Space & Technology 

Space news ,World :- Astrobotic's Peregrine lander had a problem in space and might not win the private moon race. The issue happened in its propulsion system on January 8, just after it was sent into space by United Launch Alliance's new Vulcan Centaur rocket. This issue might stop Peregrine from going to the moon as planned.Astrobotic, based in Pittsburgh, shared the update on X (formerly known as Twitter): "Unfortunately, it appears the failure within the propulsion system is causing a critical loss of propellant. The team is working to try and stabilize this loss, but given the situation, we have prioritized maximizing the science and data we can capture. We are currently assessing what alternative mission profiles may be feasible at this time."Peregrine's launch was a significant moment in space travel. It marked the successful debut of the Vulcan Centaur, replacing ULA's Atlas V and Delta rockets. This launch was supposed to open a new era of private moon exploration.Peregrine was part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, putting agency science payloads on private robotic moon crafts. Five NASA payloads, including a radiation detector and spectrometers, were on this flight. NASA aims to use private spacecraft for lunar research quickly and cost-effectively to prepare for crewed missions under its Artemis program.However, NASA acknowledges that CLPS missions are high-risk. Joel Kearns from NASA's Science Mission Directorate stated, "Each success and setback are opportunities to learn and grow."Peregrine was carrying 20 payloads, including Mexico's first lunar probes and a memorial capsule from Celestis. The inclusion of human remains in the memorial capsule sparked objections from the Navajo Nation, as it's considered sacred.Celestis also placed a separate memorial payload on Vulcan Centaur's upper stage, called Enterprise. It carries cremated remains of "Star Trek" icons and the DNA of notable people, including former U.S. presidents.The next private moon lander in NASA's CLPS program is Nova-C, built by Intuitive Machines. It is scheduled to launch in mid-February atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and land near the moon's south pole shortly afterward.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-09 04:37:01

 Space & Technology 

Technology News ,Medical science :- Scientists from MIT and Harvard have discovered a more effective way to correct genetic mistakes using tiny, virus-like particles. These particles, called engineered virus-like particles (eVLPs), carry prime editors into mouse cells with great success, fixing genetic disorders.Prime editing is a powerful technique for fixing genetic mutations that cause diseases. The researchers improved the editing process in human cells by 170 times by modifying these eVLPs. In tests on mice with genetic eye problems, they corrected mistakes and partially restored their vision.The breakthrough is seen as a promising treatment for genetic disorders in living animals. Importantly, when the same method was used to edit genes in the mouse brain, there were no unintended changes. This study marks the first time that therapeutic prime editing has been successfully delivered in an animal using protein-RNA complexes, according to David Liu, the senior author of the study.Scientists have been exploring gene editing to address genetic issues causing diseases. Prime editing, introduced in 2019, allows precise and diverse changes in DNA. However, delivering this editing system into living animal cells has been challenging.Different methods have been used, including lipid nanoparticles and viruses, with virus-like particles (VLPs) showing promise. VLPs are made of viral proteins and carry cargo but do not contain viral genetic material. Although VLPs have had some success, they require specific engineering for each cargo type.In their study, Liu and his team used their system to fix two different genetic problems in the eyes of mice. One issue causes a disease called retinitis pigmentosa, leading to gradual vision loss, and the other is linked to blindness in a condition called Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) in humans.Using their eVLPs, they corrected the mutations in about 20 percent of the animals" retina cells, partially restoring their vision. The researchers made improvements to how the prime editing cargo was packaged, separated from the delivery vehicle, and entered the target cells" nuclei. These coordinated enhancements led to a 100-fold increase in efficiency, making the technique potentially suitable for therapeutic use in animals."This kind of improvement in efficiency should be enough to give us therapeutically relevant levels of prime editing," said Liu. "But we did not know for sure until we tested it in animals."

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-08 15:51:00

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,India :- The head of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), S Somnath, recently shared updates on their efforts to ensure the safety of Indian spacecraft. Instead of relying on existing certification mechanisms for aircraft, ISRO is working on its own process tailored to space missions. Speaking at a discussion with S Christopher, the former chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Somnath highlighted the unique challenges of certifying spacecraft for human spaceflight.He emphasized the distinction between certifying an aircraft for human flight and establishing a similar process for spacecraft. ISRO recognizes the evolving demands of the industry and is committed to developing a reliable certification mechanism for Indian spacecraft.Addressing the construction of a new spaceport in Kulasekarapattinam, Thoothukudi, Somnath clarified that this facility is not intended to replace the existing Sriharikota spaceport. Instead, it will be dedicated to launching minor satellites. ISRO aims to send 20-30 small satellites into space from this new spaceport, fostering the growth of space clusters in the process.Somnath also commented on the possibility of sending robots to space. He explained that this can only happen when advanced robots with sensory perception capabilities are developed. He emphasized that there may no longer be a need for humans to embark on space flights, given the potential of robotic exploration.In summary, ISRO is pioneering a unique certification process for its spacecraft, developing a new spaceport for specific satellite launches, and exploring the future of space exploration through robotic missions.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-08 14:37:36

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,World :- In the early hours of January 8, the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan Centaur embarked on a historic journey, marking its inaugural flight named Cert-1. Taking off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, the 202-foot-tall rocket, fueled by two solid rocket boosters and two Blue Origin-built BE-4 first-stage engines, roared into the dark Florida sky with a staggering 2 million pounds of thrust.Perched atop the rocket was the Astrobotic Peregrine moon lander, hailing from Pittsburgh, carrying a diverse payload of 20 items, including five NASA science instruments. The spectacle was nothing short of breathtaking as Vulcan exhaust formed a towering pillar, and two minutes post-launch, the solid rocket boosters gracefully detached from the first-stage booster.Around five minutes later, the first stage shut its engines down, initiating the separation from the Centaur upper stage. After a 15-second coast phase, Centaur executed the first of three burns, marking a significant phase in the mission. Approximately 50.5 minutes post-launch, Peregrine was released to commence its lunar voyage.Amidst the excitement, ULA president and CEO Tory Bruno exclaimed, "Yeehaw! I am so thrilled, I can not tell you how much." This mission could potentially make history, with Peregrine becoming the first American spacecraft to touch the moon surface since Apollo 17 in 1972 and, perhaps, the first private mission ever to land on the moon.The Cert-1 launch is a key milestone for NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative. Astrobotic Peregrine, contracted through CLPS, not only marks a significant achievement for the space agency but also sets the stage for a new era of lunar exploration.NASA CLPS contracts, exemplified by Peregrine mission, are transforming the way space missions are executed. Instead of handling every aspect internally, NASA is now collaborating with private companies, like Astrobotic, to handle mission design, lander construction, launch vehicle procurement, and communication systems. This shift allows NASA to focus on cutting-edge research and development, preparing for the Artemis program ambitious goal of landing astronauts on the moon by 2025 or 2026.The Peregrine mission carries five scientific payloads from NASA, designed to study various aspects of the lunar environment. These instruments will play a crucial role in preparing for future Artemis missions, particularly those targeting the moon southern polar region, rich in water ice.Astrobotic Peregrine is not only advancing scientific exploration but also serving as a platform for international cooperation. The 20-payload roster includes contributions from six nations, marking a collaborative effort to explore and understand the moon mysteries.However, the mission is not without its share of controversies. Celestis, a space memorial company, has included a payload named Tranquility, carrying the DNA and cremated remains of individuals to be permanently placed on the moon. This move has sparked ethical debates and objections, notably from the Navajo Nation. The incident underscores the challenges of balancing commercial interests with ethical considerations in the evolving landscape of lunar exploration.As Peregrine heads towards its lunar landing scheduled for February 23, the success of this mission will not only make history but also pave the way for a new chapter in lunar exploration, demonstrating the potential of collaboration between public and private entities in shaping the future of space exploration.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-08 14:10:57

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,Amazon :- In the race to revolutionize global internet connectivity, Amazon ambitious Project Kuiper has recently aced a critical milestone, setting the stage for a 2024 launch. Similar to SpaceX Starlink, Project Kuiper aims to usher in high-speed internet access by deploying 3,236 satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).This endeavor saw two prototype satellites take to the skies in October, marking the initiation of comprehensive testing for the network operational systems. Among the pivotal assessments was the validation of the optical inter-satellite link (OISL) technology, utilizing infrared lasers for data transmission between spacecraft.The good news is, Amazon reports that the prototypes successfully navigated this crucial challenge. During testing, the two satellites maintained a robust connection speed of 100 gigabits per second.While OISL has traditionally facilitated connections between satellites situated farther from Earth, earlier iterations were limited to linking only two satellites. Amazon breakthrough extends beyond ensuring a high-speed link between the prototypes; it indicates the potential for the OISL to interconnect the entire constellation of 3,000-plus satellites, forming a sophisticated mesh network.Unlike conventional high-speed internet services powered by Earthbound optical fiber cables, Project Kuiper leverages space to transmit light, which travels 30% faster than its terrestrial counterpart, according to Amazon. With OISL, the project can efficiently route data throughout the network, enabling reception from any point on Earth and optimized routing based on network traffic.Maintaining OISL links between LEO satellites has historically been challenging due to the need for an extremely narrow beam over distances of up to 1,600 miles and between satellites hurtling at speeds of up to 15,000 mph. Amazon asserts that its advanced optics and control systems have successfully overcome these hurdles.Amazon ambitious timeline involves deploying enough satellites to commence customer pilots by mid-2024. Project Kuiper aims to provide speeds of up to 400 megabits per second for most users by 2029, approximately double the average U.S. broadband speed. Some organizations may even access speeds of up to 1,000 megabits per second, although the real-world and off-world feasibility of achieving such speeds when the system is fully operational remains uncertain. As the digital frontier continues to expand, Amazon Project Kuiper holds the promise of transforming global internet accessibility in the coming years.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-07 15:40:35

 Space & Technology 

Technology News ,India :- The Department of Atomic Energy in India is devising a strategy to convert two experimental reactors into pilot plants for generating nuclear-powered green hydrogen. One of these reactors, the Indian High-Temperature Reactor (IHRT), created by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in the mid-2000s, was initially designed for hydrogen production through a thermochemical process, utilizing heat to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The IHRT was engineered to produce 7,000 kg of hydrogen, 18 MWh (thermal) of energy per hour, and 9 million liters of desalinated water daily.Presented at a conference in Oarai, Japan, on April 16, 2007, BARC scientists I V Dulera and R K Sinha described the IHTR as a 600 MW (thermal) reactor capable of generating 1,000 degrees Celsius of heat.The second reactor under modification is the 40 MW (thermal) Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) of the Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research (IGCAR). Originally established to gain operational insights into fast breeder reactors, the FBTR is now being adapted for green hydrogen production. Notably, the knowledge gained from FBTR operations is contributing to the development of the 500 MW "prototype fast breeder reactor" (PFBR) near Chennai, expected to be operational in 2024 after over two decades of construction.Simultaneously, IGCAR is focusing on the development of a 100 MW "small modular reactor" (SMR). This aligns with the global trend of exploring SMRs for decentralized electricity generation. SMRs can be conveniently located on the premises of retired thermal power plants, leveraging existing infrastructure for power evacuation and materials movement.The Indian government is actively promoting SMRs, and discussions at various energy conferences include the potential configuration of IHRT and FBTR as SMRs. This transformative initiative underscores India commitment to sustainable energy practices and signifies a noteworthy step towards harnessing nuclear power for the production of green hydrogen.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-07 04:52:47

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,India :- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a major milestone by successfully testing cutting-edge fuel cells designed for potential use in India upcoming space station. The recently tested 100 W class Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell demonstrated its prowess on the PSLV-C58 orbital platform, POEM3, in space. This breakthrough technology is poised to transform power generation in space habitats, providing an efficient and sustainable solution for future space missions.Conducted by ISRO Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), the test aimed to evaluate the performance of PEM Fuel Cells in the unique conditions of space and gather crucial data for designing systems for upcoming space endeavors.During the experiment, the fuel cell showcased its capability by generating an impressive 180 W of power using hydrogen and oxygen gases stored in high-pressure vessels aboard POEM. This success not only provided invaluable insights into the performance of various static and dynamic systems within the power system but also shed light on the underlying physics involved.PEM Fuel Cells operate on the principle of converting chemical energy from hydrogen and oxygen directly into electricity through electrochemical reactions, akin to batteries but without combustion. This direct conversion process makes them exceptionally efficient. Furthermore, as the sole byproduct is water, these fuel cells offer an emission-free power source, making them ideal for manned space missions where electricity, potable water, and heat are essential.The societal implications of this breakthrough technology are extensive. Fuel Cells are not only set to revolutionize the automotive industry by potentially replacing traditional engines but also hold promise for standby power systems, marking a significant step towards clean transportation and energy solutions.ISRO successful deployment of the PEM Fuel Cell on POEM3 signifies a crucial milestone in space exploration. As the agency looks ahead to the development of the Bhartiya Space Station, this fuel cell technology could be the key component paving the way for the future of orbital laboratories, reducing costs, and minimizing dependence on foreign sources.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-06 15:16:26

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,India :- In a historic achievement, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) orchestrated a pivotal maneuver on Saturday, successfully positioning the Aditya-L1 spacecraft, the nation inaugural space-based solar observatory, into its designated orbit at Lagrange Point 1, situated approximately 15 lakh kilometers away from Earth.Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first to share the groundbreaking news online, as ISRO maintained its characteristic silence on social media and mainstream platforms, leaving the eager audience without live updates. CNN News-18, however, took the lead by broadcasting a live show, ensuring viewers were informed of the mission success – a commendable effort by the news network.Understanding Lagrange Point 1:Lagrange Point 1, also known as L1 point, is one of five equilibrium positions in the Earth-Sun system. Positioned between the Earth and the Sun, about 15 lakh kilometers away from Earth, L1 experiences gravitational forces from both celestial bodies that counteract the centrifugal force, providing a stable position for objects.ISRO Strategic Choice for Aditya-L1:ISRO strategically placed Aditya-L1 at Lagrange Point 1 due to the unique stability offered by this position in the Earth-Sun system. The gravitational forces at L1 create a stable environment, making it an ideal location for scientific observations and space missions. Aditya-L1, free from eclipses, is poised to unravel solar mysteries with unprecedented clarity.The Aditya-L1 mission aims to achieve several scientific objectives:1. Study the dynamics of the solar upper atmosphere, including the chromosphere and corona.2. Investigate chromospheric and coronal heating, physics of partially ionized plasma, coronal mass ejections, and flares.3. Observe in-situ particle and plasma environments for the study of solar wind dynamics.4. Explore the physics of the solar corona and its heating mechanism.5. Diagnose the plasma in coronal loops, measuring temperature, velocity, and density.6. Examine the development, dynamics, and origin of coronal mass ejections (CMEs).7. Identify processes leading to solar eruptive events at multiple layers (chromosphere, base, and extended corona).8. Map magnetic field topology and measure magnetic fields in the solar corona.9. Investigate the drivers for space weather, including the origin, composition, and dynamics of solar wind.Aditya-L1 127-Day Journey into Space: A Detailed TimelineThe journey began on September 2 with the successful launch of PSLV-C57, placing Aditya-L1 precisely into its intended orbit. Subsequent milestones include Earth-bound maneuvers, trajectory corrections, and operational readiness of various scientific payloads, culminating in the complex maneuver on January 6, where ISRO inserted Aditya-L1 into a halo orbit around Lagrange Point 1. Today, Aditya-L1 stands ready to revolutionize our understanding of the Sun from its unique vantage point in space.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-06 15:07:55

 Space & Technology 

Technology News ,Medical Science :- Scientists have found a brand-new kind of antibiotic that seems to be effective against one of the three bacteria that pose a major threat to human health due to their high drug resistance. This breakthrough involves a drug called Zosurabalpin, which successfully fought against Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (Crab) in mouse models of pneumonia and sepsis. Crab is categorized as a top-priority pathogen by the World Health Organization, alongside two other drug-resistant bacteria.Dr. Andrew Edwards from Imperial College London, not involved in the study, emphasized the significance of this discovery. Crab causes infections in hospitals, especially in ventilator-dependent individuals. Its resistance to multiple antibiotics makes treatment challenging. Developing new treatments against Crab has been tough, but Zosurabalpin shows promise by overcoming the bacterium outer cell layer barrier.Antibiotic-resistant infections, especially those caused by Gram-negative bacteria, are a pressing threat to human health. Gram-negative bacteria have an outer shell with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), protecting them from antibiotics and immune system attacks. Roche Pharma Research and Early Development in Switzerland created Zosurabalpin, a drug identified for blocking A baumannii growth. Through experiments at Harvard University, researchers discovered that the drug prevents LPS transport, effectively killing the bacterium.While Zosurabalpin alone won"t completely solve the problem of antibiotic-resistant infections, it opens doors for future efforts targeting similar transport systems in other bacteria. Another antibiotic in development, murepavadin, also targets LPS transport but through a different mechanism, potentially expanding the approach to combat other antibiotic-resistant bacteria.Despite these advancements, transitioning from animal studies to human trials can be challenging. Simultaneously, the UK science, innovation, and technology committee advocate exploring bacteriophages, viruses that kill bacteria, as an alternative to antibiotics. However, the development of phage therapies faces obstacles, requiring specific standards for clinical trials, which, in turn, depend on successful clinical trials. The committee suggests considering the establishment of a facility in the West Midlands to support the production of bacteriophages.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-06 03:14:16

 Space & Technology 

Technology News ,Google :- The DeepMind robotics team has introduced three groundbreaking advancements aimed at enhancing robots" decision-making abilities in various environments. These innovations are designed to make robots operate more efficiently, effectively, and safely. One notable improvement involves a data gathering system named AutoRT, which utilizes a visual language model (VLM) and a large language model (LLM) working together. This system enables robots to understand their surroundings, adapt to new settings, and determine suitable tasks.To ensure safety, DeepMind has implemented a "Robot Constitution," inspired by Isaac Asimov "Three Laws of Robotics." This set of safety-focused guidelines directs the LLM to avoid selecting tasks that involve humans, animals, sharp objects, and even electrical appliances. The robots are also equipped with a safety feature that automatically stops them if the force on their joints exceeds a certain threshold. Additionally, a physical kill switch is available for human operators to deactivate the robots, adding an extra layer of security.Over a seven-month period, Google deployed 53 AutoRT robots in four different office buildings, conducting over 77,000 trials. Some robots were controlled remotely by human operators, while others operated based on pre-programmed scripts or autonomously using Google Robotic Transformer (RT-2) AI learning model.In the trial, AutoRT VLM identified objects on a countertop, such as a sponge, cloth, a bag of chips, and a napkin. The LLM then suggested tasks like placing the napkin on the countertop and opening the bag of chips. AutoRT follows a systematic approach for each task, ensuring a logical and safe decision-making process.The robots used in the trial were practical in design, equipped with a camera, robot arm, and mobile base. DeepMind has also introduced two additional technologies. SARA-RT enhances the existing Robotic Transformer RT-2 with a more accurate and faster neural network architecture. RT-Trajectory incorporates 2D outlines to assist robots in performing specific physical tasks, such as wiping down a table.Although fully autonomous robots capable of serving drinks and fluffing pillows may still be in the distant future, these advancements pave the way for safer and more intelligent robotic systems, providing valuable lessons for future developments in the field.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-06 03:04:59

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,China :- China has achieved a significant milestone in space exploration with the completion of the first launch pad at the Hainan Commercial Launch Site on December 29. This marks the initial step of a two-pad development, promising increased access to space for national and commercial purposes. The strategic location near the Wenchang spaceport in Hainan, surrounded by the South China Sea, positions it as a crucial hub for China space ambitions.The completed Pad 1 is dedicated to the Long March 8, a cutting-edge kerolox medium-lift rocket developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp. (CASC). This advancement not only facilitates a smoother launch process but also serves as a pivotal move away from older hypergolic rockets, reducing concerns about debris falling in inhabited areas.Anticipated to be operational in the first half of 2024, the new launch pad opens doors for diverse missions, including the Queqiao-2 lunar relay satellite launch – a prerequisite for the historic Chang e-6 lunar far side sample return mission.China burgeoning launch rate, growing from 22 launches in 2016 to an impressive 67 in 2023, underscores the need for enhanced facilities. The completion of Hainan new launch pad is a strategic response to this demand, providing vital support for the ambitious "Guowang" constellation project.CASC plans for a 13,000-satellite low Earth orbit broadband megaconstellation, colloquially referred to as China Starlink, further underscores the significance of the new launch pad. The mass production of Long March 8 rockets is intricately linked to the realization of this colossal satellite network.Notably, a second commercial launch pad is under construction, slated for completion by May of this year. This pad will host the "XLV" rocket developed by CASC Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, offering versatility by accommodating 19 different launch vehicles.The facilities at Hainan are expected to attract at least nine manufacturers, including CASC subsidiaries and commercial entities such as iSpace, CAS Space, and Deep Blue Aerospace. With the potential to launch several dozen or even over 100 satellites annually, the site strong launching capabilities are poised to lower costs, making satellite constellations more economically viable.As China continues its strides in space exploration, the completion of the Hainan Commercial Launch Site first pad is a testament to the nation commitment to advancing its space capabilities, fostering innovation, and propelling itself to new heights in the global space arena.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-05 15:09:21

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,India ISRO :- India groundbreaking space mission, known as the "Celestial Surya Namaskar," is on the verge of reaching a pivotal moment as the Aditya-L1 satellite, the country first space-based solar observatory, prepares to settle into its designated orbit for the next five years. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has announced that the satellite is scheduled to reach its destination orbit on January 6 at 4 pm after a remarkable 126-day journey covering approximately 3.7 million kilometers since its launch on September 2 last year.Throughout its journey, Aditya-L1 has taken a circuitous route, showcasing its resilience and robust health, as confirmed by ISRO. The satellite has already begun beaming back captivating images of the Sun full disc, providing a glimpse into the scientific treasures it holds.Aditya-L1 celestial abode is a halo-shaped orbit positioned approximately 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth. Despite its proximity to the Sun, the orbit keeps the satellite significantly distant, considering the Sun vast distance of around 150 million kilometers from Earth.From its final observation point, the Lagrangian Point-1, the 1,475-kilogram Aditya-L1 satellite is poised to conduct a series of scientific experiments aimed at unraveling the mysteries of our solar system central star. Positioned strategically, it will offer an uninterrupted view of the Sun, aiding in understanding space weather dynamics. Nigar Shaji, the Project Director for Aditya-L1, highlighted its significance, stating that the observatory will serve as a forecasting and warning platform for solar storms.Solar storms, large-scale magnetic eruptions on the Sun, can impact the entire solar system. Aditya-L1 continuous monitoring capability positions it as a crucial tool for issuing warnings about potential solar electromagnetic effects on Earth. This capability is vital for safeguarding India extensive space assets, which include over 50 operational satellites valued at more than ₹50,000 crores.S Somanath, Chairman of ISRO, emphasized Aditya-L1 role as a space-based protector, safeguarding against solar flares and ensuing solar storms. The intelligent satellite, as described by astrophysicist Prof Somak Raychaudhury, will remain vigilant, ensuring continuous surveillance of Earth nearest star.The solar mission key highlights include Aditya-L1 successful injection into an elliptical orbit around Earth, its unique halo orbit around the Sun-Earth Lagrangian point, and its stable position at the Lagrange Point, where gravitational forces between the Earth and the Sun reach equilibrium. The satellite is armed with seven indigenously developed scientific payloads, designed to observe various layers of the Sun using electromagnetic particle and magnetic field detectors.As India Aditya-L1 satellite embarks on this unprecedented journey, scientists eagerly anticipate gaining valuable insights into the Sun behavior and contributing to our understanding of space phenomena.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-05 14:20:44

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,U.S :- SpaceX achieved a milestone on January 2 by launching its inaugural batch of Starlink satellites designed for direct connection to unmodified smartphones. This breakthrough follows the acquisition of a temporary experimental license to commence testing this capability within the United States.The Falcon 9 rocket, carrying a total of 21 Starlink satellites, took off from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, at 10:44 p.m. Eastern. Among these satellites, six are equipped with a payload intended to offer connectivity for a wide range of 4G LTE devices when within reach.In a strategic move, SpaceX plans to initiate text messaging capabilities from space in collaboration with cellular operators later this year. Voice and data connectivity are anticipated to follow suit in 2025, pending regulatory approvals for commercial service provision.To conduct the initial direct-to-smartphone tests, SpaceX will utilize cellular spectrum from its U.S. mobile partner, T-Mobile. The company has also established partnerships with mobile operators in Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, New Zealand, and Switzerland.During the launch webcast, SpaceX Senior Manager for Quality Systems Engineering, Kate Tice, revealed that the first six "direct-to-cell" satellites would emit brighter signals compared to the 15 Starlink V2 Mini broadband satellites joining the mission without the hardware for smartphone connectivity.Acknowledging the concerns of astronomers, SpaceX plans to collaborate with them to assess the impact on their observations. Adjustments to the hardware will be made to ensure that the direct-to-cell spacecraft remain as inconspicuous as possible.SpaceX informed the Federal Communications Commission in November that it aimed to deploy 840 direct-to-cell satellites over the next six months. The initial direct-to-cell launch, initially scheduled for mid-December, became SpaceX first mission of 2024 and marked the 296th overall.This mission also marked the maiden flight for the booster on the Falcon 9, which successfully landed on a drone ship in the Pacific Ocean for reuse after lift-off.At 11:47 p.m. Eastern, SpaceX confirmed the successful deployment of all 21 Starlink satellites, with the 15 Starlink V2 Mini satellites enhancing the capacity of SpaceX existing low Earth orbit broadband constellation.In the broader context of direct-to-device satellite constellations, early-stage ventures AST SpaceMobile and Lynk Global are making strides toward expanding their capabilities.AST SpaceMobile announced its intention to secure funds from multiple parties this month. It plans to launch its first five commercial satellites on a Falcon 9 early this year.Simultaneously, Lynk Global, currently providing intermittent texting and low-bandwidth services outside cellular networks in various locations, aims to raise funds through a merger with a shell company led by former professional baseball player Alex Rodriguez.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-03 14:47:32

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,India :- India NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO, has announced plans to launch GSAT-20, now renamed GSAT-N2, aboard SpaceX Falcon-9 during the second quarter of 2024. This satellite boasts Ka-Ka band High Throughput Satellite (HTS) capacity with 32 beams, ensuring Pan-India coverage, including remote regions like Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands.Weighing 4,700 kg, GSAT-20 offers an HTS capacity of nearly 48 Gbps, specifically designed to cater to the service needs of remote and unconnected areas. NSIL, mandated by the Indian government space sector reforms in June 2020, aims to build, launch, own, and operate satellites in a "Demand-driven mode" to meet user service needs.Following the success of its first Demand-driven satellite mission, GSAT-24, in June 2022, fully funded by NSIL and with TataPlay securing the satellite capacity, NSIL currently operates 11 communication satellites in orbit. Now, NSIL is gearing up for its GSAT-20 satellite mission during the second quarter of 2024, aiming to provide cost-effective Ka-Ka band HTS capacity for Broadband, IFMC, and cellular backhaul service needs.NSIL emphasized that the majority of the HTS capacity onboard GSAT-20 has already been secured by Indian service providers. The realization of GSAT-20 is in collaboration with ISRO, and the satellite will be launched on Falcon-9 under a launch service contract between NSIL and SpaceX, USA.SpaceX describes Falcon-9 as the world first orbital class reusable rocket, designed to transport people and payloads into Earth orbit and beyond. The rocket reusability significantly contributes to reducing the cost of space access, making it an innovative and cost-effective choice for NSIL upcoming GSAT-20 mission.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-03 14:17:12

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,India :- Following a remarkable 2023 marked by achievements such as landing a spacecraft on the Moon and launching another for solar study, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is poised to break records with a projected minimum of 12 launches in 2024, as revealed by chairman S Somanath on Monday.Addressing the media after the successful launch of India inaugural polarimetry mission, the X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite, Somanath outlined the ambitious plans, stating, "We are planning at least 12 missions for 2024. It may also go up depending on our ability to produce the hardware and complete testing."In the preceding year, ISRO undertook a historic seven missions, including the Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing near the south pole and the deployment of India first sun observatory, the Aditya-L1, scheduled to reach Lagrange Point 1 on January 6. Alongside these achievements, the space agency conducted crucial technology demonstrations, setting the stage for future endeavors like the Gaganyaan spacecraft and a reusable launch vehicle.Designating this year as the "year for Gaganyaan," Somanath emphasized, "2024 is going to be a year to prepare for Gaganyaan. We are targeting the launch for 2025, but this year we will be conducting at least two more rounds of tests before gearing up for the final mission."The Gaganyaan mission, India inaugural human space flight, is planned to carry a three-member crew to an orbit 400km above Earth surface for a three-day mission. The preparations for this milestone include the development of critical technologies such as a human-rated launch vehicle, life support systems, and an emergency escape system.Highlighting key milestones, Somanath mentioned the TV-D1 test flight demonstration in October, a test flight with a humanoid robot named Vyomitra, and an unmanned flight preceding the manned Gaganyaan mission, tentatively scheduled for 2025. The extensive preparations involve critical activities like recovery trials of the crew module and testing of propulsion systems and crew escape systems.As ISRO continues its trajectory of groundbreaking achievements, 2024 promises to be a pivotal year for India space exploration endeavors.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-03 03:43:55