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

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

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

SpaceX launches third batch of mini-satellites into orbit

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

A decade on Earth captured from space

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) team for the successful launch of PSLV-C47 carrying indigenous Cartosat-3 satellite and over a dozen nano-satellites. 
 
"I heartily congratulate the entire @isro team on yet another successful launch of PSLV-C47 carrying indigenous Cartosat-3 satellite and over a dozen nano-satellites of USA," tweeted Narendra Modi.

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I heartily congratulate the entire <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> team on yet another successful launch of PSLV-C47 carrying indigenous Cartosat-3 satellite and over a dozen nano satellites of USA.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1199562721525555200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The advanced Cartosat-3 will augment our high-resolution imaging capability. ISRO has once again made the nation proud!" he said in his subsequent tweet. 
 
ISRO on Wednesday injected Cartosat-3 spacecraft and 13 commercial satellites successfully into their designated orbits. 
"#PSLV-C47 successfully injects #Cartosat3 spacecraft into orbit," tweeted the space agency.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSLV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSLV</a>-C47 successfully injects <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cartosat3?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cartosat3</a> spacecraft into orbit <a href="https://t.co/8QjiTY2kvl">pic.twitter.com/8QjiTY2kvl</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1199543356658876416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"13 commercial satellites from USA successfully placed in their designated orbits #PSLVC47," it said in its subsequent tweet. 
 
"I am happy that PSLV-C47 injected precisely in the orbit with 13 other satellites. Cartosat-3 is highest resolution civilian satellite; We have 13 missions up to March- 6 large vehicle missions and 7 satellite missions," said ISRO chief K Sivan. 
 
ISRO&nbsp;launched PSLV-C47&nbsp;from Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) team for the successful launch of PSLV-C47 carrying indigenous Cartosat-3 satellite and over a dozen nano-satellites.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) team for the successful launch of PSLV-C47 carrying indigenous Cartosat-3 satellite and over a dozen nano-satellites. "I heartily congratulate the entire @isro team on yet another successful launch of PSLV-C47 carrying indigenous Cartosat-3 satellite and over a dozen nano-satellites of USA," tweeted Narendra Modi. I heartily congratulate the entire @isro team on yet another successful launch of PSLV-C47 carrying indigenous Cartosat-3 satellite and over a dozen nano satellites of USA. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 27, 2019 × "The advanced Cartosat-3 will augment our high-resolution imaging capability. ISRO has once again made the nation proud!" he said in his subsequent tweet. ISRO on Wednesday injected Cartosat-3 spacecraft and 13 commercial satellites successfully into their designated orbits. "#PSLV-C47 successfully injects #Cartosat3 spacecraft into orbit," tweeted the space agency. #PSLV-C47 successfully injects #Cartosat3 spacecraft into orbit pic.twitter.com/8QjiTY2kvl — ISRO (@isro) November 27, 2019 × "13 commercial satellites from USA successfully placed in their designated orbits #PSLVC47," it said in its subsequent tweet. "I am happy that PSLV-C47 injected precisely in the orbit with 13 other satellites. Cartosat-3 is highest resolution civilian satellite; We have 13 missions up to March- 6 large vehicle missions and 7 satellite missions," said ISRO chief K Sivan. ISRO launched PSLV-C47 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

PM Modi congratulates ISRO for successfully launching PSLV-C47 carrying Cartosat-3

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

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

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

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

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-wants-international-partners-to-go-to-moon-too-257407">National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)</a> will send a golf cart-sized robot to the moon in 2022 to search for deposits of water below the surface, an effort to evaluate the vital resource ahead of a planned human return to the moon in 2024 to possibly use it for astronauts to drink and to make rocket fuel, the US&nbsp;space agency said on Friday.

The VIPER robot will drive for kilometres&nbsp;on the dusty lunar surface to get a closer look at what NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine has touted for months: underground pockets of&nbsp;"hundreds of millions of tons of water ice" that could help turn the moon into a jumping-off point to Mars.&nbsp;

"VIPER is going to assess where the water ice is. We're going to be able&nbsp;to characterize the water ice, and ultimately drill," Bridenstine said on Friday at the International Astronautical Congress in Washington. "Why is this important? Because water ice represents something significant. Life support."&nbsp;

VIPER stands for Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover.

The rover is expected to arrive on the moon's south polar region in December 2022, carrying four instruments to sample lunar soil for traces of hydrogen and oxygen - the basic components of water that can be separated and synthesized into fuel for a planned fleet of commercial lunar launch vehicles.

In development at NASA's Ames Research Center in California, the VIPER robot will log "about&nbsp;100 days of data that will be used to inform the first global water resource maps of the moon," NASA said in announcing the plans.&nbsp;

NASA is in the process of kickstarting its Artemis programme, an accelerated mission to put people back on the moon for the first time since the 1970s to train and prove technologies that would later be sent on a Mars mission.&nbsp;Scientists have eyed lunar water as a key resource for enabling long-duration astronaut missions on the moon, though its form and exact amount are unknown. VIPER will aim to find out.

NASA crashed a rocket onto the moon's south pole in 2009 to confirm traces of lunar water ice in the plume of dust kicked up upon impact.&nbsp;

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will send a golf cart-sized robot to the moon in 2022 to search for deposits of water below the surface, an effort to evaluate the vital resource ahead of a planned human return to the moon in 2024 to possibly use it for astronauts to drink and to make rocket fuel, the US space agency said on Friday.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will send a golf cart-sized robot to the moon in 2022 to search for deposits of water below the surface, an effort to evaluate the vital resource ahead of a planned human return to the moon in 2024 to possibly use it for astronauts to drink and to make rocket fuel, the US space agency said on Friday. The VIPER robot will drive for kilometres on the dusty lunar surface to get a closer look at what NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine has touted for months: underground pockets of "hundreds of millions of tons of water ice" that could help turn the moon into a jumping-off point to Mars. "VIPER is going to assess where the water ice is. We're going to be able to characterize the water ice, and ultimately drill," Bridenstine said on Friday at the International Astronautical Congress in Washington. "Why is this important? Because water ice represents something significant. Life support." VIPER stands for Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover. The rover is expected to arrive on the moon's south polar region in December 2022, carrying four instruments to sample lunar soil for traces of hydrogen and oxygen - the basic components of water that can be separated and synthesized into fuel for a planned fleet of commercial lunar launch vehicles. In development at NASA's Ames Research Center in California, the VIPER robot will log "about 100 days of data that will be used to inform the first global water resource maps of the moon," NASA said in announcing the plans. NASA is in the process of kickstarting its Artemis programme, an accelerated mission to put people back on the moon for the first time since the 1970s to train and prove technologies that would later be sent on a Mars mission. Scientists have eyed lunar water as a key resource for enabling long-duration astronaut missions on the moon, though its form and exact amount are unknown. VIPER will aim to find out. NASA crashed a rocket onto the moon's south pole in 2009 to confirm traces of lunar water ice in the plume of dust kicked up upon impact.

NASA plans to send water-hunting robot to moon surface in 2022

As it looks to return to the Moon, NASA is open to the idea of international participation, which could mean a non-American setting foot on Earth's natural satellite for the first time in history, global space chiefs said Monday.

"I think there's lots of room on the Moon, and we need all our international partners to go with us to the Moon," NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine told reporters at the 70th International Astronautical Congress held in Washington.

"If we can come to agreements on the contributions of all the nations and how they're going to be a part of the architecture, then certainly I would, I would see that there'd be no reason we can't have all of our international partners with us on the Moon," he added.

The Americans are developing a spacecraft (Orion) and a mini space station (Gateway) that will remain in lunar orbit, which will, in theory, be used for a first crewed mission in 2024, Artemis 3.

Only one element of the mission will be produced outside the US: the Orion service module that will supply it with electricity, propulsion, thermal control, air and water in space and is being delivered by the European Space Agency (ESA).

Only once the Gateway is expanded will non-Americans be able to make the journey too.

"We are in the discussion also with NASA, so that we have European astronauts on the surface of the Moon, this is, of course, the European intention," said Jan Worner, head of the ESA, at the same press conference.

"2024 is for sure something which is purely American," he later told AFP. For Europeans, it could be "2027, 2028, something like that."

For its part, Japan also wants to take advantage of the new US program to write a new chapter in its own history.

"It's a very simple question to me because JAXA would like to send Japanese astronauts to the surface of the Moon," said Hiroshi Yamakawa, president of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.

The building of the ISS in the late 1990s and 2000s appeared to usher in a new era of space cooperation between the US and Russia following the Cold War, but this time around, Washington is in no mood to work with geopolitical rivals.

Specifically, the US Congress has explicitly prohibited any cooperation with China, the world's biggest economy and an emerging space power.

During his speech inaugurating the weeklong conference, Vice President Mike Pence repeated seven times that the US wanted to work with "freedom-loving nations."

As it looks to return to the Moon, NASA is open to the idea of international participation, which could mean a non-American setting foot on Earth's natural satellite for the first time in history, global space chiefs said Monday.

As it looks to return to the Moon, NASA is open to the idea of international participation, which could mean a non-American setting foot on Earth's natural satellite for the first time in history, global space chiefs said Monday. "I think there's lots of room on the Moon, and we need all our international partners to go with us to the Moon," NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine told reporters at the 70th International Astronautical Congress held in Washington. "If we can come to agreements on the contributions of all the nations and how they're going to be a part of the architecture, then certainly I would, I would see that there'd be no reason we can't have all of our international partners with us on the Moon," he added. The Americans are developing a spacecraft (Orion) and a mini space station (Gateway) that will remain in lunar orbit, which will, in theory, be used for a first crewed mission in 2024, Artemis 3. Only one element of the mission will be produced outside the US: the Orion service module that will supply it with electricity, propulsion, thermal control, air and water in space and is being delivered by the European Space Agency (ESA). Only once the Gateway is expanded will non-Americans be able to make the journey too. "We are in the discussion also with NASA, so that we have European astronauts on the surface of the Moon, this is, of course, the European intention," said Jan Worner, head of the ESA, at the same press conference. "2024 is for sure something which is purely American," he later told AFP. For Europeans, it could be "2027, 2028, something like that." For its part, Japan also wants to take advantage of the new US program to write a new chapter in its own history. "It's a very simple question to me because JAXA would like to send Japanese astronauts to the surface of the Moon," said Hiroshi Yamakawa, president of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The building of the ISS in the late 1990s and 2000s appeared to usher in a new era of space cooperation between the US and Russia following the Cold War, but this time around, Washington is in no mood to work with geopolitical rivals. Specifically, the US Congress has explicitly prohibited any cooperation with China, the world's biggest economy and an emerging space power. During his speech inaugurating the weeklong conference, Vice President Mike Pence repeated seven times that the US wanted to work with "freedom-loving nations."

NASA wants international partners to go to Moon too

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/3-man-crew-from-italy-russia-us-blasts-off-to-international-space-station-382">A three-man crew </a>including an Emirati who became the first Arab to reach the International Space Station returned to Earth safely on Thursday and were in good shape, the Russian space agency Roscosmos said.

Hazzaa Al-Mansoori of the United Arab Emirates touched down in the Kazakh steppes at 1059 GMT along with NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin, who both survived a failed launch to the ISS last year.

"The crew that returned to Earth is feeling well," Roscosmos said immediately after the landing.

Roscosmos footage from the landing site in central Kazakhstan showed Mansoori smiling as he sat wrapped in an Emirati flag after leaving the capsule.

Hague and Ovchinin completed a 203-day mission aboard the orbiting laboratory while Mansoori's two crewmates from his September 25 launch -- Russia's Oleg Skripochka and NASA's Jessica Meir -- are staying on as part of a six-member team.

Although Mansoori's mission was short -- &nbsp;eight days in total -- it has been the source of great pride in the UAE, a newcomer to the world of space with ambitions to send an unmanned probe to orbit Mars by 2021.

UAE leaders were quick to hail his safe return.

Abu Dhabi's powerful Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan hailed the mission in a Twitter post.

"Congratulations to the people of the UAE for this historic achievement. Zayed's sons will fulfil our ambition to reach Mars," the Crown Prince wrote.

Mansoori has been active on Twitter where he shared photos of the UAE and Mecca -- Islam's holiest site -- from the space station.

On Thursday, he posted a view of space taken from the station's Cupola panoramic observatory module and paid tribute to UAE founding father Sheikh Zayed.

"With fear and pride, I am returning with Zayed's ambition achieved. We are not done yet, and we will never be. To bring back the golden era of Arab astronauts," he wrote.

Mansoori's blast-off from the launchpad that sent Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin into space was roared on by a large crowd at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre in the UAE, where he has been feted as a hero.

Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest skyscraper, was lit up at the moment of the launch.

The 35-year-old former military pilot's whirlwind mission has had wall-to-wall coverage in Arab media.

He is expected to receive an ecstatic welcome when he returns to the UAE following a stopover at the Roscosmos training base in Star City outside Moscow.

Mansoori flew to the ISS after the UAE signed a contract with Roscosmos to allow him to become a "spaceflight participant," a term used for people from outside the main space agencies who take short trips to the station.

Russia currently enjoys a monopoly on manned flights to the ISS.

The first Arab in outer space was Saudi Arabia's Sultan bin Salman Al-Saud, who flew on a US shuttle mission in 1985.

Two years later, Syrian air force pilot Muhammed Faris spent a week aboard the Soviet Union's Mir space station.

As part of its space plans, the UAE has also announced its aim to become the first Arab country to send an unmanned probe to orbit Mars by 2021, naming it "Hope".

While onboard, Mansoori donned Emirati dress, treated crew members to local snacks and participated in scientific experiments including a time-perception study that saw him sport a blindfold.

The return from space of Ovchinin and Hague came a year after their rocket failed to launch in the first accident of its kind in Russia's post-Soviet history. &nbsp;

The two men took off in a Soyuz rocket for the ISS in October 2018, but an accident minutes after blast-off sent them plunging back to Earth.

The pair launched again -- this time without hiccups -- to begin Ovchinin's second and Hague's first mission aboard the ISS in February.

The ISS -- a rare example of cooperation between Russia and the West -- has been orbiting Earth at about 28,000 kilometres (17,000 miles) an hour since 1998.

A three-man crew including an Emirati who became the first Arab to reach the International Space Station returned to Earth safely on Thursday and were in good shape, the Russian space agency Roscosmos said.

A three-man crew including an Emirati who became the first Arab to reach the International Space Station returned to Earth safely on Thursday and were in good shape, the Russian space agency Roscosmos said. Hazzaa Al-Mansoori of the United Arab Emirates touched down in the Kazakh steppes at 1059 GMT along with NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin, who both survived a failed launch to the ISS last year. "The crew that returned to Earth is feeling well," Roscosmos said immediately after the landing. Roscosmos footage from the landing site in central Kazakhstan showed Mansoori smiling as he sat wrapped in an Emirati flag after leaving the capsule. Hague and Ovchinin completed a 203-day mission aboard the orbiting laboratory while Mansoori's two crewmates from his September 25 launch -- Russia's Oleg Skripochka and NASA's Jessica Meir -- are staying on as part of a six-member team. Although Mansoori's mission was short -- eight days in total -- it has been the source of great pride in the UAE, a newcomer to the world of space with ambitions to send an unmanned probe to orbit Mars by 2021. UAE leaders were quick to hail his safe return. Abu Dhabi's powerful Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan hailed the mission in a Twitter post. "Congratulations to the people of the UAE for this historic achievement. Zayed's sons will fulfil our ambition to reach Mars," the Crown Prince wrote. Mansoori has been active on Twitter where he shared photos of the UAE and Mecca -- Islam's holiest site -- from the space station. On Thursday, he posted a view of space taken from the station's Cupola panoramic observatory module and paid tribute to UAE founding father Sheikh Zayed. "With fear and pride, I am returning with Zayed's ambition achieved. We are not done yet, and we will never be. To bring back the golden era of Arab astronauts," he wrote. Mansoori's blast-off from the launchpad that sent Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin into space was roared on by a large crowd at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre in the UAE, where he has been feted as a hero. Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest skyscraper, was lit up at the moment of the launch. The 35-year-old former military pilot's whirlwind mission has had wall-to-wall coverage in Arab media. He is expected to receive an ecstatic welcome when he returns to the UAE following a stopover at the Roscosmos training base in Star City outside Moscow. Mansoori flew to the ISS after the UAE signed a contract with Roscosmos to allow him to become a "spaceflight participant," a term used for people from outside the main space agencies who take short trips to the station. Russia currently enjoys a monopoly on manned flights to the ISS. The first Arab in outer space was Saudi Arabia's Sultan bin Salman Al-Saud, who flew on a US shuttle mission in 1985. Two years later, Syrian air force pilot Muhammed Faris spent a week aboard the Soviet Union's Mir space station. As part of its space plans, the UAE has also announced its aim to become the first Arab country to send an unmanned probe to orbit Mars by 2021, naming it "Hope". While onboard, Mansoori donned Emirati dress, treated crew members to local snacks and participated in scientific experiments including a time-perception study that saw him sport a blindfold. The return from space of Ovchinin and Hague came a year after their rocket failed to launch in the first accident of its kind in Russia's post-Soviet history. The two men took off in a Soyuz rocket for the ISS in October 2018, but an accident minutes after blast-off sent them plunging back to Earth. The pair launched again -- this time without hiccups -- to begin Ovchinin's second and Hague's first mission aboard the ISS in February. The ISS -- a rare example of cooperation between Russia and the West -- has been orbiting Earth at about 28,000 kilometres (17,000 miles) an hour since 1998.

First Arab on International Space Station returns to Earth

Scientists have captured a view of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-release-first-images-of-black-hole-209303">colossal black hole</a> violently ripping apart a doomed star, illustrating an extraordinary and chaotic cosmic event from beginning to end for the first time using NASA's planet-hunting telescope.

The US&nbsp;space agency's orbiting Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, better known as TESS, revealed the detailed timeline of a star 375 million light-years away warping and spiralling into the unrelenting gravitational pull of a supermassive black hole, researchers said on Thursday.

The star, roughly the same size as our sun, was eventually sucked into oblivion in a rare cosmic occurrence that astronomers call a tidal disruption event, they added.

Astronomers used an international network of telescopes to detect the phenomenon before turning to TESS, whose permanent viewing zones designed to hunt distant planets caught the beginning of the violent event, proving effective its unique method of surveilling the cosmos.

"This was really a combination of both being good and being lucky, and sometimes that's what you need to push the science forward," said astronomer Thomas Holoien of the Carnegie Institution for Science, who led the research published in the Astrophysical Journal.

Such phenomena happen when a star ventures too close to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/first-black-hole-photo-confirms-einsteins-theory-of-relativity-209527">supermassive black hole</a>, objects that reside at the centre of most large galaxies including our Milky Way. The black hole's tremendous gravitational forces tear the star to shreds, with some of its material tossed into space and the rest plunging into the black hole, forming a disk of hot, bright gas as it is swallowed.

"Specifically, we are able to measure the rate at which it gets brighter after it starts brightening, and we also observed a drop in its temperature and brightness that is unique," Holoien said.

Observing the oscillation of light as the black hole gobbles the star and spews stellar material in an outward spiral could help astronomers understand the black hole's behaviour, a scientific mystery since physicist Albert Einstein's work more than a century ago examined gravity's influence on light in motion.

Scientists have captured a view of a colossal black hole violently ripping apart a doomed star, illustrating an extraordinary and chaotic cosmic event from beginning to end for the first time using NASA's planet-hunting telescope.

Scientists have captured a view of a colossal black hole violently ripping apart a doomed star, illustrating an extraordinary and chaotic cosmic event from beginning to end for the first time using NASA's planet-hunting telescope. The US space agency's orbiting Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, better known as TESS, revealed the detailed timeline of a star 375 million light-years away warping and spiralling into the unrelenting gravitational pull of a supermassive black hole, researchers said on Thursday. The star, roughly the same size as our sun, was eventually sucked into oblivion in a rare cosmic occurrence that astronomers call a tidal disruption event, they added. Astronomers used an international network of telescopes to detect the phenomenon before turning to TESS, whose permanent viewing zones designed to hunt distant planets caught the beginning of the violent event, proving effective its unique method of surveilling the cosmos. "This was really a combination of both being good and being lucky, and sometimes that's what you need to push the science forward," said astronomer Thomas Holoien of the Carnegie Institution for Science, who led the research published in the Astrophysical Journal. Such phenomena happen when a star ventures too close to a supermassive black hole, objects that reside at the centre of most large galaxies including our Milky Way. The black hole's tremendous gravitational forces tear the star to shreds, with some of its material tossed into space and the rest plunging into the black hole, forming a disk of hot, bright gas as it is swallowed. "Specifically, we are able to measure the rate at which it gets brighter after it starts brightening, and we also observed a drop in its temperature and brightness that is unique," Holoien said. Observing the oscillation of light as the black hole gobbles the star and spews stellar material in an outward spiral could help astronomers understand the black hole's behaviour, a scientific mystery since physicist Albert Einstein's work more than a century ago examined gravity's influence on light in motion.

Caught in the act: A black hole rips apart a star

SpaceX shows off upcoming missions

NASA's images couldn't spot Lander Vikram.

NASA attempts to locate Vikram Lander

In a first, water found on earth-like planet beyond our solar system

Wing Commander <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/aamir-khan-on-shah-rukh-khan-quitting-rakesh-sharma-biopic-lets-wait-until-he-makes-an-announcement-193391">Rakesh Sharma</a> is part of India's space folklore after he became the country's first man in space way back in April 1984 aboard Russia's Soyuz T-11.

India's then prime minister late Mrs Indira Gandhi spoke to Rakesh Sharma on that historic day, lauding his effort, asserting that it was a "historic endeavour which would make India space conscience and inspire our young people to be more adventurous."

"Your work has great significance for increasing humankind's knowledge of the mysteries outer space and its direct bearing on the planet's ecosystem and the other information we need, we want to use this knowledge for peaceful purposes and for all the people of the world."

Watch: In conversation with Rakesh Sharma, Ex-Wing Commander, IAF &amp; only Indian who travelled space

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"I was glad to hear that you are feeling well, mentally, physically," former PM Indira Gandhi told Rakesh Sharma live on national television.

"We equally admire the hard work put in by Wg Cdr Ravish Malhotra who has been a good companion to you during the arduous years of preparation. Your flight is eloquent testimony of the all-round cooperation between India and the Soviet Union."

"The government of India appreciates the Soviet Union's generous collaboration in this field. You are far in distance with us but our hearts and thoughts are with you," the former PM said as the nation watched.

"I will ask just a few questions," the prime minister said. "Wg Cdr Sharma you had a tough training on Earth and a similar sort of atmosphere was created just like in space, now you are actually in space, so are you feeling just like you feel on Earth?

To this, Rakesh Sharma replied: "First of all, as a citizen of India, I would like to thank you and my crew members thank you as well."

"Just like you said, my training and Ravish Malhotra's was very difficult. Now we understand this training was needed, Sharma said, adding, "we docked without any difficulty, we felt as if we were in a simulator, this shows our tough training was essential."

How does India look from space," India's prime minister asked Rakesh Sharma.

"I can say without any hesitation "sare jahan se aacha"(best in the world)."

Indira Gandhi with a smile then asked, "How are you feeling? Do you want to give us some message or to your family?"

"I am doing well, my health is fine, we are eating a lot, in fact when we docked the crew members prepared food on the table, there were flowers probably made of plastic."

"We had hot food," Rakesh Sharma added. "There is no problem at all over here, we are all feeling good, just like you are watching us right now."

"Your work has a lot of importance, a lot of mysteries would be revealed which will have a direct effect on our environment here on Earth, we will get other information as well, we want this knowledge is used for world peace."

"Wing Commander Ravish Malhotra also worked very hard, we appreciated his effort as well. Your flight is a beautiful example of India-Soviet friendship."

"The people of India are watching you and listening to our conversation, our people, India's Parliamentarians and especially me are hoping that you have a successful mission."

"Best of luck, Jai Hind," the Indira Gandhi said while closing the live conversation.

Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma is part of India's space folklore after he became the country's first man in space way back in April 1984 aboard Russia's Soyuz T-11.

Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma is part of India's space folklore after he became the country's first man in space way back in April 1984 aboard Russia's Soyuz T-11. India's then prime minister late Mrs Indira Gandhi spoke to Rakesh Sharma on that historic day, lauding his effort, asserting that it was a "historic endeavour which would make India space conscience and inspire our young people to be more adventurous." "Your work has great significance for increasing humankind's knowledge of the mysteries outer space and its direct bearing on the planet's ecosystem and the other information we need, we want to use this knowledge for peaceful purposes and for all the people of the world." Watch: In conversation with Rakesh Sharma, Ex-Wing Commander, IAF & only Indian who travelled space × "I was glad to hear that you are feeling well, mentally, physically," former PM Indira Gandhi told Rakesh Sharma live on national television. "We equally admire the hard work put in by Wg Cdr Ravish Malhotra who has been a good companion to you during the arduous years of preparation. Your flight is eloquent testimony of the all-round cooperation between India and the Soviet Union." "The government of India appreciates the Soviet Union's generous collaboration in this field. You are far in distance with us but our hearts and thoughts are with you," the former PM said as the nation watched. "I will ask just a few questions," the prime minister said. "Wg Cdr Sharma you had a tough training on Earth and a similar sort of atmosphere was created just like in space, now you are actually in space, so are you feeling just like you feel on Earth? To this, Rakesh Sharma replied: "First of all, as a citizen of India, I would like to thank you and my crew members thank you as well." "Just like you said, my training and Ravish Malhotra's was very difficult. Now we understand this training was needed, Sharma said, adding, "we docked without any difficulty, we felt as if we were in a simulator, this shows our tough training was essential." How does India look from space," India's prime minister asked Rakesh Sharma. "I can say without any hesitation "sare jahan se aacha"(best in the world)." Indira Gandhi with a smile then asked, "How are you feeling? Do you want to give us some message or to your family?" "I am doing well, my health is fine, we are eating a lot, in fact when we docked the crew members prepared food on the table, there were flowers probably made of plastic." "We had hot food," Rakesh Sharma added. "There is no problem at all over here, we are all feeling good, just like you are watching us right now." "Your work has a lot of importance, a lot of mysteries would be revealed which will have a direct effect on our environment here on Earth, we will get other information as well, we want this knowledge is used for world peace." "Wing Commander Ravish Malhotra also worked very hard, we appreciated his effort as well. Your flight is a beautiful example of India-Soviet friendship." "The people of India are watching you and listening to our conversation, our people, India's Parliamentarians and especially me are hoping that you have a successful mission." "Best of luck, Jai Hind," the Indira Gandhi said while closing the live conversation.

India looks beautiful from Space: First Indian in Space Rakesh Sharma told Indira Gandhi in 1984

What is next in ISRO's Chandrayaan-2 mission

It's evident that India is within reach of the moon. That too the unexplored side of the moon.

The Vikram module of Chandrayaan-2 is scheduled to make a soft landing in the South Polar region of the moon early on Saturday.

If successful, this mission, will secure India's stature as space superpower proving that we have a capacity to soft-land&nbsp;on the moon.

With this, India would become the first country to map&nbsp;the lunar surface in the unexplored side of the moon and study its atmosphere.

Isro says&nbsp;that the last 15 minutes of the touch down with the Vikram lander will be '15 minutes of terror'.

If Vikram module of Chandrayaan-2 passes critical minutes of the touchdown, the lander will measure the quakes in the moon and the rover will analyse the soil.

Such studies will enhance our understanding of the moon.

Besides this, the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter will circle around the moon for one year and collect information on minerals in the moon and search for water.

This would be the most sophisticated search for water in the moon. Chandrayaan-2 is equipped with infra-red imagers and radars. Put simply, Chandrayaan - 2 heralds a new era in India's space exploration.

Overall, this mission has the potential to make India a leader in lunar research. And this is a huge achievement.&nbsp;

The US, the then Soviet Union and China had a headstart in space missions. In a little over 5 decades since the establishment of ISRO, India is on its way to lead the world when it comes to the moon.

Then comes the issue of cost-efficiency. This mission has cost India only $150 million which is&nbsp;cheaper than the budget of Hollywood film 'Interstellar'.

Successful landing would be a testimony to ISRO's growing expertise. In science, India has been a heavyweight - contrary to popular perception.

Chandrayaan-2 will be a glittering achievement in that proud tradition. 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

It's evident that India is within reach of the moon. That too the unexplored side of the moon. The Vikram module of Chandrayaan-2 is scheduled to make a soft landing in the South Polar region of the moon early on Saturday.

It's evident that India is within reach of the moon. That too the unexplored side of the moon. The Vikram module of Chandrayaan-2 is scheduled to make a soft landing in the South Polar region of the moon early on Saturday. If successful, this mission, will secure India's stature as space superpower proving that we have a capacity to soft-land on the moon. With this, India would become the first country to map the lunar surface in the unexplored side of the moon and study its atmosphere. Isro says that the last 15 minutes of the touch down with the Vikram lander will be '15 minutes of terror'. If Vikram module of Chandrayaan-2 passes critical minutes of the touchdown, the lander will measure the quakes in the moon and the rover will analyse the soil. Such studies will enhance our understanding of the moon. Besides this, the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter will circle around the moon for one year and collect information on minerals in the moon and search for water. This would be the most sophisticated search for water in the moon. Chandrayaan-2 is equipped with infra-red imagers and radars. Put simply, Chandrayaan - 2 heralds a new era in India's space exploration. Overall, this mission has the potential to make India a leader in lunar research. And this is a huge achievement. The US, the then Soviet Union and China had a headstart in space missions. In a little over 5 decades since the establishment of ISRO, India is on its way to lead the world when it comes to the moon. Then comes the issue of cost-efficiency. This mission has cost India only $150 million which is cheaper than the budget of Hollywood film 'Interstellar'. Successful landing would be a testimony to ISRO's growing expertise. In science, India has been a heavyweight - contrary to popular perception. Chandrayaan-2 will be a glittering achievement in that proud tradition. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Chandrayaan-2 moon landing - Sky is the limit

Chandrayaan-2 touchdown tonight: Here's why ISRO went after Moon's unexplored South Pole

Russia is backing India in its f<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/with-gaganyaan-isros-race-to-the-top-gains-velocity-194013">irst manned mission to space--Gaganyaan</a> by training the&nbsp;astronauts.&nbsp;

Gaganyaan will be sent in the year 2022.&nbsp;

By November of 2019, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/astronauts-on-human-space-mission-gaganyaan-mostly-to-be-pilots-hints-isro-191252">four selected Indian astronauts</a> will go to Russia for 15 months training at the&nbsp;Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center.&nbsp;It will be followed by training in India for six to eight months.

Given increased cooperation between India and Russia for the Gaganyaan mission, a&nbsp;special Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) unit will be established in Indian mission in Moscow.

Glavkosmos, a Russian launch service provider and a subsidiary of the state corporation Roscosmos had signed a contract with ISRO for the training of&nbsp;Indian&nbsp;astronauts.

India is taking help from Russia for Gaganyaan because of the country's huge experience in terms of human space flight and sees the&nbsp;latter as a reliable long term partner over the last 50 years. Russia is helping adapt its technology for Indian requirement.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
During National Security Advisor Ajit Doval's visit to Russia last week, he met with&nbsp;Roscosmos's Director General Dmitry Rogozin.

A release from&nbsp;Roscosmos said, "The sides discussed possible Indian crewed flight carrier rocket aerodynamic tests, as well as piloted vehicle and crew rescue system. It is planned to reach an agreement until the end of August 2019."&nbsp;

Adding further Roscosmos said, "Russia and India are expecting to negotiate the contracts to supply windows, crew seats and spacesuits for the Indian crewed mission."

PM Modi announced Rs 10,000 crore Gaganyaan project during his Independence day speech on August 15, 2018.

The mission involves three members of Indian crew being sent to space for seven days.

After this manned mission, India will be the fourth country after Russia, US and China to send humans in space.

Russia is backing India in its first manned mission to space--Gaganyaan by training the astronauts. Gaganyaan will be sent in the year 2022. By November of 2019, four selected Indian astronauts will go to Russia for 15 months training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center.

Russia is backing India in its first manned mission to space--Gaganyaan by training the astronauts. Gaganyaan will be sent in the year 2022. By November of 2019, four selected Indian astronauts will go to Russia for 15 months training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center. It will be followed by training in India for six to eight months. Given increased cooperation between India and Russia for the Gaganyaan mission, a special Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) unit will be established in Indian mission in Moscow. Glavkosmos, a Russian launch service provider and a subsidiary of the state corporation Roscosmos had signed a contract with ISRO for the training of Indian astronauts. India is taking help from Russia for Gaganyaan because of the country's huge experience in terms of human space flight and sees the latter as a reliable long term partner over the last 50 years. Russia is helping adapt its technology for Indian requirement. During National Security Advisor Ajit Doval's visit to Russia last week, he met with Roscosmos's Director General Dmitry Rogozin. A release from Roscosmos said, "The sides discussed possible Indian crewed flight carrier rocket aerodynamic tests, as well as piloted vehicle and crew rescue system. It is planned to reach an agreement until the end of August 2019." Adding further Roscosmos said, "Russia and India are expecting to negotiate the contracts to supply windows, crew seats and spacesuits for the Indian crewed mission." PM Modi announced Rs 10,000 crore Gaganyaan project during his Independence day speech on August 15, 2018. The mission involves three members of Indian crew being sent to space for seven days. After this manned mission, India will be the fourth country after Russia, US and China to send humans in space.

Gaganyaan mission: Russia to train 4 Indian astronauts; special ISRO unit at Moscow

In a bid to expand military outreach Trump launches US Space Warfare Command

US space agency NASA is investigating what may be the first crime committed in outer space, The New York Times reported Saturday.

Astronaut Anne McClain is accused of identity theft and improperly accessing her estranged wife's private financial records while on a sixth-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the Times said.

The astronaut's spouse Summer Worden filed a complaint earlier this year with the Federal Trade Commission after learning McClain had accessed her bank account without permission, while Worden's family filed another with NASA's Office of Inspector General, according to the newspaper.

McClain's lawyer said the astronaut had done nothing wrong and accessed the bank records while aboard the ISS in order to monitor the couple's combined finances -- something she had done over the course of their relationship, the Times reported.

NASA investigators have contacted both women, according to the newspaper.

McClain, who returned to Earth in June, gained fame for being one of two women picked for a historic all-female spacewalk, but NASA scrapped the planned walk in March due to a lack of well-fitting spacesuits, sparking accusations of sexism.

Worden said the FTC has not responded to the identity theft report, but that an investigator specializing in criminal cases with NASA's Office of Inspector General has been looking into the accusation, according to the Times. 
&nbsp;

US space agency NASA is investigating what may be the first crime committed in outer space, The New York Times reported Saturday. Astronaut Anne McClain is accused of identity theft and improperly accessing her estranged wife's private financial records while on a sixth-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the Times said.

US space agency NASA is investigating what may be the first crime committed in outer space, The New York Times reported Saturday. Astronaut Anne McClain is accused of identity theft and improperly accessing her estranged wife's private financial records while on a sixth-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the Times said. The astronaut's spouse Summer Worden filed a complaint earlier this year with the Federal Trade Commission after learning McClain had accessed her bank account without permission, while Worden's family filed another with NASA's Office of Inspector General, according to the newspaper. McClain's lawyer said the astronaut had done nothing wrong and accessed the bank records while aboard the ISS in order to monitor the couple's combined finances -- something she had done over the course of their relationship, the Times reported. NASA investigators have contacted both women, according to the newspaper. McClain, who returned to Earth in June, gained fame for being one of two women picked for a historic all-female spacewalk, but NASA scrapped the planned walk in March due to a lack of well-fitting spacesuits, sparking accusations of sexism. Worden said the FTC has not responded to the identity theft report, but that an investigator specializing in criminal cases with NASA's Office of Inspector General has been looking into the accusation, according to the Times.

NASA investigating first crime committed in space: Report

By Nicholas Borroz

India’s Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft has settled into lunar orbit, ahead of its scheduled Moon landing on September 7. If it succeeds India will join a very select club, now comprising the former Soviet Union, the United States and China.

As with all previous Moon missions, national prestige is a big part of India’s Moon shot. But there are some colder calculations behind it as well. Space is poised to become a much bigger business, and both companies and countries are investing in the technological capability to ensure they reap the earthly rewards.

Last year private investment in space-related technology skyrocketed to $3.25 billion, according to the London-based Seraphim Capital – a 29 per cent increase on the previous year.

The list of interested governments is also growing. Along with China and India joining the lunar A-list, in the past decade eight countries have founded space agencies – Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

Of prime interest is carving out a piece of the market for making and launching commercial payloads. As much as we already depend on satellites now, this dependence will only grow.

In 2018 382 objects were launched into space. By 2040 it might easily be double that, with companies like Amazon planning “constellations”, composed of thousands of satellites, to provide telecommunication services.

The satellite business is just a start. The next big prize will be technology for “in-situ resource utilisation” – using materials from space for space operations. One example is extracting water from the Moon (which could also be split to provide oxygen and hydrogen-based rocket fuel). NASA’s administrator, Jim Bridenstine, has suggested Australian agencies and companies could play a key role in this.

All up, the potential gains from a slice of the space economy are huge. It is estimated the space economy could grow from about $350 billion now to more than US$1 trillion (and as possibly as much $2,700 billion) in 2040.

Launch affordability

At the height of its Apollo program to land on the Moon, NASA got more than 4 per cent of the US federal budget. As NASA gears up to return to the Moon and then go to Mars, its budget share is about 0.5 per cent.

In space money has most definitely become an object. But it’s a constraint that’s spurring innovation and opening up economic opportunities.

NASA pulled the pin on its space shuttle program in 2011 when the expected efficiencies of a resusable launch vehicle failed to pan out. Since then it has bought seats on Russian Soyuz rockets to get its astronauts into space. It is now paying SpaceX, the company founded by electric car king Elon Musk, to deliver space cargo.

SpaceX’s stellar trajectory, having entered the business a little more than a decade ago, demonstrates the possibilities for new players.

To get something into orbit using the space shuttle cost about $54,500 a kilogram. SpaceX says the cost of its Falcon 9 rocket and reuseable Dragon spacecraft is about $2,700 a kilogram. With costs falling, the space economy is poised to boom.

Choosing a niche

As the space economy grows, it’s likely different countries will come to occupy different niches. Specialisation will be the key to success, as happens for all industries.

In the hydrocarbon industry, for instance, some countries extract while others process. In the computer industry, some countries design while others manufacture. There will be similar niches in space. Governments’ policies will play a big part in determining which nation fills which niche.

There are three ways to think about niches.

First, function. A country could focus on space mining, for instance, or space observation. It could act as a space communication hub, or specialise in developing space-based weapons.

Luxembourg is an example of functional specialisation. Despite its small size, it punches above its weight in the satellite industry. Another example is Russia, which for now has a monopoly on transporting astronauts to the International Space Station.

Second, value-adding. A national economy can focus on lower or higher value-add processes. In telecommunications, for example, much of the design work is done in the United States, while much of the manufacturing happens in China. Both roles have benefits and drawbacks.

Third, blocs. Global production networks sometimes fragment. One can already see the potential for this happening between the United States and China. If it occurs, other countries must either align with one bloc or remain neutral.

Aligning with a large power ensures patronage, but also dependence. Being between blocs has its risks, but also provides opportunities to gain from each bloc and act as an intermediary.

The first space race, between the Soviet Union and the United States, was singularly driven by political will and government policy. The new space race is more complex, with private players taking the lead in many ways, but government priorities and policy are still crucial. They will determine which countries reach the heights, and which get left behind.

(Nicholas Borroz is PhD candidate in international business and comparative political economy, University of Auckland)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/india-has-it-right-nations-either-aim-for-the-moon-or-get-left-behind-in-the-space-economy-121497">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Nicholas Borroz India’s Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft has settled into lunar orbit, ahead of its scheduled Moon landing on September 7. If it succeeds India will join a very select club, now comprising the former Soviet Union, the United States and China.

By Nicholas Borroz India’s Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft has settled into lunar orbit, ahead of its scheduled Moon landing on September 7. If it succeeds India will join a very select club, now comprising the former Soviet Union, the United States and China. As with all previous Moon missions, national prestige is a big part of India’s Moon shot. But there are some colder calculations behind it as well. Space is poised to become a much bigger business, and both companies and countries are investing in the technological capability to ensure they reap the earthly rewards. Last year private investment in space-related technology skyrocketed to $3.25 billion, according to the London-based Seraphim Capital – a 29 per cent increase on the previous year. The list of interested governments is also growing. Along with China and India joining the lunar A-list, in the past decade eight countries have founded space agencies – Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. Of prime interest is carving out a piece of the market for making and launching commercial payloads. As much as we already depend on satellites now, this dependence will only grow. In 2018 382 objects were launched into space. By 2040 it might easily be double that, with companies like Amazon planning “constellations”, composed of thousands of satellites, to provide telecommunication services. The satellite business is just a start. The next big prize will be technology for “in-situ resource utilisation” – using materials from space for space operations. One example is extracting water from the Moon (which could also be split to provide oxygen and hydrogen-based rocket fuel). NASA’s administrator, Jim Bridenstine, has suggested Australian agencies and companies could play a key role in this. All up, the potential gains from a slice of the space economy are huge. It is estimated the space economy could grow from about $350 billion now to more than US$1 trillion (and as possibly as much $2,700 billion) in 2040. Launch affordability At the height of its Apollo program to land on the Moon, NASA got more than 4 per cent of the US federal budget. As NASA gears up to return to the Moon and then go to Mars, its budget share is about 0.5 per cent. In space money has most definitely become an object. But it’s a constraint that’s spurring innovation and opening up economic opportunities. NASA pulled the pin on its space shuttle program in 2011 when the expected efficiencies of a resusable launch vehicle failed to pan out. Since then it has bought seats on Russian Soyuz rockets to get its astronauts into space. It is now paying SpaceX, the company founded by electric car king Elon Musk, to deliver space cargo. SpaceX’s stellar trajectory, having entered the business a little more than a decade ago, demonstrates the possibilities for new players. To get something into orbit using the space shuttle cost about $54,500 a kilogram. SpaceX says the cost of its Falcon 9 rocket and reuseable Dragon spacecraft is about $2,700 a kilogram. With costs falling, the space economy is poised to boom. Choosing a niche As the space economy grows, it’s likely different countries will come to occupy different niches. Specialisation will be the key to success, as happens for all industries. In the hydrocarbon industry, for instance, some countries extract while others process. In the computer industry, some countries design while others manufacture. There will be similar niches in space. Governments’ policies will play a big part in determining which nation fills which niche. There are three ways to think about niches. First, function. A country could focus on space mining, for instance, or space observation. It could act as a space communication hub, or specialise in developing space-based weapons. Luxembourg is an example of functional specialisation. Despite its small size, it punches above its weight in the satellite industry. Another example is Russia, which for now has a monopoly on transporting astronauts to the International Space Station. Second, value-adding. A national economy can focus on lower or higher value-add processes. In telecommunications, for example, much of the design work is done in the United States, while much of the manufacturing happens in China. Both roles have benefits and drawbacks. Third, blocs. Global production networks sometimes fragment. One can already see the potential for this happening between the United States and China. If it occurs, other countries must either align with one bloc or remain neutral. Aligning with a large power ensures patronage, but also dependence. Being between blocs has its risks, but also provides opportunities to gain from each bloc and act as an intermediary. The first space race, between the Soviet Union and the United States, was singularly driven by political will and government policy. The new space race is more complex, with private players taking the lead in many ways, but government priorities and policy are still crucial. They will determine which countries reach the heights, and which get left behind. (Nicholas Borroz is PhD candidate in international business and comparative political economy, University of Auckland) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

India has it right: Nations either aim for the Moon or get left behind in the space economy

A&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;humanoid&nbsp;robot&nbsp;was making its way on Thursday to the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-italian-russian-blast-off-for-international-space-station-237339"> International&nbsp;Space&nbsp;Station </a>after blasting off on a two-week mission to support the crew and test his skills.

Known as&nbsp;FEDOR, which stands for Final Experimental Demonstration Object Research, the Skybot F-850 is the first&nbsp;humanoid&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-machine-meshed-superhumans-remain-stuff-of-fantasy-say-experts-237062">robot&nbsp;to be sent to&nbsp;space&nbsp;by&nbsp;Russia</a>.&nbsp;

NASA senthumanoid&nbsp;robot&nbsp;Robonaut 2 to&nbsp;space&nbsp;in 2011 to work in hazardous environments.

"The&nbsp;robot's main purpose is to be used in operations that are especially dangerous for humans onboard&nbsp;spacecraft and in outer&nbsp;space,"&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;space&nbsp;agency Roscosmos said on Thursday after the launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

The ISS is a joint project of the&nbsp;space&nbsp;agencies of the United States,&nbsp;Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada.

Travelling in an unmanned Soyuz MS-14&nbsp;spacecraft,&nbsp;FEDOR&nbsp;is expected to dock at the ISS on Saturday with 1,450 pounds (660 kg) of cargo including medical supplies and food rations for the crew waiting at the station, NASA said.

FEDOR, who is the size an adult and can emulate movements of the human body, has embraced his mission, describing himself as "an assistant to the ISS crew" on his Twitter page, which has 4,600 followers.

"Everything is normal," a tweet posted on his account said a few hours into his flight.

A Russian humanoid robot was making its way on Thursday to the International Space Station after blasting off on a two-week mission to support the crew and test his skills.

A Russian humanoid robot was making its way on Thursday to the International Space Station after blasting off on a two-week mission to support the crew and test his skills. Known as FEDOR, which stands for Final Experimental Demonstration Object Research, the Skybot F-850 is the first humanoid robot to be sent to space by Russia. NASA senthumanoid robot Robonaut 2 to space in 2011 to work in hazardous environments. "The robot's main purpose is to be used in operations that are especially dangerous for humans onboard spacecraft and in outer space," Russian space agency Roscosmos said on Thursday after the launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The ISS is a joint project of the space agencies of the United States, Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada. Travelling in an unmanned Soyuz MS-14 spacecraft, FEDOR is expected to dock at the ISS on Saturday with 1,450 pounds (660 kg) of cargo including medical supplies and food rations for the crew waiting at the station, NASA said. FEDOR, who is the size an adult and can emulate movements of the human body, has embraced his mission, describing himself as "an assistant to the ISS crew" on his Twitter page, which has 4,600 followers. "Everything is normal," a tweet posted on his account said a few hours into his flight.

Russia launches humanoid robot into space

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a two-day visit to Bhutan from Saturday morning with the focus being on space, hydropower projects and Ru Pay cards. Calling Bhutan a "trusted friend and neighbour", PM Modi in a pre-departure statement said, "India and Bhutan enjoy excellent bilateral ties exemplified by our extensive development partnership, mutually beneficial hydro-power co-operation, and strong trade and economic linkages.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a two-day visit to Bhutan from Saturday morning with the focus being on space, hydropower projects and Ru Pay cards. Calling Bhutan a "trusted friend and neighbour", PM Modi in a pre-departure statement said, "India and Bhutan enjoy excellent bilateral ties exemplified by our extensive development partnership, mutually beneficial hydro-power co-operation, and strong trade and economic linkages." The visit scheduled from August 17 to 18 will be the second visit of PM Modi to the South Asian country. Bhutan was PM's first foreign destination after assuming office in 2014. The Prime Minister is expected to leave by 10 am on Saturday. The itinerary of the prime minister's official tour includes a visit to Simtokha Dzong, a monastery built by Ngawang Namgyal who unified Bhutan. He will then receive audiences with Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the fourth King of Bhutan Jigme Singye Wangchuck and hold talks with Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dr. Lotay Tshering. The PM will meet all members of the Bhutanese Parliament, deliver a major address at the Royal University of Bhutan and will also visit the national monument. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "PM is looking forward to his visit to Bhutan. He has a very strong personal relationship with both majesties the king, his majesty the fourth king as well as the Prime Minister Dr Lotay who also graced the swearing-in the ceremony of PM in May. We are confident as a result of this visit our unique relationship with Bhutan will be further strengthened. " Asked about Thimpu's view on India abrogating article 370, Foreign Secretary said, "Bhutan has shown understanding that this is a matter of India's internal affairs" Focus on space, hydroelectric, Rupay card Prime minister during his visit will inaugurate Mangdechhu hydropower, a ground station build by ISRO at the cost of Rs 7 crore in Thimpu which will help Bhutan use the transponder in the south Asian satellite and roll out RuPay card. The ground station will help in disaster management and communication service by Bhutan broadcasting service. Built-in the Trongsa Dzongkhag district, 720MW Mangdechhu hydroelectric plant is the fourth power project which is in joint commission with Bhutan. It has four units, three of which have already been commissioned. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale called it the most effective hydro project in South Asia. It is on 70 per cent loan and 30 per cent grant and New Delhi will also sign the Mangdechhu power purchase agreement. It will also start discussions on Sankosh multipurpose hydroelectric project which will generate 250 MW electricity. Bhutan exports three fourth of power generated, which is surplus, to India and uses rest for domestic consumption. Bhutan will be the second country to roll out RuPay card. The card will be rolled out in two phases, the first phase by Indian banks and the second by Bhutanese banks. The trials happened in March. China: Dragon in the room This will be the first visit by PM Modi to Bhutan after the Doklam crisis of 2017. The crisis saw a two-month-long standoff between Indian and Chinese army in Bhutanese territory of Doklam which is claimed by Beijing but is part of Bhutan "We will review defence and security and that includes situation along the India-Bhutan boundary," Foreign Secretary said. Asked if China plans to open a representative office, Gohakle said, "We enjoy a relation with Bhutan in which neither side will surprise each other. We are confident that we will be taken into confidence in anything that the royal government of Bhutan does. The MEA in its release, talking about the ties between the two countries said, "India and Bhutan share a special and time-tested partnership" which are "anchored in mutual understanding and respect and reinforced by a shared cultural heritage and strong people to people links." New Bhutanese Prime Minister Lyonchhen (Dr.) Lotay Tshering was on a state visit to India in December 2018. India during that incoming visit announced Rs 5000 crore for Bhutan's twefth five-year plan and the first tranche has already been given. Earlier this year, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited the South Asian nation, his first visit abroad after taking charge. During PM's visit to Bhutan in 2014, he addressed the Joint Session of Bhutanese Parliament, laid the foundation stone of the 600 MW Kholongchhu Hydropower Project and inaugurated the Supreme Court building which was constructed with the assistance of the Government of India.

With focus on space, hydropower and RuPay cards; PM Modi to leave for Bhutan on Saturday

To prepare for the next mission to Mars in 2020, NASA has taken to the lava fields of Iceland to get its new robotic space explorer ready for the job. With its black basalt sand, wind-swept dunes and craggy peaks, the Lambahraun lava field at the foot of Iceland's second biggest glacier, Langjokull, was chosen as a stand-in for the Red Planet's surface.

NASA descends on Icelandic lava field to prepare for Mars

SpaceX had two successful launches in the last 24 hrs. In this video of WION playlist, we will tell you about both of them.

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India’s success is causing heartburn in neighbourhood, Pakistan asks to relook space rules

US will lead world in space exploration: Mike Pence

The SpaceX Dragon capsule successfully splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean on Friday after more than six days in space, completing its demonstration mission for US space agency NASA.

Launched on Saturday from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a mission to demonstrate that it could carry astronauts to the International Space Station, Dragon docked at the station the following day before detaching early Friday for its return to Earth.

Live footage from NASA showed the capsule's four main parachutes opened without a hitch, and it splashed down at 8:45 am (1345 GMT).

The SpaceX Dragon capsule successfully splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean on Friday after more than six days in space, completing its demonstration mission for US space agency NASA.

The SpaceX Dragon capsule successfully splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean on Friday after more than six days in space, completing its demonstration mission for US space agency NASA. Launched on Saturday from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a mission to demonstrate that it could carry astronauts to the International Space Station, Dragon docked at the station the following day before detaching early Friday for its return to Earth. Live footage from NASA showed the capsule's four main parachutes opened without a hitch, and it splashed down at 8:45 am (1345 GMT).

SpaceX Dragon capsule splashes down in Atlantic Ocean: NASA

British billionaire Richard Branson plans to travel to space within the next four or five months aboard his own Virgin Galactic spaceship, he told AFP Thursday.&nbsp;

"My wish is to go up on the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, that's what we're working on," the head of the Virgin group said on the sidelines of an event to honor Virgin Galactic at the Air and Space Museum in Washington.&nbsp;

The American Apollo 11 mission landed on the moon July 20, 1969.

Virgin Galactic is one of two companies, along with Blue Origin, on its way to sending passengers into space -- though just barely, and just for a few minutes.&nbsp;

The companies want to send hundreds or thousands of people on these short "suborbital" flights, meaning they wouldn't get high enough to orbit the earth.&nbsp;

These missions would be shorter and more affordable than SpaceX's planned project to send a Japanese billionaire to the moon by 2023 at the earliest.&nbsp;

Virgin Galactic flew 50 miles (80 km) above the earth, which the US considers the edge of space, for the first time in December (the international consensus is 100 km).&nbsp;

Virgin Galactic's spaceship, called SpaceShipTwo, is commanded by two pilots.&nbsp;

To take off, it's dropped by a carrier plane like a bomb, then starts its own engine to jet off straight into the sky, eventually climbing high enough to see the curvature of the earth.&nbsp;

The craft hovers and descends naturally, gliding back towards its original departure point, Mojave Air and Space Port in California.

It will be able to carry six passengers along with its two pilots.&nbsp;

Branson has previously announced dates for this first trip into space, though they've always come and gone without the voyage happening.

But this time the businessman claims preparations are in their final stages.&nbsp;

"By July we should have done enough testing," he said.&nbsp;

But he doesn't want to make any promises he can't keep: "I need to wait for our team to say they're 100% happy. I don't want to push them," he said, but thinks they'll be ready for clients by the end of the year.&nbsp;

He told AFP Virgin Galactic costs him $35 million a month; previously, he said he had invested more than a billion dollars in the venture since the 2000s.

According to Branson, the SpaceShipTwo's next test flight is planned for February 20, depending on weather conditions.&nbsp;

British billionaire Richard Branson plans to travel to space within the next four or five months aboard his own Virgin Galactic spaceship, he told AFP Thursday. "My wish is to go up on the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, that's what we're working on," the head of the Virgin group said on the sidelines of an event to honor Virgin Galactic at the Air and Space Museum in Washington.

British billionaire Richard Branson plans to travel to space within the next four or five months aboard his own Virgin Galactic spaceship, he told AFP Thursday. "My wish is to go up on the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, that's what we're working on," the head of the Virgin group said on the sidelines of an event to honor Virgin Galactic at the Air and Space Museum in Washington. The American Apollo 11 mission landed on the moon July 20, 1969. Virgin Galactic is one of two companies, along with Blue Origin, on its way to sending passengers into space -- though just barely, and just for a few minutes. The companies want to send hundreds or thousands of people on these short "suborbital" flights, meaning they wouldn't get high enough to orbit the earth. These missions would be shorter and more affordable than SpaceX's planned project to send a Japanese billionaire to the moon by 2023 at the earliest. Virgin Galactic flew 50 miles (80 km) above the earth, which the US considers the edge of space, for the first time in December (the international consensus is 100 km). Virgin Galactic's spaceship, called SpaceShipTwo, is commanded by two pilots. To take off, it's dropped by a carrier plane like a bomb, then starts its own engine to jet off straight into the sky, eventually climbing high enough to see the curvature of the earth. The craft hovers and descends naturally, gliding back towards its original departure point, Mojave Air and Space Port in California. It will be able to carry six passengers along with its two pilots. Branson has previously announced dates for this first trip into space, though they've always come and gone without the voyage happening. But this time the businessman claims preparations are in their final stages. "By July we should have done enough testing," he said. But he doesn't want to make any promises he can't keep: "I need to wait for our team to say they're 100% happy. I don't want to push them," he said, but thinks they'll be ready for clients by the end of the year. He told AFP Virgin Galactic costs him $35 million a month; previously, he said he had invested more than a billion dollars in the venture since the 2000s. According to Branson, the SpaceShipTwo's next test flight is planned for February 20, depending on weather conditions.

Virgin Group's Richard Branson says he'll fly to space by July

By Joshua Chou

The world is still celebrating the historic landing of China’s Chang’e-4 on the far side of the moon on January 3. China has announced its plans to follow up with three more lunar missions, laying the groundwork for a lunar base.

Colonising the Moon, and beyond, has always being a human aspiration. Technological advancements, and the discovery of a considerable source of water close to the lunar poles, has made this idea even more appealing.

But how close is China to actually achieving this goal?

If we focus on the technology currently available, China could start building a base on the Moon today.

The first lunar base

The first lunar base would likely be an unmanned facility run by automated robotics – similar to Amazon warehouses – to ensure that the necessary infrastructures and support systems are fully operational before people arrive.

The lunar environment is susceptible to deep vacuum conditions, strong temperature fluctuations and solar radiation, among other conditions hostile to humans. More importantly, we have yet to fully understand the long term impact on the human body of being in space, and on the Moon.

Seeds taken to the Moon by the Chang'e-4 mission have now reportedly sprouted. This is the first time plants have been grown on the Moon, paving the way for a future food farm on the lunar base.

Building a lunar base is no different than building the first oil rig out in the ocean. The logistics of moving construction parts must be considered, feasibility studies must be conducted and, in this case, soil samples must be tested.

China has taken the first step by examining the soil of the lunar surface. This is necessary for building an underground habitat and supporting infrastructure that will shield the base from the harsh surface conditions.

3D printed everything

Of all the possible technologies for building a lunar base, 3D printing offers the most effective strategy. 3D printing on Earth has revolutionised manufacturing productivity and efficiency, reducing both waste and cost.

China’s vision is to develop the capability to 3D print both inside and outside of the lunar base. 3D printers have the potential to make everything from daily items, like drinking cups, to repair parts for the base.

But 3D printing in space is a real challenge. It will require new technologies that can operate in the microgravity environment of the Moon. 3D printing machines that are able to shape parts in the vacuum of space must be developed.

New materials are required

We know that Earth materials, such as fibre optics, change properties once they are in space. So materials that are effective on Earth, might not be effective on the Moon.

Whatever the intended use of the 3D printed component, it will have to be resistant to the conditions of the lunar environment. So the development of printing material is crucial. Step-by-step, researchers are finding and developing new materials and technologies to address this challenge.

For example, researchers in Germany expect to have the first “ready to use” stainless steel tools to be 3D printed under microgravity in the near future. NASA also demonstrated 3D printing technology in zero gravity showing it is feasible to 3D print in space.

On a larger scale, we have seen houses being 3D printed on Earth. In a similar way, the lunar base will likely be built using prefabricated parts in combination with large-scale 3D printing.

Examples of what this might look like can be seen to entries in the 3D printed habitat challenge, which was started by NASA in 2005. The competition seeks to advance 3D printing construction technology needed to create sustainable housing solutions for Earth, the Moon, Mars and beyond.

Living on the Moon

So far, we’ve focused on the technological feasibility of building a lunar base, but we also need to consider the long term effect of lunar living on humans. To date, limited studies have been conducted to examine the biological impact on human physiology at the cellular level.

We know that the human organs, tissues and cells are highly responsive to gravity, but an understanding of how human cells function and regenerate is currently lacking.

What happens if the astronauts get sick? Will medicine from Earth still work? If astronauts are to live on the Moon, these fundamental questions need to be answered.

In the long term, 3D bioprinting of human organs and tissues will play a crucial role in sustaining lunar missions by allowing for robotic surgeries. Russia recently demonstrated the first 3D bioprinter to function under microgravity.

To infinity and beyond

Can China build a lunar base? Absolutely. Can human beings survive on the Moon and other planets for the long term? The answer to that is less clear.

What is certain is that China will use the next 10 to 15 years to develop the requisite technical capabilities for conducting manned lunar missions and set the stage for space exploration.

 
(Joshua Chou is Senior lecturer, University of Technology Sydney) 
 
(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-realistic-are-chinas-plans-to-build-a-research-station-on-the-moon-109942">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

By Joshua Chou The world is still celebrating the historic landing of China’s Chang’e-4 on the far side of the moon on January 3. China has announced its plans to follow up with three more lunar missions, laying the groundwork for a lunar base.

By Joshua Chou The world is still celebrating the historic landing of China’s Chang’e-4 on the far side of the moon on January 3. China has announced its plans to follow up with three more lunar missions, laying the groundwork for a lunar base. Colonising the Moon, and beyond, has always being a human aspiration. Technological advancements, and the discovery of a considerable source of water close to the lunar poles, has made this idea even more appealing. But how close is China to actually achieving this goal? If we focus on the technology currently available, China could start building a base on the Moon today. The first lunar base The first lunar base would likely be an unmanned facility run by automated robotics – similar to Amazon warehouses – to ensure that the necessary infrastructures and support systems are fully operational before people arrive. The lunar environment is susceptible to deep vacuum conditions, strong temperature fluctuations and solar radiation, among other conditions hostile to humans. More importantly, we have yet to fully understand the long term impact on the human body of being in space, and on the Moon. Seeds taken to the Moon by the Chang'e-4 mission have now reportedly sprouted. This is the first time plants have been grown on the Moon, paving the way for a future food farm on the lunar base. Building a lunar base is no different than building the first oil rig out in the ocean. The logistics of moving construction parts must be considered, feasibility studies must be conducted and, in this case, soil samples must be tested. China has taken the first step by examining the soil of the lunar surface. This is necessary for building an underground habitat and supporting infrastructure that will shield the base from the harsh surface conditions. 3D printed everything Of all the possible technologies for building a lunar base, 3D printing offers the most effective strategy. 3D printing on Earth has revolutionised manufacturing productivity and efficiency, reducing both waste and cost. China’s vision is to develop the capability to 3D print both inside and outside of the lunar base. 3D printers have the potential to make everything from daily items, like drinking cups, to repair parts for the base. But 3D printing in space is a real challenge. It will require new technologies that can operate in the microgravity environment of the Moon. 3D printing machines that are able to shape parts in the vacuum of space must be developed. New materials are required We know that Earth materials, such as fibre optics, change properties once they are in space. So materials that are effective on Earth, might not be effective on the Moon. Whatever the intended use of the 3D printed component, it will have to be resistant to the conditions of the lunar environment. So the development of printing material is crucial. Step-by-step, researchers are finding and developing new materials and technologies to address this challenge. For example, researchers in Germany expect to have the first “ready to use” stainless steel tools to be 3D printed under microgravity in the near future. NASA also demonstrated 3D printing technology in zero gravity showing it is feasible to 3D print in space. On a larger scale, we have seen houses being 3D printed on Earth. In a similar way, the lunar base will likely be built using prefabricated parts in combination with large-scale 3D printing. Examples of what this might look like can be seen to entries in the 3D printed habitat challenge, which was started by NASA in 2005. The competition seeks to advance 3D printing construction technology needed to create sustainable housing solutions for Earth, the Moon, Mars and beyond. Living on the Moon So far, we’ve focused on the technological feasibility of building a lunar base, but we also need to consider the long term effect of lunar living on humans. To date, limited studies have been conducted to examine the biological impact on human physiology at the cellular level. We know that the human organs, tissues and cells are highly responsive to gravity, but an understanding of how human cells function and regenerate is currently lacking. What happens if the astronauts get sick? Will medicine from Earth still work? If astronauts are to live on the Moon, these fundamental questions need to be answered. In the long term, 3D bioprinting of human organs and tissues will play a crucial role in sustaining lunar missions by allowing for robotic surgeries. Russia recently demonstrated the first 3D bioprinter to function under microgravity. To infinity and beyond Can China build a lunar base? Absolutely. Can human beings survive on the Moon and other planets for the long term? The answer to that is less clear. What is certain is that China will use the next 10 to 15 years to develop the requisite technical capabilities for conducting manned lunar missions and set the stage for space exploration. (Joshua Chou is Senior lecturer, University of Technology Sydney) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

How realistic are China’s plans to build a research station on the Moon?

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