have developed the spacecraft after it hailed the classified mission as a "complete success", adding that it marked an "important breakthrough" in China's research into the technology.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite calling the mission a success, the contractor refused to elaborate on what kind of technology was used or how high the aircraft flew and where its orbits had taken it since its launch in early August 2022. Notably, such has been the secrecy that the Chinese space authorities are yet to release images of the craft to the public.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-new-space-race-china-vs-us-over-lunar-landing-586101"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;The new space race: China vs US over lunar landing</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Mysterious spacecraft same as US variant?</strong></h2>

<p>The said spacecraft first took flight in September 2020, and spent two days in orbit, before returning to Earth. Since the reusable craft was launched using the Long March 2F rocket, experts calculated the payload capacity and concluded that the craft might be similar in design and size to the US Air Force’s Boeing X-37B.</p>

<p>According to the US Air Force, Boeing X-37B is a premier reusable and unmanned spacecraft which allows scientists to recover experiments in space. The US aircraft measures nine metres in length and three metres in height. It spent a record 908 days in orbit during its fifth flight since being introduced in 2010.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mysterious-us-x-37b-space-plane-eyes-orbital-record-493282"><strong>ALSO READ | Mysterious US X-37B space plane eyes orbital record</strong></a></p>

<p>Experts close to the matter, however, argue that the suspected Chinese craft could be equipped with advanced imaging and sensing equipment to keep an eye on enemies and potential targets to gather sensitive intelligence data.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last month, Chinese scientists allowed an artificial intelligence (AI) machine to take full control of one of its satellites. To everyone's surprise, the AI-controlled satellite instantly locked Zoom on India's Patna&nbsp;city which has the Bihar Regiment – the Indian Army unit that clashed with Chinese forces in the Galwan Valley in 2020.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/chinese-scientists-let-ai-control-satellite-it-takes-closer-look-at-india-japanese-regions-582686" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Chinese scientists let AI control satellite, it takes ‘closer look’ at specific spots in India, Japan</strong></a></p>

<p>The other targeted area was Osaka, one of Japan’s busiest ports, which occasionally hosts US Navy vessels operating in the Pacific.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A mysterious Chinese spacecraft returned to Earth on Monday to the Jiuquan launch centre in northwest China after staying in orbit for over nine months or 276 days, which was 100 times longer than its maiden flight less than three years ago.

A mysterious Chinese spacecraft returned to Earth on Monday to the Jiuquan launch centre in northwest China after staying in orbit for over nine months or 276 days, which was 100 times longer than its maiden flight less than three years ago. Little is known about the spacecraft and the Chinese space authorities are not in any hurry to provide information about it. However, according to a South China Morning Post report, the 'mysterious' spacecraft might be a reusable, uncrewed space vehicle. China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the country's biggest space defence contractor is known to have developed the spacecraft after it hailed the classified mission as a "complete success", adding that it marked an "important breakthrough" in China's research into the technology. Despite calling the mission a success, the contractor refused to elaborate on what kind of technology was used or how high the aircraft flew and where its orbits had taken it since its launch in early August 2022. Notably, such has been the secrecy that the Chinese space authorities are yet to release images of the craft to the public. WATCH | The new space race: China vs US over lunar landing × Mysterious spacecraft same as US variant? The said spacecraft first took flight in September 2020, and spent two days in orbit, before returning to Earth. Since the reusable craft was launched using the Long March 2F rocket, experts calculated the payload capacity and concluded that the craft might be similar in design and size to the US Air Force’s Boeing X-37B. According to the US Air Force, Boeing X-37B is a premier reusable and unmanned spacecraft which allows scientists to recover experiments in space. The US aircraft measures nine metres in length and three metres in height. It spent a record 908 days in orbit during its fifth flight since being introduced in 2010. ALSO READ | Mysterious US X-37B space plane eyes orbital record Experts close to the matter, however, argue that the suspected Chinese craft could be equipped with advanced imaging and sensing equipment to keep an eye on enemies and potential targets to gather sensitive intelligence data. Last month, Chinese scientists allowed an artificial intelligence (AI) machine to take full control of one of its satellites. To everyone's surprise, the AI-controlled satellite instantly locked Zoom on India's Patna city which has the Bihar Regiment – the Indian Army unit that clashed with Chinese forces in the Galwan Valley in 2020. ALSO READ | Chinese scientists let AI control satellite, it takes ‘closer look’ at specific spots in India, Japan The other targeted area was Osaka, one of Japan’s busiest ports, which occasionally hosts US Navy vessels operating in the Pacific. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Mysterious Chinese spacecraft returns to Earth after 9-month space voyage

<p>The Laboratory of Statistical Biophysics at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) recently carried out research which hinted at the possibility of getting a hit on alien transmission in the next 60 years.</p>

<p>The research, which has been published in the Astronomical Journal, came up with a new explanation for why scientists have till now failed to detect aliens.</p>

<p>"We've only been looking for 60 years," said biophysicist Claudio Grimaldi while speaking to Science Alert. "Earth could simply be in a bubble that just happens to be devoid of radio waves emitted by extraterrestrial life,” he added.</p>

<p>The scientist further stated that too much space remains to be scanned and that there is a possibility that not many alien transmissions have crossed paths with researchers.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/research-reveals-how-artificial-intelligence-can-help-look-for-alien-lifeforms-on-mars-and-other-planets-582992">Research reveals how Artificial Intelligence can help look for alien lifeforms on Mars and other planets</a></p>

<p>The scientist, however, emphasised that people need to remain patient. The biophysicist stated that more time, money and effort are required to scan and spot the traces of communications with the aliens out in the Universe.</p>

<p>He added that there is some debate over whether or not extraterrestrial intelligence's (SETI) search is worth the time, money and effort.</p>

<p>The research model has revealed an assumption about the existence of at least one electromagnetic signal of technological origin in the Milky Way and the Earth is considered as a quiet bubble (or sponge pore) for at least six decades.</p>

<p>The scientist stated that if that is the situation, then according to the statistics, there are lesser than five electromagnetic emissions per century, which take place anywhere across our galaxy.</p>

<p>To explain it in another way, electromagnetic emissions are as common as supernovas inside the Milky Way, reported Science Alert. The scientist stated it may take us at least 60 years to get a hit on an alien transmission.</p>

<p>"We may have been unlucky in that we discovered how to use radio telescopes just as we were crossing a portion of space in which electromagnetic signals from other civilisations were absent," Claudio Grimaldi said.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Gravitas: Alien spaceship lurking in our solar system?</strong></p>

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<p>"To me, this hypothesis seems less extreme than assuming that we are constantly bombarded by signals from all sides but are, for some reason, unable to detect them,” he added.</p>

<p>He further stated that a lot of space remains to be covered in the search. Grimaldi suggested that the best way forward is to carry out commensal investigations which are finding signals in the data which is collected by the telescopes that are focused on different missions, and not use telescopes specifically to hunt for alien communications.</p>

<p>"The best strategy might be to adopt the SETI community's past approach of using data from other astrophysical studies - detecting radio emissions from other stars or galaxies - to see if they contain any technosignals and make that the standard practice," Grimaldi stated.<br />
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The Laboratory of Statistical Biophysics at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) recently carried out research which hinted at the possibility of getting a hit on alien transmission in the next 60 years.

The Laboratory of Statistical Biophysics at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) recently carried out research which hinted at the possibility of getting a hit on alien transmission in the next 60 years. The research, which has been published in the Astronomical Journal, came up with a new explanation for why scientists have till now failed to detect aliens. "We've only been looking for 60 years," said biophysicist Claudio Grimaldi while speaking to Science Alert. "Earth could simply be in a bubble that just happens to be devoid of radio waves emitted by extraterrestrial life,” he added. The scientist further stated that too much space remains to be scanned and that there is a possibility that not many alien transmissions have crossed paths with researchers. ALSO READ | Research reveals how Artificial Intelligence can help look for alien lifeforms on Mars and other planets The scientist, however, emphasised that people need to remain patient. The biophysicist stated that more time, money and effort are required to scan and spot the traces of communications with the aliens out in the Universe. He added that there is some debate over whether or not extraterrestrial intelligence's (SETI) search is worth the time, money and effort. The research model has revealed an assumption about the existence of at least one electromagnetic signal of technological origin in the Milky Way and the Earth is considered as a quiet bubble (or sponge pore) for at least six decades. The scientist stated that if that is the situation, then according to the statistics, there are lesser than five electromagnetic emissions per century, which take place anywhere across our galaxy. To explain it in another way, electromagnetic emissions are as common as supernovas inside the Milky Way, reported Science Alert. The scientist stated it may take us at least 60 years to get a hit on an alien transmission. "We may have been unlucky in that we discovered how to use radio telescopes just as we were crossing a portion of space in which electromagnetic signals from other civilisations were absent," Claudio Grimaldi said. WATCH | Gravitas: Alien spaceship lurking in our solar system? "To me, this hypothesis seems less extreme than assuming that we are constantly bombarded by signals from all sides but are, for some reason, unable to detect them,” he added. He further stated that a lot of space remains to be covered in the search. Grimaldi suggested that the best way forward is to carry out commensal investigations which are finding signals in the data which is collected by the telescopes that are focused on different missions, and not use telescopes specifically to hunt for alien communications. "The best strategy might be to adopt the SETI community's past approach of using data from other astrophysical studies - detecting radio emissions from other stars or galaxies - to see if they contain any technosignals and make that the standard practice," Grimaldi stated. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Alien transmission likely to happen in next 60 years, claim scientists

The Coronation asteroid is 30 metres wider than the London Eye, and is expected to whizz by the Earth around two-and-a-half hours into the King's Coronation concert, which is being held on the east lawn of Windsor Castle. Watch this to find out more.

Asteroid bigger than the London Eye to pass through Earth's orbit post Coronation

The existence of human life on Earth is under siege by a new terrifying threat. Astronomers have confirmed a new danger to the Earth. Beyond the control of humans, this threat is likely to reach us from deep space. Astronomers using the Chandra X-ray Observatory and other telescopes have identified a dangerous phase. X-rays which are generated by the explosion of stars can affect life on planets 100 light-years away. This also includes our planet, Earth.

Will exploding stars trigger an extinction-level event on Earth?

The emergence of a new 'space race' is making the rounds online. This race is between the two powerful geopolitical nations- US and China. Both nations are ramping up their capabilities, following many of the exciting launches in recent years. Experts have pointed to China’s rapid advancements in space as evidence of an emerging landscape.

The new space race: China vs US over lunar landing

<p>UAE astronaut Sultan al Neyadi, who is celebrating the occasion of Eid al-Fitr this year at the International Space Station, sent his wishes to everyone from sky-high on Friday with a video message shared on his social media account.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a video he posted on Twitter, Al Neyadi was seen floating in zero gravity at the ISS alongside his companion ‘astro’ Suhail. Suhail is a mascot for the nation's space mission. Suhail tagged along Dr Al Neyadi and his crewmates as they took off from the Kennedy Space Centre early March.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his special message from zero gravity, the astronaut was seen making jokes about how Suhail and he both are wearing their best attire for the feast for Eid al-Fitr.&nbsp;He sent his wishes to his family, his country, and everyone across the world.</p>

<p>On March 2, Al Neyadi took part in NASA's SpaceX Crew-6 mission, which sent him to the International Space Station. On April 28, he is slated to go for a spacewalk.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/jack-dorseys-twitter-alternative-bluesky-makes-debut-on-android-584966">Jack Dorsey's Twitter alternative Bluesky makes debut on Android</a></p>

<p>Al Neyadi was seen wearing a white kandura, a traditional dress men wear in UAE. The one-minute video also had some celebratory Arabic music playing in the background.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the caption, Al Neyadi wrote, “Usually, Eid is with my family and children. But today, I’ll be celebrating Eid with my trusty companion Suhail."</p>

<p>“On this blessed occasion, I send my warmest greetings to my family, friends, and everyone back on Earth. May this special occasion bring you peace, happiness, and prosperity. Eid Mubarak!,”</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/tesla-secures-big-win-in-crash-case-court-says-autopilot-feature-did-not-fail-584976">Tesla secures big win in crash case, court says autopilot feature did not fail</a></p>

<p>Saeed Al Emadi, an Emirati artist is behind Suhail, the space mascot.&nbsp;Al Emadi from the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre sketched this character to pique everyone's interest in space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video shows the Al Nayedi and Suhail inside the Cupola observatory module of the International Space Station.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Suhail, in the video, can be seen wearing a grey kandura. It is interesting as Suhail is usually seen wearing a SpaceX spacesuit.</p>

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<p dir="rtl" lang="ar">بالعادة العيد مع أهلي وعيالي لكن اليوم أنا مع صديقي سهيل وكاشخين كشخة العيد في محطة الفضاء الدولية.<br />
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وفي هذه المناسبة، أرسل سلامي إلى قادة الوطن وعائلتي وأصدقائي ولكم جميعًا. عسى أن يحمل هذا العيد السلام والسعادة والخير للعالم أجمع. 🌍<br />
كل عام وانتم بألف خير وعساكم من عوّاده. 🌙 <a href="https://t.co/YX7x1tOYrn">pic.twitter.com/YX7x1tOYrn</a></p>
— Sultan AlNeyadi (@Astro_Alneyadi) <a href="https://twitter.com/Astro_Alneyadi/status/1649288902665031680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Al Neyadi also provided a brief tour of the dome-shaped bay window. It was a breathtaking view of the planet from a height of 400 km.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Oliver Dowden named UK deputy pm after Dominic Raab's resignation</strong></p>

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<p>Al Neyadi has been doing scientific research throughout the whole month of Ramadan. He is presently on a half-year assignment atop the orbiting space station.</p>

<p>It is not the first time Al Nayedi shared a&nbsp;video from sky-high. The trailblazing Emirati astronaut has been posting gorgeous and amazing photographs of Earth from orbit. Early this week, AlNeyadi published a stunning video shot from the orbiting laboratory that displayed Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah, the three Saudi Arabian cities, gleaming at night.</p>

<p>"This is the city to which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) immigrated with his beloved people," AlNeyadi wrote.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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UAE astronaut Sultan al Neyadi, who is celebrating the occasion of Eid al-Fitr this year at the International Space Station, sent his wishes to everyone from sky-high on Friday with a video message shared on his social media account.

UAE astronaut Sultan al Neyadi, who is celebrating the occasion of Eid al-Fitr this year at the International Space Station, sent his wishes to everyone from sky-high on Friday with a video message shared on his social media account. In a video he posted on Twitter, Al Neyadi was seen floating in zero gravity at the ISS alongside his companion ‘astro’ Suhail. Suhail is a mascot for the nation's space mission. Suhail tagged along Dr Al Neyadi and his crewmates as they took off from the Kennedy Space Centre early March. In his special message from zero gravity, the astronaut was seen making jokes about how Suhail and he both are wearing their best attire for the feast for Eid al-Fitr. He sent his wishes to his family, his country, and everyone across the world. On March 2, Al Neyadi took part in NASA's SpaceX Crew-6 mission, which sent him to the International Space Station. On April 28, he is slated to go for a spacewalk. Also Read | Jack Dorsey's Twitter alternative Bluesky makes debut on Android Al Neyadi was seen wearing a white kandura, a traditional dress men wear in UAE. The one-minute video also had some celebratory Arabic music playing in the background. In the caption, Al Neyadi wrote, “Usually, Eid is with my family and children. But today, I’ll be celebrating Eid with my trusty companion Suhail." “On this blessed occasion, I send my warmest greetings to my family, friends, and everyone back on Earth. May this special occasion bring you peace, happiness, and prosperity. Eid Mubarak!,” Also Read | Tesla secures big win in crash case, court says autopilot feature did not fail Saeed Al Emadi, an Emirati artist is behind Suhail, the space mascot. Al Emadi from the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre sketched this character to pique everyone's interest in space. The video shows the Al Nayedi and Suhail inside the Cupola observatory module of the International Space Station. Suhail, in the video, can be seen wearing a grey kandura. It is interesting as Suhail is usually seen wearing a SpaceX spacesuit. بالعادة العيد مع أهلي وعيالي لكن اليوم أنا مع صديقي سهيل وكاشخين كشخة العيد في محطة الفضاء الدولية. وفي هذه المناسبة، أرسل سلامي إلى قادة الوطن وعائلتي وأصدقائي ولكم جميعًا. عسى أن يحمل هذا العيد السلام والسعادة والخير للعالم أجمع. 🌍 كل عام وانتم بألف خير وعساكم من عوّاده. 🌙 pic.twitter.com/YX7x1tOYrn — Sultan AlNeyadi (@Astro_Alneyadi) April 21, 2023 × Al Neyadi also provided a brief tour of the dome-shaped bay window. It was a breathtaking view of the planet from a height of 400 km. Watch | Oliver Dowden named UK deputy pm after Dominic Raab's resignation × Al Neyadi has been doing scientific research throughout the whole month of Ramadan. He is presently on a half-year assignment atop the orbiting space station. It is not the first time Al Nayedi shared a video from sky-high. The trailblazing Emirati astronaut has been posting gorgeous and amazing photographs of Earth from orbit. Early this week, AlNeyadi published a stunning video shot from the orbiting laboratory that displayed Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah, the three Saudi Arabian cities, gleaming at night. "This is the city to which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) immigrated with his beloved people," AlNeyadi wrote. 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.

WATCH | UAE astronaut sends Eid-al-Fitr wishes with breathtaking view from space

<p>Elon Musk was not very 'particulate' about the success of the mission, and a Texas city is bearing the fallout. Port Isabel, a Texas city, is bearing the fallout of the billionaire's Starship rocket launch. The SpaceX which took to the skies on Monday, before subsequently exploding, has reportedly coated the Texan city with sand dust. Not only this, as per a report by the Independent, the launch was staged in the middle of a "one-of-its-kind preserve for migratory sea birds."</p>

<p>The city is around eight kilometres or nearly five miles away from the launch site, but the distance really didn't matter in this case. Cars, homes and roads were all reportedly left covered in a&nbsp;layer of dust after the blast-off.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-moment-when-spacexs-starship-rocket-exploded-after-liftoff-584670">WATCH | Moment when SpaceX's Starship rocket exploded after liftoff</a></strong></p>

<p>Pictures posted by residents on social media websites show Starship "particulates" covering their possessions.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Getting reports from multiple people now of “particulates” raining down in areas of Port Isabel after the nearby explosion of the SpaceX rocket stack Starship/Superheavy, 4 minutes after liftoff this morning from Boca Chica in the Rio Grande Valley. <a href="https://t.co/Vb9ritd7JE">pic.twitter.com/Vb9ritd7JE</a></p>
— Pablo De La Rosa (@pblodlr) <a href="https://twitter.com/pblodlr/status/1649059706218991617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">So rad! Or, rather, RUD. Still a huge win for SpaceX, can't wait for the next one. Btw, we got peed on by Starship about 10m after launch with a bunch of mud/dust. <a href="https://t.co/gW0PfM2RqO">pic.twitter.com/gW0PfM2RqO</a></p>
— Jared Fuller (@BarkEaterBear) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarkEaterBear/status/1649070685514334217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The dust cloud was something else during the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StarshipLaunch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StarshipLaunch</a></p>
— Epic Genius - Online Classes and Essays Expert (@writerelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/writerelly/status/1649047460864745472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Dust of death are over us</p>
— Doris Wagner (@DorisWagner1) <a href="https://twitter.com/DorisWagner1/status/1649361902496104448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The city too has confirmed the reports. "Cameron County Emergency Management Division has confirmed that the dust that fell this morning in Port Isabel was sand and soil from near the Space X launch site that was lofted into the air by the force of lift-off," the city confirmed, as per Business Insider.</p>

<p>Speaking to the publication, a representative of the Derry Elementry School, Port Isabel said people's vehicles were covered with ash.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/elon-musk-loses-billions-in-net-worth-after-starship-explosion-teslas-underperformance-584620">Elon Musk loses billions in net worth after Starship explosion, Tesla's underperformance</a></strong></p>

<p>"When the rocket launched, after it exploded, all the vehicles got a whole bunch of ash on them. Inside the school, we didn't get anything. It was just the outside."</p>

<p>As per Christopher Hooks, an Austin-based journalist, the launch impacted a preserve for migratory sea birds.</p>

<p>"SpaceX elected to build this launch site in the middle of a one-of-its-kind preserve for migratory sea birds, some of which travel thousands of miles to lay eggs there," he said on Twitter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">SpaceX elected to build this launch site in the middle of a one-of-its-kind preserve for migratory sea birds, some of which travel thousands of miles to lay eggs there <a href="https://t.co/fA3u7gEehp">https://t.co/fA3u7gEehp</a></p>
— Christopher Hooks (@cd_hooks) <a href="https://twitter.com/cd_hooks/status/1649063296908029954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The highly anticipated launch ended in failure after just minutes into its launch from the Gulf Coast Starbase facility in South Texas. As per reports, Starship reached a peak altitude of nearly 32 kilometres before the explosion. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Elon Musk was not very 'particulate' about the success of the mission, and a Texas city is bearing the fallout. Port Isabel, a Texas city, is bearing the fallout of the billionaire's Starship rocket launch.

Elon Musk was not very 'particulate' about the success of the mission, and a Texas city is bearing the fallout. Port Isabel, a Texas city, is bearing the fallout of the billionaire's Starship rocket launch. The SpaceX which took to the skies on Monday, before subsequently exploding, has reportedly coated the Texan city with sand dust. Not only this, as per a report by the Independent, the launch was staged in the middle of a "one-of-its-kind preserve for migratory sea birds." The city is around eight kilometres or nearly five miles away from the launch site, but the distance really didn't matter in this case. Cars, homes and roads were all reportedly left covered in a layer of dust after the blast-off. Also read | WATCH | Moment when SpaceX's Starship rocket exploded after liftoff Pictures posted by residents on social media websites show Starship "particulates" covering their possessions. Getting reports from multiple people now of “particulates” raining down in areas of Port Isabel after the nearby explosion of the SpaceX rocket stack Starship/Superheavy, 4 minutes after liftoff this morning from Boca Chica in the Rio Grande Valley. pic.twitter.com/Vb9ritd7JE — Pablo De La Rosa (@pblodlr) April 20, 2023 × So rad! Or, rather, RUD. Still a huge win for SpaceX, can't wait for the next one. Btw, we got peed on by Starship about 10m after launch with a bunch of mud/dust. pic.twitter.com/gW0PfM2RqO — Jared Fuller (@BarkEaterBear) April 20, 2023 × The dust cloud was something else during the #StarshipLaunch — Epic Genius - Online Classes and Essays Expert (@writerelly) April 20, 2023 × The Dust of death are over us — Doris Wagner (@DorisWagner1) April 21, 2023 × The city too has confirmed the reports. "Cameron County Emergency Management Division has confirmed that the dust that fell this morning in Port Isabel was sand and soil from near the Space X launch site that was lofted into the air by the force of lift-off," the city confirmed, as per Business Insider. Speaking to the publication, a representative of the Derry Elementry School, Port Isabel said people's vehicles were covered with ash. Also read | Elon Musk loses billions in net worth after Starship explosion, Tesla's underperformance "When the rocket launched, after it exploded, all the vehicles got a whole bunch of ash on them. Inside the school, we didn't get anything. It was just the outside." As per Christopher Hooks, an Austin-based journalist, the launch impacted a preserve for migratory sea birds. "SpaceX elected to build this launch site in the middle of a one-of-its-kind preserve for migratory sea birds, some of which travel thousands of miles to lay eggs there," he said on Twitter. SpaceX elected to build this launch site in the middle of a one-of-its-kind preserve for migratory sea birds, some of which travel thousands of miles to lay eggs there https://t.co/fA3u7gEehp — Christopher Hooks (@cd_hooks) April 20, 2023 × The highly anticipated launch ended in failure after just minutes into its launch from the Gulf Coast Starbase facility in South Texas. As per reports, Starship reached a peak altitude of nearly 32 kilometres before the explosion. (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.

Musk leaves a mess...Texans try to deal with 'fallout' of failed SpaceX rocket Starship

Kenya's space programme is advancing significantly. Using a SpaceX rocket from the United States, the African country sent its first operational earth observation satellites into space. Previously, the space race was dominated by global powers, forcing smaller nations to play catch-up.

Kenya launches first operational earth observatory satellite

<p>Aliens have long been a fascinating subject for humans. Innumerable movies, TV series and books are proof of this allure. Our search for extra-terrestrial has even&nbsp;taken us to other planets, albeit remotely. This search has progressed leaps and bounds in the last few years, but it is still in its natal stages. Global space agencies like the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and China National Space Administration (CNSA) have in recent years sent rovers to Mars to aid this search remotely. However, the accuracy of these random searches remains low.</p>

<p>To remedy this, the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute has been exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for finding extraterrestrial life on Mars and other icy worlds.</p>

<p>According to a report on Space, a recent study from SETI&nbsp;states that AI could be used to detect microbial life in the depths of the icy oceans on other planets.</p>

<p>In a paper published in Nature Astronomy, the team details how they trained a machine-learning model to scan data for signs of microbial life or other unusual features that could be indicative of alien life.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/heres-how-ai-can-help-modern-day-goldilocks-get-a-good-nights-sleep-578610">Here's how Artificial Intelligence can help modern-day Goldilocks get a good night's sleep</a></strong></p>

<p>Using a machine learning algorithm called convolutional neural networks (CNNs) a multidisciplinary team of scientists led by SETI's Kim Warren-Rhodes has mapped sparse lifeforms on Earth.&nbsp;Warren-Rhodes worked alongside experts from other prestigious institutions: Michael Phillips of Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab&nbsp;and Freddie Kalaitzis of the University&nbsp;of Oxford.</p>

<p>The system developed by them used statistical ecology and AI-detected biosignatures with up to 87.5 per cent accuracy, compared to only 10 per cent for random searches. As per the researchers, it&nbsp;can&nbsp;potentially reduce the search area by up to 97 per cent, making it easier for scientists to locate potential chemical traces of life.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/up-up-and-away-elon-musks-spacex-to-try-and-launch-starship-its-most-powerful-rocket-ever-on-monday-582601">Up, Up, and Away!: Elon Musk’s SpaceX to try and launch ‘Starship,’ its most powerful rocket ever on Monday</a></strong></p>

<p>For testing their system,&nbsp;they initially&nbsp;focused on the sparse lifeforms that dwell in salt domes, rocks, and crystals at Salar de Pajonales at the boundary of the Chilean Atacama Desert and Altiplano.</p>

<p>Warren-Rhodes and his team collected over 8,000 images and 1,000 samples from Salar de Pajonales to search for photosynthetic microbes that may represent a biosignature on NASA's "ladder of life detection" for finding life beyond Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The team also used drone imagery to simulate Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's High-Resolution Imaging Experiment camera's Martian terrain images to examine the region.</p>

<p>They found that microbial life in the region is concentrated in biological hotspots that strongly relate to the availability of water.</p>

<p>Researchers suggest that the machine learning tools developed can be used in robotic planetary missions like NASA's Perseverance Rover. The tools can guide rovers towards areas with a higher probability of having traces of alien life, even if they are rare or hidden.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"With these models, we can design tailor-made roadmaps and algorithms to guide rovers to places with the highest probability of harbouring past or present life  — no matter how hidden or rare," explained Warren-Rhodes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Aliens have long been a fascinating subject for humans. Innumerable movies, TV series and books are proof of this allure. Our search for extra-terrestrial has even taken us to other planets, albeit remotely.

Aliens have long been a fascinating subject for humans. Innumerable movies, TV series and books are proof of this allure. Our search for extra-terrestrial has even taken us to other planets, albeit remotely. This search has progressed leaps and bounds in the last few years, but it is still in its natal stages. Global space agencies like the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and China National Space Administration (CNSA) have in recent years sent rovers to Mars to aid this search remotely. However, the accuracy of these random searches remains low. To remedy this, the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute has been exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for finding extraterrestrial life on Mars and other icy worlds. According to a report on Space, a recent study from SETI states that AI could be used to detect microbial life in the depths of the icy oceans on other planets. In a paper published in Nature Astronomy, the team details how they trained a machine-learning model to scan data for signs of microbial life or other unusual features that could be indicative of alien life. Also read | Here's how Artificial Intelligence can help modern-day Goldilocks get a good night's sleep Using a machine learning algorithm called convolutional neural networks (CNNs) a multidisciplinary team of scientists led by SETI's Kim Warren-Rhodes has mapped sparse lifeforms on Earth. Warren-Rhodes worked alongside experts from other prestigious institutions: Michael Phillips of Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab and Freddie Kalaitzis of the University of Oxford. The system developed by them used statistical ecology and AI-detected biosignatures with up to 87.5 per cent accuracy, compared to only 10 per cent for random searches. As per the researchers, it can potentially reduce the search area by up to 97 per cent, making it easier for scientists to locate potential chemical traces of life. Also read | Up, Up, and Away!: Elon Musk’s SpaceX to try and launch ‘Starship,’ its most powerful rocket ever on Monday For testing their system, they initially focused on the sparse lifeforms that dwell in salt domes, rocks, and crystals at Salar de Pajonales at the boundary of the Chilean Atacama Desert and Altiplano. Warren-Rhodes and his team collected over 8,000 images and 1,000 samples from Salar de Pajonales to search for photosynthetic microbes that may represent a biosignature on NASA's "ladder of life detection" for finding life beyond Earth. The team also used drone imagery to simulate Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's High-Resolution Imaging Experiment camera's Martian terrain images to examine the region. They found that microbial life in the region is concentrated in biological hotspots that strongly relate to the availability of water. Researchers suggest that the machine learning tools developed can be used in robotic planetary missions like NASA's Perseverance Rover. The tools can guide rovers towards areas with a higher probability of having traces of alien life, even if they are rare or hidden. "With these models, we can design tailor-made roadmaps and algorithms to guide rovers to places with the highest probability of harbouring past or present life  — no matter how hidden or rare," explained Warren-Rhodes. (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.

Research reveals how Artificial Intelligence can help look for alien lifeforms on Mars and other planets

Scientists in China said that they have conducted a landmark AI experiment in space, they say an Artificial Intelligence machine was given temporary full control of a satellite in near-earth orbit to test its behaviour in the space.

Chinese landmark AI-space experiment, controls satellite without human orders

Europe's first-ever Jupiter mission is officially underway. The European Space Agency's (ESA) Juice spacecraft launched atop an Ariane 5. Rocket from Europe's spaceport in French Guiana. Could there be life beyond space? WION's Eric Njoka asks Dr. Amitabha Ghosh, a space scientist at NASA.

'Juice' spacecraft blasts off to Jupiter's moons

<p>The European Space Agency (ESA) successfully launch Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) on Friday (April 14). The launch took place from ESA spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. An Ariane 5 rocket lifted-off carrying JUICE probe at 9:14 am local time (1214 GMT). The path ahead is long and winding. The space probe will be in Jupiter's orbit by July 2031. Jupiter is 628 million kilometre away from our home planet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The European Space Agency posted launch of JUICE on its social media handle. Check out the brilliant video.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Another view of <a href="https://twitter.com/ariane5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ariane5</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VA260?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VA260</a> liftoff and ascent. For real-time mission updates, follow <a href="https://twitter.com/Arianespace?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Arianespace</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/ESA_JUICE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ESA_JUICE</a> 👍 <a href="https://t.co/1YCuYhPr2h">pic.twitter.com/1YCuYhPr2h</a></p>
— ESA (@esa) <a href="https://twitter.com/esa/status/1646851886945820673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p>JUICE will make detailed observations of the giant gas planet and its three large ocean-bearing moons – Ganymede, Callisto and Europa – with remote sensing, geophysical and in situ instruments. The mission will explore the&nbsp;moons as possible habitats besides studying Jupiter’s complex environment.</p>

<p>So what will JUICE do during it's mission? Let's get the dope.</p>

<h2><strong>What is JUICE's mission?</strong></h2>

<p>Finding aliens! Quite literally.</p>

<p>We may be less than a decade away from finding signs of life (or life itself) in our solar system! Finding alien life has been a scientific pre-occupation for us for decades. The question, 'Are we are alone in the Universe?' has been on our mind for a long time. To find the answer, we have applied our minds and focussed our powerful lenses which have been scanning distant corners or deep space for decades. Our giant radio receptors are ever alert to catch a transmission from an alien civilisation. We have also sent space probes (Voyager 1 and 2) packed with information in hopes that someday aliens will find them and come to know about us.</p>

<p>But the answer may be closer to home than we think. Alien life may be present in our Solar System itself.</p>

<h2><strong>Where can aliens be in our Solar System?</strong></h2>

<p>There are several candidates. Jupiter, the biggest planet in our solar system has several satellites which have had scientists interested. Europa, in particular has been in focus.</p>

<p>Europa is an icy world. The surface of the planet is covered by extremely thick ice sheets. Ice is lighter than water, so wherever there's ice, there is a possibility of water underneath.</p>

<p>Scientist think that Europa has oceans of liquid water under its massive ice sheets. And we know from our own planet that water means life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In theory at least, it is possible that Europa harbours life in liquid oceans below the surface. This may be a downer for those of us expecting insect like aliens with antennas on their head to exist in space. But even if we find definitive proof of sea creatures swimming in Europa's oceans, wouldn't it be insanely fantastic discovery?</p>

<p>In addition to Europa, JUICE will study Ganymede and Callisto, two more satellites of Jupiter.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How will JUICE search for&nbsp;life?</strong></h2>

<p>Whenever we talk of life under Europa's ice sheets, first image that comes to mind is that of a human-made machine dutifully drilling the ice. This may sound easy enough until we know that Europa's ice sheets are thought to be between 16 and 24 kilometres thick!</p>

<p>Drilling to such depths is hard enough task on Earth, forget doing it on a frozen world millions of kilometres away. Logistics will be a major problem.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So how will JUICE manage?</p>

<p>It will make remote observations. But this will not be just clicking a random picture from the orbit. JUICE has 10 state-of-the-art scientific instruments onboard. It's high resolution mapping of the surface at different wavelengths will tell us about composition of the ice at the surface.&nbsp;</p>

<p>JUICE will also look for biological signatures, that it, chemicals that form as a result of various biological processes. If such chemicals are found, it will boost the possibility of existence of life on Europa.</p>

<p>JUICE is not expected to actually find extraterrestrial life. It definitely won't drop a fishing net to catch some Europan salmon. But its readings and observations will enable us to assess habitability of the satellite.</p>

<h2><strong>Why is JUICE taking 8 years to reach Jupiter?</strong></h2>

<p>JUICE launch on April 14 doesn't give it a straight highway ticket from Earth to Jupiter. The space probe is taking a long-winding route that'll see it taking 'gravity assists' from Earth, Moon, and Venus.</p>

<p>A 'gravity assist' is a technique by which a spacecraft takes help of gravitational field of a planet to get a speed boost. For gravity assist, the spacecraft needs to pass through the planet's gravitational field at a carefully calibrated exact point in order to get a 'slingshot effect'. Smallest of the mistakes during this manoeuvre results in the spacecraft getting pulled towards the planet and getting destroyed in an unfortunate crash.</p>

<p>"By the time the first solar orbit is complete, Earth has caught up with JUICE and the first gravity-assist manoeuvre can be performed. At this point, the spacecraft is deflected towards Venus and it falls in the direction of the Sun, increasing speed...After passing Venus, JUICE makes subsequent flybys of Earth, Mars...and Earth again before its rendezvous with Jupiter in October 2029," says the European Space Agency on its website.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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The European Space Agency (ESA) successfully launch Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) on Friday (April 14). The launch took place from ESA spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

The European Space Agency (ESA) successfully launch Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) on Friday (April 14). The launch took place from ESA spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. An Ariane 5 rocket lifted-off carrying JUICE probe at 9:14 am local time (1214 GMT). The path ahead is long and winding. The space probe will be in Jupiter's orbit by July 2031. Jupiter is 628 million kilometre away from our home planet. The European Space Agency posted launch of JUICE on its social media handle. Check out the brilliant video. Another view of @ariane5 #VA260 liftoff and ascent. For real-time mission updates, follow @Arianespace and @ESA_JUICE 👍 pic.twitter.com/1YCuYhPr2h — ESA (@esa) April 14, 2023 × JUICE will make detailed observations of the giant gas planet and its three large ocean-bearing moons – Ganymede, Callisto and Europa – with remote sensing, geophysical and in situ instruments. The mission will explore the moons as possible habitats besides studying Jupiter’s complex environment. So what will JUICE do during it's mission? Let's get the dope. What is JUICE's mission? Finding aliens! Quite literally. We may be less than a decade away from finding signs of life (or life itself) in our solar system! Finding alien life has been a scientific pre-occupation for us for decades. The question, 'Are we are alone in the Universe?' has been on our mind for a long time. To find the answer, we have applied our minds and focussed our powerful lenses which have been scanning distant corners or deep space for decades. Our giant radio receptors are ever alert to catch a transmission from an alien civilisation. We have also sent space probes (Voyager 1 and 2) packed with information in hopes that someday aliens will find them and come to know about us. But the answer may be closer to home than we think. Alien life may be present in our Solar System itself. Where can aliens be in our Solar System? There are several candidates. Jupiter, the biggest planet in our solar system has several satellites which have had scientists interested. Europa, in particular has been in focus. Europa is an icy world. The surface of the planet is covered by extremely thick ice sheets. Ice is lighter than water, so wherever there's ice, there is a possibility of water underneath. Scientist think that Europa has oceans of liquid water under its massive ice sheets. And we know from our own planet that water means life. In theory at least, it is possible that Europa harbours life in liquid oceans below the surface. This may be a downer for those of us expecting insect like aliens with antennas on their head to exist in space. But even if we find definitive proof of sea creatures swimming in Europa's oceans, wouldn't it be insanely fantastic discovery? In addition to Europa, JUICE will study Ganymede and Callisto, two more satellites of Jupiter. How will JUICE search for life? Whenever we talk of life under Europa's ice sheets, first image that comes to mind is that of a human-made machine dutifully drilling the ice. This may sound easy enough until we know that Europa's ice sheets are thought to be between 16 and 24 kilometres thick! Drilling to such depths is hard enough task on Earth, forget doing it on a frozen world millions of kilometres away. Logistics will be a major problem. So how will JUICE manage? It will make remote observations. But this will not be just clicking a random picture from the orbit. JUICE has 10 state-of-the-art scientific instruments onboard. It's high resolution mapping of the surface at different wavelengths will tell us about composition of the ice at the surface. JUICE will also look for biological signatures, that it, chemicals that form as a result of various biological processes. If such chemicals are found, it will boost the possibility of existence of life on Europa. JUICE is not expected to actually find extraterrestrial life. It definitely won't drop a fishing net to catch some Europan salmon. But its readings and observations will enable us to assess habitability of the satellite. Why is JUICE taking 8 years to reach Jupiter? JUICE launch on April 14 doesn't give it a straight highway ticket from Earth to Jupiter. The space probe is taking a long-winding route that'll see it taking 'gravity assists' from Earth, Moon, and Venus. A 'gravity assist' is a technique by which a spacecraft takes help of gravitational field of a planet to get a speed boost. For gravity assist, the spacecraft needs to pass through the planet's gravitational field at a carefully calibrated exact point in order to get a 'slingshot effect'. Smallest of the mistakes during this manoeuvre results in the spacecraft getting pulled towards the planet and getting destroyed in an unfortunate crash. "By the time the first solar orbit is complete, Earth has caught up with JUICE and the first gravity-assist manoeuvre can be performed. At this point, the spacecraft is deflected towards Venus and it falls in the direction of the Sun, increasing speed...After passing Venus, JUICE makes subsequent flybys of Earth, Mars...and Earth again before its rendezvous with Jupiter in October 2029," says the European Space Agency on its website. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Explained | Get the dope on JUICE, Europe’s mission to find aliens

<p dir="ltr">WION has learnt that the Indian Government's Department of Space is facilitating the technology transfer of Russian-origin 'RD-191' semi-cryogenic rocket engines to Indian industry. This technology transfer is meant to enable Indian industries to manufacture the Russian-origin rocket engine in India.</p>

<p dir="ltr">This also opens up the possibility of exporting the made-in-India 'RD-191' engines and using the engine as part of India's heaviest rocket LVM3, thereby enhancing its payload carrying capability. India and Russia are learnt to have been in talks for a long time, regarding the sale of the 'RD-191' engines.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">The 'RD-191' is a high-performance rocket engine fuelled by kerosene and liquid oxygen. It falls under the category semi-cryogenic, as its fuel kerosene can be stored at room temperature and the oxidiser liquid oxygen has to be stored at super-cooled temperatures (below -150 degrees Centigrade).</p>

<p dir="ltr">India currently operates three kinds of engines on its operational rockets — solid-fuelled, liquid-fuelled and cryogenic (where liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen are stored at super-cooled temperatures).</p>

<p dir="ltr">In a recent interview with the Russian News Agency Interfax, Andrey Elchaninov, First Deputy Director General of Russian Space Agency Roscosmos, was asked about the possibility of supplying India with RD-191 engines.</p>

<p dir="ltr">He had said that India and Russia were discussing the details, characteristics and scope of deliveries of the RD-191 engines. "We hope to enter into a contract in the near future. We do not interrupt cooperation with anyone, we are open to all foreign customers" he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">As the discussions are underway for the Russian-origin semi-cryogenic engine, the Indian Space agency ISRO is also gearing up for the maiden test of its indigenously-developed semi-cryogenic engine, a 2000kN engine powered by kerosene and liquid oxygen.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Dubbed as SCE-2000' the semi-cryo engine is being developed by ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, Thiruvananthapuram. While the engine is a standalone component, it is eventually integrated with fuel tanks and additional components, thereby completing what is known as a rocket stage. ISRO calls its semi-cryo stage 'SC-120'. For this engine, ISRO has developed a kerosene-based fuel that they call 'ISROSENE'.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">In its latest annual report, ISRO had said that "the development of seven out of eight engine subsystems, have been completed. The intermediate configuration of the engine (Power Head Test Article) has been realised, wherein all the subsystems have been manufactured through Indian industries.</p>

<p dir="ltr">One ISROSENE propellant tank and two sets of LOX propellant tanks for the semi-cryogenic stage have been realised through industry, which has successfully undergone proof pressure tests. "We are getting ready for the first-ever test of the SCE-200". Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman, ISRO, told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen are the most efficient cryogenic fuel combinations, storing liquid hydrogen in tanks is an extremely complicated and challenging engineering feat. Liquid hydrogen is explosive in nature and expensive to produce.</p>

<p>Rocket-grade kerosene is simpler to handle as it can be stored at room temperature and owing to its high-density, large quantities can be stored in moderate-sized tanks. The low-density of liquid hydrogen means that large tanks are required to store even a small quantity of it, thereby increasing the size and mass of the rocket stage.</p>

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WION has learnt that the Indian Government's Department of Space is facilitating the technology transfer of Russian-origin 'RD-191' semi-cryogenic rocket engines to Indian industry.

WION has learnt that the Indian Government's Department of Space is facilitating the technology transfer of Russian-origin 'RD-191' semi-cryogenic rocket engines to Indian industry. This technology transfer is meant to enable Indian industries to manufacture the Russian-origin rocket engine in India. This also opens up the possibility of exporting the made-in-India 'RD-191' engines and using the engine as part of India's heaviest rocket LVM3, thereby enhancing its payload carrying capability. India and Russia are learnt to have been in talks for a long time, regarding the sale of the 'RD-191' engines. The 'RD-191' is a high-performance rocket engine fuelled by kerosene and liquid oxygen. It falls under the category semi-cryogenic, as its fuel kerosene can be stored at room temperature and the oxidiser liquid oxygen has to be stored at super-cooled temperatures (below -150 degrees Centigrade). India currently operates three kinds of engines on its operational rockets — solid-fuelled, liquid-fuelled and cryogenic (where liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen are stored at super-cooled temperatures). In a recent interview with the Russian News Agency Interfax, Andrey Elchaninov, First Deputy Director General of Russian Space Agency Roscosmos, was asked about the possibility of supplying India with RD-191 engines. He had said that India and Russia were discussing the details, characteristics and scope of deliveries of the RD-191 engines. "We hope to enter into a contract in the near future. We do not interrupt cooperation with anyone, we are open to all foreign customers" he said. As the discussions are underway for the Russian-origin semi-cryogenic engine, the Indian Space agency ISRO is also gearing up for the maiden test of its indigenously-developed semi-cryogenic engine, a 2000kN engine powered by kerosene and liquid oxygen. Dubbed as SCE-2000' the semi-cryo engine is being developed by ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, Thiruvananthapuram. While the engine is a standalone component, it is eventually integrated with fuel tanks and additional components, thereby completing what is known as a rocket stage. ISRO calls its semi-cryo stage 'SC-120'. For this engine, ISRO has developed a kerosene-based fuel that they call 'ISROSENE'. In its latest annual report, ISRO had said that "the development of seven out of eight engine subsystems, have been completed. The intermediate configuration of the engine (Power Head Test Article) has been realised, wherein all the subsystems have been manufactured through Indian industries. One ISROSENE propellant tank and two sets of LOX propellant tanks for the semi-cryogenic stage have been realised through industry, which has successfully undergone proof pressure tests. "We are getting ready for the first-ever test of the SCE-200". Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman, ISRO, told WION. While liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen are the most efficient cryogenic fuel combinations, storing liquid hydrogen in tanks is an extremely complicated and challenging engineering feat. Liquid hydrogen is explosive in nature and expensive to produce. Rocket-grade kerosene is simpler to handle as it can be stored at room temperature and owing to its high-density, large quantities can be stored in moderate-sized tanks. The low-density of liquid hydrogen means that large tanks are required to store even a small quantity of it, thereby increasing the size and mass of the rocket stage. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Exclusive: India-Russia discuss tech transfer, making of 'RD-191' semi-cryo rocket engine

Asteroid 2023 GG made its closest approach to Earth on April 11. This space rock made its closest approach to the planet at a distance of just 1.5 million kilometers, according to NASA. Watch this to know more.

Asteroid the size of an aircraft makes closest pass of Earth

<p dir="ltr">India must work on expanding its existing navigation with the Indian Constellation ('NavIC') series of satellites, provide space-based Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and ensure secure satellite-assisted communications, said Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Anil Chauhan.</p>

<p dir="ltr">India's highest-ranking military officer was speaking at the ‘Indian DefSpace Symposium 2023’, organised by the Indian Space Association and the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO).&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">Speaking on the occasion, Lt Gen AK Bhatt (Retd.), Director General, Indian Space Association, said, “the symposium will pave the way forward of how we leverage international space cooperation and also the policy and strategy for building an overall comprehensive defence space strategy."</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-soon-conduct-trial-run-of-its-first-underwater-metro-581284">India to soon conduct trial run of its first underwater metro</a></p>

<p>At the event aimed at enhancing collaboration between India's Space and Defence sectors, Gen&nbsp;Chauhan emphasised on the need to develop dual-use(utilised for civilian and military purposes) platforms with special focus towards incorporating cutting-edge technology.</p>

<p>Touching upon what was expected from the Indian space sector, he said that India needed to focus on miniaturisation of satellites, reusable launch vehicles and similar cost-effective solutions. He also mentioned the need to safeguard India's space assets with counter-space capabilities(anti-satellite weapons).&nbsp;</p>

<p>India's NavIC series of navigation satellites presently provide coverage throughout the Indian landmass and up to 1500 kms further from India's frontiers. WION has learnt that the Indian Space agency ISRO is likely to launch the next-generation of NavIC satellite 'NVS-01' in May, on-board a GSLV rocket.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-police-officer-places-order-on-e-com-firm-his-details-get-leaked-to-scammers-581276">India: Police officer places order on e-com firm, his details get leaked to scammers</a></p>

<p>This will be the first of the series of NaVIC satellites with L1 frequency band and will offer greater security. While India does have more than 50 satellites orbiting the earth and performing various functions, most of them are large and expensive ones.</p>

<p>Developing low-cost and highly-efficient nano satellites that can be built and deployed rapidly are an area that requires attention, in India. While India operates four types of launch vehicles of varying sizes and payload capacities, all of them are expendable. India is working on reusable rocket technology.</p>

<p>Speaking at the event, Dr Samir V Kamat, Chairman, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), mentioned how the premier defence lab has started increasing focus on space-based surveillance, space situational awareness, protecting space-based assets.</p>

<p>"We are now looking at working very closely with industry as well as academia right from the development stage and have started DRDO industry-academia Centers of excellence in about 15 institutions mostly within the country. We request academia, startups, MSMEs and larger companies to work with us closely so we can help our country achieve these capabilities much faster than what we have been able to do for all other systems,” he said.&nbsp;</p>

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India must work on expanding its existing navigation with the Indian Constellation ('NavIC') series of satellites, provide space-based Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and ensure secure satellite-assisted communications, said Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Anil Chauhan.

India must work on expanding its existing navigation with the Indian Constellation ('NavIC') series of satellites, provide space-based Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and ensure secure satellite-assisted communications, said Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Anil Chauhan. India's highest-ranking military officer was speaking at the ‘Indian DefSpace Symposium 2023’, organised by the Indian Space Association and the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). Speaking on the occasion, Lt Gen AK Bhatt (Retd.), Director General, Indian Space Association, said, “the symposium will pave the way forward of how we leverage international space cooperation and also the policy and strategy for building an overall comprehensive defence space strategy." ALSO READ | India to soon conduct trial run of its first underwater metro At the event aimed at enhancing collaboration between India's Space and Defence sectors, Gen Chauhan emphasised on the need to develop dual-use(utilised for civilian and military purposes) platforms with special focus towards incorporating cutting-edge technology. Touching upon what was expected from the Indian space sector, he said that India needed to focus on miniaturisation of satellites, reusable launch vehicles and similar cost-effective solutions. He also mentioned the need to safeguard India's space assets with counter-space capabilities(anti-satellite weapons). India's NavIC series of navigation satellites presently provide coverage throughout the Indian landmass and up to 1500 kms further from India's frontiers. WION has learnt that the Indian Space agency ISRO is likely to launch the next-generation of NavIC satellite 'NVS-01' in May, on-board a GSLV rocket. ALSO READ | India: Police officer places order on e-com firm, his details get leaked to scammers This will be the first of the series of NaVIC satellites with L1 frequency band and will offer greater security. While India does have more than 50 satellites orbiting the earth and performing various functions, most of them are large and expensive ones. Developing low-cost and highly-efficient nano satellites that can be built and deployed rapidly are an area that requires attention, in India. While India operates four types of launch vehicles of varying sizes and payload capacities, all of them are expendable. India is working on reusable rocket technology. Speaking at the event, Dr Samir V Kamat, Chairman, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), mentioned how the premier defence lab has started increasing focus on space-based surveillance, space situational awareness, protecting space-based assets. "We are now looking at working very closely with industry as well as academia right from the development stage and have started DRDO industry-academia Centers of excellence in about 15 institutions mostly within the country. We request academia, startups, MSMEs and larger companies to work with us closely so we can help our country achieve these capabilities much faster than what we have been able to do for all other systems,” he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India must miniaturise satellites, develop re-usable launch vehicles: Chief of Defence Staff

<p>In what is being described as a "happy accident," the Hubble Space Telescope has spotted a runaway black hole and its trail of infant stars. What is special about this is that in what could've been a tussle with two other black holes, this supermassive black hole was ejected from its own galaxy. Additionally, its trail of infant stars is an astounding 200,000 light-years long chain. This "contrail" of newborn starts as per Science Daily is twice the diameter of our Milky Way galaxy.</p>

<p>The black hole is huge — it has a mass equivalent to around 20 million suns — and is travelling a such a breakneck speed that it can cover the 382,500 kilometres distance between our planet Earth and its moon in just 14 minutes.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/james-webb-telescope-clicks-four-most-distant-galaxies-ever-seen-by-us-579822">James Webb telescope clicks four most distant galaxies ever seen by astronomers</a></strong></p>

<p>Black holes are notorious for gobbling up stars in their wake, but this one is different. It is moving too fast to act like a "cosmic Pac-Man" and snack on whatever crosses its path. Instead, as per Science Daily, it is "plowing into gas in front of it to trigger new star formation along a narrow corridor," which is forming its trail of newborn stars.</p>

<p>This unique behaviour has astounded scientists who say that nothing like this has ever been seen before.</p>

<p>Talking about the discovery, Pieter van Dokkum of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, said: "What we're seeing is the aftermath. Like the wake behind a ship we're seeing the wake behind the black hole."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reportedly, the trail is almost half as bright as the host galaxy it is linked to. This means it must have lots of new stars.</p>

<p>"This is pure serendipity that we stumbled across it," adds Dokkum.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-observe-glowing-black-holes-in-colliding-galaxies-579793">Scientists observe glowing black holes in colliding galaxies</a></strong></p>

<p>Astronomers believe that this astounding phenomenon is the result of multiple collisions of three supermassive black holes, two of which must have collided around 50 million years ago. This collision would have created a binary black hole.</p>

<p>'Two's company and three's a crowd," when another blackhole joined the mix, it created a chaotic and unstable configuration and one of the three was thrown out. The single black hole travelled in one direction, the pair in another. As per the astronomers, this could be deduced by circumstantial evidence; there is no active black hole remaining in that galaxy's centre. To confirm these theories, they will now conduct follow-up observations with NASA's James Webb Space Telescope and the Chandra X-ray Observatory. NASA's upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope might also provide some insight.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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In what is being described as a "happy accident," the Hubble Space Telescope has spotted a runaway black hole and its trail of infant stars. What is special about this is that in what could've been a tussle with two other black holes, this supermassive black hole was ejected from its own galaxy.

In what is being described as a "happy accident," the Hubble Space Telescope has spotted a runaway black hole and its trail of infant stars. What is special about this is that in what could've been a tussle with two other black holes, this supermassive black hole was ejected from its own galaxy. Additionally, its trail of infant stars is an astounding 200,000 light-years long chain. This "contrail" of newborn starts as per Science Daily is twice the diameter of our Milky Way galaxy. The black hole is huge — it has a mass equivalent to around 20 million suns — and is travelling a such a breakneck speed that it can cover the 382,500 kilometres distance between our planet Earth and its moon in just 14 minutes. Also read | James Webb telescope clicks four most distant galaxies ever seen by astronomers Black holes are notorious for gobbling up stars in their wake, but this one is different. It is moving too fast to act like a "cosmic Pac-Man" and snack on whatever crosses its path. Instead, as per Science Daily, it is "plowing into gas in front of it to trigger new star formation along a narrow corridor," which is forming its trail of newborn stars. This unique behaviour has astounded scientists who say that nothing like this has ever been seen before. Talking about the discovery, Pieter van Dokkum of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, said: "What we're seeing is the aftermath. Like the wake behind a ship we're seeing the wake behind the black hole." Reportedly, the trail is almost half as bright as the host galaxy it is linked to. This means it must have lots of new stars. "This is pure serendipity that we stumbled across it," adds Dokkum. Also read | Scientists observe glowing black holes in colliding galaxies Astronomers believe that this astounding phenomenon is the result of multiple collisions of three supermassive black holes, two of which must have collided around 50 million years ago. This collision would have created a binary black hole. 'Two's company and three's a crowd," when another blackhole joined the mix, it created a chaotic and unstable configuration and one of the three was thrown out. The single black hole travelled in one direction, the pair in another. As per the astronomers, this could be deduced by circumstantial evidence; there is no active black hole remaining in that galaxy's centre. To confirm these theories, they will now conduct follow-up observations with NASA's James Webb Space Telescope and the Chandra X-ray Observatory. NASA's upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope might also provide some insight. (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's Hubble telescope stumbles upon a black hole and its 200,000 light years long trail of infant stars

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