Space & Technology 

Space News ,India :- Prepare for an unprecedented triple threat on Mars as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) breaks new ground in space exploration. Beyond mere landing and roving, ISRO is introducing the MARtian Boundary Layer Explorer (MARBLE) – a cutting-edge Mars rotorcraft, essentially a drone, set to redefine the exploration of the Red Planet.MARBLE's Unique Contributions:Unlike traditional missions, MARBLE boasts a unique suite of scientific instruments, enabling it to make high-resolution vertical profiles of critical atmospheric parameters. Equipped to measure temperature, pressure, wind speed and direction, dust levels, and trace gases within the near-surface boundary layer of Mars (the first 100 meters from the ground), MARBLE stands out as a game-changer in Martian science.Key Features of MARBLE's Payloads:1. Temperature Sensor: Measures the Martian chills.2. Pressure Sensor: Feels the pressure of the thin Martian atmosphere.3. Wind Sensor: Catches the Martian breeze.4. Trace Species and Dust Sensor: Sniffs out the composition of the Martian air.5. Electric Field Sensor: Feels the electric pulse of the Martian atmosphere.6. Humidity Sensor: Checks for any traces of Martian moisture.Unprecedented Mission Objectives:MARBLE's mission extends beyond technological prowess; it represents a scientific breakthrough. The data it collects will significantly contribute to:1. Understanding Martian Weather Patterns: Crucial for predicting dust storms and hazards for future crewed missions.2. Studying the Planet's Climate History: Unprecedented insights into Mars's climate changes over time.3. Preparing for Future Exploration: Invaluable data for planning both crewed and robotic missions to Mars.ISRO's Mars Mission: Beyond BoundariesISRO's Mars mission transcends conventional exploration. With MARBLE, they are not merely navigating Mars; they are revolutionizing the approach to exploration. This mission promises to elevate our understanding of the Red Planet to new heights, or rather, new skies! Stay tuned, as ISRO takes us on an extraordinary journey through the Martian atmosphere, expanding the horizons of space exploration.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-08 05:55:47

 Space & Technology 

Technology News ,India :- In a landmark decision a few months ago, India's drug regulatory authority, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), granted approval for the commercial application of CAR-T cell therapy. This groundbreaking therapy involves genetically reprogramming a patient's immune system to combat cancer.Recent reports from the Indian Express highlight the remarkable success of this therapy, particularly in the case of Dr (Col) V K Gupta, a highly experienced gastroenterologist based in Delhi with 28 years of service in the Indian Army.Dr. Gupta accessed the therapy at the Tata Memorial Hospital by paying just INR 42 lakh or $50,000, a fraction of the cost compared to the INR 4 crore or $480,000 for a similar treatment abroad. The doctors at Tata Memorial Hospital, where the procedure took place, confirmed that Dr. Gupta is currently "free of cancer cells," marking him as the first patient to achieve this status, a dream unimaginable just a year ago.The doctor overseeing Gupta's therapy, Dr. Hasmukh Jain, a hemato-oncologist and associate professor at the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, stated, "While it's premature to claim a lifelong cure, the patient is currently free of cancer cells."Despite this promising outcome, Dr. Jain emphasized that it is still too early to determine the overall success rate of the therapy. Initial findings, however, suggest "better survival chances and lower remission rates" for patients in the early stages of cancer.The CDSCO granted approval for the commercial use of CAR-T cell therapy in October 2023, and today, it is available in over 30 hospitals across more than 10 cities in India. Eligible patients, aged above 15 and suffering from B-cell cancers, can now access this revolutionary treatment, offering hope for a brighter future in the fight against cancer.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-08 05:32:51

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,India :- In recent months, Indians have been celebrating the remarkable success of their space program, led by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Behind the scenes, ISRO holds a couple of well-guarded technological secrets, one of them being nuclear, set to drive future cosmic voyages.In the sci-fi blockbuster "The Martian," astronaut Mark Watney relies on a Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) fueled by Plutonium-238 to survive on the red planet. In reality, RTGs generate electricity from the heat produced by decaying radioactive substances. Plutonium-238, known for its steady heat emission, has been a preferred choice for deep-space missions by both the former USSR and the US.ISRO entered the realm of nuclear-powered space exploration during the successful lunar mission Chandrayaan-3, utilizing a scaled-down version of the RTG called the radioisotope heating unit (RHU). Weighing 40 grams, RHUs, provided by India's atomic energy experts, are set to play a crucial role in ISRO's future missions to the Moon, Mars, Venus, and beyond.RHUs, smaller counterparts of RTGs, emit approximately one watt of heat each, maintaining operational temperatures for spacecraft components. These compact heat sources are vital in environments where solar energy may be scarce, such as lunar nights or as probes venture farther from the Sun. Not only do RHUs offer a reliable power supply, but they also contribute to reducing the weight and mass of space probes, eliminating the need for large solar panels.In contrast to solar panels, which can become inefficient during deep space missions, RHUs, each weighing only 40 grams, become critical in ensuring continuous power for instruments and sensors. With the cost of launching payloads into space and the limitations of solar panels in mind, RHUs play a pivotal role in ISRO's ambitious plans, including placing a lander on Mars and exploring Venus.Collaboration with Russia for radioisotope heating units was considered during the Chandrayaan-2 mission but was eventually dropped due to design differences. The choice between solar and nuclear power depends on the mission's goals and operational needs, with radioisotope power enhancing a mission's scientific capabilities.Meanwhile, ISRO has quietly developed two groundbreaking technologies with Bengaluru-based startup Bellatrix Aerospace. These technologies involve electric propulsion systems for satellites, tested in space aboard POEM-3, and the replacement of hazardous Hydrazine with a non-toxic, environmentally friendly propellant.The propulsion systems, utilizing electricity instead of conventional chemical propellants, offer a glimpse into the future of space travel. The use of non-toxic propellants addresses health and environmental concerns associated with traditional fuels, aligning with global efforts to phase out hazardous substances in space exploration.As ISRO continues to push the boundaries of space technology, these developments position India as a key player in shaping the future of space exploration and satellite propulsion systems.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-05 06:14:26

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,India :- In a media interaction held in New Delhi, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Space, Jitendra Singh, revealed that the uncrewed "Vyommitra" mission is set for launch in the third quarter of this year. This mission precedes India's landmark "Gaganyaan" project, scheduled for 2025, which aims to conduct the nation's first human-manned space flight.Derived from Sanskrit words, "Vyoma" (meaning space) and "Mitra" (meaning friend), Vyommitra is a female robot astronaut equipped with the capability to monitor module parameters, issue alerts, and execute life support operations. The robot can perform tasks such as operating six panels and responding to queries, simulating human functions in the space environment.Jitendra Singh explained that Vyommitra is designed to interact with the life support system and replicate human functions in space. The successful completion of the first Test Vehicle Flight TV D1 on October 21 last year marked a crucial step in the preparation for the Gaganyaan mission, qualifying the crew escape system and parachute system.Singh emphasized that the human rating of the launch vehicle is complete, and all propulsion stages are qualified. As India gears up for its first-ever manned space flight with Gaganyaan, the uncrewed unmanned robot flight Vyommitra is scheduled for this year.The Gaganyaan project aims to showcase India's human space capabilities by launching a crew of astronauts into a 400-kilometer orbit and safely bringing them back to Earth by landing in India's sea waters.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-05 06:05:34

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,China :- In a significant technological stride, China is in the process of developing a nuclear reactor designed to power its missions to the Moon and Mars. The reactor boasts a capacity of generating one megawatt of electricity, claiming to be a staggering 100 times more potent than a comparable device currently in the works at NASA, as reported by the South China Morning Post.NASA's fission power source, slated for completion by the end of the decade, aims to support sustained human habitation on the Moon. However, two anonymous scientists argue that traditional sources such as chemical fuel and solar power may fall short of meeting the demands of extensive human space exploration and potential settlements on celestial bodies. They propose that nuclear power holds the most promising solution, emphasizing the global competition in this domain.Despite its potential, challenges are expected for the megawatt space reactor, particularly in terms of cooling. The reactor's compact size, coupled with the need to dissipate excess heat into space, poses potential hurdles in generating electricity efficiently. To address this, Jiang Jieqiong, a professor at the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Nuclear Safety Technology, suggests a foldable structure akin to an umbrella to enhance radiator surface area.Various approaches are being explored, including the possibility of assembling smaller reactors into a larger machine. Such a system could power large ion thrusters, propelling astronauts toward Mars.However, the advancement in space technology raises concerns beyond power sources. The proliferation of space debris, exemplified by the recent Russian satellite test that generated hundreds of thousands of debris pieces, poses a threat to global interests. China's Long March 5B rocket's erratic orbit earlier this year exemplifies the challenges in tracking and predicting space objects.The South China Morning Post notes that the secrecy surrounding space nuclear reactor programs has left a legislative void to address potential accidents, such as failed launches or meltdowns in space. Urgent calls for the establishment of a safety evaluation and management system, suited to China's technological status, underscore the need for increased transparency in research and development progress to alleviate public concerns, according to space scientist Zhang Ze of the Shanghai Institute of Space Propulsion.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-04 15:27:45

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,NASA :- NASA is in the final stages of the design phase for its Fission Surface Power Project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at creating a compact nuclear fission reactor to generate electricity on the moon. The project is a key component of NASA's Artemis program, addressing the need for a reliable and independent energy source during the prolonged lunar nights.In 2022, NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy awarded contracts to three companies — Lockheed Martin, Westinghouse, and IX (a joint venture of Intuitive Machines and X-Energy) — to develop initial designs for the reactor and subsystems. The primary goal is to establish a clean, safe, and sustainable energy solution that can support a prolonged human presence on the lunar surface for at least a decade.Trudy Kortes, program director for technology demonstration missions within NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate, emphasized the significance of the nuclear reactor, which operates independently of solar conditions, making it crucial for long-term lunar exploration and scientific endeavors.The lunar south pole, with its permanently shadowed regions believed to contain water ice and other volatiles, is identified as a potential location for deploying the reactor. The next phase involves extending contracts to refine the project's direction, leading to Phase 2, which encompasses the final reactor design for a lunar demonstration. The open solicitation for Phase 2 is anticipated in 2025.Lindsay Kaldon, Fission Surface Power project manager at NASA's Glenn Research Center, explained that the information gathered from the initial partners will guide the decision-making process for Phase 2, ensuring the development of a lower-risk system.NASA's target date for delivering the reactor to the launch pad is set for the early 2030s, following Phase 2. The agency has specified a 40-kilowatt reactor using low-enriched uranium, with a weight limit of 13,200 pounds (6,000 kilograms). While certain constraints are defined, NASA has encouraged flexibility, allowing companies to present creative and diverse approaches for technical review.In the U.S., a 40-kilowatt reactor can provide electrical power for approximately 33 households, according to NASA. This lunar nuclear reactor initiative is part of NASA's broader nuclear plans for space, which includes launching a nuclear-powered spacecraft named DRACO by early 2026. Additionally, recent contracts have been awarded for the development of more efficient Brayton power converters to Rolls Royce North American Technologies, Brayton Energy, and General Electric.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-03 15:43:52

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,India :- In the wake of Chandrayaan 3's remarkable success, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while assessing the strides in India's Gaganyaan program, has urged ISRO to expand its horizons. The directive is to aim for assembling a dedicated space station and conducting human missions to the lunar surface. ISRO's strategic roadmap involves accelerating planned programs and, notably, Chandrayaan 4 may pioneer 3D printing on the Moon, a key step towards achieving ambitious milestones.Fresh insights into the future of the Chandrayaan lunar program were unveiled during a presentation by ISRO Chairman S Somanath at the Indian Society of Geomatics (ISG) and the Indian Society of Remote Sensing (ISRS) National Symposium 2023. The revelation indicates that Chandrayaan 4, the sequel to Chandrayaan 3, is slated to showcase additive manufacturing capabilities, specifically 3D printing on the lunar surface. This mission aligns with ISRO's grand plan to establish a space station by 2035, land an indigenous human on the Moon by 2040, and inaugurate a Moon base by 2047, marking India's 100th independence anniversary.The demonstration of 3D printing on the Moon serves a crucial purpose in ISRO's strategy, focusing on In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) in the United States and Local Resource Utilization (LRU) in China. Harnessing locally sourced lunar Regolith as ink enables the production of tools, spare parts, bricks, and even entire habitats, crucial for sustained human presence on the Moon.However, the lunar 3D printing endeavor poses unique challenges, requiring reengineering to adapt to the Moon's low gravity, extreme temperature variations, and the lunar atmosphere bombarded by unfiltered high-energy particles from the Sun. Lunar Regolith, composed of fine, coarse particles that easily infiltrate cracks, adds another layer of complexity, posing potential hazards to personnel and equipment.Notably, both the United States and China are incorporating 3D printing in their lunar base plans, with initiatives such as Artemis Basecamp and the International Lunar Research Station. Research institutions globally are actively working on simulating lunar regolith to refine the entire process, from extraction to processing and on-site 3D printing. China's Chang'e 8 mission, scheduled for 2028, aims to survey locally available materials and demonstrate lunar 3D printing. The Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX), a collaboration with Japan's JAXA, is slated for launch in 2025, coinciding with the Chandrayaan 4 mission in 2028.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-03 15:36:58

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,India :- In the latest interim Budget for 2024-25, the Department of Space in India has secured a substantial increase of nearly ₹2,000 crore, reaching a total allocation of ₹13,042.75 crore. This marks a notable rise from the previous fiscal year's revised estimate of ₹11,070.07 crore. The surge in funding is particularly evident in space technology, with the allocation jumping from ₹8,180 crore in 2023-24 to ₹10,087 crore in the current fiscal year.Contrastingly, the Department of Atomic Energy is facing a slight reduction in its budget estimates, standing at ₹24,968.98 crore for 2024-25, down from ₹25,078.49 crore in the preceding year.Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set ambitious targets for the Department of Space, envisioning the construction of a 'Bharat Antariksh Station' by 2035 and the landing of an Indian astronaut on the moon by 2040.In the realm of atomic energy, the Department has been allocated ₹36,159.93 crore in the interim Budget, a marginal decrease from ₹36,905.45 crore in 2023-24. Of this total allotment, ₹15,908.79 crore has been designated for capital expenditure, earmarked for power projects, atomic energy agencies, and research. A significant portion of this capital expenditure will be directed towards repaying loans for power projects.In alignment with India's energy objectives, the government has granted approval for the construction of 10 indigenously developed nuclear power plants, each with a capacity of 700 MW, in a fleet mode across the country.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-02 07:11:03

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,World :- In a groundbreaking experiment, International Space Station astronaut Marcus Wandt remotely controlled Bert, a four-legged robot, from space for the first time in January. The decision to equip robots with legs instead of wheels opens up new possibilities for exploring challenging terrains on Mars and other celestial bodies, according to a statement from DLR (the German space agency), which manages the project.DLR officials highlighted that, until now, only wheel-driven robots had been remotely controlled by astronauts from space. Bert, with its versatile leg-based locomotion, has mastered several gaits and can navigate rough terrains, including small caves, inaccessible to its rolling counterparts.This recent experiment builds on years of practice with other ISS astronauts and follows work conducted in July 2023 to investigate the impact of time delays on remotely controlling robots during space missions, as mentioned in the release.Given the time it takes to transmit signals between Earth and Mars, innovative approaches are needed to address time delays in space environments. Even in orbit, astronauts experience slight time delays when controlling robots on the surface.The robots, operating under the Surface Avatar project, are stationed at the German Aerospace Center in Oberpfaffenhofen, co-managed by DLR and the European Space Agency (ESA). Wandt, who is also a project astronaut with ESA, collaborated with the two-week-long SpaceX Ax-3 mission managed by Axiom Space.DLR officials explained that Wandt allowed Bert to independently explore the lab's surroundings and monitor the terrain using its camera eyes. The experiment also involved the participation of Rollin' Justin, a humanoid robot on wheels, and ESA's Interact Rover. Together, they successfully installed a short pipe, serving as a prototype for a potential future scientific measuring device.ESA's involvement in the NASA-led Artemis program, aiming to send astronauts to the moon's surface later in the 2020s, aligns with the international Artemis Accords. These accords aspire to establish a moon base and a permanent presence at the moon's south pole, leveraging potential water resources for rocket fuel, life support, and other space needs.The Artemis program is emphasized as a valuable testing ground for preparing astronauts for Mars missions in the coming decades. While robots typically undergo decades of development before deployment in space, those working with DLR or on the moon's surface could potentially contribute to future missions to the Red Planet, pending successful testing and technological advancements.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-31 15:46:33

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,World :- Nokia Bell Labs has been chosen to participate in the groundbreaking 10-Year Lunar Architecture (LunA-10) program, initiated by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The program aims to design a comprehensive multi-service architecture that will support a flourishing lunar economy over the next decade and beyond. LunA-10 focuses on developing essential infrastructure capable of sustaining both industrial activities and scientific exploration on the Moon.DARPA has enlisted 14 companies spanning various industries for the launch of LunA-10. Nokia, recognized for its expertise in futuristic network architectures and leadership in lunar surface communication technologies, earned its place in the program. This recognition is not only attributed to Nokia's current mission to establish the Moon's first cellular network but also stems from the extensive space innovation history of Nokia Bell Labs dating back to the Mercury Program.Nokia will collaborate with 13 other specialized companies in critical areas such as energy, transport, and construction. Nokia Bell Labs is tasked with recommending a robust, high-performance communications infrastructure. The collaboration aims to ensure efficient transportation and construction of infrastructure on the lunar surface, equipped with reliable power sources.By mid-2024, LunA-10 is expected to provide a comprehensive blueprint for establishing the necessary infrastructure to support commercial operations on and around the lunar surface by 2035. Communication will be pivotal, with requirements for high throughput, low latency, ultra-reliable, and scalable capabilities. Networks will facilitate direct communication between astronauts and mission control on Earth, transmit video and telemetry data, and provide connectivity for controlling robots and automating tasks on the lunar surface.Thierry E. Klein, President of Nokia Bell Labs Solutions Research, expressed excitement about contributing to DARPA's visionary initiative, emphasizing Bell Labs' commitment to pushing technological frontiers. Klein stated, "By creating the communication solutions blueprint for the Moon, we will help establish the foundations of a permanent human presence on the lunar surface."As part of NASA's Tipping Point initiative, Nokia is set to deploy the first cellular network on the Moon in 2024, demonstrating the capability of 3GPP-based technology for future lunar and Martian missions. Nokia Bell Labs' legacy in space spans decades, with contributions ranging from launching communication satellites to vital discoveries, such as cosmic microwave background radiation from the Big Bang.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-30 16:09:28

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,Taiwan :- In a groundbreaking announcement on Monday, Taiwan's National Central University unveiled the country's inaugural lunar mission. As reported by Central News Agency Taiwan, the university disclosed details about the Deep Space Radiation Probe (DSRP), a project developed by its faculty and students. The DSRP is set to launch from Japan in the fourth quarter of this year.Chair of the Department of Space Science and Engineering at National Central University, Loren Chang, highlighted the challenges of deep space, emphasizing the severe radiation conditions over 2,000 kilometers from Earth, affecting both life forms and technological products.Weighing 400 grams and slightly larger than the size of a hand, the DSRP is engineered to explore the radiation environment in deep space during its four-month journey to the moon. The findings will serve as a valuable reference for future space missions and the design of space and electronic products.Following successful ground tests demonstrating radiation tolerance, the DSRP was transported to Japan's JAXA Tsukuba Space Center in December of the previous year. It will be integrated into the lunar lander HAKUTO-R Mission 2, developed by ispace, a Japanese private lunar exploration company and a partner in this mission.When asked about his emotions, Chang expressed a mix of excitement and nervousness regarding the upcoming mission, emphasizing confidence in the project's design and verification process. He stated, "We're sure that through this entire process, we'll learn a lot more that will be beneficial for future missions."Central News Agency Taiwan reported on the challenges faced during the 21-month development period, with Chang highlighting time constraints as a significant factor. Despite facing multiple iterations and revisions, the DSRP has evolved into its fifth version.Chou Yi-hsuan, a fourth-year student in the Department of Space Science and Engineering, shared insights gained from the verification stage, addressing issues related to low temperature and abnormalities under vacuum conditions. She expressed happiness and satisfaction upon delivering the DSRP in Japan, stating, "We were really happy when we finally went to Japan as it was something we had been working on for two years, and we could finally deliver our project."

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-30 06:00:36

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,India :- In a significant stride towards achieving cutting-edge space propulsion technology, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has successfully developed a 20-ton LOX-Methane Engine Demonstrator, completing 6-8 hot tests. The test facilities, specifically designed for extensive evaluations, have been instrumental in the engine's progress. Additionally, ISRO is actively engaged in developing technology for a 100-ton LOX-Methane engine, suggesting a promising future for advanced space exploration capabilities. Notably, the engine is anticipated to be reusable up to 20 times, showcasing a cost-effective and sustainable approach.ISRO's commitment to staying at the forefront of global space exploration is evident in its pursuit of two LOX-Methane engines that utilize liquid oxygen as the oxidizer and methane as the fuel. Liquid oxygen (LOX), known for its role as the oxidizer in the first liquid-fueled rocket in 1926, is a key component of ISRO's future launch vehicles.The LOX/Methane propellant combination is a strategically chosen solution, offering superior specific impulse performance and operational advantages such as storability, low toxicity, and cost-effectiveness. ISRO recognizes the potential for in-situ resource utilization during inter-planetary missions, further motivating the development of LOX/Methane engines.Methane, hailed as the space fuel of the future, can be synthesized with water and carbon dioxide in space, adding to its appeal. Two concurrent projects are underway at ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, focusing on converting an existing cryogenic engine and developing a smaller 3-ton thrust engine with an electric motor.While ISRO remains tight-lipped about the official status of these projects, the potential shift towards LOX-Methane indicates a departure from the current use of hydrazine-based fuels. The move is substantiated by the advantages of methane, including its non-toxic nature, higher specific impulse, easy storability, and suitability for in-space synthesis.Comparatively, hydrazine-based fuels, like Unsymmetrical Di-Methyl Hydrazine, currently used by ISRO, are deemed highly toxic and carcinogenic. Globally, there is a growing push to ban hydrazine. The LOX-Methane engines also hold the promise of in-situ resource utilization, particularly on planets like Mars with abundant water sources.The global trend towards LOX-Methane propulsion is evident, with the Chinese already having a working engine, and SpaceX exploring methane-fueled rockets with its Raptor engine. Meanwhile, Mumbai-based start-up Manastu Space is developing a propulsion system using Hydrogen peroxide as fuel, presenting an alternative approach to traditional rocket fuels.As the space industry continues to evolve, new rocket fuels such as Ammonium di Nitramide in Europe and Hydroxyl Ammonium Nitrate in the US are emerging, promising cost-effective solutions for satellite deployment and space research. The ongoing developments indicate a dynamic landscape in space propulsion, with ISRO actively contributing to the forefront of innovation.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-29 15:09:57

 Space & Technology 

Space News , India :- Venturing beyond our planet is a pursuit fraught with unique challenges, challenges faced head-on by the intrepid crew of The Ark, currently available for streaming on Peacock. These spacefarers embark on a remarkable journey spanning 4.2 light-years through the vastness of deep space, steering with unparalleled precision from one celestial destination to the next. Their mission is not just about reaching Proxima Centauri b but anticipating its position upon their arrival.A parallel narrative unfolds in the realm of real-world space exploration, albeit on a smaller scale. Navigating a spacecraft to its destination and maintaining communication across immense distances demands a level of precision that boggles the mind. NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) emerges as a standout sharpshooter in our solar system, achieving feats that showcase its extraordinary capabilities.In a recent demonstration of precision, the LRO directed a laser beam from orbit, striking a reflector the size of an Oreo cookie situated 62 miles away on the Moon's surface. This reflector, affixed to the Indian Space Research Organization's (ISRO) Vikram Moon lander, which touched down in the Moon's southern region on August 23, 2023, became the target of NASA's laser experiment.On December 12, 2023, NASA issued a command instructing the LRO to employ its altimeter instrument to target Vikram. Typically used for mapping the Moon's surface, this instrument employs five lasers simultaneously, measuring the time it takes for light to reach the surface and return. The constant speed of light facilitates high-detail scans of the Moon's terrain, aiding in navigation for future missions. In this instance, the target was not the lunar surface but a two-inch reflector aboard Vikram.Upon successful reflection of the laser light, NASA confirmed the experiment's success. Xiaoli Sun, leader of the retroreflector development team on Vikram, expressed optimism about refining the technique for routine use in future missions. The Laser Retroreflector Array, comprising eight quartz-corner-cube prisms within an aluminum dome, showcased its versatility by collecting and bouncing back light from any direction.This innovation holds promise for future lunar exploration, as astronauts could use retroreflectors to pinpoint markers on the Moon's surface, even in challenging visibility conditions. Despite recent success on the eighth attempt, consistent precision remains the goal, with plans for future tests to identify challenges and enhance performance.As the journey to the Moon continues, additional retroreflectors are set to be deployed. JAXA's SLIM lander carries one, despite encountering operational issues due to an apparent rough landing. Intuitive Machine's Nova-C lander, scheduled for launch in February, holds another retroreflector, offering hope for enhanced navigation when Artemis III marks humanity's return to the Moon, a significant event since 1972.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-28 15:05:51

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,India :- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has initiated the journey of its latest meteorological satellite, INSAT-3DS, to Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota. The satellite is set to launch on the Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F14) on January 25.Developed at the U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bangalore for the Ministry of Earth Science (MoES), INSAT-3DS is designed to provide enhanced meteorological observations and monitor both land and ocean surfaces for improved weather forecasting and disaster warning capabilities, as stated by ISRO.Scheduled for liftoff in the first week of February, GSLV-F14 will carry out the mission, according to senior officials from ISRO. The INSAT-3DS mission is a collaborative effort between ISRO and the India Meteorological Department, contributing to a series of climate observatory satellites focused on advancing climate services. This series includes three dedicated Earth observation satellites, with INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR already orbiting in space.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-28 14:33:02

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,India :- In a groundbreaking venture, the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3), a cost-effective space platform ingeniously crafted from the spent PS4 stage of the PSLV-C58 vehicle, has triumphantly fulfilled its mission objectives. Launched alongside XPoSat on January 1, 2024, this three-axis-attitude controlled platform boasts power generation, telecommand, and telemetry capabilities, providing vital support for diverse payloads.A Stellar Journey:Deployed into a 650 km orbit, POEM-3 was then strategically lowered to a 350 km circular orbit, minimizing orbit decay time post-experiment. As it gracefully completes its 25th day in orbit, POEM-3 has circled the Earth 400 times, currently residing in an orbit measuring approximately 322 km by 352 km. Projections estimate that POEM-3 will continue its orbital dance for an additional 73 days before gracefully re-entering the Earth's atmosphere.Payload Triumphs:Embarking on its mission with nine payloads from institutions like VSSC, PRL, Academia, and Space start-ups via IN-SPACe, POEM-3 showcased stellar performance. Notable experiments include ARKA200 (Xenon-Based Electric Propulsion) and RUDRA (HAN-Based Green Propellant Thruster) from Bellatrix, and LEAP-TD (Satellite Bus with VHF/UHF Downlink & UHF Uplink) from Dhruva Space. Regularly collecting data from various experiments such as WeSAT, BeliefSat0, RSEM, and DEX, POEM-3 demonstrated the prowess of its Payloads.Unprecedented Achievements:With successful completion of the mission's objectives, including the demonstration of a 100 W Fuel Cell Power System and Si-C based High Power Li-Ion Battery, POEM-3 has set a new standard. Across POEM-1 to POEM-3 missions, ISRO has proudly flown a total of 21 payloads from diverse institutes and industries.Towards the Future:Having accomplished its initial goals, POEM-3 is gearing up for more experiments, generating crucial data for upcoming missions, including the development of future POEM configurations. With an anticipated orbital decay and re-entry in three months, the PSLV-C58 XPoSat mission is leaving an indelible mark by ensuring zero debris remains in space.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-28 05:03:29