<p>Saudi Arabia is planning to launch two astronauts to the International Space Station aboard a space capsule from Elon Musk's SpaceX, becoming the latest Gulf nation to strengthen ties with private U.S. space companies, according to three people familiar with the arrangement.</p>

<p>The sources, speaking anonymously to discuss the mission's crew before its formal announcement, said the deal was signed privately earlier this year with Houston's Axiom Space, which arranges and manages private missions to space on U.S. spacecraft for researchers and tourists.</p>

<p>Under the deal, two Saudi astronauts will ride SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule to the space station for a roughly weeklong stay early next year, the sources said. The Saudis would be the first from their country to go into space aboard a private spacecraft.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-western-allies-condemn-russian-referendum-plans-for-occupied-regions-518218" hreflang="en">Ukraine's Western allies condemn Russian referendum plans for occupied regions</a></p>

<p>Axiom had no immediate comment. Officials with the Saudi Space Commission, Riyadh's space agency founded in 2018, were not immediately available to comment.</p>

<p>Private U.S. companies have increasingly played a key role in sending astronauts to the space station as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the U.S. space agency now focusing heavily on returning humans to the moon, looks to commercialize the United States' decades-old human spaceflight presence in low-Earth orbit.</p>

<p>The deal would mark the latest that puts companies like Axiom in a unique role of diplomacy long dominated by government agencies like NASA. The space station is a football field-sized laboratory some 250 miles (400 km) above Earth that has housed international crews of astronauts for over 20 years.</p>

<p>The Saudi astronauts will join two previously announced Americans, retired NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and race car driver and investor John Shoffner, the sources said. The mission, called Ax-2, will be the second spaceflight arranged by Axiom.</p>

<p>The private astronauts aboard Ax-2 have yet to be approved by a NASA-chaired panel of the space station's participating stakeholders and countries, such as Russia, Canada, Japan and the European Space Agency, a U.S. official said. The official added that the mission is likely to receive approval.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-canadian-warships-sail-through-taiwan-strait-second-time-in-three-weeks-518244">US &amp; Canadian warships sail through Taiwan Strait, second time in three weeks</a></p>

<p>For Axiom and other space companies, cutting deals with foreign governments is seen as vital to sustaining a business centered on putting people in space. Putting people into space is a luxury for wealthy adventure seekers and a source of national prestige and inspiration for aspiring space powers like Saudi Arabia.</p>

<p>Axiom launched its first private mission to the space station in April, sending a four-man crew to the space station aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule that included a Canadian investor and an Israeli businessman.</p>

<p>And Axiom on Monday announced a deal with Turkey to launch the country's first two astronauts into space in late 2023. That will likely be for mission Ax-3, according to a person familiar with the flight.</p>

<p>Axiom's astronaut flight business is crucial experience for the company's broader goals of deploying its own private space station by mid-decade. It plans to first attach modules to the ISS before splitting off into a fully private structure once the existing international laboratory is retired around 2030.</p>

<p>The value of Axiom's Saudi agreement was not clear. Each Crew Dragon seat on Axiom's first mission sold for $55 million each.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Saudi Arabia is planning to launch two astronauts to the International Space Station aboard a space capsule from Elon Musk's SpaceX, becoming the latest Gulf nation to strengthen ties with private U.

Saudi Arabia is planning to launch two astronauts to the International Space Station aboard a space capsule from Elon Musk's SpaceX, becoming the latest Gulf nation to strengthen ties with private U.S. space companies, according to three people familiar with the arrangement. The sources, speaking anonymously to discuss the mission's crew before its formal announcement, said the deal was signed privately earlier this year with Houston's Axiom Space, which arranges and manages private missions to space on U.S. spacecraft for researchers and tourists. Under the deal, two Saudi astronauts will ride SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule to the space station for a roughly weeklong stay early next year, the sources said. The Saudis would be the first from their country to go into space aboard a private spacecraft. Also read | Ukraine's Western allies condemn Russian referendum plans for occupied regions Axiom had no immediate comment. Officials with the Saudi Space Commission, Riyadh's space agency founded in 2018, were not immediately available to comment. Private U.S. companies have increasingly played a key role in sending astronauts to the space station as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the U.S. space agency now focusing heavily on returning humans to the moon, looks to commercialize the United States' decades-old human spaceflight presence in low-Earth orbit. The deal would mark the latest that puts companies like Axiom in a unique role of diplomacy long dominated by government agencies like NASA. The space station is a football field-sized laboratory some 250 miles (400 km) above Earth that has housed international crews of astronauts for over 20 years. The Saudi astronauts will join two previously announced Americans, retired NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and race car driver and investor John Shoffner, the sources said. The mission, called Ax-2, will be the second spaceflight arranged by Axiom. The private astronauts aboard Ax-2 have yet to be approved by a NASA-chaired panel of the space station's participating stakeholders and countries, such as Russia, Canada, Japan and the European Space Agency, a U.S. official said. The official added that the mission is likely to receive approval. Also read | US & Canadian warships sail through Taiwan Strait, second time in three weeks For Axiom and other space companies, cutting deals with foreign governments is seen as vital to sustaining a business centered on putting people in space. Putting people into space is a luxury for wealthy adventure seekers and a source of national prestige and inspiration for aspiring space powers like Saudi Arabia. Axiom launched its first private mission to the space station in April, sending a four-man crew to the space station aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule that included a Canadian investor and an Israeli businessman. And Axiom on Monday announced a deal with Turkey to launch the country's first two astronauts into space in late 2023. That will likely be for mission Ax-3, according to a person familiar with the flight. Axiom's astronaut flight business is crucial experience for the company's broader goals of deploying its own private space station by mid-decade. It plans to first attach modules to the ISS before splitting off into a fully private structure once the existing international laboratory is retired around 2030. The value of Axiom's Saudi agreement was not clear. Each Crew Dragon seat on Axiom's first mission sold for $55 million each.

Saudi Arabia buys pair of SpaceX astronaut seats from Axiom - Sources

<p>Elon Musk’s SpaceX made it to Antarctica as the National Science Foundation (NSF) is in the midst of testing one of its Starlink terminals at one of the most extreme locations in the world. In a tweet, the NSF said that they are testing SpaceX’s Starlink terminal at McMurdo Station, based on an island right off the coast of Antarctica, as the company has shipped a Starlink dish to the US research facility.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The McMurdo Station is home to at least 1,000 people living and working there during the summer, where the satellite internet is not always reliable given the rough conditions. On Wednesday the tweet by NSF, while announcing SpaceX’s milestone, said that the scientists working in the U.S. Antarctic Programme were “over the moon”, with increasing bandwidth and connectivity. Further indicating that this will help scientists with their work on the remote continent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Subsequently, SpaceX’s Twitter account announced that Starlink is now on all seven continents and how its availability and capability in such a remote location like Antarctica is enabled by the project’s space laser network. Reportedly, McMurdo is one of the most heavily populated stations in Antarctica and while the station already had satellite internet it was really slow and described as patchy. Furthermore, everyone at the base currently shares a 17 Mbps link but will Starlink internet service will be better and not patchy like it was earlier, said the USAP.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Starlink is now on all seven continents! In such a remote location like Antarctica, this capability is enabled by Starlink's space laser network <a href="https://t.co/c9HX0xrX0u">https://t.co/c9HX0xrX0u</a></p>
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1570073223005622274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Along with SpaceX the other contender racing to cover the North Pole and other Artic areas with satellite internet was OneWeb. Reports also suggest that scientists at the McMurdo station were not allowed to use Netflix or take video calls except for Skype or FaceTime sessions once a week at a public kiosk or mission-critical communications. On the other hand, Starlink can offer a speed of up to 200 Mbps.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Musk, SpaceX is launching Starlink satellites approximately every five days or so and next year plans to launch at least 100 orbital missions. Notably, SpaceX completed its 40th mission so far this year which was marked by successfully launching 51 more Starlink satellites in space.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Elon Musk’s SpaceX made it to Antarctica as the National Science Foundation (NSF) is in the midst of testing one of its Starlink terminals at one of the most extreme locations in the world.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX made it to Antarctica as the National Science Foundation (NSF) is in the midst of testing one of its Starlink terminals at one of the most extreme locations in the world. In a tweet, the NSF said that they are testing SpaceX’s Starlink terminal at McMurdo Station, based on an island right off the coast of Antarctica, as the company has shipped a Starlink dish to the US research facility. The McMurdo Station is home to at least 1,000 people living and working there during the summer, where the satellite internet is not always reliable given the rough conditions. On Wednesday the tweet by NSF, while announcing SpaceX’s milestone, said that the scientists working in the U.S. Antarctic Programme were “over the moon”, with increasing bandwidth and connectivity. Further indicating that this will help scientists with their work on the remote continent. Subsequently, SpaceX’s Twitter account announced that Starlink is now on all seven continents and how its availability and capability in such a remote location like Antarctica is enabled by the project’s space laser network. Reportedly, McMurdo is one of the most heavily populated stations in Antarctica and while the station already had satellite internet it was really slow and described as patchy. Furthermore, everyone at the base currently shares a 17 Mbps link but will Starlink internet service will be better and not patchy like it was earlier, said the USAP. Starlink is now on all seven continents! In such a remote location like Antarctica, this capability is enabled by Starlink's space laser network https://t.co/c9HX0xrX0u — SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 14, 2022 × Along with SpaceX the other contender racing to cover the North Pole and other Artic areas with satellite internet was OneWeb. Reports also suggest that scientists at the McMurdo station were not allowed to use Netflix or take video calls except for Skype or FaceTime sessions once a week at a public kiosk or mission-critical communications. On the other hand, Starlink can offer a speed of up to 200 Mbps. According to Musk, SpaceX is launching Starlink satellites approximately every five days or so and next year plans to launch at least 100 orbital missions. Notably, SpaceX completed its 40th mission so far this year which was marked by successfully launching 51 more Starlink satellites in space. (With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX Starlink satellite internet service reaches 'all seven continents'

<p>NASA may have had to postpone (and postpone) launch of its Artemis mission but SpaceX, the company helmed by billionaire Elon Musk is continuing its breathtaking pace of sending its Starlink satellites in space.</p>

<p>Just 32 hours after NASA called off launch of Artemis-1 for the second time, SpaceX's Falcon-9 took to skies with 51 Starlink satellites. The launch took place on Sunday night (September 4). The rocket was launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Base in the US.</p>

<p>The company was able to land the first stage booster rocket. This was its seventh flight.</p>

<p>To date, SpaceX has carried out 61 Starlink launches. This year, the company has carried out 26 launches. Starlink satellites are part of a constellation of satellites SpaceX aims to establish around the Earth. The first operational deployment took place in 2019. More than 3200 satellites have been sent to orbit till now, as per numbers tracked by astronomer Jonathan McDowell.</p>

<p>In 2021, Elon Musk's SpaceX won Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval to fly 2,824 satellites at a lower orbit to provide high-speed broadband internet services to people who currently lack access.</p>

<p>Competitors Viasat Inc and DISH Network Corp challenged the FCC approval, but a U.S. appeals court recently upheld the FCC decision.</p>

<p>Viasat said it believes the "decision is a setback for both space safety and environmental protection."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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NASA may have had to postpone (and postpone) launch of its Artemis mission but SpaceX, the company helmed by billionaire Elon Musk is continuing its breathtaking pace of sending its Starlink satellites in space.

NASA may have had to postpone (and postpone) launch of its Artemis mission but SpaceX, the company helmed by billionaire Elon Musk is continuing its breathtaking pace of sending its Starlink satellites in space. Just 32 hours after NASA called off launch of Artemis-1 for the second time, SpaceX's Falcon-9 took to skies with 51 Starlink satellites. The launch took place on Sunday night (September 4). The rocket was launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Base in the US. The company was able to land the first stage booster rocket. This was its seventh flight. To date, SpaceX has carried out 61 Starlink launches. This year, the company has carried out 26 launches. Starlink satellites are part of a constellation of satellites SpaceX aims to establish around the Earth. The first operational deployment took place in 2019. More than 3200 satellites have been sent to orbit till now, as per numbers tracked by astronomer Jonathan McDowell. In 2021, Elon Musk's SpaceX won Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval to fly 2,824 satellites at a lower orbit to provide high-speed broadband internet services to people who currently lack access. Competitors Viasat Inc and DISH Network Corp challenged the FCC approval, but a U.S. appeals court recently upheld the FCC decision. Viasat said it believes the "decision is a setback for both space safety and environmental protection." (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

While NASA struggles, SpaceX sends 51 satellites to space

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1a7de618-b08a-4e4c-8ee0-7b8bcd5249de}{154}" paraid="786513925" >Tesla has been looking to perfect the self-driving technology in their cars for quite some time and it looks like the solution is almost ready. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on Monday that the company is looking to have the technology ready by the end of the year and added that it can be widely released in both United and Europe around the same time if they can acquire the necessary regulatory approvals.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{65bb385d-7f62-40ec-98d2-fc1b16eb381b}{240}" paraid="1417706479" >Musk was in attendance at an energy conference in Norway and when asked about Tesla’s plans, he said that the complete focus is currently on self-driving electric cars and the SpaceX Starship program. &nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{65bb385d-7f62-40ec-98d2-fc1b16eb381b}{240}" paraid="1417706479" >Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-protests-firing-after-sadrs-political-exit-army-declares-curfew-511255" hreflang="en">Iraq: Protests and firing after Sadr's political exit, 15 protesters shot dead</a></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{07b18ce0-f614-4d5e-bfc7-14a7b113f739}{100}" paraid="1303960355" >"The two technologies I am focused on, trying to ideally get done before the end of the year, are getting our Starship into orbit ... and then having Tesla cars to be able to do self-driving,” he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1a7de618-b08a-4e4c-8ee0-7b8bcd5249de}{30}" paraid="906565006" >"Have self-driving in wide release at least in the U.S., and ... potentially in Europe, depending on regulatory approval," Musk added according to Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{029d43c3-e063-4dce-8238-14cf5655830e}{83}" paraid="1949507014" >Musk also said that although the world is moving towards sustainable sources of energy, it will be necessary to extract oil and gases in order to continue operations at present. &nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{029d43c3-e063-4dce-8238-14cf5655830e}{83}" paraid="1949507014" >Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-a-spike-in-covid-cases-china-closes-worlds-largest-electronic-market-in-shenzhen-511257">China closes world's largest electronic market in Shenzhen</a></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{029d43c3-e063-4dce-8238-14cf5655830e}{133}" paraid="17502169" >"Realistically I think we need to use oil and gas in the short term, because otherwise, civilisation will crumble," Musk told reporters on the sidelines of the conference according to Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1a7de618-b08a-4e4c-8ee0-7b8bcd5249de}{46}" paraid="156041185" >"One of the biggest challenges the world has ever faced is the transition to sustainable energy and to a sustainable economy," he said. "That will take some decades to complete." He said offshore wind power generation in the North Sea, combined with stationary battery packs, could become a key source of energy. "It could provide a strong, sustainable energy source in winter," he further explained.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{512b933f-149b-4ee1-8718-86a58057475b}{254}" paraid="999384062" >(With inputs from agencies)</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{512b933f-149b-4ee1-8718-86a58057475b}{254}" paraid="999384062" ><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE -</strong></p>

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Tesla has been looking to perfect the self-driving technology in their cars for quite some time and it looks like the solution is almost ready. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on Monday that the company is looking to have the technology ready by the end of the year and added that it can be widely released in both United and Europe around the same time if they can acquire the necessary regulatory approvals.

Tesla has been looking to perfect the self-driving technology in their cars for quite some time and it looks like the solution is almost ready. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on Monday that the company is looking to have the technology ready by the end of the year and added that it can be widely released in both United and Europe around the same time if they can acquire the necessary regulatory approvals. Musk was in attendance at an energy conference in Norway and when asked about Tesla’s plans, he said that the complete focus is currently on self-driving electric cars and the SpaceX Starship program. Also read | Iraq: Protests and firing after Sadr's political exit, 15 protesters shot dead "The two technologies I am focused on, trying to ideally get done before the end of the year, are getting our Starship into orbit ... and then having Tesla cars to be able to do self-driving,” he said. "Have self-driving in wide release at least in the U.S., and ... potentially in Europe, depending on regulatory approval," Musk added according to Reuters. Musk also said that although the world is moving towards sustainable sources of energy, it will be necessary to extract oil and gases in order to continue operations at present. Also read | China closes world's largest electronic market in Shenzhen "Realistically I think we need to use oil and gas in the short term, because otherwise, civilisation will crumble," Musk told reporters on the sidelines of the conference according to Reuters. "One of the biggest challenges the world has ever faced is the transition to sustainable energy and to a sustainable economy," he said. "That will take some decades to complete." He said offshore wind power generation in the North Sea, combined with stationary battery packs, could become a key source of energy. "It could provide a strong, sustainable energy source in winter," he further explained. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

Self-driving cars from Tesla to be ready by year-end, says Elon Musk

<p>Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is well known for spending a lot of time in his office and his mother – Maye Musk – has revealed that even she has to adjust while visiting her son in Texas. The 74-year-old model said in a recent interview that Musk does not have much interest in possessions despite his wealth and she has to "sleep in the garage" while visiting him at the SpaceX headquarters.</p>

<p>"You can't have a fancy house near a rocket site," Maye told The Sunday Times.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/utah-man-killed-in-police-encounter-video-demonstrates-lack-of-de-escalation-510997" hreflang="en">Utah man killed in police encounter; video demonstrates lack of de-escalation</a></p>

<p>Currently, Musk lives in a rental apartment which is not very far from the SpaceX offices.</p>

<p>Musk himself has said a number of times that doesn't "even own a home" and when the situation arises, he stays "at friend's places". He is also known to spend a number of nights in the office during launches and in 2020, he even said that he will end up selling all his properties around the world.</p>

<p>"I am selling almost all physical possessions. Will own no house," he said on Twitter at that time, and added - "Don't need the cash. Possession just weighs you down."</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/noida-supertech-twin-towers-demolished-with-3700-kg-of-explosives-watch-510850" hreflang="en">Noida Supertech twin towers demolished with 3700 kg of explosives - WATCH</a></p>

<p>In the interview, Musk’s mother also spoke about her son’s ambition to take SpaceX to Mars and although Elon has expressed his desire to travel to the plant, she does not share his dreams.</p>

<p>"You have to have six months of preparation and isolation and that just doesn't appeal to me. But if my kids want me to do it, I will do it,” she said when asked whether she wants to go to Mars.</p>

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Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is well known for spending a lot of time in his office and his mother – Maye Musk – has revealed that even she has to adjust while visiting her son in Texas.

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is well known for spending a lot of time in his office and his mother – Maye Musk – has revealed that even she has to adjust while visiting her son in Texas. The 74-year-old model said in a recent interview that Musk does not have much interest in possessions despite his wealth and she has to "sleep in the garage" while visiting him at the SpaceX headquarters. "You can't have a fancy house near a rocket site," Maye told The Sunday Times. Also read | Utah man killed in police encounter; video demonstrates lack of de-escalation Currently, Musk lives in a rental apartment which is not very far from the SpaceX offices. Musk himself has said a number of times that doesn't "even own a home" and when the situation arises, he stays "at friend's places". He is also known to spend a number of nights in the office during launches and in 2020, he even said that he will end up selling all his properties around the world. "I am selling almost all physical possessions. Will own no house," he said on Twitter at that time, and added - "Don't need the cash. Possession just weighs you down." Also read | Noida Supertech twin towers demolished with 3700 kg of explosives - WATCH In the interview, Musk’s mother also spoke about her son’s ambition to take SpaceX to Mars and although Elon has expressed his desire to travel to the plant, she does not share his dreams. "You have to have six months of preparation and isolation and that just doesn't appeal to me. But if my kids want me to do it, I will do it,” she said when asked whether she wants to go to Mars. WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

'Can't have a fancy house...': Why Elon Musk makes his mother sleep in garage when she visits him

SpaceX founder Elon Musk says that the T-Mobile will be using the Starlink satellites to provide mobile users with network access in parts of the United States and with this users will be able to send texts and images where cell coverage does not currently exist.

T-Mobile to use Starlink satellites to provide network access

<p>Nine corporate governance experts told news agency Reuters that billionaire Elon Musk's decision to have children with one of his top executives at Neuralink has pushed the limits of corporate governance norms.</p>

<p>The Tesla CEO, who is chief engineer of SpaceX and co-founder of Neuralink, had twin babies with Shivon Zilis last November.</p>

<p>According to five people familiar with the situation, Zilis told some of her colleagues that she was not involved romantically with Musk.</p>

<p>The 36-year-old, who used to report directly to Musk, conceived the children with him through in vitro fertilisation (IVF).</p>

<p>The corporate governance experts said that relationships between supervisors and subordinates are frowned upon at companies and have cost some high-profile CEOs their jobs.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-secretly-welcomed-twins-with-one-of-his-top-executives-reports-495153">Also read |&nbsp;Elon Musk secretly welcomed twins with one of his top executives: Reports</a></strong></p>

<p>Interestingly, “personal relationships” and “close personal friendships” between employees are prohibited as per Neuralink’s 62-page handbook.</p>

<p>Referring to the Neuralink code of conduct, Nell Minow, vice chair of corporate governance consultancy ValueEdge Advisors, said “Whatever lawyer wrote this language did not contemplate this situation.”</p>

<p>Although the company wants to avoid conflicts of interest due to relationships between employees, the situation appeared to “fall between the cracks”, according to Minow.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-as-shivon-zilis-the-mother-of-elon-musks-twins-495490">Also read |&nbsp;Who is Shivon Zilis, the mother of Elon Musk’s twins?</a></strong></p>

<p>In order to eliminate any conflict, employees are advised to disclose such interests to the company’s “people operations manager”.</p>

<p>A source familiar with the company’s handling of the matter told Reuters that Zilis' description of a non-romantic relationship has been accepted by Neuralink.</p>

<p>Taking the helm at internal and external company meetings, Musk and Zilis both have also continued working together.</p>

<p>Not only have they listed the same address in Texas, but the court filing published by Insider also shows that they asked for the children to take Musk’s last name.</p>

<p>Zilis having children with Musk through IVF should be read as having a “personal relationship” or “close friendship” under Neuralink’s code of conduct, according to four corporate governance experts.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Nine corporate governance experts told news agency Reuters that billionaire Elon Musk's decision to have children with one of his top executives at Neuralink has pushed the limits of corporate governance norms.

Nine corporate governance experts told news agency Reuters that billionaire Elon Musk's decision to have children with one of his top executives at Neuralink has pushed the limits of corporate governance norms. The Tesla CEO, who is chief engineer of SpaceX and co-founder of Neuralink, had twin babies with Shivon Zilis last November. According to five people familiar with the situation, Zilis told some of her colleagues that she was not involved romantically with Musk. The 36-year-old, who used to report directly to Musk, conceived the children with him through in vitro fertilisation (IVF). The corporate governance experts said that relationships between supervisors and subordinates are frowned upon at companies and have cost some high-profile CEOs their jobs. Also read | Elon Musk secretly welcomed twins with one of his top executives: Reports Interestingly, “personal relationships” and “close personal friendships” between employees are prohibited as per Neuralink’s 62-page handbook. Referring to the Neuralink code of conduct, Nell Minow, vice chair of corporate governance consultancy ValueEdge Advisors, said “Whatever lawyer wrote this language did not contemplate this situation.” Although the company wants to avoid conflicts of interest due to relationships between employees, the situation appeared to “fall between the cracks”, according to Minow. Also read | Who is Shivon Zilis, the mother of Elon Musk’s twins? In order to eliminate any conflict, employees are advised to disclose such interests to the company’s “people operations manager”. A source familiar with the company’s handling of the matter told Reuters that Zilis' description of a non-romantic relationship has been accepted by Neuralink. Taking the helm at internal and external company meetings, Musk and Zilis both have also continued working together. Not only have they listed the same address in Texas, but the court filing published by Insider also shows that they asked for the children to take Musk’s last name. Zilis having children with Musk through IVF should be read as having a “personal relationship” or “close friendship” under Neuralink’s code of conduct, according to four corporate governance experts. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Limits of corporate governance norms being tested by Musk's decision of having children with aide

<p>The European Space Agency (ESA) has begun preliminary technical discussions with Elon Musk's SpaceX that could lead to the temporary use of its launchers after the Ukraine conflict blocked Western access to Russia's Soyuz rockets.</p>

<p>The private American competitor to Europe's Arianespace has emerged as a key contender to plug a temporary gap alongside Japan and India, but final decisions depend on the still unresolved timetable for Europe's delayed Ariane 6 rocket.</p>

<p>"I would say there are two and a half options that we're discussing. One is SpaceX that is clear. Another one is possibly Japan," ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher told Reuters.</p>

<p>"Japan is waiting for the inaugural flight of its next generation rocket. Another option could be India," he added in an interview.</p>

<p>"SpaceX I would say is the more operational of those and certainly one of the back-up launches we are looking at."</p>

<p>Aschbacher said talks remained at an exploratory phase.</p>

<p>"We of course need to make sure that they are suitable. It's not like jumping on a bus," he said. For example, the interface between satellite and launcher must be suitable and the payload must not be compromised by unfamiliar types of launch vibration.</p>

<p>"We are looking into this technical compatibility but we have not asked for a commercial offer yet. We just want to make sure that it would be an option in order to make a decision on asking for a firm commercial offer," Aschbacher said.</p>

<p>SpaceX did not reply to a request for comment.</p>

<p>SpaceX's Falcon 9 has already swept up other customers severing ties with Moscow's increasingly isolated space sector amid the Ukraine conflict, but a high-profile European mission could be seen as a significant win for the U.S. rocket maker.</p>

<p>Aschbacher stressed any back-up solution would be temporary, however, adding he was not worried about the future of Ariane 6.</p>

<p>Satellite internet firm OneWeb, a competitor to SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet venture, booked at least one Falcon 9 launch in March. It has also booked an Indian launch.</p>

<p>On Monday, Northrop Grumman booked three Falcon 9 missions to ferry NASA cargo to the International Space Station while it designs a new version of its Antares rocket, whose Russian-made engines were withdrawn by Moscow in response to sanctions.</p>

<p><strong>'WAKE-UP CALL'</strong></p>

<p>Europe has until now depended on the Italian Vega for small payloads, Russia's Soyuz for medium ones and the Ariane 5 for heavy missions. Its next-generation Vega C staged a debut last month and the new Ariane 6, designed in two versions to replace both the Ariane 5 and Soyuz, has been delayed until next year.</p>

<p>Aschbacher said a more precise Ariane 6 schedule would be clearer by October after current hot-firing testing. ESA would then finalise a back-up plan to be presented to ministers of the agency's 22 nations in November, he said, adding the most recent Ariane 6 delay was not the result of any significant new setback.</p>

<p>"But yes, the likelihood of the need for back-up launches is high," he said. "The order of magnitude is certainly a good handful of launches that we would need interim solutions for."</p>

<p>Aschbacher said the Ukraine conflict had demonstrated Europe's decade-long cooperation strategy with Russia in gas supplies and other areas including space was no longer working.</p>

<p>"This was a wake up call, that we have been too dependent on Russia. And this wake-up call, we have to hope that decision makers realise it as much as I do, that we have to really strengthen our European capability and independence."</p>

<p>However, he played down the prospect of Russia carrying out a pledge to withdraw from the International Space Station (ISS).</p>

<p>Russia’s newly appointed space chief Yuri Borisov said in a televised meeting with President Vladimir Putin last month that Russia would withdraw from the ISS "after 2024".</p>

<p>But Borisov later clarified that Russia’s plans had not changed and Western officials said Russia’s space agency had not communicated any new pullout plans.</p>

<p>"The reality is that operationally, the work on the space station is proceeding, I would say almost nominally," Aschbacher told Reuters. "We do depend on each other, like it or not, but we have little choice."</p>


The European Space Agency (ESA) has begun preliminary technical discussions with Elon Musk's SpaceX that could lead to the temporary use of its launchers after the Ukraine conflict blocked Western access to Russia's Soyuz rockets.

The European Space Agency (ESA) has begun preliminary technical discussions with Elon Musk's SpaceX that could lead to the temporary use of its launchers after the Ukraine conflict blocked Western access to Russia's Soyuz rockets. The private American competitor to Europe's Arianespace has emerged as a key contender to plug a temporary gap alongside Japan and India, but final decisions depend on the still unresolved timetable for Europe's delayed Ariane 6 rocket. "I would say there are two and a half options that we're discussing. One is SpaceX that is clear. Another one is possibly Japan," ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher told Reuters. "Japan is waiting for the inaugural flight of its next generation rocket. Another option could be India," he added in an interview. "SpaceX I would say is the more operational of those and certainly one of the back-up launches we are looking at." Aschbacher said talks remained at an exploratory phase. "We of course need to make sure that they are suitable. It's not like jumping on a bus," he said. For example, the interface between satellite and launcher must be suitable and the payload must not be compromised by unfamiliar types of launch vibration. "We are looking into this technical compatibility but we have not asked for a commercial offer yet. We just want to make sure that it would be an option in order to make a decision on asking for a firm commercial offer," Aschbacher said. SpaceX did not reply to a request for comment. SpaceX's Falcon 9 has already swept up other customers severing ties with Moscow's increasingly isolated space sector amid the Ukraine conflict, but a high-profile European mission could be seen as a significant win for the U.S. rocket maker. Aschbacher stressed any back-up solution would be temporary, however, adding he was not worried about the future of Ariane 6. Satellite internet firm OneWeb, a competitor to SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet venture, booked at least one Falcon 9 launch in March. It has also booked an Indian launch. On Monday, Northrop Grumman booked three Falcon 9 missions to ferry NASA cargo to the International Space Station while it designs a new version of its Antares rocket, whose Russian-made engines were withdrawn by Moscow in response to sanctions. 'WAKE-UP CALL' Europe has until now depended on the Italian Vega for small payloads, Russia's Soyuz for medium ones and the Ariane 5 for heavy missions. Its next-generation Vega C staged a debut last month and the new Ariane 6, designed in two versions to replace both the Ariane 5 and Soyuz, has been delayed until next year. Aschbacher said a more precise Ariane 6 schedule would be clearer by October after current hot-firing testing. ESA would then finalise a back-up plan to be presented to ministers of the agency's 22 nations in November, he said, adding the most recent Ariane 6 delay was not the result of any significant new setback. "But yes, the likelihood of the need for back-up launches is high," he said. "The order of magnitude is certainly a good handful of launches that we would need interim solutions for." Aschbacher said the Ukraine conflict had demonstrated Europe's decade-long cooperation strategy with Russia in gas supplies and other areas including space was no longer working. "This was a wake up call, that we have been too dependent on Russia. And this wake-up call, we have to hope that decision makers realise it as much as I do, that we have to really strengthen our European capability and independence." However, he played down the prospect of Russia carrying out a pledge to withdraw from the International Space Station (ISS). Russia’s newly appointed space chief Yuri Borisov said in a televised meeting with President Vladimir Putin last month that Russia would withdraw from the ISS "after 2024". But Borisov later clarified that Russia’s plans had not changed and Western officials said Russia’s space agency had not communicated any new pullout plans. "The reality is that operationally, the work on the space station is proceeding, I would say almost nominally," Aschbacher told Reuters. "We do depend on each other, like it or not, but we have little choice."

Europe eyes Elon Musk's SpaceX to bridge launch gap left by Russia tensions

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="3">Elon Musk’s SpaceX carried out another big launch of a batch of Starlink internet satellites to orbit and landed a rocket on a ship at sea on Tuesday at 7:44 am IST on Wednesday (August 10), days after experiencing weather-related delays.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="5">The Falcon 9 rocket carried 52 Starlink spacecraft, which were launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. According to SpaceX, the first stage booster for the mission has already launched SES-22 and one Starlink mission.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="6">A little under nine minutes after the launch, Falcon 9’s first stage returned to the Earth for a vertical landing on the SpaceX droneship in Florida. SpaceX tweeted that roughly 15 minutes after lift-off, the Falcon 9 upper stage finished accelerating toward lower Earth orbit and successfully deployed the Starlink satellites as intended, Space.com reported.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Liftoff! <a href="https://t.co/j5xpFbHplK">pic.twitter.com/j5xpFbHplK</a></p>
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1557188868885032960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Falcon 9’s first stage has landed on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship <a href="https://t.co/dh2gpVSu49">pic.twitter.com/dh2gpVSu49</a></p>
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1557191085729800192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-launches-its-first-lunar-orbiter-danuri-on-a-spacex-rocket-503898">South Korea launches its first lunar orbiter, Danuri, on a SpaceX rocket</a></strong></p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="7"><strong>But what exactly is Falcon 9?</strong></p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="8">SpaceX’s Falcon 9 is a reusable, two-stage rocket that can carry passengers and payloads reliably and safely into Earth orbit and beyond. The first reusable rocket of orbital class is called Falcon 9.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="9">SpaceX places a high premium on rocket reuse because it considers it a technological advance that will make Mars colonisation possible.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="10">Starlink, on the other hand, is SpaceX’s internet mega constellation that broadcasts broadband service to tens of thousands of users all over the world. As of now, nearly 3,000 Starlink satellites have already been launched by Elon Musk, and many more are yet to be launched. Currently, the space agency has permission to launch 12,000 satellites but has further requested authorisation to exceed that figure by 30,000.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="10"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacexs-starlink-internet-approved-for-use-with-ships-boats-planes-by-us-federal-communications-commission-493408">SpaceX's Starlink internet approved for use with ships, boats, planes by US Federal Communications Commission</a></strong></p>

<p data-changed="true" data-paragraphid="11">This agency’s launch was its 35th orbital flight of the year overall and its 21st Starlink mission of 2022, breaking its prior records.</p>

<p data-changed="true" data-paragraphid="12">Elon Musk’s SpaceX aerospace agency has been launching hundreds of satellites into orbit as a part of its ‘Starlink’ initiative, aiming to bring high-speed internet access to particularly inaccessible locations. In order to speed up the connection between satellites, Starlink’s satellites were placed in low-level orbits around Earth.</p>

<p data-changed="true" data-paragraphid="12"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Elon Musk’s SpaceX carried out another big launch of a batch of Starlink internet satellites to orbit and landed a rocket on a ship at sea on Tuesday at 7:44 am IST on Wednesday (August 10), days after experiencing weather-related delays.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX carried out another big launch of a batch of Starlink internet satellites to orbit and landed a rocket on a ship at sea on Tuesday at 7:44 am IST on Wednesday (August 10), days after experiencing weather-related delays. The Falcon 9 rocket carried 52 Starlink spacecraft, which were launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. According to SpaceX, the first stage booster for the mission has already launched SES-22 and one Starlink mission. A little under nine minutes after the launch, Falcon 9’s first stage returned to the Earth for a vertical landing on the SpaceX droneship in Florida. SpaceX tweeted that roughly 15 minutes after lift-off, the Falcon 9 upper stage finished accelerating toward lower Earth orbit and successfully deployed the Starlink satellites as intended, Space.com reported. Liftoff! pic.twitter.com/j5xpFbHplK — SpaceX (@SpaceX) August 10, 2022 × Falcon 9’s first stage has landed on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship pic.twitter.com/dh2gpVSu49 — SpaceX (@SpaceX) August 10, 2022 × Also read | South Korea launches its first lunar orbiter, Danuri, on a SpaceX rocket But what exactly is Falcon 9? SpaceX’s Falcon 9 is a reusable, two-stage rocket that can carry passengers and payloads reliably and safely into Earth orbit and beyond. The first reusable rocket of orbital class is called Falcon 9. SpaceX places a high premium on rocket reuse because it considers it a technological advance that will make Mars colonisation possible. Starlink, on the other hand, is SpaceX’s internet mega constellation that broadcasts broadband service to tens of thousands of users all over the world. As of now, nearly 3,000 Starlink satellites have already been launched by Elon Musk, and many more are yet to be launched. Currently, the space agency has permission to launch 12,000 satellites but has further requested authorisation to exceed that figure by 30,000. Also read | SpaceX's Starlink internet approved for use with ships, boats, planes by US Federal Communications Commission This agency’s launch was its 35th orbital flight of the year overall and its 21st Starlink mission of 2022, breaking its prior records. Elon Musk’s SpaceX aerospace agency has been launching hundreds of satellites into orbit as a part of its ‘Starlink’ initiative, aiming to bring high-speed internet access to particularly inaccessible locations. In order to speed up the connection between satellites, Starlink’s satellites were placed in low-level orbits around Earth. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

SpaceX launches Falcon 9 with 52 Starlink satellites, what’s Musk’s motive?

South Korea has joined the race to the Moon with the launch of its first lunar orbiter. The satellite launched by SpaceX is taking a long, roundabout path to conserve fuel and will enter the Moon’s orbit in December.

South Korea joins Lunar Race by sending its first spacecraft to the Moon

<p>Though widely regarded as a genius and astute businessman by many, Elon Musk seems to have left his father unimpressed. So much so, that the 76-year-old Errol Musk, has gone public in admitting that his son is yet to accomplish more in life. In a 20-minute interview on The Kyle and Jackie O Show, Errol talked about his son’s business ventures and the rest of Musk family. Moreover, he also took a dig at the Tesla&nbsp;chief’s physical appearance.</p>

<p>“Your offspring is a genius. He’s worth so much money and has created so many things, you can’t take that away from him. Are you proud?” presenter Jackie O asked Errol.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To this, Errol replied, “No. You know, we are a family that have been doing a lot of things for a long time, it’s not as if we suddenly started doing something.”</p>

<p>Rather, Errol feels that Elon, who is currently embroiled in the Twitter deal controversy, “is an underachiever”.</p>

<p>“He (Elon Musk) is frustrated with progress and it’s understandable. I know it sounds crazy, but we tend to think like that as a family. He’s 50 now and I still think of him as a little boy. But he’s 50, I mean that’s an old man,” he was quoted as saying.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-elon-musk-is-reportedly-dating-27-year-old-model-natasha-bassett-455264">Elon Musk is reportedly dating 27-year-old model Natasha Bassett</a></p>

<p>Errol went on to say that he feels proud of his 49-year-old son Kimbal Musk, Elon’s younger brother, adding that he was his “pride and joy”.</p>

<p>The billionaire’s father told the radio show host that since Kimbal was lucky in his marriage, he hoped that the SpaceX CEO also finds someone special in his life who would give up a career for him.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-secretly-welcomed-twins-with-one-of-his-top-executives-reports-495153">Elon Musk secretly welcomed twins with one of his top executives: Reports</a></p>

<p>Elon has nine children with four different women but is currently single.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Though widely regarded as a genius and astute businessman by many, Elon Musk seems to have left his father unimpressed. So much so, that the 76-year-old Errol Musk, has gone public in admitting that his son is yet to accomplish more in life.

Though widely regarded as a genius and astute businessman by many, Elon Musk seems to have left his father unimpressed. So much so, that the 76-year-old Errol Musk, has gone public in admitting that his son is yet to accomplish more in life. In a 20-minute interview on The Kyle and Jackie O Show, Errol talked about his son’s business ventures and the rest of Musk family. Moreover, he also took a dig at the Tesla chief’s physical appearance. “Your offspring is a genius. He’s worth so much money and has created so many things, you can’t take that away from him. Are you proud?” presenter Jackie O asked Errol. To this, Errol replied, “No. You know, we are a family that have been doing a lot of things for a long time, it’s not as if we suddenly started doing something.” Rather, Errol feels that Elon, who is currently embroiled in the Twitter deal controversy, “is an underachiever”. “He (Elon Musk) is frustrated with progress and it’s understandable. I know it sounds crazy, but we tend to think like that as a family. He’s 50 now and I still think of him as a little boy. But he’s 50, I mean that’s an old man,” he was quoted as saying. Also read | Elon Musk is reportedly dating 27-year-old model Natasha Bassett Errol went on to say that he feels proud of his 49-year-old son Kimbal Musk, Elon’s younger brother, adding that he was his “pride and joy”. The billionaire’s father told the radio show host that since Kimbal was lucky in his marriage, he hoped that the SpaceX CEO also finds someone special in his life who would give up a career for him. Also read | Elon Musk secretly welcomed twins with one of his top executives: Reports Elon has nine children with four different women but is currently single. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

‘Elon is an underachiever’: Billionaire’s father says he is not proud of Tesla chief

<p>Reports claim Tesla chief Elon Musk is planning to build a private airport in Texas in east of Austin, near Bastrop.</p>

<p>Musk's companies including SpaceX, Tesla, and The Boring Company are already based in Texas. Tesla's Giga factory headquarters is based out of Texas. The company had moved its headquarters from Palo Alto, California to Austin, Texas last year.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/musk-linked-to-google-co-founder-sergey-brins-wife-who-is-nicole-shanahan-500459">Also Read:&nbsp;Musk linked to Google co-founder Sergey Brin's wife: Who is Nicole Shanahan?</a></p>

<p>However, Musk's plan to build a private airport has not been officially corroborated. The move would require approval from the FAA and environmental clearance before the airport plan can be put into action.</p>

<p>The Boring Company had also moved its headquarters to Texas in line with Musk's other companies near the Austin executive airport, the report said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Musk vs Twitter spat gets ugly</strong></p>

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<p>Reports claim Musk has ordered a new private jet for himself. The SpaceX boss already owns a Gulfstream G650. Musk has been embroiled in a dispute with Twitter after he announced an abrupt takeover.</p>

<p>Musk filed a countersuit against the social media giant after Twitter claimed the billionaire was contractually bound to complete the deal. Musk had pulled out after promising to buy Twitter in a $44 billion buyout deal.</p>

<p>The trial is set to begin in October and is set to last for five days. Musk had quoted $54.20 per share to buy Twitter, however, he pulled out this month accusing the social media company of misleading him over fake and spam accounts.</p>

<p>Last week Twitter reported a dip in revenue due to "advertising headwinds" while blaming Musk for "uncertainty related to the pending acquisition of Twitter". The company said "Musk's purported termination is invalid" and the "merger agreement remains in effect".&nbsp;</p>

<p>(With inputs from Agencies)</p>

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Reports claim Tesla chief Elon Musk is planning to build a private airport in Texas in east of Austin, near Bastrop. Musk's companies including SpaceX, Tesla, and The Boring Company are already based in Texas.

Reports claim Tesla chief Elon Musk is planning to build a private airport in Texas in east of Austin, near Bastrop. Musk's companies including SpaceX, Tesla, and The Boring Company are already based in Texas. Tesla's Giga factory headquarters is based out of Texas. The company had moved its headquarters from Palo Alto, California to Austin, Texas last year. Also Read: Musk linked to Google co-founder Sergey Brin's wife: Who is Nicole Shanahan? However, Musk's plan to build a private airport has not been officially corroborated. The move would require approval from the FAA and environmental clearance before the airport plan can be put into action. The Boring Company had also moved its headquarters to Texas in line with Musk's other companies near the Austin executive airport, the report said. Watch: Musk vs Twitter spat gets ugly Reports claim Musk has ordered a new private jet for himself. The SpaceX boss already owns a Gulfstream G650. Musk has been embroiled in a dispute with Twitter after he announced an abrupt takeover. Musk filed a countersuit against the social media giant after Twitter claimed the billionaire was contractually bound to complete the deal. Musk had pulled out after promising to buy Twitter in a $44 billion buyout deal. The trial is set to begin in October and is set to last for five days. Musk had quoted $54.20 per share to buy Twitter, however, he pulled out this month accusing the social media company of misleading him over fake and spam accounts. Last week Twitter reported a dip in revenue due to "advertising headwinds" while blaming Musk for "uncertainty related to the pending acquisition of Twitter". The company said "Musk's purported termination is invalid" and the "merger agreement remains in effect". (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Musk's new plan: Private airport in Texas

<p>To expand broadband offerings to commercial airlines, shipping vessels and trucks, the US Federal Communications Commission has authorise Elon Musk's SpaceX to use its Starlink satellite internet network with moving vehicles.</p>

<p>Echoing plans outlined in SpaceX's request for approval early last year, the FCC said in a statement that Starlink has long sought to grow its customer base to enterprise customers in the potentially lucrative sectors.</p>

<p>Since 2019, SpaceX has steadily launched some 2,700 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit and with a fast-growing constellation of internet-beaming satellites in orbit it has amassed hundreds of thousands of subscribers.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-eyes-using-spacex-rockets-to-build-military-starships-490412">Also read |&nbsp;Pentagon eyes using SpaceX rockets to build 'military starships'</a></strong></p>

<p>Having inked its first such deals in recent months with Hawaiian Airlines and semi-private jet service JSX, California-based space company 'Hawthorne' has focused heavily in recent years on courting airlines around Starlink for in-flight WiFi.</p>

<p>Jonathan Hofeller, Starlink's commercial sales chief, said at an aviation conference earlier this month that "We're going to be on planes here very shortly, so hopefully passengers are wowed by the experience."</p>

<p>Under an experimental FCC license, SpaceX has been testing aircraft-tailored Starlink terminals on Gulfstream jets and US military aircraft.</p>

<p>CEO of SpaceX, Elon Musk, has previously said that he didn't see "connecting Tesla cars to Starlink, as our terminal is much too big."</p>

<p>Satellite operator OneWeb, and Jeff Bezos' Kuiper project are giving fierce competition to SpaceX in the low-Earth orbiting satellite internet sector.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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To expand broadband offerings to commercial airlines, shipping vessels and trucks, the US Federal Communications Commission has authorise Elon Musk's SpaceX to use its Starlink satellite internet network with moving vehicles.

To expand broadband offerings to commercial airlines, shipping vessels and trucks, the US Federal Communications Commission has authorise Elon Musk's SpaceX to use its Starlink satellite internet network with moving vehicles. Echoing plans outlined in SpaceX's request for approval early last year, the FCC said in a statement that Starlink has long sought to grow its customer base to enterprise customers in the potentially lucrative sectors. Since 2019, SpaceX has steadily launched some 2,700 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit and with a fast-growing constellation of internet-beaming satellites in orbit it has amassed hundreds of thousands of subscribers. Also read | Pentagon eyes using SpaceX rockets to build 'military starships' Having inked its first such deals in recent months with Hawaiian Airlines and semi-private jet service JSX, California-based space company 'Hawthorne' has focused heavily in recent years on courting airlines around Starlink for in-flight WiFi. Jonathan Hofeller, Starlink's commercial sales chief, said at an aviation conference earlier this month that "We're going to be on planes here very shortly, so hopefully passengers are wowed by the experience." Under an experimental FCC license, SpaceX has been testing aircraft-tailored Starlink terminals on Gulfstream jets and US military aircraft. CEO of SpaceX, Elon Musk, has previously said that he didn't see "connecting Tesla cars to Starlink, as our terminal is much too big." Satellite operator OneWeb, and Jeff Bezos' Kuiper project are giving fierce competition to SpaceX in the low-Earth orbiting satellite internet sector. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV live: ×

SpaceX's Starlink internet approved for use with ships, boats, planes by US Federal Communications Commission

<p>Keith Johnson, an investor in Dogecoin, has sued billionaire Elon Musk for promoting an alleged pyramid scheme to support the cryptocurrency.</p>

<p>Describing himself as an "American citizen who was defrauded," Johnson has accused Musk of increasing "the price, market cap and trading volume of Dogecoin" through his promotion of it.</p>

<p>Since dogecoin does not have any intrinsic value nor is it a product, Johnson has likened it to a pyramid scheme.</p>

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<p>According to a complaint filed in a federal court in Manhattan, "Defendants were aware since 2019 that Dogecoin had no value yet promoted Dogecoin to profit from its trading."</p>

<p>"Musk used his pedestal as World's Richest man to operate and manipulate the Dogecoin Pyramid Scheme for profit, exposure and amusement," the complaint added.</p>

<p>Highlighting Musk's role in what he called a "Dogecoin Crypto Pyramid Scheme," Johnson has submitted his tweets including one promising that SpaceX would "put a literal Dogecoin on the literal moon."</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-payment-for-merchandise-tesla-to-accept-dogecoin-on-a-test-basis-says-ceo-musk-436927">Also read |&nbsp;As payment for merchandise, Tesla to accept dogecoin on a test basis, says CEO Musk</a></strong></p>

<p>Not only this, in his class-action suit, Johnson has also named Musk's Tesla electric carmaker in the suit since it accepts dogecoin as payment for certain derivative products.</p>

<p>As a result of losses suffered by investing in dogecoin since 2019 due to Musk, Johnson has asked him to pay $86 billion along with $86 billion in damages.</p>

<p>Interestingly, dogecoin was originally created as a joke and an ironic response to cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, and a meme image of a Shiba Inu dog.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Keith Johnson, an investor in Dogecoin, has sued billionaire Elon Musk for promoting an alleged pyramid scheme to support the cryptocurrency. Describing himself as an "American citizen who was defrauded," Johnson has accused Musk of increasing "the price, market cap and trading volume of Dogecoin" through his promotion of it.

Keith Johnson, an investor in Dogecoin, has sued billionaire Elon Musk for promoting an alleged pyramid scheme to support the cryptocurrency. Describing himself as an "American citizen who was defrauded," Johnson has accused Musk of increasing "the price, market cap and trading volume of Dogecoin" through his promotion of it. Since dogecoin does not have any intrinsic value nor is it a product, Johnson has likened it to a pyramid scheme. × According to a complaint filed in a federal court in Manhattan, "Defendants were aware since 2019 that Dogecoin had no value yet promoted Dogecoin to profit from its trading." "Musk used his pedestal as World's Richest man to operate and manipulate the Dogecoin Pyramid Scheme for profit, exposure and amusement," the complaint added. Highlighting Musk's role in what he called a "Dogecoin Crypto Pyramid Scheme," Johnson has submitted his tweets including one promising that SpaceX would "put a literal Dogecoin on the literal moon." Also read | As payment for merchandise, Tesla to accept dogecoin on a test basis, says CEO Musk Not only this, in his class-action suit, Johnson has also named Musk's Tesla electric carmaker in the suit since it accepts dogecoin as payment for certain derivative products. As a result of losses suffered by investing in dogecoin since 2019 due to Musk, Johnson has asked him to pay $86 billion along with $86 billion in damages. Interestingly, dogecoin was originally created as a joke and an ironic response to cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, and a meme image of a Shiba Inu dog. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Dogecoin investor sues Elon Musk for $258bn, accusing him of running pyramid scheme

SpaceX has fired reportedly employees who helped to write and distribute an open letter criticizing CEO Elon Musk's behavior.

SpaceX: Employees who wrote letter criticizing CEO Elon Musk fired

<p>After internal documents showed that SpaceX employees had denounced CEO Elon Musk as a ''distraction'', the aerospace company has fired them for the rebuke as per a report published in the New York Times.</p>

<p>Citing three employees with knowledge of the situation, the New York Times reported that SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell sent an email saying the company had investigated and "terminated a number of employees involved" with the letter.</p>

<p>According to the report, it is unclear how many employees were terminated but a group of SpaceX employees derided Musk as a "distraction and embarrassment" in an internal letter to executives.</p>

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<p>In a list of three demands, the letter says "SpaceX must swiftly and explicitly separate itself from Elon's personal brand."&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added: "Hold all leadership equally accountable to making SpaceX a great place to work for everyone" and "define and uniformly respond to all forms of unacceptable behavior."</p>

<p>SpaceX, which recently cleared a key hurdle for its plan to launch a futuristic rocketship into orbit from Texas, was facing a review by the Federal Aviation Administration regarding environmental concerns.</p>

<p>The company had faced criticism after wreckage from its failed flights rained down at the southernmost tip of Texas.</p>

<p>Musk, who is also SpaceX's chief engineer, has been in headlines and late-night comedy monologues in recent months for a tumultuous quest to buy social media giant Twitter.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>Watch WION's live TV here:</strong></p>

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After internal documents showed that SpaceX employees had denounced CEO Elon Musk as a ''distraction'', the aerospace company has fired them for the rebuke as per a report published in the New York Times.

After internal documents showed that SpaceX employees had denounced CEO Elon Musk as a ''distraction'', the aerospace company has fired them for the rebuke as per a report published in the New York Times. Citing three employees with knowledge of the situation, the New York Times reported that SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell sent an email saying the company had investigated and "terminated a number of employees involved" with the letter. According to the report, it is unclear how many employees were terminated but a group of SpaceX employees derided Musk as a "distraction and embarrassment" in an internal letter to executives. × In a list of three demands, the letter says "SpaceX must swiftly and explicitly separate itself from Elon's personal brand." It added: "Hold all leadership equally accountable to making SpaceX a great place to work for everyone" and "define and uniformly respond to all forms of unacceptable behavior." SpaceX, which recently cleared a key hurdle for its plan to launch a futuristic rocketship into orbit from Texas, was facing a review by the Federal Aviation Administration regarding environmental concerns. The company had faced criticism after wreckage from its failed flights rained down at the southernmost tip of Texas. Musk, who is also SpaceX's chief engineer, has been in headlines and late-night comedy monologues in recent months for a tumultuous quest to buy social media giant Twitter. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Elon Musk's SpaceX fires employees who denounced him as 'distraction'

<p>After the Astra rocket of NASA's hurricane monitoring satellites shut off before reaching the necessary altitude, the US space agency lost them.</p>

<p>NASA's Launch Services Program said on Twitter, "After a nominal first stage flight, the upper stage of the rocket shut down early and failed to deliver the TROPICS CubeSats to orbit."</p>

<p>Making observations more often than what is possible with current weather satellites," NASA described the TROPICS CubeSats as a constellation of six "shoe-box sized" satellites that will "study the formation and development of tropical cyclones in a post before the launch.</p>

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<p>In February 2021, Astra received a $7.95 million contract from NASA for three launches that have TROPICS devices on board.</p>

<p>Astra promises more frequent launches with more flexibility than companies using bigger rockets, hoping to become a key player in the market for launching small satellites like SpaceX and Arianespace.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-is-sending-yeast-to-space-to-gauge-impact-of-electromagnetic-radiation-on-dna-487406" hreflang="en">NASA is sending yeast to space to gauge impact of electromagnetic radiation on DNA</a></strong></p>

<p>Aerospace company Astra, which is based in California, that has faced recurring issues with its signature two-stage rocket failing to reach orbit.</p>

<p>Astra's second stage failed to reach orbit due to an issue releasing the shells during another NASA CubeSat mission in February.</p>

<p>Astra's chief executive Chris Kemp said, "We regret not being able to deliver the first two TROPICS satellites."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We regret not being able to deliver the first two TROPICS satellites. Nothing is more important to our team than the trust of our customers and the successful delivery of the remaining TROPICS satellites. We will share more when we have fully reviewed data.</p>
— Chris Kemp (@Kemp) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kemp/status/1536050802736803847?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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After the Astra rocket of NASA's hurricane monitoring satellites shut off before reaching the necessary altitude, the US space agency lost them. NASA's Launch Services Program said on Twitter, "After a nominal first stage flight, the upper stage of the rocket shut down early and failed to deliver the TROPICS CubeSats to orbit.

After the Astra rocket of NASA's hurricane monitoring satellites shut off before reaching the necessary altitude, the US space agency lost them. NASA's Launch Services Program said on Twitter, "After a nominal first stage flight, the upper stage of the rocket shut down early and failed to deliver the TROPICS CubeSats to orbit." Making observations more often than what is possible with current weather satellites," NASA described the TROPICS CubeSats as a constellation of six "shoe-box sized" satellites that will "study the formation and development of tropical cyclones in a post before the launch. × In February 2021, Astra received a $7.95 million contract from NASA for three launches that have TROPICS devices on board. Astra promises more frequent launches with more flexibility than companies using bigger rockets, hoping to become a key player in the market for launching small satellites like SpaceX and Arianespace. Also read | NASA is sending yeast to space to gauge impact of electromagnetic radiation on DNA Aerospace company Astra, which is based in California, that has faced recurring issues with its signature two-stage rocket failing to reach orbit. Astra's second stage failed to reach orbit due to an issue releasing the shells during another NASA CubeSat mission in February. Astra's chief executive Chris Kemp said, "We regret not being able to deliver the first two TROPICS satellites." We regret not being able to deliver the first two TROPICS satellites. Nothing is more important to our team than the trust of our customers and the successful delivery of the remaining TROPICS satellites. We will share more when we have fully reviewed data. — Chris Kemp (@Kemp) June 12, 2022 × (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Astra rocket shuts off after launch, NASA loses two hurricane monitoring satellites

Boeing Starliner returns to Earth, concluding  uncrewed test flight mission

<p>Samantha Cristoforetti has created history by making the first-ever TikTok video ever from the International Space Station (ISS).</p>

<p>The female astronaut from the European Space Agency (ESA) is currently on the Crew-4 mission by Elon Musk's SpaceX.</p>

<p>Although Cristoforetti's TikTok video is only 88 seconds long, it provides glimpses from the space station where she is going to stay for the next six months.</p>

<p>During the video, while addressing her audience, she asks ''What questions do you have about life on the space station?''</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Back on the International <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a> (and TikTok) <a href="https://t.co/oCgJSdWKcu">pic.twitter.com/oCgJSdWKcu</a></p>
— Samantha Cristoforetti (@AstroSamantha) <a href="https://twitter.com/AstroSamantha/status/1522553431747092482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>She can be seen introducing the viewers to the Crew-4 mission's two zero-g indicators along with a stuffed monkey called Etta.</p>

<p>A report by the ESA stated that Etta is short for ''scimietta'' which is an Italian word for ''little monkey'' and refers to Cristoforetti's daughter.</p>

<p>Before ending the video, she says ''Follow me to boldly go where no Tiktoker has gone before.''</p>

<p><strong>Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/voyager-station-worlds-first-space-hotel-to-be-fully-functional-in-just-three-years-476770" hreflang="en">Voyager Station: World's first space hotel to be fully functional in just three years</a></strong></p>

<p>Cristoforetti has also shared the video on the microblogging platform Twitter where it has received over 9,500 likes and more than 1000 retweets.</p>

<p>SpaceX's Crew-4 mission landed on the ISS at about 9:15 p.m EDT (0115 GMT) on April 27 less than 16 hours after its launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.</p>

<p>Along with Cristoforetti, three American NASA astronauts, including Kjell Lindgren, 49, mission pilot Bob Hines, 47, and mission specialist Jessica Watkins, 33 are a part of the mission.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>Watch WION's live TV here:</strong></p>

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Samantha Cristoforetti has created history by making the first-ever TikTok video ever from the International Space Station (ISS). The female astronaut from the European Space Agency (ESA) is currently on the Crew-4 mission by Elon Musk's SpaceX.

Samantha Cristoforetti has created history by making the first-ever TikTok video ever from the International Space Station (ISS). The female astronaut from the European Space Agency (ESA) is currently on the Crew-4 mission by Elon Musk's SpaceX. Although Cristoforetti's TikTok video is only 88 seconds long, it provides glimpses from the space station where she is going to stay for the next six months. During the video, while addressing her audience, she asks ''What questions do you have about life on the space station?'' Back on the International @Space_Station (and TikTok) pic.twitter.com/oCgJSdWKcu — Samantha Cristoforetti (@AstroSamantha) May 6, 2022 × She can be seen introducing the viewers to the Crew-4 mission's two zero-g indicators along with a stuffed monkey called Etta. A report by the ESA stated that Etta is short for ''scimietta'' which is an Italian word for ''little monkey'' and refers to Cristoforetti's daughter. Before ending the video, she says ''Follow me to boldly go where no Tiktoker has gone before.'' Also see | Voyager Station: World's first space hotel to be fully functional in just three years Cristoforetti has also shared the video on the microblogging platform Twitter where it has received over 9,500 likes and more than 1000 retweets. SpaceX's Crew-4 mission landed on the ISS at about 9:15 p.m EDT (0115 GMT) on April 27 less than 16 hours after its launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Along with Cristoforetti, three American NASA astronauts, including Kjell Lindgren, 49, mission pilot Bob Hines, 47, and mission specialist Jessica Watkins, 33 are a part of the mission. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Watch | Samantha Cristoforetti creates history by making first-ever TikTok video from ISS

<p>The residents of Florida were in for a visual treat when SpaceX launched 53 internet satellites, known as Starlinks satellite, into space.</p>

<p>The Falcon 9 rocket's launch didn’t create any excitement per se, but the after effect of it that illuminated the sky mesmerised millions of people in the city.</p>

<p>On early Thursday morning, many witnessed a striking spectacle above—an ethereal cloud of illuminated gases that resembled a jellyfish.</p>

<p>It earned the moniker “space jellyfish” from the expanding gasses behind the rocket that created these eerie coloured clouds.</p>

<p>Explaining the phenomenon, SpaceX's director of Dragon mission management Jessica Jenson told media, "Basically, what's happening is, it's still dark outside, but you have the sun illuminating the plume as it's in space."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚀 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/spacex?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#spacex</a> Starlink mission launching into Orbital Sunrise this morning! As seen from Tampa, Florida.<br />
<br />
Photo: me for <a href="https://twitter.com/SuperclusterHQ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SuperclusterHQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/TpegAi8gEA">pic.twitter.com/TpegAi8gEA</a></p>
— Erik Kuna 🚀 (@erikkuna) <a href="https://twitter.com/erikkuna/status/1522517520024064002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">So cool.<br />
<br />
A <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> launch seen from a friend piloting an early morning departure from <a href="https://twitter.com/MCO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MCO</a> today. <a href="https://t.co/PPBzZUGnWZ">pic.twitter.com/PPBzZUGnWZ</a></p>
— Edward Russell (@ByERussell) <a href="https://twitter.com/ByERussell/status/1522591366383087617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Falcon 9’s first stage has landed on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship <a href="https://t.co/Yvw0IDTGa1">pic.twitter.com/Yvw0IDTGa1</a></p>
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1522514421171384320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Chris Combs, a professor of aerodynamics and mechanical engineering at the University of Texas at San Antonio, on Twitter wrote that it is a combination of physics and perfect timing.</p>

<p>Combs explained that the long, blobby "body" of the jellyfish is, simply, exhaust leaving the Falcon 9's rocket engine nozzle.</p>

<p>The reason the exhaust takes on such a bulbous shape has to do with the pressure difference inside and outside the nozzle.</p>

<p>In this case, the exhaust leaving the nozzle is "under-expanded" – meaning the gas is at higher pressure than the ambient air around it as the exhaust leaves the engine's nozzle, reports Live Science.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To match the ambient background pressure in the atmosphere, the rocket exhaust drops its own pressure by expanding as soon as it leaves the nozzle, he said.</p>

<p>"In under-expanded exhaust you get expansion fans at the nozzle exit to decrease pressure and match background: jellyfish, at high altitude.”</p>

<p>Now explaining the reason behind the glow, Comb said that it is purely because of the timing.</p>

<p>Since the rocket launch occurred in the pre-dawn hours of Thursday morning (around 5:45 a.m. local time), light from the sun came from just over the horizon, illuminating up the exhaust plume, causing it to glow brightly against the dark sky, he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The residents of Florida were in for a visual treat when SpaceX launched 53 internet satellites, known as Starlinks satellite, into space. The Falcon 9 rocket's launch didn’t create any excitement per se, but the after effect of it that illuminated the sky mesmerised millions of people in the city.

The residents of Florida were in for a visual treat when SpaceX launched 53 internet satellites, known as Starlinks satellite, into space. The Falcon 9 rocket's launch didn’t create any excitement per se, but the after effect of it that illuminated the sky mesmerised millions of people in the city. On early Thursday morning, many witnessed a striking spectacle above—an ethereal cloud of illuminated gases that resembled a jellyfish. It earned the moniker “space jellyfish” from the expanding gasses behind the rocket that created these eerie coloured clouds. Explaining the phenomenon, SpaceX's director of Dragon mission management Jessica Jenson told media, "Basically, what's happening is, it's still dark outside, but you have the sun illuminating the plume as it's in space." 🚀 #spacex Starlink mission launching into Orbital Sunrise this morning! As seen from Tampa, Florida. Photo: me for @SuperclusterHQ pic.twitter.com/TpegAi8gEA — Erik Kuna 🚀 (@erikkuna) May 6, 2022 × So cool. A @SpaceX launch seen from a friend piloting an early morning departure from @MCO today. pic.twitter.com/PPBzZUGnWZ — Edward Russell (@ByERussell) May 6, 2022 × Falcon 9’s first stage has landed on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship pic.twitter.com/Yvw0IDTGa1 — SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 6, 2022 × Chris Combs, a professor of aerodynamics and mechanical engineering at the University of Texas at San Antonio, on Twitter wrote that it is a combination of physics and perfect timing. Combs explained that the long, blobby "body" of the jellyfish is, simply, exhaust leaving the Falcon 9's rocket engine nozzle. The reason the exhaust takes on such a bulbous shape has to do with the pressure difference inside and outside the nozzle. In this case, the exhaust leaving the nozzle is "under-expanded" – meaning the gas is at higher pressure than the ambient air around it as the exhaust leaves the engine's nozzle, reports Live Science. To match the ambient background pressure in the atmosphere, the rocket exhaust drops its own pressure by expanding as soon as it leaves the nozzle, he said. "In under-expanded exhaust you get expansion fans at the nozzle exit to decrease pressure and match background: jellyfish, at high altitude.” Now explaining the reason behind the glow, Comb said that it is purely because of the timing. Since the rocket launch occurred in the pre-dawn hours of Thursday morning (around 5:45 a.m. local time), light from the sun came from just over the horizon, illuminating up the exhaust plume, causing it to glow brightly against the dark sky, he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Is that a space jellyfish? SpaceX rocket launch illuminates sky, gives visual treat to viewers

In Pics: SpaceX crew returns to Earth after six-month mission

<p>A SpaceX Dragon capsule containing a team of four astronauts successfully departed the International Space Station and has started its descent back to Earth.</p>

<p>The team which spent six months in space included NASA astronauts – Raja Chari, Tom Marshburn and Kayla Barron along with European Space Agency astronaut Matthias Maurer.</p>

<p>The mission, named 'Crew-3', was the third full-fledged long-duration group of astronauts sent to the space station by SpaceX and they will be carrying around 550 pounds of cargo back to the earth, according to NASA.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-woman-pinned-down-as-healthcare-workers-forcibly-conduct-covid-19-test-watch-476497" hreflang="en">Chinese woman pinned down as COVID-19 test conducted forcibly - WATCH</a></p>

<p>The capsule undocked from the International Space Station around 0500 GMT and the journey back to earth is expected to take around 23 hours. According to the official briefing from NASA, the spacecraft, dubbed Endurance, will parachute off the coast of Florida at 0443 GMT on Friday.</p>

<p>"Teams from @NASA &amp; @SpaceX now are targeting #Crew3 undocking at 1:05 am Thurs, May 5 from @Space_Station. Splashdown off of Florida's coast is planned about 12:37 am Fri, May 6. The new undocking time allows for shorter phasing &amp; more time to review the latest forecast info," NASA human spaceflight chief Kathy Lueders posted on Twitter.</p>

<p>"Weather is being watched closely to confirm selected primary &amp; alternate sites are good for return, and we'll conduct another weather review about 24 hours before undocking to determine whether we are GO to proceed. More to come," she added in another tweet.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-troops-fight-for-control-of-last-ukrainian-stronghold-in-mariupol-476439">Russian troops fight for control of last Ukrainian stronghold in Mariupol</a></p>

<p>The four astronauts departed from the ISS after their replacement team arrived last week. The new comprises of three Russian astronauts with Oleg Artemyev assuming the command.'</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


A SpaceX Dragon capsule containing a team of four astronauts successfully departed the International Space Station and has started its descent back to Earth. The team which spent six months in space included NASA astronauts – Raja Chari, Tom Marshburn and Kayla Barron along with European Space Agency astronaut Matthias Maurer.

A SpaceX Dragon capsule containing a team of four astronauts successfully departed the International Space Station and has started its descent back to Earth. The team which spent six months in space included NASA astronauts – Raja Chari, Tom Marshburn and Kayla Barron along with European Space Agency astronaut Matthias Maurer. The mission, named 'Crew-3', was the third full-fledged long-duration group of astronauts sent to the space station by SpaceX and they will be carrying around 550 pounds of cargo back to the earth, according to NASA. Also read | Chinese woman pinned down as COVID-19 test conducted forcibly - WATCH The capsule undocked from the International Space Station around 0500 GMT and the journey back to earth is expected to take around 23 hours. According to the official briefing from NASA, the spacecraft, dubbed Endurance, will parachute off the coast of Florida at 0443 GMT on Friday. "Teams from @NASA & @SpaceX now are targeting #Crew3 undocking at 1:05 am Thurs, May 5 from @Space_Station. Splashdown off of Florida's coast is planned about 12:37 am Fri, May 6. The new undocking time allows for shorter phasing & more time to review the latest forecast info," NASA human spaceflight chief Kathy Lueders posted on Twitter. "Weather is being watched closely to confirm selected primary & alternate sites are good for return, and we'll conduct another weather review about 24 hours before undocking to determine whether we are GO to proceed. More to come," she added in another tweet. Also read | Russian troops fight for control of last Ukrainian stronghold in Mariupol The four astronauts departed from the ISS after their replacement team arrived last week. The new comprises of three Russian astronauts with Oleg Artemyev assuming the command.' (With inputs from agencies)

Four SpaceX Crew-3 astronauts start journey back to Earth from International Space Station

<p>Rocket Lab USA Inc, a California-based company, captured a falling rocket mid-air after its launch on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Earlier, the rocket had launched 34 satellites from New Zealand at roughly 10:50 a.m. local time (6:50 p.m. Eastern time).</p>

<p>Rocket Lab is trying a novel cost-savings approach to recovering used rockets for multiple missions to space. Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk's company SpaceX pioneered the industry trend.</p>

<p><strong>Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-first-private-astronauts-mission-to-iss-lifts-off-in-us-469469" hreflang="en">In Pics: First private astronauts’ mission to ISS lifts off in US</a></strong></p>

<p>For its demonstration, Rocket Lab used parachutes and a long cable hanging from a helicopter that was steered by two pilots over the four-story-tall Electron booster stage.</p>

<p>The company broadcasted its mission to catch a falling rocket with a helicopter on a live stream.</p>

<p>However, the small launch firm's mission was only a partially successful test as it dropped the rocket booster into the Pacific Ocean after catching it.</p>

<p>A Rocket lab spokesperson later confirmed that it had noticed "different load characteristics" than what had been experienced during previous capture tests.</p>

<p>The company's chief executive Peter Beck wrote on Twitter, "The rocket splashed down safely and the ship is loading it now."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is what it looked like from the front seats. <a href="https://t.co/AwZfuWjwQD">pic.twitter.com/AwZfuWjwQD</a></p>
— Peter Beck (@Peter_J_Beck) <a href="https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1521339043803385856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Since we didn't get it this time, we'll learn a bunch and we'll get it the next time, so I'm not super worried," he told news agency Reuters.</p>

<p>He added that the company had planned to pluck a 39-foot-tall (11.9-meters-tall) booster stage from mid-air using a combination of ropes, parachutes and a heatshield.</p>

<p>"If we can use a rocket twice, then we've just doubled our production," Beck said.</p>

<p>After a blank-check merger led by Vector Capital, Rocket Lab went public in 2021 and was valued at $4.1 billion.</p>

<p>Out of the two dozen missions launched by the company, three of them have ended in failures.</p>

<p>Rocket Lab, which launches missions to orbit for a mix of government and commercial customers, is a part of the growing field of small rocket companies also including Astra Space and Richard Branson's Virgin Orbit.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>Watch WION's live TV:</strong></p>

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Rocket Lab USA Inc, a California-based company, captured a falling rocket mid-air after its launch on Tuesday. Earlier, the rocket had launched 34 satellites from New Zealand at roughly 10:50 a.

Rocket Lab USA Inc, a California-based company, captured a falling rocket mid-air after its launch on Tuesday. Earlier, the rocket had launched 34 satellites from New Zealand at roughly 10:50 a.m. local time (6:50 p.m. Eastern time). Rocket Lab is trying a novel cost-savings approach to recovering used rockets for multiple missions to space. Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk's company SpaceX pioneered the industry trend. Also see | In Pics: First private astronauts’ mission to ISS lifts off in US For its demonstration, Rocket Lab used parachutes and a long cable hanging from a helicopter that was steered by two pilots over the four-story-tall Electron booster stage. The company broadcasted its mission to catch a falling rocket with a helicopter on a live stream. However, the small launch firm's mission was only a partially successful test as it dropped the rocket booster into the Pacific Ocean after catching it. A Rocket lab spokesperson later confirmed that it had noticed "different load characteristics" than what had been experienced during previous capture tests. The company's chief executive Peter Beck wrote on Twitter, "The rocket splashed down safely and the ship is loading it now." This is what it looked like from the front seats. pic.twitter.com/AwZfuWjwQD — Peter Beck (@Peter_J_Beck) May 3, 2022 × "Since we didn't get it this time, we'll learn a bunch and we'll get it the next time, so I'm not super worried," he told news agency Reuters. He added that the company had planned to pluck a 39-foot-tall (11.9-meters-tall) booster stage from mid-air using a combination of ropes, parachutes and a heatshield. "If we can use a rocket twice, then we've just doubled our production," Beck said. After a blank-check merger led by Vector Capital, Rocket Lab went public in 2021 and was valued at $4.1 billion. Out of the two dozen missions launched by the company, three of them have ended in failures. Rocket Lab, which launches missions to orbit for a mix of government and commercial customers, is a part of the growing field of small rocket companies also including Astra Space and Richard Branson's Virgin Orbit. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV:

Watch | This company captured a falling rocket mid-air after its launch

Tech visionary turned social media king Elon Musk's A-list enterprises and how much they are worth

<p>Elon Musk's SpaceX sent a&nbsp;NASA mission to the International Space Station(ISS) on Wednesday as the Crew-4 mission blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center.</p>

<p>During the 16-hour flight to the ISS, the Dragon and the Crew-4 astronauts will orbit the Earth ten times, SpaceX said in a tweet as the mission lifted off.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Crew-4 on orbit <a href="https://t.co/pNlRTTdSYE">pic.twitter.com/pNlRTTdSYE</a></p>
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1519226826706497537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mysterious-flying-whirlpool-over-hawaii-turns-out-to-be-dying-spacex-rocket-472434">Also Read:&nbsp; Mysterious 'flying whirlpool' over Hawaii turns out to be a dying SpaceX rocket</a></p>

<p>Crew-4 will carry out scientific experiments including conduct breakthrough research on growing plants without soil in space.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Liftoff of Falcon 9 and Dragon! <a href="https://t.co/sfKAOpBtU6">pic.twitter.com/sfKAOpBtU6</a></p>
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1519223525374013440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>SpaceX's latest mission comes just days&nbsp;after a crew successfully landed off the Florida coast after spending over two weeks aboard the International Space Station in a boost for the commercial sector.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Musk shares simulation video 'Starship to Mars'</strong></p>

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<p>Axiom Space had paid SpaceX for the transport services and NASA for use of the ISS as the three businessmen onboard the flight reportedly paid $55 million each as SpaceX and NASA look to commercialise space ventures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The crew touchdown in four huge parachutes along the Atlantic Ocean near Jacksonville.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The crew including Canadian financier Mark Pathy,&nbsp;Israeli investor Eytan Stibbe, Spanish-American astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria and real estate mogul Larry Connor had blasted off on April 8.</p>

<p>Although they were set to spend just eight days on the ISS, however, bad weather forced them to stay 17 days in orbit with 15 on ISS.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(With inputs from Agencies)</p>

<p><strong>Watch WION&nbsp;Live Here</strong></p>

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Elon Musk's SpaceX sent a NASA mission to the International Space Station(ISS) on Wednesday as the Crew-4 mission blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center. During the 16-hour flight to the ISS, the Dragon and the Crew-4 astronauts will orbit the Earth ten times, SpaceX said in a tweet as the mission lifted off.

Elon Musk's SpaceX sent a NASA mission to the International Space Station(ISS) on Wednesday as the Crew-4 mission blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center. During the 16-hour flight to the ISS, the Dragon and the Crew-4 astronauts will orbit the Earth ten times, SpaceX said in a tweet as the mission lifted off. Crew-4 on orbit pic.twitter.com/pNlRTTdSYE — SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 27, 2022 × Also Read: Mysterious 'flying whirlpool' over Hawaii turns out to be a dying SpaceX rocket Crew-4 will carry out scientific experiments including conduct breakthrough research on growing plants without soil in space. Liftoff of Falcon 9 and Dragon! pic.twitter.com/sfKAOpBtU6 — SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 27, 2022 × SpaceX's latest mission comes just days after a crew successfully landed off the Florida coast after spending over two weeks aboard the International Space Station in a boost for the commercial sector. Watch: Musk shares simulation video 'Starship to Mars' Axiom Space had paid SpaceX for the transport services and NASA for use of the ISS as the three businessmen onboard the flight reportedly paid $55 million each as SpaceX and NASA look to commercialise space ventures. The crew touchdown in four huge parachutes along the Atlantic Ocean near Jacksonville. The crew including Canadian financier Mark Pathy, Israeli investor Eytan Stibbe, Spanish-American astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria and real estate mogul Larry Connor had blasted off on April 8. Although they were set to spend just eight days on the ISS, however, bad weather forced them to stay 17 days in orbit with 15 on ISS. (With inputs from Agencies) Watch WION Live Here

SpaceX launches NASA mission to International Space Station

First all-private astronaut team returned to Earth from Space. The team returned from ISS and touched down in the Atlantic. The crew capsule carrying four men was in space for two weeks. It took nearly 16 hours for the crew capsule to descent from orbit.

What’s special about these astronauts returning to earth from space?

Coming soon: Luxury cabin in space with panoramic windows & refreshment bars

<p>An Indian space tech startup Pixxel grabbed attention after it successfully launched its first fully-fledged commercial satellite apparently called 'Shakuntala' or Pixxel TD-2. But what's next?&nbsp;</p>

<p>The satellite was launched with Elon Musk-run SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket on Friday (April 1) aboard SpaceX's Transporter-4 mission from Cape Canaveral in the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pixxel noted that TD-2 is hosting one of the highest resolution hyperspectral commercial cameras ever flown, which will bring the world one step closer to building a 24x7 health monitor for the planet.&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote>
<p>"TD-2 is capable of capturing orbital images in more than 150 bands of color from the visible and infrared spectrum with a resolution of 10-meters per pixel — far exceeding the specificity of 30-meter per pixel hyperspectral satellites launched by a few select organizations such NASA, ESA, and ISRO" - Pixxel</p>
</blockquote>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-find-14-black-holes-feasting-on-surrounding-space-matter-467787">Astronomers find 14 black holes feasting on surrounding space matter</a></strong></p>

<p>This particular launch has put the company within touching distance of its ambitious mission to assemble one of the "world's most advanced constellations of low-earth-orbit imaging satellites".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Awais Ahmed, who is the CEO of Pixxel, said as quoted by the company's website: "From being one of the very few finalists in the SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition in 2017 to now launching our own satellites as part of SpaceX's fourth dedicated rideshare mission, life has come full-circle for us."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The vision we had then, to accelerate humanity’s expansion into space by making in-space resources available on-demand and turning the earth into a more vibrant and sustainable place in the process, remains steadfast even today," the statement added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We have liftoff! Pixxel just launched its first satellite to space 🚀 <a href="https://t.co/bRB06TTMXL">https://t.co/bRB06TTMXL</a></p>
— Pixxel (@PixxelSpace) <a href="https://twitter.com/PixxelSpace/status/1509931044589371395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We have first contact! Multiple successful ground passes made with the satellite since the launch. Antennas and solar panels deployed successfully. Health looking good! 🛰</p>
— Pixxel (@PixxelSpace) <a href="https://twitter.com/PixxelSpace/status/1510196191702953990?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indian-astronomers-find-galaxy-having-ghost-like-appearance-467773">Indian astronomers find galaxy having 'ghost-like' appearance</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Pixxel TD-2‍ details:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>1) Pixxel TD-2‍ weighs less than 15 kilogrammes</p>

<p>2) As per the company, TD-2 is capable of capturing orbital images in more than 150 bands of colour from the visible and infrared spectrum with a resolution of 10-meters per pixel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>3) TD-2 will start collecting data and information related to the health of the planet Earth. It is set to uncover the invisible changes wreaking havoc on the planet, such as natural gas leakages, melting ice caps, pollution, deforestation and declining crop health.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What's next?</strong></p>

<p>Awais Ahmed stated that Pixxel will achieve daily global coverage by early 2024 with even more satellites scheduled to launch in late 2023.</p>

<p>"The learnings from the data beamed down by our constellation will provide us with a global scale perspective of planetary-scale ecosystems and biospheres that will be used to create an AI-informed analysis platform, helping us create a digital twin of the earth," he noted.&nbsp;</p>


An Indian space tech startup Pixxel grabbed attention after it successfully launched its first fully-fledged commercial satellite apparently called 'Shakuntala' or Pixxel TD-2.

An Indian space tech startup Pixxel grabbed attention after it successfully launched its first fully-fledged commercial satellite apparently called 'Shakuntala' or Pixxel TD-2. But what's next? The satellite was launched with Elon Musk-run SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket on Friday (April 1) aboard SpaceX's Transporter-4 mission from Cape Canaveral in the United States. Pixxel noted that TD-2 is hosting one of the highest resolution hyperspectral commercial cameras ever flown, which will bring the world one step closer to building a 24x7 health monitor for the planet. "TD-2 is capable of capturing orbital images in more than 150 bands of color from the visible and infrared spectrum with a resolution of 10-meters per pixel — far exceeding the specificity of 30-meter per pixel hyperspectral satellites launched by a few select organizations such NASA, ESA, and ISRO" - Pixxel ALSO READ | Astronomers find 14 black holes feasting on surrounding space matter This particular launch has put the company within touching distance of its ambitious mission to assemble one of the "world's most advanced constellations of low-earth-orbit imaging satellites". Awais Ahmed, who is the CEO of Pixxel, said as quoted by the company's website: "From being one of the very few finalists in the SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition in 2017 to now launching our own satellites as part of SpaceX's fourth dedicated rideshare mission, life has come full-circle for us." "The vision we had then, to accelerate humanity’s expansion into space by making in-space resources available on-demand and turning the earth into a more vibrant and sustainable place in the process, remains steadfast even today," the statement added. We have liftoff! Pixxel just launched its first satellite to space 🚀 https://t.co/bRB06TTMXL — Pixxel (@PixxelSpace) April 1, 2022 × We have first contact! Multiple successful ground passes made with the satellite since the launch. Antennas and solar panels deployed successfully. Health looking good! 🛰 — Pixxel (@PixxelSpace) April 2, 2022 × ALSO READ | Indian astronomers find galaxy having 'ghost-like' appearance Pixxel TD-2‍ details: 1) Pixxel TD-2‍ weighs less than 15 kilogrammes 2) As per the company, TD-2 is capable of capturing orbital images in more than 150 bands of colour from the visible and infrared spectrum with a resolution of 10-meters per pixel. 3) TD-2 will start collecting data and information related to the health of the planet Earth. It is set to uncover the invisible changes wreaking havoc on the planet, such as natural gas leakages, melting ice caps, pollution, deforestation and declining crop health. What's next? Awais Ahmed stated that Pixxel will achieve daily global coverage by early 2024 with even more satellites scheduled to launch in late 2023. "The learnings from the data beamed down by our constellation will provide us with a global scale perspective of planetary-scale ecosystems and biospheres that will be used to create an AI-informed analysis platform, helping us create a digital twin of the earth," he noted.

Indian space tech startup launched satellite with Elon Musk's SpaceX. What's next?

<p>Having successfully accomplished the launch and deployment of their first-ever satellite, Indian space start-up Pixxel is working on an ambitious goal of having 20 satellites in orbit by end of 2024. It was on April 1st that 'Shakuntala' the firm's first satellite was orbited by SpaceX Transporter 4, a rideshare mission carrying satellites from various countries. While the current satellite is a technology demonstrator, that will validate the capabilities, the upcoming satellites are going to get bigger, better equipped and meant to endure for longer in the harsh conditions of Low Earth Orbit. WION spoke to Awais Ahmed, Founder and CEO of Pixxel to understand the significance of their latest achievement and the projects that lay ahead.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indian-space-tech-startup-launched-satellite-with-elon-musks-spacex-whats-next-468068">Indian space tech startup launched satellite with Elon Musk's SpaceX. What's next?</a></strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;The company had planned to design, build and test two of its technology demonstrator satellites - Anand and Shakuntala, to prepare for launch in 2021. However, owing to the pandemic and some component supply issues, this was delayed. "We had planned to launch Anand in early 2021 onboard India's PSLV rocket, but the Covid-induced delay in India's space launch activities pushed the schedule behind. As of now, we expect that Anand will be launched in the next PSLV mission by the Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO). When we came across the SpaceX rideshare mission, we decided to orbit Shakuntala using the Falcon 9 rocket and that's how our maiden mission was accomplished", Awais says.</p>

<p>Pixxel's satellites perform what is known as Hyperspectral imaging, a process of mapping the earth in highest detail and using that data for various applications such as monitoring agriculture, mining, oil exploration etc. Simply put, Hyperspectral imaging sees much more than conventional satellites and the human eye, thus making the data useful for a wide range of applications. "Existing satellites that perform multispectral imaging operate in up to 10 bands, whereas Hyperspectral technology helps imaging in 160 bands. Only ISRO, NASA and the European Space Agency have launched Satellites meant for Hyperspectral imaging. On a commercial basis, we offer the data obtained from this Hyperspectral imaging to more than 50 clients across America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. They use the data we provide to monitor mines, assess levels of Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium in soil, explore minerals, detect leaks in oil and gas pipelines etc." he explained.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-find-14-black-holes-feasting-on-surrounding-space-matter-467787">Astronomers find 14 black holes feasting on surrounding space matter</a></strong></p>

<p>Weighing all of 15kgs each, Anand and Shakuntala are technology demonstration satellites. They will help demonstrate the company's capabilities and also provide data that can be used by clients. However, Pixxel is working on launching six more satellites soon, to augment the functions of Shakuntala and Anand. In addition to this, the company will be launching 12 satellites by early 2024. "Our upcoming satellites will weigh 40kg each and will have an operational life of 7years, whereas the current satellite weighs only 15kg and can function up to 3 years. The future versions will also have 5meter resolution(ability to distinguish between objects that are 5meters apart), whereas the current satellite has a 10meter resolution. We offer such high resolution specifically to meet our client's requirements", Awais added.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
With 8 satellites expected to be in orbit soon, Pixxel says it will be capable of mapping the generating hyperspectral imagery of the whole world, once in two days. Once they have the 12 additional satellites in orbit, the Indian company is expected to be able to provide whole-earth mapping on a daily basis. According to the CEO, once ISRO's launch activity resumes to its usual frequency, they would launch the new members of the constellation on-board Indian rockets.</p>


Having successfully accomplished the launch and deployment of their first-ever satellite, Indian space start-up Pixxel is working on an ambitious goal of having 20 satellites in orbit by end of 2024.

Having successfully accomplished the launch and deployment of their first-ever satellite, Indian space start-up Pixxel is working on an ambitious goal of having 20 satellites in orbit by end of 2024. It was on April 1st that 'Shakuntala' the firm's first satellite was orbited by SpaceX Transporter 4, a rideshare mission carrying satellites from various countries. While the current satellite is a technology demonstrator, that will validate the capabilities, the upcoming satellites are going to get bigger, better equipped and meant to endure for longer in the harsh conditions of Low Earth Orbit. WION spoke to Awais Ahmed, Founder and CEO of Pixxel to understand the significance of their latest achievement and the projects that lay ahead. ALSO READ | Indian space tech startup launched satellite with Elon Musk's SpaceX. What's next? The company had planned to design, build and test two of its technology demonstrator satellites - Anand and Shakuntala, to prepare for launch in 2021. However, owing to the pandemic and some component supply issues, this was delayed. "We had planned to launch Anand in early 2021 onboard India's PSLV rocket, but the Covid-induced delay in India's space launch activities pushed the schedule behind. As of now, we expect that Anand will be launched in the next PSLV mission by the Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO). When we came across the SpaceX rideshare mission, we decided to orbit Shakuntala using the Falcon 9 rocket and that's how our maiden mission was accomplished", Awais says. Pixxel's satellites perform what is known as Hyperspectral imaging, a process of mapping the earth in highest detail and using that data for various applications such as monitoring agriculture, mining, oil exploration etc. Simply put, Hyperspectral imaging sees much more than conventional satellites and the human eye, thus making the data useful for a wide range of applications. "Existing satellites that perform multispectral imaging operate in up to 10 bands, whereas Hyperspectral technology helps imaging in 160 bands. Only ISRO, NASA and the European Space Agency have launched Satellites meant for Hyperspectral imaging. On a commercial basis, we offer the data obtained from this Hyperspectral imaging to more than 50 clients across America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. They use the data we provide to monitor mines, assess levels of Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium in soil, explore minerals, detect leaks in oil and gas pipelines etc." he explained. ALSO READ | Astronomers find 14 black holes feasting on surrounding space matter Weighing all of 15kgs each, Anand and Shakuntala are technology demonstration satellites. They will help demonstrate the company's capabilities and also provide data that can be used by clients. However, Pixxel is working on launching six more satellites soon, to augment the functions of Shakuntala and Anand. In addition to this, the company will be launching 12 satellites by early 2024. "Our upcoming satellites will weigh 40kg each and will have an operational life of 7years, whereas the current satellite weighs only 15kg and can function up to 3 years. The future versions will also have 5meter resolution(ability to distinguish between objects that are 5meters apart), whereas the current satellite has a 10meter resolution. We offer such high resolution specifically to meet our client's requirements", Awais added. With 8 satellites expected to be in orbit soon, Pixxel says it will be capable of mapping the generating hyperspectral imagery of the whole world, once in two days. Once they have the 12 additional satellites in orbit, the Indian company is expected to be able to provide whole-earth mapping on a daily basis. According to the CEO, once ISRO's launch activity resumes to its usual frequency, they would launch the new members of the constellation on-board Indian rockets.

Indian Space start-up 'Pixxel' to have constellation of 20 satellites by 2024

<p>Blue Origin's fourth crew to final frontier successfully lands after 10-minute voyage on Friday.</p>

<p>The space tourism venture launched by entrepreneur Jeff Bezos blasted off from the company's Launch Site One base in west Texas with six crew members.</p>

<p>Gary Lai, chief architect of the New Shepard programme, who was a part of the crew said "I felt my skin pulling taut," as the New Shepard spacecraft soared to an altitude of 66 miles (106 km).</p>

<p>"Someday you're going to see us launching every single week," he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Views of a borderless Earth from space <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NS20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NS20</a> <a href="https://t.co/0FIHvvMs69">pic.twitter.com/0FIHvvMs69</a></p>
— Blue Origin (@blueorigin) <a href="https://twitter.com/blueorigin/status/1509607551347867653?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Lai replaced comedian Pete Davidson, the boyfriend of reality star Kim Kardashian, who canceled his participation when the planned launch was postponed from its original March 23 date to allow time for additional pre-flight tests.</p>

<p>Other than Lai, the crew members aboard the spacecraft included angel investor Marty Allen, real estate veteran Marc Hagle and his wife Sharon Hagle, entrepreneur and University of North Carolina professor Jim Kitchen and George Nield, founder and president of Commercial Space Technologies.</p>

<p>The unique rocket has reusable, zero greenhouse gas emissions.&nbsp;It crossed the Karman line that marks the start of space.</p>

<p><strong>Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-has-space-business-has-become-the-final-profitable-frontier-452928" hreflang="en">Why has space business has become the final profitable frontier?</a></strong></p>

<p>While in space, the passengers&nbsp;unbuckled their seatbelts and enjoyed a few minutes of weightlessness, taking in the majesty of Earth before the capsule re-entered the atmosphere</p>

<p>Bezos, the billionaire founder of online retail giant Amazon, was part of Blue Origin's inaugural crewed flight to the edge of space last July.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was accompanied by his brother, Mark Bezos, trailblazing octogenarian female aviator Wally Funk and an 18-year-old Dutch high school graduate.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, his competitor Elon Musk's SpaceX is targeting next week to fly three tycoons and a former astronaut to the International Space Station on the Axiom-1 mission.</p>

<p>However, the crew involved in the mission insists they're doing serious research work rather than going on vacation.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="9"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Blue Origin's fourth crew to final frontier successfully lands after 10-minute voyage on Friday. The space tourism venture launched by entrepreneur Jeff Bezos blasted off from the company's Launch Site One base in west Texas with six crew members.

Blue Origin's fourth crew to final frontier successfully lands after 10-minute voyage on Friday. The space tourism venture launched by entrepreneur Jeff Bezos blasted off from the company's Launch Site One base in west Texas with six crew members. Gary Lai, chief architect of the New Shepard programme, who was a part of the crew said "I felt my skin pulling taut," as the New Shepard spacecraft soared to an altitude of 66 miles (106 km). "Someday you're going to see us launching every single week," he said. Views of a borderless Earth from space #NS20 pic.twitter.com/0FIHvvMs69 — Blue Origin (@blueorigin) March 31, 2022 × Lai replaced comedian Pete Davidson, the boyfriend of reality star Kim Kardashian, who canceled his participation when the planned launch was postponed from its original March 23 date to allow time for additional pre-flight tests. Other than Lai, the crew members aboard the spacecraft included angel investor Marty Allen, real estate veteran Marc Hagle and his wife Sharon Hagle, entrepreneur and University of North Carolina professor Jim Kitchen and George Nield, founder and president of Commercial Space Technologies. The unique rocket has reusable, zero greenhouse gas emissions. It crossed the Karman line that marks the start of space. Also see | Why has space business has become the final profitable frontier? While in space, the passengers unbuckled their seatbelts and enjoyed a few minutes of weightlessness, taking in the majesty of Earth before the capsule re-entered the atmosphere Bezos, the billionaire founder of online retail giant Amazon, was part of Blue Origin's inaugural crewed flight to the edge of space last July. He was accompanied by his brother, Mark Bezos, trailblazing octogenarian female aviator Wally Funk and an 18-year-old Dutch high school graduate. Meanwhile, his competitor Elon Musk's SpaceX is targeting next week to fly three tycoons and a former astronaut to the International Space Station on the Axiom-1 mission. However, the crew involved in the mission insists they're doing serious research work rather than going on vacation. (With inputs from agencies)

Blue Origin successfully lands after 10-minute voyage in its fourth crew to final frontier

<p>Elon Musk has said that Tesla and SpaceX are facing inflation pressure in raw materials and logistics.</p>

<p>The South Africa-born mogul asked about his followers' thoughts on inflation in a tweet, saying ''we are not alone.''</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tesla &amp; SpaceX are seeing significant recent inflation pressure in raw materials &amp; logistics</p>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1503184467397128194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Musk, the head of Tesla and SpaceX, also retweeted an article saying the Ukraine-Russia conflict sent commodity prices to their highest levels since 2008.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ukraine-crisis-spacex-focusing-on-cyber-defence-after-starlink-signals-jammed-459670">Also read |&nbsp;Ukraine crisis: SpaceX focusing on cyber defence after Starlink signals jammed</a></strong></p>

<p>The Russian invasion of Ukraine and Western sanctions, which include a US ban on Russian oil imports, are raising prices of energy and other key commodities like wheat, fertilisers, and metals to surge.</p>

<p>They have also ramped up the prices of metals used in cars, from aluminum in the bodywork to palladium in catalytic converters to the high-grade nickel in electric vehicle batteries, and drivers are likely to foot the bill.</p>

<p>Trading floors continue to be awash with uncertainty as Russia's war in Ukraine rages, with comments from Vladimir Putin that there were "positive developments" in talks with Kyiv unable to provide much support.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/please-use-with-caution-elon-musk-warns-that-starlink-can-be-targeted-by-russia-advises-caution-458726" hreflang="en">'Please use with caution': Elon Musk warns that starlink can be 'targeted' by Russia, advises caution</a></strong></p>

<p>SpaceX's Starlink satellite broadband service was activated in Ukraine last week after Kyiv digital minister Mykhailo Fedorov urged Musk to provide the embattled country with stations days after it was invaded by neighboring Russia.</p>

<p>The service operates a constellation of more than 2,000 satellites that aim to provide internet access across the planet.</p>

<p>Tesla's shares, which closed 5 per cent lower at $795.35 on Friday, have lost about 25 per cent year-to-date.</p>

<p>The electric-car maker last week raised prices of its US Model Y SUVs and Model 3 Long Range sedans by $1,000 each and some China-made Model 3 and Model Y vehicles by 10,000 yuan ($1,582.40).</p>

<p>Last week, electric vehicle maker Rivian Automotive Inc said supply-chain issues could cut its planned production in half, citing soaring raw material prices and supply chain constraints.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Elon Musk has said that Tesla and SpaceX are facing inflation pressure in raw materials and logistics. The South Africa-born mogul asked about his followers' thoughts on inflation in a tweet, saying ''we are not alone.

Elon Musk has said that Tesla and SpaceX are facing inflation pressure in raw materials and logistics. The South Africa-born mogul asked about his followers' thoughts on inflation in a tweet, saying ''we are not alone.'' Tesla & SpaceX are seeing significant recent inflation pressure in raw materials & logistics — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 14, 2022 × Musk, the head of Tesla and SpaceX, also retweeted an article saying the Ukraine-Russia conflict sent commodity prices to their highest levels since 2008. Also read | Ukraine crisis: SpaceX focusing on cyber defence after Starlink signals jammed The Russian invasion of Ukraine and Western sanctions, which include a US ban on Russian oil imports, are raising prices of energy and other key commodities like wheat, fertilisers, and metals to surge. They have also ramped up the prices of metals used in cars, from aluminum in the bodywork to palladium in catalytic converters to the high-grade nickel in electric vehicle batteries, and drivers are likely to foot the bill. Trading floors continue to be awash with uncertainty as Russia's war in Ukraine rages, with comments from Vladimir Putin that there were "positive developments" in talks with Kyiv unable to provide much support. Also read |'Please use with caution': Elon Musk warns that starlink can be 'targeted' by Russia, advises caution SpaceX's Starlink satellite broadband service was activated in Ukraine last week after Kyiv digital minister Mykhailo Fedorov urged Musk to provide the embattled country with stations days after it was invaded by neighboring Russia. The service operates a constellation of more than 2,000 satellites that aim to provide internet access across the planet. Tesla's shares, which closed 5 per cent lower at $795.35 on Friday, have lost about 25 per cent year-to-date. The electric-car maker last week raised prices of its US Model Y SUVs and Model 3 Long Range sedans by $1,000 each and some China-made Model 3 and Model Y vehicles by 10,000 yuan ($1,582.40). Last week, electric vehicle maker Rivian Automotive Inc said supply-chain issues could cut its planned production in half, citing soaring raw material prices and supply chain constraints. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk says Tesla and SpaceX are facing inflation pressure in raw materials and logistics

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