SOLAR SPACECRAFT
ISRO's Aditya-L1 completes first halo orbit around Sun-Earth L1 point in 178 days
India's first solar mission, Aditya-L1, completed its first halo orbit around the Sun-Earth L1 point, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced. Launched on September 2 last year, the Aditya-L1 spacecraft was inserted into its targeted halo orbit on January 6. It takes 178 days to complete a revolution around the L1 point. Station-keeping manoeuvres on February 22, June 7, and July 2 have maintained its orbit, with the latest manoeuvre ensuring it continues into the second halo orbit path. The mission's complex dynamics and trajectory planning have validated ISRO's in-house flight dynamics software.
ISRO's Aditya-L1 completes first halo orbit around Sun-Earth L1 point
ISRO's URSC validated the flight dynamics software for Aditya-L1 spacecraft, which completed its first halo orbit around the Sun-Earth L1 point in 178 days. The recent manoeuvre guaranteed the seamless continuation of its journey in the second halo orbit, illustrating ISRO's expertise in space exploration.
Secrets of life found by NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission: Surprising findings from Bennu asteroid sample
NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission has revealed groundbreaking findings from the Bennu asteroid, uncovering key ingredients for life, including phosphates and organic molecules. The pristine sample collected from Bennu offers invaluable insights into the origins of life on Earth, highlighting the asteroid's role as a potential source of life's building blocks. These discoveries not only deepen our understanding of life's beginnings but also open new avenues for research in astrobiology and the evolution of our solar system.
SpaceX wins $843 million contract from NASA to bring ISS down to its 'watery graveyard': What's the plan?
NASA has chosen SpaceX for an $843 million contract to develop a US Deorbit Vehicle, tasked with safely bringing the International Space Station (ISS) out of orbit by 2030. This mission ensures a controlled re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, targeting the Pacific Ocean's remote Point Nemo. The decision underscores international efforts to manage the ISS's safe transition after its operational tenure since 2000.
Boeing Starliner faces technical issues: How will astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams return to Earth?
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, facing technical challenges, prepares to bring astronauts Wilmore and Williams back from the ISS. Delays have plagued the return, with no set date yet. Issues with the propulsion system, including overheating thrusters and helium leaks, are under scrutiny. Despite the setbacks, NASA and Boeing are actively working on solutions, including software updates. Crew Dragon stands by as a backup, underscoring the complexities of space missions.
NASA's Voyager 1 Returns: 46-year-old spacecraft is fully operational again, sends signals from 15 billion miles away
After facing a grave computer problem last year, NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft is now fully operational, sending back usable data about interstellar space. The spacecraft, launched in 1977, has been instrumental in transmitting data about outer planets and the solar system's far reaches for nearly fifty years. Engineers spent months resolving the issue, which was particularly challenging due to the spacecraft's distance from Earth. Despite its age, Voyager 1 continues to defy expectations and provide invaluable insights into the universe.
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ISRO's Aditya-L1 spacecraft's two onboard instruments capture solar fury
ISRO's Aditya-L1 spacecraft, stationed at the Lagrangian point (L1) roughly 1.5 million km from Earth, captured recent solar activities using its SUIT and VELC instruments. The Sun's dynamic events, including X-class and M-class flares with associated CMEs, were recorded during May 2024, aiding in geomagnetic storm predictions.
NASA's Earth telescope captures miraculous photo of Jupiter's Monn Io, watch giant lava lake of its volcano
Pictures of outer space and unexplored lands are always very special and if it is taken under challenging conditions and the outcome is phenomenal, there are simply no words to explain the feeling. Such is the case with a recent photograph of Jupiter's moon captured by a telescope on Earth.
China's spacecraft takes off from far side of Moon to bring home first samples
China's Chang'e-6 probe on Tuesday lifted off from the far side of the Moon for its journey back to Earth carrying the first rock samples ever collected from the rarely explored terrain, in an ambitious mission that underscored the country's rise as a major space power. The ascender has entered a pre-set orbit around the Moon after taking off from the far side this morning, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced.
NASA warns of powerful solar storm and blackouts. When it is likely to hit earth
A significant solar flare has been released by the Sun, peaking at X1.4, according to NASA Solar flares are intense bursts of radiation but cannot harm humans directly, impacting GPS and communication signals. The associated coronal mass ejection from Region 3697 is expected to enhance Earth’s magnetic field, leading to potential geomagnetic storms.
Volcanoes on Venus! Radar shows fresh lava flows, planet may have more volcanoes than thought
Radar footage has revealed that the surface of the planet Venus shows some fresh lava flows indicating that there are active volcanoes on the planet, which are currently imploding.
First 'extreme' solar storm in 20 years brings spectacular auroras
Powerful solar storms caused celestial light shows and threats to satellites and power grids. Social media shared aurora pictures. Tasmania and Europe experienced spectacular skies. Starlink's Elon Musk commented on the storm. University of Reading's Mathew Owens advised using eclipse glasses to view the aurora.
Solar storm 2024, aurora lights, northern lights: How long these events will continue?
Solar storm 2024 has created stunning aurora lights and northern lights in last two days across the earth. Now, the question remains, how long these celestial event will persist?
Solar storm strikes Earth, sparking stunning auroras and potential disruptions
A massive solar storm, the strongest in over 20 years, hit Earth, causing stunning auroras and raising concerns about satellite and power grid disruptions. The storm, triggered by several coronal mass ejections from the Sun, was upgraded to an "extreme" geomagnetic storm. Social media was abuzz with photos of the auroras from various parts of the world. Authorities warned satellite operators, airlines, and power grids to take precautions. The storm's effects are expected to be mainly felt in the planet's northern and southern latitudes.
Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams set to fly into space for a third time on Tuesday
Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams, alongside Butch Wilmore, embarks on a significant mission flying Boeing's Starliner from Florida to the International Space Station, overcoming delays and contributing to the Commercial Crew Programme.
China set to launch high-stakes mission to moon's 'hidden' side
China is set to launch a robotic spacecraft, Chang'e-6, in the coming days to collect soil and rocks from the moon's far side. This marks the first of three technically demanding missions to pave the way for an inaugural Chinese crewed landing and a base on the lunar south pole. Since the first Chang'e mission in 2007, China has made significant strides in lunar exploration, narrowing the technological gap with the United States and Russia.
Solar Eclipse 2024: Will ISRO's Aditya-L1 be able to shed light on Sun's secrets?
India's Aditya L1 satellite, dedicated to studying the Sun, will miss the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, as it is positioned to provide uninterrupted views of the Sun. In contrast, NASA is gearing up for the rare celestial event, flying special research planes and organizing various activities across the USA to witness the spectacle safely. The eclipse will darken skies as it passes over North America, with the path of totality tracking across several cities.
First US moon lander in half a century stops working a week after tipping over at touchdown
The first U.S. spacecraft since the Apollo astronauts, Intuitive Machines' Odysseus, tipped over near the lunar south pole but lasted longer than expected. Houston-based Intuitive Machines hopes to hear from Odysseus again after a long nap.
Private US moon lander still working after breaking leg and falling, but not for long
The Odysseus mission, the first private U.S. spacecraft to land on the moon, faced challenges such as a broken leg, limited power, and communication issues. Despite these setbacks, it is considered a success by NASA and marks a significant milestone in commercial lunar deliveries.
Odysseus moon lander still operational, in final hours before battery dies
Odysseus, the first U.S. spacecraft to land on the moon since 1972, nears the end of its lunar mission, with its battery in its final hours. Despite a challenging landing that left it tilted and hindered communication, the spacecraft has transmitted valuable science data and imagery. An 11th-hour navigational glitch led to the unconventional landing, but human error was identified as a contributing factor. Intuitive Machines, the Texas-based company behind Odysseus, expects the spacecraft to go dark soon, cutting short its planned mission.
Private US spacecraft topples to its side during lunar landing, some antennas covered up, the company says
A private U.S. lunar lander, Odysseus, tipped over during touchdown near the moon's south pole, ending up on its side and hampering communications. Despite the mishap, the lander, sponsored by NASA, is thought to be within a few miles of its intended landing site. NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter will attempt to locate it. This marks the first private moon landing, with NASA experiments onboard. The lander's mission is expected to last about a week on the moon.
Japan becomes the fifth country to land a spacecraft on the moon
Japan's spacecraft, SLIM, successfully landed on the moon's surface. It is the fifth country to achieve this feat. JAXA confirmed that the landing was successful, and more details will be provided at a news conference. SLIM's mission is to test new landing technology and seek clues about the origin of the moon. The spacecraft will analyze minerals near the Shioli crater. This achievement raises Japan's profile in the global space technology race.
Confident of Aditya L1’s insertion in halo orbit around L1: Nigar Shaji
Aditya was launched from the Sriharikota spaceport on September 2 and the spacecraft has traversed a distance of 1.5 million km from Earth. The final manoeuvre will involve firing a group of thrusters for a short period of time till 4 pm on Saturday. Aditya L1 has 12 thrusters.
Aditya-L1, ISRO'S first solar spacecraft enters Sun's final orbit
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a major milestone as they successfully completed the last manoeuvre to position the Aditya-L1 spacecraft into its designated orbit. Aditya-L1 is India's first space-based observatory dedicated to studying the Sun. The spacecraft has now reached its final destination, a distance of approximately 1.5 million kilometres from the Earth.
Aditya-L1 spacecraft of ISRO to be placed in its final destination orbit today
India's ISRO is set to perform the final manoeuvre at 4 pm on Saturday to position the Aditya-L1 spacecraft, the country's first space-based solar observatory, into its designated orbit around Lagrange point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system, 1.5 million kilometers from Earth. The unique halo orbit around L1 allows continuous observation of the Sun, providing real-time monitoring of solar activities and their impact on space weather. Launched in September, Aditya-L1 carries seven payloads to study the solar upper atmosphere, coronal heating, plasma dynamics, and other phenomena.
ISRO's Aditya L1 mission on the brink of Solar breakthrough, entering its ultimate orbit!
Aditya L1 mission, set to reach its final orbit around the Sun on January 6, marks a groundbreaking achievement in solar exploration. Launched in September, the spacecraft aims to enter a 'halo orbit' at Lagrange Point 1 (L1), enabling unparalleled observation of the Sun. With seven scientific instruments onboard, it promises comprehensive insights into solar phenomena, posing both challenges and opportunities in maintaining its orbit. This mission represents a significant leap in India's space exploration, poised to unlock unprecedented solar insights.
Aditya-L1 solar probe nears Sun's outer reach, expected arrival on January 6: ISRO
India's Aditya-L1 solar spacecraft, nearing the Lagrangian (L1) point 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, marks a significant stride in space exploration. Isro chairman S Somanath anticipates its arrival on January 6, unveiling its pivotal role in studying the Sun's outer atmosphere, free from eclipses. Aditya-L1's engine firing will stabilize its position, allowing detailed solar event analysis. Isro's vision of an Indian space station further underscores India's ambitious space exploration endeavors.
Psyche: NASA spacecraft embarks on mysterious mission to find rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft has begun its six-year journey to a metal-covered asteroid. This will be the first exploration of a metal world, which scientists believe may be the remains of an early planet's core. The mission aims to shed light on the inaccessible centers of Earth and other rocky planets. Psyche is expected to reach its destination in 2029, where it will study the asteroid's composition and potentially discover trace amounts of precious metals. The spacecraft will use solar electric propulsion and an experimental communication system using lasers.
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