SPACE TECHNOLOGY MISSION DIRECTORATE
Eric Garcetti lauds India, USA partnership, says it is shaped by defence, technology, space and more
Experts at a two-day meet in New Delhi last week discussed the India-USA partnership shaped by commerce, technology, people, and security. Pradeep S Mehta, Secretary General of CUTS International, emphasized that while India and the US maintain a strong friendship, they are not formal treaty allies. This partnership grows amidst a stable relationship with Russia, which India views as a balancing force against China.
Union Budget: Space industry demands tax holidays, PLI scheme
The private space sector has high expectations from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's upcoming budget, including import holidays, tax exemptions, PLI, and government support. Industry bodies are urging for increased government expenditure and adoption of space technology solutions in various sectors. Budget also seen as crucial for regulatory framework and startup growth.
NASA's Parker Solar Probe is the fastest object ever made by humans, and it's speeding towards new frontiers
NASA's Parker Solar Probe has set a new record as the fastest human-made object, reaching a staggering speed of 635,266 km per hour (394,736 miles per hour) on June 29. This achievement matches its own previous speed record from 2018. The probe's mission focuses on exploring the Sun's outer corona, a region with temperatures reaching 1-3 million degrees Celsius, hotter than the Sun's surface. It aims to advance space weather forecasting and gather crucial data on solar wind, protected by a robust carbon-composite shield designed to withstand extreme temperatures up to 1,377 degrees Celsius (2,500 degrees Fahrenheit).
Zen Technologies launches AI-powered robot for global defense market
Zen Technologies and its subsidiary AI Turing Technologies have introduced advanced defense solutions including Prahasta, an AI-driven quadruped robot for real-time 3D mapping. Other innovations include Hawkeye, an anti-drone camera, Barbarik-URCWS, the world's lightest remote weapon station, and Sthir Stab 640, a stabilized sight for armored vehicles. These products aim to enhance mission planning, navigation, and combat effectiveness while reducing personnel risk. Zen Technologies' Chairman highlighted their commitment to integrating cutting-edge robotics into defense operations, reflecting in a 5% rise in their BSE share price.
You can reach Mars in just two months with this technology developed by NASA. Know about Pulsed Plasma Rocket
NASA is working on a new rocket technology called the Pulsed Plasma Rocket, which aims to cut travel time to Mars to two months. This innovation could enhance human space exploration and make trips to distant destinations more feasible.
Elon Musk intensifies efforts to colonize Mars with SpaceX in 20 years
Elon Musk has intensified efforts with SpaceX to establish a city on Mars, directing teams to design habitats and spacesuits, and explore human reproduction on the planet.
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Statue of Liberty-sized asteroid zooms towards Earth at breakneck speed; NASA issues warning
NASA has issued a warning about asteroid 2024 MT1, a large object heading towards Earth at 65,215 km/h. Despite its size—about as big as the Statue of Liberty—NASA assures no immediate collision threat. Monitored closely by NASA's JPL, it will pass 937,000 miles away on July 8, 2024. Classified as potentially hazardous, efforts like NASA's DART mission aim to redirect such asteroids. Astronomers are eager to study it, hoping to learn more about early solar system formation.
NASA's Mars simulation mission: How did volunteers live in a Mars-like habitat? Details here
NASA's Mars simulation mission, based at Johnson Space Center in Houston, involved four volunteers living in a Mars-like habitat for over a year. It aimed to study human adaptability for future Mars missions, with upcoming simulations planned.
Vikram Sarabhai Space Center & K Space ink pact on functioning of space park
The Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) and Kerala Space Park (K Space) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Saturday in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Under the MoU, VSSC scientists will join K Space's advisory committees to provide technical guidance. K Space aims to attract investments and support the development of the space sector, fostering manufacturing and servicing of advanced space products.
NASA: Boeing Starliner crew enjoys extended stay on ISS, they're in no 'rush to come home'
NASA extends Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams' mission aboard Boeing's Starliner due to technical challenges like thruster failures and helium leaks. Despite setbacks, NASA assures their safety and plans for a return mission. Boeing faces public scrutiny despite mission success, amid comparisons with SpaceX's Crew Dragon. Both companies play pivotal roles in NASA's crewed missions to the ISS, navigating a competitive landscape in commercial space travel.
NASA warns of potential planet-sized asteroid impact: There's 72% chance of Earth collision on this date
NASA's hypothetical exercise reveals a 72% chance of a potentially hazardous asteroid hitting Earth, highlighting gaps in Earth's preparedness. The exercise, attended by representatives from various agencies, assessed Earth's ability to respond to such threats. Key gaps include decision-making processes and readiness for space missions. NASA's DART mission confirmed the ability to change an asteroid's trajectory, and NEO Surveyor, launching in 2028, aims to discover hazardous objects early. This exercise underscores the importance of preparedness for potential asteroid impacts.
China calls on scientists of all nations to study lunar samples, but notes obstacle with the US
China's space officials announced that scientists worldwide could apply to study lunar rock samples from the Chang'e 6 mission. Cooperation, however, excludes the U.S. due to the Wolf Amendment, which restricts direct bilateral collaboration with NASA. China welcomes international scientists but refrains from revealing specific sample details pending further announcements. Future plans include lunar and planetary exploration missions.
SSLV's first dedicated commercial launch to put Australia-built satellite into orbit in 2026
NSIL and Space Machines Company have announced that their newest rocket, the SSLV, will launch its first dedicated commercial launch with the Optimus satellite. The launch will set the stage for Space Machines Company's second Optimus spacecraft, the largest Australian-designed and built spacecraft to date. The mission, named Space MAITRI, will mark a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between Australia and India in the space domain, fostering closer ties between commercial, institutional, and government space organizations.
Watch: Toxic debris from suspected Chinese rocket falls over village, raises safety alarms
Debris from a Chinese rocket fell over Xianqiao village in Guizhou province, China, causing a dramatic scene. Videos show a cylindrical piece crashing near a hill with yellow smoke. This happened after a Long March 2C rocket launched the Space Variable Objects Monitor satellite. President Xi Jinping aims to boost China's space program, but incidents like this raise safety concerns. Rocket expert Markus Schiller noted that China's inland launch sites pose risks to populated areas. The incident highlights the need for enhanced safety measures in China's space missions.
ISRO completes Reusable Launch Vehicle technology demonstrations under challenging conditions
ISRO achieved a significant milestone with the successful third consecutive test of the Reusable Launch Vehicle Landing Experiment, demonstrating the autonomous landing capability of the launch vehicle under challenging conditions. Named 'Pushpak,' the winged vehicle executed cross-range correction maneuvers and a precise horizontal landing at the runway centerline after being released from an Indian Air Force Chinook Helicopter. This success reaffirms ISRO's expertise in acquiring critical technologies for the development of a Reusable Launch Vehicle.
NASA to train ISRO astronauts for ISS trip
NASA and ISRO collaborate to train an Indian astronaut for an ISS mission, enhancing Indo-US space partnership through iCET technology. NASA administrator Bill Nelson emphasised joint efforts to advance human spaceflight and benefit humanity. India and the US aim to deepen interoperability in space, provide advanced training for Indian astronauts, and launch the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar to combat climate change.
NASA chief says US and India to expand collaboration in space; to train Indian astronaut for ISS
NASA administrator Bill Nelson announced an expanded collaboration with India, including a joint effort aboard the International Space Station with an Indian astronaut. The US and India aim to deepen interoperability in space, commencing advanced training for ISRO astronauts at NASA's Johnson Space Centre. Efforts will support future human spaceflight and address global challenges.
Putin ratifies plan to jointly build lunar base with China
Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved a plan to jointly build the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) with China. The ILRS will include sections on the lunar surface, lunar orbit, and Earth, built in two phases. The first phase aims to establish a basic station by 2035, with expansion completed by 2045. Twelve countries and international organizations have joined the initiative. The project follows Russia and China's 2021 agreement and involves ambitious lunar missions starting in 2026.
ISRO working on mission to advance high-resolution thermal imaging for climate, resource management
The TRISHNA mission, a collaboration between ISRO and the French space agency CNES, aims to monitor Earth's surface temperature, water stress, and water quality for energy budgeting. The launch schedule is undisclosed.
Agnikul eyes to launch satellites by 2025: CEO Ravichandran
"Nine to 12 months I would say. Probably by the end of this financial year or the early part of the next financial year is what we are targeting," Ravichandran said when asked about the commercial orbital launch of the Agnibaan rocket.
Lunar Timekeeping: How Nasa plans to synchronize moon missions
NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) are working together to create a standardized time system for the moon. This initiative, part of the Artemis program, aims to coordinate lunar missions from various countries and private entities. The lack of a unified time zone on the moon presents logistical challenges, which this effort seeks to address by potentially using Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) or developing a new time scale tailored to the moon's unique environment.
Now India can hope to have its own SpaceX and Blue Origin
Elon Musk's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin lead the global space industry discourse. From reusable rockets to space tourism, these companies drive innovation in the space sector.
Agnikul Cosmos flies world’s first rocket with single-piece 3D printed rocket engine. Check first video of launch here
Following multiple unsuccessful attempts, space startup Agnikul Cosmos achieved a significant breakthrough on Thursday. They successfully conducted a sub-orbital test-flight of their in-house developed 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket named Agnibaan. This milestone was accomplished from their dedicated launch pad at Sriharikota, marking Agnikul Cosmos as the second private entity in India to achieve this feat.
Thapar Institute to submit proposal to Isro to launch its first student satellite 'Thaparsat'
TIET plans to launch 'Thaparsat' with Isro to monitor pollution and soil moisture in north India, enhancing student learning in engineering and technology.
Indian space industry offers tremendous opportunity for private players, says ISRO Chief
ISRO Chairman S Somanath highlights the vast potential for growth and development in the Indian space industry, estimating a $9-10 billion industry within 5-10 years. He praises the collaboration between ISRO and private sector companies like SFO Technologies, emphasizing their role in advancing space technology and environmental sustainability initiatives.
Pakistan's CubeSat sends first images of Sun and Moon from lunar orbit
Pakistan's CubeSat, part of China's Chang'e-6 mission, has made history by transmitting its first images of the sun and moon from lunar orbit. The CubeSat successfully separated from the orbiter near the far side of the moon, capturing its initial image on May 8 at 16:14 (1:14 pm Pakistan time). This achievement was celebrated at a ceremony at the China National Space Agency (CNSA), where the images were presented to Pakistan's ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi. The project, a collaboration between Islamabad's Institute of Space Technology (IST), China's Shanghai University (SJTU), and Pakistan's national space agency Suparco.
A decade after India's Chandrayaan, Pakistan's maiden lunar mission 'Cube Qamar' jets off, thanks to China
China and Pakistan are making remarkable strides in space exploration with their respective lunar missions. China's Chang'e-6 mission and Pakistan's ICUBE-Q mission highlight the growing capabilities and ambitions of these nations in the field of space technology. These missions are expected to yield valuable insights into the moon's composition and history, contributing to our broader understanding of the universe.
Private players will make space more accessible: ISRO chief
ISRO Chairman S Somanath expressed optimism about the role of private players in advancing space technology, citing SpaceX's success. He highlighted the importance of government support for private companies and mentioned Indian companies like Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos already working in the field. Somanath also shared updates on Chandrayaan-4, part of India's moon exploration program, aiming to land on the moon in 2040. The interaction with space enthusiasts, part of ISRO's outreach efforts, lasted an hour and will continue in May.
Chandrayaan-4 mission in 'process of developing', says ISRO chairman
ISRO Chairman S Somanath reiterates commitment to moon missions, PM Modi's 2040s moon landing goal, continuous exploration, student involvement, and Chandrayaan-3 success at the lunar south pole in Ludhiana.
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