Sci/Tech

ios-181-is-not-just-about-apple-intelligence-here-are-bug-fixes-that-iphone-users-need-asap

Thu Oct 31 12:16:32 IST 2024

Apple has released the much-anticipated iOS 18.1 recently and users with iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 lineup are going gaga about the new Apple Intelligence features.

ALSO READ: Here's how it's different from latest iOS 18.0.1 that is crucial for iPhone 16 owners

The Apple Intelligence features would not be available for iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus or older models. But that does not mean iOS 18.1 is unnecessary for these users. Because iOS 18.1 is loaded with 28 security fixes for all iPhone users.

Major security fixes

Issues in the iOS Kernel and Safari browser WebKit are said to be fixed in the update. An issue in the Kernel, titled CVE-2024-44239, that allows apps to leak sensitive kernel state has been fixed.

Two WebKit issues have also been patched. The first issue, CVE-2024-44261, would have allowed an attacker to view restricted content from the lock screen while the latter, CVE-2024-44244, prevented the Content Security Policy from being enforced when a maliciously crafted web content gets downloaded.

Another issue was CVE-2024-44255, which would let a malware app to run shortcuts without user consent. Three privacy bugs in Siri and a flaw that allows hackers to breat out of Web Content sandbox have also been fixed.

Other bug fixes

In Podcasts, there was an issue with unplayed episodes being marked as played. This will be fixed with iOS 18.1.

Videos recorded at 4K 60 fps while the device is warm have been experiencing stutter while scrubbing the video playback in Photos. This issue has been fixed.

Another issue that has been fixed is the digital car keys not unlocking or start a vehicle with passive entry after restoring from a backup or transferring directly from another iPhone.

There were complaints that iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models failed to restart on certain occasions. This has also been fixed.

Call recordings

This allows you to record live phone calls. There will be an automatic announcement that the call is being recorded.

Camera Control

This new feature allows iPhone 16 series users to switch to the front TrueDepth Camera using Camera Control

Spatial camera mode

For users with iPhone 15 Pro and above, a new Spatial camera mode will be available allowing them to capture spatial photos and videos

Hearing Test and Hearing Aid

Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features require AirPods Pro 2 with firmware version 7B19 or later. The Hearing Test feature gives you scientifically validated hearing test results while the Hearing Aid feature provides personalised, clinical-grade assistance.

The Hearing Aid feature is intended for those with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. It is automatically applied to sounds in your environment as well as music, videos and calls.

Other improvements

Control Centre will have new options to add connectivity controls individually and reset your configuration. RCS Business Messaging allows you to connect with businesses over RCS. This needs network provider support.

what-are-fully-electric-propelled-satellites-that-isro-will-launch-in-december

Wed Oct 30 14:12:48 IST 2024

Come December 2024, and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will make a significant leap forward by launching its first fully electric-propelled satellites, a mission that promises to redefine India’s approach to space exploration. Known as the Technology Demonstrator Satellite (TDS-01), these satellites will highlight India’s ability to create lightweight, but powerful, spacecraft using modern electric propulsion systems. The launch is significant as it demonstrates India’s progress in space technology.

Experts point out that the integration of electric propulsion systems signifies a departure from traditional chemical thrusters and highlights the agency’s drive to enhance satellite efficiency, longevity, and operational flexibility. This move not only demonstrates ISRO’s technological capabilities but also places it in step with leading space agencies and private players, such as SpaceX, OneWeb, and China, all of which have been deploying electric propulsion in their satellite constellations.

Electric propulsion offers several key advantages that make it an attractive choice for ISRO. “It drastically reduces the amount of propellant needed compared to chemical propulsion. Traditional satellites rely on chemical fuel for orbit-raising and station-keeping, consuming a significant portion of their mass in the process. Electric propulsion, by contrast, uses small amounts of propellant, which is accelerated to high speeds using electrical energy, allowing satellites to perform the same tasks with much greater fuel efficiency. This efficiency enables ISRO to reduce the weight of its satellites, allowing more room for payloads or additional instrumentation, ultimately enhancing mission capacity,” remarked Srimathy Kesan, founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, which is into design, fabrication and launch of small satellites, spacecraft and ground systems.

Moreover, electric propulsion extends the operational life of satellites. With traditional systems, once a satellite runs out of fuel, it becomes inoperable, even if its components are still functional. Electric propulsion, with its efficient use of fuel, allows satellites to stay operational for longer periods, providing better value or money and reducing the need for frequent replacements. This is particularly valuable for communications satellites, which need to maintain precise positions in geostationary orbit for years.

"A ajor critical advantage of electric propulsion is its flexibility in orbital maneuvering. Satellites equipped with electric propulsion can make more precise orbital adjustments, making them suitable for missions that require fine control over satellite positioning, such as remote sensing, navigation, and scientific research missions. This flexibility will allow ISRO to expand its satellite capabilities, opening new possibilities for advanced Earth observation systems and interplanetary missions,” added Kesan.

Interestingly electric propulsion, a technology that dates back to the 1960s with the Soviet Union’s Zond 2 probe, has evolved to become a cornerstone of modern satellite design. The first commercial application of this technology came with PanAmSat’s PAS-5 satellite in 1997, which used an electric thruster for station-keeping, marking the beginning of the transition from chemical to electric propulsion for satellites. In recent years, this technology has gained widespread adoption, thanks to its ability to drastically reduce fuel consumption and extend satellite lifetimes.

The TDS-01 satellite will be the first Indian satellite to feature an electric propulsion system developed entirely indigenously. This system operates by using gases, such as argon, which are ionized (charged) and then powered by solar energy to generate thrust. This method makes the satellite more efficient and reduces the need for large amounts of fuel.

"The satellite’s solar panels capture energy from the Sun and convert sunlight into electricity, which then powers various functions, including the electric propulsion system. This process not only helps the satellite move but also ensures that it uses less fuel, making the spacecraft lighter and more cost-effective. In addition to the electric propulsion system, the satellite will include travelling wave tube amplifiers (TWTAs), devices that are crucial for strengthening the satellite’s communication signals and remote-sensing tasks. TWTAs ensure the signals are powerful enough to reach Earth or other spacecraft. This allows for clear data transmission and reliable communication between the satellite and ground stations,” explained space and aerospace expert Girish Linganna.

All parts of the satellite, including the electric thrusters and TWTAs, have been completely developed in India. This highlights the country’s ability to create advanced satellite technologies on its own. "Electric thrusters are engines used in satellites and spacecraft that generate thrust by using electricity to accelerate charged particles (ions). Unlike traditional rocket engines that burn fuel to create force, electric thrusters use much less fuel and are more efficient over long periods, making them ideal for space missions. The satellite will weigh less than two tons, but have the same power as a traditional satellite that weighs four tons. The electric propulsion system will help the satellite stay in orbit for a longer time, which will extend its overall lifespan,” added Linganna.

Experts point out that since electric propulsion requires less fuel and results in a lighter satellite, it can significantly reduce launch and operational costs. Electric propulsion enables more efficient control of the satellite’s position and movement in orbit. Compared to chemical propulsion, electric systems produce fewer emissions, making them more environment-friendly.

There are challenges too. “Electric propulsion produces less thrust than chemical systems, making it slower for the satellite to reach its final orbit. As said earlier, while chemical thrusters can reach a geostationary orbit in about a week, electric propulsion may take up to three months. Additionally designing and implementing electric propulsion systems is more complex and requires advanced technology and specialized knowledge,” said Linganna.

apple-expected-to-roll-out-ios-181-update-loaded-with-apple-intelligence-features-today-key-features-to-expect

Mon Oct 28 16:59:03 IST 2024

Tech giant Apple is expected to roll out its much anticipated iOS 18.1 for its devices today. The new software update for Apple devices will include some of ‘Apple Intelligence’ features. While Apple has not officially announced the release time, the update is expected to be rolled out in India later tonight.

Apple fans have been waiting to try out Apple Intelligence features, which were introduced during the Cupertino giant's WWDC event in June. Though iOS 18 is compatible with devices from iPhone SE (2nd gen), Intelligence features will be available only on recently released devices like iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Apple recently introduced its new iPad mini designed for Apple Intelligence. Intelligence features will also be available with iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1.

However, not all Apple Intelligence features will be available with the new update, Beebom reported. According to a report, the new software update is expected to come with Intelligence features like writing tools, clean up tool, call recording transcription, memory movie, new Siri UI, suggested replies in mail and messages, summarize web pages in Safari and reduce interruptions focus mode.

“With Writing Tools, users can refine their words by rewriting, proofreading, and summarising text nearly everywhere they write, including Mail, Notes, Pages, and third-party apps,” Apple said. In Photos, users can create movies using the ‘Memories’ feature by just typing in a description. With ‘Clean Up’ tool, iPhone users can remove distracting elements from their images with just a single tap, without altering the subject. Users can also use Intelligence to record, transcribe, and summarise audio in the Notes and Phone apps.

Apple says Apple Intelligence has been designed to “get things done effortlessly”. The US tech giant has also integrated ChatGPT into its Siri and writing tools features. In a release last month, Apple said Apple Intelligence will be first launched in US English and will be expanded to other languages and localised English over the course.

lupex-lander-a-heavyweight-champion-for-lunar-exploration

Mon Oct 28 15:16:16 IST 2024

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to team up with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to build a large lander for the forthcoming Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission. This mission, also known as Chandrayaan-5, is expected to launch in 2028. The new lander will be designed to carry a 350 kg rover, which is 14 times heavier than the Pragyaan rover used in the Chandrayaan-3 mission. This significant increase in the rover’s weight marks a major leap in ISRO’s ability to explore the Moon.

Interestingly, the lunar south pole has drawn a lot of scientific interest because it may contain water ice deposits and the LUPEX mission aims to explore this area. A key part of the mission is the heavy lander module that ISRO is working on. This lander will be equipped with advanced features to handle the larger payload, such as new engines, fuel tanks, control systems and landing gear. The main goal of the mission is to demonstrate technologies needed for future lunar landings, such as carrying more cargo, analysing samples on the Moon, longer stays on the lunar surface and landing with greater precision.

The Chandrayaan-3 mission, launched in 2023, was a follow-up to the Chandrayaan-2 mission with the aim of demonstrating the ability to safely land and operate a rover on the Moon’s surface. The lander, Vikram, was built to carry a payload of 26 kg, which is much lighter compared to the 350 kg rover planned for the LUPEX mission. The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft included such advanced technology as a Laser Doppler Velocimeter, a Hazard Detection and Avoidance Camera and Throttleable Liquid Engines. Thanks to these systems, the lander successfully deployed the Pragyaan rover for on-site chemical analysis and achieved a smooth landing on the Moon.

“One of the biggest advantages of a heavier lander is its ability to carry larger and more advanced scientific tools. The 350 kg rover for the LUPEX mission will be able to transport more complex equipment, allowing for more detailed scientific studies. With this increased capacity, the mission can gather and analyse data more thoroughly, leading to better scientific results. On the other hand a heavier lander module offers greater stability during landing. Its increased weight helps maintain a steady descent, reducing the risk of tipping over upon touchdown. This stability is crucial for accurate landings, especially in such challenging areas as the lunar south pole,” remarked space and aerospace expert Girish Linganna.

Experts point out that heavier lander modules can carry bigger power sources, such as larger solar panels or batteries, which allow them to operate longer on the Moon’s surface. This extended operation time enables the mission to perform more scientific experiments and gather more data, boosting its overall success. The Moon experiences extreme temperature changes, with daytime highs of up to 127°C and nighttime lows of -173°C. To protect delicate instruments from these harsh conditions a heavier lander can be equipped with stronger thermal management systems.

“With the increased payload capacity of heavier lander modules, redundant systems and backup components can be included, boosting the mission’s reliability. This redundancy is crucial for longer missions because the failure of one component could jeopardise the entire operation,” observed Linganna

The LUPEX lander will carry far more scientific payloads than its predecessors, significantly enhancing its ability to conduct in-depth exploration of the Moon’s polar regions. The decision to build a 26-ton lander was driven by the need to carry larger payloads, which include advanced scientific instruments, a highly sophisticated rover, and extended power systems capable of surviving the harsh conditions of the lunar night, which lasts up to 14 Earth days.

“The lander’s larger size will allow for more complex scientific investigations, including drilling into the lunar surface to analyse ice and volatiles, mapping mineral distributions, and studying the Moon’s geology. This represents a major leap forward compared to the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which was designed to validate India’s ability to perform soft landings. While Vikram was instrumental in demonstrating India’s technical prowess, the LUPEX lander must perform far more complex tasks, making its increased weight and size crucial for mission success,” remarked Srimathy Kesan, founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, which is into design, fabrication and launch of small satellites, spacecraft and ground systems.

Landing such a large vehicle on the lunar surface presents unique engineering challenges. For comparison, the Chandrayaan-3 lander, with a weight of under two tons, required relatively moderate propulsion systems and a simple descent algorithm to achieve a soft landing. For the LUPEX lander, which weighs 26 tons, the engineering hurdles are significantly greater.

“To control the descent of such a massive payload, ISRO is developing advanced propulsion systems and descent algorithms capable of managing the increased weight. The lander will also be equipped with terrain navigation systems that allow it to identify and avoid obstacles like boulders and craters, ensuring a precise and safe landing near the lunar South Pole. These systems will be coupled with high-resolution sensors that guide the lander through its final descent, drawing on ISRO’s successful track record with the Chandrayaan-3 mission. Additionally, the increased gravitational pull on the heavy lander will require more fuel for deceleration, leading to the need for efficient fuel management systems and precise thrust control. To address this, ISRO is exploring innovative propulsion technologies that can handle the complex dynamics of landing a 26,000 kg lander in the Moon’s low-gravity environment,” explained Kesan.

The module is indeed heavy and many other modules that were developed were lightweight. Take the case of NASA's Peregrine Mission 1 lunar lander, built by Astrobotic, weighed 1,283 kg (2,829 lb) and could carry a payload of up to 90 kg (198 lb) to the Moon’s surface. It was designed to deliver scientific instruments, technology demonstrations and other payloads for various customers, including NASA and commercial entities. However, during its launch in January 2024, Peregrine Mission 1 experienced a propellant leak and was unable to land on the Moon. “when compared the Blue Origin’s Blue Moon is a lunar lander designed to transport cargo and eventually astronauts to the Moon. Developed for NASA’s Artemis programme, specifically Artemis V, will launch no earlier than 2029. The lander has two versions—Mark 1 for cargo, carrying up to 3 tons and Mark 2 for crew. Weighing approximately 16.5 tons fully fuelled, Blue Moon is powered by liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants. It is a key component in establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon,” pointed out Linganna.

The ESA’s Lunar I-Hab module is a habitat for astronauts on the Lunar Gateway, a future space station orbiting the Moon. Offering 10 cubic metres of living space, it will support 90-day missions and host scientific experiments. Weighing 10,000 kg, it will be launched by Artemis IV, possibly in 2029 or later. Developed by the ESA with JAXA’s support, the I-Hab ensures a safe environment, showcasing international collaboration for sustained lunar exploration.

german-brand-launches-digital-condom-netizens-say-they-feel-safe

Sun Oct 27 17:20:12 IST 2024

German sexual wellness brand Billy Boy has launched something unusual, a digital condom, as part of its initiatives for safe sex. Called ‘Camdom’, the brand said the digital condom has been launched to protect a person’s privacy.

Billy Boy recently launched ‘Camdom’, an application that restricts users from recording private moments on their phones. “Camdom is your digital condom that prevents anyone from taking photos, films or recordings without consent,” the firm said on their website. The firm said using Camdom is “as easy as using a real condom” and multiple devices could be connected at the same time.

The Camdom app developer Felipe Almeida said, “In order to protect you from the recording of non-consensual content, we've created the first app that can block your camera and mic simply through the use of Bluetooth,” Times of India reported. Explaining how the app works, Billy Boy said that after downloading the application on mobile phones, users, before intimate moments, have to bring their phones closer and swipe down a black button to block cameras and microphones of both devices.

“The app can be used on multiple devices at the same time. If one of the devices is disconnected without consent, an audio-visual alarm will be activated,” Billy Boy said. Users can disconnect their devices by simply holding the unlock button on connected devices for three seconds.

Responding to the launch, a netizen felt the idea “cool” while another opined it was an important issue that none actually gave a thought about.

google-photos-to-soon-reveal-whether-ai-was-used-to-edit-photographs

Sat Oct 26 16:32:39 IST 2024

As part of its initiative to improve transparency in using Artificial Intelligence tools, Google Photos will soon highlight whether its AI tools were used while editing an image. According to Google, the new feature will be rolled out in the Photos app from next week.

In a recent blog, Google said with the increasing use of AI for photo editing, especially with the use of its editing tools like magic editor and magic eraser in the Photos app, it will highlight the use of AI tools as part of its steps to improve transparency. If AI tools have been used to edit an image, it will be shown along with the file name, the tech giant said.

“As we bring these tools (Magic editor and magic eraser) to more people, we recognize the importance of doing so responsibly with our AI Principles as guidance. To further improve transparency, we’re making it easier to see when AI edits have been used in Google Photos. Starting next week, Google Photos will note when a photo has been edited with Google AI right in the Photos app,” John Fisher, the engineering director of Google Photos said in a blog.

Google noted that already photos edited with its tools like magic editor, magic eraser and zoom enhance include metadata based on technical standards from The International Press Telecommunications Council (IPTC) to indicate that they’ve been edited using generative AI. “Now we’re taking it a step further, making this information visible alongside information like the file name, location and backup status in the Photos app,” he said.

all-you-need-to-know-about-nisars-radar-reflector-antenna-which-arrived-from-nasa

Fri Oct 25 15:41:22 IST 2024

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission has reached a significant milestone with the recent arrival of its radar antenna reflector at the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) facility in Bengaluru. This crucial component, measuring approximately 39 feet (12 meters) in diameter, is designed to enhance the satellite's capabilities in monitoring Earth's vital signs, including ice mass changes, wetland health, and land deformation due to natural disasters.

As a collaborative effort between two of the world's leading space agencies, NISAR promises to revolutionize our understanding of the planet. After arriving in Bengaluru from NASA on a C-130 cargo jet, the reflector was sent to the ISRO's Spacecraft Integration and Test Establishment for reintegration with the NISAR spacecraft in preparation for further testing.

The NISAR reflector is shaped like a drum and is one of NASA’s contributions to this joint project. By helping focus the transmitted and received microwave signals to and from Earth’s surface, the reflector allows NISAR to scan almost all of the land and ice surfaces twice every 12 days, to gather scientific data. Before being flown to India, the reflector was at a specialised facility in California, where engineers applied reflective tape and took other precautionary measures to mitigate temperature increases that could have hampered the reflector’s deployment from its stowed (folded) configuration prior to beginning science operations.

“NISAR observations will assist civilization by allowing researchers across the world to better comprehend changes in our planet’s surface, including ice sheets, glaciers and sea ice. It will also record changes in its forest and wetland ecosystems, as well as movement and deformation of our planet’s crust from earthquakes, landslides and volcanic activity. NISAR’s global and rapid coverage will provide new chances for disaster response, generating data to aid in damage mitigation and assessment, as well as observations before and after disasters in short time frames,” explained space and aerospace expert Girish Linganna.

NISAR has two Synthetic Aperture Radars (SARs) on board: an L-band (L-SAR) and an S-band (S-SAR). It will be the first satellite to use two separate radar frequencies. The SAR technique can pierce clouds and work in darkness, allowing continuous surveillance regardless of weather conditions. As a result, the L-SAR will be utilized to monitor landscape topography and densely forested areas. Higher S-band frequencies will be utilized to monitor soil moisture, especially in the polar regions, because they are less affected by the ionosphere.

Both devices will cover a distance of 242 km. L-SAR can handle 1.25 GHz frequencies with a spatial resolution of 3 - 48 metres, whereas S-SAR can handle 3.2 GHz frequencies with a resolution of 3 - 24 metres. NISAR will be in a sun-synchronous orbit at 747 km altitude and 98.4° inclination. It will last 100 minutes and repeat every 12 days.

“NISAR employs a customised version of ISRO’s I3K spacecraft bus, which connects to a 9-metre-long radar antenna boom (a lengthy structure that holds and places the antenna away from the main satellite body), which supports a 12-metre-wide radar antenna reflector. Simply put, the spacecraft bus serves as the primary structure or ‘body’ that transports all of the mission equipment. The boom keeps the radar reflector properly positioned to scan wide portions of Earth’s surface from space, allowing the satellite to collect comprehensive data for scientific research,” said Linganna.

NASA is providing the L-Band SAR payload, while ISRO is contributing the S-Band SAR payload. Both radar systems will share a large, foldable antenna that opens up to about 12 metres in diameter. Along with this, NASA will also supply key engineering equipment for the mission. This includes a system to manage and store data, a high-speed data transmission setup, GPS receivers for navigation and a solid-state recorder to store information.

“NISAR will provide insights into how climate change impacts ecosystems and ice sheets, particularly in regions like Antarctica and Greenland. The satellite's advanced radar technology will allow scientists to monitor changes in ice thickness and movement, providing invaluable data for climate models. The satellite's rapid coverage capabilities will aid in assessing and mitigating damage from natural disasters like earthquakes, landslides, and flooding. By providing timely data on ground deformation and land use changes, NISAR can help emergency responders make informed decisions during crises,” observed Srimathy Kesan, founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, which is into design, fabrication and launch of small satellites, spacecraft and ground systems.

In addition to this, NISAR will monitor forest and wetland ecosystems, contributing valuable data for biodiversity conservation efforts.

Understanding the health of these ecosystems is essential for sustainable development and resource management. NISAR will also measure changes in groundwater levels, which is crucial for agricultural planning and water resource management in India and beyond.

The integration of NISAR's radar reflector at ISRO's Bengaluru facility not only signifies a technological advancement but also presents substantial economic benefits for India.

“The project has already generated employment opportunities within ISRO and related sectors. As the mission progresses towards launch in early 2025, further job creation is expected in engineering, research, and operational roles. The collaboration is likely to involve thousands of professionals across various disciplines, from software development to satellite operations. Collaborating with NASA provides Indian scientists and engineers exposure to advanced technologies and methodologies, enhancing their skill sets and fostering innovation. Training programmes associated with the mission will equip local talent with cutting-edge skills that can be applied across multiple sectors,” added Kesan.

Successfully executing such a high-profile international mission elevates India's status in global space exploration and Earth observation initiatives. It positions India as a key player in addressing global challenges related to climate change and environmental monitoring. The technological advancements derived from this mission could lead to innovations that benefit various industries, including agriculture, urban planning, and disaster management. By leveraging satellite data for better decision-making, India can boost its economic resilience against climate-related challenges.

“In addition to its scientific and economic implications, the NISAR mission also offers educational opportunities for students in both countries. NASA Administrator Nelson plans to engage with students during his visit to discuss science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. This interaction aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers who will play crucial roles in tackling global challenges related to climate change and sustainability,” remarked Kesan.

andhra-pradesh-showcases-drone-technology-during-recent-floods-as-a-success-story

Thu Oct 24 22:59:28 IST 2024

The 'Amaravati Drone Summit 2024' provided the perfect platform for Andhra Pradesh to highlight the successful use of drone technology during the recent floods that ravaged Vijayawada and surrounding areas.

AP Drone Corporation Managing Director, K. Dinesh Kumar, presented a comprehensive case study detailing the key role that drones played in the state's flood disaster management and relief efforts.

Responding to the disaster, the state deployed 437 drones which completed 4000 trips. The exercise was undertaken by 846 skilled professionals. Drones became essential for real-time flood mapping, allowing authorities to monitor inundated areas and assess damage with speed and precision.

The state’s emergency response teams relied heavily on drone footage for quick decision-making, especially focusing on low-lying areas. According to the state government, a control room was established at the NTR District Collectorate, where 20 operators monitored live drone feeds from 22 flood-affected wards, identifying critical issues like crowd distress, garbage piles, dead animals and sanitation problems.

Over a six-day period, the drones delivered more than 1,23,731 relief packages to flood victims. On peak days, such as September 4, drones made as many as 80,630 deliveries. Not stopping at just that, 100 sanitation drones were deployed to spray 3,078 litres of disinfectant over 284 Km of flood-affected areas to prevent the outbreak of diseases.

The state leveraged Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for data analytics by processing information gathered from drone surveillance. Andhra Pradesh also launched a sandbox initiative that offered startups access to drone-collected data to create innovative solutions for disaster management. The Amaravati Drone Summit attracted over 11,000 attendees including 4,000 participants and 62 experts who doubled up as panel speakers.

Visuals of inundated roads and people trapped in houses crying for help dominated news channels and social media after the floods hit the southern state. The Krishna River was overwhelmed, resulting in the worst floods in the last 100 years. Rainfall of over 32 cm was recorded between August 31 and September 1 which displaced over 200,000 people. The floods also paralyzed transportation systems and crippled infrastructure as many commercial establishments were inundated by knee-deep water.

cabinet-approves-rs-1000-crore-venture-capital-fund-to-boost-space-sector

Thu Oct 24 18:36:51 IST 2024

India will get a Rs 1000 crore venture capital fund to boost the space sector. The fund aims to address the need for risk capital, as traditional lenders are hesitant to fund startups in this high-tech sector.

There are nearly 250 space startups emerging across the value chain which may need financial support, the cabinet note said.

This approval was given by the union cabinet on Thursday as part of its 2020 space sector reforms. Under these reforms, the government set up IN-SPACe to promote and oversee private sector participation in space activities.

The officials said the Rs 1000 crore venture capital fund would support the growth of India's space economy, currently valued at S8.4 billion, with a target to reach $44 billion by 2033.

"The proposed government-backed fund will boost investor confidence, attract private capital, and signal the government's commitment to advancing space reforms," the cabinet statement said.

The proposed Rs 1,000 crore VC fund is planned to be up to five years from the actual date of start of the fund operations.

The average deployment amount could be Rs 150-250 crore per year, depending on the investment opportunities and fund requirements.

The government said the fund will create a multiplier effect by attracting additional funding for later-stage development, thereby instilling confidence in private investors along with retention of space companies domiciled within India. This will help counter the trend of Indian companies setting base abroad.

g42-launches-nanda-a-new-hindi-language-model-at-uae-india-business-forum

Thu Oct 24 18:21:08 IST 2024

G42, a leading AI-based firm in Abu Dhabi, UAE, has announced the upcoming launch of NANDA, a Hindi Large Language Model (LLM), designed predominantly for Hindi speakers in India.

The announcement was made in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi during the UAE-India Business Forum in Mumbai on September 10, 2024.

NANDA was named after Nanda Devi, second-highest mountain in India, after Kangchenjunga. The program is a 13-billion parameter model trained on approximately 2.13 trillion tokens of language datasets, including Hindi, English and Hinglish.

The project is a collaboration between Inception (a G42 company), Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (the world’s first graduate research university dedicated to AI) and Cerebras (an American artificial intelligence company based in Sunnyvale, California, with an office in Bangalore).

Manu Jain, the CEO of G42 India, has said that India has solidified its position as a “global technology leader”, with many initiatives like ‘Digital India’ and ‘Startup India’ emerging under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

As the country stands on the brink of AI-powered growth, G42 is proud to contribute to this journey with the launch of NANDA in support of India's AI ambitions,” says Jain.

Dr Andrew Jackson, Acting CEO of Inception, says that, “G42 has a strong track record in the development of language and domain-specific LLMs. With NANDA, we are heralding a new era of AI inclusivity, ensuring that the rich heritage and depth of Hindi language is represented in the digital and AI landscape. NANDA exemplifies G42’s unwavering commitment to excellence and fostering equitable AI.”

Earlier this year, leading software company Microsoft, invested $1.5 billion in G42, hoping to advance AI’s capabilities and broaden its reach.

This is not the first time that G42 has created a language model AI. Back in 2023, they launched an Arabic LLM called ‘JAIS’, the first of its kind.

“JAIS set a new standard for linguistic AI which G42 now seeks to replicate for other regions whose languages are still underrepresented,” the company said.

Building on the success of JAIS, the release of NANDA hopes to empower India’s scientific, academic, and developer communities while at the same time growing the Hindi language AI ecosystem.

garmin-launches-new-fenix-8-series-smartwatches-in-india-price-starts-at-rs-86990

Thu Oct 24 12:06:23 IST 2024

Garmin smartwatches, known for its high-quality GPS, fitness stats, durability, and detailed workout features, has released its new Fenix 8 series in India. The smartwatch has already garnered an overwhelming response from the global market.

The Fenix 8 series is available in three sizes – 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm. While all come in the AMOLED version, the solar-charging models are available only in the 47mm and 51mm variants. The watch is topped with a scratch-resistant sapphire lens and features a titanium bezel. The additional features of the multi-sport smartwatch include a built-in speaker and mic for voice commands and phone calls. However, the highlight of the new launches is the fitness and workout features that allow for exhaustive performance tracking.

ALSO READ | Redmi Watch 5 Active: Chunky budget-friendly smartwatch with long battery life and bright display

There are advanced strength training plans for sport-specific workout activity trackers; advanced mapping with TopoActive maps with relief shading and built-in maps for golf courses and ski resorts worldwide; dynamic round trip routing to help wearers set how far they want to go and for guiding them back on time; ski difficulty tracking to let the user know how much time they are spending on different difficulties throughout the day; and dive capability with a 40-metre dive rating and leak-proof buttons. The ‘Garmin share’ feature allows the wearer to easily share saved locations, courses, and workouts with friends, while the Garmin messenger app helps one communicate directly via their smartwatch. Additionally, the brand has also announced a personalised application, designed specifically for coaches and athletes to map their performance.

“The Fenix 8 Series is perfect for individuals looking to elevate their performance or maintain a healthy lifestyle. Whether you are an experienced athlete or someone who enjoys staying active, this new series offers advanced features and extended battery life for outstanding versatility,” says, Tim Spurling, General Manager, Emerging Markets CAMEA, Garmin.

Along with these, the watch is packed with a built-in LED flashlight, and 24/7 health and wellness trackers, which include wrist-based heart rate, advanced sleep monitoring, respiration tracking, pulse, and more. There is music control, a connect IQ store for adding and changing watch faces and data field, endurance score, body’s energy level tracker, and much more. The AMOLED display model runs up to 29 days, while the solar charging variants have a life of up to 48 days. The watches start at Rs. 86,990.

india-s-first-integrated-digital-clinic-sehatup-aims-to-deliver-

Tue Oct 22 17:00:03 IST 2024

Health-tech startup sehatUP has launched India’s first integrated digital health clinic. The platform claims to combine allopathy, ayurveda and homoeopathy to deliver personalized health and wellness solutions, marking a significant step towards making healthcare more comprehensive and accessible.

The startup collaborates with over 50 expert doctors and health coaches to create tailored wellness journeys. The company states that it uses advanced technology to develop treatment plans that seamlessly integrate various medical systems.

In recent years, the 'One Nation, One Health System', as a concept, has gained momentum in India. This is a concept that aims to establish a unified healthcare system that ensures consistent standards and promotes social equity by providing all citizens with access to quality services. It also focuses on improving efficiency by streamlining resources to reduce costs and enhance service delivery, while strengthening disaster preparedness to create a system capable of responding effectively during health emergencies.

However, many experts have noted that India’s geographical diversity and infrastructure gaps present challenges in establishing an integrated healthcare system. Encouraging private players to participate in the national health framework and effectively utilizing digital technology have been suggested as key strategies for addressing these challenges.

According to sehatUP’s leadership, their platform was created in alignment with the 'One Nation, One Health System' initiative. sehatUP’s platform provides personalized healthcare plans and free doctor consultations, initially focusing on sexual wellness and weight management. The platform also offers a range of affordable, clinically-approved medicines and natural supplements.

Speaking about the launch, Karan Bhargava, Founder and CEO of sehatUP, said, “sehatUP is designed to offer a more holistic and inclusive approach to healthcare. By blending modern medicine with traditional practices like Ayurveda and homeopathy, we aim to provide users with a balanced path to well-being that addresses root causes and promotes long-term health.”

despite-ban-purchase-of-apple-iphones-by-govt-officials-quadruples-in-a-year-in-russia

Tue Oct 22 16:24:47 IST 2024

Despite Vladimir Putin’s administration restricting government officials from purchasing Apple’s iPhone, the purchase of the American phone by Russian government officials has increased multifold this year. Within nine months in 2024, the procurement of iPhones by Russian government officials has grown four times.

ALSO READ | Apple iPhone 16 Pro review: Small but meaningful improvements

Within nine months of 2024, the Russian government’s procurement of iPhones has grown four times compared to the corresponding period in 2023, a Russian daily reported. Vedomosti, a Russian daily, reported from January to September in 2024, the total amount of contracts for Apple iPhone by Russian government officials for the first three quarters of 2024 amounted to RUB 6,879,899. According to the Tenderplan trading platform, the sale of first three quarters of 2024 was higher compared to RUB 1,642,166 for the same period in 2023.

In June last year, Russia's Federal Security Service claimed it had uncovered an American espionage operation and sophisticated surveillance software was used to compromise thousands of iPhones. However, Apple denied the allegations. The Kremlin had directed Russian authorities to ditch iPhones and move to phones with the Android operating system, the Russian Aurora system or Chinese software over security concerns.

The Kremlin had also directed authorities involved in the 2024 Presidential polls to stop using iPhones because of security concerns. The government also banned authorities from using iPhones and iPads for work emails and applications.

According to reports, the latest iPhone 16 is on high demand in Russia despite Apple halting exports to over Ukraine conflict. Unfazed by higher prices and using so-called grey or parallel imports that Russia legalised to enable the import of goods without the brand owners' permission, Russians have been keen to get their hands on Apple's devices, Reuters reported.

why-spadex-is-crucial-to-indias-growing-space-ambitions

Sat Oct 19 15:45:24 IST 2024

SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment) is one of ISRO's most significant steps towards developing autonomous docking technology, crucial for India’s growing space ambitions. Docking systems allow two spacecraft to connect in orbit, enabling critical operations like assembling space stations, refueling, or transferring astronauts and cargo. SPADEX is key to achieving India's long-term space exploration goals, including manned spaceflight, satellite maintenance, and future space station construction.

The mission involves two vehicles—‘Chaser’ and the ‘Target’—coming together and connecting in space. It will also test how well the combined spacecraft maintains stability and control after docking, ensuring smooth operations for future missions.

Once docked, the two spacecraft will later separate to perform additional tasks. This experiment is crucial for ISRO to develop the skills needed for advanced missions, such as human spaceflight and lunar sample returns. Mastering these docking and rendezvous techniques is essential for the success of such ambitious operations.

Hyderabad-headquartered Ananth Technologies, an aerospace and defence company, successfully completed the satellite integration project for ISRO. This also marks a private player joining the SPADEX Mission. Ananth Technologies Private Limited (ATL) successfully assembled two 400 kg satellites for ISRO and delivered them to the UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru. This centre is responsible for designing and developing satellites for various space missions. "We have been manufacturing electronic subsystems for ISRO since 2000 and have been an integral part of every Indian space programme over the last two decades," Subba Rao Pavuluri, chairman of ATL, said.

ALSO READ: Why ISRO's involvement in ESA's PROBA-3 mission is a milestone

ISRO usually builds its satellites at the URSC. However, for the first time, the complete assembly, integration and testing of satellites have been handled by an Indian private company at a private facility. This change is possible thanks to the recent space sector reforms, which provide more opportunities for private companies to participate in India’s space missions. Since the satellites have arrived at the URSC, they will soon be transported by truck to the Indian Spaceport in Sriharikota. There, they will undergo further testing, be fuelled, and be prepared for launch in the coming months.

“Docking plays a vital role in managing space stations and undertaking complex space projects. Astronauts travelling to a space station depend on precise docking to connect their spacecraft safely, allowing them to transfer smoothly between vehicles. This process ensures a secure journey and helps complete missions successfully, whether the astronauts remain in space or return to Earth,” remarked space expert Girish Linganna.

He said when two satellites approach each other at speeds of around 8 kilometres per second, they must coordinate carefully to avoid a collision. Using cameras or lasers, the lead satellite slows down to allow the trailing one to catch up smoothly. Once aligned, the two satellites connect to form a larger system. These precise connections enable more complex operations and allow multiple components to function together, expanding what can be achieved in space beyond the limits of a single satellite.

“In addition to supporting human spaceflight, docking is critical for constructing larger space structures. By connecting different spacecraft and modules, docking makes it possible to build advanced facilities in orbit and expand space exploration. Without these techniques, large-scale space projects would not be feasible,” added Linganna.

ISRO has acquired two satellites, each weighing 400 kg, for a SPADEX mission. In this mission, a single rocket will launch both satellites into space, placing them in slightly different orbits. This setup is essential to test how well the satellites can approach, align and dock with each other in orbit, demonstrating key technologies for future missions.

The two satellites, travelling at about 28,000 km/h (or around 8 km per second), will carefully align with each other to perform a ‘space handshake’, where they will connect and attach mechanically, becoming a single unit in orbit. This experiment is important because mastering docking is essential for future missions, such as Chandrayaan-4 and India’s proposed Bharatiya Antariksha Space Station.

The history of docking systems dates back to the Cold War when the Soviet Union achieved the first successful docking in space. On October 30, 1967, the Soviets completed the historic docking of Kosmos 186 and *Kosmos 188—the first fully automated docking between two unmanned spacecraft. This paved the way for later space exploration efforts, including long-term stays aboard space stations. The United States followed this with the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project in 1975, which was the first international docking between NASA and the Soviet space agency, marking a new era of cooperation despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Docking technology has evolved considerably since then. Early systems required significant manual input from astronauts, but advances in automation have changed this dramatically. Russia’s Soyuz and Progress spacecraft, which service the ISS, have highly reliable automated docking systems. NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which relies on spacecraft like SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, also uses automated systems, often with the International Docking System Standard (IDSS) for compatibility across different space missions. China, too, has developed its Tianzhou cargo spacecraft, which docks autonomously with the Tiangong space station, showcasing its growing sophistication in space operations.

“India’s SPADEX experiment is unique because it focuses on developing indigenous, scalable, and cost-effective docking technology. This experiment involves two spacecraft docking autonomously in orbit, demonstrating precision, navigation, and control capabilities critical for future missions. SPADEX is designed to serve a wide range of spacecraft sizes and mission objectives, including potential collaborations for building space stations or deep space exploration,” remarked Srimathy Kesan, founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, which is into design, fabrication and launch of small satellites, spacecraft and ground systems.

India is advancing in space exploration at an accelerated pace. ISRO's recent successes, such as the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which made a soft landing on the Moon’s south pole, and the launch of Aditya-L1 to study the Sun, demonstrate the agency's capabilities. “SPADEX aligns with these achievements, reinforcing ISRO’s long-term vision for space exploration, especially as the Gaganyaan mission approaches. Gaganyaan, India’s first manned mission scheduled for 2025, will require docking technology to ensure safe crew transfer and module operations. SPADEX is integral to this, as autonomous docking will be essential for future crewed missions, satellite servicing, and space station operations,” said Kesan.

watch-spacex-successfully-catches-starship-rocket-booster-at-landing-pad

Sun Oct 13 19:55:11 IST 2024

SpaceX launched its enormous Starship rocket on Sunday on its boldest test flight yet, catching the returning booster back at the pad with mechanical arms.

Towering almost 400 feet (121 metres), the empty Starship blasted off at sunrise from the southern tip of Texas near the Mexican border. It arced over the Gulf of Mexico like the four Starships before it that ended up being destroyed, either soon after liftoff or while ditching into the sea. The last one in June was the most successful yet, completing its flight without exploding.

This time, SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk upped the challenge and risk. The company brought the first-stage booster back to land at the pad from which it had soared seven minutes earlier. The launch tower sported monstrous metal arms, dubbed chopsticks, that caught the descending 232-foot (71-metre) booster.

The tower has caught the rocket!! Musk said via X.

Company employees screamed in joy as the booster slowly lowered itself into the launch tower's arms.

Even in this day and age, what we just saw is magic, SpaceX's Dan Huot observed from near the launch site. I am shaking right now."

Folks, this is a day for the engineering history books, added SpaceX's Kate Tice from SpaceX headquarters in Hawthorne, California.

It was up to the flight director to decide, in real time with a manual control, whether to attempt the landing. SpaceX said both the booster and launch tower had to be in good, stable condition. Otherwise, it was going to end up in the gulf like the previous ones. Everything was judged to be ready for the catch.

The retro-looking stainless steel spacecraft on top continued around the world once free of the booster, targeting a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean, where it would sink to the bottom. The entire flight was expected to last just over an hour.

The June flight came up short at the end after pieces came off. SpaceX upgraded the software and reworked the heat shield, improving the thermal tiles.

SpaceX has been recovering the first-stage boosters of its smaller Falcon 9 rockets for nine years, after delivering satellites and crews to orbit from Florida or California. But they land on floating ocean platforms or on concrete slabs several miles from their launch pads not on them.

Recycling Falcon boosters has sped up the launch rate and saved SpaceX millions. Musk intends to do the same for Starship, the biggest and most powerful rocket ever built with 33 methane-fuel engines on the booster alone. NASA has ordered two Starships to land astronauts on the moon later this decade. SpaceX intends to use Starship to send people and supplies to the moon and, eventually Mars.

nobel-prize-in-chemistry-awarded-to-david-baker-demis-hassabis-john-jumper

Wed Oct 09 17:10:12 IST 2024

The Nobel Prize in chemistry was awarded Wednesday to David Baker, Demis Hassabis and John Jumper for their breakthrough work predicting and designing the structure of proteins, the building blocks of life.

Heiner Linke, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry, said the award honoured research that made connections between amino acid sequence and protein structure.

That was actually called a grand challenge in chemistry, and in particular in biochemistry, for decades. So, it's that breakthrough that gets awarded today, he said.

Baker works at the University of Washington in Seattle, while Hassabis and Jumper both work at Google Deepmind in London.

Baker designed a new protein in 2003 and his research group has since produced one imaginative protein creation after another, including proteins that can be used as pharmaceuticals, vaccines, nanomaterials and tiny sensors, the Nobel committee said.

“The number of designs that they have, produced and published, and ... the variety is absolutely mind blowing. It seems that you can almost construct any type of protein with this technology,” said Professor Johan qvist of the Nobel committee.

Hassabis and Jumper created an artificial intelligence model that has been able to predict the structure of virtually all the 200 million proteins that researchers have identified, the committee added.

Linke said scientists had long dreamt of predicting the three-dimensional structure of proteins.

Four years ago in 2020, Demis Hassabis and John Jumper managed to crack the code. With skillful use of artificial intelligence, they made it possible to predict the complex structure of essentially any known protein in nature, Linke said.

Another dream of scientists has been to build new proteins to learn how to use nature's multi-tool for our own purposes. This is the problem that David Baker solved," he added. "He developed computational tools that now enable scientists to design spectacular new proteins with entirely novel shapes and functions, opening endless possibilities for the greatest benefit to humankind.

Last year, the chemistry award went to three scientists for their work on quantum dots tiny particles just a few nanometres in diameter that can release very bright coloured light and whose applications in everyday life include electronics and medical imaging.

Six days of Nobel announcements opened Monday with Americans Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun winning the medicine prize. Two founding fathers of machine learning John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton won the physics prize.

The awards continue with the literature prize on Thursday. The Nobel Peace Prize will be announced on Friday and the economics award on October 14.

The prize carries a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (USD 1 million) from a bequest left by the award's creator, Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel. The laureates are invited to receive their awards at ceremonies on December 10, the anniversary of Nobel's death.

why-isros-involvement-in-esas-proba-3-mission-is-a-milestone

Wed Oct 16 17:28:42 IST 2024

PROBA-3 (Project for On-Board Autonomy-3) is an innovative initiative spearheaded by the European Space Agency (ESA) aimed at revolutionising space observation through advanced formation flying technology. Scheduled for launch in November 2024, this mission exemplifies a significant international collaboration, bringing together expertise and cutting-edge technologies from multiple European countries and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The PROBA-3 mission has passed its final test and is now ready to be sent to India, where it will be launched by the ISRO. PROBA-3 will be transported to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre later this month and the mission will be launched using ISRO’s trusted PSLV-XL rocket.

What is the PROBA-3 mission?

PROBA-3 is the ESA’s first mission dedicated to precision formation flying. “In this mission, two satellites will operate together in a coordinated manner, maintaining a set distance and alignment in space as if they were part of a single, large structure. The goal is to test, and demonstrate, advanced technologies for formation flying and conduct experiments related to spacecraft rendezvous the meeting, or docking, of two spacecraft,” said space expert Girish Linganna.

ALSO READ: Solar exploration: A sunrace of significant global missions

The mission will showcase formation flying as part of a major scientific experiment. The two satellites will work together as a single unit to carry out the experiment, demonstrating how closely coordinated satellite systems can function in space. Both the satellites will combine to create a 144-metre-long solar coronagraph, a special tool designed to study the Sun’s faint outer atmosphere, or the corona. A solar coronagraph works by blocking out the bright light from the Sun’s surface, creating an artificial eclipse.

ALSO READ: NISAR, Mars and Venus missions in 2024: Top ISRO projects slated for the Year of Gaganyaan

“The faint corona is usually hidden by the Sun’s intense brightness, but this setup will allow scientists to observe, and analyse, the corona much closer to the Sun’s surface than ever before, providing new insights into solar activity. The coronagraph helps in studying solar activity, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections which can affect space weather without waiting for an eclipse,” added Linganna.

The core objective of PROBA-3 is to create an artificial eclipse by precisely coordinating two independent satellites. This capability will enable scientists to observe the Sun's corona, a region typically obscured by the intense brightness of the Sun. By blocking out sunlight, the satellites will facilitate unprecedented studies of solar phenomena, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections. Understanding these phenomena is crucial, as they can have significant effects on space weather, which in turn impacts satellite communications, navigation systems, and power grids on Earth.

“In addition to demonstrating high-precision formation flying, PROBA-3 is set to validate new technologies essential for maintaining the satellites in close proximity. The mission aims to reach Technology Readiness Level 9 (TRL 9), showcasing advancements in metrology systems, control logic, and manoeuvring capabilities. This will allow for precise manoeuvres necessary for the mission's success and for future space exploration endeavours,” explained Srimathy Kesan, founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, which is into design, fabrication and launch of small satellites, spacecraft and ground systems.

How is PROBA-3 different from other solar observation projects?

A key aspect that sets PROBA-3 apart from traditional solar observation projects is its innovative approach to utilising smaller, agile satellites equipped with advanced sensors. Many conventional solar missions involve large, complex spacecraft, which can be expensive and challenging to manoeuvre. In contrast, PROBA-3's use of two smaller satellites operating in a highly coordinated formation demonstrates that complex observational tasks can be accomplished efficiently and cost-effectively without the need for oversized equipment. This flexibility paves the way for more versatile missions, allowing space agencies to maximise their scientific output while operating within constrained budgets.

The collaborative nature of the PROBA-3 mission further enhances its significance. It involves contributions from various ESA member states, including France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, alongside ISRO. This international partnership not only facilitates the sharing of technological expertise but also fosters a collaborative spirit in addressing common challenges in space exploration. Such partnerships are increasingly important as space missions become more ambitious and complex, requiring a diverse range of skills and knowledge.

As the launch date approaches, extensive testing and simulations are being conducted to ensure the mission's success. The excitement surrounding PROBA-3 reflects the scientific community's anticipation of potential breakthroughs, particularly in solar physics and its implications for understanding space weather. The data collected during this mission could transform our understanding of solar activity, leading to improved forecasting models for space weather events. This is especially crucial for mitigating risks to both civilian and military satellite operations and for protecting critical infrastructure on Earth from the effects of solar storms.

“By creating an artificial eclipse, this mission promises to enhance our understanding of the Sun's behaviour and its broader impacts on the solar system. This mission not only advances our knowledge of the cosmos but also sets a precedent for future collaborations in space exploration, paving the way for a new generation of scientists and explorers dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of our universe,” said Kesan.

As part of the mission the occulter spacecraft is a satellite designed to block, or ‘occlude’, the Sun’s bright light so that other instruments, such as the coronagraph, can get a clearer view of the Sun’s outer atmosphere (the corona). By positioning itself in front of the Sun, it creates an artificial eclipse, making it easier to study the faint details of the corona without interference from the Sun’s intense brightness.

Both the coronagraph spacecraft (weighing 340-kg) and the occulter spacecraft (weighing 200kg) will operate in a high Earth orbit, taking 19.7 hours to complete one orbit. At its highest point, the orbit will reach 60,530km and, at its closest point, it will be 600km above Earth. The primary instrument on board is an external coronagraph. The mission’s communication will be supported by an antenna located at Santa Maria in the Azores, with a ground station in Redu, Belgium.

nobel-prize-in-physics-john-hopfield-geoffrey-hinton-hounoured-for-contributions-to-machine-learning

Tue Oct 08 16:52:36 IST 2024

John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton were awarded the Nobel Prize in physics Tuesday for discoveries and inventions that formed the building blocks of machine learning.

This year's two Nobel Laureates in physics have used tools from physics to develop methods that are the foundation of today's powerful machine learning, the Nobel committee said in a press release.

Hopfield's research is carried out at Princeton University and Hinton works at the University of Toronto.

Three scientists won last year's physics Nobel for providing the first split-second glimpse into the superfast world of spinning electrons, a field that could one day lead to better electronics or disease diagnoses.

The 2023 award went to French-Swedish physicist Anne L'Huillier, French scientist Pierre Agostini and Hungarian-born Ferenc Krausz for their work with the tiny part of each atom that races around the centre and is fundamental to virtually everything: chemistry, physics, our bodies and our gadgets.

Six days of Nobel announcements opened on Monday with Americans Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun winning the medicine prize for their discovery of tiny bits of genetic material that serve as on and off switches inside cells that help control what the cells do and when they do it.

If scientists can better understand how they work and how to manipulate them, it could one day lead to powerful treatments for diseases like cancer.

The physics prize carries a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (USD 1 million) from a bequest left by the award's creator, Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel. It has been awarded 117 times. The laureates are invited to receive their awards at ceremonies on December 10, the anniversary of Nobel's death.

Nobel announcements continue with the chemistry physics prize on Wednesday and literature on Thursday. The Nobel Peace Prize will be announced Friday and the economics award on October 14.

india-japan-moon-project-lupex-cleared-heres-all-you-need-to-know

Mon Oct 07 17:10:37 IST 2024

The National Space Commission recently approved its fifth lunar mission, called the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX). Unlike the Chandrayaan 1 to 4 missions, this upcoming LUPEX mission is a collaboration between India and Japan. However, it remains part of India's broader lunar mission series, which aims to eventually send an Indian astronaut to the Moon and bring them back safely. It's important to note that no astronauts will be sent as part of the LUPEX mission itself. The Union Cabinet had approved the Chandrayaan-4 mission on September 18, and the LUPEX mission is expected to be presented for cabinet approval soon.

Although ISRO and Japan's space agency JAXA signed an agreement in 2017, progress on the Lupex mission was delayed after India's Chandrayaan-2 was unable to successfully demonstrate a soft landing on the lunar surface. The LUPEX project is designed to explore the Moon in search of water and other valuable resources. It also aims to develop skills and knowledge in studying the lunar surface. The LUPEX project is a joint international effort, where Japan's space agency (JAXA) is building the lunar rover, and India's space agency (ISRO) is creating the lander that will transport the rover to the Moon.

Other space agencies will also send scientific instruments for the mission. NASA's Neutron Spectrometer will search for hydrogen up to 1 metre (3.3 feet) below the surface at the Moon's south pole. Meanwhile, the European Space Agency's (ESA) Exospheric Mass Spectrometer will measure gas pressure and identify chemical signatures on the surface.

Interestingly, the global interest in the Moon is growing and that has been highlighted by the Artemis mission, a US-led initiative aimed at sending astronauts back to the Moon. The goal is to establish a long-term presence on the lunar surface and carry out ongoing exploration activities.

“Recent studies of different observation data suggest that water might exist in the lunar polar regions. These regions are located near the Moon’s north and south poles. If water is discovered in these areas, it could be used as a source of energy for future human missions on the Moon. This is why many countries are actively pushing forward with lunar exploration efforts,” space expert Girish Linganna said.

JAXA is developing a rover that will move independently to look for spots on the Moon where water may be found. “It will use a drill to dig into the ground and collect soil samples. The plan is to gather data by closely analysing these samples with the observation tools installed on the rover. The rover will carry tools to measure the water content in lunar soil (called regolith), as well as equipment for drilling and collecting samples. It will also feature advanced technologies for its driving system and batteries, which are some of the first of their kind in the world. The project faces a big challenge—getting a rover that weighs several hundred kilogrammes, loaded with all these tools, to the Moon, moving it around, and analysing the samples directly on-site,” added Linganna.

As per JAXA, the rover is still in the basic design stage, and she often encounters challenges when building prototypes and conducting tests. During these tests, they spread sand similar to lunar soil at the test site and run the rover prototype over it. The team constantly adjusts the sand's softness to match the actual Moon's surface and tweaks the unevenness to ensure the rover can move properly. They also carefully study how much the rover’s tracks (which act like its tires) sink into the sand, making small adjustments each time. It's a complex process with no simple solutions.

ISRO has developed advanced technology for operating lunar orbiters, landers, and rovers. However, for the LUPEX project, they will need to create a larger rover than ever before. The goal is to make a significant international impact by combining ISRO's expertise with JAXA's rover technology and tools for measurement and analysis.

As per Inoue Hiroka, a researcher with the Lunar Polar Exploration Project Team at JAXA's Space Exploration Center, one of the key tasks ahead is selecting a specific landing site. The plan is to land in the Moon’s south polar region, which is believed to have a high chance of containing water. However, this area has very few flat spots that are ideal for landing and ensuring good lighting and communication. Since other countries might choose the same area, the team aims to announce their landing site as soon as they identify the best location.

If the mission gathers detailed information about water on the Moon, it could open possibilities not only for living on the Moon but also for using this water to produce fuel. This would allow us to travel to farther planets, pushing the boundaries of human exploration.

isros-venus-orbiter-mission-vom-how-private-players-and-academic-institutions-will-jointly-steer-the-mission

Sat Oct 05 13:52:52 IST 2024

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing for its Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) and the spacecraft is set to launch on March 29, 2028. This mission aims to explore Venus, adding to our understanding of the planet. A recent Cabinet meeting approved an interplanetary mission to Venus. ISRO will use its new heavy-lift rocket, Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3), to send the spacecraft, named Shukrayaan-1, on a 112-day journey to the planet. The orbiter is set to arrive at Venus on July 19, 2028, highlighting India’s advancements in space exploration.

The development of the spacecraft and launch vehicle will involve various industries, creating significant job opportunities and potential technological advancements for other sectors. Additionally, the mission will collaborate with academic institutions, offering training for students involved in design, development and testing. Recently during a press briefing S. Somanath, the ISRO Chairman and Secretary of the Department of Space (DoS), had confirmed that each of the approved forthcoming missions would include participation from the private space sector. This marks one of the most significant boosts for India’s emerging space startups from the government to date.

The rocket will place the spacecraft in an Elliptical Parking Orbit (EPO), which ranges from 170 km to 36,000 km above Earth. This orbit has a specific angle and position. From there, the spacecraft will begin its journey to Venus. “The VOM will use advanced tools to explore Venus, focusing on its atmosphere, surface and geological features. The mission aims to detect any volcanic eruptions or quakes. The spacecraft will have cutting-edge instruments, including synthetic aperture radar and infrared and ultraviolet cameras,” explained Space expert Girish Linganna.

ISRO will oversee the development and launch of the spacecraft with a total budget of Rs 1,236 crore (approximaately $150 million). Out of this, Rs 824 crore is allocated for building the spacecraft.

The Shukrayaan-1 will be equipped with a range of scientific tools, such as the Venus S-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar (VSAR), Venus Surface Emissivity and Atmospheric Mapper (VSEAM), Venus Thermal Camera (VTC), Venus Cloud Monitoring Camera (VCMC), Lightning Instrument for Venus (LIVE), Venus Atmospheric Spectro-Polarimeter (VASP) and Solar Occultation Photometry (SPAV).

“These instruments will assist scientists in studying Venus’s atmosphere, surface and plasma environment. The VOM is a worldwide collaboration involving such countries as Russia, Sweden, France and Germany. The Swedish Institute of Space Physics (IRF) will be a participant in providing the Venusian Neutrals Analyzer (VNA) to examine how the Sun’s charged particles interact with Venus’s atmosphere. On the other hand the private sector may be involved in materials procurement, supply chain management, rocket engineering, testing facilities, manufacturing units, assembly and integration, and launch operations,” added Linganna.

After travelling through space, Shukrayaan-1 will move into an orbit around Venus, ranging from 500 km to 60,000 km away. This process is called Venus Orbit Injection (VOI). Over six to eight months, a process, called aero-braking, will gradually adjust the orbit to a closer path around Venus, measuring 200 x 600 km. This new orbit will enable detailed studies of Venus’s surface and atmosphere for a planned mission lasting five years.

In an earlier analysis in THE WEEK, it was mentioned that ISRO's VOM is expected to be one of the most challenging ones as the atmosphere of Venus is made mostly of poisonous sulphuric acid. Since Venus orbits the sun within Earth's orbit, the planet appears to have phases like the moon. When Venus is on the opposite side of the sun, it is in full phase, while it appears in a new phase when it is between the Earth and the sun. Despite the poisonous atmosphere, a chemical called phosphine was discovered in Venus's clouds recently. Incidentally, on Earth, phosphene is found to be produced by microbes. The study seemed to suggest that despite its extreme conditions, Venus might, after all, host life. Needless to say, the theory was disputed and alternate explanations were posited.

Linganna says landing on Venus' surface can be an extremely challenging affair as a lander (or rover) must fall through approximately 35km (1,00,000ft) of the thick, murky lower atmosphere before the final couple of kilometres where the ground finally becomes visible from above. “During descent, the temperature starts at a comfortable 20 degrees Celsius and shoots up to 450 degrees Celsius just before reaching the surface. (A standard kitchen oven runs at about 200 degrees Celsius.) Near the surface, the air is so thick that the lander will settle to the ground much like a stone settles in water—no retrorockets or sky cranes are required,” remarked Linganna.

google-doubles-down-on-ai-that-talks-in-an-indian-tongue

Thu Oct 03 21:41:23 IST 2024

GenAI is plain vanilla, if you ask the folks at Google India. As the tech behemoth rolled out its ambitious ‘Google for India’ repertoire for their biggest and fastest growing market, there was one familar focus area where further announcements predictably came – Google’s onboarding of Indian languages as a digital tool. And, of course, artificial intelligence (AI) and lots of it.

Well in verse with the parent company’s efforts to take the pole position in AI advancements and grab the thunder back from that petulant upstart called OpenAI is evidently a dream up there on Mountain View (where Google’s global HQ is), and the trickle down effect was well evident in many of the announcements in India on Thursday – Google’s Gemini AI can now go ‘Live’, with real time conversation by adapting to the user. The ‘Gemini Live’ feature is available in 8 Indian languages, besides English.

Google’s next-generation AI project called Astra is at the core of it, and while it is awaited, the slow rollout of its features, the company hopes, will be transformational. For now, there is already AI Overviews expected in Telugu, Tamil, Bengali and Marathi in the coming days, while ‘ask with video’ feature in Search also debuted, starting with English.

With image-based search on Maps, Gemini summarising Google reviews to save time, real-time weather and traffic updates on Maps, Google’s attempt is to make AI work for daily chores, beside the focus on Indian languages to take its tech evangelism to the hinterland.

Another path-breaking endeavour has been in the field of healthcare. Not only is the company tying up with the government’s Ayushman Bharat project to roll out the issuance of the ABHA health ID through Google wallets soon, its iCALL feature whereby a user can call and speak to a health professional live has been expanded to more vernacular languages. And perhaps incredibly, its AI tools are now evolved enough to detect eye issues, TB and even cancer. For instance, TB could apparently be detected through just an audio sample analysis of a person’s sound!

Google also announced a spate of partnerships, right from Adani and CleanMax (for clean energy projects) to Muthoot (for online loan-against-gold) to Glance (skilling).

india-new-multi-faceted-space-mission-what-are-these-and-their-challenges

Sat Sep 21 15:03:25 IST 2024

The Indian Cabinet recently approved four important space missions, marking a major step forward in India's space exploration journey. These missions aim to boost India's position in space research and technology, highlighting the country's dedication to advancing its space capabilities and playing a key role in global space exploration efforts. The approved missions include Chandrayaan-4, the Venus Orbiter Mission, the creation of the Bharatiya Antariksha Station, and the Gaganyaan follow-up programme. Each mission comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities, and their success will depend on advanced technology, skilled expertise, and considerable financial support.

Foremost among them is the Chandrayaan-4 which is India’s next leap towards lunar exploration. Chandrayaan-4 is set to be a ground-breaking mission for India, focusing on collecting samples from the Moon and returning them to Earth. This mission, with an impressive budget of Rs 2,104.06 crore, builds upon the success of Chandrayaan-3, which proved India’s capability to land on the Moon. Now, Chandrayaan-4 aims to deepen our understanding of the Moon’s composition and geological history.

The primary objective of Chandrayaan-4 is to gather and analyse soil and rock samples from the lunar surface. These samples will provide valuable insights into the Moon's structure and evolution, offering scientists a better understanding of its formation and the processes that have shaped it over billions of years.

“The mission is not without its challenges. A precise lunar landing is essential to ensure the spacecraft touches down safely in the targeted region. Additionally, efficient sample collection and the safe return of these samples to Earth are critical. These operations will demand high levels of precision and advanced technology to be successfully executed. To achieve its goals, Chandrayaan-4 will utilise advanced robotics and autonomous systems, which will allow the spacecraft to navigate the lunar surface and collect samples efficiently. A sophisticated heat shield will also be crucial to protect the spacecraft from the intense heat generated during re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere,” explained space expert Girish Linganna.

Chandrayaan-4 is more than just a sample return mission; it is a key stepping stone for India’s ambitious goal of landing astronauts on the Moon by 2040. Scheduled to launch in 2027, the mission will serve as a critical testing ground for technologies essential to crewed lunar missions. The mission will involve five modules launched in two separate phases, demonstrating ISRO’s innovative approach to handling complex space operations. These modules will work in tandem to collect lunar samples and return them to Earth—a feat previously achieved by only a few countries, including the United States and China.

“Chandrayaan-4 will test important capabilities, such as docking and undocking in lunar orbit, precision landings, and ensuring safe re-entry through Earth’s atmosphere. These technologies are vital for future crewed missions and will lay the groundwork for India’s eventual human moon landings,” remarked Linganna.

ISRO Chairman S. Somanath highlighted the mission’s importance, stating, "Chandrayaan-4 is not just about bringing back Moon rocks; it's about demonstrating our capability to send humans to the Moon and safely return them. This mission represents a significant leap forward in India’s space ambitions, bringing the nation closer to achieving its goal of a human presence on the Moon.

Similarly the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) is set to launch in March 2028, with a budget of Rs 1,236 crore, recently approved by the Union Cabinet. This will be India’s second interplanetary mission, following the successful Mars Orbiter Mission, which was launched in 2013 and entered Mars' orbit in 2014. The VOM aims to study Venus in detail, focusing on its surface features, clouds, lightning, volcanic activity, atmosphere, and how the Sun interacts with the planet. Scientists are particularly interested in understanding why Venus, once thought to be similar to Earth and possibly habitable, underwent such a drastic transformation.

This mission is expected to provide valuable answers to long-standing questions about Venus, shedding light on its evolution and contributing to important scientific discoveries. Out of the total budget of Rs 1,236 crore for the Venus Orbiter Mission, around Rs 824 crore will be allocated to the development of the spacecraft. ISRO will be in charge of designing and launching the spacecraft, ensuring the project is managed efficiently through their well-established procedures.

Various industries will be involved in building the spacecraft and launch vehicle, which is expected to create significant employment opportunities and have positive effects on other sectors through technological advancements.

The data collected from the mission will be shared with the scientific community using existing systems. Additionally, this mission will prepare India for future planetary missions that can carry larger scientific instruments.

“The Venus mission is highly intriguing but is expected to be one of the most difficult tasks ISRO has ever taken on. Venus is an extremely hostile planet, with its atmosphere mostly made up of carbon dioxide, resulting in scorching surface temperatures. Due to a strong greenhouse effect, temperatures can soar up to 870°F (470°C)—hot enough to melt lead. The planet’s surface is dotted with numerous volcanoes, many of which are dormant, though some could still be active. Adding to the challenge, Venus has an extremely high surface air pressure, about 90 times greater than what we experience at sea level on Earth,” pointed out Linganna.

Another major space mission is making significant strides in space exploration with its ambitious plan to build the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS-1), the country’s first space station module. The Indian government has officially approved the construction of this module, which has been integrated into the expanded Gaganyaan mission. This crucial decision sets India on a path to operate its own space station by 2035 and also opens the door for a manned Moon mission by 2040.

The Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS) aims to create India's very own space station, which will orbit 400 km above the Earth's surface. Weighing 52 tonnes, this massive structure will act as a research hub where Indian astronauts and scientists can carry out experiments in areas like microgravity, astronomy, and Earth observation. The station will also allow astronauts to stay in orbit for periods of 15 to 20 days.

The Gaganyaan mission, originally designed for human spaceflight, has now been expanded to include eight missions, all to be completed by December 2028. This expansion covers not only additional uncrewed missions but also the launch of the BAS-1 unit, alongside the necessary hardware to support long-term human spaceflight activities.

With the updated scope, the overall budget for the Gaganyaan programme has risen to Rs 20,193 crore, with an additional Rs 11,170 crore allocated specifically for the expanded scope. This substantial financial investment underscores India’s growing ambition to become a major player in space exploration.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will spearhead the project, working in collaboration with industry partners, educational institutions, and various government agencies. The focus of the programme is to develop and demonstrate key technologies needed for extended human space missions. Four missions are planned under the current Gaganyaan schedule by 2026, followed by the construction of the BAS-1 module. Another four missions dedicated to technology demonstration and validation will be completed by 2028.

The Bharatiya Antariksha Station will play a pivotal role in advancing scientific research in microgravity, leading to breakthroughs that could benefit various sectors on Earth. The mission is also expected to create numerous job opportunities in high-tech fields related to space and technology.

Moreover, this initiative is poised to inspire a new generation of young Indians to pursue careers in science and technology. The innovations developed during this mission will have far-reaching societal benefits, further establishing India as a leader in space exploration and scientific discovery.

The fourth mission approved by the Union Cabinet focuses on the development of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV). This new launch vehicle will be designed to carry heavier payloads, be cost-effective, and reusable, with the potential to be commercially successful. According to the government, the NGLV will have three times the payload capacity of the current LVM-3, while only costing 1.5 times more. Its reusability will help lower the cost of accessing space, and it will feature modular green propulsion systems. A total of Rs 8,240 crore has been approved for the NGLV, covering development costs, three test flights, the setup of necessary facilities, programme management, and the launch campaign.

According to the government, the NGLV will strengthen India’s ability to carry out a variety of space missions, such as human spaceflight, lunar exploration, and satellite launches. This will greatly enhance the country’s space programme and overall space ecosystem.

sunita-williams-turns-59-find-out-how-the-astronaut-celebrated-her-birthday-in-space

Fri Sep 20 19:40:50 IST 2024

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams just turned 59 in space on Thursday. She celebrated her milestone birthday aboard the International Space Station (ISS), which is around 400 kilometres above Earth, for the second time.

Earlier her birthday celebration took place during a 2012 mission.

Since June 6, Sunita Williams along with NASA astronaut Barry ‘Butch’ Wilmore has been aboard the ISS as part of the Boeing Crew Flight Test mission. Due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, their stay has been unexpectedly extended.

They are expected to return in February 2025.

On her special day, Williams took up the task of maintaining the space laboratory.

Reportedly, Williams celebrated her birthday by replacing filters in the waste and hygiene compartment. She also performed the essential task with the help of NASA astronaut Don Pettit to ensure safe and healthy living conditions on the ISS.

Williams participated in a conference with Mission Control in Houston, Texas. Williams also engaged in discussions with flight directors in Houston, collaborating with astronauts Wilmore and Frank Rubio to outline mission objectives and upcoming tasks.

Sunita Williams also received birthday wishes from Bollywood stars along with loved ones and family.

Saregama Official shared a heartwarming video on Instagram that featured a compilation video of famous Indian stars singing Happy Birthday in Hindi to the astronaut.

The video began with filmmaker Karan Johar sending birthday wishes to Williams, followed by singers, Hariharan, Sonu Nigam, Neeti Mohan and Shaan Mukherji.

In 1998, after joining NASA’s astronaut program, Williams launched into space for the first time on December 9, 2006, during the STS-116 mission.

As a flight engineer for Expeditions 14 and 15, Williams set multiple records, including over 29 hours of spacewalks and more than 195 days in orbit.

By piloting Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner’s first crewed test flight, Williams made history by successfully docking with the ISS despite facing technical challenges.

i-am-learning-a-lot-about-space-australian-cricketer-steve-waugh-at-bengaluru-space-expo

Wed Sep 18 18:54:41 IST 2024

Former Australian cricketer Steve Waugh says that he is learning a lot about space technology and is very excited about it. He was a surprise at the Bengaluru Space Expo (BSX) 2024 that began today. “I am surprised myself to be at the space expo. Space is exciting and new for me and I am learning a lot about space as I go along. I am very happy to be involved in this joint venture between Austraila and India. I have been coming to India for the last forty years with charity, with cricket, with business and this is another opportunity to collaborate with India. I am excited to be involved in it and Australia and India can do great things together in space technology,” said Waugh who is also the brand ambassador of Space Machines Company an Australian India in space servicing firm.

The Space Machines Company has forged strategic partnerships with two Indian companies Ananth Technologies and Digantara. These partnerships are expected to play a significant role in the upcoming Space MAITRI (Mission for Australia-India'Technology, Research and Innovation) mission and the launch of Space Machines Company's second Optimus satellite. Scheduled for 2026, the satellite will be deployed abroad NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).

It will be the largest Australian-made spacecraft in orbit. The Space Machines Company’s second Optimus spacecraft, a 450 kg Orbital Servicing Vehicle will be launched on NSIL's Small Satellite Launch Vehicle and is part of the first dedicated launch agreement between Australia and India.

The mission will focus on debris management and sustainability and will significantly advance Australia’s domestic space industry, by combining Australian spacecraft capabilities with India's launch expertise.

“We will work closely with Ananth Technologies and Digantara throughout the space MAITRI project lifecycle, leveraging each company's advanced engineering, logisitc, and situation space awareness capabilities to fulfil the joint Australian-Indian mission of building a more sustainable space future,” said Rajat Kulshrestha, CEO and Co-founder of Space Machines Company.

Under the partnership, Ananth Technologies will provide Assembly Integration and Testing (AIT) and comprehensive engineering and logistics support throughout the Space MAITRI program. This will include the safe transportation and handling of all spacecraft components in India, extensive testing and launch site spacecraft fueling. This collaboration with Ananth Technologies between the two companies will ensure that Space Machines Company's second Optimus spacecraft is successfully integrated into the SSLV and ready for launch.

On the other hand, the collaboration with Digantara will enable the Optimus spacecraft to track and engage short range resident space objects a vital capability when executing close approach maneuvers during in orbit operations.

Interestingly the Australian government has invested $ 8.5 million in the Space MAITRI mission in April 2024 through the Australian Space Agency's $18 million International Space Investment India Projects program. “This mission and the collaborations that underpin it emphasise the role that space can play in enhancing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region for mutual benefit. This mission leverages our nation's respective capabilities and advantages to make space activities more sustainable-something the global space community is focussed on to protect and maintain the assets in orbit that are central to a functioning modern society,” remarked Enrico Palermo, head of the Australian Space Agency.

Space Machines Company is an Australian company that delivers on orbit servicing and protection of critical space infrastructure through its Orbital Servicing Network. This company supports mobility, inspection, deorbiting, repair, life extension and protection capbaility to satellite customers when and where they need it.

polaris-dawn-mission-spacex-crew-returns-to-earth-after-first-private-spacewalk

Sun Sep 15 19:36:23 IST 2024

After successfully completing SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission, tech billionaire Jared Isaacman and the rest of the crew returned to Earth on Sunday.

SpaceX's capsule splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico near Florida's Dry Tortugas in the predawn darkness, carrying Isaacman, two SpaceX engineers and a former Air Force Thunderbird pilot.

This was the first privately funded spacewalk mission. The mission was launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

ALSO READ | Watch | Polaris Dawn mission: Tech billionaire Jared Isaacman becomes first civilian to walk in space

Isaacman and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis pulled off a spacewalk while orbiting nearly 460 miles (740 kilometres) above Earth, higher than the International Space Station and Hubble Space Telescope. The spacecraft hit a peak altitude of 875 miles (1,408 kilometres) following Tuesday's liftoff.

Isaacman became the 264th person to perform a spacewalk since the former Soviet Union scored the first in 1965, and Gillis the 265th.

Until now, all spacewalks were done by professional astronauts through government-funded missions.

ALSO READ | Polaris Dawn mission: Blast off! SpaceX launches all-civilian crew for first privately-funded spacewalk

During Thursday's commercial spacewalk, the Dragon capsule's hatch was open barely a half-hour. Isaacman emerged only up to his waist to briefly test SpaceX's brand-new spacesuit followed by Gillis, who was knee-high as she flexed her arms and legs for several minutes.

“From here Earth sure looks like a perfect world,” said Isaacman after the spacewalk.

This was Isaacman's second chartered flight with SpaceX, with two more still remaining under the Polaris Dawn Mission.

So far about 263 people have conducted a spacewalk representing 12 countries.

watch-polaris-dawn-mission-tech-billionaire-jared-isaacman-becomes-first-civilian-to-walk-in-space

Thu Sep 12 20:12:33 IST 2024

Tech billionaire Jared Isaacman became the first civilian to conduct the spacewalk on Thursday. Teaming up with SpaceX, the five-day Polaris Dawn mission was launched into space with a four-member crew on Tuesday from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Joining the small elite group of spacewalkers, Isaacman and his crew waited until the capsule was depressurised before opening the hatch.

ALSO READ | Polaris Dawn mission: Blast off! SpaceX launches all-civilian crew for first privately-funded spacewalk

All the crew onboard wore SpaceX's new spacewalking suits, as the entire capsule was exposed to the vacuum of space. The suits offered protection to all the crew members from the harsh vacuum.

"From here Earth sure looks like a perfect world," said Isaacman after the spacewalk.

The orbit was reduced by half to 458 miles (737 kilometres) for the spacewalk.

ALSO READ | Human health in space: Charting the unknown on Polaris Dawn mission

Testing the spacewalking suit was one of the important tasks for the team. The spacewalking was expected to last for about two hours. Rather than the exact walking, it mostly involved stretching and movement of limbs.

Isaacman had his hand or foot always attached to the capsule as he flexed his arms and legs. The hatch sported a walker-like structure for extra support. These are considered EVA- extravehicular activities, any activity done by an astronaut in outer space outside a spacecraft.

According to experts, due to the microgravity situation nobody really ‘walks’ on the space. Any activity outside the spacecraft can be considered as spacewalking as there is movement outside the capsule in space, experts pointed out.

After about 15 minutes outside, Isaacman was to be replaced by the SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis to go through the same motions.

So far about 263 people have conducted a spacewalk representing 12 countries.

polaris-dawn-mission-blast-off-spacex-launches-all-civilian-crew-for-first-privately-funded-spacewalk

Tue Sep 10 17:32:37 IST 2024

Four astronauts have been launched into space, before carrying out the first privately-funded spacewalk, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday. It marks the start of the SpaceX's five-day Polaris Dawn mission.

Due to "unfavourable weather" the blast-off was delayed for almost two hours.

ALSO READ | Human health in space: Charting the unknown on Polaris Dawn mission

The four crew onboard include billionaire Jared Isaacman, retired Air Force Thunderbirds pilot Lt Colonel Scott Poteet, and two SpaceX engineers--Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon.

This is the first privately funded spacewalk. Earlier, only government-funded astronauts have carried out spacewalks.

The spacewalk is scheduled for late Wednesday or Thursday, midway through the five-day flight. Follow the mission here: https://www.spacex.com/follow-dragon

The plan is to spend 10 hours at that height filled with extreme radiation and riddled with debris before reducing the oval-shaped orbit by half.

Isaacman and Gillis will take turns briefly popping out of the hatch and also test their white-black-trimmed custom suits and see how they’ll hold up in the harsh vacuum.

Both will always have a hand or foot touching the capsule or attached support structure that resembles the top of a pool ladder. There will be no jetpack showboating and no dangling at the end of their 12-foot (3.6-metre) tethers. Only NASA's suits at the space station come equipped with jetpacks, for emergency use only.

Pilot Scott Kidd Poteet and SpaceX's Anna Menon will monitor the spacewalk from inside. Like SpaceX's previous astronaut flights, this one will end with a splashdown off the Florida coast.

SpaceX teamed up with Isaacman to pay for spacesuit development and associated costs.

William Gerstenmaier, SpaceX vice president said that we are starting to push the frontiers with the private sector.

As SpaceX astronaut trainers, Gillis and Menon helped Isaacman and his previous team and NASA's professional crews prepare for their rides.

boeings-troubled-capsule-returns-to-earth-empty-2-astronauts-left-behind-in-space

Sat Sep 07 22:50:31 IST 2024

Boeing's first astronaut mission ended Friday night with an empty capsule landing and two test pilots still in space, left behind until next year because NASA judged their return too risky.

Six hours after departing the International Space Station, Starliner parachuted into New Mexico's White Sands Missile Range, descending on autopilot through the desert darkness.

It was an uneventful close to a drama that began with the June launch of Boeing's long-delayed crew debut and quickly escalated into a dragged-out cliffhanger of a mission stricken by thruster failures and helium leaks. For months, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams' return was in question as engineers struggled to understand the capsule's problems.

Boeing insisted after extensive testing that Starliner was safe to bring the two home, but NASA disagreed and booked a flight with SpaceX instead. Their SpaceX ride won't launch until the end of this month, which means they'll be up there until February more than eight months after blasting off on what should have been a quick trip.

Wilmore and Williams should have flown Starliner back to Earth by mid-June, a week after launching in it. But their ride to the space station was marred by the cascade of thruster trouble and helium loss, and NASA ultimately decided it was too risky to return them on Starliner.

So with fresh software updates, the fully automated capsule left with their empty seats and blue spacesuits along with some old station equipment.

She's on her way home, Williams radioed as the white and blue-trimmed capsule undocked from the space station 260 miles (420 kilometers) over China and disappeared into the black void.

Williams stayed up late to see how everything turned out. A good landing, pretty awesome, said Boeing's Mission Control.

Cameras on the space station and a pair of NASA planes caught the capsule as a white streak coming in for the touchdown, which drew cheer.

There were some snags during reentry, including more thruster issues, but Starliner made a bull's-eye landing, said NASA's commercial crew program manager Steve Stich.

Even with the safe return, I think we made the right decision not to have Butch and Suni on board, Stich said at a news conference early Saturday. All of us feel happy about the successful landing. But then there's a piece of us, all of us, that we wish it would have been the way we had planned it.

Boeing did not participate in the Houston news briefing. But two of the company's top space and defense officials, Ted Colbert and Kay Sears, told employees in a note that they backed NASA's ruling.

"While this may not have been how we originally envisioned the test flight concluding, we support NASA's decision for Starliner and are proud of how our team and spacecraft performed," the executives wrote.

Starliner's crew demo capped a journey filled with delays and setbacks. After the space shuttles retired more than a decade ago, NASA hired Boeing and SpaceX for orbital taxi service. Boeing ran into so many problems on its first test flight with no one aboard in 2019 that it had to repeat it. The 2022 do-over uncovered even more flaws and the repair bill topped $1 billion.

SpaceX's crew ferry flight later this month will be its 10th for NASA since 2020. The Dragon capsule will launch on the half-year expedition with only two astronauts since two seats are reserved for Wilmore and Williams for the return leg.

As veteran astronauts and retired Navy captains, Wilmore and Williams anticipated hurdles on the test flight. They've kept busy in space, helping with repairs and experiments. The two are now full-time station crew members along with the seven others on board.

Even before the pair launched on June 5 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, Starliner's propulsion system was leaking helium. The leak was small and thought to be isolated, but four more cropped up after liftoff. Then five thrusters failed. Although four of the thrusters were recovered, it gave NASA pause as to whether more malfunctions might hamper the capsule's descent from orbit.

Boeing conducted numerous thruster tests in space and on the ground over the summer, and was convinced its spacecraft could safely bring the astronauts back. But NASA could not get comfortable with the thruster situation and went with SpaceX.

Flight controllers conducted more test firings of the capsule's thrusters following undocking; one failed to ignite. Engineers suspect the more the thrusters are fired, the hotter they become, causing protective seals to swell and obstruct the flow of propellant. They won't be able to examine any of the parts; the section holding the thrusters was ditched just before reentry.

Starliner will be transported in a couple weeks back to NASA's Kennedy Space Center, where the analyses will unfold.

NASA officials stressed that the space agency remains committed to having two competing U.S. companies transporting astronauts. The goal is for SpaceX and Boeing to take turns launching crews one a year per company until the space station is abandoned in 2030 right before its fiery reentry. That doesn't give Boeing much time to catch up, but the company intends to push forward with Starliner, according to NASA.

Stich said post-landing it's too early to know when the next Starliner flight with astronauts might occur.

It will take a little time to determine the path forward," he said.

human-health-in-space-charting-the-unknown-on-polaris-dawn-mission

Sat Aug 31 14:36:26 IST 2024

‘Sometimes the hardest journeys require the most patience’, posted Jared Isaacman on X as he and his crewmates await to embark on the ‘Polaris Dawn’ mission. This is a historical mission, with Polaris Dawn completing the first-ever private spacewalk and travelling farthest to the earth since Apollo. Over half a century has passed since humans have flown this far from Earth. Isaacman will fly as Polaris Dawn's mission commander, and will be joined by the mission's pilot, retired United States Air Force (USAF) Lieutenant Colonel Scott "Kidd" Poteet, and the first two SpaceX employees to launch to orbit, Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon, who both work as Lead Space Operations Engineers. Gillis and Menon will serve as mission specialists.

The team at TrialX is eagerly awaiting the launch of the mission they are integral to. In the last few months, they have been working to develop the EXPAND app, in partnership with the Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH) at the Baylor College of Medicine for the Polaris Dawn crew.

As part of the mission, the four-member crew will conduct a wide range of experiments to collect data on various aspects of human health in space. These studies will examine environmental factors, health and hygiene, personality development, vital signs, cognitive function, vision, motion sickness, decompression sickness, Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS), space radiation, and more.

All health data will be collected using integrated wearables and devices, along with nearly 30 surveys embedded in the EXPAND App. This comprehensive approach is designed to provide valuable insights into how the unique conditions of space affect human health at both physiological and molecular levels.

Additionally, the crew will collect biological samples to contribute to a biobank, aimed at uncovering the molecular changes that occur during spaceflight. A paper detailing the creation and purpose of this biobank, with the most extensive collection of data ever assembled for aerospace medicine and space biology. has been published in Nature, underscoring its significance for future research.

TrialX’s remote data collection platform is the backbone of the EXPAND App, providing a robust and secure system for data collection, management and analysis. The platform integrates seamlessly with various health monitoring devices and sensors, ensuring real-time data capture, implementing top-tier security protocols and is designed to handle large volumes of data, including genomic data.

TrialX was chosen by TRISH in 2021 to build the innovative centralised data repository and analytics platform for the first all-civilian Inspiration4 mission. The database was built as part of TRISH’s EXPAND (Enhancing eXploration and Analog Definition) programme, a multi-year initiative developed to help the NASA Human Research Program to reduce the risk to human health in space. The database supports a variety of data types across a multitude of individual research studies and currently houses data from subjects across six space missions – Inspiration 4, MS-20, Axiom-1, Axiom-2, Axiom-3 and Polaris Dawn. It equips space researchers to reuse and integrate research data across different research studies and unlock innovative actionable insights.

TrialX has always been on the forefront of cutting edge clinical research solutions and space health informatics. From launching the first clinical trials app on Google Health in 2008, to powering online patient recruitment and research data collection for space missions, co-founders Sharib Khan and Chintan Patel are on a mission to facilitate One Billion Health Research Contributions.

"Our mission at TrialX has always been to bridge the gap between research and participants, whether on Earth or in space. Partnering with TRISH to support commercial space missions allows us to extend our commitment to advancing clinical research, using technology to empower both researchers and participants in groundbreaking ways," said CEO and cofounder Sharib Khan.

Khan and Patel first crossed paths at Columbia University, where their strong rapport led to the founding of TrialX Inc. and a partnership that has spanned over 16 years. Headquartered in New York, with presence in India, the Philippines, and Romania, the company is committed to accelerating clinical research and bridging the gap between research and patients—both on Earth and beyond.

Khan brings a deep understanding of clinical research and digital health to the table. With a background in medical sciences and biomedical informatics, he has been a driving force behind TrialX’s mission to democratise clinical research by using technology to engage and empower patients. Patel, with his background in computer science and a passion for healthcare innovation, plays a crucial role in driving technology solutions that make clinical research more accessible and efficient. Their shared vision and commitment to innovation and patient-centricity continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in clinical trials and space health.

More recently, TRISH, in collaboration with consortium partners Massachusetts Institute of Technology and California Institute of Technology, has partnered with TrialX to develop a software platform for a portable device that acts as a “to-go” version of the EXPAND master repository. This portable device is designed to extend the repository’s capabilities, allowing spaceflight participants to access their previously collected health information and store new data offline during their mission.

Upon returning to Earth, the device will automatically synchronise all collected data with the EXPAND Master Repository. If a participant continues on another segment of their space journey, the portable device will seamlessly transfer their existing health data from one mission segment to the next. By tackling the challenges of data transfer and interoperability in space, this portable solution aims to enhance the efficiency and quality of healthcare for astronauts.

The Polaris Dawn mission was initially slated to launch on August 27, but was delayed to August 28 due to technical issues and then postponed again, due to splashdown weather concerns for the end of the mission.

national-space-day-isros-new-system-to-detect-space-junk

Fri Aug 23 23:12:49 IST 2024

The ISRO has developed a system to track active and dead satellites, said ISRO chairman S Somnath. He added that Safe and Sustainable Operations Management will detect space junk formed due to the collision of objects in space.

Somnath was speaking at the National Space Day celebrations held on Friday in Delhi. The National Space Day fete is held to mark the first year anniversary of the Chandrayaan-3 moon mission.

Detailing ISRO's policy against littering in space, Somnath said the system also tracks the movement of unwanted satellites and anything that is above 10 cm in size. "We have created a mathematical model for the same. We can model them, we can understand them, we can predict their movement. We already have certain observational capabilities. And are now trying to expand it," he said. ISRO has vowed to bring satellites back to Earth after the completion of their mission life.

The ISRO chairman reminisced about the Chandrayaan-3 mission and the impact the mission had on the country. He also briefed on the National Space Day celebration held with the participation of departments, ministries, educational institutions, science organisations, NGOs, and the general public.

The event held at Bharath Mandapam Convention Centre in New Delhi also saw President Droupadi Murmu sharing her concern over the space debris as a result of numerous satellites being placed in orbit. "Space debris can cause problems for space missions," she said while lauding ISRO for setting itself a target to make future space missions debris-free by 2030.

The President also appreciated the ISRO System for Safe and Sustainable Operations Management Facility, which ensures continuous progress of space research activities.

The event was also attended by Minister of State for the Department of Space, Dr Jitendra Singh. The minister said that the government has set a target of $ 44 billion in revenue by 2032. As per the new report released by a European consulting firm, the space sector generated $60 billion in revenue in the last ten years against an investment of $13 billion.

national-space-day-why-it-is-a-significant-milestone-in-indias-space-journey

Thu Aug 22 15:26:37 IST 2024

India is gearing up to celebrate its first National Space Day on August 23, the date on which Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram Lander successfully landed at the ‘Shiv Shakti’ point on the Moon’s south polar region last year.

This day was officially announced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a tribute to the scientists, engineers, and researchers who have driven India's space program to international prominence. The celebration aims to inspire future generations to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), while also highlighting the societal benefits of space technology.

“For India, National Space Day symbolises a significant milestone in its space exploration journey. It marks India's status as the fourth country to successfully land on the Moon and the first to reach its southern polar region. This achievement not only enhances India's reputation in the global space community but also serves as a catalyst for increased interest in space science among the youth. The day is an opportunity to showcase the impact of space missions on daily life, emphasising how advancements in space technology can lead to improvements in various sectors, including agriculture, communication, and disaster management,” remarked Srimathy Kesan, founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, which is into design, fabrication and launch of small satellites, spacecraft and ground systems.

ISRO Chairman S Somanath, had announced plans for 70 launches over the next five years. This ambitious goal aligns with India's growing capabilities in space technology and reflects its commitment to expanding its space exploration agenda. Given ISRO's track record of successful missions and increasing technological advancements, this target is deemed feasible. The planned launches will likely include a mix of satellite deployments, interplanetary missions, and international collaborations, contributing to India's strategic objectives in space. In addition to this the construction of a new launch pad at Kulasekarapatnam is anticipated to begin before the next National Space Day in 2025. This facility is expected to enhance India's launch capabilities.

Interestingly India's space startup ecosystem is rapidly evolving, with several notable companies making significant contributions to the industry. Some of the top Indian space startups include, Agnikul Cosmos that is known for its innovative launch vehicle solutions. Skyroot Aerospace that focuses on developing small satellite launch vehicles and Pixxel that specialises in satellite imagery and data analytics etc.

Various stake holders in the space ecosystem feel that the celebration of National Space Day is expected to foster greater awareness of space science and technology among rural populations. “Through various outreach programs, including educational workshops and mobile exhibitions, ISRO aims to engage students and communities in rural areas. These efforts are designed to demystify space technology and illustrate its relevance to everyday life, thereby inspiring interest and participation in the field of space science among youth in these regions. National Space Day serves as a pivotal platform for celebrating India's achievements in space exploration while inspiring future generations to engage with science,” added Kesan.

Involving private companies in space exploration is comparatively new for ISRO. The shift has been made possible under the stewardship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi has uniquely encouraged the private sector to participate, which is uncommon for Indian government programmes. In 2020, the government reformed the space sector to encourage private companies’ involvement. On June 20, 2024, Jitendra Singh, Union Minister for Science and Technology, mentioned that space startups in India had grown from just one in 2022 to nearly 200 in 2024. He credited this increase to the sector’s reforms.

These applications from Indian companies requested help with authorisations, guidance, facility access, technology transfers and consultancy. By January 1 this year, various private entities had signed 51 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and 34 joint project plans to assist with space activities.

“India has effectively gathered technologies from various countries. It has combined them to create something uniquely Indian. Chandrayaan-3 is a great example of this approach. ISRO said the mission cost just $74 million (about Rs 610 crore), which is less than a commercial airplane and surprisingly low for a spacecraft. This was partly achieved by using affordable off-the-shelf parts along with custom-made ones and by partnering with private companies for some development and manufacturing,” remarked space expert Girish Linganna.

The Centre is planning to launch a month-long campaign starting on Friday, August 23, to celebrate the first-ever ‘National Space Day’. This special day will celebrate India’s outstanding space missions and inspire the country’s youths with a theme that embodies the spirit of exploration: ‘Touching Lives while Touching the Moon: India’s Space Saga’. This theme highlights how India’s space missions not only achieve incredible milestones, such as reaching the Moon, but also make a positive impact on everyday life.

The National Space Day is meant to celebrate key achievements in space exploration, showcase progress in space technology and spark greater interest in space science among students. It also aims to increase public awareness about the benefits of space exploration while promoting national pride and unity. This day will be celebrated with a series of exciting events across the country, aimed at honouring India’s space achievements and inspiring future generations.

“With Chandrayaan-3, India has demonstrated its dominant role in growing global space market and aims to have 10 percent share of the global space economy in the next 10 years from $9 billion to $45 billion. Indian Space Policy 2023, ISRO and IN-SPACe have created a framework that provides the opportunity for startups to build critical technologies including small rockets, multi-sensor (fusion) satellite constellations, optical space communication, in-orbit maintenance & manufacturing. As India looks to the future ISRO carries the vision to build human space flight, space station and sending an Indian to the moon by 2040,” said Vishesh Rajaram, Managing Partner at Speciale Invest a seed-stage venture capital firm that invests in founders building technologies of tomorrow.

Interestingly the Indian space technology startup ecosystem has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, especially post the sector’s liberalization, the government has significantly enabled the private sector's development through multiple initiatives. Key measures such as the Indian Space Policy, 2023, the National Geospatial Policy, 2022, as well as amendments to the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy highlight the support ISRO and In-SPACe have taken for the private space sector.

“Recently, the announcement of allocation of a Rs 1,000 crore venture capital fund during the Union Budget 2024 and the announcement of a Public-Private Partnership to develop a comprehensive Earth Observation System, are very positive indicators of the belief of the Government to substantially enhance the sector's progress. As an ecosystem, we still look up to the government for the creation of pathways for commercialisation via the private sector, streamlining and accelerating FDI applications and regulatory processes, and exploring updates to taxation policies on intellectual property in the deep tech sector. These efforts will support innovation and drive continued growth and success,” remarked Akash Yalagach, CTO and Co-Founder, KaleidEO.

what-are-2024-qa-and-2024-jv33-nasa-warns-of-two-gigantic-asteroids-racing-towards-earth

Mon Aug 19 10:51:58 IST 2024

NASA has issue a warning about two asteroids -- Asteroid 2024 QA and Asteroid 2024 JV33 -- moving really fast towards towards our planet, according to a report.

What is Asteroid 2024 QA?

Asteroid 2024 QA is an aircraft-sized rock with a length of 23.5 metre and a diameter of 41.3 metre. The gigantic rock belonging to Apollo asteroid group is expected to come as close as 7,06,502 km from the Earth.

It is travelling at a speed of 21.66 km per second. However, we need not worry as the asteroid will not change its path, all thanks to Earth's gravitational force, reports News9Live. It has been classified as a Near-Earth Object.

What is Asteroid 2024 JV33?

Asteroid 2024 JV33 is a building-sized rock which has a length of 207 metre and a diameter of 335 metre. The closest the asteroid will come near Earth is 4,58,663 km and it's expected to happen on August 19.

This has prompted NASA to categorise the Apollo group asteroid as a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid. It's speed is 11.08 km per second.

Though it is extemely close, it is expected not to deviate from its path, according to News9Live.

why-is-isros-third-developmental-flight-sslv-d3-unique

Tue Aug 13 19:44:54 IST 2024

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up to launch the Earth Observation Satellite-08 (EOS-08) on Friday at 9:17 am using the third developmental, Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3. The launch is planned to occur at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

This is the third developmental flight (SSLV-D3), the first one being the SSLV-D1 which was launched on August 7, 2022, carrying the Microsat 2A and AzaadiSAT satellites. Unfortunately, it did not achieve its goal of placing the satellites in their intended circular orbit due to a sensor failure that the ground control teams did not detect.

The second SSLV development flight, SSLV-D2, took place on February 10, 2023. This mission successfully launched the EOS-07 (Earth Observation Satellite-07), Janus-1, and AzaadiSAT-2 satellites into an orbit 450 kilometres above Earth.

Why is this launch special?

Space experts say that the SSLV is a three-stage rocket, with the first three stages powered by solid propellant. The final stage, known as the terminal stage, features a liquid propulsion system called the Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) and a payload adapter. The VTM is used to adjust the rocket's speed when needed, while the payload adapter securely attaches the payloads to the top of the rocket, ensuring their safe delivery into space.

The VTM makes adjustments by releasing small amounts of liquid fuel to create thrust. This thrust can either increase or decrease the rocket's speed, allowing precise control over its velocity. By carefully managing these bursts of thrust, the VTM helps guide the rocket into its intended orbit.

The rocket is 2.1 meters wide and 34 meters long, with a liftoff weight of about 120 tonnes. It offers different options for mounting various types of satellites, including nanosatellites (1 to 10 kilograms), microsatellites (10 to 100 kilograms), and mini-satellites (100 to 500 kilograms).

“The SSLV can be launched quickly when needed, allowing ISRO to serve the growing market for small satellite launch services efficiently. This launch vehicle can send one satellite weighing up to 500 kg into a planar orbit, 500 km above the Earth and is capable of conducting six to eight missions each year,” said space expert Girish Linganna.

Additionally, it can carry up to three different satellites, with weights ranging from 10 to 300 kg, to the same 500-km orbit, he added.

A planar orbit is a flat, horizontal path around the Earth, allowing satellites to maintain a consistent altitude and position relative to the Earth's surface. The rocket can transport payloads of up to 500 kg to low-Earth orbit (LEO) and up to 300 kg to sun-synchronous orbit (SSO).

Low Earth Orbit (LEO), ranging from 160 to 2,000 km, hosts Earth observation, communication, scientific satellites, and space stations like the ISS. Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO), typically 600 to 800 km high, is ideal for satellites needing consistent lighting, such as Earth observation, remote sensing, and weather satellites.

“The SSLV is designed to be a cost-effective choice for launching into space. It offers the flexibility to carry multiple satellites and can be ready to launch quickly. The SSLV requires minimal infrastructure, has a short turnaround time, and can be built faster by industries. It also requires very little time at the launch pad, allowing integration and launch within 24 hours,” remarked Linganna.

The EOS-08 satellite is created to improve monitoring of the environment, aid in managing natural disasters, and support the Gaganyaan mission. The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) development project by ISRO has been completed with SSLV-D3. Designed to launch small satellites, SSLV will now move to regular missions managed by Indian companies and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). This shift enhances private sector involvement in India's space industry and boosts satellite launch capabilities.

The satellite carries three payloads namely the Electro-Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR), the Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry (GNSS-R) payload, and the SiC UV Dosimeter.

EOIR is a device that captures images using infrared light, specifically in the Mid-Wave Infrared (MIR) range of 3-5 micrometres and the Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) range of 8-14 micrometres, making it useful for surveillance, disaster monitoring, fur detection, volcanic activity and environmental studies both during the day and at night.

On the other hand, the Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry (GNSS-R) is an instrument that uses signals from satellites to study various environmental factors, such as ocean winds, soil moisture, floods and inland waterbody detection. Then there is the SiC UV Dosimeter which is a sensor that detects ultraviolet radiation and alerts for high levels of gamma radiation, helping to keep astronauts safe.

“EOS-08 is built on the Microsat/IMS-1 bus, which is a compact and efficient satellite platform designed for small satellites. It operates in a circular low Earth orbit at an altitude of 475 kilometres and an inclination of 37.4 degrees. The satellite weighs about 175.5 kilograms, generates around 420 watts of power, and is designed to function for one year,” said Linganna.

“EOS-08 marks a major step forward in satellite technology by featuring an Integrated Avionics system. This system, called the Communication, Baseband, Storage, and Positioning (CBSP) Package, combines essential functions like communication, data processing, storage, and positioning into one unit. This integration improves efficiency and performance, making the satellite more capable and reliable,” he pointed out.

why-elon-musks-spacex-crew-dragon-was-chosen-to-handle-the-return-of-sunita-williams-from-iss

Sun Aug 25 09:23:37 IST 2024

Eighty days since they took off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida onboard Boeing’s Starliner mission, astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore will have to remain on the International Space Station (ISS) till February 2025. Their return journey to Earth ran into trouble because of issues plaguing the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.

With the Starliner suffering setbacks with helium leaks and thrusters, NASA on Saturday deemed it was too risky to bring the two astronauts back in the capsule. Instead, the space agency decided to turn to Elon Musk's SpaceX’s workhorse Crew Dragon spacecraft.

NASA administrator Bill Nelson said NASA considered its extensive experience with spaceflight — both successful and unsuccessful — when they decided to opt for SpaceX. The agency also held a poll of its representatives from across its departments and oversight and development centres. He added that NASA lost two space shuttles "as a result of there not being a culture in which information could come forward."

"Spaceflight is risky, even at its safest and even at its most routine. And a test flight, by nature, is neither safe, nor routine," he said.

The starliner will fly home empty in early September.

SpaceX, which has been conducting astronauts to the ISS since 2020, has a routine mission scheduled in September, called Crew-9. This will now have to be reconfigured to carry Williams and Wilmore. It will have to scrap the initial plan to send a four-person crew and leave two seats for the duo. New Dragon spacesuits for the astronauts, along with other necessary supplies, will be brought to the station in the coming months. SpaceX will work with NASA to decide which astronauts will not fly to the ISS on Crew-9.

It was during 2020 that SpaceX’s Crew Dragon completed its first crewed test flight, thereby earning certification from NASA. The successful flights of SpaceX's workhorse.

Over the last four years, it has carried a dozen crews to and from the ISS.

SpaceX president and chief operating officer Gwynne Shotwell has shared that her company is ready to work with NASA to bring back astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams on the Crew Dragon spacecraft.

congress-aims-for-unity-in-jk-ahead-of-assembly-polls

Thu Aug 29 22:38:34 IST 2024

“While both public and private sectors face cyber security challenges, the public sector tends to be more exposed to the threats in an ever-evolving landscape,” consultancy major KPMG said in a recent report. A Palo Alto study last year said that 67 per cent of Indian government and critical public sector installations had a 50 per cent increase in cyber attacks

It is no exaggeration. From the country’s premier medical institution—the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) came under not one, but two malware attacks over the course of one year—to premier banks losing money, India, and particularly its public sector, remain vulnerable to cyber crimes in what is one of the top five cyber attacked countries in the world.

ALSO READ | India's defence, other govt departments fell prey to cyber attacks in 2024, Telegram a hotbed: Report

“India’s public sector is the Achilles’ heel of our national cyber security,” said Trishneet Arora, founder and CEO of the cyber security company TAC Securities. “The absence of an actionable risk management system and outdated infrastructure leave critical systems vulnerable to cyber threats.”

Banks, including public sector banks, are a particularly high-value target. According to data, there were 248 successful breaches of Indian banks by cyber attackers in the four year period between 2018 and 2022, primarily card information leakage and theft. However, in a serious incident in November last year, UCO Bank had reported erroneous crediting of more than 800 crore rupees via IMPS. The bank later managed to recover nearly 80 per cent of the amount through actions like freezing accounts.

After a cyber security and information technology examination, or CSITE, identified vulnerabilities in certain Indian banks, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had in March this year cautioned banks to adopt cyber security measures. RBI’s deputy governor T. Rabi Sankar, speaking at a banking conference in February, had called on banks to upgrade their encryption systems to counter artificial intelligence (AI)-spawned attacks.

RBI has also instituted a dedicated Cyber Security Framework for Scheduled Commercial Banks.

For India’s public sector undertakings (PSU), the problems stem from “legacy systems, staff training, bureaucratic complexities, relying on third parties, difficulties in continuous monitoring and real-time threat detection (and) cultural resistance to change, scarcity of specialised cyber security personnel...(all) leaving these institutions vulnerable to evolving cyber risks,” according to Ruchin Kumar, vice president (South Asia) of Futurex, a US-based cyber security company.

So what can be done? Modernising IT infra and complying to cyber security regulations would be a no-brainer, but many PSUs still don’t allocate enough budget, or specialised personnel, for this. “Furthermore, strengthening third-party and supply chain security, promoting inter-agency collab and enhancing threat detection capabilities are vital components of this approach,” added Ruchin Kumar. With cyber threats always evolving, it is imperative that PSUs invest in continuous monitoring tools and stay updated. They also need to enhance security by following government updates, including encryption and tokenisation to protect sensitive data, as well as deploying hardware security modules (HSMs) to manage and protect cryptographic keys.

ALSO READ | 'Data breach, ransomware threats amount to cyberattack on India, not trolling Prime Minister or LoP online'

The situation is even more critical for public sector banks, as they deal in millions of financial transactions daily. “Cyber criminals obtain data from social networks and are also learning new technologies to make cyber attacks,” pointed out Rajendra K. Sinha, professor and chairperson, Centre of Excellence in Banking, JAGSoM. “Further, they use methods that are not easily detected by endpoint protection code.”

So what can the hapless ordinary citizen who is a bank customer do? Sinha has some tips in addition to training and awareness of bank staff and customers. “Precautionary measures include changing passwords regularly with strong password, removing personal information from social media, and not opening emails from an unknown source.”

amity-school-students-win-international-space-settlement-design-competition-at-nasa

Thu Aug 08 22:33:38 IST 2024

A team of 10 students from Amity International School at Pushp Vihar in New Delhi has won the International Space Settlement Design Competition held at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

The competition was held at the Kennedy Space Centre of the US space agency in Florida from July 26-29.

The Balderol space settlement designed by the winning team aims to establish a large-scale, sustainable community on the moon, providing a residential and working environment for 12,000 full-time residents, the Amity school said in a release.

Designed to support data centres and associated industries, the settlement will also accommodate up to 1,500 transient visitors and 4,500 annual rotational workers, including engineers and technicians, it said.

The team comprises Samaya Chauhan, Akshita Bhandari, Dhruv Bhandari, Aaditya Raj Verma, Namya Jain, Yash Wadhwa, Avneet Kaur Virdi, Taarush Goswami, Daksh Dhull and Arsh Arora.

They participated in the international event after winning national and Asian rounds.

Arsh Arora, a class 12 student, was also awarded the ‘Dick Edwards Leadership Award’ for his leadership skills in the company of over 60 students from different parts of the world.

“We, at Amity, are committed to the holistic development of the students and nurture their skills and talent so that they are ready for all championships, at national as well as international level,” said Dr Amita Chauhan, Chairperson, Amity International Schools.

Dr Ameeta Mohan, Principal, Amity International School Pushp Vihar, stated, “Our students are prepared to showcase their talent at various platforms and proper guidance and training is provided to every student, and enable them to develop their skill sets.”

isro-axiom-space-collaboration-to-have-a-significant-impact-on-global-space-exploration

Mon Aug 05 19:38:23 IST 2024

The partnership between India’s space agency, ISRO and Axiom Space for the Axiom-4 mission is a major achievement in India’s space exploration efforts. Set to launch in October 2024 for the International Space Station (ISS), this mission highlights the importance of working together globally, advancing technology and the increasing involvement of private companies in space activities. Interestingly, this mission will include a crew of four astronauts, Peggy Whitson (Axiom Space), Shubhanshu Shukla (ISRO), Sławosz Uznański (POLSA/ESA) and Tibor Kapu (HUNOR) from Hungary. It also has a backup crew which includes Michael López-Alegría (Axiom Space), Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair (ISRO) and Gyula Cserényi (HUNOR) from Hungary.

Axiom Space, established in 2016 by Michael T. Suffredini and Kam Ghaffarian, is a major provider of human spaceflight services and builder of human-rated space infrastructure. Located in Houston, Texas, the company plans to create the first-ever commercial space station, known as Axiom Station. Axiom Space conducts complete missions to the ISS while working on developing its replacement, the Axiom Station. Additionally, the company is designing next-generation spacesuits for use in low-Earth orbit (LEO) on the Moon and beyond.

The Axiom-4 (Ax-4) is a private spaceflight heading to the ISS and is set to launch in October 2024. This mission will last around 14 days and will be managed by Axiom Space using a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. The mission will launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, utilizing a Falcon 9 rocket. The astronauts will go through extensive training that includes scientific research, technology demonstrations and space outreach activities.

“NASA will provide essential to the Axiom-4 mission, including key services, through a Special Order and a reimbursable Space Act Agreement. These services include supplying the crew, delivering cargo, offering storage and providing daily resources while in orbit. The astronauts, including those from India, will undergo training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. This training is crucial to prepare them for the mission and ensure their safety and effectiveness in space. The agreement with NASA also includes up to seven extra days on the ISS in case of unexpected issues, allowing the mission to adapt as needed,” explained space expert Girish Linganna.

He explained that there is also a special order and space act agreement which includes a detailed plan that describes the services NASA will provide for the Axiom-4 mission. “Providing food, clothes and other necessary items for the astronauts. Transporting and storing the equipment and supplies needed for the mission and making sure that astronauts have access to such essentials as power, water and air while on the ISS. Allowing up to seven extra days on the ISS in case of delays or emergencies,” added Linganna.

Under the reimbursable Space Act Agreement is a financial deal where Axiom Space pays NASA for the services they provide including training using NASA’s facilities and knowledge to train the astronauts, access to NASA’s training centres and other buildings and help and support for the launch and return of the mission.

There would also be scientific experiments on Axiom-4. Under this, ISRO has planned five experiments for Axiom-4. These experiments, created in India, will explore different scientific and technological areas. Some experiments will be done with other space agencies, adding more scientific value to the mission. Besides this, NASA will help carry out these experiments by providing the necessary resources and expertise. This includes setting up and operating scientific equipment on the ISS. Broadly the experiments will focus on materials science, biology and Earth observation, using the unique microgravity environment of space to make new discoveries.

“One of the unique technical features of this mission is the integration of advanced life support systems and autonomous docking capabilities in the Crew Dragon spacecraft. These systems are designed to provide a safer and more efficient environment for the crew, reducing the need for manual intervention and allowing astronauts to focus on their scientific and operational tasks. Additionally, the spacecraft is equipped with state-of-the-art communication systems that enable real-time data transmission and high-definition video streaming back to Earth, enhancing mission control and public engagement,” said Srimathy Kesan, founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, which is into design, fabrication and launch of small satellites, spacecraft and ground systems.

She added that the mission will also involve the deployment of cutting-edge scientific instruments and experiments. For instance, the crew will conduct research on the effects of microgravity on human physiology, which is crucial for long-duration space missions. They will also test new materials and technologies that could be used in future space habitats and vehicles. These experiments are designed to push the boundaries of our current knowledge and pave the way for future innovations in space exploration.

“A particularly exciting aspect of this mission is the zero-gravity experience it offers. This environment allows for unique scientific experiments that cannot be conducted on Earth. For example, the behavior of fluids, combustion, and biological processes in microgravity can provide insights that are impossible to obtain under normal gravitational conditions. This experience is not only scientifically valuable but also crucial for preparing astronauts for long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars,” remarked Kesan.

By partnering with Axiom Space, ISRO leverages private sector expertise and resources, significantly reducing costs compared to traditional government-led missions. This approach aligns with the global trend of commercial space ventures, making space exploration more economically sustainable. This partnership exemplifies the growing role of commercial entities in space exploration. Unlike traditional partnerships that are often government-to-government, this collaboration involves a private company, highlighting a shift towards more diverse and inclusive space missions.

The mission is a critical step in India's human spaceflight program, particularly in the context of the upcoming Gaganyaan mission. The experience and insights gained will be invaluable for ISRO as it prepares for its ambitious goal of sending Indian astronauts to space independently. The mission supports a variety of scientific experiments and technological tests in the unique microgravity environment of space. This focus on diverse scientific objectives underscores the mission's critical role in advancing our understanding of space and its applications.

ISRO's collaboration with Axiom Space is a landmark event that combines technical innovation, economic feasibility, and international cooperation. It sets a new standard for future space missions and highlights the evolving landscape of global space exploration

There have been previous Axiom Missions which include Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1) that was launched on April 8, 2022. This mission was the first fully privately funded and managed mission to send a crew of four astronauts to the ISS. During their 17-day stay, they carried out various scientific experiments and technology demonstrations. Besides this, there was the Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) which was a private space mission operated by Axiom Space. It launched on May 21, 2023, using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The mission successfully docked with the ISS on May 22. After spending eight days on the ISS, the Dragon crew capsule, named Freedom, undocked and returned to Earth 12 hours later. This mission, which lasted 10 days, emphasised scientific research and educational outreach activities.

The Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) was also a privately funded space mission to the ISS, launched on January 18, 2024. The mission lasted 21 days and concluded with a successful splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean. The goal of this mission was further scientific research and promoting international collaboration in space.

gaming-industry-a-major-contributor-to-indias-growth-story

Mon Aug 05 15:02:57 IST 2024

The online gaming industry in India has been on a transformational journey with a promising growth trajectory, despite regulatory ambiguities and a high tax rate. Not only has it been a major contributor to the broader media & entertainment space but has also become an integral component of the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comics (AVGC) sector in India, drawing significant government support, with many states crafting their own AVGC policies to give a boost to the sector.

With over 1,400 homegrown online gaming companies, India’s online gaming sector is uniquely positioned to support the goals of our country's economic growth ambitions, attract large foreign investments, generate sizeable employment, and spur innovation. Consequently, it has the potential and the necessary elements to become a global supplier and establish itself to become India’s soft power on the global front.

India hosts the second-largest community of gamers globally and has become a popular choice in the entertainment sector, which clearly reflects a transformative shift in the entertainment consumption pattern. With this being said, the online gaming industry goes beyond the premises of entertainment; it opens up opportunities in various other allied industries such as UI/UX design, data engineering, development, programming, testing, sales, branding & marketing, etc. It also fuels innovation in emerging sectors like AI/ML, cybersecurity & cloud, and fintech.

Currently, this sector alone provides over 1 lakh jobs to the skilled workforce of the country and is expected to add 1.5 lakh more by 2025. Further, with only 31% of the rural population using the internet compared to 67% of urban residents, as per the India Inequality Report 2022, there is a significant economic opportunity to increase internet access and digital inclusion in rural areas.

A recent report by the EGROW foundation and Primus Partners states that there has been a 20-fold increase in the workforce between 2018-2023, with a 97.56% compounding annual growth rate. In terms of workforce participation, the industry has significant male participation and was mostly viewed as a male-dominant industry for the longest time. But what truly stands out is the evolving gender dynamics in this space, with female workforce participation far outpacing male workforce participation, achieving a massive 103.15% CAGR in the same period.

Moreover, there has been a steady increase in female participation in gaming. As of 2022, about 43% of women engaged in online gaming daily, with most female participation from non-metro cities. Furthermore, the sector not only recognizes the contribution that women bring to the creative and business processes but also fosters a more inclusive environment for them to thrive. This is evident in the surge in female gaming content creators and streamers in the country.

The findings of the report also highlight the sector’s contribution to the AVGC industry, which is projected to rise 68% by 2026. The government has provided much-needed impetus to the industry by charting out a forward-looking path, constituting a task force, and setting up the first National Centre of Excellence solely dedicated to the AVGC industry.

However, for the industry to thrive and enter the next phase of growth, the government must come out with a national AVGC policy that has been in the works for some time.

Despite the tremendous growth seen by the industry, certain concerns pertaining to excessive screen time, addiction and financial fraud remain. This becomes even more critical in the context of teenagers and young adults who need to be made aware of responsible gaming practices. In this regard, the recent installation of 'Beware of Smartphone Zombies' signboards in Bengaluru is a stark reminder of the growing epidemic of digital distraction. While some of these concerns are being addressed by the industry, more can be done to safeguard vulnerable consumers. For instance, to limit exposure to screen time and mitigate financial risk for the consumer, features such as time limits, monetary limitations and exclusions have been introduced by several gaming platforms with the aid of technology.

Further online gaming platforms often require personal information such as name, age, contact details, and in case of real money gaming, also financial information. With this comes the risk of data breaches and related concerns such as identity theft leading to financial fraud. In this context, Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures play a critical role in helping protect both consumers as well as businesses from fraud. Further, online gaming intermediaries are required to process and store digital personal and non-personal data in compliance with the applicable data protection laws of India. However, until the Digital Personal Data Protection Act comes into force, this remains a voluntary effort.

Last but not the least, a sector which holds substantial economic promise deserves regulatory backing and clarity. For much of its existence, the industry has operated self-sufficiently, wherein the collective efforts of the industry have led the way for a more robust, responsible, and accountable ecosystem. However, regulatory ambiguities and uncertainties have time and again created roadblocks for Indian gaming startups, and therefore, it is necessary that regulatory clarity be provided, and as a first step, the amended IT rules be implemented.

With an encouraging regulatory environment, the online gaming industry, which has seen a 27.45% CAGR between 2019 to 2022, in its contribution towards the country’s GDP, can further enhance India's growth story and solidify its position as a disrupter in the global gaming landscape.

(The author is a Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, and former Minister of State for GAD, Education, Health, Maharashtra).

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.

india-should-read-nanotechnology-road-map-for-achieving-net-zero-commitment-by-2070

Fri Aug 02 21:58:02 IST 2024

India should come out with a road map for nanotechnology usage in order to achieve net zero commitment by 2070. More R&D programmes should be carried out in academic institutions and industries.

Nanotechnology offers novel approaches to capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and industrial processes. Nanomaterials and Nanotubes can selectively absorb carbon dioxide from gas mixtures, making the capture process more efficient. Nanotechnology can also improve the storage and conversion of captured carbon dioxide and can fasten the conversion of Carbon dioxide into useful chemicals and fuels helping in the reduction of greenhouse gas concentration.

These observations were made by Rajeevan Madhavan Nair, former secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences and Vice Chancellor of Atria University. He was speaking about the 'Use of Nanotechnology for Mitigation of Climate Change' on the sidelines of the 13th edition of the Bengaluru India NANO Summit.

Nair cited research to say that avoiding a climate disaster will require 10 billion tons of CO2 emissions to be eliminated from the atmosphere each year by 2050 through decarbonisation and capture. “Novel nanomaterials and other nanotechnology-enabled innovations can help accelerate the current timeline and decrease the cost associated with many of the technologies being used and developed. Nanotechnology can act as a catalyst for innovation in key areas and industries that could help accelerate progress towards climate change mitigation and sustainable goals in the short term,” remarked Nair.

The Bengaluru INDIA NANO Summit is being organised by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka, Karnataka Science and Technology Promotion Society (KSTePS), and Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR). It was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah in the presence of the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka D.K. Shivakumar. This year's theme has been Nanotechnology for Sustainability: Climate, Energy, and Healthcare.

Bharat Ratna Prof. C.N.R. Rao was felicitated during the inauguration. “I urge our scientists and engineers to innovate solutions in nanotechnology for critical areas such as food and energy security, water purification, healthcare, and waste management. Addressing the challenges posed by urbanization and environmental hazards requires robust international collaboration and a strong link between academia, industry, and research to advance this promising technology for the benefit of humanity,” said Siddaramaiah while inaugurating the summit.

This years conference included a one-day pre-conference tutorial which is being followed by two days of a multi-track conference. The pre-conference tutorials covered topics including Nano Fabrication, Nano Characterisation, and Nano Biology. During the opening plenary session featured Prof. Pulickel Ajayan, Chair of the Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering at Rice University, USA, who explored the transformative impact of nano-engineered materials on technology.

The Global Innovation Alliance Partner Countries of Karnataka including the USA, Netherlands and Germany also conducted sessions in the conference. The Poster Showcase, a highlight of Bengaluru India Nano, featured research from over 200 young researchers across academic and research institutions like various IITs, BITS Pilani, University of Mysore, SASTRA Deemed University, CSIR National Physical Laboratory, IISER, JNCASR, IISc- Bangalore, JAIN University, NIT Rourkela, REVA University, Bangalore University, Institute of Chemical Technology- Mumbai, TamilNadu Agriculture University- Coimbatore, Vellore Institute of Technology, Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology etc.

The event also has an exhibition that showcases the latest innovations, products, and technologies in nanotechnology. Around 50 companies, research institutions, and startups are presenting their nanotech products and services in the exhibition.

group-captain-shubhanshu-shukla-to-lead-indo-us-mission-to-the-international-space-station

Fri Aug 02 21:54:38 IST 2024

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday announced that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is chosen to fly on the upcoming Indo-US mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla is designated as the prime astronaut to fly on the mission, while Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair will be the backup astronaut.

In an official release, the ISRO said its Human Space Flight Centre has entered into a space flight agreement with US' Axiom Space Inc. For the mission, the National Mission Assignment Board has recommended two ‘gaganyatris’.

The Board has "recommended two 'gaganyatris' (space travellers) --Group Captain Shukla (prime) and Group Captain Nair (backup),” read the statement.

"The assigned crew members will be finally approved to fly to the International Space Station by the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP). The recommended gaganyatris will commence their training for the mission from the first week of August 2024," said ISRO.

The 'gaganyatris' will be undertaking selected scientific research and technology demonstration experiments on board the ISS and engage in space outreach activities, it added.

"The experiences gained during this mission will be beneficial for the Indian Human Space Programme and it will also strengthen human space flight cooperation between ISRO and NASA," the Indian space agency said.

A joint statement issued by ISRO and NASA IN June last year had envisioned a joint ISRO-NASA mission to the space station. The decision was announced after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official state visit to the US.

Who is Group Shubhanshu Shukla?

Born in Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow in 1985, Shukla is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy. He was commissioned on June 17, 2006 in the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

He is a Fighter Combat Leader and a test pilot with approximately 2,000 hours of flying experience. He has flown a variety of aircraft including Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32, among others.

Who is Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair?

Born in Kerala's Thiruvazhiyad on August 26, 1976, he is also an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and a recipient of the Sword of Honour at the Air Force Academy. He was commissioned on December 19, 1998 in the fighter stream of the IAF.

Group Captain Nair is a Category-A flying Instructor - the highest that a pilot can achieve, and a test pilot with approximately 3,000 hours of flying experience. He has also flown several aircraft including Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Hawk, Dornier and An-32.

He is an alumnus of the United States Staff College and a Directing Staff at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and the Flying Instructors School, Tambaram.

mbu-launches-balloon-satellite-in-partnership-with-narl

Tue Jul 30 19:43:31 IST 2024

Mohan Babu University (MBU), in association with the National Atmospheric Research Laboratory, has launched a ‘High-Altitude Balloon Satellite’. The MBUSAT-1 project, which was launched in November last year, gives students and faculty real-world experience in space technology and atmospheric science.

The project also aims to ignite a passion for science and space exploration in young minds through community outreach programs, shaping the next generation of scientists and engineers. MBUSAT-1 will enable young innovators to pursue a career in the growing space industry as well.

According to university officials, a key goal of the project is collecting vital atmospheric data to enhance weather forecasting and disaster management, with the potential to save lives. MBU has selected as many as 25 students from various engineering disciplines to lead this ambitious effort. Specialised teams under faculty guidance will also formed under the project.

The project, partnering with NARL, boasts impressive cost-effectiveness, with a total investment of only Rs 1.5 lakh, making it an economical and efficient endeavour.

“The launch of MBUSAT-1 underscores MBU's dedication to advancing space research and educational excellence,” said pro-chancellor Vishnu Manchu.

NARL, a leading research institution, provides technical skills and experience in satellite design, testing, and launch operations. The collaborative venture between MBU and NARL marks a significant advancement in India’s space research efforts.

indian-space-tech-sector-secures-record-funding-of-dollar126-million

Tue Jul 30 16:54:24 IST 2024

The Indian Space Tech startup ecosystem witnessed record funding of $126 million, a 7 per cent increase from the $118 million raised in 2022 and a 235 per cent increase from $37.6 million in 2021. India is home to more than 100 space tech startups, the majority of them being founded in the last past 5 years.

Bengaluru leads the list of top-funded cities in India's space tech sector, followed by Hyderabad and Chennai. The top investors in this sector are Speciale Invest, Anicut Capital, and GrowX Ventures, highlighted the recent Space Tech Geo Report 2024 by Tracxn (a data intelligence platform for private market research). The report gives an overview of the Space Tech sector in India, focusing on recent trends, funding dynamics, and key developments.

As per the report, Skyroot Aerospace was the highest-funded, with overall funding of $99.8 million, followed by Pixxel at $71.7 million and Agnikul at $61.5 million. The recent Union Budget has allocated Rs 1,000 crore to support space technology startups, aimed at boosting the sector’s development and attracting further investment. This initiative, along with the establishment of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) in 2022, is expected to drive substantial innovation and growth.

The report finds that in 2024, the year-to-date funding stands at $10.8 million. Despite a global slowdown in funding, the Indian space tech sector has been experiencing an upward trend, driven by substantial government support and significant innovations. The report highlights that India has emerged as a formidable player in the global space technology arena. Currently, India boasts 55 active space assets, including communication, meteorological, and earth observation satellites.

Interestingly, the Indian space tech sector's funding landscape is predominantly driven by early-stage investments. In 2023, early-stage rounds attracted $120 million of the total $126 million raised, reflecting a notable growth from $114 million in 2022, which represents a 5 per cent increase.

In 2024, early-stage funding has reached $8.5 million to date. Seed-stage funding has also seen a significant rise, growing from $4.3 million in 2022 to $5.3 million in 2023, marking a 24 per cent increase. However, despite this growth in early-stage and seed-stage funding, the nascent ecosystem for private sector participation in Indian space tech startups has not yet experienced any late-stage funding.

The top funded business models in this space include Small Satellite Launch Vehicles, Satellite Imaging Services, and Satellite Communication Services. Notably, the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle segment has attracted $168 million to date, with Skyroot raising the highest funding in this category.

Despite the vibrant funding landscape, no acquisitions have been observed in 2024 YTD. The only acquisition to date is the 2022 purchase of Prakshep, a satellite imagery provider for the agricultural industry, by Arya. Additionally, the sector is yet to witness the emergence of unicorns. MTAR and Ananth Technologies are the only public companies in this space.

“India’s space tech sector is growing rapidly, thanks to strong government support and a dynamic startup scene. The significant funding and strategic investments we're seeing now are setting the stage for India to become a major player in the global space industry,” said Neha Singh, Co-Founder of Tracxn.

“Looking ahead, we expect the sector to attract even more investment, sparking more innovation. The combination of solid early-stage funding and supportive government policies will be key to driving this growth and establishing India as a leading centre for space exploration and technology,” she added.

The privatisation of the space sector has catalysed a multi-fold increase in activity. The International Astronautical Federation awarded India the prestigious World Space Award for its successful launch of Chandrayaan 3, which made history in 2023 as the first mission to achieve a soft landing on the moon's south pole. This landmark achievement has set a global standard for India’s potential and cost-effective engineering in the space tech industry.

An interesting highlight of the report is that space tech startups based in Bengaluru have contributed to more than 55 per cent of the total funding in this space, and it is also the city with the highest number of space tech startups. The evolution of the space industry highlights a global shift from government control to private-sector collaboration.

The report observes that the United States, a pioneer in privatising its space industry with the 1984 Commercial Space Launch Act, has significantly benefited from private company contributions through NASA's Artemis program. Federal funding for NASA has consistently increased, with $24.8 billion allocated in the 2024 budget.

In terms of geographic funding, the US remains a leader in space tech startup funding, although it has seen a decline from $5.5 billion in 2021 to $660 million in 2024. Europe, on the other hand, has seen increased funding in its space tech sector, with $407 million raised in 2024 to date, following a record $512 million in 2023.

The UK, while experiencing fluctuations in funding, shows signs of recovery with $135 million raised in 2024 to date. Similarly, the UK has invested €50 million in its Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) sector since 2017, employing a hybrid model that leverages private technologies for space missions.

The report further points out that in recent years, the European Space Agency (ESA) has shifted to a competition-based model, inviting more private players to develop and launch space missions. This strategic shift, driven by a series of delays and failures in rocket launches, aims to attract private investment and boost entrepreneurship in the region.

Despite the existence of the ESA, countries like Germany, Italy, and France maintain their space research agencies, working in collaboration with the ESA. The ESA's budget for 2024 is $8.3 billion, a 10 per cent increase from the previous year, with significant contributions from Germany, France, and Italy. A major portion of this budget is allocated to Earth Observation operations (30 per cent), followed by space transportation and navigation.

India's space tech sector is also growing rapidly, fueled by government support and a dynamic startup ecosystem. Significant funding and strategic investments are positioning India to become a major player in the global space industry, with expectations of attracting more investment and sparking further innovation.

hp-launches-ai-pcs-elitebook-ultra-and-hp-omnibook-x

Mon Jul 29 20:55:04 IST 2024

HP is strongly vouching for AI PCs and has unveiled two new laptops targeted at large enterprises, startups, and retail consumers. The newly launched laptops include the HP EliteBook Ultra and HP OmniBook X, being HP’s first Copilot plus PCs.

Both laptops are designed and engineered around the Snapdragon X Elite processor and its Neural Processing Unit (NPU)6, which have the capability of 45 trillion operations per second (TOPS) that can run language models and generative AI locally on the device.

Representatives at HP say that the innovations in their new offerings are designed to enhance work efficiency, boost security, and offer personalized experiences for hybrid work styles.

“We are unveling our AI PCs in India with the HP EliteBook Ultra and HP OmniBook X. These AI PCs are designed to create more personalized and meaningful user experiences. By integrating advanced AI capabilities, we are making technology smarter, more intuitive, and more responsive to individual needs,” remarked Vineet Gehani, Senior Director Personal Systems, HP India.

The EliteBook Ultra has AI capabilities and has one of the thinnest designs in its class. This model also has enterprise-grade endpoint security to safeguard data, in order to safeguard against sophsiticated cyberattacks. On the other hand, the HP OmniBook X is designed specifically for retail customers including creators and freelancers and has advanced AI features, which has the capability to improve video quality and collaboration experiences. It is very well suited for tasks such as video editing, graphic design, and remote meetings.

Interestingly, the new HP AI laptops come with built in HP AI Companion, a personal AI-assistant for enhancing productivity and creativity. With this, the users will be able to experience a personalized approach using generative AI to analyze and assess personal files to get more refined, focus responses or outputs. These models also have Copilot+ which will help in creating a more personalised and powerful computing experience.

Besides these the Poly Camera Pro in these laptops will enhance virtual interactions across all collaboration and streaming apps across multiple cameras. Poly Camera Pro uses the NPU to power AI enhancements like Spotlight, Background Blur and Replace, Auto Framing, and more, allowing the CPU to maintain performance more efficiently while preserving battery life.

Both the HP EliteBook Ultra and HP OmniBook X weigh 1.3 kgs and offer up to 26 hours of battery life. The HP Elitebook Ultra is available in HP World Stores and HP Online stores at a starting price of Rs 1,69,934 in Atmospheric blue colour and the HP OmniBook X is available in HP World Stores and HP Online stores at a starting price of Rs. 1,39,999 in Meteor Silver colour.

it-is-very-important-to-defend-the-earth-from-asteroids-isro-chairman-somanath

Wed Jul 03 21:15:55 IST 2024

“It is very important to defend the Earth from asteroids and we need to prepare ourselves with a little bit of defence from the asteroids though they are not going to come and attack us like missiles, guns or laser beams but will simply come and hit us and can be dangerous,” remarked ISRO Chairman S Somanath while speaking on a Workshop on Planetary Defence on the sidelines of the International of International Asteroid Day 2024. He said that no one nation can defend the earth against the Asteroids alone and a joint effort of different nations in the world is needed to serve the purpose.

S Somanath added that India as a space-faring nation is very keen to work on this. Debate and discussions are required to save the Earth from any such kind of catastrophe.

Speaking at length on asteroids, Somanath said that there were lakhs of asteroids mainly between Mars and Jupiter. “Asteroids are small in size compared to the celestial bodies such as the Sun, the Moon and the planets but have huge energy. Some of them are as big as 1000 kilometers. They move at tremendous speeds and it is very important to understand them. Many missions have gone to asteroids and collected samples.

"It is more challenging to go to Asteroids when compared to other planetary objects such as the Moon as the Moon has a definite path around the Earth. Landing on an Asteroid is much more trickier because of their shape. However many many nations have done this which is remarkable,” said Somanath.

The ISRO chairman also recalled the Hollywood movie “Armageddon' that focused on a large asteroid en route to Earth with the possibility to destroy life. He also recalled the June 30t incident in 1908 wherein a huge blast from an asteroid had flattened about 2200 square kilometre of forest destroying nearly 80 million trees in Tunguska a remote location in Siberia, Russia.

In accordance with the UN resolution in 2016, International Asteroid Day is celebrated to “observe each year at the international level the anniversary of the Tunguska impact over Siberia Russian Federation, on 30t June 1908 and to raise public awareness about the asteroid impact hazard”.

The workshop on planetary defence was the first of its kind in the country and aimed to raise awareness on the impact threats of asteroids, the importance of asteroids research for a better understanding of our universe and also inspire participants to find innovative solutions for planetary defence.

Planetary defence involves early detection of hazardous asteroids, their continual observation for better characterization and risk assessment and devising an appropriate risk mitigation strategy. Several scientific missions for asteroid exploration and sample return have improved the understanding of the asteroids and the recent successful demonstrations of kinetic impactor technology for asteroid deflection by DART mission has further spurred global interest in this field. Due to this, ISRO has also initiated focused activities towards planetary defence.

13th-edition-of-bengaluru-india-nano-event-all-you-need-to-know

Tue Jul 02 17:56:40 IST 2024

The 13th edition of ‘Bengaluru INDIA NANO’, the country's flagship event in the Nanotech sector, will have the theme Nanotechnology for Sustainability: Climate, Energy, and Healthcare. The three-day event which will take place from August 1st – 3rd, 2024 in Bengaluru is expected to attract 25 sessions, more than 75 speakers, over 700 delegates and 3,500 attendees. The event is being organised by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka, Karnataka Science and Technology Promotion Society (KSTePS) and Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR).

“Sustainability is now an impending necessity. The impacts of climate change are increasingly visible, manifesting in rising temperatures, natural calamities, and widespread displacement. Simultaneously, the world is grappling with severe economic and environmental consequences of energy crises. While industries are striving to develop green and clean energy solutions, these efforts alone may not be sufficient to achieve true sustainability. Health challenges, highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, have exposed critical vulnerabilities in healthcare systems globally. This pandemic was neither the first nor will it be the last; thus, our preparedness and resilience are of utmost importance,” observed N. S. Boseraju, Minister of Minor Irrigation and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka.

Nanotechnology has the promise to deliver small-sized but high-impact solutions, which can potentially revolutionise our approach to these global issues, he added.

The event will have speeches and engaging panel discussions by eminent experts from around the globe and the conference will address cutting-edge developments in nanotechnology and its applications in climate, energy, healthcare, electronics and semiconductors.

Professor Pulickel Ajayan - Chair, Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, Balajee Sowrirajan - Managing Director, SSIR; Professor Neetu Singh - Professor & Head, Center of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi; Professor Dhirendra Katti - Director, Indian Institute of Technology Goa; Professor Nitash Balsara - The Charles W. Tobias professor in Electrochemistry, University of California, Berkeley besides others will be the main speakers at the conference.

Pre-conference Tutorials will offer in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in various aspects of nanotechnology, catering to both beginners and seasoned professionals. The Pre-conference Tutorial will delve into topics such as Nano Fabrication and Nano Characterisation, The Poster Showcase at the event is expected to give an opportunity to more than 175 young researchers from academia and research institutions to display their research posters. The exhibition at the event will showcase the latest innovations, products, and technologies from leading companies, research institutions and startups in the field of nanotechnology. More than 50 organisations will also be showcasing their Nanotech products & services.

It was announced that the event will also witness the bestowing of the ‘Prof. C.N.R. Rao Bengaluru INDIA NANO Science Award’ for making meaningful contributions to Nanoscience. Additionally the ‘Bengaluru INDIA NANO Innovation Award’ will be presented for Innovative and Disruptive Technology Development in Nanotech. There will also be other awards such as the Nano Excellence Award- to the best researchers in the realm of Nanoscience; Best Poster- The Best Students for revolutionary research; and Exhibitor Awards- For the best showcase across various categories during the event.

There would also be the National Nanotech Quiz which will feature participation of students from across the country. The first 2 rounds of the Quiz will be held digitally while the final showdown will take place in person at the event for the first time. The event will also host an array of programmes such as NanoSparX- a startup pitching initiative, as well as B2B partnering meetings.

explained-sunita-williams-and-butch-wilmores-unforeseen-extended-stay-in-space

Thu Jun 27 15:03:27 IST 2024

Off late there have been talks about Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, two accomplished NASA astronauts, who are currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and awaiting their return to earth. Originally scheduled to depart on June 13, their mission has been indefinitely postponed due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft that transported them to the ISS.

The delay is attributed to a series of helium leaks and thruster problems detected on the Starliner. NASA and Boeing engineers are diligently working to resolve these challenges and ensure the safe return of the astronauts. While the mission has faced setbacks, NASA has emphasised that Williams and Wilmore are not 'stranded' and can undock from the ISS and return to Earth whenever necessary.

But only time will tell as to when and how both the astronauts return to Earth. NASA is taking a cautious approach, allowing mission teams ample time to thoroughly review the spacecraft's propulsion system data before authorising the return. This decision reflects the agency's commitment to prioritising the safety and well-being of the astronauts.

“The challenges faced by the Starliner are not unprecedented in the history of space exploration. Previous missions, such as the Apollo 13 incident in 1970, have also encountered unexpected obstacles, requiring astronauts and ground crews to demonstrate resilience and ingenuity. The Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Gaganyaan mission has also faced delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the current setbacks, NASA and Boeing remain dedicated to the successful completion of the Starliner's inaugural crewed mission. This mission is a crucial step in the agency's Commercial Crew Program, which aims to establish reliable and cost-effective access to the ISS for American astronauts,” remarked Srimathy Kesan, founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, which is into design, fabrication and launch of small satellites, spacecraft and ground systems.

However, there is no denying the fact that Boeing’s first manned flight of its Starliner spacecraft did not go as planned. Despite claiming they were prepared after years of testing, the spacecraft encountered problems and had to remain docked to the International Space Station (ISS). The issues include helium leaks and malfunctioning thrusters in the propulsion system. Consequently, the spacecraft’s return to Earth has been postponed indefinitely while the team works on fixing the glitches.

“Ensuring the safe return of NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry ‘Butch’ Wilmore is NASA’s main priority. However, the recent technical delays faced by Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft raise concerns about the future of the programme and the company’s involvement in space missions. Boeing’s prime concern is to prove it can safely transport mission crew and overcome the technical snags afflicting both the spacecraft and the company’s commercial aviation division,” pointed out space expert Girish Linganna.

After the mission is over, NASA and Boeing will need to go through a thorough certification process in order to use the Starliner spacecraft for regular crew rotation missions. This will involve flying a full crew of four astronauts for extended stays on the ISS. Once certified, the Starliner will join SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft as a transportation system for NASA.

“NASA is keen on having two reliable systems for transporting astronauts to the space station, as it provides a backup in case one system encounters any issues. This is all part of a $4.2-billion contract that NASA awarded to Boeing 10 years ago and they are eager to see the Starliner fulfil its role in space exploration. Boeing has faced numerous challenges, including an expensive failed test flight in 2019. Currently, the company is focused on launching the Starliner for regular crewed missions that are vital for Boeing to recover from significant financial losses and begin generating revenue,” added Linganna.

As per media reports, Wayne Hale, a former director of NASA’s space shuttle program, has observed that Boeing was carefully evaluating the situation and would not risk astronaut safety. Securing post-certification missions is critical for both Boeing and SpaceX, as these missions are essential for their financial recovery and profitability. The success of the Starliner programme is crucial for determining Boeing’s financial future.

The Starliner spacecraft has encountered multiple challenges related to small helium leaks, which have caused significant delays in its launch and return. Initially, NASA and Boeing attributed the leaks to a faulty seal. But later, they admitted to being unsure about the exact cause. The teams are also investigating the sudden failure of five of the spacecraft’s thrusters during its approach to the space station on June 6. This unexpected event compelled NASA to request Boeing to manoeuvre the vehicle backward and reactivate the thrusters to bring them back online.

“The situation is more complicated because the helium and thruster issues are in Starliner’s service module. This part of the spacecraft provides most of its engine power. Before the spacecraft returns to the Earth, the service module is detached and burns up in the atmosphere. Engineers want to figure out the problems while they still have access to the hardware,” explained Linganna.

Originally, the Starliner was scheduled to return home on June 18, but NASA moved that date to June 26. However, on June 21, NASA delayed the return once again to some time in July. They have cited the need for more time to address issues with the spacecraft’s propulsion system.

NASA has stated that there is no urgency to bring the astronauts back home and that the helium leaks do not pose a risk to their return. Despite some propulsion system problems, four of the five thrusters are now functioning normally out of the 28 on board, providing enough failover options. The spacecraft has the ability to stay docked in space for up to 45 days, giving the crew enough time to troubleshoot the issues. Both NASA and Boeing have held out the assurance that the Starliner will remain in good condition and can be used in case of an emergency on the space station to safely transport the astronauts back to Earth.

Steve Stich, who manages NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, has told the media that they were proceeding carefully and adhering to their standard procedures and has said the team was prioritising data-driven decisions when addressing the issues with the small helium system leaks and thruster performance observed during the rendezvous and docking process. Resolution of these problems is crucial for ensuring successful certification, according to officials. According to Stich, the whole team is trying to figure out what is going on with this vehicle for the crewed flight test and planning its return. Later on NASA is planning to review all the tasks that lie ahead once this vehicle returns with the crew.

Boeing and NASA are gathering a lot of data on their systems to prepare for their work. They have already tested the thrusters while the spacecraft was attached to the space station. Now, they are using simulators on the ground to explore different scenarios. This helps them find and fix issues to make sure the spacecraft is safe. Safety is the top priority, especially with the memory of the space shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003, where astronaut Kalpana Chawla and her crew lost their lives when the shuttle broke apart during re-entry.

As the space community closely follows this unfolding saga, it serves as a testament to the perseverance and innovation that define the pursuit of human spaceflight. Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore's extended stay on the ISS is a testament to their expertise and the resilience of the space program, as they patiently await their safe return to Earth. At the same time it has been reported that Williams and Wilmore are also eager to stay in orbit. Williams last went to space in 2012 and Wilmore in 2015.

why-is-constant-success-in-reusable-launch-vehicle-technology-significant-for-isro

Mon Jun 24 17:39:49 IST 2024

A couple of days back the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that it had successfully completed its third reusable launch vehicle (RLV) landing experiment (LEX) at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga, Karnataka. This time, it showed that the launch vehicle could land on its own, even in tougher conditions. This mission tested the approach and landing conditions for a vehicle returning from space at high speeds. It confirmed that ISRO had the necessary skills to develop an RLV. Earlier ISRO’s LEX-01 mission on April 2, 2023, and LEX-02 mission on March 22, 2024, had also been executed flawlessly.

Following these successful missions, ISRO announced that the RLV LEX-03 mission had, once again, demonstrated the vehicle’s ability to land autonomously. This time, it performed under tougher conditions, including a wider release range of 500 metres compared to LEX-02’s 150 metres and more challenging wind conditions. The 21-foot-long winged vehicle, called ‘Pushpak’, was dropped from an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter at a height of 4.5 km, and a similar distance away from the runway. Pushpak then automatically adjusted its course, approached the runway and made a precise horizontal landing right at the centre of the runway.

“As this vehicle has a low lift-to-drag ratio, it had to land at a speed of over 320 km/h. In comparison, commercial planes usually land at around 260 km/h and fighter jets typically land at about 280 km/h. A low lift-to-drag ratio means an aircraft or object generates a relatively smaller lift compared to the drag it experiences, resulting in less efficient flight performance and increased fuel consumption. Drag is the force that resists an object’s motion through air or fluid, slowing it down and requiring energy to overcome,” explained space expert Girish Linganna.

ISRO noted that this mission tested and confirmed an advanced guidance algorithm that corrects errors in both forward and sideways directions. This system is crucial for future missions where vehicles re-enter Earth’s atmosphere from orbit.

“The RLV-LEX uses a combination of sensors, including an inertial sensor, radar altimeter, flush air data system, pseudolite system and NavIC. The space agency highlighted that the RLV-LEX-03 mission reused the winged body and flight systems from the previous LEX-02 mission without any changes. This shows ISRO’s strong ability to design flight systems that can be reused for multiple missions,” added Linganna.

After the success of the LEX programme, ISRO’s ‘Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator’ (RLV-TD) project is set to advance by testing an unmanned Orbital Re-entry Vehicle (ORV). This new vehicle will be about 1.6 times larger than Pushpak. It will be launched into a 400-km orbit within the next two years using a modified geosynchronous satellite launch vehicle (GSLV).

The ORV mission will carry out several experiments in space. These tests are designed to evaluate a heat shield that protects against high temperatures during re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, as well as a foldable landing gear system.

Over 50 years ago, the idea of reusable launch vehicles emerged. However, it was SpaceX that transformed this concept into reality. In December 2015, SpaceX achieved a historic milestone by successfully landing the first stage of a Falcon 9 rocket vertically on a landing pad at Cape Canaveral. Since then, the restoration of Falcon 9 boosters has become routine, and SpaceX continues to push the boundaries with innovations like the reusable nose cone and the Starship rocket—a fully reusable space vehicle currently in testing.

“An RLV is a vertical (retrograde) multistage launch system that allows for the reuse of some or all of its component stages. Unlike science fiction depictions, we haven't yet created an all-encompassing reusable launch engine that operates both in the air and space. However, progress is underway, with projects like the Sabre engine in development. Reusing the first stage and nose fairing can slash overall launch costs by 30–40 percent. SpaceX's RLV can compete across multiple payload classes (medium, heavy, and transitional) by adjusting boosters and choosing between reusable and disposable options,” said Srimathy Kesan, founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, which is into design, fabrication and launch of small satellites, spacecraft and ground systems.

“Vehicle-Technol India's space agency, ISRO, has been developing the RLV-TD—a scaled-down prototype to test technologies for future reusable launch vehicles. The RLV-TD has undergone successful hypersonic flight experiments, demonstrating crucial aspects like aerodynamic manoeuvring and autonomous landing,” she added.

This expert says that achieving vertical reusability demands intricate engineering and precise landing capabilities. “Other reusable technologies, such as horizontal (winged) launch systems, exist. These use jet aircraft as accelerators, simplifying launch requirements but sacrificing payload mass. SpaceX's success has inspired other players. As the industry evolves, RLVs will continue to shape the future of space exploration, making access to space more sustainable and economically viable,” said Kesan.

Besides India several countries have pursued, or are pursuing, programmes similar to ISRO’s RLV-TD. For instance, in the United States, the Space Shuttle is one of the most famous reusable spacecraft programmes, that operated from 1981 to 2011 and X-37B is an unmanned, reusable space plane operated by the US Air Force. Similarly in the US SpaceX Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy were partially reusable launch vehicles with landing boosters and Blue Origin’s New Shepard a reusable suborbital launch vehicle.

In Russia, too Buran which was similar to the US Space Shuttle, only flew once in 1988 and the Federation spacecraft (in development) is a planned partially reusable crewed spacecraft. Also in Europe Space Rider (in development phase) is an unscrewed, reusable space plane by the European Space Agency. China too has a reusable experimental spacecraft which was tested in 2020 but details are limited.

When one compares ISRO’s RLV-TD with other global peers it is a small-scale technology demonstrator, while some other programmes (such as Space Shuttle) were full-scale operational systems. “ RLV-TD is primarily focused on demonstrating technologies for future reusable vehicles, while some other programmes are or were operational launch systems. In design terms also RLV-TD uses a winged body design similar to the Space Shuttle and X-37B, but different from vertical landing systems, such as SpaceX’s Falcon 9. RLV-TD is still in the early testing phases, while some other programmes are operational, or in advanced stages of development. Also like the X-37B, RLV-TD is designed for autonomous operation, unlike crewed systems, such as the Space Shuttle,” pointed out Linganna.

While ISRO’s RLV-TD programme is not as advanced as some other countries’ reusable spacecraft programmes, it represents a significant step for India in developing this technology. The programme aims to reduce launch costs and increase access to space, which aligns with global trends in the space industry.

coral-bleaching-what-you-need-to-know-about-global-threat-to-oceans-impacting-reefs

Thu Jun 20 12:51:12 IST 2024

Coral bleaching has been gaining notoriety as one of the most severe threats to oceans globally. Experts worry 2024 could be the worst year yet with the fourth global coral bleaching event on record impacting reefs in at least 62 countries and territories worldwide.

These warm water anomalies, driven by climate change, threaten the survival of these vital marine ecosystems. Unless significant efforts are made the walk into the future will be slippery.

The coral reefs play a very important role as far as fisheries and tourism are concerned. They safeguard the coast and keep the coastline in check. The coral reefs form the foundation of the marine ecosystem and have their own ecosystem as well. So, if they are bleached then the economy of regions relying on such practices will degrade.

What is coral bleaching?

Corals are invertebrate animals that harbor algae cells called ‘zooxanthellae’ in their tissues. They share a symbiotic relationship and give corals their color. Coral bleaching is a defense mechanism for corals from external stressors.

“Most of the reefs in the Andamans are dying. 2024 might be the worst year in history for the marine ecosystem. The last time coral bleaching was seen as a huge threat was in 2010,” Diksha Dikshit, a marine biologist from the Andamans, told THE WEEK.

When the corals try to conserve their energy there is an expulsion of algae. When these algae are absent from the corals, they lose their color and appear white, this phenomenon is termed as coral bleaching.

A bleached coral is not necessarily dead, if conditions improve the algae will come back into the limestone structure and give back its color. Also, if water temperatures are regulated with enough sunlight to perform photosynthesis, the algae can survive.

A devastating chain reaction

A warming planet means a warming ocean. Coral bleaching impacts people’s livelihoods and food security. Coral reefs and natural barriers keep the coastal communities safe by absorbing the force of waves and storm surges. Without them, manmade seawalls will have to be made which damage the environment and are not cost-efficient.

Coral reefs are home to reef fish that hide in corals from predators or depend on corals for food and predatory fish come to the reef to hunt. Bleached corals alter the food web, breaking links between the food chain. Reef tourism is a major source of revenue and supports thousands of jobs. Bleached coral reefs, devoid of magnificent marine species, jeopardize it all.

Beyond temperature: A multifaceted problem

Corals can also bleach for other reasons like extremely low tides, pollution and lack of sunlight. Increases in intensity of cyclones, ocean acidification, extreme weather events, water pollution, overfishing and coastal development are also taking a toll on coral reefs.

Carbon pollution threatens reefs worldwide and remains their biggest threat. This has led to mass coral bleaching on The Great Barrier Reef and coral reefs globally. Even Chemicals in sunscreens have been proven to be harmful to corals.

“If we continue burning fossil fuels at the current rate then severe bleaching events are likely to hit reefs annually by the middle of the century,” says the Australian Marine Conservation Society.

Beyond the reef: global impacts

There is a significant boom in the diving industry and tourism. Since profitability is considered more important than a degrading environment. Employing individuals who are not trained or educated about the marine ecosystem while hoping to cut costs will cause more harm than good in the long run.

“Divers directly and indirectly have a role to play in bleached corals. Touching or kicking it during dives or equipment being mishandled by people who are not trained professionally can stress the algae on corals,” says Sahil a scuba diving instructor at DIVEIndia since 2012.

The power of change: sustainable practices in tourism and fishing

If we want to find a balance between coral reefs and economic development, we must bring back age-old practices and create a sustainable practice.

Although the profits generated might not be as much as using machinery, they will be healthier and more sustainable for the ecosystem. The fishing practices used currently are not species specific leading to overexploitation.

Exploring artificial reefs as a solution

Human greed must be put to an end if conservation methods must be effective. "Assisted evolution, wherein more resistant corals are created and genetically modified makes corals adaptable to changing environmental conditions, making artificially modified corals more efficient" says Diksha Dikshit. According to her, although this might be effective, its implementation is not feasible. Considering how it cannot be executed everywhere.

“We thoroughly cleaned paint, oil and other hazardous pollutants from an old scooter and sunk it to the bottom of the ocean in the Andaman Islands. This artificial reef enabled the growth of corals,” Sahil told THE WEEK.

DIVEIndia is India's largest dive center, with operations in the Andamans and training centers in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore. Andamans marine biodiversity and warm water make it the perfect dive destination They offer dive trips to some of the leading dive destinations across the world.

They work similarly to ships sunken due to shipwrecks. Corals can settle on these ships and other artificially planted objects and serve as homes to fish and other species.

On June 18, 2011, Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources sank the ship off the coast of Koh Tao with the idea of forming a new artificial reef.

“The science behind genetically engineered drought-resistant crops serves as a blueprint for enhancing heat resistant coral reefs,” says a report by storymaps.com”

A beacon of hope: Success stories in coral conservation

A beach in Andaman, home to the Dugongs or sea cows were debated on being open to water sports. Diksha Dikshit was able to gather enough support to ensure that human intervention did not destroy another region in these Islands. Currently without funds or permits conservation efforts in real time are difficult. Wenzel, a marine researcher at the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) has been following a pattern on the archipelago by conducting research on corals through photography in Lakshadweep. The reef ecosystems are photographed and studied in depth through the images.

Although monsoon showers are a temporary solution, they decrease the water temperature which in turn prevents the corals from bleaching.

“10 days ago, in the Andamans, we experienced a heavy storm. The rain has cooled the water temperature down which has enabled bleached corals to slowly recover. Nature is doing its part, why aren’t we?” A question that leaves Sahil pondering.

a-game-changer-for-indias-space-ambitions-why-lvm3-is-crucial-for-isro

Wed Jun 19 16:44:17 IST 2024

Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully de-orbited the cryogenic upper stage of the Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM3), India’s heaviest rocket. This was the second time that ISRO achieved this feat, showcasing its commitment to sustainable space operations. The upper stage, which played a crucial role in launching the OneWeb-2 mission, made a planned re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere on June 14. This step is part of ISRO’s ongoing efforts to ensure responsible space exploration.

The LVM3 is a game-changer for India's space ambitions. With a payload capacity exceeding 4 metric tons to geostationary transfer orbit, the LVM3 can shoulder the weight of far heavier satellites and even more ambitious missions. It plays a critical role in several endeavors.

After successfully placing 36 OneWeb satellites into orbit on March 26, 2023, the nearly 3-ton rocket body was left at an altitude of 450 kilometres. Identified by NORAD as object 56082, it has now been safely de-orbited and removed from space. Following standard procedures, the upper stage was made safe by using any leftover fuel to reduce the risk of accidental explosions.

“The re-entry happened as scheduled, with most of the stage burning up over the Indian Ocean. Only a few parts, such as gas bottles, nozzles and tanks, made of materials that can withstand very high temperatures, were expected to survive the intense heat of re-entry. The LVM3 rocket has three stages and includes two solid rocket boosters (S200), a liquid core stage (L110) and a powerful cryogenic upper stage (C25). The S200 boosters are among the largest in the world, each containing 204 tons of solid fuel. The L110 stage is equipped with two liquid engines and carries 115 tons of liquid fuel. The C25 cryogenic upper stage features a high-thrust cryogenic engine (CE20) and has 28 tons of fuel,” explained space expert Girish Linganna.

ISRO had announced that the cryogenic upper stage of the LVM3 M4 rocket, which launched the Chandrayaan-3 moon mission, re-entered Earth’s atmosphere uncontrollably on November 15 at about 2.42 pm. This stage, identified by NORAD as 57321, was part of the rocket that successfully placed Chandrayaan-3 into its intended orbit on July 14, 2023. The re-entry took place 124 days after launch, in compliance with the ‘25-year rule’ for low-Earth orbit (LEO) objects set by the United Nations and Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC). This guideline requires that objects in LEO re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and burn up within 25 years of the end of their mission to minimize space debris.

As per ISRO after placing Chandrayaan-3 into orbit, the upper stage underwent a process to eliminate any remaining fuel and energy sources, called ‘passivation’, which means making the rocket’s upper stage safe by draining all remaining fuel and disabling energy sources, reducing the risk of explosions or other hazards in space after its mission ends.

Earlier this month, ISRO chief S. Somanath opened new facilities at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL’s) Aerospace Division in Bengaluru. These facilities will produce fuel tanks and precise components for the LVM3 rocket. C.B. Ananthakrishnan, chairman and managing director of HAL, stated that the partnership between ISRO and HAL would speed up India’s human spaceflight missions and the creation of next-generation launch vehicles. He also mentioned that it would not be long before space became a significant part of HAL’s operations.

HAL is expanding its manufacturing facilities to produce large parts for the three-stage, 640-ton LVM3 rocket. India uses this rocket to launch 4-ton communication satellites and commercial missions that include many small satellites in large constellations.

Thanks to HAL’s expansion, ISRO will soon be able to triple the number of launches of its largest rocket, the LVM3. “Instead of only two LVM3 launches a year, ISRO will be able to carry out up to six. This is important because ISRO currently performs only about 10 launches per year with its current fleet of four different kinds of rockets,” added Linganna.

The new factory will make important fuel and oxidizer tanks for the LVM3 launch vehicle, which can be up to 4 metres wide and 15 metres long, according to a statement from HAL. It is equipped with advanced CNC machines capable of precisely creating 4.5-metre rings and tank domes for the LVM3.

Interestingly, LVM3 has played a critical role in several endeavors as Gaganyaan. India's historic human spaceflight mission hinges on the LVM3's ability to propel the crew capsule into orbit. The LVM3 can carry heavier probes and rovers, opening doors to lunar and interplanetary missions that quench humanity's thirst for knowledge about the universe. At the same time, LVM3's prowess can generate significant revenue for the Indian space program by offering reliable and cost-effective launch services to international clients.

Currently, ISRO produces around two LVM3s annually but the new facilities at HAL have the potential to significantly increase production, reaching a staggering six rockets per year. “This ramp-up translates to several advantages such as a higher production rate, allowing ISRO to meet tight deadlines for critical missions and capitalize on fleeting launch windows. Besides, India can become more self-sufficient in launching its own satellites, reducing dependence on foreign launch providers. India can also capture a significant share of the growing global demand for launch services, generating revenue for further space exploration and technological advancements,” pointed out Srimathy Kesan, founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, which is into design, fabrication and launch of small satellites, spacecraft and ground systems.

ISRO is now opening LVM3 production to the private sector, mirroring NASA's strategy following the Space Shuttle program's retirement. This move can propel India's space programme to even greater heights. Collaborating with private companies can facilitate the transfer of valuable expertise in building complex launch vehicles, fostering innovation and strengthening India's space ecosystem.

Competition in the production sector can drive down costs, making LVM3 launches more attractive to clients, both domestic and international. Besides, private companies can bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches, accelerating the development of the LVM3 platform and its capabilities.

The global medium and heavy-lift launch vehicle market is projected to reach $9.75 billion by 2032. India, with its increased LVM3 production and potential private sector involvement, is well-positioned to grab a significant share of this lucrative market. By offering reliable, cost-effective launches, India can become a major player in the global space industry, leading to fruitful international collaborations on scientific endeavors that push the boundaries of human knowledge and understanding of the cosmos.

“The road ahead is not without challenges, such as ensuring smooth technology transfer to private players and maintaining quality control standards. However, the future looks bright for India's space ambitions, and the LVM3 production boost, coupled with potential private sector participation, presents a golden opportunity for the nation to fulfill its space-faring dreams and emerge as a leading force in the global space race,” explained Kesan.

The LVM3, India's most powerful launch vehicle, has a payload capacity of 4 metric tons to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO), which is significantly lower than that of SpaceX's Falcon 9. The Falcon 9 can carry payloads of up to 8.3 tonnes to GTO and 22 tonnes to low-earth orbit (LEO).

In terms of launch frequency, ISRO currently produces around two LVM3s annually. However, the new facilities at HAL have the potential to significantly increase production, reaching a staggering six rockets per year. In comparison, SpaceX's Falcon 9 has a higher production rate, with multiple launches per month. This is partly due to the company's reusable launch technology, which allows for faster turnaround times and increased efficiency.

“The Falcon 9 has significantly higher payload capacity than the LVM3, making it more suitable for larger and heavier satellites. While both vehicles have the potential for increased production, the Falcon 9's reusable technology allows for a higher launch frequency. The cost of launching a payload on the Falcon 9 is generally higher than that of the LVM3, although the exact cost per launch is not publicly disclosed for the LVM3,” added Kesan.

earth-s-inner-core--unambiguously--slowing-down--could-change-da

Fri Jun 14 16:49:18 IST 2024

A new study has provided "unambiguous evidence" that the Earth's inner core began to slow down its rotation in 2010, compared to the planet's surface.

Researchers said that the slowing down could change the length of one day on the Earth by fractions of a second.

The Earth's inner core, a solid sphere made of iron and nickel, is suspended within the liquid outer core (made of molten metals) and anchored in its place by gravity. Together, the inner and the outer core, form one of the planet's three layers -- the other two being mantle and crust.

Being physically inaccessible, researchers usually study the core by analysing the recordings of waves sent out by earthquakes -- seismograms.

"When I first saw the seismograms that hinted at this change, I was stumped," said John Vidale, a professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Southern California, US.

"But when we found two dozen more observations signalling the same pattern, the result was inescapable. The inner core had slowed down for the first time in many decades," said Vidale, also the corresponding author of the study published in the journal Nature.

The slowing down of the inner core is hotly debated in the scientific community, with some studies even suggesting that it rotates faster than the Earth's surface.

It is known that the spin of the inner core is influenced by the magnetic field generated in the outer core and the gravitational effects within Earth's mantle.

However, it is considered that the inner core is reversing and backtracking relative to the surface, because of rotating slower than the mantle for the first time in about 40 years.

"Other scientists have recently argued for similar and different models, but our latest study provides the most convincing resolution," Vidale said.

A study published earlier this year, in the journal Nature, had found that climate change-driven melting of ice in Greenland and Antarctica was affecting global timekeeping by slowing down Earth's rotation.

The author, Duncan Agnew, a geophysicist at the University of California San Diego, showed that the Earth's liquid core was slowing down in its rotation. To counter the effects of this, the solid Earth was rotating faster, said Agnew.

However, this has resulted in fewer 'leap seconds' being needed to be added to the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) in recent decades, according to Agnew.

Since 1972, once every few years, a 'leap second' has been required to be added, owing to irregularities in the UTC arising out of the fact that the Earth doesn't always rotate at the same speed.

For the latest study, the researchers looked at seismic data recorded from 121 repeating earthquakes - multiple quakes occurring in the same location - between 1991 and 2023 in the South Sandwich Islands, a remote archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean. The islands are prone to violent earthquakes.

Data from twin Soviet nuclear tests between 1971 and 1974, along with multiple French and American nuclear tests from other studies of the inner core, were also included in the analysis.