The first Arab woman to ever travel to space will be among the Saudi astronauts who will launch on a historic private trip to the International Space Station on May 8 of this year. She will be joined by fellow Saudi astronaut Ali Al-Karni.

Rayyanah Barnawi: First Arab woman astronaut set to go to space

India is looking to excel in the lucrative space business. It is also planning to overtake China and Russia in the space race. Will India win the space race? How has India sketched out its future in the space business? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Is India emerging as a space leader?

<p>A massive 150-foot asteroid called '2023 FZ3', which is as big as an aeroplane, is estimated to come close to Earth on April 6.</p>

<p>The asteroid&nbsp;is moving towards Earth at a speed of 67656 kmph and will closely approach the planet at a distance of 4,190,000 km. However, as per reports, the asteroid won't turn into a hazardous threat to Earth. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recently noted that a few asteroids will make close encounters with Earth in the coming days.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-big-enough-to-devastate-a-city-passes-between-earth-and-moon-575781">'City killer' asteroid comes closer than Moon, Earth remains unharmed</a></p>

<p>As per NASA, five asteroids will approach the Earth and two of them will pass by the planet on Tuesday (April 4), making their possible closest approaches.</p>

<p>Other than asteroid 2023 FZ3, asteroid 2023 FU6, asteroid 2023 FS11, asteroid 2023 FA7 and asteroid 2023 FQ7 will make their closest approach to Earth in the days ahead.</p>

<p>2023 FU6, which is a small 45-foot asteroid, will be at a distance of 1,870,000 km from Earth today. Asteroid 2023 FS11 which is an 82-foot asteroid will pass across the Earth by a margin of 6,610,000 km today.</p>

<p>Asteroid 2023 FA7, which is 92 feet, will fly near the Earth on April 4 at a distance of 2,250,000 km. Asteroid 2023 FQ7, which is a 65-foot house-sized asteroid, will approach the Earth on April 5.</p>

<p>Comets and asteroids, which are likely to make comparatively close approaches to Earth, are being tracked by NASA's Asteroid Watch dashboard.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Trending on WION: Asteroid as big as an Olympic pool may hit Earth in 2046</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trending-on-wion-asteroid-as-big-as-an-olympic-pool-may-hit-earth-in-2046-570707/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>In the dashboard, the date when the asteroid will make its closest approach, relative size, distance from Earth during every encounter and estimated diameter of the object is displayed.</p>

<p>Around 30,000 asteroids of various sizes, amongst which more than 850 are larger than a kilometre wide, were catalogued in the Earth's vicinity because of which they have been labelled "Near Earth Objects" (NEOs). The Earth is not threatened by any of them in the next 100 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


A massive 150-foot asteroid called '2023 FZ3', which is as big as an aeroplane, is estimated to come close to Earth on April 6. The asteroid is moving towards Earth at a speed of 67656 kmph and will closely approach the planet at a distance of 4,190,000 km.

A massive 150-foot asteroid called '2023 FZ3', which is as big as an aeroplane, is estimated to come close to Earth on April 6. The asteroid is moving towards Earth at a speed of 67656 kmph and will closely approach the planet at a distance of 4,190,000 km. However, as per reports, the asteroid won't turn into a hazardous threat to Earth. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recently noted that a few asteroids will make close encounters with Earth in the coming days. ALSO READ | 'City killer' asteroid comes closer than Moon, Earth remains unharmed As per NASA, five asteroids will approach the Earth and two of them will pass by the planet on Tuesday (April 4), making their possible closest approaches. Other than asteroid 2023 FZ3, asteroid 2023 FU6, asteroid 2023 FS11, asteroid 2023 FA7 and asteroid 2023 FQ7 will make their closest approach to Earth in the days ahead. 2023 FU6, which is a small 45-foot asteroid, will be at a distance of 1,870,000 km from Earth today. Asteroid 2023 FS11 which is an 82-foot asteroid will pass across the Earth by a margin of 6,610,000 km today. Asteroid 2023 FA7, which is 92 feet, will fly near the Earth on April 4 at a distance of 2,250,000 km. Asteroid 2023 FQ7, which is a 65-foot house-sized asteroid, will approach the Earth on April 5. Comets and asteroids, which are likely to make comparatively close approaches to Earth, are being tracked by NASA's Asteroid Watch dashboard. WATCH | Trending on WION: Asteroid as big as an Olympic pool may hit Earth in 2046 In the dashboard, the date when the asteroid will make its closest approach, relative size, distance from Earth during every encounter and estimated diameter of the object is displayed. Around 30,000 asteroids of various sizes, amongst which more than 850 are larger than a kilometre wide, were catalogued in the Earth's vicinity because of which they have been labelled "Near Earth Objects" (NEOs). The Earth is not threatened by any of them in the next 100 years. (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

NASA issues warning over giant 150-foot asteroid that will pass by Earth on April 6

<p dir="ltr">Spaceplanes are highly sophisticated aerospace vehicles - while within the earth's atmosphere, they can glide and land on an airstrip like a plane and while in space, they can manoeuvre like a spacecraft. The most common spaceplanes are the 1980s-era American-origin Space Shuttle and the Soviet-origin Buran. But neither of these giant astronaut-ferrying spaceplanes are in operation. In 2023, only the US and China are known to operate autonomous and reusable spaceplanes. India could soon be the third entrant into this exclusive club, thanks to its indigenous spaceplane known as 'Reusable Launch Vehicle - Technology Demonstrator' (RLV-TD). This prototype has been developed by the Indian space agency ISRO and its testing is being carried out with the support of Indian Defence lab DRDO and the Indian Air Force.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What a wow moment, a 20yr old dream becomes a reality for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> 🇮🇳🇮🇳🚀🚀🚀<br />
<br />
Here’s the RLV-TD <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indian</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> plane autonomously coming in to land and touching down at speeds close to 350kmph… it was a flawless landing and the plane is in impeccable condition <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> <a href="https://t.co/kuIDo2GqqP">pic.twitter.com/kuIDo2GqqP</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1642392331860213761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>America has been operating the 'Boeing X-37B' spaceplane for nearly a decade and the plane has proven its ability to remain in space for more than 900days, in a single trip. As per reports, China is widely regarded to operate its own spaceplane, but details are very sketchy. Given that spaceplanes have both civil and military applications, it is certain that no country would ever reveal the real intent and nature of operations being carried out by these autonomous aerospace vehicles.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>How do Spaceplanes reach Earth orbit and return ?</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr">Spaceplanes are not standalone vehicles, they ride piggyback on a large rocket during their onward journey . It is the rocket which actually carries the spaceplane to an orbit around the earth. Once in earth orbit, the spaceplane is on its own. It performs its mission and then de-orbits(manoeuvres to re-enter the earth) and gets drawn by earth's gravitational pull and re-enters the earth's atmosphere, where it encounters temperatures close to 2000degrees Celsius. As the plane descends into the denser layers of the earth's atmosphere, it uses its control surfaces (rudder, aileron, elevator) to glide and make a runway landing.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>How far has India come ? What is India's reusable vehicle like ?</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr">On April 2,&nbsp;2023, the Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) demonstrated the precise runway landing of an unmanned, fully autonomous, indigenous space plane. The space plane was dropped mid-air from an altitude of 4.5 kms, by an Indian Air Force 'Chinook' tandem-rotor helicopter. After being dropped, the space plane glided down and covered a distance of nearly 4.6kms, while performing autonomous navigation, guidance and control calculations. Finally, the plane manoeuvred deftly and landed precisely on a runway at a high-speeds of 350kmph. Top ISRO officials leading the project had told WION that the plane landed just as planned, perfectly along the runway centreline. The landing was so perfect that the spaceplane is said&nbsp;to be in impeccable condition, at the Aeronautical Test Range tarmac in Chitradurga, Karnataka.</p>

<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-a00feaf4-7fff-7695-a152-df232b39ad50">I</b>n a first in the world, a winged body has been carried to an altitude of 4.5 kms by a helicopter and released for carrying out an autonomous landing on a runway. RLV is essentially a space plane with a low lift-to-drag-ratio requiring an approach at high glide angles that necessitated a landing at high velocities of 350 kmph" said the Indian Space agency, ISRO. The Indian spaceplane prototype weighs 1.6tons(similar to that of a SUV), and&nbsp;measures 6.5meters in length and 3.6meters in breadth. The idea for ISRO's spaceplane was born nearly two decades ago and development work has been going on for more than ten years. The recent unmanned landing is a validation of how far ISRO has come in mastering sophisticated autonomous technologies and the avionics, computing systems that make it possible.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Explaining the progress of 'RLV-TD' testing to WION, ISRO, VSSC Director, Dr&nbsp;S. Unnikrishnan Nair said that the same RLV-TD vehicle had earlier(in 2016) successfully been carried to 65kms altitude by a rocket. From there, the vehicle re-entered the denser parts of the atmospshere at Hypersonic speeds, almost five times the speed of sound (hypersonic speed or Mach5) and finally made a splashdown landing in the Bay of Bengal(simulated runway). However, the ocean landing was a preliminary step and the precise runway landing is a really sophisticated and technologically complex feat that takes forward the progress of making the spaceplane a reality, he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-348a7e35-7fff-cd81-da1e-a7a9eb2dddfe">What's next for 'RLV-TD' ?&nbsp;</b></h2>

<p dir="ltr">So far, the RLV has shown that it can be flown to the upper atmopshere on a rocket and can come back and make a precise, autonomous runway landing. What remains to be done is, for the RLV to reach space(on a rocket), orbit the earth, carry out experiments, de-orbit, re-enter the earth's atmopshere.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">ISRO Chairman, Dr&nbsp;S. Somanath said that the RLV-TD is a great opportunity for India to develop an 'ORV'(orbital landing experiment) and that this work was already progressing. 'ORV' is an experiment where the space plane is flown to space atop a rocket and then brought back to land on a runway, completely autonomously. "This RLV landing is taking us closer to developing a reusable rocket/landing craft for very specific mission goals" he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">Dr&nbsp;Unnikrishnan Nair told WION that the present 'RLV-TD' vehicle was meant for demonstration purpose and the actual vehicle would be about 1.6times larger in size. The actual RLV plane is meant to be launched to space atop a modified-GSLV&nbsp;rocket, he said. It is envisioned that the spaceplane would be able to sustain in orbit for almost a month, he added.</p>

<p dir="ltr">On the recent test and the homegrown systems for the same, ISRO said "The runway landing experiment (LEX) utilised several indigenous systems. Localized Navigation systems based on pseudolite systems, instrumentation, and sensor systems, etc. were developed by ISRO. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the landing site with a Ka-band Radar Altimeter provided accurate altitude information". The RLV LEX demanded several state-of-the-art technologies including accurate Navigation hardware and software, Pseudolite system, Ka-band Radar Altimeter, NavIC receiver, indigenous Landing Gear, Aerofoil honey-comb fins and brake parachute system, the Indian space agency added.</p>

<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-a8ba8c31-7fff-c78b-f173-9a032ec064ca">Advantages of Autonomous Reusable spaceplanes&nbsp;</b></h2>

<p dir="ltr">The Space shuttle was a reusable space plane, but it cost a huge deal of money to operate. The main role of the space shuttle was to ferry cargo and astronauts to the International space station and bring them back. The shuttle also performed a variety of roles such as placing satellites in orbit, constructing and servicing the International Space station, carrying out space science experiments etc. While the shuttle did render great service to international space missions and transported cargo and astronauts to low earth orbit, it was prohibitively expensive as the per flight cost is estimated at $1.6bn. The shuttle's ferrying role has been replaced by SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets and Crew dragon capsules.</p>

<p dir="ltr">It must also be noted that there were two catastrophic disasters involving the shuttle, which led to the loss of 14 crew members in total and billions of dollars worth of equipment. When it comes to unmanned and autonomous solutions, the cost is much lower and so are risks. Putting humans on-board an aerospace vehicle makes the mission much more complicated, heavy and expensive, as hundreds of technologies have to be developed and installed for the safe travel and return of the humans.</p>

<p dir="ltr">With an unmanned platform, it is possible to carry out civilian and military experiments in space and bring the plane back. Even in case of a mission failure, there is no loss of precious human life and trained scientific talent. The development of reusable rockets that are capable of vertical landing (as demonstrated by SpaceX), also complements the existence of spaceplanes that can land on a runway. Having such a combination of reusable rocket and reusable space plane can even help perform space missions without leaving behind space debris.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr"><br />
<strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p dir="ltr"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


Spaceplanes are highly sophisticated aerospace vehicles - while within the earth's atmosphere, they can glide and land on an airstrip like a plane and while in space, they can manoeuvre like a spacecraft.

Spaceplanes are highly sophisticated aerospace vehicles - while within the earth's atmosphere, they can glide and land on an airstrip like a plane and while in space, they can manoeuvre like a spacecraft. The most common spaceplanes are the 1980s-era American-origin Space Shuttle and the Soviet-origin Buran. But neither of these giant astronaut-ferrying spaceplanes are in operation. In 2023, only the US and China are known to operate autonomous and reusable spaceplanes. India could soon be the third entrant into this exclusive club, thanks to its indigenous spaceplane known as 'Reusable Launch Vehicle - Technology Demonstrator' (RLV-TD). This prototype has been developed by the Indian space agency ISRO and its testing is being carried out with the support of Indian Defence lab DRDO and the Indian Air Force. What a wow moment, a 20yr old dream becomes a reality for #isro #india 🇮🇳🇮🇳🚀🚀🚀 Here’s the RLV-TD #indian #space plane autonomously coming in to land and touching down at speeds close to 350kmph… it was a flawless landing and the plane is in impeccable condition @isro pic.twitter.com/kuIDo2GqqP — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 2, 2023 × America has been operating the 'Boeing X-37B' spaceplane for nearly a decade and the plane has proven its ability to remain in space for more than 900days, in a single trip. As per reports, China is widely regarded to operate its own spaceplane, but details are very sketchy. Given that spaceplanes have both civil and military applications, it is certain that no country would ever reveal the real intent and nature of operations being carried out by these autonomous aerospace vehicles. How do Spaceplanes reach Earth orbit and return ? Spaceplanes are not standalone vehicles, they ride piggyback on a large rocket during their onward journey . It is the rocket which actually carries the spaceplane to an orbit around the earth. Once in earth orbit, the spaceplane is on its own. It performs its mission and then de-orbits(manoeuvres to re-enter the earth) and gets drawn by earth's gravitational pull and re-enters the earth's atmosphere, where it encounters temperatures close to 2000degrees Celsius. As the plane descends into the denser layers of the earth's atmosphere, it uses its control surfaces (rudder, aileron, elevator) to glide and make a runway landing. How far has India come ? What is India's reusable vehicle like ? On April 2, 2023, the Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) demonstrated the precise runway landing of an unmanned, fully autonomous, indigenous space plane. The space plane was dropped mid-air from an altitude of 4.5 kms, by an Indian Air Force 'Chinook' tandem-rotor helicopter. After being dropped, the space plane glided down and covered a distance of nearly 4.6kms, while performing autonomous navigation, guidance and control calculations. Finally, the plane manoeuvred deftly and landed precisely on a runway at a high-speeds of 350kmph. Top ISRO officials leading the project had told WION that the plane landed just as planned, perfectly along the runway centreline. The landing was so perfect that the spaceplane is said to be in impeccable condition, at the Aeronautical Test Range tarmac in Chitradurga, Karnataka. In a first in the world, a winged body has been carried to an altitude of 4.5 kms by a helicopter and released for carrying out an autonomous landing on a runway. RLV is essentially a space plane with a low lift-to-drag-ratio requiring an approach at high glide angles that necessitated a landing at high velocities of 350 kmph" said the Indian Space agency, ISRO. The Indian spaceplane prototype weighs 1.6tons(similar to that of a SUV), and measures 6.5meters in length and 3.6meters in breadth. The idea for ISRO's spaceplane was born nearly two decades ago and development work has been going on for more than ten years. The recent unmanned landing is a validation of how far ISRO has come in mastering sophisticated autonomous technologies and the avionics, computing systems that make it possible. Explaining the progress of 'RLV-TD' testing to WION, ISRO, VSSC Director, Dr S. Unnikrishnan Nair said that the same RLV-TD vehicle had earlier(in 2016) successfully been carried to 65kms altitude by a rocket. From there, the vehicle re-entered the denser parts of the atmospshere at Hypersonic speeds, almost five times the speed of sound (hypersonic speed or Mach5) and finally made a splashdown landing in the Bay of Bengal(simulated runway). However, the ocean landing was a preliminary step and the precise runway landing is a really sophisticated and technologically complex feat that takes forward the progress of making the spaceplane a reality, he added. What's next for 'RLV-TD' ? So far, the RLV has shown that it can be flown to the upper atmopshere on a rocket and can come back and make a precise, autonomous runway landing. What remains to be done is, for the RLV to reach space(on a rocket), orbit the earth, carry out experiments, de-orbit, re-enter the earth's atmopshere. ISRO Chairman, Dr S. Somanath said that the RLV-TD is a great opportunity for India to develop an 'ORV'(orbital landing experiment) and that this work was already progressing. 'ORV' is an experiment where the space plane is flown to space atop a rocket and then brought back to land on a runway, completely autonomously. "This RLV landing is taking us closer to developing a reusable rocket/landing craft for very specific mission goals" he said. Dr Unnikrishnan Nair told WION that the present 'RLV-TD' vehicle was meant for demonstration purpose and the actual vehicle would be about 1.6times larger in size. The actual RLV plane is meant to be launched to space atop a modified-GSLV rocket, he said. It is envisioned that the spaceplane would be able to sustain in orbit for almost a month, he added. On the recent test and the homegrown systems for the same, ISRO said "The runway landing experiment (LEX) utilised several indigenous systems. Localized Navigation systems based on pseudolite systems, instrumentation, and sensor systems, etc. were developed by ISRO. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the landing site with a Ka-band Radar Altimeter provided accurate altitude information". The RLV LEX demanded several state-of-the-art technologies including accurate Navigation hardware and software, Pseudolite system, Ka-band Radar Altimeter, NavIC receiver, indigenous Landing Gear, Aerofoil honey-comb fins and brake parachute system, the Indian space agency added. Advantages of Autonomous Reusable spaceplanes The Space shuttle was a reusable space plane, but it cost a huge deal of money to operate. The main role of the space shuttle was to ferry cargo and astronauts to the International space station and bring them back. The shuttle also performed a variety of roles such as placing satellites in orbit, constructing and servicing the International Space station, carrying out space science experiments etc. While the shuttle did render great service to international space missions and transported cargo and astronauts to low earth orbit, it was prohibitively expensive as the per flight cost is estimated at $1.6bn. The shuttle's ferrying role has been replaced by SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets and Crew dragon capsules. It must also be noted that there were two catastrophic disasters involving the shuttle, which led to the loss of 14 crew members in total and billions of dollars worth of equipment. When it comes to unmanned and autonomous solutions, the cost is much lower and so are risks. Putting humans on-board an aerospace vehicle makes the mission much more complicated, heavy and expensive, as hundreds of technologies have to be developed and installed for the safe travel and return of the humans. With an unmanned platform, it is possible to carry out civilian and military experiments in space and bring the plane back. Even in case of a mission failure, there is no loss of precious human life and trained scientific talent. The development of reusable rockets that are capable of vertical landing (as demonstrated by SpaceX), also complements the existence of spaceplanes that can land on a runway. Having such a combination of reusable rocket and reusable space plane can even help perform space missions without leaving behind space debris. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained: Why India's fully-autonomous, re-usable spaceplane is a significant aerospace tech leap

<p>At 7:40am on Sunday morning, the Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) performed a feat that brought to fruition an idea born 20 years ago — the runway landing of an unmanned, fully autonomous, indigenous space plane.</p>

<p>Known as 'RLV-TD' (Reusable launch vehicle-Technology Demonstrator) the space place was dropped mid-air from an altitude of 4.5km, by an Indian Air Force 'Chinook' tandem-rotor helicopter, from where the space plane glided down, performed autonomous navigation, guidance and control calculations, manoeuvred deftly and landed precisely on a runway at&nbsp;high speed&nbsp;of 350kmph.</p>

<p>Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-two-dead-a-child-injured-after-hot-air-balloon-catches-fire-mid-air-in-mexico-578162">Hot air balloon catches fire mid-air in Mexico, two dead and a child injured</a></p>

<p>Top ISRO officials told WION that the plane landed just as planned, perfectly along the runway centreline and the spaceplane is in impeccable condition, at the tarmac in Chitradurga, Karnataka.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What a wow moment, a 20yr old dream becomes a reality for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> 🇮🇳🇮🇳🚀🚀🚀<br />
<br />
Here’s the RLV-TD <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indian</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> plane autonomously coming in to land and touching down at speeds close to 350kmph… it was a flawless landing and the plane is in impeccable condition <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> <a href="https://t.co/kuIDo2GqqP">pic.twitter.com/kuIDo2GqqP</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1642392331860213761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"In a first in the world, a winged body has been carried to an altitude of 4.5 km by a helicopter and released for carrying out an autonomous landing on a runway. RLV is essentially a space plane with a low lift to drag ratio requiring an approach at high glide angles that necessitated a landing at high velocities of 350 kmph," said the Indian Space agency, ISRO.</p>

<p>Post the successful touch-down and landing of the space plane, ISRO Chairman&nbsp;Dr. S. Somanath appreciated the team of Indian scientists. This space plane landing is an effort of Indian Space agency ISRO, India's Defence Research Lab DRDO, and the Indian Air Force, among others.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-president-ramchandra-paudel-admitted-to-hospital-578148">Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel admitted to hospital</a></p>

<p>"The very first (runway landing) experiment is now successful. I'm very sure it is meeting almost all the objectives that we had defined long back. This will continue, few more landing experiments will be done under different conditions to prove the ruggedness of the software and the hardware that we have put in," said Dr. S. Somanath. He was present along with his team to witness the historic moment.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">“Today’s successful landing demonstration is a step towards developing India’s own re-usable rocket/landing craft..work underway to take this vehicle to orbit and then land it successfully ‘ORV’ mission.. congrats. More tests coming up” says Dr.S. Somanath, Chairman <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> 🚀🇮🇳🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/IRePhaUJZy">pic.twitter.com/IRePhaUJZy</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1642399731287482368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>He added that this was a great opportunity for India to develop an 'ORV' (orbital landing experiment) and that this work was already progressing. ORV is where the same space plane is flown to space atop a rocket and then brought back to land, completely autonomously.</p>

<p>"Today's step is taking us closer to reusable rocket/landing craft for very specific mission goals," he said. India has so far been using expendable rockets that fall back into the sea after launch, once this spaceplane becomes a reality, it would make India among the handful nations that have a re-usable orbital space vehicle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Explaining the progress of RLV testing, VSSC Director, Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair told WION about how the same RLV-TD vehicle had earlier (in 2016) successfully been carried to 65km&nbsp;altitude by a rocket. From there, the vehicle re-entered the denser parts of the atmopshere at Hypersonic speeds, almost five times the speed of sound and finally made a splashdown landing in the Bay of Bengal (simulated runway).</p>

<p><strong>Watch | WION Exclusive: Indian Actor Dia Mirza speaks to WION on playing Geetanjali in 'Bheed'</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-indian-actor-dia-mirza-speaks-to-wion-on-playing-geetanjali-in-bheed-578143/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>However, the ocean landing was a preliminary step and the precise runway landing is a really sophisticated and technologically complex feat that takes forward the progress of making the spaceplane a reality, he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr. Nair also said that this RLV-TD vehicle was meant for demonstration purpose and the real vehicle would be about 1.6 times larger. Specifying how the final RLV spaceplane would work, he said that the spaceplane would be mounted atop a modified-GSLV rocket and then launched into space, where the spaceplane would be autonomously carrying out on-board experiments and operating its payloads.</p>

<p>The spaceplane could function in Low Earth orbit for up to a month and then autonomously perform de-orbiting and re-enter the earth's atmosphere and come in to land on the runway. This ensures that the spaceplane can be fully re-used, after carrying out a few refurbishments.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A hero is born! India’s indigenous <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> plane RLV-TD seen autonomously carrying out navigation, guidance, control, as it comes in for a perfect landing, right on the runway centre line<br />
<br />
It’s moments like these that reflect decades of planning, tireless R&amp;D 🚀🚀🇮🇳🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tech</a> <a href="https://t.co/TT1w4Tqpbt">pic.twitter.com/TT1w4Tqpbt</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1642405148399124480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>On the latest test and the homegrown systems for the same, ISRO said LEX utilised several indigenous systems. Localised Navigation systems based on pseudolite systems, instrumentation, and sensor systems, etc. were developed by ISRO.</p>

<p>Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the landing site with a Ka-band Radar Altimeter provided accurate altitude information. The RLV LEX demanded several state-of-the-art technologies including accurate Navigation hardware and software, Pseudolite system, Ka-band Radar Altimeter, NavIC receiver, indigenous Landing Gear, Aerofoil honey-comb fins and brake parachute system, the Indian space agency added.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


At 7:40am on Sunday morning, the Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) performed a feat that brought to fruition an idea born 20 years ago — the runway landing of an unmanned, fully autonomous, indigenous space plane.

At 7:40am on Sunday morning, the Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) performed a feat that brought to fruition an idea born 20 years ago — the runway landing of an unmanned, fully autonomous, indigenous space plane. Known as 'RLV-TD' (Reusable launch vehicle-Technology Demonstrator) the space place was dropped mid-air from an altitude of 4.5km, by an Indian Air Force 'Chinook' tandem-rotor helicopter, from where the space plane glided down, performed autonomous navigation, guidance and control calculations, manoeuvred deftly and landed precisely on a runway at high speed of 350kmph. Watch | Hot air balloon catches fire mid-air in Mexico, two dead and a child injured Top ISRO officials told WION that the plane landed just as planned, perfectly along the runway centreline and the spaceplane is in impeccable condition, at the tarmac in Chitradurga, Karnataka. What a wow moment, a 20yr old dream becomes a reality for #isro #india 🇮🇳🇮🇳🚀🚀🚀 Here’s the RLV-TD #indian #space plane autonomously coming in to land and touching down at speeds close to 350kmph… it was a flawless landing and the plane is in impeccable condition @isro pic.twitter.com/kuIDo2GqqP — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 2, 2023 × "In a first in the world, a winged body has been carried to an altitude of 4.5 km by a helicopter and released for carrying out an autonomous landing on a runway. RLV is essentially a space plane with a low lift to drag ratio requiring an approach at high glide angles that necessitated a landing at high velocities of 350 kmph," said the Indian Space agency, ISRO. Post the successful touch-down and landing of the space plane, ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath appreciated the team of Indian scientists. This space plane landing is an effort of Indian Space agency ISRO, India's Defence Research Lab DRDO, and the Indian Air Force, among others. Also Read | Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel admitted to hospital "The very first (runway landing) experiment is now successful. I'm very sure it is meeting almost all the objectives that we had defined long back. This will continue, few more landing experiments will be done under different conditions to prove the ruggedness of the software and the hardware that we have put in," said Dr. S. Somanath. He was present along with his team to witness the historic moment. “Today’s successful landing demonstration is a step towards developing India’s own re-usable rocket/landing craft..work underway to take this vehicle to orbit and then land it successfully ‘ORV’ mission.. congrats. More tests coming up” says Dr.S. Somanath, Chairman @isro 🚀🇮🇳🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/IRePhaUJZy — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 2, 2023 × He added that this was a great opportunity for India to develop an 'ORV' (orbital landing experiment) and that this work was already progressing. ORV is where the same space plane is flown to space atop a rocket and then brought back to land, completely autonomously. "Today's step is taking us closer to reusable rocket/landing craft for very specific mission goals," he said. India has so far been using expendable rockets that fall back into the sea after launch, once this spaceplane becomes a reality, it would make India among the handful nations that have a re-usable orbital space vehicle. Explaining the progress of RLV testing, VSSC Director, Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair told WION about how the same RLV-TD vehicle had earlier (in 2016) successfully been carried to 65km altitude by a rocket. From there, the vehicle re-entered the denser parts of the atmopshere at Hypersonic speeds, almost five times the speed of sound and finally made a splashdown landing in the Bay of Bengal (simulated runway). Watch | WION Exclusive: Indian Actor Dia Mirza speaks to WION on playing Geetanjali in 'Bheed' × However, the ocean landing was a preliminary step and the precise runway landing is a really sophisticated and technologically complex feat that takes forward the progress of making the spaceplane a reality, he added. Dr. Nair also said that this RLV-TD vehicle was meant for demonstration purpose and the real vehicle would be about 1.6 times larger. Specifying how the final RLV spaceplane would work, he said that the spaceplane would be mounted atop a modified-GSLV rocket and then launched into space, where the spaceplane would be autonomously carrying out on-board experiments and operating its payloads. The spaceplane could function in Low Earth orbit for up to a month and then autonomously perform de-orbiting and re-enter the earth's atmosphere and come in to land on the runway. This ensures that the spaceplane can be fully re-used, after carrying out a few refurbishments. A hero is born! India’s indigenous #space plane RLV-TD seen autonomously carrying out navigation, guidance, control, as it comes in for a perfect landing, right on the runway centre line It’s moments like these that reflect decades of planning, tireless R&D 🚀🚀🇮🇳🇮🇳 @isro #tech pic.twitter.com/TT1w4Tqpbt — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 2, 2023 × On the latest test and the homegrown systems for the same, ISRO said LEX utilised several indigenous systems. Localised Navigation systems based on pseudolite systems, instrumentation, and sensor systems, etc. were developed by ISRO. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the landing site with a Ka-band Radar Altimeter provided accurate altitude information. The RLV LEX demanded several state-of-the-art technologies including accurate Navigation hardware and software, Pseudolite system, Ka-band Radar Altimeter, NavIC receiver, indigenous Landing Gear, Aerofoil honey-comb fins and brake parachute system, the Indian space agency added. 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.

EXCLUSIVE: India lands unmanned spaceplane with pin-point accuracy; next destination is space

<p>A Pacific expedition is being planned by a prominent Harvard physicist to find what he believes to be an alien artefact which has fallen from space into the ocean.</p>

<p>Physicist Avi Loeb announced that an ocean expedition worth $1.5 million to Papua New Guinea is being organised by him in search of fragments of an object which crashed off the coast of the country's Manus Island in 2014.</p>

<p>The object was noticed by Loeb in 2019 and it was identified as the first ever discovered interstellar meteor, which means its origin lies outside our solar system.</p>

<p>As per Loeb, the interstellar origin of the meteor was confirmed to NASA by the Department of Defence’s space command in April 2022.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/aliens-on-distant-exoplanets-scientists-say-terminator-zones-could-harbour-life-573183">Aliens on distant exoplanets? Scientists say ‘terminator zones’ could harbour life</a></p>

<p>Loeb and his team also reached the conclusion that the meteor was tougher compared to all other 272 meteors listed in the Centre for Near Earth Object Studies catalogue of NASA.</p>

<p>“Intrigued by this conclusion, I established a team that designed a two-week expedition to search for the meteor fragments at a depth of 1.7km on the ocean floor. Analysing the composition of the fragments could allow us to determine whether the object is natural or artificial in origin,” wrote Loeb in a post on Medium.</p>

<p>“We have a boat. We have a dream team, including some of the most experienced and qualified professionals in ocean expeditions. We have complete design and manufacturing plans for the required sledge, magnets, collection nets and mass spectrometer,” he further stated.</p>

<p>As per Loeb, there is a possibility that the meteor is tough “because they are artificial in origin…launched a billion years ago from a distant technological civilisation.”</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Is an alien looking at us from Mars?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-an-alien-looking-at-us-from-mars-488132/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>A ship with a magnetic sledge is expected to be used for the ocean expedition. The team will include seven sledge operations along with a scientific team.</p>

<p>“We will tow a sledge mounted with magnets, cameras and lights on the ocean floor inside of a 10km×10km search box. A number of sources have been used to narrow the search site to this relatively small search box,” wrote Loeb and his team.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


A Pacific expedition is being planned by a prominent Harvard physicist to find what he believes to be an alien artefact which has fallen from space into the ocean.

A Pacific expedition is being planned by a prominent Harvard physicist to find what he believes to be an alien artefact which has fallen from space into the ocean. Physicist Avi Loeb announced that an ocean expedition worth $1.5 million to Papua New Guinea is being organised by him in search of fragments of an object which crashed off the coast of the country's Manus Island in 2014. The object was noticed by Loeb in 2019 and it was identified as the first ever discovered interstellar meteor, which means its origin lies outside our solar system. As per Loeb, the interstellar origin of the meteor was confirmed to NASA by the Department of Defence’s space command in April 2022. ALSO READ | Aliens on distant exoplanets? Scientists say ‘terminator zones’ could harbour life Loeb and his team also reached the conclusion that the meteor was tougher compared to all other 272 meteors listed in the Centre for Near Earth Object Studies catalogue of NASA. “Intrigued by this conclusion, I established a team that designed a two-week expedition to search for the meteor fragments at a depth of 1.7km on the ocean floor. Analysing the composition of the fragments could allow us to determine whether the object is natural or artificial in origin,” wrote Loeb in a post on Medium. “We have a boat. We have a dream team, including some of the most experienced and qualified professionals in ocean expeditions. We have complete design and manufacturing plans for the required sledge, magnets, collection nets and mass spectrometer,” he further stated. As per Loeb, there is a possibility that the meteor is tough “because they are artificial in origin…launched a billion years ago from a distant technological civilisation.” WATCH | Is an alien looking at us from Mars? A ship with a magnetic sledge is expected to be used for the ocean expedition. The team will include seven sledge operations along with a scientific team. “We will tow a sledge mounted with magnets, cameras and lights on the ocean floor inside of a 10km×10km search box. A number of sources have been used to narrow the search site to this relatively small search box,” wrote Loeb and his team. (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

Harvard physicist in search for ‘alien artefact’ that fell from space

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid4U371q3ElfWD" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Researchers have warned the increasing light pollution caused by thousands of artificial satellites and space waste orbiting Earth could prove detrimental to the work of astronauts studying the universe, according to a new study published in the journal&nbsp;<em>Nature Astronomy.&nbsp;</em></p>

<p>The report added that the menace of light pollution poses an "unprecedented global threat to nature" as well. Modelling data suggested that the darkest part of the night sky will become 7.5 per cent brighter over the next decade for the Vera Rubin Observatory, a giant telescope currently under construction in Chile.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meaning, the astronomers from the said observatory will witness a reduction of 7.5 per cent in the number of stars they can observe. It will add an extra year to their workload, not to mention an additional $21.8 million in funding money to the exchequer,&nbsp;which could have been easily avoided if Earth's lower orbit layers were kept debris-free.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/light-pollution-from-satellites-space-waste-poses-risk-to-astronomy-374530" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: Light pollution from satellites, space waste poses risk to astronomy</strong></a></p>

<p>The researchers warned that current measurements of light pollution had significantly underestimated the phenomenon. They added that the brightening of the Earth's atmosphere threatened "our ancient relationship with the night sky".</p>

<p>"Space is our shared heritage and ancestor, connecting us through science, storytelling, art, origin stories and cultural traditions - and it is now at risk," said Aparna Venkatesan, an astronomer at the University of San Francisco in the journal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The loss of the natural aspect of a pristine night sky for all the world, even on the summit of K2 or on the shore of Lake Titicaca or on Easter Island is an unprecedented global threat to nature and cultural heritage."</p>

<p>The total number of satellites in the Earth's low orbit has more than doubled since 2019. Elon Musk-owned SpaceX and its 'mega-constellation' has been the major reason for the spurt in numbers.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-nasa-spacecraft-to-visit-most-volcanic-world-in-solar-system-543521"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: NASA spacecraft to visit most volcanic world in solar system</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-nasa-spacecraft-to-visit-most-volcanic-world-in-solar-system-543521/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Scientists are now batting to limit these mega-constellations whilst also urging the world governments to explore the possibility of outright banning them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sunlight that is reflected and scattered from space objects can look like streaks in observations made by telescopes from the ground, making their work harder. It&nbsp;compromises astronomical data and poses the threat of irretrievable loss of information.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Researchers have warned the increasing light pollution caused by thousands of artificial satellites and space waste orbiting Earth could prove detrimental to the work of astronauts studying the universe, according to a new study published in the journal Nature Astronomy.

Researchers have warned the increasing light pollution caused by thousands of artificial satellites and space waste orbiting Earth could prove detrimental to the work of astronauts studying the universe, according to a new study published in the journal Nature Astronomy. The report added that the menace of light pollution poses an "unprecedented global threat to nature" as well. Modelling data suggested that the darkest part of the night sky will become 7.5 per cent brighter over the next decade for the Vera Rubin Observatory, a giant telescope currently under construction in Chile. Meaning, the astronomers from the said observatory will witness a reduction of 7.5 per cent in the number of stars they can observe. It will add an extra year to their workload, not to mention an additional $21.8 million in funding money to the exchequer, which could have been easily avoided if Earth's lower orbit layers were kept debris-free. Read more: Light pollution from satellites, space waste poses risk to astronomy The researchers warned that current measurements of light pollution had significantly underestimated the phenomenon. They added that the brightening of the Earth's atmosphere threatened "our ancient relationship with the night sky". "Space is our shared heritage and ancestor, connecting us through science, storytelling, art, origin stories and cultural traditions - and it is now at risk," said Aparna Venkatesan, an astronomer at the University of San Francisco in the journal. "The loss of the natural aspect of a pristine night sky for all the world, even on the summit of K2 or on the shore of Lake Titicaca or on Easter Island is an unprecedented global threat to nature and cultural heritage." The total number of satellites in the Earth's low orbit has more than doubled since 2019. Elon Musk-owned SpaceX and its 'mega-constellation' has been the major reason for the spurt in numbers. WATCH | Gravitas: NASA spacecraft to visit most volcanic world in solar system × Scientists are now batting to limit these mega-constellations whilst also urging the world governments to explore the possibility of outright banning them. Sunlight that is reflected and scattered from space objects can look like streaks in observations made by telescopes from the ground, making their work harder. It compromises astronomical data and poses the threat of irretrievable loss of information. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Light pollution from satellites worse than previously thought, warn scientists

<p>A delegation of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs of the French National Assembly visited the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters in India’s southern Bengaluru city on Thursday.</p>

<p>This visit is part of the French delegation's visit to India coordinated by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).&nbsp;</p>

<p>On behalf of the Indian Space agency and the Indian government's Department of Space(DoS),&nbsp;Dr R Umamaheswaran, Director of ISRO’s Human Space Flight Centre, briefed the French delegation on the Indian space programme.</p>

<p>The senior scientist highlighted the developments in the Indian Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight programme and the opening up of the space sector in India for private entities.</p>

<p>ISRO said that the visiting French delegation appreciated the long-standing bilateral space cooperation and the opportunities available for the industries in the Indian space sector. The French parliamentary delegation also agreed to work for continued support from the French government for further strengthening the India-France space relations.</p>

<p>India and France have had a long history of cooperation in the space domain. In the 1970s, ISRO and CNES (French space agency) teams worked jointly on developing the Viking engine—a liquid-fuelled rocket engine.</p>

<p>The Indian version of the same is known as the 'Vikas' engine and it continues to be used in the liquid-fuelled stages of India's rockets PSLV, GSLV and LVM3.</p>

<p>Over the years, India and France have also developed satellites such as 'SARAL' (Satellite with ARGOS and ALTIKA), Megha-Tropiques.</p>

<p>The recently launched Indian satellite EOS-6/OceanSat meant for observing and studying the oceans featured a French-origin payload onboard. India and France are also working closely on the Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight programme.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


A delegation of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs of the French National Assembly visited the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters in India’s southern Bengaluru city on Thursday.

A delegation of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs of the French National Assembly visited the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters in India’s southern Bengaluru city on Thursday. This visit is part of the French delegation's visit to India coordinated by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). On behalf of the Indian Space agency and the Indian government's Department of Space(DoS), Dr R Umamaheswaran, Director of ISRO’s Human Space Flight Centre, briefed the French delegation on the Indian space programme. The senior scientist highlighted the developments in the Indian Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight programme and the opening up of the space sector in India for private entities. ISRO said that the visiting French delegation appreciated the long-standing bilateral space cooperation and the opportunities available for the industries in the Indian space sector. The French parliamentary delegation also agreed to work for continued support from the French government for further strengthening the India-France space relations. India and France have had a long history of cooperation in the space domain. In the 1970s, ISRO and CNES (French space agency) teams worked jointly on developing the Viking engine—a liquid-fuelled rocket engine. The Indian version of the same is known as the 'Vikas' engine and it continues to be used in the liquid-fuelled stages of India's rockets PSLV, GSLV and LVM3. Over the years, India and France have also developed satellites such as 'SARAL' (Satellite with ARGOS and ALTIKA), Megha-Tropiques. The recently launched Indian satellite EOS-6/OceanSat meant for observing and studying the oceans featured a French-origin payload onboard. India and France are also working closely on the Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight programme. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

French delegation visits ISRO to further Indo-France space ties 

<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Tuesday announced that it has&nbsp;picked US-based rocket builder Firefly Aerospace for an important $112 million contract. The NASA contract is for the delivery of multiple lunar payloads to the far side of the moon in 2026. It is part of NASA's efforts to put humans on the moon.</p>

<p>As per the Firefly Aerospace website, this is the second task the firm has won under NASA's&nbsp;Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Artemis I Explained: NASA's first mission to land humans on the moon after 50 years</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/artemis-i-explained-nasas-first-mission-to-land-humans-on-the-moon-after-50-years-510343/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>To fulfill its contractual obligations, Firefly, as per the company website, will use its "Blue Ghost spacecraft in a two-stage configuration to first place a satellite into lunar orbit and then deliver two research payloads on the far side of the Moon."</p>

<p>"This mission will debut Firefly’s unique two-stage Blue Ghost spacecraft, offering NASA and other customers multiple deployment options as we collectively build the infrastructure for ongoing lunar operations and planetary exploration," said the rocket maker in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/understanding-the-dark-ages-of-universe-from-far-side-of-the-moon-571754">Unravelling the 'Dark Ages' of our universe from far side of the moon</a></strong></p>

<p>As per Reuters, NASA had previously handed a similar contract worth $73 million to spacecraft software firm Draper last year. The award was for the delivery of science and technology payloads to the far side of the moon in 2025.</p>

<p>The US space agency is attempting to take humanity to the moon through its Artemis program's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, which is undertaking a crucial step before humanity lands on the moon.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/mission-to-moon-how-us-and-japan-plan-to-once-again-send-humans-to-the-lunar-surface-481528">Mission to Moon: How US and Japan plan to once again send humans to the lunar surface</a></strong></p>

<p>CLPS is an effort to deploy privately built lunar landers to study the moon's surface before humans set a foot on the celestial object.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Humanity may make it to the moon in the next few years. Multiple countries, including the United States and China, have undertaken missions to achieve this feat.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Tuesday announced that it has picked US-based rocket builder Firefly Aerospace for an important $112 million contract.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Tuesday announced that it has picked US-based rocket builder Firefly Aerospace for an important $112 million contract. The NASA contract is for the delivery of multiple lunar payloads to the far side of the moon in 2026. It is part of NASA's efforts to put humans on the moon. As per the Firefly Aerospace website, this is the second task the firm has won under NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative. Watch | Artemis I Explained: NASA's first mission to land humans on the moon after 50 years To fulfill its contractual obligations, Firefly, as per the company website, will use its "Blue Ghost spacecraft in a two-stage configuration to first place a satellite into lunar orbit and then deliver two research payloads on the far side of the Moon." "This mission will debut Firefly’s unique two-stage Blue Ghost spacecraft, offering NASA and other customers multiple deployment options as we collectively build the infrastructure for ongoing lunar operations and planetary exploration," said the rocket maker in a statement. Also read | Unravelling the 'Dark Ages' of our universe from far side of the moon As per Reuters, NASA had previously handed a similar contract worth $73 million to spacecraft software firm Draper last year. The award was for the delivery of science and technology payloads to the far side of the moon in 2025. The US space agency is attempting to take humanity to the moon through its Artemis program's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, which is undertaking a crucial step before humanity lands on the moon. Also read | Mission to Moon: How US and Japan plan to once again send humans to the lunar surface CLPS is an effort to deploy privately built lunar landers to study the moon's surface before humans set a foot on the celestial object. Humanity may make it to the moon in the next few years. Multiple countries, including the United States and China, have undertaken missions to achieve this feat. (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 awards Firefly Aerospace $112mn contract to deliver crucial payloads to far side of moon

<p>The launch of the world's first 3D-printed rocket had to be cancelled at the last minute again. The launch which was scheduled for Saturday was aborted after it encountered an "automation issue". At 110 feet tall and 7.5 feet wide, the 9,280 kg Terran 1 rocket is the world's largest 3D-printed object to attempt an orbital flight. As per an AFP report, the engine of the unmanned Terran 1 had begun igniting, when the rocket faced the issue which ultimately led to its takeoff being aborted for the second time in less than a week.</p>

<p>Space Relativity, the start-up behind the 3D-printed rocket, also made a second attempt to launch the rocket but had to abort due to pressure issues in the rocket's second stage.</p>

<p>"The team went HARD today and we intend to do so during our next attempt. More to come on the new launch date," said the company in a tweet.</p>

<p>An earlier launch scheduled for last Wednesday (March 8th) was postponed over last-minute propellant temperature issues.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/humongous-9280kg-3d-printed-rocket-to-be-launched-into-space-tomorrow-heres-all-you-need-to-know-569528">Humongous 9,280kg 3D-printed rocket to be launched into space tomorrow. Here's all you need to know</a></strong></p>

<p>Terran 1 is a marvel in innovation with 85 per cent of its mass, including its engines, 3D printed with metal alloys. To achieve this feat, the company used the world's largest 3D metal printers. The company's goal is to produce models which are 95 per cent 3D printed.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/space-wreck-heres-why-japan-was-forced-to-destroy-a-rocket-in-space-569386">Space wreck: Here's why Japan was forced to destroy a rocket in space</a></strong></p>

<p>On its maiden flight, the world's largest ever 3D-printed object will not carry any payload. However, subsequent flights will make use of its capability to carry up to 2,755 pounds (1,250 kg) into the low Earth orbit.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The launch of the world's first 3D-printed rocket had to be cancelled at the last minute again. The launch which was scheduled for Saturday was aborted after it encountered an "automation issue".

The launch of the world's first 3D-printed rocket had to be cancelled at the last minute again. The launch which was scheduled for Saturday was aborted after it encountered an "automation issue". At 110 feet tall and 7.5 feet wide, the 9,280 kg Terran 1 rocket is the world's largest 3D-printed object to attempt an orbital flight. As per an AFP report, the engine of the unmanned Terran 1 had begun igniting, when the rocket faced the issue which ultimately led to its takeoff being aborted for the second time in less than a week. Space Relativity, the start-up behind the 3D-printed rocket, also made a second attempt to launch the rocket but had to abort due to pressure issues in the rocket's second stage. "The team went HARD today and we intend to do so during our next attempt. More to come on the new launch date," said the company in a tweet. An earlier launch scheduled for last Wednesday (March 8th) was postponed over last-minute propellant temperature issues. Also read | Humongous 9,280kg 3D-printed rocket to be launched into space tomorrow. Here's all you need to know Terran 1 is a marvel in innovation with 85 per cent of its mass, including its engines, 3D printed with metal alloys. To achieve this feat, the company used the world's largest 3D metal printers. The company's goal is to produce models which are 95 per cent 3D printed. Also read | Space wreck: Here's why Japan was forced to destroy a rocket in space On its maiden flight, the world's largest ever 3D-printed object will not carry any payload. However, subsequent flights will make use of its capability to carry up to 2,755 pounds (1,250 kg) into the low Earth orbit. (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.

Here’s why the maiden flight of world’s first 3D-printed rocket was cancelled last minute

Our Solar System’s architecture is quite a bit different than what astronomers see around other stars. Like, Super-Earths are quite common in other star systems, but what if one appears in our solar system?

A Super-Earth will toss us into the Sun or leave us lost in interstellar space?

<p>March 8 will mark a monumental feat in humanity's quest towards outer space. Startup relativity Space will launch Terran 1 on Wednesday. Terran 1 is the world's first 3D-printed rocket. The launch is part of the startup's GLHF or 'Good Luck, Have Fun' mission. At 110 feet tall and 7.5 feet wide, the rocket weighs 9,280 kilogrammes. It is the world's largest 3D-printed object to attempt an orbital flight.</p>

<p>As per a Tomorrow's World Today report, the Terran 1 rocket will not be carrying any payloads on its maiden flight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While 3D printing has been used for rockets before, but never on such a massive scale.</p>

<p>However, NASA, under its Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) missions, has signed a contract with the startup to further down the line launch a satellite with the rocket.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/how-and-why-isro-is-disposing-off-a-defunct-indo-french-satellite-569090">How and why ISRO is disposing off a defunct Indo-French satellite</a></strong></p>

<p>NASA's VADR missions, according to the space agency, will help foster the US commercial launch market with new opportunities.</p>

<p>The GLHF mission will mark another achievement for the company; it will test Relativity Space's propriety 3D printing technology.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/space-wreck-heres-why-japan-was-forced-to-destroy-a-rocket-in-space-569386">Space wreck: Here's why Japan was forced to destroy a rocket in space</a></strong></p>

<p>The technology combines 3D metal printing, artificial intelligence and autonomous robotics to create rockets from raw material within 60 days.</p>

<p>Relativity Space is also working on another rocket; Terran R which is a fully reusable and entirely 3D-printed launch vehicle. The rocket will reportedly be able to handle payloads of up to 20 tonnes to lower Earth orbit. It may be launched from Cape Canaveral next year.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


March 8 will mark a monumental feat in humanity's quest towards outer space. Startup relativity Space will launch Terran 1 on Wednesday. Terran 1 is the world's first 3D-printed rocket.

March 8 will mark a monumental feat in humanity's quest towards outer space. Startup relativity Space will launch Terran 1 on Wednesday. Terran 1 is the world's first 3D-printed rocket. The launch is part of the startup's GLHF or 'Good Luck, Have Fun' mission. At 110 feet tall and 7.5 feet wide, the rocket weighs 9,280 kilogrammes. It is the world's largest 3D-printed object to attempt an orbital flight. As per a Tomorrow's World Today report, the Terran 1 rocket will not be carrying any payloads on its maiden flight. While 3D printing has been used for rockets before, but never on such a massive scale. However, NASA, under its Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) missions, has signed a contract with the startup to further down the line launch a satellite with the rocket. Also read | How and why ISRO is disposing off a defunct Indo-French satellite NASA's VADR missions, according to the space agency, will help foster the US commercial launch market with new opportunities. The GLHF mission will mark another achievement for the company; it will test Relativity Space's propriety 3D printing technology. Also read | Space wreck: Here's why Japan was forced to destroy a rocket in space The technology combines 3D metal printing, artificial intelligence and autonomous robotics to create rockets from raw material within 60 days. Relativity Space is also working on another rocket; Terran R which is a fully reusable and entirely 3D-printed launch vehicle. The rocket will reportedly be able to handle payloads of up to 20 tonnes to lower Earth orbit. It may be launched from Cape Canaveral next 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.

Humongous 9,280kg 3D-printed rocket to be launched into space tomorrow. Here's all you need to know

<p>Do you wish to experience hellscape? No, not your usual life but a real one. If you harbour such superhero aspirations then go to Venus. Earth's other neighbour. Mars is such a passe. NASA has been landing rovers there for years and years. Venus can be your next adventure.</p>

<p>So as you descend on Venus you'll first encounter a super thick atmosphere that'll make landing tricky. This atmosphere is made of Sulphuric acid (Yep!). This is a big 'nope' already. And as you come out of whatever remains of your spacecraft to take a walk, you temperature sensors will tell you that the outside temperature is just 455 degrees Celsius! This is enough to melt lead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Logic other than the bad travel brochure above would tell you that almost all space-faring machinery we use would be useless on Venus and won't last long.</p>

<p>But an initial step to overcome the seemingly insurmountable odds has been taken. Good ol' NASA has joined hands with Advanced Thermal Batteries, Inc (ATB) and has made batteries capable of withstanding mind-melting temper(ature) of the planet a certain book claims women have come from.</p>

<p>Humanity has already navigated a craft to Venus. The Soviets did that but the craft lasted only for two hours on Venus.</p>

<p>But these new batteries may help us powering future spacecrafts to Venus without melting away.</p>

<p>These batteries have been made using specifically designed chemistry and structural materials. The batteries would last 120 earth days.</p>

<p>"This recent battery technology demonstration, with improved architecture and low self-discharge electrochemistry, is a huge accomplishment that many may have not thought possible," said Dr Kevin Wepasnick, ATB Project Engineer, in a NASA press release.</p>

<p>So would we see billionaire flocking to Venus anytime soon? Not till we invent some super-heavy duty air conditioners it would appear.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Do you wish to experience hellscape? No, not your usual life but a real one. If you harbour such superhero aspirations then go to Venus. Earth's other neighbour.

Do you wish to experience hellscape? No, not your usual life but a real one. If you harbour such superhero aspirations then go to Venus. Earth's other neighbour. Mars is such a passe. NASA has been landing rovers there for years and years. Venus can be your next adventure. So as you descend on Venus you'll first encounter a super thick atmosphere that'll make landing tricky. This atmosphere is made of Sulphuric acid (Yep!). This is a big 'nope' already. And as you come out of whatever remains of your spacecraft to take a walk, you temperature sensors will tell you that the outside temperature is just 455 degrees Celsius! This is enough to melt lead. Logic other than the bad travel brochure above would tell you that almost all space-faring machinery we use would be useless on Venus and won't last long. But an initial step to overcome the seemingly insurmountable odds has been taken. Good ol' NASA has joined hands with Advanced Thermal Batteries, Inc (ATB) and has made batteries capable of withstanding mind-melting temper(ature) of the planet a certain book claims women have come from. Humanity has already navigated a craft to Venus. The Soviets did that but the craft lasted only for two hours on Venus. But these new batteries may help us powering future spacecrafts to Venus without melting away. These batteries have been made using specifically designed chemistry and structural materials. The batteries would last 120 earth days. "This recent battery technology demonstration, with improved architecture and low self-discharge electrochemistry, is a huge accomplishment that many may have not thought possible," said Dr Kevin Wepasnick, ATB Project Engineer, in a NASA press release. So would we see billionaire flocking to Venus anytime soon? Not till we invent some super-heavy duty air conditioners it would appear. 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.

You will melt on Venus, but this battery won't

<p>Indian space agency ISRO and its Argentinian counterpart (CONAE) are holding talks to explore the potential opportunities for expanding space relations between the two nations.</p>

<p>Earlier, Dr Hugo Javier Gobbi, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to India called on Dr S Somanath, Chairman, ISRO and Secretary, Department of Space at ISRO Headquarters in Bengaluru,&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ISRO chief also extended an invitation to the Argentinian ambassador to participate in the G20 Space Leaders Economy Meeting (SELM) precursor event in Shillong in April 2023. The ambassador also expressed the interest of Argentina's Minister of Science, Technology &amp; Innovation to visit ISRO in July 2023.</p>

<p>ISRO is not just collaborating with established space powers such as Russia, the USA, Japan and France, but is also looking to explore collaborations with emerging nations in the space sector. Being carried out in partnership with the Indian external affairs ministry, such collaborations with newer entrants in the global space sector are aimed at exploring markets, Somanath had said earlier.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking about the scope for India to carry out space sector business activities, Somanath said that India would like to explore the markets in Latin America, Arab nations, Africa and Southeast Asia and collaborate with them for mutual benefit.</p>

<p>He had mentioned the possibilities of Indian firms building satellites for foreign nations and also providing ground stations and relevant hardware.</p>

<p>From 2020 onwards, Indian private firms and startups have been authorised to carry out end-to-end space activities including the building and launching of rockets and satellites, establishing ground segments etc.</p>

<p>Since then, a considerable number of firms have made progress in building and testing their own rocket engines. Private firms have also proven their capability to build rockets and launch them into the upper atmosphere and are aiming for space, while satellite companies have developed their spacecraft and launched them on both Indian and foreign rockets</p>

<p>While ISRO has developed end-to-end space capability – from building and launching rockets, building satellites, ground segments, and space support infrastructure— the Argentinian agency is working on developing its orbital-class rockets and has carried out a handful of satellite missions in collaboration with other space agencies.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Indian space agency ISRO and its Argentinian counterpart (CONAE) are holding talks to explore the potential opportunities for expanding space relations between the two nations.

Indian space agency ISRO and its Argentinian counterpart (CONAE) are holding talks to explore the potential opportunities for expanding space relations between the two nations. Earlier, Dr Hugo Javier Gobbi, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to India called on Dr S Somanath, Chairman, ISRO and Secretary, Department of Space at ISRO Headquarters in Bengaluru, The ISRO chief also extended an invitation to the Argentinian ambassador to participate in the G20 Space Leaders Economy Meeting (SELM) precursor event in Shillong in April 2023. The ambassador also expressed the interest of Argentina's Minister of Science, Technology & Innovation to visit ISRO in July 2023. ISRO is not just collaborating with established space powers such as Russia, the USA, Japan and France, but is also looking to explore collaborations with emerging nations in the space sector. Being carried out in partnership with the Indian external affairs ministry, such collaborations with newer entrants in the global space sector are aimed at exploring markets, Somanath had said earlier. Speaking about the scope for India to carry out space sector business activities, Somanath said that India would like to explore the markets in Latin America, Arab nations, Africa and Southeast Asia and collaborate with them for mutual benefit. He had mentioned the possibilities of Indian firms building satellites for foreign nations and also providing ground stations and relevant hardware. From 2020 onwards, Indian private firms and startups have been authorised to carry out end-to-end space activities including the building and launching of rockets and satellites, establishing ground segments etc. Since then, a considerable number of firms have made progress in building and testing their own rocket engines. Private firms have also proven their capability to build rockets and launch them into the upper atmosphere and are aiming for space, while satellite companies have developed their spacecraft and launched them on both Indian and foreign rockets While ISRO has developed end-to-end space capability – from building and launching rockets, building satellites, ground segments, and space support infrastructure— the Argentinian agency is working on developing its orbital-class rockets and has carried out a handful of satellite missions in collaboration with other space agencies. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indian and Argentinian space agencies explore opportunities in space 

<p>February 10&nbsp;marked the second anniversary of China's ambitious Tianwen 1 mission — which also happens to be the nation's first interplanetary mission. Amid the celebration, one voice remained silent, that of China's Zhurong Mars rover, which was sent to the surface of the red planet as part of Beijing's Tianwen 1 mission. The Chinese rover has been in "hibernation" for months. It was supposed to wake up back in December of last year. However, almost two months later, its slumber still continues. Last month, a report expressed hope that Zhurong would come out of its sleep, but recent images from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter show that it hasn't changed its position for five months.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;This study suggests ancient Mars was also hit by climate change</strong></p>

<p><strong><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/this-study-suggests-ancient-mars-was-also-hit-by-climate-change-525004/embed" width="560"></iframe></strong></p>

<p>As per NASA, the rover hasn't moved since September 2022. The space agency's office at the University of Arizona which manages the HiRISE camera released a series of images, which show that Zhurong has not changed its position between September 8, 2022 and February 7,&nbsp;2023.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">HiPOD: Monitoring the Zhurong Rover<br />
<br />
The Chinese Zhurong rover has been on Mars since 14 May 2021, and MRO/HiRISE has imaged it several times to track its progress and monitor the surface for changes.<br />
<br />
For full cutout: <a href="https://t.co/WKCpyrbqI9">https://t.co/WKCpyrbqI9</a><br />
<br />
NASA/JPL-Caltech/UArizona<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mars</a> <a href="https://t.co/EzER3I5Q4Y">pic.twitter.com/EzER3I5Q4Y</a></p>
— HiRISE: Beautiful Mars (NASA) (@HiRISE) <a href="https://twitter.com/HiRISE/status/1628032187181281283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-zhurongs-slumber-continues-for-months-has-chinas-mars-rover-fallen-silent-forever-554018">Explained | Zhurong's slumber continues for months. Has China's Mars rover fallen 'silent' forever?</a></strong></p>

<p>The rover entered its hibernation mode way back on May 18,&nbsp;2022, to survive barren Mars' harsh winter months. During winter on the red planet, temperatures can fall down to minus 195 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 125 degrees Celsius).</p>

<p>As per Jia Yang, Tianwen 1 mission deputy chief designer, the rover would wake up when two conditions are met: it can generate energy greater than 140 watts and the planet’s temperature, or rather the region where the rover is, reaches the somewhat warmer, 5 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 15 degrees Celsius).</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/men-are-from-mars-women-are-from-venus-which-one-should-humans-visit-first-520603">'Men are from Mars, women are from Venus', which planet should humans visit first?</a></strong></p>

<p>However, it is possible that due to Mars' sand storms, Zhurong which uses solar arrays for energy might be unable to do so. Dust may be hindering the rover's arrays. Even if it never wakes up, the rover has already achieved significant things; it successfully completed one year of operations, for which it was also presented with the International Astronautical Federation's annual space achievement award in September 2022.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


February 10 marked the second anniversary of China's ambitious Tianwen 1 mission — which also happens to be the nation's first interplanetary mission. Amid the celebration, one voice remained silent, that of China's Zhurong Mars rover, which was sent to the surface of the red planet as part of Beijing's Tianwen 1 mission.

February 10 marked the second anniversary of China's ambitious Tianwen 1 mission — which also happens to be the nation's first interplanetary mission. Amid the celebration, one voice remained silent, that of China's Zhurong Mars rover, which was sent to the surface of the red planet as part of Beijing's Tianwen 1 mission. The Chinese rover has been in "hibernation" for months. It was supposed to wake up back in December of last year. However, almost two months later, its slumber still continues. Last month, a report expressed hope that Zhurong would come out of its sleep, but recent images from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter show that it hasn't changed its position for five months. Watch | This study suggests ancient Mars was also hit by climate change As per NASA, the rover hasn't moved since September 2022. The space agency's office at the University of Arizona which manages the HiRISE camera released a series of images, which show that Zhurong has not changed its position between September 8, 2022 and February 7, 2023. HiPOD: Monitoring the Zhurong Rover The Chinese Zhurong rover has been on Mars since 14 May 2021, and MRO/HiRISE has imaged it several times to track its progress and monitor the surface for changes. For full cutout: https://t.co/WKCpyrbqI9 NASA/JPL-Caltech/UArizona#Mars pic.twitter.com/EzER3I5Q4Y — HiRISE: Beautiful Mars (NASA) (@HiRISE) February 21, 2023 × Also read | Explained | Zhurong's slumber continues for months. Has China's Mars rover fallen 'silent' forever? The rover entered its hibernation mode way back on May 18, 2022, to survive barren Mars' harsh winter months. During winter on the red planet, temperatures can fall down to minus 195 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 125 degrees Celsius). As per Jia Yang, Tianwen 1 mission deputy chief designer, the rover would wake up when two conditions are met: it can generate energy greater than 140 watts and the planet’s temperature, or rather the region where the rover is, reaches the somewhat warmer, 5 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 15 degrees Celsius). Also read | 'Men are from Mars, women are from Venus', which planet should humans visit first? However, it is possible that due to Mars' sand storms, Zhurong which uses solar arrays for energy might be unable to do so. Dust may be hindering the rover's arrays. Even if it never wakes up, the rover has already achieved significant things; it successfully completed one year of operations, for which it was also presented with the International Astronautical Federation's annual space achievement award in September 2022. (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.

Five months and counting...NASA images show China's Mars rover 'Zhurong' hasn't moved

<p>A photo of SpaceX's lift button was shared by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Twitter which symbolised ‘Space Elevator’, a thing of fiction which has fascinated humans for years.</p>

<p>However, the concept of the space elevator which can transport things from earth to space has not materialised in reality. Representing this imagined concept, the elevator buttons have been designed in Elon Musk's SpaceX which will be used by the crew members to board spaceships.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/one-day-starship-will-take-us-to-mars-optimistic-elon-musk-says-after-latest-spacex-fire-test-560627">‘One day, Starship will take us to Mars’, says Elon Musk after latest SpaceX fire test</a></p>

<p>The photo of the elevator's button was tweeted by SpaceX CEO Musk with the caption “Space Elevator”. A Crew-6 mission has been scheduled by SpaceX on Monday and the photo shared by Musk is from inside the tower elevator which will be used by astronauts to access arm from the pad and board the Dragon spacecraft for their space journey.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="es">Space Elevator <a href="https://t.co/RNbdSzXSGz">https://t.co/RNbdSzXSGz</a></p>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1629004015655690241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Theory of space elevators</strong></h2>

<p>The concept of creating space elevators is based on the idea of making access to space possible on a daily basis where the origin point is Earth and the destination is space. Space elevators, if built in future, can allow the transfer of people and objects from the surface of the Earth to space without the need for rockets.</p>

<p>As per various calculations, the space elevators once created can reduce space travel costs by hundred dollars per kilogramme of payload, which is comparatively very less compared to the rockets that run on chemical fuel.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Exclusive: Musk’s SpaceX says it can no longer pay for satellite services in Ukraine</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/exclusive-musks-spacex-says-it-can-no-longer-pay-for-satellite-services-in-ukraine-525431/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>Musk's take on space elevators</strong></h2>

<p>Elon Musk, who wishes to ‘colonise Mars’ one day, believes that space elevators cannot exist in reality. In an interview, Musk had said that it is comparatively easier to build a bridge between Tokyo and Los Angeles than to create an elevator to orbit. However, Musk hopes that his assessment can be proved wrong someday.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


A photo of SpaceX's lift button was shared by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Twitter which symbolised ‘Space Elevator’, a thing of fiction which has fascinated humans for years.

A photo of SpaceX's lift button was shared by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Twitter which symbolised ‘Space Elevator’, a thing of fiction which has fascinated humans for years. However, the concept of the space elevator which can transport things from earth to space has not materialised in reality. Representing this imagined concept, the elevator buttons have been designed in Elon Musk's SpaceX which will be used by the crew members to board spaceships. ALSO READ | ‘One day, Starship will take us to Mars’, says Elon Musk after latest SpaceX fire test The photo of the elevator's button was tweeted by SpaceX CEO Musk with the caption “Space Elevator”. A Crew-6 mission has been scheduled by SpaceX on Monday and the photo shared by Musk is from inside the tower elevator which will be used by astronauts to access arm from the pad and board the Dragon spacecraft for their space journey. Space Elevator https://t.co/RNbdSzXSGz — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 24, 2023 × Theory of space elevators The concept of creating space elevators is based on the idea of making access to space possible on a daily basis where the origin point is Earth and the destination is space. Space elevators, if built in future, can allow the transfer of people and objects from the surface of the Earth to space without the need for rockets. As per various calculations, the space elevators once created can reduce space travel costs by hundred dollars per kilogramme of payload, which is comparatively very less compared to the rockets that run on chemical fuel. WATCH | Exclusive: Musk’s SpaceX says it can no longer pay for satellite services in Ukraine Musk's take on space elevators Elon Musk, who wishes to ‘colonise Mars’ one day, believes that space elevators cannot exist in reality. In an interview, Musk had said that it is comparatively easier to build a bridge between Tokyo and Los Angeles than to create an elevator to orbit. However, Musk hopes that his assessment can be proved wrong someday. (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

Space Elevator | Musk’s SpaceX lift has button to take astronauts from Earth to space?

Scientists with NASA announced they have discovered an Earth-sized planet that is likely rocky and could be habitable. The planet, named TOI 700 e, is slightly smaller than Earth and orbits a red dwarf star called TOI 700 about 102 light-years away.

NASA discovers new exoplanet TOI 700 e 102 light years away

<p>The long-dead presidents of the United States, or rather their hair, would soon go on a hair-raising journey into space. George Washington, John F. Kennedy, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan will undertake this journey. The announcement was made on Presidents' Day, which in the United States is celebrated on the third Monday of February. This year it was celebrated on February 20th. It was announced by Celestis, a Texas-based company that specialises in space burials.&nbsp;Celestis said that it will launch what it believes to be "authenticated DNA" of former presidents into space aboard a rocket later this year.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Age of space tourism has begun in 2021</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/age-of-space-tourism-has-begun-in-2021-440405/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The hair samples of the four former presidents, as per an AFP report, were donated by an anonymous donor. They came with certificates of authenticity.</p>

<p>As per Celestis, "these hair samples have been in a climate-controlled facility for several years in preparation for this mission."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/ai-comes-up-with-40000-toxic-chemicals-in-6-hours-scientists-warn-could-be-used-to-make-biological-weapons-561636">AI comes up with 40,000 toxic chemicals in 6 hours; scientists warn could be used to make biological weapons</a></strong></p>

<p>Hair samples of the former Presidents will be accompanied by the cremated remains of Gene Roddenberry, the creator of the 1960s television series&nbsp;Star Trek and other cast members.</p>

<p>They will be transported aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) rocket that has been dubbed 'Enterprise'.</p>

<p>Enterprise also happens to be the name of the starship in the sci-fi show Star Trek.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-fossil-of-giant-150kg-penguin-that-walked-the-earth-57-million-years-ago-561978">Scientists discover fossil of giant 150kg penguin that walked the Earth 57 million years ago</a></strong></p>

<p>"By adding the DNA of these American icons to Enterprise, we establish a precursor for future human missions, and add to the historical record of human exploration of deep space," said Charles Chafer, Celestis CEO and co-founder.</p>

<p>The company doesn't just send the remains of celebrities into space, anyone can opt for a space burial. Celestial currently charges $4,995 to launch remains into Earth orbit, while a voyage into deep space beyond the Moon begins at $12,500.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The long-dead presidents of the United States, or rather their hair, would soon go on a hair-raising journey into space. George Washington, John F. Kennedy, Dwight D.

The long-dead presidents of the United States, or rather their hair, would soon go on a hair-raising journey into space. George Washington, John F. Kennedy, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan will undertake this journey. The announcement was made on Presidents' Day, which in the United States is celebrated on the third Monday of February. This year it was celebrated on February 20th. It was announced by Celestis, a Texas-based company that specialises in space burials. Celestis said that it will launch what it believes to be "authenticated DNA" of former presidents into space aboard a rocket later this year. Watch | Age of space tourism has begun in 2021 The hair samples of the four former presidents, as per an AFP report, were donated by an anonymous donor. They came with certificates of authenticity. As per Celestis, "these hair samples have been in a climate-controlled facility for several years in preparation for this mission." Also read | AI comes up with 40,000 toxic chemicals in 6 hours; scientists warn could be used to make biological weapons Hair samples of the former Presidents will be accompanied by the cremated remains of Gene Roddenberry, the creator of the 1960s television series Star Trek and other cast members. They will be transported aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) rocket that has been dubbed 'Enterprise'. Enterprise also happens to be the name of the starship in the sci-fi show Star Trek. Also read | Scientists discover fossil of giant 150kg penguin that walked the Earth 57 million years ago "By adding the DNA of these American icons to Enterprise, we establish a precursor for future human missions, and add to the historical record of human exploration of deep space," said Charles Chafer, Celestis CEO and co-founder. The company doesn't just send the remains of celebrities into space, anyone can opt for a space burial. Celestial currently charges $4,995 to launch remains into Earth orbit, while a voyage into deep space beyond the Moon begins at $12,500. (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.

Hair now, gone to space tomorrow: Long-dead ex-US presidents' locks to be beamed up

Starlink is testing a new satellite internet service. It says it will let you connect from almost anywhere on land in the world. The globalising roaming internet service will utilize Starlink’s inter-satellite links (space lasers) to provide connectivity around the globe.

Starlink to offer 'Global Roaming' internet

<p>Scientists at the United States-based NASA have found “one of the most elongated asteroids” ever pictured by their planetary radar. The space agency said that the asteroid flew past Earth at a safe distance, earlier this month, but what caught their attention was the odd shape which they described as oblong. The asteroid was being closely tracked by the scientists at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, US who made “invaluable observations to help determine its size, rotation, surface details, and, most notably, shape,” said the space agency in a press release.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The asteroid in question is called 2011 AG5 whose close approach on February 3 gave scientists the opportunity to get a detailed look at the celestial object first discovered in 2011. The asteroid is said to be 1600 feet long and about 500 feet wide and its dimensions are comparable to the Empire State Building. The celestial object was seen by the powerful 230-foot (70-metre) Goldstone Solar System Radar antenna dish at the Deep Space Network's facility near Barstow, California, revealing the dimensions of this extremely elongated asteroid, said NASA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The principal scientist at JPL who helped lead the observations, Lance Benner noted that there have been 1,040 near-Earth objects observed by planetary radar out of which 2011 AG5 has been “one of the most elongated we’ve seen”. The observations which took place at the end of last month and ended on February 4 also noted other details like a large, broad concavity in one of the asteroid’s two hemispheres and would appear as dark as charcoal if it were to be viewed by the human eye.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The observations also confirmed 2011 AG5 has a slow rotation rate, taking nine hours to fully rotate,” said NASA. The space agency also confirmed that since the radar provides precise distance measurements, they believe that asteroid 2011 AG5 orbits the Sun once every 621 days. Earth will not have a close encounter with it until 2040 and even then it will pass at a distance of about 670,000 miles (1.1 million kilometres), it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Interestingly, shortly after its discovery, 2011 AG5 became a poster-child asteroid when our analysis showed it had a small chance of a future impact,” said Paul Chodas, the director of NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) at JPL. He added, “Continued observations of this object ruled out any chance of impact, and these new ranging measurements by the planetary radar team will further refine exactly where it will be far into the future.”<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Scientists at the United States-based NASA have found “one of the most elongated asteroids” ever pictured by their planetary radar. The space agency said that the asteroid flew past Earth at a safe distance, earlier this month, but what caught their attention was the odd shape which they described as oblong.

Scientists at the United States-based NASA have found “one of the most elongated asteroids” ever pictured by their planetary radar. The space agency said that the asteroid flew past Earth at a safe distance, earlier this month, but what caught their attention was the odd shape which they described as oblong. The asteroid was being closely tracked by the scientists at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, US who made “invaluable observations to help determine its size, rotation, surface details, and, most notably, shape,” said the space agency in a press release. The asteroid in question is called 2011 AG5 whose close approach on February 3 gave scientists the opportunity to get a detailed look at the celestial object first discovered in 2011. The asteroid is said to be 1600 feet long and about 500 feet wide and its dimensions are comparable to the Empire State Building. The celestial object was seen by the powerful 230-foot (70-metre) Goldstone Solar System Radar antenna dish at the Deep Space Network's facility near Barstow, California, revealing the dimensions of this extremely elongated asteroid, said NASA. The principal scientist at JPL who helped lead the observations, Lance Benner noted that there have been 1,040 near-Earth objects observed by planetary radar out of which 2011 AG5 has been “one of the most elongated we’ve seen”. The observations which took place at the end of last month and ended on February 4 also noted other details like a large, broad concavity in one of the asteroid’s two hemispheres and would appear as dark as charcoal if it were to be viewed by the human eye. “The observations also confirmed 2011 AG5 has a slow rotation rate, taking nine hours to fully rotate,” said NASA. The space agency also confirmed that since the radar provides precise distance measurements, they believe that asteroid 2011 AG5 orbits the Sun once every 621 days. Earth will not have a close encounter with it until 2040 and even then it will pass at a distance of about 670,000 miles (1.1 million kilometres), it added. “Interestingly, shortly after its discovery, 2011 AG5 became a poster-child asteroid when our analysis showed it had a small chance of a future impact,” said Paul Chodas, the director of NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) at JPL. He added, “Continued observations of this object ruled out any chance of impact, and these new ranging measurements by the planetary radar team will further refine exactly where it will be far into the future.” 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 team spots a 1600-foot oddly shaped asteroid as big as Empire State Building

Saudi Arabia will send its first-ever woman astronaut to the International Space Station this year, as per an official statement. Rayyana Barnawi will join fellow Saudi male astronaut Ali Al-Qarni on the space mission. Priyanka Sharma explains.

Gravitas: Saudi Arabia to send its first woman astronaut to Space

<p>For the first time, Saudi Arabia will be sending a&nbsp;female astronaut to the International Space Station during the second quarter of this year.&nbsp;As per the officials, a male astronaut will also be part of the project.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und">لكل رحلة روّادها.. ولكل مهمّة أبطالها!<br />
السعودية <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 />
<br />
Every journey has its pioneers, and every mission has its heroes!<br />
Saudi Arabia Towards Space. <a href="https://t.co/tXOQwrtB4m">pic.twitter.com/tXOQwrtB4m</a></p>
— الهيئة السعودية للفضاء (@saudispace) <a href="https://twitter.com/saudispace/status/1624745131235586049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The announcement was made on Sunday by the space agency where it said that Rayyanah Barnawahi and male astronaut Ali Al-Qarni will join the crew of the AX-2 space mission.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="rtl" lang="und">تعرّف على رائدة الفضاء: ريّانة برناوي<br />
السعودية <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 />
<br />
Meet the astronaut: Rayyanah Barnawi<br />
Saudi Arabia Towards Space <a href="https://t.co/o5qMWYJUwF">pic.twitter.com/o5qMWYJUwF</a></p>
— الهيئة السعودية للفضاء (@saudispace) <a href="https://twitter.com/saudispace/status/1624777551213211649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="rtl" lang="und">تعرّف على رائد الفضاء: علي القرني<br />
السعودية <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 />
<br />
Meet the astronaut: Ali AlQarni<br />
Saudi Arabia Towards Space <a href="https://t.co/95G2CcVVzv">pic.twitter.com/95G2CcVVzv</a></p>
— الهيئة السعودية للفضاء (@saudispace) <a href="https://twitter.com/saudispace/status/1624777896261713922?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The agency said that this initiative aims to empower national capabilities in human spaceflight geared towards serving humanity and benefiting from the upcoming opportunities offered by the space industry and will also be&nbsp;contributing to scientific research in many aspects such as health, sustainability and space technology.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-space-agency-reports-unexplained-pressure-glitch-on-cargo-ship-docked-to-iss-561182">Russian agency reports pressure glitch on spacecraft docked to ISS, says crew safe</a></strong></p>

<p>The spaceflight will be launched from the US to the International Space Station.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In addition to this, the Saudi&nbsp;Human Spaceflight Programme will also include the training of two more astronauts Mariam Fardous and Ali Al-Ghamdi on all mission requirements.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mohammed Al-Tamini, the CEO of the Saudi Space agency expressed his gratitude toward the project.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Through this programme, the country seeks to activate its scientific research that will positively reflect on the future of the space industry and overall.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/spacex-test-fires-engines-of-most-powerful-rocket-ever-built-560476">SpaceX test-fires engines of most powerful rocket ever built</a></strong></p>

<p>The Saudi Space Commission also stated that this programme comes in cooperation with a group of entities, led by the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Sport, The General Authority of Civil Aviation and King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in addition to its international partners such as Axiom Space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The space agency has previously launched the Human Spaceflight Programme. This flight project is an integral milestone of a comprehensive programme that aims to train and qualify experienced individuals to take human spaceflights.&nbsp;</p>


For the first time, Saudi Arabia will be sending a female astronaut to the International Space Station during the second quarter of this year. As per the officials, a male astronaut will also be part of the project.

For the first time, Saudi Arabia will be sending a female astronaut to the International Space Station during the second quarter of this year. As per the officials, a male astronaut will also be part of the project. لكل رحلة روّادها.. ولكل مهمّة أبطالها! السعودية #نحو_الفضاء Every journey has its pioneers, and every mission has its heroes! Saudi Arabia Towards Space. pic.twitter.com/tXOQwrtB4m — الهيئة السعودية للفضاء (@saudispace) February 12, 2023 × The announcement was made on Sunday by the space agency where it said that Rayyanah Barnawahi and male astronaut Ali Al-Qarni will join the crew of the AX-2 space mission. تعرّف على رائدة الفضاء: ريّانة برناوي السعودية #نحو_الفضاء Meet the astronaut: Rayyanah Barnawi Saudi Arabia Towards Space pic.twitter.com/o5qMWYJUwF — الهيئة السعودية للفضاء (@saudispace) February 12, 2023 × تعرّف على رائد الفضاء: علي القرني السعودية #نحو_الفضاء Meet the astronaut: Ali AlQarni Saudi Arabia Towards Space pic.twitter.com/95G2CcVVzv — الهيئة السعودية للفضاء (@saudispace) February 12, 2023 × The agency said that this initiative aims to empower national capabilities in human spaceflight geared towards serving humanity and benefiting from the upcoming opportunities offered by the space industry and will also be contributing to scientific research in many aspects such as health, sustainability and space technology. Also read | Russian agency reports pressure glitch on spacecraft docked to ISS, says crew safe The spaceflight will be launched from the US to the International Space Station. In addition to this, the Saudi Human Spaceflight Programme will also include the training of two more astronauts Mariam Fardous and Ali Al-Ghamdi on all mission requirements. Mohammed Al-Tamini, the CEO of the Saudi Space agency expressed his gratitude toward the project. Through this programme, the country seeks to activate its scientific research that will positively reflect on the future of the space industry and overall. Also read | SpaceX test-fires engines of most powerful rocket ever built The Saudi Space Commission also stated that this programme comes in cooperation with a group of entities, led by the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Sport, The General Authority of Civil Aviation and King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in addition to its international partners such as Axiom Space. The space agency has previously launched the Human Spaceflight Programme. This flight project is an integral milestone of a comprehensive programme that aims to train and qualify experienced individuals to take human spaceflights.

'A step towards space': Saudi Arabia to send its first female astronaut to International Space Station in 2023

After the discovery of a planet oddly three billion kilometres away from Earth, a new research has now revealed another remote ringed planet has also been discovered in the solar system - the Dwarf planet. It is about 555 kilometres in diameter and almost half the size of Pluto.

European Space Agency scientists discover Dwarf planet ringed by dust, ice

There is a new order in space - a race between the world's superpowers as they seek to unfold the mystery of space - Elon Musk's SpaceX, Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin, Orbital ATK, SES, One Web and more than 10,000 other commercial companies have grown over the past two decades.

New threat to Ozone layer: Space race, rocket launches can damage layer | WION Climate Tracker

<p>Ozone layer around the Earth is essential for the well-being of humankind. It absorbs the&nbsp; harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sunlight. Ozone layer depletion has been a key issue for decades and fortunately, some resolute global action has slowed down depletion of Ozone. But now a new threat appears to be emerging. Space exploration, formerly the domain of national space agencies has begun to become accessible to people as space travel. As it becomes more accessible and affordable, it can be said that number of launches would increase.</p>

<p>Researchers have now warned that such a scenario has the potential of undoing the progress we've made and reopen hole in the Ozone layer.</p>

<p>Researchers from the University of Canterbury have written an&nbsp;article in the Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand warning that the harmful chemicals from possibly large number of rocket launches in a not-so-distant future may damage the Ozone layer.</p>

<p>The researchers said that rocket launches release harmful chemicals “directly into the middle and upper atmosphere, where the protective ozone layer resides”.</p>

<p>In addition to emissions from the rockets, debris from these launches that falls back to Earth all the while burning in the atmosphere damages the Ozone layer further.</p>

<p>“We've seen rocket launches almost doubling in three years and there are missions aiming towards launching up to as many as three rockets a day, which is just unprecedented,” said Dr. Eloise Marais, associate professor in physical geography at University College London. Marais was quoted by France 24.</p>

<p>“With the potential for growth in the space sector, there is reason to be concerned; the pollution coming from rocket launchers and disposal of space junk isn't regulated under any framework.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Ozone layer around the Earth is essential for the well-being of humankind. It absorbs the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sunlight. Ozone layer depletion has been a key issue for decades and fortunately, some resolute global action has slowed down depletion of Ozone.

Ozone layer around the Earth is essential for the well-being of humankind. It absorbs the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sunlight. Ozone layer depletion has been a key issue for decades and fortunately, some resolute global action has slowed down depletion of Ozone. But now a new threat appears to be emerging. Space exploration, formerly the domain of national space agencies has begun to become accessible to people as space travel. As it becomes more accessible and affordable, it can be said that number of launches would increase. Researchers have now warned that such a scenario has the potential of undoing the progress we've made and reopen hole in the Ozone layer. Researchers from the University of Canterbury have written an article in the Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand warning that the harmful chemicals from possibly large number of rocket launches in a not-so-distant future may damage the Ozone layer. The researchers said that rocket launches release harmful chemicals “directly into the middle and upper atmosphere, where the protective ozone layer resides”. In addition to emissions from the rockets, debris from these launches that falls back to Earth all the while burning in the atmosphere damages the Ozone layer further. “We've seen rocket launches almost doubling in three years and there are missions aiming towards launching up to as many as three rockets a day, which is just unprecedented,” said Dr. Eloise Marais, associate professor in physical geography at University College London. Marais was quoted by France 24. “With the potential for growth in the space sector, there is reason to be concerned; the pollution coming from rocket launchers and disposal of space junk isn't regulated under any framework.” (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 ×

Increased space tourism may deal fresh damage to Ozone layer

<p>The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are developing virtual reality (VR), augmented reality and mixed reality solutions to help train Indian astronauts for the harsh unknowns of Space.</p>

<p>This collaboration is meant to help the four Indian astronauts (originally Indian Air Force test pilots) who are undergoing specialised training to undertake India's most ambitious space mission —'Gaganyaan' or the human spaceflight programme.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prof M Manivannan, Department of Applied Mechanics, IIT Madras, explained to WION that among the key takeaways from this collaboration would be the ability to simulate space emergencies and train astronauts for facing them.</p>

<p>"We will be simulating fire in space, medical emergencies, and the astronauts will be trained in mitigating and finding solutions to such situations," he said.</p>

<p>As part of this, both hardware and software systems will be developed. Citing an example, he said that such a VR system would help to analyse how many switches/systems an astronaut can comfortably operate, while being confined to their seats and amid limited ability to move their bodies, etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr Umamaheswaran, Director, Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), ISRO, said that space program always had linkages with academia, and IIT Madras has a long history of contributing for ISRO’s program, including human spaceflight program.</p>

<p>As per the MoU signed between IITM and ISRO, the former would utilise the advanced technologies created at the newly-established Experiential Technology Innovation Centre (XTIC) at IIT Madras to promote research and development (R&amp;D) in the domain of extended reality.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/gaganyaan-indian-astronauts-to-experience-4g-acceleration-during-ascent-12g-if-aborted-557263">Gaganyaan: Indian astronauts to experience '4g' acceleration during ascent, '12g' if aborted</a></p>

<p>While the design and development of these technologies is being carried out by IIT Madras, the 'CAVE' consortium comprising more than 270 Indian startups and companies in VR and haptics would carry out the implementation, Prof. Manivannan added.</p>

<p>He also mentioned that simulations will be carried out to see how the human body reacts to the harsh conditions in orbit, as the pre-existing data in this field is based on Caucasian astronauts and not Indians.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The collaborative effort is expected to churn out space-grade biomedical devices that Indian astronauts can carry to space, thus helping keep a constant track of their health and well-being during their 48-hour stay in space.</p>

<p>"We want to empower ISRO to develop their own AR &amp; VR systems. We've already trained a handful of ISRO scientists in this field" Manivannan said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are developing virtual reality (VR), augmented reality and mixed reality solutions to help train Indian astronauts for the harsh unknowns of Space.

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are developing virtual reality (VR), augmented reality and mixed reality solutions to help train Indian astronauts for the harsh unknowns of Space. This collaboration is meant to help the four Indian astronauts (originally Indian Air Force test pilots) who are undergoing specialised training to undertake India's most ambitious space mission —'Gaganyaan' or the human spaceflight programme. Prof M Manivannan, Department of Applied Mechanics, IIT Madras, explained to WION that among the key takeaways from this collaboration would be the ability to simulate space emergencies and train astronauts for facing them. "We will be simulating fire in space, medical emergencies, and the astronauts will be trained in mitigating and finding solutions to such situations," he said. As part of this, both hardware and software systems will be developed. Citing an example, he said that such a VR system would help to analyse how many switches/systems an astronaut can comfortably operate, while being confined to their seats and amid limited ability to move their bodies, etc. Dr Umamaheswaran, Director, Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), ISRO, said that space program always had linkages with academia, and IIT Madras has a long history of contributing for ISRO’s program, including human spaceflight program. As per the MoU signed between IITM and ISRO, the former would utilise the advanced technologies created at the newly-established Experiential Technology Innovation Centre (XTIC) at IIT Madras to promote research and development (R&D) in the domain of extended reality. Also read | Gaganyaan: Indian astronauts to experience '4g' acceleration during ascent, '12g' if aborted While the design and development of these technologies is being carried out by IIT Madras, the 'CAVE' consortium comprising more than 270 Indian startups and companies in VR and haptics would carry out the implementation, Prof. Manivannan added. He also mentioned that simulations will be carried out to see how the human body reacts to the harsh conditions in orbit, as the pre-existing data in this field is based on Caucasian astronauts and not Indians. The collaborative effort is expected to churn out space-grade biomedical devices that Indian astronauts can carry to space, thus helping keep a constant track of their health and well-being during their 48-hour stay in space. "We want to empower ISRO to develop their own AR & VR systems. We've already trained a handful of ISRO scientists in this field" Manivannan said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

IIT Madras & ISRO developing virtual reality tech to prep Indian astronauts for space emergencies

<p>The internet is abuzz with mentions of Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) a.k.a., the green comet, which on Wednesday could be seen with the naked eye.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per NASA, the comet paid our planet a visit after a good 50,000 years. It was a rare feast for stargazers and astronomers alike as people around the globe witnessed the astronomical event.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint: Rare Green comet visible from Earth after 50,000 years</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><strong><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-rare-green-comet-visible-from-earth-after-50000-years-557662/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></strong></div>

<p>It was a one-in-a-million sight — in a very literal sense — as estimates say that the next possible sighting won't happen for millions of years.</p>

<p>The comet passed just 26 million miles (or 42 million kilometres) from Earth.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/james-webb-space-telescope-found-water-ice-in-the-rings-of-a-distant-asteroid-557416">James Webb Space Telescope found water ice in the rings of a distant asteroid</a></strong></p>

<p>For those of us who were otherwise occupied or plain lazy to go out and try to spot the comet, some stargazers have&nbsp;managed to capture videos and images of the amazing sight. These captures are all over social media.</p>

<p>Let's take a look at a few of them:</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">c/2022 e3 (ZTF), which has not been seen since the Homo Sapiens, will be at its highest point 58° N @ 9:46pm (EST) and will disappear 30° N @ 5:46am. Have a look because you’ll never see this again! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GreenComet?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GreenComet</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Space</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CometC2022E3?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CometC2022E3</a> <a href="https://t.co/hsRk3A2rn7">pic.twitter.com/hsRk3A2rn7</a></p>
— johnnymorleyy (@johnnymorleyy) <a href="https://twitter.com/johnnymorleyy/status/1620832595520147457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Green comet will be seen after 50,000 Years. So many humans have come to this world and gone during this time. And it will continue for billions of years.</p>
— KRK (@kamaalrkhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/kamaalrkhan/status/1620831050145435667?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I ran out at 3:30 am to grab a couple images of comet c/2022 e3 (ztf) or the "green comet" you may have seen or heard about recently. Today is it's closest approach to Earth but still 26 MILLION miles away. It's still very very dim, and you'll need binoculars to find it. <a href="https://t.co/k6SCVtZkMt">pic.twitter.com/k6SCVtZkMt</a></p>
— Tyler Leavitt of tslclick (@tslclick) <a href="https://twitter.com/tslclick/status/1620832130514444290?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">LETS FUCKING GO THE WEATHER IS CLEAR TONIGHT AND I HAVE A RIDE IM GONNA GO SEE THE GREEN COMET 💥💥💥</p>
— jack! || c0mms open (@ahdkshaX) <a href="https://twitter.com/ahdkshaX/status/1620829946825555968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Green comet visible for the 1st time in 50,000 years later today. The comet was last seen during the Stone Age. It allegedly left to buy a pack of cigarettes <a href="https://t.co/lbz4iBrw00">pic.twitter.com/lbz4iBrw00</a></p>
— Def Noodles (@defnoodles) <a href="https://twitter.com/defnoodles/status/1620832695881461763?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I found you 🔭 ☄️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CometaZTF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CometaZTF</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cometaverde?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cometaverde</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/greencomet?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#greencomet</a> <a href="https://t.co/AxXpro2Wbp">pic.twitter.com/AxXpro2Wbp</a></p>
— XavØ (@Javick01) <a href="https://twitter.com/Javick01/status/1620715483766071296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Did anybody see that green comet?</p>
— Janak Dave (@JanakYDave) <a href="https://twitter.com/JanakYDave/status/1620829250399113218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tried to photograph the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/greencomet?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#greencomet</a> at 4am. A bit cloudy on Denton Rd. but cold and clear at Lake Desolation. No luck seeing it even w/binoculars so pointed camera where it was supposed to be. Think this tiny pale fuzz is it so a visual bust compared to Neowise in 2020, right. <a href="https://t.co/qSc0HnzV0e">pic.twitter.com/qSc0HnzV0e</a></p>
— Ed Burke (@EdBurkeToga) <a href="https://twitter.com/EdBurkeToga/status/1620827225439490049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Is anyone seeing the Green Comet??</p>
— Dr Whale (@dr_whale) <a href="https://twitter.com/dr_whale/status/1620828542258008066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>According to NASA's Paul Chodas, While plenty of comets have graced the sky over the past year, "this one seems probably a little bit bigger and therefore a little bit brighter and it’s coming a little bit closer to the Earth’s orbit".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/green-comet-2023-check-date-time-and-location-know-when-and-how-to-view-the-rare-shooting-star-557606">Green Comet 2023: Check date, visible time and location; know when and how to view the rare shooting star</a></strong></p>

<p>The comet owes its green colour to its chemical composition which as per reports is a result of a clash between sunlight and carbon-based molecules in the comet's coma.</p>

<p>A comet's coma refers to the cloud of gases that surrounds the nucleus of a comet.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The internet is abuzz with mentions of Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) a.k.a., the green comet, which on Wednesday could be seen with the naked eye. As per NASA, the comet paid our planet a visit after a good 50,000 years.

The internet is abuzz with mentions of Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) a.k.a., the green comet, which on Wednesday could be seen with the naked eye. As per NASA, the comet paid our planet a visit after a good 50,000 years. It was a rare feast for stargazers and astronomers alike as people around the globe witnessed the astronomical event. Watch | WION Fineprint: Rare Green comet visible from Earth after 50,000 years It was a one-in-a-million sight — in a very literal sense — as estimates say that the next possible sighting won't happen for millions of years. The comet passed just 26 million miles (or 42 million kilometres) from Earth. Also read | James Webb Space Telescope found water ice in the rings of a distant asteroid For those of us who were otherwise occupied or plain lazy to go out and try to spot the comet, some stargazers have managed to capture videos and images of the amazing sight. These captures are all over social media. Let's take a look at a few of them: c/2022 e3 (ZTF), which has not been seen since the Homo Sapiens, will be at its highest point 58° N @ 9:46pm (EST) and will disappear 30° N @ 5:46am. Have a look because you’ll never see this again! #GreenComet #Space #CometC2022E3 pic.twitter.com/hsRk3A2rn7 — johnnymorleyy (@johnnymorleyy) February 1, 2023 × Green comet will be seen after 50,000 Years. So many humans have come to this world and gone during this time. And it will continue for billions of years. — KRK (@kamaalrkhan) February 1, 2023 × I ran out at 3:30 am to grab a couple images of comet c/2022 e3 (ztf) or the "green comet" you may have seen or heard about recently. Today is it's closest approach to Earth but still 26 MILLION miles away. It's still very very dim, and you'll need binoculars to find it. pic.twitter.com/k6SCVtZkMt — Tyler Leavitt of tslclick (@tslclick) February 1, 2023 × LETS FUCKING GO THE WEATHER IS CLEAR TONIGHT AND I HAVE A RIDE IM GONNA GO SEE THE GREEN COMET 💥💥💥 — jack! || c0mms open (@ahdkshaX) February 1, 2023 × Green comet visible for the 1st time in 50,000 years later today. The comet was last seen during the Stone Age. It allegedly left to buy a pack of cigarettes pic.twitter.com/lbz4iBrw00 — Def Noodles (@defnoodles) February 1, 2023 × I found you 🔭 ☄️ #CometaZTF #cometaverde #greencomet pic.twitter.com/AxXpro2Wbp — XavØ (@Javick01) February 1, 2023 × Did anybody see that green comet? — Janak Dave (@JanakYDave) February 1, 2023 × Tried to photograph the #greencomet at 4am. A bit cloudy on Denton Rd. but cold and clear at Lake Desolation. No luck seeing it even w/binoculars so pointed camera where it was supposed to be. Think this tiny pale fuzz is it so a visual bust compared to Neowise in 2020, right. pic.twitter.com/qSc0HnzV0e — Ed Burke (@EdBurkeToga) February 1, 2023 × Is anyone seeing the Green Comet?? — Dr Whale (@dr_whale) February 1, 2023 × According to NASA's Paul Chodas, While plenty of comets have graced the sky over the past year, "this one seems probably a little bit bigger and therefore a little bit brighter and it’s coming a little bit closer to the Earth’s orbit". Also read | Green Comet 2023: Check date, visible time and location; know when and how to view the rare shooting star The comet owes its green colour to its chemical composition which as per reports is a result of a clash between sunlight and carbon-based molecules in the comet's coma. A comet's coma refers to the cloud of gases that surrounds the nucleus of a comet. (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.

For those who missed the green comet, here are breathtaking videos, images of the rare astronomical sight

A green-hued comet that has been lurking in the night sky for months is expected to be the most visible to stargazers this week as it gradually passes Earth for the first time in about 50,000 years.

WION Fineprint: Rare Green comet visible from Earth after 50,000 years

Let us take a look at stories generating interest across WION's social media channels.

Trending on WION | James Webb telescope captures stunning image of Neptune and its rings

Astronomers revealed images of star graveyard in the Milky Way Galaxy. Supernova, the largest explosions takes place in space. Watch further to know more.

Supernova, the largest explosion, takes place in space

The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has announced that it was collaborating with the US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (Darpa) to build and demonstrate in space a nuclear thermal rocket engine. Neha Khanna tells you more in this report.

WION Fineprint: NASA announces plans for a nuclear rocket

space

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