Science
Digantara commissions world's first commercial space surveillance satellite
The world's first commercial space surveillance satellite capable of tracking objects as small as 5 centimetres in orbit was commissioned by Bengaluru-based start-up Digantara. The SCOT satellite, launched on January 14, began operations by capturing images over South America, providing precise data to mitigate collision risks in space.
India's space sector poised to reach $44 billion: Union Minister Jitendra Singh
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh predicts that India's space sector will grow to USD 44 billion soon, driven by initiatives like NSIL and In-SPACe. India's space budget has tripled, startups have surged, and new milestones like the NAVIC satellite and upcoming missions such as Gaganyaan highlight significant progress.
Private lunar lander is declared dead after landing sideways in a crater near the moon's south pole
Intuitive Machines' Athena lunar lander ceased operations after landing sideways in a crater near the moon's south pole. Despite sending back some data and images, the mission was declared over due to the lander’s compromised position and extreme cold. The company is evaluating the mission data while preparing for future lunar deliveries under NASA contracts.
ISRO developing LOX-methane engine for NGLV
ISRO is developing a LOX-methane engine for the Next Generation Launch Vehicle with a reusable booster stage and two expendable upper stages. This engine offers multiple restarts for mission flexibility. Successful testing of a spark torch igniter with gaseous propellants marks a key milestone, and further tests aim to enhance performance.
European rocket successfully carries out first commercial mission
Europe's new rocket Ariane 6 successfully carried out its first commercial mission on Thursday, placing a French military satellite into orbit and confirming the continent's independent access to space. A successful Ariane 6 launch was "an important step for the independence of France and Europe's access to space," he told AFP. "At the moment, Europe needs to find projects that bring us together," he said.
Ice may exist on Moon at more locations than previously thought, Chandrayaan-3 data suggests
The Chandrayaan-3 mission suggests the presence of ice beneath the Moon's poles may be more extensive than previously thought. This discovery, derived from temperature data, could provide insights into the Moon's early geologic processes and its potential for future habitability.
Sunita Williams says she'll miss Space as she prepares to return to Earth after being stuck on ISS for 10 months
After an unexpected nearly ten-month stay on the International Space Station (ISS), Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams and her NASA colleague Butch Wilmore are finally set to return to Earth. Originally scheduled for just eight days, their mission was prolonged due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. With a replacement crew arriving soon, Williams and Wilmore will return aboard a SpaceX capsule on 19 March, marking the end of a journey filled with challenges, uncertainties, and reflections on life in space.
L&T bets on space exploration as India expands private rocket and satellite industry
Larsen & Toubro is focusing on aerospace for growth, including launch vehicle and satellite manufacturing. At its factory in Tamil Nadu, L&T is assembling India's first privately built Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and building equipment for other ISRO deep space programs. This aligns with India's privatization push and aims at boosting the commercial space sector.
SpaceX scrubs Starship launch at last minute—What went wrong?
SpaceX's latest test flight of its massive Starship rocket was called off at the last minute due to an unspecified issue. The mission, intended to address failures from the previous flight, remains on hold as engineers assess the problem. Starship, the world’s largest and most powerful rocket, is central to Elon Musk’s vision of deep-space exploration, including missions to Mars. While NASA awaits a version for its Artemis moon landings, SpaceX must first prove the spacecraft’s reliability through multiple test flights.
Private lunar lander Blue Ghost touches down on the moon with a special delivery for NASA
Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost successfully landed on the moon, marking a first for a private company to achieve a smooth, upright landing. The mission, featuring experiments for NASA, aims to boost private lunar business and exploration prior to astronaut missions later this decade.
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Conversations around gut health have increased, as have misconceptions. What is needed is a comprehensive approach
Understanding gut health involves more than following diet trends. Poor gut health, linked to stress, poor diet, and lifestyle choices, requires a balanced diet, physical activity, and stress management rather than relying solely on quick fixes or misleading social media advice. Experts recommend personalized, comprehensive approaches instead.
We don't outsource our software, says ex-ISRO chief Somanath
Former ISRO chief S Somanath highlights the agency's dedication to in-house software development across various domains. At the Software Product Management Summit, he emphasized the critical integration of science with technology, ensuring accuracy and security. ISRO's software advancements now focus on commercialization to foster innovation within Indian institutions and industries, strengthening India's future in space technology.
China's space station to welcome first foreign astronaut, Xinhua says
China and Pakistan signed a cooperation agreement to select and train Pakistani astronauts for China's Tiangong space station. Pakistani astronauts will undergo a year of training in China before participating in short-term missions. The Tiangong space station, completed in late 2022, can host three astronauts for months.
ISRO to resume SpaDeX experiments from March 15: V Narayanan
ISRO will resume experiments on the SpaDeX mission in mid-March to further develop space docking technologies. After successfully docking two satellites in January, they plan to separate and re-dock them, along with other tests. These experiments are crucial for future projects like Chandrayaan-4 and the Bharat Antariksha Station.
Genetic study reveals how extreme heat can accelerate ageing in older adults
A study by the University of Southern California reveals that exposure to extreme heat can accelerate biological ageing in older adults. The research found that people living in hotter regions exhibit faster biological ageing, regardless of socioeconomic and lifestyle factors, indicating the need for climate-focused public health interventions.
Moon Calling: NASA and Nokia to launch the first cellular network in Space; Here’s all you need to know
NASA and Nokia are set to deploy the first mobile network on the Moon as part of the IM-2 mission. Utilizing Earth-based cellular technology, the network aims to support high-definition video streaming and communication on the lunar surface, setting the stage for future lunar missions under NASA’s Artemis program.
