Science
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.
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.
GSAT-20 will possibly be launched by August, ISRO Chief S Somanath explains challenges in India's space market
While addressing the India Space Congress (ISC) 2024 Inaugural day, ISRO Chief S Somanath announced that its next satellite GSAT-20 will possibly be launched by August. He further said, "Our next satellite GSAT-20 is ready to be launched and will possibly be launched by August. We need to have higher payload capacity in our rockets as we plan to send people to the Moon."
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.
NASA predicts once-in-80-years cosmic explosion. When and how to watch with naked eye
The T Coronae Borealis binary system nova event, repeating every 80 years, may erupt by September 2024. Stargazers can witness this rare phenomenon by locating the Northern Crown constellation between Arcturus and Vega, aided by ground-based telescopes.
Keen to be partners with India in its space journey: Australian envoy on space collaboration projects
Australia collaborates with India in the space sector, providing an USD 18 million grant for joint projects. The partnership aims to address climate change, boost manufacturing, and advance artificial intelligence, strengthening both nations' space economies.
NASA shares rare lightning bolts spotted over the Himalayas. What causes these gigantic jets?
NASA recently showcased gigantic jets over the Himalayan Mountains,. These jets, a new discovery, bridge thunderstorms with the ionosphere, sending powerful electrical charges into space. Their impact on atmospheric electricity and technology, including satellites and communication systems, is under study for both scientific and practical applications.
NASA launches powerful weather satellite 'GOES-U' on Falcon Heavy rocket
A Falcon Heavy rocket launched a new weather satellite into orbit from the Kennedy Space Center on Tuesday. The 'GOES-U' satellite is the newest and final addition to NOAA's GOES-R series of satellites. GOES stands for Geostationary Operational Environment Satellite Series.
IISc researchers design novel 3D hydrogel culture to study TB infection and treatment
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is a dangerous pathogen. In 2022, it affected 10.6 million people and caused 1.3 million deaths, according to the WHO. “It is a very old bug, and it has evolved with us quite a bit,” said Rachit Agarwal, Associate Professor at BE. Mtb primarily infects the lungs, IISc said in a press release.
European Space Agency shares mesmerizing image of Ram Setu linking India and Sri Lanka
ESA Ram Setu Image: The European Space Agency released a satellite image of the historic Ram Setu, linking India and Sri Lanka. Spanning 48 km, this limestone shoal bridge holds geological, historical, and mythological significance. Protected as national parks, the shallow waters around the bridge support diverse marine life. The image underscores Ram Setu's cultural heritage and ecological importance, highlighting its unique role in regional history and mythology.
Must Watch
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.
Want to name asteroids that orbit the Sun? Here is how you can do it
The International Astronomical Union and Radiolab are hosting a naming contest for Earth's quasi-moons, asteroids orbiting the Sun. Submissions open until 30 September for a chance to name a quasi-moon officially recognized by IAU.
Boeing Starliner astronauts stranded at ISS after NASA overlooks 'minor' issues; Here's what we know
NASA and Boeing face delays as helium leaks in the Starliner spacecraft postpone astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams' return to Earth. Despite criticism and significant cost overruns, NASA and Boeing remain confident in Starliner's performance and safety.
ISRO achieves third consecutive success in 'Pushpak' safe landing, focus now on orbital entry trials
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday achieved another success in the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) landing experiment (LEX). The third and final test in the series of LEX (03) was conducted at 07:10 IST at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga, Karnataka. Following the success of the RLV LEX-01 and LEX-02 missions, RLV LEX-03 re-demonstrated the autonomous landing capability of the RLV under more challenging release conditions (cross range of 500 m against 150 m for LEX-02) and more severe wind conditions. The winged vehicle, named 'Pushpak', was released from an Indian Air Force Chinook Helicopter at an altitude of 4.5 km.
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.
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.
