#Mars

Global News

Water Discovered on Mars Twelve Miles Below the Surface : Could Support Life

Beneath Mars' surface, geophysicists have discovered a vast underground ocean that could potentially harbor life. Seismic data from NASA's InSight Lander revealed this massive reservoir, containing enough liquid to cover the entire planet in a mile of water. However, the water lies far too deep to access with current technology. Buried under a layer of fractured rock, 7 to 13 miles (11.5 to 20 kilometers) below the planet's crust, reaching it would require a drilling effort unlike anything attempted on Earth.Discoverers Say It's a Promising Site to Look For Life If Humans Do Find a Way To Access It In The Future ~ On August 12, the researchers released their findings. Publications of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). "Water is essential for life as we know it," UC Berkeley earth and planetary science professor and study co-author Michael Manga stated in a statement. “I fail to understand why [the subterranean reservoir] is not a livable place. On Earth, it is undoubtedly true that life can be found at the bottom of the ocean and in extremely deep mines.” "We haven't found any evidence for life on Mars, but at least we have identified a place that should, in principle, be able to sustain life," Manga stated.(Source: Google Images) Scientists have considerable proof that water previously existed in abundance on the surface of the desolate planet Mars thanks to the dried-up river channels, deltas, and lake beds that crisscross the planet's surface. However, a dramatic shift in Mars' environment some 3.5 billion years ago eliminated the planet's surface water. Scientists have hypothesized that the abrupt loss of the planet's magnetic field, an impact from an asteroid, or the disruption of the planet by early microbial life could be the reason for the quick desiccation. Determining the correct explanation and the location of the water have grown in importance.The deeper crust is most likely made up of a patchwork of broken igneous rock that has enough liquid water in it to fill Martian oceans, according to research into the region. This indicates that the water seeped into the planet's crust rather than escaping into space all those billions of years ago. Although it is now much beyond human capability to reach the hidden ocean—the Kola Superdeep Borehole is the deepest hole ever discovered on Earth, plunging only 7.6 miles below the surface—there are other locations on Mars where researchers are looking for signs of life.In reality, the Perseverance rover, which has been probing the surface of the Jezero crater since 2021 to gather geological samples, may have already acquired samples of Mars' dust or perhaps proof of prehistoric life. NASA had originally scheduled the launch of a sample recovery mission for 2026, however budgetary difficulties have caused this date to be moved to 2040. To expedite the mission timeframe, the agency is presently accepting offers from private enterprises.

21 Aug 2024

Global News

Researchers Present a Ground-Breaking Plan to Revive The Red Planet.

According to a research from Northwestern and Chicago universities, a novel strategy for warming Mars maybe 5,000 times more effective than earlier ones. People have questioned whether there is a method to bring life to the dead and frigid surface of Mars ever since it was discovered. Researchers from the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and the University of Central Florida have put out a ground-breaking plan for terraforming Mars in an article that was published on August 7, 2024, in Science Advances. This new technique might warm the Red Planet by more than 50 degrees Fahrenheit, reaching temperatures appropriate for microbial life—a critical first step towards making Mars livable. The technique involves releasing manufactured dust particles into the atmosphere.The suggested approach to globally warming Mars is more than five thousand times more effective than earlier plans, signifying a substantial advancement in our capacity to alter the Martian environment. This strategy differs from previous approaches that relied on importing materials from Earth or mining rare Martian resources since it uses resources that are easily accessible on the planet, making it significantly more viable. It would take decades to implement this plan. However, compared to other plans put up thus far, it seems more manageable logistically.According to Edwin Kite, a corresponding author of the work and associate professor of geophysical sciences at the University of Chicago, "This suggests that the barrier to warming Mars to allow liquid water is not as high as previously thought." Samaneh Ansari, a graduate student at Northwestern University working with Prof. Hooman Mohseni, was the primary author. It will take a lot more work to make Mars habitable enough for humans to walk on its surface without assistance, so astronauts won't be able to breathe its thin atmosphere. However, by enabling food crops and bacteria to live on the planet, perhaps the framework could be set for the eventual addition of oxygen to the atmosphere, as has already happened for Earth throughout its geologic history.(The Big Question: Aside from 'terraforming Mars', can man change or adjust Mars' environment to make it more suitable? Source: Google Images) A fresh take on a long-standing dreamProposals to habitat Mars have been made for a long time; in 1971, Carl Sagan himself proposed one. These have ranged from blatant fantasies, like science fiction authors imagining that one of Mars' moons could be turned into a sun, to more modern and tenable concepts, such as creating heat-trapping translucent gel tiles. The Need For A Complex Strategy ~ (Source: Google Images)Deadly UV rays and salted soil are only two of the obstacles that must be overcome in any strategy to make Mars habitable. The greatest, though, is the average temperature of the planet's surface, which is -80 degrees Fahrenheit on Mars. The same tactic that people unknowingly utilize on Earth might be used to warm the planet as well: adding materials to the atmosphere would strengthen Mars' built-in greenhouse effect, trapping solar heat near the planet's surface. The issue is that you would require an actual tonne of these materials. Previous plans relied on transporting gasses from Earth to Mars or trying to mine the planet for a significant amount of uncommon ingredients—both of which are expensive and challenging endeavors.However, the scientists questioned if it could be accomplished by processing elements that are already widely available on Mars. Iron and aluminum are abundant in the dust of Mars, as rovers like ‘Curiosity’ have demonstrated. Due to their size and makeup, such dust particles tend to slightly cool the surface rather than warm it, making them ineffective on their own to warm the planet. However, the researchers reasoned that if we manufactured dust particles with various compositions or forms, maybe we might trap heat more effectively. The particles that the researchers created resembled short rods and were about the same size as commercial glitter. The purpose of these particles is to increase Mars' inherent greenhouse effect by absorbing heat that is escaping and dispersing sunlight toward the surface. “How light interacts with sub-wavelength objects is fascinating. Importantly, engineering nanoparticles can lead to optical effects that far exceed what is conventionally expected from such small particles,” said Ansari. Mohseni, who is a co-author.These Leads are moving towards unraveling exciting Mars-related research ~ According to the scientists, there is still more to be done. For example, they are unsure of the precise rate at which the artificial dust would evaporate from Mars' atmosphere. It is true that Mars has clouds and water, and that when the planet heats, more water may begin to condense around the particles and return to the surface as rain."Climate feedbacks are really difficult to model accurately," Kite cautioned. “To implement something like this, we would need more data from both Mars and Earth, and we'd need to proceed slowly and reversibly to ensure the effects work as intended.”The researchers stress that while this approach is a major advancement in terraforming research, the goal of the project is not to create a habitable atmosphere for people for now but rather to raise Mars to a temperature that supports microbial life and potentially food crops.

14 Aug 2024

Global News

Independence Day Sky Show: Mars and Jupiter Align in a Close Conjunction!

This month, Mars and Jupiter will align in a rare astronomical event known as a conjunction. According to NASA, the two planets will appear less than a third of a degree apart—closer than the width of a full Moon. This near proximity will create a stunning celestial display for astronomers and stargazers. The timing of the conjunction, coinciding with India’s Independence Day celebrations, adds special significance for many in the country. Jupiter-Mars Conjunction ~ (Source: Google Images) A planetary conjunction occurs when two planets appear closely aligned from our perspective on Earth, despite being millions of miles apart in space. NASA has noted that this event will be visible to the naked eye, with Jupiter’s bright glow and Mars' distinctive reddish hue standing out against the constellation Taurus. What Makes August Unique ~ Another astronomical occurrence that makes August noteworthy is the Perseid meteor shower, which peaks on August 11. If the sky is clear, spectators may be able to see 50 to 70 meteors each hour during the peak. The Perseid meteor shower, which originates in the constellation Perseus, often peaks in mid-August. NASA claims that comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, which completes one orbit around the sun every 133 years, is the source of the Perseid meteors. A meteor shower occurs as Earth travels through its debris path and the rocks collide with the planet's atmosphere. Amateur astronomers and photographers alike have the ideal chance to record this moment thanks to this alignment. Planetary conjunctions have historically been significant in astrology and culture, therefore this is a noteworthy event. How to View the Uncommon Celestial Occurrence Astronomers recommend looking toward the eastern sky shortly before dawn to see this celestial show. Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, will significantly outshine Mars, making the difference between the two planets strikingly apparent. As the month progresses, the Moon will add to the celestial show by positioning itself above Mars and beside Jupiter, further enhancing the visual spectacle. This additional alignment will occur on August 27, one hour before sunrise.

5 Aug 2024

Global News

Researchers Discover Desert Moss which is "Capable Of Surviving on Mars"

In the popular movie The Martian, Matt Damon survived by eating potatoes grown from crew biowaste. However, scientists believe that a common desert moss could play a crucial role in developing life on Mars. Chinese scientists have discovered that Syntrichia caninervis, a type of moss that grows in the Mojave desert and Antarctica, can survive harsh weather conditions similar to those on Mars, such as intense heat, radiation, and dryness. The study's groundbreaking discoveries set the stage for the use of naturally selected plants that are highly stress-tolerant to colonize space ~ (Source: Google Images) The theory held potential, according to University of Florida moss expert Prof. Stuart McDaniel, who was not engaged with the study. Any long-term space expedition must include the cultivation of terrestrial plants since these organisms effectively convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and carbohydrates, which are the food and air that people need to thrive. Although desert moss cannot be eaten, it may offer other valuable functions in space. In agreement, Dr. Agata Zupanska of the SETI Institute pointed out that moss may assist in enhancing and changing the stony soil on Mars' surface so that other plants could flourish. She claimed that moss was unappealing on its own and did not offer any value to the salad. Chinese researchers have documented how desert moss not only survived but also quickly recovered from near-total dehydration in a paper published in the journal 'The Innovation'. Further Insights ~ Next, the group assembled a system with Martian-like pressures, temperatures, gasses, and UV radiation. It was discovered that the moss could thrive in this Mars-like habitat and could even regrow in normal growth conditions after being exposed for seven days. The group also observed that plants that had been dried before this treatment fared better. “Looking to the future, we expect that this promising moss could be brought to Mars or the moon to further test the possibility of plant colonization and growth in outer space,” the researchers write. McDaniel noted most plants cannot withstand the stresses of space travel. “These findings are exciting because they show that desert moss survives short exposures to some of the stresses that are likely to be found on a trip to Mars, including very high levels of radiation, very cold temperatures, and very low oxygen levels,” he said. But he added the research had limitations.“These experiments represent an important first step, but they do not show that the moss could be a significant source of oxygen under Martian conditions, nor do they show that the desert moss could reproduce and proliferate in the Martian context,” McDaniel said. Zupanska added that, among other problems, the study did not test the impact of particulate radiation. “In my opinion, we are getting close to growing plants in extraterrestrial greenhouses, and most certainly has a place in those,” she said. “Implying that moss, or any other pioneering species, is ready to terraform Mars, or any other outer planet, is an exaggeration.” Dr Wieger Wamelink of Wageningen University, also raised concerns, including that temperatures on the red planet rarely get above freezing, making outdoor plant growth impossible, while the new study did not use Mars-like soil. “The mosses were treated under Mars circumstances for a maximum of several days and then regrown under Earth conditions on sand,” he said. “This, of course, does not show at all that they can grow under Mars conditions.” However, Prof Edward Guinan of Villanova University in the US described the study as impressive. “This extremotolerant moss could be a promising pioneer plant for Mars colonization,” he said, although he noted the moss would need water to grow. “We have a long way to go,” he said. “But this lowly desert moss offers hope for making small portions of Mars habitable for humankind in the future.”

5 Jul 2024

Global News

Perseverance Rover: Anticipation Peaks with Confirmation of Ancient Lake on Mars!

Sign of Life On Mars? There is hope that soil samples obtained from the planet could contain signs of life as new study shows that a crater found on the surface of Mars was the location of an ancient lake. Previous research suggested that the Jezero crater may have once been a lake, and a new study published on Friday in Science Advances supports that theory. Researchers from UCLA and the University of Oslo came to the conclusion that the crater eventually filled with water, depositing sediment layers on the floor. The lake drained, and a delta was formed by the river's transported sediments. The existence of these lake sediments had long been suspected from satellite images, but ground-penetrating radar is the first to confirm it. The discovery gives scientists optimism that they may discover proof that extinct life once flourished on the now-desiccated Red Planet once Perseverance's geological samples from the crater are returned to Earth. The journal Science Advances published the researchers' results on January 26. “Since, in the long run, every planetary civilization will be endangered by impacts from space, every surviving civilization is obliged to become spacefaring--not because of exploratory or romantic zeal, but for the most practical reason imaginable: staying alive... If our long-term survival is at stake, we have a basic responsibility to our species to venture to other worlds.” ― Carl Sagan, Cosmos (Space Exploration) Insights From ‘Perseverance’: The formation process of the sediments was found by researchers using the ground-penetrating radar of the Perseverance rover. According to David Paige, a professor at UCLA, stated, "From orbit we can see a bunch of different deposits, but we can't tell for sure if what we're seeing is their original state, or if we're seeing the conclusion of a long geological story." "We must look below the surface to determine how these things formed." Between May and December 2022, Perseverance plowed into the 'Jezero' crater, sending down radar signals and recording pulses that were bounced back up from a depth of around 20 meters. The generated pictures display interpretable rock strata that provide insight into the formation process of the sediments. In one instance, scientists discovered that the sediments on the crater floor resembled those that were deposited in Earthly lakes."The basal delta sediments' horizontality and regularity in the radar cross sections suggest that they were deposited in a low-energy lake environment." Researchers composed a meaningful piece of writing which says that : 'If there was life on Mars, sediment samples would show evidence of it; otherwise, it's plausible that microbiological life existed in the crater during its time filled with water.' Since its 2021 landing, Perseverance has been gathering samples from Mars in preparation for its eventual return to Earth. “Earth is a small town with many neighborhoods in a very big universe.” ― Ron Garan, from The Orbital Perspective: Lessons in Seeing the Big Picture from a Journey of 71 Million Miles

29 Jan 2024

Global News

NASA's Perseverance Rover Completes Mars Mission, Discovers Promising Signs of Ancient Life

NASA's Perseverance rover has successfully concluded its mission on Mars after over 1,000 days of exploration, revealing intriguing evidence of potential ancient life on the Red Planet. During its time on Mars, Perseverance collected 23 samples of regolith, which contained silicates, fine-grained silica, phosphates, and carbonates—ingredients that could support life as we know it. The rover's findings suggest that Jezero Crater, an ancient crater lake, was once a habitable environment. The mission team presented their discoveries at the American Geophysical Union fall meeting in San Francisco. They revealed that Jezero Crater formed nearly 4 billion years ago from an asteroid impact. Over time, the crater transformed into a lake, with the presence of sandstone, mudstone, and salt-rich mudstones indicating the existence of water and potential evaporation. Perseverance's project scientist, Ken Farley of Caltech, explained that the choice to land in Jezero Crater was based on orbital imagery indicating the presence of a delta, a clear sign of a large lake. Delta rocks are ideal for preserving signs of ancient life as fossils. The samples collected by Perseverance have been carefully stored in tubes designed to maintain their cleanliness and prevent contamination. The rover utilized the Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry (PIXL) to examine mineral signatures in the ground, guiding the selection of drilling sites for samples. While no direct evidence of past life has been found yet, Perseverance's exploration of Jezero Crater has provided valuable insights into Mars' geological history. The rover will continue its mission, investigating the canyon area where the river once flowed into the lake. Carbonate deposits in that region hold further scientific interest. NASA's Perseverance rover represents a significant step forward in our understanding of Mars and its potential for harboring ancient life. The findings from this mission will shape future exploration endeavors and further our quest for extraterrestrial discovery.

19 Dec 2023

Global News

Life on Mars? Rover Finds Liquid Salt Water - a Game Changer for Possibility of Extraterrestrial Life

NASA's Mars rover, Perseverance, has made a groundbreaking discovery on the Red Planet: liquid salt water. This is the first time that such water has been detected on Mars, and it has excited the scientific community, as it could have significant implications for the possibility of finding life on Mars. The water was discovered in the Jezero Crater, a location that was once home to a lake billions of years ago. Perseverance used its instruments to analyze the soil and rocks in the area and found that the water was not only present but also quite salty, with a concentration of about 3.5% salt. This discovery is significant because it suggests that liquid water may be more common on Mars than previously believed. Scientists have long been searching for signs of life on Mars, and liquid water is considered a crucial ingredient for the existence of life as we know it. The presence of salt water also raises the possibility of the existence of extremophiles, organisms that can survive in extreme environments. The discovery of liquid salt water on Mars is also a major milestone for space exploration. It demonstrates the capabilities of the Perseverance rover and the instruments it carries, which were specifically designed to search for signs of life on Mars. It also sets the stage for future missions to Mars, as scientists will now be able to focus their efforts on areas where liquid water is more likely to be found. NASA officials have called the discovery "an exciting first step" and have pledged to continue their search for signs of past or present life on Mars. The Perseverance rover will continue to explore the Jezero Crater and other areas of interest on the Red Planet, and its findings will undoubtedly shape our understanding of Mars and our search for extraterrestrial life.

5 May 2023

Global News

SpaceX's Starship Rocket System: Ready for Launch and Taking Humanity Beyond the Stars

Elon Musk's SpaceX is set to debut its Starship rocket system in space today. The announcement was made by Musk himself during a press conference, where he revealed that the company is planning to launch the Starship rocket for the first time in 2023. SpaceX faces enormous challenges in merely launching a spacecraft that would instantly become, if it successfully gets off the ground, the most powerful rocket on Earth. As designed, the Starship rocket is nearly two times more powerful than NASA's own Space Launch System (SLS), which made its debut uncrewed flight to orbit in November, sending a NASA cruise vessel called Orion on a 10-day voyage around the moon and back. "Success is not what should be expected," Musk told a private Twitter audience on Sunday night, saying the best-case scenario would provide crucial data about how the vehicle ascends to space and how it will fly back to Earth. The Starship rocket system is seen as a key component of Musk's vision for space exploration, which includes establishing a permanent human presence on Mars. The upcoming launch of the Starship rocket system is expected to generate significant interest from both the public and the scientific community. With its advanced technology and ambitious goals, SpaceX is poised to become a major player in the space industry in the years to come.

17 Apr 2023

Global News

Ready to Live Like Martians? Four Brave Souls Take on Year-Long Mission

The dream of human exploration of Mars is now becoming a reality as a year-long mission prepares volunteers for life on the Red Planet. Four individuals will experience life on Mars, but on Earth, as they begin living in a 3D-printed habitat that simulates the conditions of Mars. The habitat includes private crew quarters, a kitchen, and dedicated areas for medical, recreation, fitness, work, and crop growth activities. It also has a technical work area and two bathrooms. This analog expedition will aid NASA in comprehending the needs for a habitat on Mars as well as the environmental stresses that the crew may experience, such as resource scarcity, isolation, and equipment breakdown. In order to increase their capacity for exploration, the team will spend time manipulating robotic components remotely, including a roving robot and a helicopter-like drone. This is just the first of three analog missions that will help NASA prepare for human exploration of Mars. The crew will carry out different types of mission activities, including simulated spacewalks, robotic operations, habitat maintenance, personal hygiene, exercise, meal preparation and consumption, sleep, and crop growth. The goal is to study how crew performance and health changes based on realistic Mars restrictions and the lifestyle of the crew members. The analog mission will begin in June this year, and the team will obtain the most accurate data during the simulation. With each analog mission, NASA is getting closer to sending humans to Mars, and we can only imagine the excitement and challenges that await us on the Red Planet.

28 Mar 2023

Global News

The Whys and Hows

'Marsquakes' To Help Reveal Liquid Water On Mars

If water is present on Mars now, it might be too far below the surface for conventional Earthly techniques to find. The discovery of water on Mars has always been just a far-fetched dream. However, now it can be a tantalizing possibility within our reach. According to a group of scientists at Penn State, listening to Marsquakes—Martian equivalents of earthquakes— can uncover the elusive secrets of liquid water on the Red Planet. Earthquakes generate electromagnetic waves when they rumble and travel across subterranean aquifers ~ If electromagnetic signals were generated on Mars, the researchers explained in the journal JGR Planets, they could be used to locate water miles below the planet's surface. Lead author and doctorate candidate in Penn State's Department of Geosciences Nolan Roth believes the study may set the stage for further analysis of data from Mars missions. Scientific breakthrough for new finding in Mars Surfaces (Source Of The Image: Google Images) "The scientific community has theories that Mars used to have oceans and that, throughout its history, all that water went away," Roth said. "But there is evidence that some water is trapped somewhere in the subsurface. We just haven't been able to find it. The idea is, if we can find these electromagnetic signals, then we find water on Mars."Scientists can map the subsurface of Earth using instruments like ground-penetrating radar to locate water. However, the scientists noted that this technique is ineffective at depths of miles below the surface, where water may exist on Mars. Rather, they suggest a novel use of the seismoelectric approach, a more recent technique designed to define Earth's subsurface non-invasively. Electromagnetic fields are created when seismic waves from an earthquake travel through an underground aquifer due to variations in the movement of rocks and water. The researchers claim that these signals, which are audible to surface sensors, can provide details about the location, volume, depth, and chemical composition of aquifers. "If we listen to the marsquakes that are moving through the subsurface if they pass through water, they'll create these wonderful, unique signals of electromagnetic fields," Roth said. "These signals would be diagnostic of current, modern-day water on Mars." Utilizing this technique to locate active aquifers is difficult on Earth's water-rich surface since water is present below the surface even outside of aquifers, producing different electric signals as seismic waves pass through the Earth. According to the experts, accurate identification and characterization of the aquifers need the separation of their signals from this background noise. "On Mars, where the near-surface is certainly desiccated, no such separation is needed," said Tieyuan Zhu, associate professor of geosciences at Penn State and Roth's adviser and co-author. "In contrast to how seismoelectric signals often appear on Earth, Mars' surface naturally removes the noise and exposes useful data that allows us to characterize several aquifer properties." The message they want to give the community is there is this promising physical phenomenon — which received less attention in the past — that may have great potential for other planetary geophysics!

28 Jun 2024

The Whys and Hows

Star Citizens

From Dream to Mars: The Inspiring Journey of India's First Mars Rover Operator!

Dr. Akshata Krishnamurthy recently turned her dream into reality and inspired millions when she became the first Indian citizen to steer a Mars rover, tasked with retrieving samples destined for Earth. Akshata Krishnamurthy, an Indian researcher, chronicled her remarkable odyssey to NASA in an Instagram post. Arriving in the United States 13 years ago, her vision was crystal clear: to pioneer breakthroughs in science and steer robotic missions on Earth and Mars. As a foreign national on a visa, many tried to discourage her deeming her aspirations to be unachievable. However, Akshata remained resolute, unfazed by naysayers. Undeterred, she pursued her ambition unwaveringly. Akshata completed her PhD at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Yet, her journey to secure a full-time position at NASA was far from effortless. She had to knock on countless doors and she persevered until she found her rightful place. “Today, I work on multiple cool space missions including the Perseverance rover collecting samples to bring back to Earth. No dream is ever too big or crazy. Believe in yourself, keep those blinkers on and keep working! I promise, you’ll get there if you work hard,” she further wrote in her post, echoing words of encouragement for aspiring minds.

4 Dec 2023

Star Citizens

Unraveling the Cosmos: The Remarkable Journey of India's 'Rocket Woman’

In the vast expanse of the cosmos, there shines a brilliant star named Ritu Karidhal Srivastava, affectionately known as the "Rocket Woman of India." With her unwavering passion for space exploration and dedication to scientific pursuits, she has soared to remarkable heights in the field of aerospace. Ritu's journey began with a thirst for knowledge, which led her to pursue an MSc in Physics from Lucknow University and an ME in Aerospace Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru. From an early age, she nurtured her curiosity by collecting news articles on space activities by organizations like ISRO and NASA, foreshadowing her future as a space pioneer. In 1997, Ritu Karidhal Srivastava joined the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Her brilliance and commitment were evident from the start, contributing significantly to prestigious missions and handling crucial roles as the operations director for various projects. Notably, she played a pivotal role as the Deputy Director of the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), which brought India global acclaim for becoming the first country to reach Mars in its maiden attempt. Ritu's brilliance was further recognized as she assumed the responsibility of Mission Director for Chandrayaan-2, another ambitious lunar exploration venture. Her expertise and contributions have not gone unnoticed, with over 20 published papers in national and international journals, showcasing her profound understanding of aerospace science. Ritu has been a recipient of numerous accolades, including the prestigious "ISRO Young Scientist Award" and the "ISRO Team Award for MOM." These honors underscore her valuable contributions to the nation's space endeavors and inspire a new generation of scientists to dream big and reach for the stars. As Ritu Karidhal Srivastava spearheads Chandrayaan 3, India's ambitious lunar project, she continues to be an emblem of women's empowerment in the scientific community. Her journey exemplifies that passion, perseverance, and a thirst for knowledge can break barriers and propel one's aspirations to new celestial heights

28 Jul 2023

Star Citizens

Good News

Nine years after the triumph of MOM, ISRO is planning on the second trip to Mars, called Mangalyaan-2.

Mars has firmly guarded its secrets, despite appearing to be a promising neighboring location to look for life beyond Earth. Despite decades of research and even two promising outcomes, definitive evidence of life has not yet arrived. With Chandrayaan-3's accomplishment, the Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) is feeling enthusiastic and has many more missions planned in the future. It is currently endeavoring to dispatch another spacecraft to the red planet to extend the legacy of the Mars mission — one of India's most celebrated accomplishments in space exploration, the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), which elevated the nation's space program to a potent driving force. Nine years after making history, India is getting set to launch another mission to Mars. ISRO is planning to launch Mangalyaan-2 also called the Mars Orbiter Mission 2, a second spacecraft, to the planet Mars. It would send four payloads to the planet's surface. The mission will carry a Mars Orbit Dust Experiment (MODEX) Understanding the origin, quantity, distribution, and flow at high altitudes on Mars will be aided by MODEX. To date, ISRO is planning to launch the mission by the year 2024. 'Till now this mission has been planned as an orbital mission not a landing mission. But with time and smart brains put together who knows things take a turn into somethiing newer to the previous plan of ISRO.' ISRO's remarkable achievement in advancing Chandrayaan-3 has evoked immense pride among all Indians, emphasizing our unwavering support for the dedicated and diligent scientists at ISRO. We eagerly anticipate that their future endeavors will continue to fill us with the same sense of pride and accomplishment.

11 Oct 2023

Good News

Know About a Unique Finding on Mars by Indian Scientists

A group of Indian researchers from the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) has made a ground-breaking discovery by presenting the first proof of the existence of solitary waves around Mars. According to the official press statement released by the Ministry of Science and Technology, solitary waves are primarily unique electric field variations in the Martian magnetosphere that regulate energization, plasma loss, and transport through wave-particle interactions. Mars' atmosphere and the solar wind directly interact to generate the magnetosphere, which is feeble yet incredibly dynamic. The Langmuir Probe and Waves instrument on NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) probe, which was launched in November 2013, provided the IIG scientists with high-resolution electric field data that allowed them to make the finding. The lone waves are predominant during dawn and dusk and the reason for that is still a mystery to experts and needs further research. The results have been published in "The Astrophysical Journal," which details the examination of 450 solitary wave pulses captured by the MAVEN spacecraft during its five orbits of the planet in February 2015. This discovery is crucial because it will allow researchers, scientists, and academics to get new knowledge of the Martian magnetosphere's behavior and open the door to further investigation into similar occurrences in other planetary magnetic fields.

20 Jan 2023

Good News

Bengaluru Based Nanotube Company Catches Attention of the Indian Navy and Tesla

Ever wondered how far can science evolve? The world of science has always been very fascinating to us, even though everyone can't understand it fully. Well, Gadhadar Reddy's NoPo Nanotechnologies will surely make your brain cells and fantasy tickle more. Bengaluru-based company NoPo Nanotechnologies has developed a new type of nanotube called "NoPo Nanotubes". These nanotubes are made of a unique material that is both strong and lightweight, making them ideal for use in a wide range of applications. NoPo founder, Gadhadar Reddy, has a dream of landing on Mars. To realize his objective, he is working with others to create spacecraft, rocket prototypes, and spaceflight simulations. He says, “It will probably not happen overnight, but in a few years, we are going to see devices with the same form factor as today but with 100 times more computing power and even less loss.” NoPo has already caught the attention of the NITI Aayog, the Indian Navy, and Elon Musk's Tesla with its innovative nanotube technology as it is the only company in the world that manufactures carbon nanotubes of such small diameters. The Navy has expressed interest in using NoPo Nanotubes in the construction of ships and other underwater structures, due to their exceptional strength and ability to withstand the pressures of deep water. Additionally, their light weight makes them ideal for the construction of lightweight, high-speed vehicles that can easily navigate the ocean's depths. On the other hand, Tesla is interested in using NoPo Nanotubes to improve the performance of their electric vehicles. The company is exploring the possibility of using these nanotubes to create stronger, more efficient batteries that can store more energy and provide a longer range for their cars. Additionally, the lightweight nature of NoPo Nanotubes could be used to help reduce the weight of Tesla's vehicles, further improving their performance and efficiency. The interest from the Navy and Tesla in NoPo Nanotubes is a testament to the potential of this technology. With their unique properties and versatility, these nanotubes have the potential to revolutionize many different industries, and NoPo Nanotechnologies is at the forefront of this exciting new field.

14 Dec 2022

Good News

Excitement Is in the Air As ISRO Plans To Explore the Dark Side of the Moon

No country has ever explored the dark side of the moon and so there is much excitement as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in collaboration with Japan plans to explore the permanent shadow region of the moon. At the Akash Tattva conference held in Dehradun last month, Anil Bhardwaj, the director of the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad, during a presentation on ISRO's next missions said that the space agency also intended to send a probe to Mars. Bhardwaj stated that it was in discussions with the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) about sending a lunar rover to investigate the moon's permanent shadow region. According to the initial plans, a Japanese rocket will launch an ISRO-built lunar lander and rover into orbit with a planned landing site close to the south pole of the moon. The rover will subsequently move to the permanent shadow area of the moon that is always under shade and never receives sunlight, according to Bhardwaj. He claimed that the exploration of the area was fascinating since anything that had persisted in the PSR zone was similar to something that had been frozen for eons. Bhardwaj also spoke about Aditya L-1 which is a unique mission to place a 400-kg class satellite carrying the payload in an orbit around the Sun in such a way that it can continuously view the star. It would try to understand the coronal heating, solar wind acceleration, and the initiation of the coronal mass ejection, flares and near-earth space weather. According to Bhardwaj, the Aditya L-1 and Chandrayaan-3 missions would be prioritized starting as early as next year, and the trips to Venus and the moon with JAXA would certainly follow.

8 Nov 2022

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Indian's composition chosen as Mars Anthem

Mars Society, the world's largest and most influential advocacy organization focused on the Red Planet has named Oscar Castellino’s blazing composition ‘Rise to Mars’ as the ‘Mars Anthem’. Castellino, 31, a science graduate from St Xavier's College, Mumbai, worked as a software analyst. In 2011, British-Indian soprano Patricia Rozario noticed his talent and then there was no looking back. With a scholarship to London's prestigious Royal College of Music, singing for Queen Elizabeth's diamond jubilee pageant, and numerous opera roles, he has come a long way. Currently, he's on scholarship at the Royal Welsh College of Music. His physics background and curiosity got the better of him as he met Dr. Zubrin who is the president of the Mars Society and also an impetus behind Mars Direct' – a design that NASA adopted for its Mars mission. Mars Society wanted an anthem and Castellino decided to give it a shot as Mars was his inspiration and music his tool. Castellino was surprised and delighted to know that his song was chosen as the Mars Anthem. Zubrin said that the song is very inspiring and truly conveys the hopes of those reaching for the Red Planet. Zubrin who co-wrote the lyrics said, “I would not be surprised if Castellino's composition some day became the national anthem of the Free Martian Republic.”

10 Jul 2017

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Proud moment for India as Mars Orbiter completes 1000 earth days

It was a proud moment for India when ISRO on Monday declared that its Mars Orbiter Mission has completed 1000 earth days, well beyond its mission life of six months and is still functional and efficient. ISRO stated that 1,000 earth days corresponds to 973.24 Mars Sols (Martian Solar day) and MOM completed 388 orbits. India in its very first attempt had successfully placed the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) spacecraft in orbit around Mars on September 24, 2014. ISRO said that the satellite is in good health and continues to work as expected and that the data relayed by it is under scientific analysis. The Rs 450-crore MOM mission is to study the Martian surface and mineral composition, and scan its atmosphere for methane, an indicator of life on Mars. In March 2015, ISRO announced that the spacecraft's life was extended for another six months as there is sufficient fuel. Later, in June its Chairman A S Kiran Kumar had said it has enough fuel for it to last "many years". The MOM data is also available for researchers in the country through the MOM Announcement of Opportunity (AO) programmes launched by ISRO. Last year, the government said that the ISRO is seeking scientific proposals for Mars Orbiter Mission-2 to expand interplanetary research.

21 Jun 2017

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New Images Reveal Mars' Mysterious Past: Scientists Unveil Stunning Views of the Red Planet's Unexplored Terrain

Scientists at the European Southern Observatory have released two new images of Mars, capturing the Red Planet in stunning detail. The images were taken using the Very Large Telescope in Chile and revealed never-before-seen features of Mars' surface. The first image shows a region known as Aurorae Chaos, characterized by a series of steep cliffs and deep, winding canyons. The second image captures a section of the planet's surface called Cerberus Fossae, which is marked by a series of parallel fissures and volcanic vents. According to the scientists, the images provide valuable insights into the geology and history of Mars. Aurorae Chaos is believed to have been shaped by intense volcanic activity and tectonic forces, while Cerberus Fossae is thought to have been formed by explosive volcanic eruptions. The images were captured using adaptive optics technology, which uses a series of small mirrors to correct for atmospheric distortion and produce clearer images. The technology has allowed scientists to capture unprecedented levels of detail on Mars and other planets in our solar system. The release of these images is part of ongoing efforts to better understand the geology and potential habitability of Mars. With plans for manned missions to the planet in the coming decades, these new insights may prove crucial in ensuring the safety and success of future astronaut missions.

29 Jun 2023

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Contamination or Exploration? The Ethics of Touching Mars in the Search for Extraterrestrial Life

The prospect of human exploration of Mars has long been a subject of fascination and debate, but a new question has emerged: Is it okay to touch Mars? With the recent successful landing of NASA's Perseverance rover on the red planet, the question of whether or not humans should touch the Martian surface has become a topic of discussion among scientists and space enthusiasts. One concern is the potential for contamination. Mars is a prime target for astrobiology research, with scientists hoping to find evidence of past or present microbial life. However, if humans were to touch the surface of Mars, they could inadvertently introduce Earth microbes that could compromise any potential findings. This is why NASA and other space agencies have strict protocols in place to prevent contamination, including sterilizing equipment and requiring astronauts to undergo quarantine periods before and after space missions. Another concern is the potential damage that humans could cause to the Martian environment. The thin atmosphere and delicate landscape of Mars could be easily disrupted by human activity. This is why some experts argue that humans should limit their physical contact with the planet and instead focus on exploring it with remote tools and rovers. While opinions on the matter vary, one thing is clear: the question of whether or not it is okay to touch Mars is a complex one that requires careful consideration. As humans continue to explore our solar system and beyond, it will be important to balance our desire for discovery with our responsibility to preserve and protect the environments we encounter.

18 May 2023

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A Success Story Of Mangalyaan, India Is The Only Country To Reach Martian Orbit In Its First Attempt

It has been 4 years since India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) also called Mangalyaan was launched on November 5, 2013. The mission brought glory to India as it became the first country to reach Martian orbit on its maiden voyage. In fact, it is Asia’s first successful Mars mission. The MOM reached the Martian orbit on September 24, 2014, and its been three years since it is orbiting Mars, albeit it was designed to last only six months. It was lifted off from the First Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (Sriharikota Range SHAR), Andhra Pradesh, using a (PSLV) rocket. With the launch, India became the fourth space agency to reach Mars after the Soviet Space Program, NASA and the European Space Agency. The mission was initiated to develop the technologies for designing, planning, management, and operations of an interplanetary mission. Currently, it is being monitored from the Spacecraft Control Centre at ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bangalore with support from Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN) antennae at Byalalu. This is a major achievement for India as India’s space program is still not par with major players as it had been operating for years under global isolation following sanctions for a nuclear missile test in the 1970s. What’s more interesting is that the cost of the mission was only approximately Rs 450 crore (73 million), less than the $100 million Hollywood blockbuster ‘Gravity’. The Mangalyaan is the least expensive Mars mission to date. Although the 3,000-pound spacecraft may not be as technologically complex as those launched by the US and Russia, it certainly paves the way for India to emerge as a leading supplier of low-cost technology. MOM is credited with many laurels like cost-effectiveness, a short period of realisation, economical mass-budget, miniaturisation of five heterogeneous science payloads etc. What’s more special about the project is that three women scientists were very much a part of this mission and had a hand in its astounding success. Nandini Harinath, Project Manager Mission Design, Deputy Operations Director, Mars Orbiter Mission, ISRO said, “It was very important for India, not just for Isro. It's put us on a different pedestal, foreign countries are looking at us for collaborations and the importance and attention we got was justified.” She is very proud to see the Mars Orbiter Mission on the new 2000 rupee notes. Ritu Karidhal- Deputy Operations Director of the Mars Orbiter Mission said, "It was a very small window, so the big challenge was to realise the project in that time. We had no heritage of interplanetary missions, so we had a lot to do in that short period." She attributed the mission’s success to the team effort. Minal Sampath, systems engineer shouldered the major responsibility in the capacity of ‘System Engineer’ to mark a successful beginning of Indigenous Mangalyaan. Mrs. Sampath along with other researchers burnt their midnight oil stretching over 18 hours daily. It is so heartening to see that their hard work has paid off. The satellite is in good health and continues to work as expected. While ISRO celebrates its numerous victories, the Mars Orbiter Mission will always be the jewel in the crown.

6 Nov 2017

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