Page 9 - Space

Humans will soon be able to mine on the Moon; four questions to consider

Now is the time to create the rules and regulations that will protect humanity's shared future in space and ensure the Moon remains a symbol and inspiration for generations to come

Isro's SpaDeX satellites first to be built by industry on its own: Official

The launch of two satellites for the space docking experiment (SpaDeX) also marked a first for the industry, which built the two spacecraft on their own under guidance from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) engineers. The two satellites -- SDX01 (chaser) and SDX02 (target) -- each weighing 220 kg were integrated and tested by Ananth Technologies Limited (ATL), which has been associated with a number of ISRO projects for the past several years. "So far, large satellites have not been realised in the industry by themselves. This is the first time that the two satellites have been integrated and tested in the industry," said U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) Director M Shankaran after the two satellites were placed in a 476 km circular orbit by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C60) on Monday night. Shankaran described the launch of the two satellites a trailblazer for the industry. "We hope that this is going to be the first of the several such satellites done by the

India attempts first space docking for lunar missions, eyes elite club

The initial docking attempt could take place by Jan. 7, S. Somanath, chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation, said in an address after the launch on Monday

SpaDex will prove useful for future assignments: Isro project director

He further said that docking remains mandatory for human missions as well, on occasions when there is a need to attach to an international space station

Black Moon 2024: What is it and how to watch the rare celestial event?

Great news for all the skygazers! A rare celestial event, the black moon, is set to take place on December 30-31, offering an opportunity for clear views of the cosmos

Dark energy doesn't exist: Scientists make shocking claim on big mystery

A group of scientists have challenged dark energy's existence and suggested that the universe's expansion is accelerating due to uneven gravitational effects on time

World's most advanced and expensive; Indo-US NISAR satellite to launch soon

India and the US jointly designed the NISAR satellite which is set to be launched next year. It can gather images with dual frequency radar, effectively functioning in darkness and adverse weather

Govt's push for home-grown satellite constellation gets 30 aspirants

The regulator had sought "expressions of interest" (EoI) in July to build home-grown satellite constellations as part of a broader strategy to monetize the sector and ensure data sovereignty

Indian startup OrbitAID's patented tech clears zero gravity test in Florida

It validates SIDRP's capabilities for on-orbit satellite servicing, including docking, refuelling, and proximity operations, in simulated space conditions

Isro, European Space Agency sign agreement for advancing human spaceflight

According to Isro, the agreement establishes a framework for cooperative activities in human space exploration and research

US, India mark significant progress in strengthening space cooperation

Celebrating the completion of a Strategic Framework for Human Spaceflight Cooperation to deepen interoperability in space

Nasa pushes back Sunita Williams' return, mission now set for Spring 2025

The US space agency has delayed the return of astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore from the ISS again. Due to spacecraft issues, their stay has been extended until Spring 2025

Japan, India startups to study laser satellites to combat space debris

Tokyo-based Orbital Lasers and Indian robotics company InspeCity said they would study business opportunities for in-space services

Govt working on law to govern space sector: Union Minister Jitendra Singh

The government is working on a new law to govern the space sector which has witnessed reforms over the past four years with private players making a mark in building and launching satellites, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Wednesday. Singh said India's maiden human spaceflight programme -- Gaganyaan -- was also progressing well and the first uncrewed mission was expected to be launched early next year. "We are working on that," the minister of state in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) told a press conference here in response to a question on the timeline for the space activities bill, which would grant statutory cover to the reforms in the sector. Singh said the government had announced space sector reforms in 2020 with the aim to increase India's share in the global space economy. "Indian Space Policy was released in April 2023 as an overarching, composite and dynamic framework to implement the space reform vision approved by the Union Cabinet," he said. The minister sa

ISRO set to launch historic space docking mission this December, says chief

The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDEX) is scheduled to launch by the year-end. It will be India's first mission showcasing autonomous docking technology in space

New research reveals Earth's 'evil twin' Venus was never really habitable

Earth-like planet, Venus, has never been habitable, the latest research reveals. The new discovery challenges theories that it once had liquid water

Isro to launch ESA's Proba-3 mission satellites from Sriharikota today

The countdown for ISRO's dedicated commercial mission--Proba-3 spacecraft of the European Space Agency (ESA) marking a 'proud milestone in India's space journey' is progressing for the launch scheduled later on Wednesday, the space agency said. NewSpace India Ltd, the commercial arm of ISRO which would launch client vehicles, has secured the order from ESA for its latest launch, which would be a 'technology demonstration' mission. The significant objective of the mission is the first-of-its-kind formation flying in precision and to study the Sun's outer atmosphere. "Liftoff Day is Here. PSLV-C59, showcasing the proven expertise of ISRO, is ready to deliver ESA's PROBA-3 satellites into orbit. This mission, powered by NSIL with ISRO's engineering excellence, reflects the strength of international collaboration," ISRO said on Wednesday. An ISRO official said that the 25 hour countdown that started at 3.08 pm on Tuesday is progressing for the launch scheduled from the first launch pad

Govt invites Israeli startups for collaboration in quantum, space sector

Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday invited Israeli startups to collaborate with Indian firms on the National Quantum Mission. Singh made the offer to Israel's Industry and Economy Minister Nir Barkat who met him here. The two leaders discussed collaboration in startups in the space, quantum technology, agriculture and health sectors. Singh invited Israeli startups, known for their pioneering work in quantum computing, to partner with Indian institutions to co-develop critical quantum technologies. "India and Israel can supplement each other in this domain India with its large market, manpower, and opportunities, and Israel with its cutting-edge innovation," Singh said. India's National Quantum Mission aims to harness quantum technologies to bolster sectors like communication, cryptography, and computing, he said. Singh said Israeli startups and researchers could play a vital role in co-developing critical technologies, leveraging their experience for mutua

India nearing self-reliance in strategic navigation with NavIC: In-SPACe

In-SPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka said on Tuesday that India is almost self-reliant in data required for strategic applications, thanks to NavIC, the country's satellite navigation system similar to GPS. For civilian uses, too, where the stakes are not as high as in strategic applications, Goenka stressed the importance of avoiding dependency on foreign systems that could leave India vulnerable. "Our goal with NavIC is to ensure that for all strategic needs -- whether in defence, civilian use or industry -- we are not reliant on others. If someone cuts off supply, we should have the capability to switch to our own systems," he said at a panel discussion during the GeoSmart India 2024 conference in Hyderabad. However, NavIC would coexist with other navigation systems like GPS, he added while stressing that India should be able to meet its needs independently using NavIC. NavIC (Navigation with Indian constellation) is India's own satellite navigation system developed by ISRO. It helps

Indian astronauts selected for Isro-Nasa mission complete initial training

Two Indian astronauts chosen for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) have completed the initial phase of training, the ISRO has said. Accorsing to ISRO, towards the goal of accomplishing a joint ISRO-NASA effort to the International Space Station, the two Gaganyatris (Prime-Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Backup-Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair) assigned for Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) commenced their training in the USA from first week of August,2024. The initial phase of training has been completed successfully by the Gaganyatris. During this phase of training, the Gaganyatris have completed initial orientations for mission-related ground facility tours, initial overview of mission launch phases, SpaceX suit fit checks, and selected space food options, it said. Furthermore, the training also included familiarization sessions with the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and various onboard systems of the International Space Station, including photogra