Science
India's private space sector skyrockets
There are now 190 Indian space start-ups, twice as many as a year earlier, with private investments jumping by 77 percent between 2021 and 2022, according to Deloitte consultancy.
India's Adtya-L1 spacecraft successfully escapes sphere of Earth's influence
The ISRO said earlier this month the Aditya-L1 solar mission spacecraft has commenced collecting data which will help scientists analyse the behaviour of particles surrounding Earth.
Life on Jupiter's moon? Here's what NASA says
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has captured images of Jupiter's moon, Europa, revealing an abundance of carbon dioxide on its frigid surface. This finding suggests the possibility of life beneath the moon's icy crust. While the presence of carbon dioxide is a vital building block for life, further investigation is needed to determine if the moon is habitable. The discovery of carbon dioxide in Europa's Taro Regio region, along with previous findings of ocean-derived salts, provides valuable clues about the moon's hidden biosphere.
Climate change likely driving early arrival of intense tropical cyclones: Study
A study published in the journal Nature suggests that climate change is causing the early arrival of intense tropical cyclones. Researchers found that these cyclones have been occurring around three days earlier per decade since the 1980s, and this shift is likely due to ocean warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions. The study also revealed that the earlier onset of intense tropical cyclones is associated with earlier increases in sea surface temperature and ocean heat content.
ISRO chief S Somanath unfazed by Moon mission's apparent end
Despite the hopes of reestablishing contact with India's Moon rover, the country's space agency is satisfied with the mission's success. The rover, named Pragyan, explored the Moon's surface before being powered down for the lunar night. The Indian Space Research Agency had hoped to reactivate the rover, but so far, no signals have been received. India's space program has been steadily growing and has achieved milestones at a fraction of the cost of other space powers.
Social media and private partnership: Inside the changes at ISRO
The stakes are high: the $400 billion global commercial space market is expected to be worth $1 trillion by 2030, but at the moment India has only a 2% share - about $8 billion - which the government wants to change. India expects to have a $40 billion worth of slice of the pie by 2040, the government has said.
Pragyan rover has done what it was expected to do: ISRO chief
The Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has stated that the Pragyan rover of the Chandrayaan-3 moon mission has fulfilled its expected objectives and it would not be a problem if it fails to wake up from its current sleep mode. The ISRO is now preparing for the launch of the XPoSat or X-ray Polarimeter Satellite, which may take place in November or December.
NASA Astronaut Frank Rubio returns to Earth after spending record 371 days in space
NASA astronaut Frank Rubio and two Russian cosmonauts returned to Earth on September 27 after being stuck in space for just over a year. American Frank Rubio set a record for the longest U.S. spaceflight — a result of the extended stay. The trio landed in a remote area of Kazakhstan, descending in a Soyuz capsule. What should have been a 180-day mission turned into a 371-day stay. Rubio spent more than two weeks longer in space than Mark Vande Hei, who held NASA's previous endurance record for a single spaceflight. Russia holds the world record of 437 days, set in the mid-1990s.
NASA astronaut Frank Rubio returns from record-setting mission in space, says 'good to be home'
A NASA astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts returned to Earth on Wednesday after being stuck in space for just over a year. American Frank Rubio set a record for the longest U.S. spaceflight — a result of the extended stay.
Top Chinese scientist now claims India moon landing nowhere near south pole
China's top scientist, Ouyang Ziyuan, has disputed India's claim of landing its Chandrayaan-3 rover near the lunar south pole, stating that the landing site was nowhere close to the pole. Ouyang said the Chandrayaan-3 was 619 kilometers away from the polar region. China's space program, according to Pang Zhihao, a Beijing-based senior space expert, has better technology and has been capable of sending orbiters and landers directly into Earth-Moon transfer orbit since 2010.
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Not just Moon, Chandrayaan-3 to also help Isro find other Earth-like exoplanets
The scientific instrument SHAPE, aboard the Chandrayaan-3, has been successfully orbiting the Moon for 52 days and collecting valuable data. Its primary mission is to scrutinize Earth for habitable planet-like features, aiding in the study of exoplanets. The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) intends to keep SHAPE operational as it has already amassed sufficient data.
Just like Elon Musk in US, we need more industry people in space sector: ISRO chief
ISRO chief S. Somnath emphasized the need for greater private sector involvement in the Indian space sector, urging industry professionals to invest and participate. He highlighted the success of Elon Musk's SpaceX in the US and expressed the need for a similar figure in India. Somnath also mentioned the importance of manufacturing space equipment locally, particularly in the electronics domain, where challenges remain in sourcing components. He noted that private companies now have the opportunity to build and launch satellites independently.
Gujarat: PM Modi enjoys cup of tea served by the robots at Science City, Ahmedabad
Robots welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Science City in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This visit was part of a program celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. Several robots greeted the Prime Minister at the Robot exhibition.
After moon mission, ISRO eyes dying stars, Venus, exo-planets: S Somanath
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced its plans to explore dying stars, exo-planets, and Venus. ISRO aims to launch the XPoSat, a satellite designed to study radiant X-ray pulsars, in December. They are also developing a satellite called ExoWorlds to examine exo-solar planets and their potential for habitability. Additionally, ISRO is considering a Mars Lander Mission. The exploration of Venus is of particular interest, as its extreme atmospheric pressure and impenetrable clouds present scientific enigmas.
IIT Guwahati develops silica nanoparticle-coated cotton fabric for efficient oil-water separation; aids in clearing oil spills
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have developed a silica nanoparticles coated cotton fabric that can separate oil from water. The nanoparticles are made from rice husk, an agricultural waste, and can be used to mitigate marine oil pollution. The development of this technology could provide an economical and sustainable solution for separating oil and water mixtures.
After covid, is Pandemic X round the corner? Here’s what experts say
Former Chair of the UK Vaccine Taskforce, Kate Bingham warns that the next pandemic could be deadlier than COVID-19, potentially claiming as many lives as Spanish Flu. The risk of unknown viruses evolving into pandemic-causing threats is high, and viruses can jump between species and mutate.
