Space & Technology 

Space News ,India :-  Chennai-based startup Agnikul Cosmos is gearing up for a significant milestone in India's space sector with the impending launch of its sub-orbital rocket, Agnibaan SOrTeD. The launch is scheduled between March 22nd and 28th, 2024, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, marking India's second venture into private space launches following Skyroot Aerospace's successful Vikram-S mission.Agnibaan SOrTeD: A Technological MarvelAgnibaan SOrTeD stands out as a unique single-stage launch vehicle specifically designed to propel small satellites into suborbital trajectories. What distinguishes it is the groundbreaking Agnilet engine, a semi-cryogenic propulsion system entirely 3D-printed in a single piece. Unlike traditional sounding rockets, Agnibaan SOrTeD opts for a vertical liftoff, executing precise maneuvers in-flight without relying on launch rails for guidance.Mission Objectives UnveiledAgnikul has laid out two primary objectives for this suborbital launch. Firstly, it serves as a crucial test for the company's proprietary navigation, guidance, and autopilot systems. Additionally, the mission aims to generate valuable data for evaluating the capabilities of Agnikul's launchpad infrastructure, setting the stage for more complex future launches.India's Expanding Private Space IndustryThe imminent launch of Agnibaan SOrTeD underscores the rapid growth and aspirations of India's private space sector. Success in this mission not only validates Agnikul's technological prowess but also contributes significantly to the development of indigenous space capabilities.This achievement opens doors to a future where private space companies play a pivotal role in India's space exploration endeavors, shaping the landscape of the country's space industry.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-09 15:44:07

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,World :-  A massive leftover, almost 3-ton in weight, that was thrown out from the International Space Station (ISS) is getting close to reentering Earth. Back in March 2021, the space station let go of the hefty Exposed Pallet 9 (EP9), making it the biggest object ever tossed from the ISS. This is a usual way of getting rid of used or unnecessary stuff on the space station because these objects usually burn up harmlessly in Earth's atmosphere.Before EP9 makes its way back, the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief in Germany issued a warning. They said, "Between midday on March 8 and midday on March 9, a larger space object is expected to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere and possibly fragment." The object in question is battery packs from the ISS, and there might be bright lights or even a sonic boom when it happens. The warning center mentions that the chances of debris hitting Germany are very low, but if the risk goes up, they will provide new information.Astronomer Jonathan McDowell from the Harvard–Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics shared on social media that the battery is likely to reenter between 7:30 a.m. ET on March 9 and 3:30 a.m. ET on March 9. Germany's Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief even made a map showing possible paths for the battery pallet.A map of Germany showing streaks indicating where the reentry could take place. (Image credit: Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief, National Warning Center 1)Before it reenters, satellite tracker Marco Langbroek saw the battery passing over the Netherlands and shared a video on X (formerly Twitter). EP9 is carrying old Nickel-Hydrogen batteries, as NASA explained when it was thrown out. They mentioned that EP9 is about the size of a large SUV and estimated it would re-enter Earth's atmosphere in two-to-four years.The ISS received EP9 from Japan's HTV-9 (Kountori 9) on May 20, 2020. EP9 had six Lithium-Ion battery Orbital Replacement Units (ORUs) that replaced existing ISS Nickel-Hydrogen batteries during a spacewalk by astronauts.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-08 16:02:09

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,India :-  Building on the triumph of Chandrayaan-3, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for an even more ambitious lunar mission—Chandrayaan-4. Diverging from its predecessor, this mission comprises two integral phases, aiming not only to successfully land on the Moon but also to retrieve and bring back lunar rocks and soil, known as lunar regolith, to Earth.Chandrayaan-4 is designed with five distinct spacecraft modules, each playing a pivotal role:1. Propulsion Module: Similar to Chandrayaan-3, this module guides the spacecraft into lunar orbit before detaching.2. Descender Module: Responsible for the lunar landing, akin to the Vikram lander in Chandrayaan-3.3. Ascender Module: After collecting lunar samples, this module separates from the lander and begins its return journey to Earth.4. Transfer Module: In lunar orbit, this module rendezvous with the ascender module, captures it, and heads back to Earth. It releases the re-entry capsule with lunar samples before returning to Earth itself.5. Re-entry Module: A crucial capsule housing collected lunar regolith, enduring re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere to safely land on Earth.Executing this intricate mission involves a two-phased launch approach by ISRO. The initial launch, employing India’s heavy-lift launch vehicle LVM-3, will carry the first three modules: the propulsion module, descender module, and ascender module. The transfer module and re-entry module will be launched separately at a later date.Chandrayaan-4 represents a significant advancement for Indian space exploration. If successful, it would position India as the fourth nation globally to accomplish the successful return of lunar samples, joining the ranks of the United States, the Soviet Union, and China. This achievement not only cements India's role as a major player in the global space race but also promises invaluable scientific insights into the Moon’s composition and history.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-06 15:31:26

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,China :-  China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is set to conduct test flights for two groundbreaking reusable rockets, each boasting a substantial diameter, within the next few years. Despite ongoing efforts in commercial reusability, CASC is pushing the boundaries of space exploration with plans to launch a four-meter-diameter rocket in 2025, followed by a five-meter-diameter counterpart in 2026, as revealed by Wang Wei, a deputy to the National People’s Congress, to China News Service on March 4.The specifics of the two rockets are not explicitly detailed in the reports, but CASC is known to be working on a 5.0-meter-diameter crew launch vehicle named Long March 10. This vehicle, set to potentially embark on its maiden flight in 2025, holds paramount importance in China's ambitious goal to land astronauts on the moon by 2030. With a 92-meter lunar variant capable of launching 27 tons into trans-lunar orbit, the Long March 10 is pivotal to lunar exploration endeavors.In parallel, a 4.0-meter-diameter launcher, possibly the one proposed earlier by CASC's Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), is anticipated to have the capacity to launch up to 6,500 kg of payload to a 700-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). Utilizing engines developed by Jiuzhou Yunjian, this launcher signifies a significant leap in China's space capabilities.CASC's initial venture into reusable rockets was focused on creating a recoverable version of the Long March 8, but this plan seems to have been abandoned. Additionally, SAST plans to introduce the 3.8-meter-diameter Long March 12 later this year from a new commercial launch site, adding to China's expanding space launch capabilities.While the Long March 10 serves distinct purposes in lunar and human spaceflight, the second reusable rocket indicates a potential overlap with China's commercial rocket companies. This seeming redundancy aligns with a broader national strategy to foster reusable rocket technology and support burgeoning commercial ecosystems, offering increased launch options and facilitating the construction of planned low Earth orbit megaconstellations.Wang Wei emphasized CASC's commitment to propelling China's commercial space industry forward, leveraging its comprehensive industrial chain, technological prowess, and infrastructure advantages. The corporation also aims to enhance openness, sharing large-scale test facilities, participating in commercial launch site construction, and providing crucial infrastructure to support commercial launches.Rong Yi, associated with the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) under CASC, highlighted the steady progress in China's reusable rocket development. Overcoming key technological hurdles and achieving smooth overall progress, CASC is actively adapting its products for the commercial space market. The report also revealed advancements in reusable launch vehicle technology and the development of the YF-209 methane-liquid oxygen reusable engine for commercial use.Several Chinese commercial rocket companies, including Landspace, Space Pioneer, Galactic Energy, and iSpace, are already conducting small-scale hop tests, marking initial steps toward larger, reusable launch vehicles set to debut in the near future. Deep Blue Aerospace is also poised to make its first orbital launch and recovery attempt later this year, adding to the dynamic landscape of China's evolving space exploration efforts.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-06 07:11:11

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,NASA :-  In the early hours of Tuesday morning (March 5), SpaceX's Crew-8 astronaut mission achieved a successful rendezvous with the International Space Station (ISS). The mission's Dragon capsule, named Endeavour, flawlessly docked with the ISS at 2:28 a.m. EST (0728 GMT) while soaring above the central North Atlantic, just east of Newfoundland.Ground control humorously welcomed the Crew Dragon Endeavour, stating, "We would also like to note that you can't be 'crew late' when you arrive 30 minutes early," shortly after the docking occurred.In response, Crew-7 commander Jasmin Moghbeli of NASA radioed a playful message to Crew-8 from the ISS, saying, "Dragon, from those of us onboard, welcome to the International Space Station. We disagree, you can still be crew late. Mike welcome back, we think a few things have changed since you left, Matt, Jeanette, Alexander, you're absolutely going to love it here."Crew-8, comprising NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, Jeannette Epps, and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, is set for a six-month stay aboard the ISS. The team launched atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Sunday (March 3) at 10:53 p.m. EST (0353 GMT on March 4).Commander Dominick, pilot Barratt, and mission specialists Epps and Grebenkin are all spaceflight rookies, except for Barratt, who already has two orbital missions under his belt.The quartet is poised to relieve the four astronauts of SpaceX's Crew-7 mission, who arrived at the ISS in August 2023 and are scheduled to return to Earth no earlier than March 11.As the name suggests, Crew-8 marks the eighth operational astronaut mission conducted by SpaceX for NASA. The space agency has also signed a commercial-crew deal with aerospace giant Boeing, which plans to launch astronauts on its new Starliner capsule next month, as part of a trial mission named Crew Flight Test.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-05 08:28:04

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,India :-  In its groundbreaking Gaganyaan mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has implemented robust safety measures to safeguard astronauts. Officials have disclosed the identification of 48 international water locations designated as backup splashdown sites, offering contingency plans for potential deviations from the mission's original landing zone.While the Arabian Sea remains the primary landing zone for Gaganyaan, ISRO is leaving nothing to chance in the face of the inherent complexities of space missions. The agency's proactive approach involves preparing for unforeseen circumstances that could necessitate a capsule landing beyond the initially planned area.A senior ISRO official emphasized the importance of having contingency plans, stating, “Every mission has an ideal scenario, but it’s crucial to have backup plans in case things deviate from that. For Gaganyaan, if everything proceeds as planned, the module will land in Indian waters. However, we have identified 48 alternative sites internationally to ensure crew and module safety in any situation.”The meticulous selection of diverse backup splashdown sites reflects ISRO's commitment to thorough risk assessment and planning protocols. This approach underscores the agency's top priority: ensuring a safe return for India's first astronauts embarking on a domestically launched space mission.The Gaganyaan project stands as a symbol of immense national pride, and its success would position India among the elite nations with proven human spaceflight capabilities. ISRO's meticulous and detailed preparations underscore the agency's determination to make this mission a safe and significant milestone in India's space aspirations.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-05 08:22:42

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,India :-  In a groundbreaking development, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) introduces a cutting-edge data product that unravels the intricacies of air quality dynamics across the vast expanse of the Indian subcontinent. Powered by the SAC Aerosol Retrieval (SAER) algorithm, an innovative tool utilizing EOS-6 satellite data, this product is set to transform the landscape of air quality research and analysis.Accessible to researchers and students through MOSDAC after formal registration, this data repository beckons individuals to explore air quality intricacies in unprecedented detail. Positioned as a benchmarking air quality simulation model, it offers valuable insights for scholars and policymakers, paving the way for a cleaner and healthier future, as highlighted by ISRO.At the core of this advancement is the 1 km spatial resolution of the OCM-3 onboard EOS-6, a satellite launched in November 2022. Equipped with a state-of-the-art OCM sensor, this satellite signifies a significant leap in the ability to monitor atmospheric aerosols.The OCM-3 AOD product data delivers unparalleled insights into aerosol concentrations across the Indian landmass, delving deep into the intricacies of particulate matter suspended in the atmosphere. This high-resolution data reveals the dynamics of particulate matter (PM2.5/PM10), providing detailed insights into their distribution and transport over metropolitan areas.Going beyond the borders of the Indian subcontinent, the OCM-3 AOD product emerges as a global resource for monitoring aerosols worldwide. It offers crucial insights into aerosol blankets originating from diverse sources, such as South Asian fires and Canadian wildfires.ISRO points to recent case studies, showcasing a notable increase in AOD values post-October 13, 2023, particularly over the Indo-Gangetic plain. Persistent high AOD values in Delhi underscore the enduring impact of pollution during and after Deepavali, with a temporary improvement in air quality noted in mid-December followed by another spike in AOD levels during mid-January 2024.The synergy of AOD and fire products, combined with trajectory modeling, corroborates extensive fire activities, emphasizing the significant role of agricultural residue burning in severe air pollution. This comprehensive data product stands at the forefront of air quality research, offering a vital tool for understanding and addressing environmental challenges on a global scale.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-05 08:19:30

 Space & Technology 

Defense News ,India :-  In a groundbreaking event for India's nuclear power initiative, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to witness the commencement of core loading for India's 500 MW indigenous Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR). Constructed by BHAVINI (Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited) in Kalpakkam, approximately 70 km from Chennai, the historic event is scheduled for Monday. Modi is expected to arrive in Chennai around 1445 hrs and proceed to Kalpakkam, where he will tour the PFBR facility from 1530 hrs to 1615 hrs.Following the visit, the Prime Minister will return to Chennai to address a public meeting of the BJP at YMCA Nandanam grounds before departing for Telangana later in the evening. According to an official release on Sunday evening, the reactor core comprises control sub-assemblies, blanket sub-assemblies, and fuel sub-assemblies.The core loading process involves the sequential loading of reactor control sub-assemblies, followed by blanket sub-assemblies and fuel sub-assemblies, which will ultimately generate power. India has embraced a three-stage nuclear power program featuring a closed fuel cycle. In the PFBR, representing the program's second stage, spent fuel from the initial stage is reprocessed and utilized as fuel in the Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR).An exceptional characteristic of this sodium-cooled PFBR is its ability to produce more fuel than it consumes, contributing to self-reliance in future fast reactor fuel supply. With minimized nuclear waste production and advanced safety features, FBRs promise a secure, efficient, and environmentally friendly energy source, aligning with the objective of achieving net-zero emissions.This marks a significant stride for India towards thorium utilization in the third stage of the nuclear power program. Once operational, India will become the second country, after Russia, to operate a commercially viable Fast Reactor, as indicated in the official release.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-04 15:44:01

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,World :-  NASA is getting ready to send its cool new moon rover, VIPER ("Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover"), on a mission to the lunar surface. This rolling robot is more than 80% ready, and the VIPER team is super excited about it!VIPER's main job is to find water ice and other helpful stuff for future astronauts on the moon, especially for the upcoming Artemis mission in 2026. This mission is special because it will include the first woman and the first person of color stepping onto the lunar surface. VIPER will spend about 100 days exploring the lunar south pole area, checking out where water ice might be hiding and figuring out how easy it is to get to.This rover is set to make history by being the first-ever mission to map resources on another planet. Making maps of these resources is crucial for NASA's plan to have people living and working on the moon for a long time.While satellites orbiting the moon have told us some things about water, VIPER is going to get a much closer look. It's going to use its special tools and a 3.3-foot drill to investigate the soil at different depths. VIPER will even explore some super cold craters that have probably been icy for billions of years.But VIPER has a tough job ahead. It has to face the moon's extreme weather and freezing temperatures, especially in those really cold, shadowy places it's going to explore. Also, the terrain on the moon can be pretty tricky.Testing is a big deal for VIPER. Before it heads to the moon, the team is making sure everything works perfectly. They do all sorts of tests, like making sure the rover's different parts, like cables and connectors, are working well together. They even try sending commands to VIPER's instruments to take pictures and check if everything is working smoothly.The team calls this the "test as we go" approach. It's like checking your homework as you do it instead of waiting until the end. This way, if something is not right, they can fix it before VIPER is on the moon and out of reach.Dan Andrews, the VIPER Project Manager, says, "We test as we go to decrease risk later." This means they want to avoid problems when VIPER is on the moon's surface. By testing things step by step, they can quickly figure out what might have gone wrong if there's an issue.The team has been working really fast, and they've had a lot of successes. It's like putting together a super complicated puzzle, but they're doing an awesome job. Everyone is looking forward to seeing VIPER roll onto the moon and start its important work.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-03 15:51:24

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,Europe :-   On February 27th, at 07.27 UTC, the MAPHEUS 14 sounding rocket took off from the Esrange Space Center in Kiruna. This launch was special because it introduced the new Red Kite rocket motor, signifying a fresh start for European sounding rockets.The German Aerospace Center (DLR) operated the rocket, reaching a peak altitude of 265 km. Scientific experiments, conducted under microgravity conditions, were a success. The payload was safely recovered within an hour after liftoff.The experiments focused on advanced material science and biological studies involving human and animal cells. The goal was to understand how microgravity affects the brain and the central nervous system.Elin Lundqvist, the campaign manager at SSC, expressed her satisfaction with the campaign and launch. The collaboration between SSC and DLR, especially on the new rocket motor, was highlighted. Lundqvist thanked everyone involved.Maiden Launch for Red Kite MotorMAPHEUS 14 marked the debut of the Red Kite rocket motor at Esrange. This new motor, a joint effort between DLR and Bayern-Chemie, underwent testing at Esrange the previous summer. The collaboration is seen as beneficial for both SSC and customers due to improved transport and availability within the EU.Dr. Prof. Felix Huber, Director of Space Operations and Astronaut Training at the German Aerospace Center, emphasized the advantages of having their own motor. The Red Kite motor is tailored to their flight profile, providing a significant advantage.Swedish-German Collaboration in Shared ModuleThe MAPHEUS rocket carried a Shared Module from SSC, accommodating seven scientific and technical experiments from Australia, Sweden, and Germany. The Shared Module offers access to professional sounding rocket missions with a microgravity environment under the SubOrbital Express program.Stefan Krämer, the project manager of the Shared Module at SSC, expressed gratitude for the collaboration with the DLR MAPHEUS team and acknowledged the hard work of scientists and researchers on the payload and experiments.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-03 15:19:37

 Space & Technology 

Technology News ,India :-   India's Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC), a big power producer, is teaming up with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCL) to check out the use of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) at its coal mines. This move could change the way India gets its energy.SMRs: A New Kind of Nuclear PowerSMRs are a new kind of nuclear technology. Unlike big reactors that produce gigawatts of power, SMRs are smaller, operating at capacities under 300 MWe. They are more modular, meaning they can be put together like building blocks.NLC's leader, M Prasanna Kumar, says SMRs have the potential to fill the gap between large nuclear power plants and the changing power from sources like solar and wind.Why It Matters for IndiaSMRs could bring some important benefits to India:1. Stable Power Supply: SMRs could give a steady supply of power, making the electricity grid more stable and reducing the ups and downs that come with renewable energy.2. Working Towards Zero Emissions: India wants to have zero carbon emissions by 2070. SMRs could be a cleaner energy choice in India, which still depends a lot on coal for power.3. Moving Toward Cleaner Energy: NLC looking into SMRs shows they are thinking ahead and planning for a cleaner energy future.Early Steps, Big PotentialEven though NLC and NPCL are still in the early stages of working together, this is a big step toward trying out SMRs in India.The possible benefits, like more secure energy and less pollution, make investigating SMRs an interesting idea.Other Things to Think AboutBut, before fully jumping in, experts say we need to think about a few things:1. Cost: We need to make sure SMRs make economic sense compared to other ways of making energy.2. Rules and Regulations: There should be clear rules about how to use and run SMRs.3. What People Think: People might worry about nuclear technology, so it's important to address their concerns.What's Next for Indian EnergyNLC checking out SMRs is a big deal for India's move toward cleaner energy. We don't know yet if SMRs will become a big part of the change, but this effort adds something interesting to the conversation about India's energy future.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-03 15:13:28

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,India :-  India marked a significant stride in space exploration as Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed three new space projects, collectively costing Rs 1,800 crore. Among these, the inauguration of the Trisonic Wind Tunnel (TWT) at Kerala’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) stands out. This large wind tunnel, a first of its kind in India, will play a crucial role in enhancing the aerodynamic design of rockets for greater efficiency. In this simplified overview, we delve into the purpose and significance of the Trisonic Wind Tunnel.Understanding Trisonic Wind Tunnel:The Trisonic Wind Tunnel at VSSC is India’s third hypersonic wind tunnel. It can operate at three distinct wind velocity ranges: subsonic (below the speed of sound), transonic (at the speed of sound), and hypersonic (above the speed of sound). The facility has undergone successful testing for a year, showcasing its capabilities. Its primary function is to aerodynamically enhance rockets and re-entry spacecraft using scaled-down models.This unique equipment is expected to reduce overall testing and development costs for launch vehicles and re-entry capsules that navigate through the Earth's atmosphere. India now joins an elite group of three countries, including the United States and France, possessing wind tunnels capable of producing speeds above the speed of sound.What are Wind Tunnels ?:Wind tunnels are essential tools used to assess airflow properties, aerodynamic forces, temperature and pressure variations, and structural stability of objects. They find applications in testing various vehicles like planes, rockets, cars, and trucks, as well as structures such as buildings and bridges. Wind tunnels come in different sizes based on wind velocities and the size of the objects being tested.The Trisonic Wind Tunnel at VSSC is an impressive cylindrical structure, measuring 160 meters in length and with a diameter of 5.4 meters. Its 'trisonic' label signifies its capability to operate at three speed settings concerning the speed of sound. It can reach maximum wind velocity conditions of four times the speed of sound (1360 meters per second) and a minimum speed of 0.2 times the speed of sound (68 meters per second).Building the Trisonic Wind Tunnel:Tata Projects, in collaboration with Aiolos Engineering Corporation in Canada, spearheaded the construction of the Trisonic Wind Tunnel. The project saw involvement from various industry players and small start-ups, including Walchandnagar Industries, Summits Hygronics, Acoustic India, Hydrocare Fluid Power Systems, Artson Engineering, Siemens Energy, and more.Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC):Situated in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, VSSC is one of ISRO’s prominent research and testing centers. The main campus, located at Thumba, was initially known as the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS). Thumba was chosen for India’s first launch station due to its proximity to the equator.TERLS, dedicated to the United Nations in 1968 by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, played a crucial role in launching over 1,000 USSR weather rockets between the 1970s and 1990s. The present-day VSSC is one of ISRO’s largest, actively contributing to the development of all ISRO’s rockets. Notably, it houses the Space Physics Laboratory, focusing on atmospheric research.VSSC extends its facilities to nearby regions, with Valiamala hosting an integration facility, Vattiyoorkavu dedicated to materials development, and Aluva serving as the center for solid propellant fuel production. Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair currently leads VSSC, having succeeded S. Somanath, who served as the director until 2022.Here are some benefits of the TWT for ISRO:1. Better Designs and Efficiency: Engineers at ISRO can study how models behave in the TWT and make improvements to rocket and spacecraft designs, making them work better and use less fuel.2. Reduced Development Costs: Instead of spending a lot on real flight tests, the TWT is a more affordable way for ISRO to test and improve designs quickly.3. Positioning India at the Forefront: With the TWT, India now stands alongside the US and France in being able to test at hypersonic speeds. This shows that India is a major player in the global space exploration race.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-03 14:56:45

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,World :-  SpaceX had planned to launch NASA's Crew-8 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on Saturday, but the liftoff got delayed for 24 hours due to elevated winds during ascent. The new scheduled launch time is on Sunday at 10:53 p.m. EST from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. You can catch the live broadcast of the launch on NASA TV starting at 6:45 p.m. EST.The Crew-8 mission is part of SpaceX's contract with NASA to transport astronauts to and from the ISS. This mission will carry NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, and Jeanette Epps, along with Russian cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, on a six-month journey to the ISS.Despite the delay, the astronauts, dressed in their white SpaceX spacesuits, are ready for the mission. The launch delay means they have to go through the preparations again, but it also provides them with more rest. As NASA astronaut Raja Chari mentioned during a commentary on NASA TV, it's like a "Groundhog Day" scenario, but with the advantage of added rest for the crew.This delay is the latest in a series of setbacks for the Crew-8 mission. Initially set for a March 1 launch, it was pushed back due to weather concerns. Previous delays occurred on Feb. 22 and Feb. 28, allowing additional preparation time after a private moon lander launch on Feb. 18 from the same launch pad.Saturday's weather forecast was already uncertain, with a 40% chance of favorable conditions, according to the U.S. Space Force's 45th Weather Squadron. However, Sunday's forecast is more promising, with a 75% chance of good conditions for the launch.For the Crew-8 mission, SpaceX will use a new Falcon 9 rocket, while the Dragon capsule, named Crew Dragon Endeavour, is a spaceflight veteran. Endeavour was the first SpaceX capsule to carry NASA astronauts and is now embarking on its fifth spaceflight.Had the launch taken place on Saturday, it would have coincided with a significant anniversary for SpaceX. Five years ago, on March 2, 2019, SpaceX launched its first Crew Dragon mission, the uncrewed Demo-1 test flight, marking a pivotal moment for the company's human spaceflight capabilities."With Crew-8, we'll go from Zero-G to 50, as Falcon 9 is targeted to launch Dragon Endeavour for the fifth time with our 50th crew member on board," SpaceX shared in a statement on social media.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-03 07:45:56

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,India :-  In an exciting development on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi awarded "astronaut wings" to Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla. Many might assume that these four individuals are set to become India's first astronauts, given the historical context of space exploration by Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma in 1984. However, they are destined to be known as the world's first vyomanauts.This distinction in naming is part of a tradition where space travelers are identified based on their national origin or language. The practice traces back to the Cold War-era space race between the United States and the Soviet Union, where each country named its space explorers in alignment with linguistic and cultural influences.India joins the ranks of the United States, the former Soviet Union (now Russia), and China as the fourth country to develop an indigenous human space travel program. The terminology for space travelers, such as astronauts for the U.S., cosmonauts for Russia, and taikonauts for China, reflects a unique cultural identity.The U.S. initiated its human spaceflight program under the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The term "astronaut" was chosen, drawing inspiration from Greek roots, symbolizing America's commitment to peaceful space exploration. In Greek, "astron" means star, and "nautes" means sailor, translating to "star sailor."During the early years of space exploration, there was a discussion within NASA about whether spacecraft crew members should be called astronauts or cosmonauts. "Cosmonaut" was favored by some, emphasizing the broader cosmos, while "astronaut" prevailed due to common usage.The term "astronaut" had earlier surfaced in literature, with Neil R. Jones using it in his 1930 short story "The Death's Head Meteor." The word had earlier appearances in works like Percy Greg's 1880 book "Across the Zodiac" and J.H. Rosny aîné's 1925 work "Les Navigateurs de l'infini." The term might have drawn inspiration from "aeronaut," coined in 1784 for balloonists.In Russian, an astronaut employed by the Russian Federal Space Agency is called a cosmonaut, derived from the Russian term "kosmonavt." "Cosmos" in Russian means space, and "nautes" means sailor, translating to "space sailor" or "cosmic traveler." Yuri Gagarin became the first cosmonaut in 1961, orbiting Earth in the Vostok 1 spacecraft.China joined the human space exploration race with the launch of its first crewed mission, Shenzhou-5, in 2003. The Chinese term for their space travelers is "taikonaut," with "Taikong" meaning space and "Naut" borrowed from Greek for sailor. However, the official Chinese term is "Vuhangyuan," meaning "travelers of the Universe."India continues this tradition by naming its space travelers "vyomanauts." In Sanskrit, "Vyoma" means space, and "Naut" reflects the Greek term for sailor. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has reportedly coined this term for individuals participating in India's indigenous human space program.Three vyomanauts are set to crew Gaganyaan, India's first crewed orbital spacecraft. While Prashanth Nair and Angad Prathap have been confirmed as the first two vyomanauts, Ajith Krishnan and Subhanshu Shukla are competing for the third spot.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-03 07:17:31

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,World :-   In the quest for a successful moon mission with astronauts on board, practice becomes the key to perfection. Recently, SpaceX and NASA joined forces to complete over 200 docking scenarios using the Starship hardware. This hardware is an essential part of the landing system that will bring astronauts to the lunar surface during the Artemis 3 mission, expected no earlier than 2026.Engineers at NASA's Johnson Space Center dedicated 10 days to testing the Starship lander hardware and NASA's Orion orbiter, designed by Lockheed Martin. The tests involved various approach angles and speeds to validate the computer models of the moon lander's docking system, using full-scale hardware.The Artemis 3 moon landing involves two spacecraft: the Orion capsule, responsible for ferrying astronauts to lunar orbit, and the Starship lander, tasked with transporting astronauts to the moon's south pole. NASA's long-term goal is to establish a permanent settlement in this region to utilize its potential water ice for fueling and other mission requirements.During testing, Starship played an active docking role, acting as a "chaser" to the Orion target docking system. The focus was on ensuring that SpaceX's soft capture system could extend to Orion, while Orion's passive system stayed retracted. The connection between the two hardware pieces involved "latches and other mechanisms," according to NASA officials.Despite Starship not yet reaching Earth orbit, its lunar docking system draws on the flight heritage of the Dragon 2 docking system used in International Space Station missions. In future missions post-Artemis 3, Starship is set to dock with NASA's Gateway space station alongside Orion for astronaut transfer.SpaceX, selected as the winner of the Human Landing System (HLS) contract for NASA's Artemis program in 2021, faced challenges as competitors Blue Origin and Dynetics filed protests citing concerns with the award process. Although the protests were rejected by the Government Accountability Office, the U.S. Senate directed NASA to choose a second company. Eventually, Blue Origin was selected for its Blue Moon lander system.Starship underwent two test flights in 2023 to reach Earth orbit, but both were unsuccessful. A recent investigation into the November launch attempt was closed by the Federal Aviation Administration, and SpaceX is now working on the launch license for its third attempt.The Artemis 3 landing, along with the Artemis 2 round-the-moon mission, faced delays in January due to technical issues, including Starship delays. Artemis 3 is now expected to land in 2026 at the earliest, a year later than planned, while Artemis 2 is set to launch nine months later in September 2025.Concerns about SpaceX's progress with Starship have been ongoing for NASA. In June 2023, NASA associate administrator Jim Free emphasized that SpaceX needs to successfully complete "a significant number of launches" before receiving approval for Artemis.In a recent update, NASA highlighted that SpaceX has achieved "more than 30 HLS specific milestones," covering aspects from power generation and guidance systems to propulsion, life support, and protection from space's harsh environment. This collaboration between NASA and SpaceX underscores their commitment to overcoming challenges and ensuring the success of future moon missions.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-02 15:48:55