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- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

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PM Modi’s Letter, India’s Love: Sunita Williams’ Stellar Homecoming from Space!

The stars may have been her home for nine months, but Earth, and India couldn’t wait to welcome Sunita Williams back! As the celebrated astronaut and her Crew-9 teammates safely made their way back from the International Space Station (ISS), Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent her a heartfelt letter filled with warmth, admiration, and an open invitation to visit India soon.“You may have been thousands of miles away, but you have always remained close to our hearts,” Modi wrote, showering praise on Williams for her courage and dedication. He fondly remembered meeting her late father, Deepak Pandya, during his U.S. visit in 2016, adding that his blessings surely guided her journey. "Bonnie Pandya must be eagerly waiting for you, and so is India!" he wrote, calling her “one of India’s most illustrious daughters.” And just like that, the countdown to her much-anticipated India visit begins! A Letter, A Legacy, and a Hero’s HomecomingAfter spending nearly nine months in orbit (talk about an extended work trip!) Williams and her fellow astronauts, Butch Wilmore and two other crew members undocked from the ISS in the early hours of Tuesday aboard the sleek SpaceX Dragon capsule. Their journey back was nothing short of epic, involving a fiery dive through Earth’s atmosphere, parachutes deploying in dramatic fashion, and finally, a smooth splashdown off Florida’s coast.  It was a moment of triumph, resilience, and a whole lot of relief, because let's be honest, after floating in zero gravity for that long, who wouldn’t want to experience a warm meal and a proper bed again?A Story Written in the Stars (and in Gujarat!)Sunita Williams has always carried a piece of India with her, literally! On one of her space missions, she took the Bhagavad Gita, an idol of Lord Ganesha, and holy water from the Ganges with her, symbolizing her deep-rooted connection to her father’s homeland. Though she grew up in the U.S., her Indian heritage has always been a beautiful, inspiring part of her identity. Her father hailed from Jhulasan, a small village in Gujarat, and over the years, she has visited India multiple times, each trip turning into an emotional and grand homecoming. From enjoying Indian festivals and spicy delicacies to embracing spiritual traditions, Williams has always held her roots close to her heart.And now, with PM Modi’s warm invitation, another trip to India might just be around the corner!The Whole World Cheers for Crew-9!As the Dragon capsule safely landed, the world breathed a sigh of relief and erupted in cheers. PM Modi himself took to social media to express his joy, sharing a throwback picture with Williams. “Welcome back, Crew-9! Earth missed you. Your journey has been a test of grit, courage, and the boundless human spirit. Sunita Williams and her fellow astronauts have once again shown us what perseverance truly means,” he wrote.President Droupadi Murmu also joined in the celebrations, calling Williams and her team “beacons of determination and teamwork.” She praised their never-give-up attitude and sent her best wishes for their health and future missions. What’s lying in the Stars Ahead?For now, Williams and her crew will take some well-deserved rest (because, hello, they just spent 270 days in space!). But soon, we hope to see her in India, where she will be welcomed like family, with open arms, endless love, and maybe even a delicious plate of samosas and chai! Her story is one of adventure, ambition, and the power of dreaming big. From a small village in Gujarat to the infinite vastness of space, she has shown the world that there are no limits when passion and perseverance come together.So here’s to Sunita Williams, an explorer, a role model, and truly, a daughter of the stars! 

20 Mar 2025
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Seven Indian Teams Gear Up for the Prestigious NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge

Seven teams hailing from educational institutions and an NGO in India are all set to make their mark at the highly anticipated 2024 NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge (HERC). From prestigious universities to dedicated high schools, these teams represent a diverse range of talent and dedication in the field of engineering and space exploration. The Essence of the NASA Human Rover Challenge Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024, the NASA HERC is not merely a competition; it's a platform for students to delve into the realms of innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving. Participants are tasked with designing, constructing, and testing lightweight human-powered rovers capable of navigating through simulated lunar and Martian terrains while completing mission-specific scientific tasks. The Journey to HERC 2024: Details and Preparations Scheduled to take place on April 19 and 20, 2024, at the US Rocket and Space Center in Alabama, the HERC 2024 promises to be a test of skill, ingenuity, and teamwork. With stringent weight and size restrictions set by NASA, each team must navigate design reviews and safety checks, mirroring the processes followed by NASA engineers and scientists. Fostering Future Innovators: The Impact of HERC More than just a competition, the HERC aims to foster research and development of new technologies for future space missions. Aligned with NASA's Artemis program, which seeks to land the first woman and person of color on the moon, HERC participants are at the forefront of shaping the future of space exploration. India's Ascent in Space Exploration: A Glance at the Future The Indian teams are all prepared to embark on this exhilarating journey. With their innovative spirit and unwavering determination, these students exemplify the bright future of India's contributions to space science and technology. The 2024 NASA HERC serves not only as a platform for competition but also as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring engineers and space enthusiasts worldwide. As Indian teams gear up to demonstrate their ingenuity on the global stage, they showcase the limitless potential of human innovation in the pursuit of exploring the cosmos.

4 Apr 2024
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11-Year-Old Prodigy Gets Selected for NASA's Cubes In Space Program!

For a remarkable display of passion and innovation, Pune’s 11-year-old Rohan Bhansali has been selected For NASA's Cubes In Space Program! Through this program, students aged 11 to 18 are granted the opportunity to design and test experiments utilizing small-sized satellites on NASA missions. Speaking about his creation, Rohan shared insights into his compact 4 by 4 cm experiment, ingeniously equipped with sensors, a small computer, and an intricate coded program that renders the experiment completely automated. He is full of excitement as he awaits the outcome of his experiment. The quest to understand the perils of human spaceflight has long captivated NASA's attention, particularly in relation to the profound impact of radiation on astronauts. Despite their protective shielding, astronauts receive a daily dosage of radiation equivalent to enduring eight chest X-rays. To mitigate this inherent danger, the selection of materials commonly employed in everyday life, such as silk, aluminum, and plastic, is now serving a dual purpose. Rohan's ingenuity lies in recognizing that these seemingly mundane materials might hold the key to fortifying the astronauts' defense against the relentless assault of UV radiation during their space missions. By subjecting these materials to rigorous testing within the confines of his compact experiment, he aims to uncover substances that offer enhanced protection to the astronauts as they voyage into the unknown reaches of the cosmos. Who knows, Rohan’s experiment might become the stepping stone that paves the way for bolder strides into the cosmos, expanding the horizons of human exploration like never before.

19 Jul 2023
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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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Black Holes Act Like Messy Toddlers, Tearing Apart Wayward Stars and Flinging Debris Across the Galaxy

Black holes are known to be some of the most destructive and fascinating objects in the universe, and new research shows that they can act like messy toddlers, gobbling up wayward stars with unbridled enthusiasm.   A team of researchers from the University of Sheffield in the UK has been studying the behavior of black holes, particularly when they encounter wandering stars that venture too close to their gravitational pull. They found that these stars are often torn apart and devoured by the black hole, leaving behind a chaotic trail of debris.   The study, which was published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, used computer simulations to model the behavior of black holes when they encounter different types of stars. The team found that the size and speed of the star played a significant role in determining how quickly it was consumed by the black hole and how much debris was left behind.   The researchers also discovered that black holes can create a range of different structures and patterns in the debris field, depending on the characteristics of the star that was consumed. This suggests that black holes can act like "messy toddlers", creating a chaotic and unpredictable environment around them.   The study sheds new light on the behavior of black holes and the important role they play in shaping the universe. While they may be destructive, black holes are also fascinating objects that continue to captivate astronomers and scientists around the world.  

8 May 2023
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Unlocking the Secrets of Wormholes: Are These Mysterious Passages Through Space-Time Real

Wormholes have been a popular topic in science fiction for decades, but do they really exist in our universe? Scientists have been investigating this question for years, and while there is still much to learn, recent research has shed some light on the possibility of wormholes.   A wormhole is a theoretical passage through space-time that could potentially allow for faster-than-light travel and even time travel. The idea was first introduced by physicist Albert Einstein in 1935, but it was not until the 1980s that scientists began to seriously consider the possibility of their existence.   One recent study published in the journal Physical Review D suggests that wormholes could exist in our universe, but they would be incredibly small and unstable. The researchers used advanced mathematical models to simulate the behavior of wormholes, and found that they would require an exotic form of matter with negative energy density to remain stable.   While the study does not prove that wormholes definitely exist, it does provide some evidence to support the idea. Other scientists remain skeptical, however, citing the lack of observational evidence and the many unanswered questions surrounding the concept of wormholes.   Despite the ongoing debate, the idea of wormholes continues to captivate the imagination of scientists and the general public alike. Whether or not they truly exist, the concept of these mysterious passages through space-time is likely to remain a topic of fascination and scientific inquiry for years to come.

7 Apr 2023
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Groundbreaking Mission: College Students Set to Launch First Private Lunar Rover to the Moon

A group of college students is making history by preparing to send the first-ever private lunar rover to the moon. Slated for May the Fourth, the unofficial holiday of the Star Wars franchise, the rover weighs just 2 kilograms, and the mission objectives include demonstrating its technology and snapping scientifically-relevant images. Called Iris, the rover designed at Carnegie Mellon University’s Pittsburgh campus will be carried to the moon aboard a United Launch Alliance “Vulcan Centaur” rocket, alongside a multi-purpose payload. The aim of the project is to design and build a lunar rover that can successfully complete a series of challenges on the moon, including traversing difficult terrain and collecting samples. The team has been working on the rover for the past two years, and they are now in the final stages of testing before the rover is shipped off to the moon. The students have faced many challenges along the way, from securing funding to building and testing the rover. However, they remain determined to succeed and make history by sending the first private lunar rover to the moon. The project has also had a positive impact on the students involved, providing them with valuable hands-on experience in engineering and project management. It has also inspired other students to get involved in STEM fields and pursue their dreams of space exploration.

4 Apr 2023
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The Limit of Our Understanding: Planck Density Reveals Why We Can Never Know Everything About the Universe

The Planck density, named after German physicist Max Planck, is the smallest possible unit of space that can exist in our universe. This incredibly small unit of measurement is so tiny that it is difficult to comprehend, but it plays a crucial role in helping scientists understand the fundamental nature of the universe. The Planck density is significant because it marks the point at which our current understanding of physics breaks down. At this level of density, the laws of physics as we know them no longer apply, and we enter the realm of quantum mechanics and the uncertainty principle. This means that there are certain things about the universe that we simply cannot know, no matter how advanced our technology becomes. For example, we cannot measure the precise location and velocity of a subatomic particle at the same time, because the act of measuring one property affects the other. The Planck density also has implications for our understanding of the origins of the universe. The density of matter and energy in the early universe was so high that it exceeded the Planck density, meaning that the laws of physics as we know them cannot fully explain the conditions that existed at that time. While the Planck density presents a limitation to our knowledge of the universe, it also serves as a reminder of the incredible complexity and mystery of the cosmos. As scientists continue to grapple with this fundamental unit of measurement, they are pushed to develop new theories and approaches to understanding the universe and our place within it.

27 Mar 2023
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The Mind-Bending Theory That Could Unify All Forces of Nature

String theory is a theoretical framework in physics that aims to unify all fundamental forces and particles in the universe. It proposes that all particles in the universe, including the smallest subatomic particles, are not point-like objects but rather tiny, one-dimensional objects called strings. In string theory, each string vibrates at a unique frequency, which determines the properties and behavior of the particle it represents. The different vibrations give rise to the various particles and forces we observe in the universe. For example, a string vibrating at one frequency may represent an electron, while another frequency may correspond to a photon. String theory was first proposed in the late 1960s as a way to explain the strong force that holds atomic nuclei together. However, it soon became apparent that string theory had the potential to unify all the fundamental forces of nature, including gravity, which had previously been unexplained by other theories. One of the most significant implications of string theory is the existence of extra dimensions beyond the three spatial dimensions we experience in our everyday lives. String theory requires a total of ten dimensions, including time, to explain the behavior of particles and forces. These extra dimensions are believed to be curled up and compactified at the subatomic level, making them invisible to us. Despite its promising potential, string theory remains a highly speculative and controversial theory. It has yet to make any definitive predictions that can be tested through experiments, and its mathematical complexity makes it challenging to study. However, it continues to inspire physicists to pursue a deeper understanding of the fundamental nature of the universe.

1 Mar 2023
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Why Do We Snore?

Snoring is a common problem that affects people of all ages and genders. It is caused by a variety of factors, including nasal congestion, obesity, and sleep position. However, the most common cause of snoring is the collapse of the airway during sleep. When we sleep, the muscles in our throat and tongue relax, causing the airway to narrow. This can lead to snoring as the air struggles to pass through the narrowed airway. In some cases, the airway can become completely blocked, leading to a condition called sleep apnea. Obesity is another common cause of snoring. People who are overweight or obese are more likely to snore because they have excess fat around their neck and throat. This fat can put pressure on the airway, making it more difficult for air to pass through. Nasal congestion is another common cause of snoring. When the nasal passages are blocked, it can make it difficult for air to pass through, leading to snoring. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, colds, and sinus infections. Adding more to it, sleep position can also play a role in snoring. People who sleep on their back are more likely to snore than those who sleep on their side. This is because when we sleep on our back, our tongue and soft palate can fall to the back of the throat, blocking the airway. It is important to address the underlying cause of snoring in order to find a solution that works for you. If your snoring is caused by a medical condition, it is important to seek medical attention to address the underlying problem. In addition, lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and sleeping on your side, can also be effective in reducing snoring.

21 Jan 2023
Positive Reads

Four Common, but Amazing Indoor Plants That Help Purify the Air

Plants have a soothing effect on us and the power of plants to purify the air and imbue it with life cannot be ignored. You may wonder whether plants are actually able to purify toxic air. Well, NASA has scientifically proved that some house plants are very effective air purifiers. They had conducted research on them when they were hunting for options to find a lasting source of clean air for their astronauts in extended space travel. Here are the common, but powerful plants that effectively purify the air in our homes. The Snake Plant The snake plant is also endearingly called Mother-in-Law’s tongue as its leaves are long tongue-shaped with pointed tips. It helps to eliminate at least 107 known air pollutants, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen monoxide, formaldehyde, chloroform and benzene among many others. It also produces abundant oxygen throughout the night making it an ideal plant to be kept in the bedroom. The best thing about this plant is that it can go without water for a week and survive in just about any climate. The Money Plant The Money Plant is a common household plant in India and apart from its assumed ability to bring material abundance, you will be happy to know that it is very effective in cleaning the air of toxins. It is capable of removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. VOCs are formed inside the house from synthetic paints or carpets and are considered to be hazardous. The Peace Lily Plant The Peace Lily is a very popular indoor plant. This air purifying plant is effective in eliminating all common indoor pollutants like those generated by furniture, electronics and cleaning products. The good news is that it can survive in indirect sunlight with minimal watering making it an ideal house plant. The Bamboo Palm The Bamboo Palm, also known as the Areca Palm is an excellent natural humidifier that transpires a litre of water in 24 hours. Therefore, it is well suited for dry climates as well as for those with breathing troubles. This low maintenance plant is capable of removing many air pollutants, especially formaldehydes, benzene, and carbon monoxide. The above plants not just enhances the aesthetics of your house, but also gives you clean air. That’s ample reason to adorn your house with indoor plants.

8 Nov 2019
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Unresolved mysteries of India: Enigma that has prevailed for ages

India, land of many rich ancient civilizations, cultures, traditions, knowledge and prosperity sis ahead when comes to a flourished past. The well planned and administered kingdoms and their strategic mansions have not only attracted tourist attention but have been a subject of research for historians. Though many facts are now known and documented, some still are undiscovered while some stay a mystery. Let’s get acquainted with some of such mysteries. Cave paintings of aliens Archaeologists have found these creepy rock paintings on walls of caves near the town of Charama of Chhattisgarh. They claim the paintings to be of some alien structured humanoids with no facial features and also have found paintings of flying discs. Surprisingly, the tribal villages nearby have legends of small ‘Rohela’ people who used to land in flying discs and abduct people from the villages. Historians along with Indian Space Research Organisation are carrying out detailed study and research on this topic. Till date no conclusions are drawn. Son Bhandar caves These caves of Bihar are a complete mystery. The story is dated back to the times of the rule of Magadhan king Bimbisara. The king was imprisoned by his son, when he ordered his wife to hide his treasury in these caves. The doorway of this cave has clues to open this in Sankhlipi script but the script couldn’t be deciphered till date. Also British, during their rule tried to explode the doorway with a cannon ball but the rock doorway remained intact with only some black marks on the wall. Sounds impossible, doesn’t it? The Haunted Village A village of Kuldhara, which lies to the west of Jaisalmer was once upon a time a very rich place where Paliwal Brahmins hailed for centuries until one night, for some unknown reason, the entire village was evacuated. It is said that villagers there decided to leave to escape from the evil ruler named Salim Singh and cursed the entire village. The village now remains completely barren with no people staying there till date. Disappearance of Nana Saheb Peshwa After continuous defeats from the British, Nana Saheb Peshwa got mysteriously disappeared. There is neither a concrete information about how and where he left nor do historians know where he had hid his valued assets which would be of a billion dollar worth today. Some say that he fled to Nepal with most of his valued possessions but the Peshwa and his enduring wealth is still a topic of research for historians. Man who has survived 77 years without food and water Prahlad Jani, a yogi is alive even today without eating and drinking for almost 77 years. He became an ascetic when he was eleven years old. Since then he has stayed without food and water. In 2003 and 2010, twice Jani has been subjected to many tests to analyse what exactly helps him sustain, but all tests went futile. Scientists still are not able to claim the actual reason and say this is scientifically impossible as a person can stay without food and water for days, but for years is really a mystery.

17 Mar 2017
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Good News

Touch-Down Soon: NASA Confirms Sunita Williams' Return from Space!

A long and extraordinary journey is coming to a triumphant close! After nearly nine months in space, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, along with their crewmates Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, are set to return to Earth on the evening of March 18. Their adventure aboard the International Space Station (ISS) was extended beyond the initial six-month plan, making their return even more special.NASA has carefully selected March 18 as their return date, keeping an eye on weather conditions to ensure a smooth journey. They will travel home aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon Freedom capsule, with a splashdown scheduled for March 19 off the coast of Florida.Exciting changes are happening aboard the ISS! On March 16, Crew-10 successfully arrived after a smooth 28-hour journey aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. Their spacecraft docked with the station's Harmony module at 12:04 AM EDT (0404 GMT), marking the beginning of a new phase of exploration.Goodbye Microgravity, Hello Earth: The Final Pack! As part of this transition, Sunita Williams officially passed the leadership torch to Russian cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin, who will now oversee ISS operations for the next six months. Crew-10 is embarking on an inspiring mission packed with over 200 groundbreaking scientific experiments, ranging from studying microgravity’s effects on human health to testing the flammability of materials in space. These efforts will play a vital role in shaping NASA’s ambitious Artemis program, which is set to take humanity further into deep space.As Williams, Wilmore, Hague, and Gorbunov prepare for their return, their days are filled with final mission duties and heartfelt farewells. Homeward Bound: A mission of resilience!Though their time aboard the ISS was extended due to scheduling delays, Williams and her team embraced the challenge with resilience and passion. For Williams, this experience was more than just a mission, it was a journey of discovery and inspiration.“It’s been an absolutely incredible experience,” she shared with Mission Control. “Seeing our friends arrive was a joyful reminder of how much we’ve accomplished up here. The ISS has been like a second home, and I will always carry this experience with me.”Having spent years working on the ISS, both Williams and Wilmore have seen it transform and evolve. “Butch and I have watched the station grow, and living here has given us a perspective unlike any other. The problem-solving skills, the teamwork, and the sheer beauty of space, it’s something I hope to take back and share with the world,” she reflected.Blue Awaits: The Long Due Homecoming! As their final days in orbit come to an end, excitement is building for their long-awaited homecoming. Mission control is closely monitoring conditions to ensure a safe descent, and if all goes according to plan, Crew Dragon Freedom will glide through the Earth’s atmosphere and gently splash down into the Atlantic Ocean.Williams and her team are returning with invaluable knowledge, memories, and a renewed sense of purpose. Their journey serves as an inspiration to future explorers, reminding us all that the spirit of discovery knows no bounds. As they prepare to touch down on Earth, the world eagerly awaits their return, celebrating their achievements and looking forward to the next great adventure in space exploration!  Bravo, Sunita! 

18 Mar 2025
Good News

Shubhanshu Shukla Set to Become India’s Second Astronaut in Space!

India will soon be able to witness another giant leap in space exploration as Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla prepares to embark on a journey to the International Space Station (ISS). As the designated pilot of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), Shukla will etch his name in history as the first Indian astronaut to travel to the ISS, joining an elite league of spacefarers.The mission, a collaborative effort between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), will launch aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from Florida. The US space agency has announced that the flight is set to take off no earlier than spring 2025.Shukla’s Mission and AspirationsShukla is excited about the mission and according to reports, he plans to carry Indian artifacts to space as a tribute to his country. He also hopes to do yoga on the ISS, highlighting India's culture and science to the world.Shukla will be accompanied by a distinguished team, including former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson as mission commander, and two European Space Agency (ESA) project astronauts – Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. The crew will spend up to 14 days aboard the ISS, conducting a series of scientific experiments, outreach programs, and commercial activities.Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey to space began with his passion for aviation.IAF Service: Commissioned into the IAF fighter wing in June 2006, Shukla quickly rose through the ranks to become a combat leader and seasoned test pilot.Flight Experience: With over 2,000 hours of flight time, he has piloted a wide array of aircraft, including Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32.Gaganyaan Designation: Apart from Ax-4, Shukla is also a designated astronaut for India’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission.Training in Russia: His space journey officially took off in 2019, when he received a call from ISRO, inviting him to undergo intensive training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Moscow.What is Axiom Mission 4?The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is a landmark mission that marks a significant step toward expanding global space collaboration.The mission will revive human spaceflight for Poland and Hungary, marking their first government-backed spaceflight in over 40 years.It is the second-ever human spaceflight mission for these nations but their first time participating in a mission aboard the ISS.Axiom Space’s goal is to redefine access to low-Earth orbit, offering countries and private enterprises new pathways into space.NASA and Axiom Space have designed the mission to enhance international cooperation, promote scientific discovery, and push the boundaries of commercial space exploration.A New Era for India’s Space AspirationsIndia has been making remarkable strides in its space program, with initiatives like the Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan missions showcasing its technical prowess.The Gaganyaan project, India’s maiden human spaceflight mission, aims to send a three-member crew to an altitude of 400 km for three days before safely landing in Indian waters.The last Indian to travel to space was Rakesh Sharma, who flew aboard the Soyuz T-11 mission in 1984 as part of the Soviet Interkosmos program. His iconic words, “Saare jahan se achha,” continue to inspire generations of space enthusiasts. Now, after four decades, India is ready to send its next astronaut beyond Earth.Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission represents a new chapter in India’s space legacy, marking its place among global spacefaring nations. With Ax-4, India is not just reaching for the stars—it’s setting the stage for a future where Indian astronauts will be regular participants in international space missions.

31 Jan 2025
Good News

Shubhanshu Shukla To Be India’s Second Man in Space, 40 Years After Rakesh Sharma

In a thrilling new chapter for India's space exploration, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is poised to become the second Indian to travel into space. Almost 40 years after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma's historic mission, Shukla will serve as the lead astronaut on the Axiom-4 mission, a joint venture between Axiom Space and NASA, to be launched by SpaceX. The Axiom-4 Mission: An International Effort The Axiom-4 mission, featuring astronauts from Poland, Hungary, and the United States, highlights an extraordinary international collaboration. The agreement for India’s participation was sealed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States last year. It signifies a new era of Indo-US space cooperation. Shubhanshu Shukla: A Decorated Air Force Pilot Born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on October 10, 1985, Shubhanshu Shukla was commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF) on June 17, 2006. With over 2,000 hours of flying experience across various aircraft such as the Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32, Shukla is not only a fighter pilot but also a Fighter Combat Leader and test pilot. Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair: The Backup Astronaut Serving as Shukla’s backup is Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair from Thiruvazhiyad, Kerala. Nair, a recipient of the Sword of Honour at the Air Force Academy, has more than 3,000 hours of flying experience. He has served as a Category-A flying instructor, test pilot, and commander of a Sukhoi-30 squadron. His training at prestigious institutions, including the United States Staff College, underscores his extensive expertise. Rakesh Sharma: India's first man in space (Source: Google Images) Preparing for the Mission: Rigorous Training Ahead Selected for the Axiom-4 mission, Shukla and Nair are among four Indian Air Force officers shortlisted for India’s first manned space mission, Gaganyaan, scheduled for next year. Their training will intensify over the next eight weeks, preparing them for the historic journey ahead. Both officers have already undergone rigorous preparation. Mission Details: A Glimpse into the Future The Axiom-4 spacecraft will dock with the International Space Station (ISS) for 14 days, carrying astronauts along with cargo and supplies. While the exact launch date is yet to be finalized, NASA’s website suggests a timeframe no earlier than October 2024, with indications from Poland’s space agency that the mission might occur next year.  NASA Chief Bill Nelson has extended his congratulations to ISRO on its selection of astronauts for the upcoming mission. In a statement on social media, Nelson expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "Congratulations, @ISRO. We look forward to welcoming the first ISRO astronaut to the International Space Station! This is a monumental step forward for the US-India partnership in space." Learning from Axiom-4 The Gaganyaan mission will significantly benefit from the experience gained through the Axiom-4 mission. ISRO Chairman Somanath emphasized the mutual benefits of the Indo-US collaboration, noting how this mission will enhance the Gaganyaan project by integrating advanced training and insights from the ISS.  A Leap Forward for Indian Space Exploration Shubhanshu Shukla's forthcoming mission represents a major advancement in India's space exploration efforts, highlighting the nation's expanding role in the global space arena. Building on the foundation laid by Rakesh Sharma, the Axiom-4 mission showcases India's ambitious goals in space and the strength of international cooperation.

5 Aug 2024
Good News

Historic First: Detailed Mapping of Ram Setu by ISRO Scientists

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has recently created the most detailed map to date of Adam’s Bridge, more popularly known as Ram Setu. This submerged ridge connects Dhanushkodi in India to Talaimannar Island in Sri Lanka. The comprehensive mapping, conducted in collaboration with NASA, confirms that Ram Setu is indeed a continuous submarine ridge. Advanced Mapping Techniques Researchers from ISRO’s Jodhpur and Hyderabad National Remote Sensing Centres spearheaded this project, using data from NASA's ICESat-2 satellite. The satellite's laser beams bounced off the seafloor, revealing that 99.8 percent of Adam’s Bridge is submerged in shallow waters. "Our research confirms that Adam’s Bridge is a submarine continuation from Dhanushkodi to Talaimannar Island," the study published in Scientific Reports noted.  Historical and Geological Significance Ram Setu, a chain of shoals between Mannar Island off northwest Sri Lanka and Rameswaram Island off southeast India, has long been believed to represent a former land connection between the two countries. Geological evidence supports this theory, and the new findings provide further confirmation. The study highlights an asymmetry of transverse slopes at the base of the bridge The Findings in Detail ISRO’s research revealed that the volume of Adam’s Bridge is approximately 1 km3. Interestingly, only 0.02 percent of this volume is above mean sea level, and this portion is visible in optical satellite imagery. In total, around 99.98 percent of the bridge is submerged in shallow and super-shallow waters. Previous satellite observations had confirmed the presence of this submerged structure but focused on parts elevated above water. Shallow sea depths had also hindered earlier attempts to map the bridge from ships. Source: Google images Innovative Use of Laser Technology This time, researchers utilized photons from ICESat-2’s green laser, capable of detecting the seafloor up to depths of about 40 meters. "Taking a cue from this potential, we accrued approximately 0.2 million photons representing depth information and generated 10-meter resolution bathymetric data for Adam’s Bridge," the study reported. To confirm the current physical features, scientists used visual interpretations from bathymetric data through 3D-derived parameters, including contours, slopes, and volumetric analysis. Discovering Hidden Channels A team led by Giribabu Dandabathula identified 11 tiny channels with depths of 2-3 meters and used 3D-derived metrics to estimate the bridge's physiology. This analysis provides a clearer understanding of the submerged structure and its complex geological history. Cultural and Historical Importance  Until the ninth century AD, Persians referred to this bridge as 'Sethu Bandhai.' Ram Setu holds immense historical significance in Indian culture, believed to have been constructed by Lord Ram to reach Lanka (modern-day Sri Lanka) to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana, as described in the ancient epic Ramayana. Historically, the bridge was above sea level and served as a vital link until 1480 when a powerful storm caused it to become submerged. The collaborative efforts of ISRO and NASA have produced a significant leap in our understanding of Ram Setu. The detailed mapping confirms the bridge's continuity and highlights its complex geological features. This research enriches our historical knowledge and paves the way for future scientific exploration.

16 Jul 2024
Good News

Sunita Williams Readies for Epic Third Space Expedition!

She is excited to find adventure, but the cosmos is beckoning her once more with the promise of an amazing space expedition ~ Prepare for Lift-Off: Sunita Lyn Williams, NASA's Stellar Astronaut, Gears Up for Historic Third Space Mission Aboard Boeing's Starliner Spaceship! With training in full swing, she's set to pilot the Crew Flight Test mission, slated for launch at 10:34 p.m. EDT on Monday, May 6, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Williams at a lecture in Kolkata's Science City, April 2013! ( Source: Google Images)  According to a NASA release, "Suni" Williams and astronaut Butch Wilmore will launch aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft on an Atlas V rocket from United Launch Alliance and dock at the orbiting laboratory, where they will spend around a week. For the Third Time in Space ~  This is going to be Sunita Lyn Williams' third trip into space. The 58-year-old astronaut flew on Expedition 14/15 from December 9, 2006, to June 22, 2007, on her maiden spaceflight. Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore prepare for the upcoming mission at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. | Image by Robert Markowitz  ( Source: Google Images)  Williams achieved a record for the most spacewalks by a woman, with a total of 29 hours and 17 minutes, during that voyage. After completing her tour, she and the STS-117 crew returned to Earth. Her second space flight was with Expedition 32/33, which took off in July 2012 from Kazakhstan's Baikonur Cosmodrome. She once again broke the record for the longest spacewalk ever, clocking in at fifty hours and forty minutes. Before making landfall in November 2012, she, Russian Soyuz commander Yuri Malenchenko, and Japanese flight engineer Akihiko Hoshide conducted four months of study and exploration onboard the orbiting laboratory. Sunita Lyn Williams' Promising Profession And An Inspirational Light To Other Women ~    Williams is a Needham, Massachusetts, resident. Deepak Pandya, her father, was an Indian neuroanatomist of international fame. Ursuline Bonnie (Zalokar) Pandya, her mother, is of Slovenian descent. Sunita, also called Suni, graduated in 1995 with a Master of Science in engineering management from the Florida Institute of Technology after earning a Bachelor of Science from the United States Naval Academy. In May of 1987, she served as a Basic Diving Officer and ensign in the US Navy. She became a Naval Aviator after reporting to the Naval Air Training Command in 1989. Williams started her training at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in 1993. She was employed by the Rotary Wing Aircraft Test Directorate as a V-22 pursuit pilot in the T-2 and an H-46 project officer upon her graduation. She returned to the Naval Test Pilot School in 1995, this time as a Safety Officer and teacher in the Rotary Wing Department, where she flew the OH-6, OH-58, and UH-60 helicopters. In 1998, she was deployed to the USS Saipan as an Assistant Air Boss and Aircraft Handler. Williams started her training at Johnson Space Center in August 1998 after being chosen by NASA for the astronaut program. Williams has logged over 3,000 flying hours in over 30 different types of aircraft. For her services to US space science and the US Navy, she has won several awards. Among her accolades are the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Defense Superior Service Medal (which she received twice), and the Navy Commendation Medal twice. Aspiring astronauts and space lovers might draw inspiration from Ms. Williams' space adventure. Her accomplishments, accolades, and commitment highlight the important role that women play in STEM disciplines and leave a lasting legacy for coming generations!  She is Set and Focused On Her 3rd Mission!  ( Source: The Washington Post )       

26 Apr 2024
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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
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Indian Students Selected for NASA’s Human Exploration Rover Challenge (HERC) 2023

NASA's HERC annually conducts an engineering design competition to include students all over the world in the next stage of human space exploration. The 61 teams from around the world that have been chosen to compete in the HERC 2023 have been announced by NASA. Akarsh Chittineni, 15, and Sai Akshara Vemuri, 17, both teens from Andhra Pradesh have been chosen to compete in NASA's Human Exploration Rover Challenge (HERC) 2023. With the intention of automating a rover that can move on the surface of the Moon and Mars, these two young students have been occupied with the task of creating a multipurpose vehicle to perform unthinkable chores. Sai Akshara Vemuri is a 12th-standard Delhi Public School student studying in Vijayawada. She is the student team safety officer in this project. During the competition, while the rover is traversing various terrains, she has to predict many failure methods and also come up with solutions to overcome them. Akarsh Chittineni  is a 10th grader at KCP Residential Public School in Vijayawada. As a tech lead, his job included finding the manufacturer and buying the materials, among other tasks relating to the materials.  The team along with four others will be designing, assembling, constructing, testing, and producing a human-powered Rover that can travel across the surface of Mars and the Moon.In April 2023, they will ship the rover they made to the United States, where they will represent India.

19 Jan 2023
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NASA Names Indian-American Charania as Chief Technologist

A.C. Charania, an Indian-American expert in the aerospace sector, has been appointed by NASA as its next chief technologist. He will be the agency's principal advisor on technology policy and programs at its headquarters in Washington. In a statement to the press, Charania said, "The rate of advancement we seek in the 21st century is predicated upon selecting and maturing a portfolio of technologies into systems to accomplish our goals." In his position, Charania will manage technological collaboration with other government agencies, the private sector, and external stakeholders in addition to coordinating NASA's agency-wide technology investments with mission needs across six mission directorates. Given this, partnerships both inside and outside of NASA offer fantastic prospects. Charania said that he now eagerly awaits the chance to collaborate with the entire community to accelerate the speed of advancement in aviation and space. In the past, he has also contributed to the development of Blue Origin's plan for lunar permanence, the Blue Moon lunar lander program, and numerous technical initiatives with NASA. Before joining NASA, Charania worked as vice president of product strategy for Reliable Robotics, a company that strives to introduce approved autonomous vehicles to commercial aviation. In his present role, he will serve as principal advisor to Administrator Bill Nelson. Administrator Bill Nelson will primarily receive advice from Charania. He worked for Reliable Robotics, a company that strives to introduce approved autonomous vehicles to commercial aviation, as vice president of product strategy before joining NASA.

12 Jan 2023
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A Star Is Born and the World’s Most Powerful Telescope Captures It!

The breathtaking image of a flaming cosmic hourglass covered in gorgeous orange and blue dust and sheltering a very young star, or protostar, was captured by NASA's James Webb Telescope, and it has scientists at NASA excited and enthralled. According to NASA, the image taken by Webb's Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) provides insight into the birth of a new star and displays the protostar's previously concealed features amid the dark cloud L1527. The Jameswebb Instagram page reveals that there appears to be a dark line at the very center of the "hourglass" that's an edge-on view of a protoplanetary disk, or the disk of material being pulled into the star as it forms. It's about the size of our solar system and may eventually clump into planets, giving us a window into our solar system's history. This star is still developing and contains a disc of debris. It is situated 450 light years away and is being born in a star-forming region called the Taurus. The star will continue to contract under its gravitational pull over the next million years to fully form as a star. The Milky Way galaxy alone has 400 billion stars.  The image is accessible for us to view because of JWST's strong capabilities. Otherwise, in infrared wavelengths, these celestial objects are concealed from the naked eye.  

19 Nov 2022
Good News

Indian Kids’ Art Feature In NASA’s Calendar

NASA’s 2018 Commercial Crew Program Calendar Art Contest saw over 3,000 entries from 193 countries and India has a reason to be proud as two artworks of students from a school in Tamil Nadu have been selected. Kaviya BJ and K Selva Sreejith,  both 11 years old and students of Shree Vidhya Mandhir, Pushpathur in Palani are amongst the twelve winners whose entries adorn the pages of the calendar. Various themes were set for the calendar including the International Space Station, astronauts and growing food in space. Selva and Kaviya fashioned their works on the themes ‘what would you take from home’ and ‘space food,’ respectively.

18 Jan 2018
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Hottest exoplanet discovered with temperature of 4,326 degree Celsius

Scientists discover the hottest planet until now designating it as KELT-9b. It has a temperature of about 4,326 degree Celsius on its day side! KELT-9b is an exoplanet revolving around its star named as KELT-9. It looks like Jupiter and is 650 light-years away from the Earth. It is warmer than all the known stars and planets except our Sun to which it is 926 degree Celsius cooler. It has a glowing gas tail. The reason behind this is the intense ultraviolet radiation from its star that makes the planet burn and evaporates. The planet is tidally locked to its star. The planet is so hot that molecules of water, methane and carbon-di-oxide cannot form here. Though it is 2.8 times massive than Jupiter its density is only half of Jupiter. It looks huge due to its puffed balloon-like atmosphere caused by its star’s intense radiation glare. Scott Gaudi, a professor at the Ohio State University in the U.S. and lead author of the study published in the journal Nature said that the KELT-9b is in all terms a planet if we consider its mass, but it has a very different temperature which was until now unreported.

7 Jun 2017
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Global News

A Peaceful Landing: Crew 8 Returns to Earth

In the stillness of the early morning at 3:29 a.m. Eastern, the Crew Dragon spacecraft *Endeavour* made a dramatic return to Earth, splashing down in the Gulf of Mexico near Pensacola, Florida. Just days earlier, on October 23 at 5:05 p.m. Eastern, *Endeavour* had detached from the International Space Station (ISS), officially closing the Crew-8 mission. Onboard were Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin and NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, and Jeanette Epps. Over the course of 235 days in orbit, including 232 days on the ISS, this crew conducted critical research, fostered international partnerships, and pushed the boundaries of human space exploration before returning home to a hero’s welcome.Post Splashdown ~ The four had been transferred to a nearby medical institution "for additional evaluation," in addition to the routine medical examinations conducted on the recovery ship, NASA said in a statement a few hours after splashdown. NASA stated in a post-splashdown briefing that the crew was doing well following the splashdown, but the agency did not provide any details on what led to that assessment. In their statement, NASA also mentioned that “all crew members were flown to the facility together out of an abundance of caution.”Happy faces at the End~ (Source: Google Images) That 235-day mission is a record for the longest flight of an American crewed spacecraft. Crew-8 set that record first because a delay of more than a month in the launch of Crew-9, which gave NASA time to evaluate what to do with Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft that flew to the station on a crewed test flight. NASA decided to bring Starliner back without a crew and launch just two people on Crew-9 to free up seats for Starliner astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams.Crew-9 launched Sept. 28 and arrived at the station a day later. NASA planned what Richard Jones, deputy manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, called an “extended handover” between Crew-8 and Crew-9 to give astronauts time to remove temporary seating arrangements for Wilmore and Williams in Endeavour had there been a need to evacuate the station.“That extra time that we spent in that handover was unfortunate from a weather perspective,” he said at a post-splashdown briefing, because by the time Endeavour was ready to return, Hurricane Milton was in the Gulf, delaying the spacecraft’s return. That storm, followed by a persistent high-pressure system that kicked up winds over splashdown locations on the Gulf and Atlantic coasts of Florida, ended up delaying the return by nearly three weeks.There was nothing that NASA and SpaceX could do but wait for conditions to improve. “There’s no lessons learned from that perspective. You just have to wait for that good weather to show up,” he said, noting such delays could be expected during this time of year, near the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season. “In this timeframe, we can expect some extended stays from that perspective.”(Source: Google Images)  Earlier this year, NASA and SpaceX announced plans to shift Dragon splashdowns to the California coast starting in 2025. This adjustment is designed to change reentry procedures, ensuring the Dragon’s trunk section burns up over the ocean—after several trunks previously reentered over land, with some fragments reaching the ground. SpaceX also noted that the change is expected to provide better weather conditions for splashdowns.Bill Gerstenmaier, SpaceX vice president for build and flight reliability, said at the briefing that the company was planning to start West Coast splashdowns in early 2025. “When we make that move, the intent will be to stay on the West Coast for recovery and move activities there,” he said.

28 Oct 2024
Global News

NASA’s Europa Clipper Sails Toward Ocean Moon of Jupiter

In order to study Europa, a moon with a massive subterranean ocean that might have the ingredients to support life, NASA's Europa Clipper has set out on its lengthy journey to Jupiter. The spacecraft took out from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket Monday at 12:06 p.m. EDT.Europa Clipper is the first NASA mission devoted to exploring an ocean world beyond Earth and the largest spacecraft NASA has ever constructed for a mission going to another planet. Using the strength of gravity assists, the spacecraft will travel 1.8 billion miles (2.9 billion kilometers) on a course that will take it to Mars in four months and back to Earth for another gravity assist flyby in 2026. In April 2030, the spacecraft will start orbiting Jupiter and then pass Europa 49 times.Looking Out For Life?Determining whether Europa possesses circumstances conducive to life is the mission's primary objective. Although Europa is comparable in size to our own Moon, its interior is distinct. Data from NASA's Galileo mission in the 1990s provided compelling evidence that there is a vast, salty ocean beneath Europa's ice that contains more water than all of Earth's oceans put together. Additionally, scientists have discovered evidence that suggests Europa may have energy sources and organic substances beneath its surface.  There might be more livable worlds in our solar system and beyond than previously thought if the expedition finds that Europa is habitable. (Source: Google Images)  “Congratulations to our Europa Clipper team for beginning the first journey to an ocean world beyond Earth,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “NASA leads the world in exploration and discovery, and the Europa Clipper mission is no different. By exploring the unknown, Europa Clipper will help us better understand whether there is the potential for life not just within our solar system, but among the billions of moons and planets beyond our Sun.”The spacecraft will start its science-focused flybys of Europa in 2031. Europa Clipper is outfitted with nine science equipment and a gravity experiment, including cameras, an ice-penetrating radar, and a thermal instrument to search for regions of warmer ice and any recent water eruptions, and it will approach the surface as near as 16 miles (25 kilometers). Together, the most advanced set of scientific sensors NASA has ever deployed to Jupiter will gather information about the moon's deep interior, thin atmosphere, and icy crust.(Source: Google Images) Europa Clipper also includes the largest solar arrays NASA has ever utilized for an interplanetary mission, which will power those sensors in the wan sunlight that reaches Jupiter. The spacecraft is 100 feet (30.5 meters) long when its arrays are extended. It weighs roughly 13,000 pounds (5,900 kg) when propellant is loaded. Since its official approval in 2015, the Europa Clipper project has received contributions from almost 4,000 individuals."This all reflects on the innumerable hours of commitment, creativity, and collaboration that made this moment possible as Europa Clipper sets out on its journey," said Jordan Evans, project manager at NASA JPL. “This launch represents not only the next phase of our solar system exploration, but also a step toward solving the mysteries of a different ocean world, motivated by our common curiosity and ongoing quest to find the answer to the question, 'Are we alone?'”

16 Oct 2024
Global News

Why NASA is Training Astronauts in Iceland: The Secret Lunar Connection

Iceland is the most "lunar-like" location on Earth, according to NASA, for simulating conditions for the Artemis II mission. This selection highlights Iceland's distinctive topography, which resembles the rough surface of the Moon.(Source: Google Images) Iceland's untamed landscape is reminiscent of the moon ~(Source: Google Images) Iceland was chosen by NASA for this important training phase due to its unique geological features, which bear a striking resemblance to the lunar terrain. The decision fits with the space agency's objective to thoroughly train its astronauts for the next mission, Artemis II, which will be the first crewed lunar voyage in more than half a century. Along with NASA astronaut Andre Douglas and Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jenni Gibbons, as well as astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, the backup crew members undertook a thorough training exercise over Iceland's volcanic terrain. Lunar-like circumstances: A look back in time ~ (Source: Google Images) Iceland's appropriateness for this training was commended by Cindy Evans, NASA's Johnson Space Center's Artemis geology training lead. "One of the most lunar-like training locations that astronauts visited during their training was Iceland," Evans wrote. Its planetary processes—volcanism in this case—have lunar characteristics. It has the scenery; it appears to be the Moon. Additionally, it displays the size of features that astronauts will be investigating and viewing on the Moon. Iceland's lunar-like geological features  ~(Source: Google Images) Large lava fields, volcanic craters, and rocky, desolate terrain define Iceland's scenery; these elements are evocative of the moon. The importance of Iceland for lunar simulation is further reinforced by the occurrence of specialist rocks such breccias and basalts, which are also present on the Moon.  The nation's high volcanic activity has created a geology that is perfect for teaching astronauts how to recognize, gather, and record samples of extraterrestrial rocks and soil. During this preparation work, instruments akin to those used in the Apollo missions are utilized.  Training emphasis: Tools and abilities (Source: Google Images) In addition to honing their navigational abilities on lunar-like terrain, the astronaut crew practiced team-building activities while in Iceland, simulating the solitude and cooperation they will encounter in space. The consistency of training materials was emphasized by Trevor Graff, an exploration geologist and the hardware and testing lead for the NASA Johnson Artemis scientific team. According to Graff, "the tools we're planning for the Artemis missions haven't changed that much from what we used during the Apollo missions." Getting Ready for Artemis II  ~(Source: Google Images) The objectives of NASA's Artemis II mission are to create a sustainable human presence on the Moon and open the path for future lunar exploration. NASA is preparing its astronauts for the hardships of the lunar surface by using Iceland as a training ground, paving the way for the next phase of space exploration.

20 Sep 2024
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

NASA shares images of Earth’s Terminator: A Celestial Showstopper!

 Have you ever wondered what it looks like when day meets night on Earth? This breathtaking moment is captured by a natural phenomenon known as the Earth's "terminator." This terminator is the line that divides our planet into day and night. Recently, the International Space Station (ISS), while orbiting 267 miles above the Pacific Ocean near Auckland, New Zealand, captured this stunning sight. The ISS: A Unique Vantage PointThe ISS orbits Earth 16 times a day, making it the perfect observer of phenomena that most of us can only imagine. From its high perch, the ISS witnesses 16 sunrises and sunsets every 24 hours—a rhythm that gives it a unique vantage point to observe the terminator line as it moves across the planet. NASA shared this spectacular image on Instagram, describing it as "Earth's atmosphere illuminated by a new day," with a thin line separating the night from the day. What is the Terminator LineThe terminator, also known as twilight, is the moving boundary between daylight and darkness on Earth—or any other celestial body. This line makes its journey across the Earth twice each day: once at sunrise and once at sunset. While the terminator usually glides across most of the planet, regions near the North and South Poles, which experience extended periods of darkness or light, don’t follow the same routine.The movement of the terminator is dictated by Earth's rotation and its tilt on its axis, which is approximately 23.5 degrees. As the Earth revolves around the Sun, this tilt causes the two hemispheres to receive varying amounts of sunlight, giving rise to the changing seasons. The Dance of SeasonsThe shape of the terminator line changes with the seasons. During equinoxes, when the Sun is directly above the equator, day and night are of equal length. In this period, the terminator line runs parallel to Earth’s axis and lines of longitude, resulting in a straight line dividing day and night.In contrast, during solstices, the Earth's axis is tilted the most towards or away from the Sun. The Sun is farthest from the equator, either in the north or south, causing the terminator line to tilt at about 23.5 degrees relative to Earth’s axis. This tilt creates a more angled division between day and night, reflecting the seasonal shifts in sunlight distribution.The terminator line is not merely a boundary; it's a celestial display that highlights the delicate interplay of light and shadow. Viewed from the ISS, this line becomes a radiant ribbon of blue and gold, showcasing the beauty of a new day breaking over Earth. As the ISS orbits, it captures these moments, linking us to the cosmic rhythm and offering a glimpse into the daily marvels of our planet.

12 Aug 2024
Global News

Moon’s New Lighthouse: How LN-1 is Shaping the Future of Space Exploration

NASA's Lunar Node-1 (LN-1) has taken lunar exploration to new heights with its recent deployment. Launched on the Intuitive Machines’ Odysseus lunar lander, LN-1 is set to function as a "lunar lighthouse," guiding astronauts and robots across the Moon's surface. Lunar Node-1, or LN-1, was placed on the Moon by NASA in a ground-breaking experiment in late February, which represented a major advancement in lunar navigation technology. For a long time, astronauts have faced difficulties navigating the lunar surface. constructing a "lunar lighthouse" to aid astronauts in navigating their spaceships. (Source: Google Images) LN-1 functions as a network of navigational beacons dispersed over the lunar surface, connecting different spacecraft, including orbiters, landers, and astronauts. This ground-breaking project, carried out atop Intuitive Machines’ Odysseus lunar lander, intends to revolutionize the way missions travel over and investigate the Moon. Notwithstanding obstacles, such the Odysseus lander's unanticipated tilt upon landing, LN-1's capabilities were evident. LN-1 demonstrated its capability to guide future lunar expeditions by shining its beacon for thirty minutes after it was deployed. Although the original goal was to transmit continuously until February 29, the compromised position of the lander presented operating issues for LN-1.Remarkably, LN-1 played a pivotal role in aiding Odysseus’ landing after the lander’s onboard navigation system faltered. When the lander’s laser rangefinders malfunctioned just before descent, engineers swiftly repurposed LN-1’s capabilities to guide Odysseus safely to its intended landing site, underscoring the system’s adaptability and reliability in real-time mission scenarios. Looking ahead ~According to NASA, LN-1 will serve as the mainstay of an extensive lunar navigation network, enabling smooth asset positioning and communication. NASA intends to modify LN-1 for upcoming trips to Mars, demonstrating their ambitions beyond the Moon. Given the difficulties posed by transmission delays from Earth, LN-1's quick data distribution capabilities may come in rather handy for traversing the Martian landscape.A new era in lunar navigation is being heralded by NASA's successful testing of LN-1, which promises improved efficiency and safety for the next missions. Thanks to NASA's innovative efforts, the possibility of long-term human habitation on the Moon and beyond is becoming more likely as the agency works to improve and implement this revolutionary technology.

8 Aug 2024
Global News

Ready To Get Dazzled: Strawberry Moon Is Here!

A Global Miracle ~ For those who love to gaze at the night sky, the upcoming June full moon promises a celestial treat. Known as the "strawberry moon," this full moon will rise in the evening sky over the United States on Friday, June 21, the day after the summer solstice. While its name might suggest a red hue, the strawberry moon will likely appear golden and unusually large, hovering low on the horizon. A Unique Celestial Phenomenon According to astronomers, the June full moon will offer a unique viewing experience. The Old Farmer's Almanac describes this moon as "the lowest we've seen in years," a result of its timing so close to the solstice, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. This phenomenon, known as the "Moon Illusion," causes the moon to appear larger and more colorful than usual. Bob Bonadurer, the director of the planetarium at the Milwaukee Public Museum, explains that the strawberry moon is the most colorful full moon of the year because it travels low and shallow across the sky. As the moon takes this low arc, more of its light passes through the Earth's atmosphere, giving it an orange or yellow tint. (Source: Google Images)   Timing and Viewing Tips The full moon will reach its peak fullness at 9:08 p.m. EDT on Friday, June 21. However, the moon will appear full for about three days around this time, from Thursday night through Sunday morning, according to NASA's Gordon Johnston. For the best viewing experience, the Old Farmer's Almanac suggests looking towards the southeast soon after sunset. There, you'll see the moon rising, large and golden, in the skyline. The Lowest Full Moon of the Year NASA notes that this will be the year's lowest full moon, reaching only 21.9 degrees above the southern horizon at 1:20 a.m. on Saturday. This low positioning adds to the moon's unique appearance, enhancing its size and color due to the atmospheric effects. The Origins of the "Strawberry Moon" Despite its name, the strawberry moon does not owe its moniker to its color or appearance. The name originates from Native American traditions and the Old Farmer's Almanac, marking the time of year when strawberries are harvested. This traditional name highlights the moon's significance in agricultural cycles rather than its visual characteristics. A Rare Alignment with the Solstice This full moon is particularly special as it occurs the day after the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. Full moons near the solstices happen about every 19 to 20 years, making this a relatively rare celestial event.  Skywatchers and astronomy enthusiasts have much to look forward to with the June full moon. Its low arc, golden hue, and significant timing near the summer solstice create a perfect opportunity for observation and appreciation of the night sky. So, mark your calendars for June 21, and don't miss the chance to witness the enchanting strawberry moon in all its glory. The world is full of unimaginable occurrences, it's just you need a certain amount of luck in your life to witness them! 

18 Jun 2024
Global News

90 Year Old Ed Dwight Becomes the Oldest Person to Travel to Space!

Ed Dwight became the oldest astronaut to fly into space and the first Black astronaut in America in an age-defying joyful moment. Ed Dwight, 90, became the oldest person to reach the ultimate frontier in history on May 19, Sunday, when he launched into space on Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin's New Shepard capsule. Aside from his intense interest in astronomy, Dwight has a varied and multifaceted professional path. He has been inspiring others by breaking down limitations associated with age and living his aspirations. Dwight, who took off from West Texas on Sunday, became the oldest person to travel in space. He was joined by four US and French entrepreneurs and an accountant, and they would spend ten minutes weightless in Blue Origin's new space capsule before parachuting back to Earth. Dwight was setting a record for the oldest space traveler when he purchased his space ticket, which was partially funded by the charity organization Space for Humanity, even though the details of the ticket were kept private. At the age of 90, Dwight broke the record set by Star Trek actor William Shatner, who was also a passenger aboard Blue Origin's space shuttle during its maiden crewed trip in 2021. Despite being selected as the first-ever black astronaut candidate by US President John F. Kennedy, Dwight had to wait 60 years to realize his ambition of space travel. He was taking into account Dwight's achievements in the 1960s as a proficient Air Force Pilot. Nevertheless, Dwight was not chosen for the NASA astronaut program in 1963 and was only chosen as the organization's first African American candidate for astronauts in 1978. 90-Year-Old Ed Dwight Becomes Oldest Person To Go To Space! (Source: Google Images)    However, despite being selected in NASA's astro program, Dwight was not selected for any space missions as Guion Bluford became the first African American to travel in space in 1983.  After retiring from the military in 1966, Dwight chose a diverse and multi-faceted career pathway from IBM stints to construction company owner and even earned a master's degree in sculpting in the late 1970s. It was since then Dwight has dedicated his life to art and created many sculptures with the theme of Black History. His sculptures were also sent to space. Despite having diverse careers, Dwight's love for space never faded, and that's what led him to create history and break a record for traveling in space at the age of 90. When asked about the experience Dwight exclaimed "A life-changing experience." He also added, "I thought I didn't need this in my life. But now, I need it in my life. ... I am ecstatic." His 90-year-old victory sends a strong message of inclusivity and the audacity to follow ambitions no matter one's age or background. His tale acts as a beacon, encouraging upcoming generations to explore farther and aim higher than before. Takeaway ~ You Are Never Too Late To Start New Things ~  This is an idea that we see time and again. We tell ourselves that we are too old or too young to try something new. It can go beyond the age, but this feels somehow more limiting. Age is, after all, something seemingly objective. But in reality, age is nothing but a number, and we should not let it limit us too much. Starting with a negative mindset is likely to increase the chances of failure. You might never be able to achieve things not because you are incapable, but because you think you can’t do this. It’s not your age that’s limiting you, it’s your idea that it will.

30 May 2024
Global News

'Welcome Voyager!' Celebrated Spacecraft Is Back, Transmitting From 15 Billion Miles Away After NASA Repairs it.

After falling black last year, a NASA spacecraft that was launched almost 50 years ago is now returning data to scientists, the space agency announced this week. NASA said in a news statement on April 22 that a group of specialists has remotely fixed Voyager 1, a spacecraft that was launched in 1977 to explore planets and moons beyond our solar system and is currently located more than 15 billion miles from Earth, to solve a computer issue. The only two artificially constructed spacecraft that travel into interstellar space are Voyager 1 and 2. Up until five months ago, both spacecraft, which were initially intended to survive for five years, have been sending information back to Earth for almost 46 years. Voyager 1 stopped sending usable data in November 2023, at which point NASA lost communication with the probe. The agency reported that the probe was still receiving orders from mission control and was functioning correctly despite the distorted incoming information. The flight data subsystem of the probe, one of the spacecraft's three onboard computers, had a defective chip, which the technical team of Voyager 1 identified as the source of the issue. Voyager 1's flight data subsystem code was impacted by the chip problem, which the agency claimed "rendered the science and engineering data unusable." Since the chip could not be fixed remotely, engineers devised a strategy to disperse the compromised code among the flight data subsystem's unaffected areas.   Happy Faces In the Frame After A Heated Process ~  (Source: Google Images)  Further Details On The Entire Plan ~  The JPL team found that a single chip that held some of the flight data subsystem (FDS) memory—including some software code for the FDS computer—wasn't functioning and still isn't. That code was lost, making the data from science and engineering useless. The team chose to relocate the impacted code to another location in the FDS memory after failing to fix the chip. However, no one site can accommodate the complete code section. They thus came up with a strategy to split the impacted code into portions and put each section in a distinct location within the FDS. They also had to modify certain code parts so that, they still worked as a unit for this strategy to succeed. It was also necessary to update any references in other areas of the FDS memory that pointed to the location of that code. On April 18, once they had resolved all the issues, they transmitted the updated code to its new place in the FDS memory. At a distance of about 15 billion miles (24 billion kilometers), a radio signal takes roughly 22 and a half hours to reach Voyager 1, and it takes an additional 22 and a half hours for a signal to return to Earth. The mission flight crew discovered that the adjustment was successful when they received a response from the spacecraft on April 20: They could now monitor the spacecraft's condition and health for the first time in the last five months. NASA said that on April 20, Voyager 1 started sending data on the condition and state of its systems once more. The flight data subsystem will undergo "relocation and adjustment of the other affected portions" in the upcoming weeks, according to the agency, including "the portions that will start returning science data." Even Voyager's surviving scientific equipment, which allows it to research the nature of magnetic fields and cosmic rays in interstellar space, may need to be turned off in a year or maybe even less. The probe will leave the Deep Space Network and be out of reach of any communications by 2036

26 Apr 2024
Global News

White House Directs NASA to Set Up a Lunar Time Standard for the Moon

According to a document obtained by Reuters, the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) gave the space agency instructions to collaborate with other branches of the federal government to come up with a plan by the end of 2026 for establishing what the agency referred to as a Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC). Time moves differently on the moon and other celestial bodies than on Earth due to differences in gravitational pull and maybe other variables. The LTC would, among other things, offer a timekeeping standard for satellites and lunar probes whose missions demand exact timing. "The same clock that we have on Earth would move at a different rate on the moon," Kevin Coggins, NASA's space communications and navigation chief. (Source: Google Images)  NASA plans to send astronauts to the moon as part of the Artemis program shortly, to establish a research lunar facility that might serve as a springboard for future Mars missions. Numerous businesses, spacecraft, and nations are participating in the endeavor. According to an OSTP official, it would be difficult to guarantee safe data transfers between spacecraft and synchronized communications between Earth, lunar satellites, bases, and humans without a single lunar time standard. (Source: Google Images)  ( Source: Google Images)  The Disputive Nature Of Time With Ultra-Pro Human Advancements ~  The official said that handling the logistics of the lunar business, guaranteeing transaction dependability, and coordinating operations will all depend on a single time standard as economic activity spreads to the moon. NASA said in January that it had planned the first manned lunar landing since the Apollo program's termination in the 1970s for September 2026. The mission, which would include four men traveling around the moon and returning, will take place in September 2025. Although the US is the only nation to have sent humans to the moon, other nations have aspirations to get there as well. Potential mineral riches on the moon have drawn the attention of several nations, and lunar colonies may be necessary to support crewed trips to Mars and other planets in the future. China declared last year that by 2030, it wanted to send its first humans to the moon. Japan became the sixth nation to land a spacecraft on the moon in January. India made history last year when it was the first nation to land a spacecraft close to the uncharted south pole of the moon. By 2040, it hopes to have an astronaut on the moon. "U.S. leadership in defining a suitable standard - one that achieves the accuracy and resilience required for operating in the challenging lunar environment - will benefit all spacefaring nations," the document from the OSTP said. The email stated that international agreements through "existing standards bodies" and among the 36 countries that have signed the Artemis Accords will be necessary to define how Coordinated Lunar Time will be implemented. The two primary adversaries of the United States in space, China and Russia, have not ratified the Artemis Accords. This is pertaining to national policies on the moon and in space.  According to the OSTP official, Coordinated Universal Time may have an impact on how Coordinated Lunar Time is applied. Coordinated Universal Time is defined as an international standard by the International Telecommunication Union of the United Nations.  

3 Apr 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

NASA's Quiet Supersonic Jet Can Enable New York to London Travel in 1.5 Hours!

NASA's ambitious project to develop a quiet supersonic jet, dubbed the "son of Concorde," is one step closer to becoming a reality, potentially revolutionizing transatlantic travel. The aircraft, known as the X-59, aims to fly at speeds faster than the speed of sound, nearly doubling the Concorde's velocity. With the goal of reducing the disruptive sonic boom to a mere "sonic thump," NASA has identified approximately fifty established inter-city routes that could benefit from this technological advancement. The most notable among them is the route connecting New York City and London, where travel times could be slashed to just 1.5 hours, a fourfold improvement over current options. Although the X-59 is currently undergoing final preparations at the Lockheed Martin facility in Palmdale, California, its potential impact is already generating excitement. Cathy Bahm, the project manager for the low boom flight demonstrator, expressed her anticipation for the aircraft's emergence from the paint barn, symbolizing the realization of their vision. As part of NASA's Quesst mission, the X-59 will be flown over selected U.S. communities to gather data on public perception of its noise levels. This data will be crucial in persuading regulators to reconsider existing rules that prohibit supersonic flight over land. The development of supersonic passenger air travel has been a subject of interest for NASA, envisioning aircraft capable of reaching speeds between Mach 2 and Mach 4. The Concorde, which previously held the title for the fastest commercial airliner, cruised at a maximum speed of Mach 2.04. The imminent progress of the X-59 brings hope for a future where transatlantic travel becomes faster, more accessible, and less disruptive, potentially revolutionizing the way we explore the world.

29 Nov 2023
Global News

NASA Makes Groundbreaking Progress in Solid-State Battery Development Which May Revolutionize Energy Storage

NASA researchers at the SABERS (Solid-state Architecture Batteries for Enhanced Rechargeability and Safety) project have achieved a major breakthrough in battery technology, potentially revolutionizing energy storage. Their experimental solid-state battery packs have shown promising results, outperforming traditional lithium-ion batteries and offering the possibility of doubling or even tripling energy output. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in electric vehicles, are prone to overheating, fire hazards, and gradual loss of charge over time due to the presence of liquids. In contrast, the SABERS project focuses on developing solid-state batteries that eliminate these drawbacks. By stacking sulfur and selenium cells directly on top of each other without casings, the SABERS team has achieved significant weight savings. Not only does this design reduce the battery's weight by 30 to 40 percent, but it also enables the storage of double or triple the energy capacity compared to state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries. The implications of this breakthrough extend beyond electric vehicles. Sustainable aviation, in particular, stands to benefit from the development of these high-performance batteries. As air travel contributes around 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions, battery-powered flight could help mitigate carbon emissions from jet fuel. NASA's collaboration with Georgia Tech has provided valuable insights into the mechanics and practical aspects of these solid-state batteries. The project has met its energy and safety targets while demonstrating the ability to operate under realistic conditions. With the potential to revolutionize energy storage and power a wide range of applications, NASA's solid-state battery breakthrough represents a significant step forward in sustainable technology. As further research and development continue, the possibilities for a greener and more energy-efficient future are within reach.

3 Oct 2023
Global News

Homecoming Triumph: NASA's STEREO-A Spacecraft Returns After 17 Years, Clearing Path for Solar Exploration

In a historic moment for space exploration, NASA's STEREO-A spacecraft has successfully made its first visit back to Earth after a remarkable 17-year journey. Launched on October 25th, 2006, the spacecraft, along with its twin STEREO-B, provided humanity with its first stereoscopic, or multiple-perspective, view of the Sun. The STEREO (Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory) mission aimed to overcome the limitations of observing the Sun from only one side at a time. By charting Earth-like orbits around the Sun, STEREO-A and STEREO-B revolutionized our understanding of our closest star by providing a three-dimensional view of the Sun's activities. On Saturday, August 12th, STEREO-A passed between the Sun and Earth, marking its long-anticipated return home. This milestone allows scientists to gather important data on solar phenomena, such as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which can impact our technology and power grids. During its flyby, STEREO-A will provide valuable multipoint measurements from inside a CME, enabling researchers to refine their understanding of how the magnetic field of these solar eruptions evolves during the journey from the Sun to Earth. The spacecraft's return comes at an opportune time, as the Sun enters a period of increased activity leading up to the predicted solar maximum in 2025. Scientists are eager to study this active phase and gain further insights into the Sun's behavior.

17 Aug 2023
Global News

A Celestial Spectacle: Double Supermoons and Meteor Shower Extravaganza Set to Dazzle Stargazers in August 2023

Skywatchers will be treated to an astronomical feast this August, with the appearance of two supermoons and the most popular meteor shower of the year. The first supermoon, known as the "Sturgeon Moon," will rise on August 1st, with 99% illumination during the night. The Sturgeon Moon will be followed by the biggest full moon of the year, the Blue Moon, on August 30th. In addition to the double supermoons, the Perseid Meteor Shower will light up the sky on August 13th, with nearly 150 meteors visible per night. The shower is caused by the Earth passing through a stream of debris left by the comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, making it the most popular meteor shower in the world. Skywatchers will also have three chances to see Saturn in August, with the planet coming within 2°15′ of the moon on August 3rd and again on August 30th. On August 27th, Saturn will be in opposition to the sun from the perspective of Earth, providing an exceptional view of the planet's rings. The warm summer weather and position of observation in the Northern Hemisphere make August the perfect month for stargazing. With so many celestial events to look forward to, astronomy enthusiasts and casual skywatchers alike will have plenty to admire in the night sky.

2 Aug 2023
Global News

NASA and Boeing Unveil Revolutionary New Plane to Combat Climate Change

NASA and Boeing have unveiled a new experimental aircraft designed to reduce the environmental impact of air travel and combat climate change. The X-48C aircraft is a hybrid-electric plane that uses advanced technology to significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The new aircraft features three electric motors powered by lithium-ion batteries, which work in conjunction with a traditional jet engine to increase efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. The X-48C also has a unique aerodynamic design, featuring a "blended wing body" that reduces drag and increases lift, further improving its fuel efficiency. NASA and Boeing hope that this new technology will help to revolutionize the aviation industry and lead to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The X-48C is just the latest in a series of experimental aircraft developed by NASA and its partners, as part of the agency's efforts to promote sustainable aviation. The X-48C is currently undergoing testing at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in California. The aircraft's first flight is expected to take place in the coming months, and NASA and Boeing hope to use the data collected during these tests to further refine the design and improve its performance. This new technology could have a significant impact on the aviation industry, which is responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions. By developing more sustainable air travel options, NASA and Boeing are helping to pave the way towards a more sustainable future.

21 Jun 2023
Global News

NASA's New Snake-Like Robot to Slither Across Icy Terrain of Saturn's Moon

NASA is taking a unique approach to exploring the icy moon of Saturn, Enceladus, by swapping out the traditional rover design for a new "snake-like" robot. The new robot, called the Buoyant Rover for Under-Ice Exploration (BRUIE), will be able to navigate the icy terrain and explore the subsurface ocean of the moon, which scientists believe may harbor signs of extraterrestrial life. The traditional rover design, with wheels or treads, is not well-suited for exploring the icy terrain of Enceladus. The moon's surface is covered with thick layers of ice, and its subsurface ocean is believed to be at least 10 kilometers deep. The BRUIE robot, however, is designed to be buoyant and flexible, allowing it to move through the water and under the ice, using its snake-like body to maneuver around obstacles. The BRUIE robot was tested in the icy waters of Alaska and proved successful in navigating through the ice and collecting data. NASA hopes that this new design will allow them to explore the subsurface ocean of Enceladus and potentially discover signs of life. The mission is part of NASA's larger effort to explore the outer planets and their moons for signs of habitability. Enceladus is of particular interest due to the presence of a subsurface ocean and the discovery of plumes containing water vapor and organic molecules. The BRUIE robot will be launched on a future mission to the Saturnian system.

22 May 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

Lost in Space: Hubble Spots Black Hole Leaving Dazzling Cosmic Trail

Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope have spotted what could be a runaway black hole creating a trail of stars as it hurtles through space. The discovery is a rare glimpse into the chaotic world of black holes and could provide new insights into how these mysterious objects behave. The runaway black hole, which is located in a distant galaxy, appears to have been ejected from its home galaxy at high speed. As it travels through space, it is creating a trail of stars in its wake, forming a "cosmic wake" that is visible to astronomers. According to the researchers, the discovery is significant because it could help shed light on how black holes are formed and how they interact with their surrounding galaxies. Black holes are some of the most mysterious objects in the universe, and scientists are still working to understand their properties and behavior. The discovery of the runaway black hole is just the latest in a series of exciting discoveries made by the Hubble Space Telescope. From distant galaxies to the birth of stars, the telescope has provided scientists with an incredible window into the universe and has helped to shape our understanding of our place in the cosmos.

21 Apr 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

A Giant Leap for Womankind: Know About the First Woman Set To Journey the Moon

Get ready to witness history in the making as NASA has announced that Christina Hammock Koch, a trailblazing astronaut, is set to become the first woman to orbit the Moon! Koch, a seasoned space explorer who joined NASA back in 2013, will be serving as the mission specialist for an epic journey aboard the Orion spacecraft. Alongside fellow astronauts Jeremy Hansen, Victor Glover, and Reid Wiseman, Koch will embark on a 10-day mission around the Moon.  Koch showcased her exceptional skills as a flight engineer on the International Space Station, working on Expeditions 59, 60, and 61. During her time in space, Koch completed six spacewalks, including the first three ever to be conducted solely by women, racking up a grand total of 42 hours and 15 minutes in the vast vacuum of space. With an impressive 328 days in space under her belt, Koch is a seasoned veteran of the final frontier. The new mission marks the first time a woman astronaut will enter the realm of the Moon, and Koch is excited about the opportunity. "It is an honor to be here," she said. "We are going to carry the world's excitement, aspirations, and dreams with us on this mission to the Moon." The 10-day-long Artemis-II mission officially launches the countdown to humanity's next lunar landing since the legendary Apollo missions. The four astronauts on board the Orion spacecraft will cover a 2.3-million-kilometer journey around the Moon and back.The mission's primary goal is to put the Orion spacecraft's life-support systems and other crucial apparatuses to the ultimate test in deep space, ensuring they operate flawlessly with human astronauts onboard. This is a critical step towards fulfilling our ultimate destiny of establishing a permanent human presence on the Moon and beyond. Koch's journey to becoming the first woman to go around the Moon is an inspiration to young girls and women around the world, showing them that anything is possible if they set their minds to it.

5 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

Jupiter Gets 12 New Moons — Takes the Total to 92

Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, has just gotten even more fascinating with the discovery of 12 new moons. This brings the total number of known moons around the gas giant to 92, making Jupiter one of the most heavily populated celestial bodies in our solar system. The discovery was made by Scott Sheppard of the Carnegie Institution for Science and his team, who have been studying the Jovian system for years.   The new moons were found using the Blanco 4-metre telescope in Chile and confirmed using other telescopes in Hawaii and Arizona. They range in size from just a few kilometres to several dozen kilometres across and belong to two distinct groups: 11 are part of an outer group of moons that orbit in the opposite direction of Jupiter's rotation and one moon is part of a group that orbits in the same direction as the planet's rotation.   This discovery provides new insights into the early evolution of the Jovian system and the history of the solar system as a whole. The outer group of moons is thought to be remnants of a larger moon that was shattered by a collision with another celestial object. The moon that orbits in the same direction as Jupiter's rotation is thought to be a "captured" object, meaning it was likely formed elsewhere in the solar system and was later pulled into orbit around Jupiter.   The new moons also offer opportunities for scientific exploration and study. They provide a window into the history of the Jovian system and the formation of the solar system itself. In addition, the moons are potential targets for future missions to study the interior and surface of the objects and learn more about the evolution of the Jovian system.  

7 Feb 2023
Global News

Hubble Captures a Star Being Eaten by a Black Hole 300 Million Light Years Away

The Hubble Space Telescope recently captured an incredible image of a star being devoured by a black hole located 300 million light years away. This event, known as a tidal disruption event, occurs when a star gets too close to a black hole and is pulled in by its immense gravitational force. As the star is pulled in, it is stretched and torn apart, creating a bright flare of light that can be observed from Earth.   The star that was captured in the recent image is located in a galaxy called 2MASX J07001137-6602251. As it was being pulled into the black hole, the star's material was heated to millions of degrees, creating a bright flare of ultraviolet and X-ray light. The bright flare of light has been observed by several telescopes, including the European Space Agency's XMM-Newton satellite and NASA's Swift satellite.   The image captured by the Hubble Space Telescope provides scientists with a unique opportunity to study the behavior of black holes and the effects they have on the stars and matter around them. By studying the light emitted by the star as it is being devoured, scientists can learn more about the properties of the black hole and the material it is consuming.   Additionally, this observation can also be a way to detect black holes that are otherwise invisible. Tidal disruption events are rare, with only a few dozen observed in the past few decades. However, by studying these events, scientists can learn more about the population of black holes in the universe and how they affect the matter around them.  

27 Jan 2023
Global News

NASA on a Mission To Save the Earth From Future Disasters

This may seem straight out of a sci-fi movie as NASA gears up to develop a surveyor that can detect and destroy asteroids, comets, or other such objects that may pose a threat to our planet. A new space-based surveyor that will help classify millions of near-Earth objects has now passed a thorough technical evaluation and is ready for budgeting and construction. While history has demonstrated that larger ones can be catastrophic, these objects have the potential to cause major regional destruction. Although luck has been on humanity's side thus far, slow-growing wisdom has led NASA to establish a Planetary Defense Coordination Office in order to figure out how to safeguard Earth against such occurrences. At least 90% of the near-Earth objects larger than 140 meters (460 feet) in diameter that passes within 30 million miles of the orbit of our planet will now be found and identified by the NEO Surveyor mission.  Lindley Johnson, NASA’s Planetary Defense Officer at PDCO stated that while ground-based telescopes are still necessary for us to keep an eye on the sky, a space-based infrared observatory is the ultimate high ground that will support NASA's planetary defense strategy. NEO Surveyor will view the solar system in the infrared spectrum of light. That means it will be able to detect even those objects in space that don’t reflect light. This is one great mission that is bound to protect the earth for eons.

26 Dec 2022
Global News

Wanderlust

Why Nagarjunasagar Is Well-Known And in the News?

Tucked up on India's Deccan Plateau, Nagarjunasagar is a magnificent blend of natural diversity and ancient legacy. This technical masterpiece, which was made possible by damming the Krishna River, is a true gem of India, capturing the country's profound cultural heritage, spiritual core, and breathtakingly beautiful natural surroundings.India is a country rich in spirituality, culture, and history, and it offers many captivating travel locations. Nagarjunasagar stands out among them as a shining example of both natural beauty and antiquity. Located in the center of the Deccan Plateau, this reservoir is a treasure trove of historical artifacts and a diverse ecosystem. We examine the intricate details of what makes Nagarjunasagar a treasured gem of India.1. An Overview of History  ~(Source: Google Images)Nagarjunasagar has a centuries-old history that is intricately woven together. The area is named for the renowned philosopher and scholar of Buddhism, Nagarjuna, whose history is evident in it. Its environment is dotted with reminders of a bygone era, such as Buddhist stupas, monasteries, and inscriptions, which provide a window into its distinguished past. Historians, archaeologists, and spiritual seekers alike are drawn to the remnants of an ancient Buddhist settlement located on Nagarjunakonda Island, submerged beneath the placid waters of the reservoir.2. The Odyssey of Spirit ~(Source: Google Images)Nagarjunasagar has been a sacred spot for both Buddhists and Hindus for many years. The location is a haven for spiritual reflection because of its ethereal atmosphere and connection to Nagarjuna. The peaceful island of Nagarjunakonda is thought to have been the location of Nagarjuna's meditation. It invites pilgrims to find inner peace amid the calm environment. Situated in close proximity to the land, the contemporary engineering feat Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is a harmonious blend of human resourcefulness and the spiritual soul of the region.3. Natural Sanctuary ~(Source: Google Images)  Beyond its spiritual and historical importance, Nagarjunasagar is a biodiversity hotspot. A haven for a variety of plants and animals, the vast Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is made up of lush forests, undulating hills, and flowing rivers. This protected refuge provides comfort to the magnificent tiger and many other wildlife species. Nagarjunasagar is an ecological paradise that attracts a lot of birdwatchers who come to observe the annual migration of avian species.4.  Traditional Wall Hanging ~(Source: Google Images)Nagarjunasagar's cultural mosaic is a reflection of the convergence of various influences that have impacted the area over many generations. Every aspect, from the historic Buddhist treasures to the dam's architectural wonders, narrates a tale of adaptability, resiliency, and inventiveness. The local communities enhance the cultural experience of visiting Nagarjunasagar by providing guests with a glimpse into their way of life through their lively customs and gracious welcome. 5. Tourism Incentives  (Source: Google Images)There are many attractions available in Nagarjunasagar for visitors who want to fully experience the region's natural beauty and cultural legacy. Nestled amidst the Krishna River, the majestic Nagarjunasagar Dam offers stunning vistas and functions as a center for leisure pursuits including sailing and camping. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Ethipothala Waterfalls, which tumble down steep cliffs amid lush surroundings, provide a cool haven. With its vast collection of items unearthed from the submerged island, the Nagarjunakonda Museum offers insights into the prehistoric past of the area.Bottom Line ~ Nagarjunasagar is a source of eternal beauty and deep spirituality in the fabric of India's natural and cultural heritage. The area invites visitors on a voyage of exploration and enlightenment with its historic Buddhist artifacts and unspoiled wildness. Let us treasure and preserve Nagarjunasagar's beauty as we traverse the tides of time, making sure that its legacy lives on for many more generations. 

6 Sep 2024
Wanderlust

Star Citizens

How a Young Boy from a Mumbai Slum Landed a Job at NASA!

"From the depths of hardship often rise the brightest stars." Growing up in an 8×10 room in Kurla, Mumbai, Jaikumar Vaidya's early life was marked by hardships. He was raised by a single mother after his father abandoned the family. From his childhood, Jaikumar and his mother faced severe financial constraints. His mother worked tirelessly to make ends meet, and despite suggestions by relatives that her son should become a driver, she never gave up on his education. The Spark of Inspiration Jaikumar's fascination with science began with space shows on television. Despite the financial struggles, he was determined to pursue his passion. Studying under streetlights and living on vada pav, he remained focused on his goal. His dedication paid off when he graduated in Electrical Engineering from KJ Somaiya College of Engineering, where he also won several accolades in robotics. Jaikumar's talent in robotics earned him an internship with Larsen and Toubro. He also worked various odd jobs, including soldering and online teaching, to support his education and family. His research journey began at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), where he published two scientific papers in reputed international journals in 2017 and 2018. These publications caught the attention of the University of Virginia, where Jaikumar joined as a graduate research assistant. His research focused on solving NP-Hard problems using an electrical circuit approach. During his tenure at TIFR, he balanced his research work with online teaching to fund his GRE and TOEFL preparations, ultimately securing his flight to the United States. Source: Google Images A New Chapter at NASA In 2022, Jaikumar Vaidya received an extraordinary opportunity from NASA, just as he was about to start a new job. He joined Goddard as a ground systems engineer for flight missions, specializing in developing hardware and software for mass spectrometers. His contributions to missions such as SEAL, LEMS, GDC, and DISSIPATION involve designing mass spectrometers to study the relative abundance of atmospheric constituents on the Moon and Mars. Jaikumar's work at NASA also includes collaboration with the University of Maryland Baltimore County, ensuring the efficient functioning of machines for Mars, the Moon, and the Earth's upper atmosphere. A Vision for India's Technological Future Jaikumar's vision extends beyond his work at NASA. He aspires to transform India into a hub for manufacturing technology. He dreams of establishing a research center focused on emerging electronic devices to create non-volatile, low-power, fast-switching memory. His goal is to help economically disadvantaged students, particularly girls, achieve their dreams, inspired by his own journey and the endless support of his mother. From working in local electronics repair shops and garment stores to winning national and state-level awards in robotics, Jaikumar’s journey has been one of perseverance. Throughout his journey, Jaikumar has remained deeply grateful to those who supported him, including his mother, who was his rock and inspiration. In his own words, Jaikumar credits his success to his mother's support and love, stating, "She means the world to me." He also acknowledges the nonprofits like Tata Trust, MESCO Trust, and India Development Foundation, which provided financial aid and zero-interest loans during his education. 

2 Aug 2024
Star Citizens

Jahnavi Dangeti's Stellar Journey to Becoming the Youngest Analog Astronaut

Jahnavi Dangeti broke records as the youngest graduate of the Analog Astronaut program at the Analog Astronaut Training Centre (AATC) in Krakow, South Poland in 2022. During an interview with SheThePeople, Jahnavi Dangeti shared how she reached this milestone. She stressed her main advice for youth: don't let society's expectations hold you back. Answer to yourself, and discover your life's purpose. Jahnavi values smart work over hard work. She suggests using time and staying calm to achieve great things. Jahnavi In The Left Side ( Source: Google Images)  NASA caught her eye when she turned 11. Where She grew up, in Palkollu, Andhra Pradesh most kids wanted to be engineers. But Jahnavi set her sights on the moon. In 2019, she joined ISRO World Space Week. At just 16, her project stood out among 2,000 others—this kicked off her ambitious space journey! She later dug into how to become an astronaut and found out they scuba dive to get ready for zero gravity. So she did go 25 kilometres from home to a pool moving her arms and legs in the water. Then a trainer spoke up to her  saying, "I can teach you." She thought he was kidding, but he meant it. From scary ocean jumps to finding calm in the waves,  she ended up as India's youngest advanced scuba diver. During that time, she learned that she had been picked for a 10-day program at NASA— wherein she was the first Indian to get this chance! She could still picture herself standing in front of NASA crying. She spent her time there in awe of the skylabs and Apollo capsules. And that one door with 'NASA' written on it led to many other opportunities for her. In 2022, Poland invited her for a lunar mission where they put her in a moon-like setting. When she arrived, she couldn't believe it—wherein she was on the moon, a man-made moon, but a moon all the same. The 5-year-old Jahnavi inside her was over the moon. For the next 12 days, they tested them to see how humans could survive on the moon. The mission worked out, and she became an analog astronaut. After one rejection, she got into the International Institute for Astronautical Science in Florida.       

26 Jul 2024
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

The Smallest Satellite Ever Launched by NASA Is Made by a 17-Year-Old Indian

When Rifath Sharook looks up to the sky, the firmament beckons him to explore. Rifath saw his dream come true when he designed and developed the world’s smallest satellite. He named his small creation KalamSat, in honor of the nuclear physicist and former Indian President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. This mini-satellite weighs only 64 gm and is similar to a rubic cube that fits into a palm. He used 3D printing to create miniature spacecraft. The satellite was able to meet the requirements established by NASA for its built-in carbon fiber.  On June 22, 2017, Mr. Sharook witnessed the launch of his small satellite during a Terrier Orion-sounding rocket mission. In 12 minutes, the tiny satellite finished its task. The mission's goal was to evaluate the carbon fiber's performance in challenging circumstances. The team was thrilled as the mission was successful. Sharook took part in the NASA and "I Doodle Learning" competition "Cubes in orbit" with his invention. This was his ticket to space. The competition had participation from about 80,000 pupils. His project garnered a lot of attention. Since he was a young child, Sharook has been a member of the Chennai-based Space Kidz India organization. The Kalam SAT was developed as a result of this experience and early stimulation, which produced unexpected outcomes. According to the young scientist, Abdul Kashif, the lead engineer in charge of the engineering calculations, Yagna Sai, the chief technologist, and their strong team contributed to the success of the Kalam SAT. The simulation and flight calculations were planned by flight engineer Tanishq Dwivedi. The satellite's structure and exterior cladding were handled by structural engineer Vinay Bharadwaj.

21 Dec 2022
Star Citizens

The Whys and Hows

NASA Achieves Milestone: Sends Data Over 10 Million Miles Using Laser

NASA has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in space communication by successfully sending data over a distance of 10 million miles using a laser. This achievement marks a significant advancement in the field of space technology. In a recent experiment, NASA's Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) project demonstrated the capability of laserbeam communication, which has the potential to revolutionize how spaceships communicate with each other and with Earth in the future. The test involved beaming data from the recently-launched Psyche spacecraft to the Hale Telescope at Caltech's Palomar Observatory in California. The data was transmitted about 40 times farther than the distance between the Earth and the Moon, making it the farthest-ever demonstration of optical communications. The DSOC experiment aims to achieve data transmission rates 10 to 100 times faster than the current radio frequency systems used in spacecraft. This breakthrough could enable the transmission of scientific information, high-definition imagery, and streaming video, supporting future space exploration missions, including sending humans to Mars. The successful test, known as "first light," occurred when the flight laser transceiver aboard Psyche locked onto a powerful uplink laser beacon transmitted from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Table Mountain installation in California. The test data was simultaneously sent via the uplink and downlink lasers, achieving the objective of "closing the link." The DSOC team will now focus on refining the pointing systems of the downlink laser aboard Psyche. Once accomplished, the project will demonstrate high-bandwidth data transmission from various distances between the transceiver and Earth. This milestone achievement in laser communication opens up new possibilities for faster and more efficient data transmission in space missions, paving the way for future advancements in space technology.

24 Nov 2023
The Whys and Hows

Astronauts Put New Space Camera to the Test on Lunar-Like Terrain in Spain

Astronauts from the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA are embarking on a groundbreaking mission as they test a state-of-the-art space camera designed for lunar exploration. The Handheld Universal Lunar Camera (HULC) is being put through its paces in the lunar-like landscapes of Lanzarote, Spain, as part of the PANGAEA training program. The HULC camera, developed by ESA engineers in collaboration with NASA's Artemis imagery team, combines off-the-shelf cameras with modifications for space conditions. Equipped with high sensitivity to light and cutting-edge lenses, the camera is expected to capture unprecedented images of the moon's surface. During geological field trips, astronauts document their exploration work using the HULC camera, which allows geology instructors to provide real-time support from a base station. With the camera's new ergonomic buttons, astronauts can easily operate it while wearing bulky gloves. The camera has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its resilience in the challenging space environment. From extreme temperatures ranging from -200 to 120 degrees Celsius to abrasive lunar dust, the HULC camera has proven its capabilities in simulated moonwalks and other tests. With its mirrorless design, the HULC camera promises excellent image quality in low-light situations, making it ideal for the high contrast environment of the moon. It will also record videos to aid situational awareness and document the astronauts' exploration. Considering the immense potential of the HULC camera, it is poised to revolutionize lunar surface exploration and provide invaluable scientific insights on future missions to the moon.

22 Nov 2023
The Whys and Hows

Hubble and Webb Telescopes Collaborate to Capture Unprecedented Photo of the Universe

In a groundbreaking collaboration, NASA's Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes have joined forces to capture a remarkable photograph that unveils a breathtaking view of the universe. By combining visible and infrared light, the telescopes focused their lenses on the galaxy cluster MACS0416, located 4.3 billion light-years away from Earth. The resulting panchromatic image showcases a kaleidoscope of galaxies, both inside and outside the cluster, providing a vivid and unprecedented landscape of the cosmos. The colors depicted in the photograph offer intriguing insights into the distances of galaxies. Bluer galaxies, captured by the Hubble, indicate proximity and intense star formation. In contrast, redder galaxies, observed by the Webb telescope, suggest greater distance and contain cosmic dust that absorbs bluer starlight. This extraordinary collaboration also shed light on "transients," objects that exhibit significant variations in light over time. The team identified 14 transients within the field of view, some of which are highly magnified by gravitational lensing. These transients are believed to be individual stars, multiple-star systems, or supernovae. The scientific community is particularly excited about one transient nicknamed "Mothra," which is gravitationally lensed about 4,000 times. Its extreme magnification hints at the presence of an unseen foreground object. The synergistic efforts of the Hubble and Webb telescopes have provided astronomers and space enthusiasts with an unprecedented glimpse into the vastness and complexity of the universe. This remarkable image serves as a testament to human ingenuity and the endless wonders awaiting exploration in the cosmos.

16 Nov 2023
The Whys and Hows

Halley's Comet: Unveiling the Celestial Mystery that Returns Every 76 Years

Since ancient times, one celestial event has captivated the imagination of humanity: Halley's Comet. This enigmatic celestial visitor graces our skies approximately every 76 years, leaving stargazers and astronomers in awe. But what is the science behind this remarkable phenomenon? Why does it make this extraordinary journey across the vastness of space? Halley's Comet, officially designated as 1P/Halley, is named after the English astronomer Edmond Halley, who in 1705 successfully predicted its return. The comet itself is a cosmic wanderer, a conglomerate of ice, dust, rock, and organic compounds, hurtling through the solar system on an elongated orbit. The secret to Halley's Comet lies in its elliptical path, which takes it from the icy depths of the outer solar system to the scorching proximity of the Sun. Its journey begins far beyond the orbit of Neptune, in the Kuiper Belt—a region teeming with icy remnants from the early days of our solar system. Perturbations from massive planets, such as Jupiter and Saturn, gradually nudge the comet's trajectory inward. As Halley's Comet approaches the Sun, the intense heat causes its icy nucleus to vaporize, liberating gas and dust that form a glowing coma—a hazy cloud surrounding the nucleus. Solar radiation and the solar wind then push these released particles away from the Sun, forming the comet's iconic tail, which can stretch for millions of kilometers. The exact timing of Halley's Comet's return is determined by its orbital period. Its elongated path takes it close to the Sun, where the intense gravitational pull of our star accelerates the comet, propelling it back into the depths of the solar system. This gravitational slingshot effect causes the comet to speed up and change direction, setting the stage for its next appearance. Interestingly, Halley's Comet is not the only comet in our cosmic neighborhood. Countless icy bodies reside in the Oort Cloud, a vast shell of comets that envelops the solar system. Occasionally, the gravitational influence of a passing star or a gravitational disturbance from within the Milky Way galaxy can perturb these comets, sending them hurtling towards the Sun. But what makes Halley's Comet so special is its relatively short orbital period, allowing us to witness its grand spectacle within a human lifetime. While some comets have incredibly long orbits spanning thousands or even millions of years, Halley's Comet returns like clockwork, providing a unique opportunity for observation and study. The last time Halley's Comet graced our skies was in 1986, captivating millions of gazes around the globe. Its next anticipated appearance is in 2061, offering future generations a chance to witness its awe-inspiring journey. Beyond its celestial beauty, Halley's Comet provides scientists with valuable insights into the early solar system. By analyzing the comet's composition and studying its tail, researchers can unlock secrets about the formation of our cosmic neighborhood. The organic molecules discovered in comets like Halley's could hold clues to the origin of life on Earth, shedding light on our own existence. As we eagerly await Halley's Comet's return in the coming decades, the scientific community continues to unravel the secrets of this cosmic wanderer. So, mark your calendars and prepare for a celestial spectacle like no other. Halley's Comet, with its shimmering tail and icy nucleus, will once again grace our skies, reminding us of the vast wonders that await us in the depths of space.

8 Sep 2023
The Whys and Hows

Before Trolley Bags Touched Ground, They Landed on the Moon: The Unconventional Connection to the Human Moon Landing

In a fascinating historical fact, it is astonishing to note that humans set foot on the moon before the invention of the ubiquitous trolley bag. The extraordinary achievement of the Apollo 11 mission, which landed astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the lunar surface on July 20, 1969, preceded the invention of the practical and convenient trolley bag. While the moon landing remains one of the greatest milestones in human history, it is intriguing to consider that the concept of a portable, wheeled bag that revolutionized travel and convenience came later. The first commercially successful trolley bag, commonly known as a rolling suitcase or wheeled luggage, was invented by Bernard Sadow in 1970, a year after the moon landing. The invention of the trolley bag brought significant ease and convenience to travelers worldwide, eliminating the need to carry heavy luggage over long distances. Its practical design, featuring wheels and a retractable handle, transformed the way people traveled, making it easier to navigate airports, train stations, and other transport hubs. The stark contrast between these two significant events in human history serves as a reminder of the incredible progress and innovation that has taken place in a relatively short span of time. From reaching the moon to simplifying travel with the trolley bag, human ingenuity continues to push boundaries and redefine what is possible. There is no doubt that human curiosity, inventiveness, and the relentless pursuit of progress has propelled us forward, both in exploring the depths of space and enhancing the convenience of our everyday lives.

15 Aug 2023
The Whys and Hows

Webb Space Telescope's Astonishing Image: Unraveling the Enigma of the Cosmic Question Mark in the Depths of Space

In a captivating discovery, astronomers analyzing images taken by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have stumbled upon an intriguing phenomenon—a cosmic question mark suspended in the vastness of deep space. The enigmatic shape was observed within a high-resolution near-infrared light image of a pair of closely bound, actively-forming stars known as Herbig-Haro 46/47. Located approximately 1,470 light-years away, the question mark formation has sparked curiosity and speculation among scientists. While some experts suggest it could be a distant galaxy or a result of interacting galaxies, the precise nature and origin of this cosmic punctuation mark remain a tantalizing mystery. The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), responsible for analyzing the JWST data, highlights the significance of studying Herbig-Haro 46/47. As a relatively young celestial object, only a few thousand years old, it offers valuable insights into the formation and evolution of stars. By investigating how stars accumulate mass over time, researchers hope to gain a deeper understanding of the processes involved in the birth of stars, including our own Sun. The discovery of this cosmic question mark serves as a reminder of the countless wonders that await exploration in the vast expanse of the universe. As scientists continue to delve into the mysteries of deep space, each new revelation brings us closer to unraveling the secrets of our cosmic existence. While the question mark in deep space may raise more questions than answers, it ignites a sense of awe and wonder, inspiring further exploration and pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the cosmos.

9 Aug 2023
The Whys and Hows

The Moon's Elusive Grasp: Exploring the Mystery of Our Singular Lunar Journey

In the history of human exploration, a remarkable achievement stands unparalleled: the first and only time humans have set foot on the Moon. The iconic Apollo 11 mission in 1969 captivated the world, yet over half a century later, the question lingers: Why haven't we returned? While numerous factors contribute to this singular lunar visitation, two key elements emerge as primary barriers: cost and shifting priorities. First and foremost, the astronomical price tag of manned lunar missions has proven prohibitive. The Apollo program itself consumed an enormous portion of the United States budget, estimated at over $25 billion (adjusted for inflation). In an era marked by competing global challenges and limited financial resources, subsequent attempts to replicate this feat faced an uphill battle for funding. Moreover, changing priorities played a significant role. Following the initial lunar landing, the United States shifted its focus to other endeavors, such as the development of the Space Shuttle program and the International Space Station. These initiatives, while fostering advancements in space exploration, diverted attention and resources away from a return to the Moon. Additionally, geopolitical dynamics and the lack of a Cold War-era space race further diminished the urgency for lunar exploration. As political and economic landscapes evolved, the Moon became less of a priority for nations investing in space travel, leading to a prolonged hiatus. However, the tides are beginning to turn. Recent initiatives by space agencies and private companies, such as NASA's Artemis program and SpaceX's ambitious plans, signal a resurgence of interest in lunar exploration. Technological advancements and innovative partnerships aim to overcome the challenges of cost and establish sustainable lunar missions.

21 Jul 2023
The Whys and Hows

NASA's James Webb Telescope Captures Stunning Image of Star Formation on First Anniversary in Space

NASA is celebrating the one-year anniversary of the James Webb Space Telescope’s entry into service by releasing a breathtaking image of a small star-forming region in the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex. The image, captured in infrared light, showcases star birth in unprecedented detail and texture.  The Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex is the closest star-forming region to Earth, and the James Webb Space Telescope’s position at the second LaGrange Point, a million miles from Earth, means there is no light pollution to dilute its imagery.  Over the past year, the telescope has made a number of important discoveries and snapped incredible photographs. Within our solar system, the telescope has gathered exquisite data on Saturn’s atmosphere, recorded a 6,000-mile plume of water erupting from the surface of Enceladus, and captured details of Jupiter’s minuscule rings and aurorae.  Outside our solar system, the telescope has taken stunning images of the oldest galaxies ever found, created just 500 million years after the Big Bang, and lent a hand to a European effort to study X-ray light in the universe.  NASA Administrator Bill Nelson praised the James Webb Space Telescope for transforming humanity’s view of the cosmos, saying that it “empowers scientists around the globe to ask and answer questions they once could never dream of.” The telescope has certainly delivered on its promise of revealing the universe like never before.

14 Jul 2023
The Whys and Hows

Global Inspirations

World’s First All-Female Spacewalking Team Makes History As They Successfully Complete Their Spacewalking Mission

The world took notice of two female astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir as they comprised the first female spacewalking team that successfully completed their mission of replacing a broken part of the International Space Station’s power grid. The Mission Koch and Meir were trained to install new batteries in a spacewalk, but they ventured out a few days earlier to deal with an equipment failure. It was the second time in a year that a battery charger failed, putting on hold future battery installations for the solar power system.  The team successfully completed the job with wrenches, screwdrivers and power-grip tools.  NASA was planning to conduct an all-female spacewalk last spring but had to wait until summer due to the unavailability of medium size space suits. Mission Accomplished The seven-hour spacewalk mission was a success as Koch and Meir successfully replaced a faulty 19-year-old old charge-regulating device — the size of a big, bulky box — for one of the three new batteries. The Mission Control declared it a success as it informed the astronauts that after installing the new charger, the space station was back to full power. The women then dragged the broken unit inside to send it back to earth for analysis. NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine commended the work of the astronauts and said that they had the right people doing the right job at the right time. He added that women are an inspiration to people all over the world. Image Source: Firstpost  

21 Oct 2019
Global Inspirations

NASA Shows Interest In India-Made Technology For Spacecraft

We all know India has the most innovative minds but due to lack of good employment, every engineer turns to western countries. Dr. Satish Tailor a Rajasthan-based researcher came up with a new thermal spray coating technology which caught the attention of NASA scientist. Not only did he did he show his interest but also wrote to the Dr. Tailor and expressed his desire in the research. This technology was published in the journal Ceramics International and Thermal Spray Bulletin. Talking about the benefits of the technology, Dr Tailor said coating is beneficial for gas turbine engine application used in spacecraft. Dr. Tailor said he had shared his research papers with the NASA scientist and also spoke about the scientists working at the country’s leading research organisations — the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) who are equally impressed with the new technology.

29 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

NASA Honours Kalpana Chawla And 6 Members Of Final Crew Of Space Shuttle Columbia

NASA paid a special musical tribute to the seven astronauts including the first woman of Indian origin astronaut Kalpana Chawla who were killed 15 years ago in the Columbia space shuttle. Singer and songwriter Tal Ramon, son of Isreal’s first astronaut Ilan Ramon joined a few hundred others at Kennedy Space Center to remember the Columbia crew and other astronauts who perished in the line of duty over the decades. The shuttle shattered in the sky due to a hole in one of its wings just minutes before a Florida touchdown. Seven hills where NASA’s rover Spirit spent several years exploring the Martian terrain are named in remembrance of the final crew of Space Shuttle Columbia.

29 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

NASA Develops Tool To Predict Cities That Face Flood Threat

Global warming has triggered the melting of ice sheets in different parts of the Poles of the Earth. Now, NASA has developed a tool that can predict the cities that face a threat of flooding due to the melting glaciers. The tool takes into account the  Earth's spin and gravitational effects to predict how water will be "redistributed" globally.  Researchers said that this provides a picture of glaciers, ice sheets, and ice caps that are of specific importance.  Erik Ivins, senior scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the US said that while cities and countries are devising steps to mitigate flooding, they should look 100 years into the future and assess risks just like the insurance companies. According to the study published in the journal Science Advances, three key processes influenced "the sea-level fingerprint," the pattern of sea-level change around the world. The three factors are - gravity,  "push-pull influence" of ice, and the rotation of the planet itself. The tool helps to compute the exact sensitivity - for a specific town - of a sea level to every ice mass in the world. It renders a way for governments to decide which ice sheets they must be worried about and work on them. The tool has suggested that changes in the north-western part of the Greenland ice sheet can considerably increase the sea level in London. Researchers said,  for New York, the area of concern is the ice sheet's entire northern and eastern portions.  

18 Nov 2017
Global Inspirations

NASA to send message of goodwill beyond Earth

The Voyager mission is the longest continuously operating space mission. It was launched in 1977. Voyager 1 is the first spacecraft to enter interstellar space. It is the most distant human made object in space. Voyager 2 is the only spacecraft to fly by planets like Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. NASA will soon be celebrating the 40th anniversary of Voyager 1 spacecraft. It has come up with a novel way to do so – by sending a goodwill message – to whoever lies beyond earth. In September, NASA is going to transmit a short message from its social media followers to the Voyager 1 spacecraft. Users are invited to send messages to Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Google+ or Tumblr with the hashtag #MessageToVoyager. They can send messages till August 15.  Messages must be 60 characters or less and contain only letters, numbers, spaces and punctuation. Emojis are not permitted. Once the finalists are picked by NASA, the public will have the chance to vote on their favorite message. The message will be beamed to the space agency on Sept. 5 and will reach the spacecraft on Sept.6. The contest is inspired by the Golden Record, which is a time capsule present in the Voyager spacecraft that carries sounds and images representing life and culture on Earth.

8 Aug 2017
Global Inspirations

NASA will send next generation atomic clock to space

NASA will send its next-generation atomic clock into space later this year, which will help in the safe exploration of space and solar system. Atomic clocks have been flown into space before, but according to NASA this clock will be smaller, lighter and magnitudes more precise. The clock has been developed by engineers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. The Deep Space Atomic Clock has also been integrated with the spacecraft that will take it into orbit later in 2017. This was disclosed by the US space agency in a statement on Tuesday. Normally, 'two-way' methods are used to track spacecrafts in which the ground-based antenna 'pings' the spacecraft and waits for the signal to return. The distance to the spacecraft can be calculated by measuring how long the signal takes to travel. This information is processed to determine the spacecraft's flight path and any course corrections, if required are suggested.  The new atomic clock developed by NASA enables "one-way" tracking, where the spacecraft does not need to send the signal back to Earth. The spacecraft-based navigation system processes the tracking measurements to determine the path and to know whether any steps are needed to stay on course. NASA said that this clock will provide astronauts with their position and velocity whenever they need it. The Deep Space Atomic Clock will also improve the precision and quantity of the radio data used by scientists for determining a planet's gravity field and probing its atmosphere.

22 Mar 2017
Global Inspirations

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