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Projected to last only days, the first crewed test flight of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft with two astronauts onboard is in limbo with no exact return to Earth announced. NASA's Commercial Crew Program manager, Steve Stich has said that the US space agency is considering extending the duration of Starliner's mission from 45 days to 90 days, CNN reported. Officials have repeatedly hinted that the Starliner, which faced issues with helium leaks and thruster outages heading to the International Space Station in early June, will be safe to bring astronauts including indian-origin Sunita 'Suni' Williams and Butch Wilmore home. On Friday, Stich said that NASA is considering extending the maximum length of Starliner's mission from 45 days to 90 days and there is no firm return date on the horizon, according to CNN report. Addressing a briefing on Friday, the NASA official said, "We're just looking at the timeline to execute (the test in New Mexico) and then review the data." He further said, "And that's what's really the long pole, I would say, determining a landing date." Stich added, "We're not in a rush to come home." Part of that desired extension is due to the ground tests that Boeing and NASA plan to conduct in New Mexico, seeking to better understand why some of the Starliner's thrusters unexpectedly failed during the first leg of its journey. Stich and Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager of the Commercial Crew Program for Boeing, also said that engineers are still not certain about the reason behind the Starliner's problems. Nappi said that part of the aim is conducting the ground tests while the vehicle is still in space is to try to whittle down possible reasons why the thrusters malfunctioned. Mark Nappi said, "So, if (the test in New Mexico) comes back and gives us all the answers, then we can just undock and come home." He added, "If it comes back and says, 'Here's 80 per cent of the answer. And if you just run one more docked hot fire (test on the Starliner in orbit), then you can get 100 per cent of the answers' -- then we want (Starliner) to be there so that we can get that information." Meanwhile, Williams and Wilmore have integrated with the rest of the crew currently aboard the International Space Station and are conducting routine tasks. Several more helium leaks were identified while the craft was heading to the International Space Station, along with the thruster issues. The Starliner's service module, a cylindrical attachment at the bottom of the spacecraft that provides much of the vehicle's power during flight, faced several issues, CNN reported. As per the design, the service module will not survive the return to Earth. The module is jettisoned and destroyed as the Starliner spacecraft reenters the atmosphere and that's the reason why Boeing and NASA teams then opted to leave the Starliner spacecraft safely docked with the space station while they worked to learn as much as possible about those issues. It is not clear yet whether NASA will extend the maximum mission length to 90 days. Stich said officials must clear the battery life of the Starliner for that purpose. Although he noted that the batteries are being recharged at the space station, they should operate the same way after 90 days as they will for the first 45 days. The spaceflight industry frequently experiences cost overruns, delays and unmet deadlines. However, Boeing has faced challenges that have stood out, particularly when the Starliner program is directly compared with SpaceX's Crew Dragon, CNN reported. Crew Dragon, which falls under the same NASA Commercial Crew Program for astronaut transportation, completed its first test flight in 2020 and has been carrying out routine missions ever since. SpaceX did not have the benefit of designing the Crew Dragon spacecraft off the back of its Cargo Dragon vehicle, which for years sent supplies to the International Space Station before its successor started operating while Boeing designed Starliner from scratch. Nappi said, "We've got a really good test flight that's been accomplished so far, and it's being viewed rather negatively." In the latest update regarding the ongoing space mission, the Expedition 71 crew members on Friday packed a US cargo craft, cleaned up the International Space Station, studied techniques of futuristic piloting, and carried out eye exams. NASA's Boeing Crew Flight Test astronauts spent the day reconfiguring a space botany facility. In its live blog, NASA stated, " Robotics controllers are scheduled to detach the Cygnus space freighter from the Unity module on July 12 and release it into Earth orbit for disposal over the South Pacific Ocean ending a five-and-a-half-month mission at the orbital lab." NASA Flight Engineer Matthew Dominick spent most of the time on Friday on loading trash and discarding gear inside the Cygnus with assistance from fellow NASA astronauts Jeanette Epps and Tracy C Dyson. Canadarm2 robotic arm captured the Cygnus on February 1, with more than 8200 pounds of science experiments and crew supplies. Epps operated standard medical imaging gear found in an optometrist's office on Earth and peered into Dyson's eyes. She examined the cornea, retina, and lens of Dyson to help flight surgeons understand and counteract microgravity's effect on crew vision. Earlier, Dyson collected and stowed excess space station hardware for disposal. During the day, NASA Flight Engineer Mike Barratt routed cables and reprogrammed communications systems inside the Columbus laboratory module. He stowed hardware and components used earlier in the week for advanced orbital plumbing in the Tranquility module's bathroom. Mike Barratt refilled supply kits in Columbus' two Human Research Facility racks with biomedical gear, including sample tubes and needles. On Friday, Starliner's Commander and Pilot, Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams in Kibo conducted space botany work. They removed the Plant Habitat growth chamber from Kibo's EXPRESS rack, replaced its camera and carbon dioxide sensors, then reinstalled the research device. In the liveblog, NASA said, "NASA and Boeing continue to evaluate Starliner's propulsion system performance before returning to Earth from the orbiting lab. NASA and Boeing leaders participated in a media teleconference today to discuss Starliner and station operations." "NASA is now targeting the end of July for the next spacewalk outside the space station. This change allows teams on the ground to continue to troubleshoot and understand the water leak in the service and cooling umbilical unit that forced an early end to a spacewalk on Monday, June 24," it added. Flight Engineer Nikolai Chub practiced planetary spacecraft and robotic piloting techniques future crew members and conducted two sessions of an investigation exploring ways to create new materials on the lunar surface. Meanwhile, Flight Engineer Alexander Grebenkin worked throughout the day inventorying medical kits and cleaning fans inside the Rassvet module and Station Commander Oleg Kononenko replaced thermal components in Roscosmos' life support hardware. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Boeing Starliner with Sunita Williams onboard could wait months in space before return as NASA mulls extending mission duration

Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams has found herself in an unexpected predicament aboard the International Space Station (ISS), along with her colleague Butch Wilmore. Scheduled to return to Earth on June 13, their journey has been indefinitely postponed due to technical issues plaguing the Boeing Starliner spacecraft that was to ferry them back. Let's delve into what has happened, how long they've been in space, the steps being taken, and whether Elon Musk's SpaceX might need to intervene. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What happened?" comment="subhead" text="What happened?">What happened?</cmsannotation> Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore launched aboard Boeing's Starliner on June 5, 2024, marking the spacecraft's first crewed mission as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The mission aimed to test Starliner's capabilities from launch to docking at the ISS and, critically, its safe return to Earth. While the crew managed to successfully dock aboard the ISS, their journey back has proven tricky. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="How long have they been in space?" comment="subhead" text="How long have they been in space?">How long have they been in space?</cmsannotation> Originally planned as a nine-day mission, Williams and Wilmore were scheduled to return on June 13. However, numerous technical issues with the Starliner, including helium leaks and thruster malfunctions, have kept them in space beyond their intended duration. As of now, there is no set date for their return. The Boeing Starliner spacecraft, currently docked at the ISS, has the capability to remain attached to the ISS for an extended period. According to NASA's Commercial Crew Program manager Steve Stich, Starliner can stay docked for up to 45 days under normal circumstances. However, if necessary, this duration can be extended up to 72 days using various backup systems onboard. This flexibility allows mission controllers and engineers ample time to address and resolve any technical issues that may arise before committing to the spacecraft's undocking and return to Earth. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Steps being taken" comment="subhead" text="Steps being taken">Steps being taken</cmsannotation> NASA and Boeing teams are diligently working to address the technical challenges facing the Starliner. Multiple helium leaks and thruster performance issues have required extensive troubleshooting and analysis. Engineers are conducting tests and simulations to understand the root causes and determine the safest course of action for the astronauts' return. Steve Stich, NASA's Commercial Crew Program manager, emphasised that they are following standard procedures and letting data guide their decisions. Despite the setbacks, he remains confident that once the issues are resolved, Starliner will safely bring Williams and Wilmore back to Earth. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Will Elon Musk’s SpaceX have to step in?" comment="subhead" text="Will Elon Musk’s SpaceX have to step in?">Will Elon Musk’s SpaceX have to step in?</cmsannotation> The possibility of SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft rescuing the stranded astronauts has been discussed, given SpaceX's established capability to transport astronauts to and from the ISS. However, NASA and Boeing officials have downplayed the need for such intervention, stating that the current issues with Starliner do not necessitate SpaceX's involvement at this time. The last time NASA required alternative transport for an astronaut was in 2022, involving a Russian Soyuz capsule. Despite initial considerations, the astronaut returned aboard a different Soyuz capsule, highlighting NASA's preparedness to manage such situations without external assistance. As the saga unfolds, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore remain in orbit, awaiting a resolution to the technical challenges hindering their return. While the delays are undoubtedly frustrating, NASA and Boeing are committed to ensuring their safe return using the Starliner spacecraft. The coming days will reveal whether the Starliner's issues can be swiftly resolved or if alternative measures will be necessary. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Will Sunita Williams be able to return to Earth?

Australian High Commissioner to India, Philip Green OAM, on Wednesday, expressed Canberra's willingness to collaborate with New Delhi in the space sector and added that both nations are going ahead with the three collaborative space projects and signing the first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today. While speaking to ANI, Philip Green expressed Australia's interest in partnering with India in its space exploration endeavours, adding that the Australian government has pledged a USD 18 million grant for joint India-Australia space projects. "Here today we are saying that we are keen to be partners for India in its space journey. We're already strategic and quad partners with India and we want to do more with space and my government is backing it," said Philip Green. Today we're signing the first MOU of three that has been settled as a result of an USD 18 million dollar grant for my government specifically, for India-Australia space collaborations," he added. Further, the Australian envoy said they are excited about the Indian space sector and believe its different and complementary skills can benefit each other. "We're very excited about the Indian space sector and we're particularly excited about the fact that Australia has different and complementary skills," the Australian envoy said to ANI. "We're a very big continent with very few numbers of people, which means we have very dark skies. We have great abilities in terms of space tracking," he added. Congratulating PM Modi for his victory in the 2024 general elections, Philip Green said that Australia is looking to work even more closely in the future. He also disclosed during the interview that there could be high-level visits by Australia and India to galvanise the already strong partnership. "We congratulate Modi and his government on re-election. We look forward to working even more closely as we go forward. There are three powerful drivers in our bilateral relationship, our new strategic alignment, the very strong complementarity between our economies and what we call the human bridge, the more than a million people of Indian origin who now make Australia their home," said Philip Green. "We're planning visits I'm not going to announce them to you today, but I can assure you there will be high-level visits by Australia and India to galvanise what is already a strong partnership," he added On April 30, "the Australian Government announced funding for three collaborative space projects that will strengthen the space economy for the two partner nations," said the Australian Space Agency in an official statement. "The projects will receive a total of A$18 million (Rs 98 crore) as part of the International Space Investment India (ISI) Projects program," the statement added. Each project will include a number of Australian and Indian partners, who will help address climate change, boost manufacturing, and advance artificial intelligence, among other objectives. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

"Keen to be partners with India in its space journey": Australian envoy on space collaboration projects

The European Space Agency (ESA) has released a captivating image captured by its Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite, offering a new perspective on the legendary Ram Setu, also known as Adam's Bridge. This chain of limestone shoals, stretching 48 kilometers between Rameswaram Island in India and Mannar Island in Sri Lanka, has long been a subject of fascination. The ESA image provides stunning detail of the bridge's structure, sparking renewed interest in its geological history and cultural significance. ESA’s image reveals a stark contrast between the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean and the lighter hues marking the shallow regions around the Ram Setu. Here, the seabed dips to a depth of only 1 to 10 meters, suggesting a submerged landmass slowly revealing its secrets. Exposed sandbanks further bolster this theory. The picture also highlights the bridge's ecological importance. Mannar Island on the Sri Lankan side boasts thriving ecosystems protected within a national park. The island itself is connected to mainland Sri Lanka by modern bridges. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Myth and science collide" comment="subhead" text="Myth and science collide">Myth and science collide </cmsannotation>Legends surrounding the Ram Setu claim it was built by Lord Rama, a revered Hindu deity, with the help of his monkey army. However, scientific evidence suggests a more natural origin story. Geologists believe the shoals are remnants of a landmass that once connected the Indian subcontinent to Sri Lanka. Historical records seem to support this theory, indicating that the bridge was indeed a traversable land route until the 15th century, when powerful storms gradually submerged portions of the path. On the Indian side, Rameswaram Island, also known as Pamban Island, beckons with its historic temples and vibrant culture. The 2-kilometer-long Pamban Bridge, a marvel of engineering, connects the island to the mainland. The ESA's image offers a valuable tool for scientists and historians alike. By studying the intricate details of the Ram Setu, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the region's geological history and the impact of environmental changes over time. The bridge also serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage shared by India and Sri Lanka. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

ESA satellite attempts to unveil secrets of Ram Setu — the mysterious bridge between India and Sri Lanka

New Delhi [India], June 23 (ANI): The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday achieved another success in the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) landing experiment (LEX). The third and final test in the series of LEX (03) was conducted at 07:10 IST at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga, Karnataka. Following the success of the RLV LEX-01 and LEX-02 missions, RLV LEX-03 re-demonstrated the autonomous landing capability of the RLV under more challenging release conditions (cross range of 500 m against 150 m for LEX-02) and more severe wind conditions. The winged vehicle, named 'Pushpak', was released from an Indian Air Force Chinook Helicopter at an altitude of 4.5 km. From a release point 4.5 km away from the runway, Pushpak autonomously executed cross-range correction manoeuvres, approached the runway, and performed a precise horizontal landing at the runway centerline. Due to this vehicle's low lift-to-drag ratio aerodynamic configuration, the landing velocity exceeded 320 kmph, compared to 260 kmph for a commercial aircraft and 280 kmph for a typical fighter aircraft. After touchdown, the vehicle's velocity was reduced to nearly 100 kmph using its brake parachute, after which the landing gear brakes were employed for deceleration and stop on the runway. During this ground roll phase, Pushpak utilises its rudder and nose wheel steering system to autonomously maintain a stable and precise ground roll along the runway. This mission simulated the approach and landing interface and high-speed landing conditions for a vehicle returning from space, reaffirming ISRO's expertise in acquiring the most critical technologies required for the development of a RLV. Through this mission, the advanced guidance algorithm catering to longitudinal and lateral plane error corrections, which is essential for the future Orbital Re-entry Mission, has been validated. Notably, the RLV-LEX uses multisensor fusion, including sensors like an Inertial sensor, Radar altimeter, Flush air data system, Pseudolite system and NavIC. Notably, the RLV-LEX-03 mission reused the winged body and flight systems as such without any modification, from the LEX-02 mission, demonstrating the robustness of ISRO's capability of design and reuse flight systems for multiple missions. The mission, led by VSSC, was a collaborative effort involving multiple ISRO centres (SAC, ISTRAC, SDSC-SHAR), with significant support from the Indian Air Force (IAF), Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Regional Centre for Military Airworthiness (RCMA) under the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Indian aerospace industrial partners, Indian Oil Corporation of India, and Airport Authority of India. S Somanath, Chairman, ISRO/Secretary, Department of Space, congratulated the team for their efforts in maintaining the success streak on such complex missions. Dr S Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of VSSC, emphasised that this consistent success boosts ISRO's confidence in the critical technologies essential for future orbital re-entry missions. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

'Pushpak' aces test: ISRO achieves yet another success in Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) landing experiment

Before we knew the astronomical phenomenon that eclipses were, most cultures had their own explanations for them. In a weird twist of fate, however, these stories often ended up as a celestial buffet for some mythical creature or another — leading to these cultures considering the event as a bad omen. For instance, the Sun is eaten by a demon in Hinduism, a dragon in ancient Chinese cultures, and a wolf according to Norse mythology. Now, imagine telling all these anxiety-struck people that we were planning to artificially induce an eclipse. The European Space Agency (ESA) is set to embark on an unprecedented mission this autumn: the launch of Proba-3, the world's first man-made eclipse machine. This revolutionary project involves two satellites working in tandem to create a prolonged, man-made solar eclipse in space, a feat that has never been achieved before. Proba-3 is composed of two satellites that will fly in close formation, maintaining a precise distance of 144 metres apart. This alignment will allow one satellite to cast a shadow onto the other, effectively creating an artificial solar eclipse for the other satellite. However, if you were expecting a massive difference on Earth, it is unlikely we'll see the eclipse we're used to. The reason this mission is so crucial is because the Sun is somewhat of a massive attention-seeker. The star’s brilliant beams are so all-encompassing that they wash out everything in their path, making it hard to discern specific waves of radiation. Imagine how difficult it would be to spot a firefly while a massive forest fire burns behind it. Proba-3’s primary scientific goal is to study the Sun's corona, the faint outer atmosphere usually obscured by the Sun's intense light. By blocking out the Sun's bright face, Proba-3 will provide a rare and sustained view of the corona. Interestingly enough, the mission will be launched using the PSLV-XL rocket, operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Formation flying requires an extraordinary level of precision, akin to maintaining the configuration of a 'large rigid structure' in space. This is achieved through a sophisticated blend of guidance and navigation technologies. Proba-3 will demonstrate these capabilities by conducting rendezvous experiments and maintaining its formation for up to six hours at a time. The primary instrument aboard Proba-3 is an external coronagraph, designed to study the Sun's corona closer to the solar rim than ever before. By providing a clear and extended view of this region, scientists hope to gain insights into solar phenomena such as coronal mass ejections and solar winds, which have significant impacts on space weather and, consequently, on Earth's technological infrastructure According to the ESA, both spacecraft will orbit the Earth every 19.7 hours, at a maximum height of 60,530 kilometres. The coronagraph spacecraft will weigh 340 kg, while the one casting the shadow will weigh 200 kg. The mission antenna will be stationed on the Santa Maria island in Portugal, with a ground station in Redu, Belgium. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

ESA, ISRO to soon launch Proba-3, which will create the world’s first man-made solar eclipse

We Earthlings are all too familiar with frost. That crisp, white layer we see on cold mornings, which forms when atmospheric water vapour condenses and freezes on surfaces, is a signature characteristic of Earthly winters. But on Mars, where the atmosphere is about 100 times thinner and contains 10,000 times less water vapour than Earth, such icy phenomena are extremely unlikely. Against all odds, scientists have detected water frost at Mars' equator for the first time ever! Even more astonishing, this discovery occurred in a Martian region where frost was once thought to be an impossibility. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Space cameras peek at Martian peaks, unveil their frosty secrets" comment="subhead" text="Space cameras peek at Martian peaks, unveil their frosty secrets">Space cameras peek at Martian peaks, unveil their frosty secrets</cmsannotation> The frosty revelations come from observations of the Tharsis region on Mars, which includes some of the solar system's tallest volcanoes: Olympus Mons, Arsia Mons, Ascraeus Mons and Ceraunius Tholus. Here, deposits of transient morning frost were detected on the volcanoes' summits, regions previously assumed to be too warm for frost to form. This breakthrough began with the detection of lighter, bluish areas on the volcanoes' peaks by the Colour and Stereo Surface Imaging System (CaSSIS) on ESA’s ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO). Initially puzzling, these light patches appeared consistently only in early morning observations during Mars' cold seasons. <div type="image" title="mars volcano frost top" msid="110933695" hostid="261" sizebytes="15376" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A bird&amp;#39;s eye view of frost on Olympus Mons.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Further investigation confirmed that these lighter areas were indeed water frost, as the High-Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) on ESA's Mars Express also recorded these features. Yet, the origin of this phenomenon remained elusive until researchers conducted numerical simulations to replicate the microclimate of Mars' volcanoes. These simulations, similar to those used in predicting Earth’s weather but tailored for Martian conditions, revealed that the clear zones corresponded with conditions suitable for water condensation. They confirmed that these icy patches were the result of frost forming overnight under the right climatic conditions on Mars. The simulations also showed that surface temperatures on these Martian volcanoes are conducive to the existence of frozen water. However, the intense solar exposure at the equator causes the frost to dissipate rapidly each morning, explaining its transient nature. The frost layer itself is extraordinarily thin, just 10 micrometres thick, reflecting Mars' limited atmospheric water vapour. In terms of volume, the frost could cover about 60 Olympic-sized swimming pools if harvested. Though this seems substantial, it's a minuscule quantity compared to Mars’ total surface area. Nonetheless, it represents a potential resource for future astronauts, who could use it for drinking water or converting it into rocket fuel. This discovery not only enhances our understanding of Mars' current water cycle, but also offers clues about its past climate and potential habitability. By refining our knowledge of Martian weather patterns, we can better prepare for future exploration and continue unravelling the mysteries of the Red Planet. These findings were recently published in the journal Nature Geoscience and can be accessed <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01457-7">here</a>. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Scientists have found frost on Mars’ volcano peaks, enough to fill 60 Olympic-sized swimming pools!

Indian-origin Sunita Williams' piloted 'Starliner' is set to launch into space on Saturday, after the joint mission of US space agency NASA and aircraft major Boeing was previously hit by snags. The flight will mark Williams' third space mission. According to NASA, the flight to the orbiting International Space Station (ISS) is scheduled to lift off from Florida's Kennedy Space Centre around 10 pm Indian Standard Time today. 'Suni' Williams and fellow NASA astronaut Barry 'Butch' Wilmore will be the first humans to go aboard Starliner spacecraft as part of the US space agency's Commercial Crew Program. The Starliner spacecraft will be catapulted into space on an Atlas 5 rocket of the rocket company United Launch Alliance (ULA). It will dock with the ISS on Sunday and the astronauts will be at the ISS conducting a range of tests for about a week. Starliner will then undock from the ISS re-enter Earth's atmosphers and make a parachute and airbag-assisted landing in the southwestern United States on June 10, NASA said. If this mission is successful, NASA will begin the final process of certifying Starliner and its systems for crewed rotation missions to the International Space Station. The Starliner capsule will carry four astronauts, or a mix of crew and cargo, for NASA missions to low Earth orbit. NASA, Boeing, and ULA (United Launch Alliance) are ready for the June 1, launch of the agency's Boeing Crew Flight Test according to an announcement during a prelaunch media briefing from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. "I'm very proud of the teams who have worked really hard the last two and a half weeks to prepare for launch," said Steve Stich, manager, NASA's Commercial Crew Program. "We're really ready to go fly" he said. The integrated ULA Atlas 5 rocket and Starliner spacecraft stack rolled out to the pad at Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on May 30 in preparation for liftoff. Both Williams and Wilmore had remained in preflight quarantine inside the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building following their return to the Florida spaceport on May 28. Mission managers of the Boeing Starliner's Crewed Test Flight (CFT) called off the mission on May 7, just two hours before the scheduled launch due to a valve glitch in the Atlas 5 rocket's upper stage. Boeing said in its statement that the valve was successfully replaced on May 11 and tested to confirm it was working properly. Later on May 14, NASA announced that the CFT mission scheduled for May 17 has been pushed to no later than May 21 due to what it described as a "small helium leak" in the spacecraft's service module. On May 17 the space agency said that the launch was further pushed back to May 25. The flight marking Boeing's first Starliner spacecraft mission with a human crew, is part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, which is working with the US aerospace industry through a public-private partnership to launch astronauts on American rockets and spacecraft from US soil. NASA selected Boeing and SpaceX in September 2014 to transport crew to the International Space Station from the United States. These integrated spacecraft, rockets and associated systems will carry up to four astronauts on NASA missions, maintaining a space station crew of seven to maximize time dedicated to scientific research on the orbiting laboratory. After a failed attempt in December 2019, Boeing conducted a successful uncrewed Orbital Flight Test 2 (OFT-2) in 2022. Its Starliner is expected to be reusable for up to ten missions within a six-month turnaround time, according to the aerospace company. Elon Musk-owned SpaceX company's Crew Dragon has performed 12 crewed missions since its first launch on May 30, 2020. Williams and Wilmore were both former commanders of the International Space Station. Williams, from Needham, Massachusetts, earned a physical science degree from the US Naval Academy, and a master's in engineering management from the Florida Institute of Technology. Her first spaceflight was Expedition 14/15 (from December 2006 to June 2007) launching on space shuttle Discovery's STS-116 mission to reach the International Station, according to NASA. While onboard, Williams established a world record for women at the time with four spacewalks. She concluded her tour of duty by returning to Earth with shuttle Atlantis' STS-117 flight to land at Edwards Air Force Base in California on June 22, 2007. Selected as an astronaut by NASA in June 1998, Williams has spent a total of 322 days in space on two missions and accumulated 50 hours and 40 minutes of cumulative EVA time on seven spacewalks. Williams worked with Roscosmos on its contribution to the space station and with the first Expedition crew. Meanwhile, 61-year-old, Wilmore has logged 178 days in space and has 25 hours and 36 minutes of time on four spacewalks. Boeing has planned six manned missions for the platform over the next six years, the projected end of the ISS' operating lifespan. NASA plans to use both SpaceX's Dragon and Boeing's Starliner to send up astronauts at least every six months from US soil. Both Boeing and SpaceX were given the responsibility in 2014 by NASA to send commercial crew missions to the ISS. Boeing received over USD 4 billion in US federal funds to develop the Starliner, while SpaceX received about USD 2.6 billion. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/upcoming-cars-and-two-wheelers-launching-in-india-in-june-2024/slidelist/110591467.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/upcoming-cars-and-two-wheelers-launching-in-india-in-june-2024/slidelist/110591467.cms" target="_blank">Upcoming cars and two-wheelers launching in India in June 2024</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/lok-sabha-exit-poll-2024-what-are-they-when-will-they-be-announced-and-all-you-need-to-know/articleshow/110565608.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/lok-sabha-exit-poll-2024-what-are-they-when-will-they-be-announced-and-all-you-need-to-know/articleshow/110565608.cms" target="_blank">Lok Sabha Exit Poll 2024 – what are they, when will they be announced and all you need to know</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/huawei-beats-samsung-to-take-the-top-spot-in-global-foldable-smartphone-shipments/articleshow/110583786.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/huawei-beats-samsung-to-take-the-top-spot-in-global-foldable-smartphone-shipments/articleshow/110583786.cms" target="_blank">Huawei beats Samsung to take the top spot in global foldable smartphone shipments</a> <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Sunita Williams flies to ISS on NASA's Boeing Starliner tonight; 3rd time in space for Indian-origin astronaut

Remember the good ol’ days when you could score a neat collectible at the bottom of your packet of chips? Remember the devastation the hoarder inside you felt when companies stopped providing such trinkets? Don’t get your hopes up yet; we aren’t exactly revisiting this golden era of packaged food again. However, in true ‘Charlie and Chocolate Factory’ fashion, the well-known biscuit brand has offered one lucky individual the chance to experience the ride of their lifetimes. This one-in-a-billion Indian will be taken to space, courtesy of Oreo’s latest promotional event. Not only will this take the winner to the current most exclusive travel destination available, but they will also become the second Indian citizen to ever go up to "space". According to Oreo, this event is being offered to commemorate the 40th year anniversary of the first Indian to venture into the black unknown, after Rakesh Sharma in 1984. To make this unprecedented journey possible, the cookie company has partnered with the space tourism agency Space Perspective. The agency’s flagship balloon, called “Neptune”, can float passengers one lakh feet (approx. 30 kilometres) to the “edge of space”, no prior training required. Since Neptune will float gently to its destination over the course of six hours, the commuters will not have to deal with the pesky G-forces you would otherwise find in a traditional rocket. However, it may be important to note that while the winners will get to float astoundingly high in the sky, the ultimate destination is still nowhere close to what is conventionally considered “outer space”. According to most regulatory bodies, the edge of space begins at the Kármán line, a point 100 kilometres above the mean sea level, above which any high-flying vehicles become termed as “spacecrafts”. Nevertheless, if the event goes through as per the company’s expectations, Oreo may end up taking the second Indian to space a year before the Indian Space and Research Organisation (ISRO), albeit not nearly as far. According to the latest estimates, ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission aims to send three astronauts to an orbit of 400 km in 2025. Meanwhile, Oreo’s website notes that the grand winner will “receive” their prize by July this year. However, the biscuit brand’s flight will only take the winner to a height of just over 30 km — less than 10% of the height planned under the ‘Gaganyaan’ mission. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="How can I sign up?" comment="subhead" text="How can I sign up?">How can I sign up?</cmsannotation> In order to participate in the event, you will need to purchase a special edition ‘Space Dunk’ pack of Oreos, which will be available in the Indian market between May and June. Once you acquire one, scan the QR code on the packaging to sign up for the lottery. The mega-price winner will relish a majestic view of the planet from a “Space Lounge”, alongside a world-class meal and a “Space Spa”. And don’t worry about bathroom jitters — the spacecraft comes fitted with a bathroom and Wi-Fi as well! As per the company, one individual will win the grand prize to space, while 25 others will win a free trip to the Astroport Sariska resort in Rajasthan. Moreover, 60 people can also win a telescope worth Rs 30,000 (probably to watch the floating balloon!). “All of us at some or the other point in time have wondered what it would be like in the outer space,” explains Nitin Saini, Vice President of Marketing at Oreo-parent Mondelez India. “And I am very happy that as a brand we are able to offer an Indian a chance to embark on this journey and experience the grandeur of space.” <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Oreo 'Neptune' balloon to take an Indian to ‘edge of space’ before ISRO's Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight; Here’s how to sign up

Human ingenuity knows no limits. From launching rovers to explore distant planets and their uncharted landscapes, to capturing black holes images and peeling back the curtain on one of the cosmos' most profound mysteries, our relentless pursuit of knowledge has led to remarkable achievements that defy the boundaries of possibility. Now, we’re set to take on another extraordinary endeavour: sending a wooden satellite into space! On Tuesday, Japanese scientists announced that they have successfully created the world's first wooden satellite. This small cube-shaped spacecraft is poised to make history as it journeys into space aboard a SpaceX rocket later this year. Below, we delve into the details of this remarkable wooden satellite, known as LignoSat, addressing some frequently asked questions about this pioneering project. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What is LignoSat?" comment="subhead" text="What is LignoSat?">What is LignoSat?</cmsannotation> “LignoSat”, a fusion of “ligno” (the Latin word for wood) and “satellite”, is the result of approximately four years of collaborative research and development by a team comprising members from Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry Co. Their objective is to leverage the eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness of wood in space exploration. <div type="twitter" handle="japantimes" handlename="japantimes" favoritecount="0" retweetcount="0" id="1795802876670828854"></div> LignoSat is constructed from magnolia wood, chosen for its durability and adaptability following rigorous space exposure assessments conducted on samples of cherry, birch and magnolia wood chips. The raw material originates from Sumitomo Forestry’s company-owned forest. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Why wood?" comment="subhead" text="Why wood?">Why wood?</cmsannotation> In contrast to traditional satellites constructed from metals, wooden satellites are viewed as more environmentally friendly upon reentering the Earth's atmosphere at the conclusion of their mission. Unlike metal satellites, which pose air pollution risks due to the generation of metal particles during reentry, wooden satellites mitigate these concerns. Moreover, alumina particles from conventional satellites can have adverse effects on weather patterns and communication systems. Wooden satellites also offer a solution to the issue of space debris. Orbiting Now, a website that tracks satellites, recorded over 10,049 satellites in orbit as of May 30, including 8,135 in Low-Earth Orbit destined for reentry. By utilising wooden satellites, the risk of space clutter and associated hazards can be reduced. The development of wooden satellites also marks a significant advancement for both the aerospace and timber industries. In a joint press release, Kyoto University and the Tokyo-based wood products company emphasised the significance of this achievement in expanding the utilisation of wood, a sustainable resource, in space exploration. The research team has validated the durability of wooden materials in the demanding conditions of outer space, further affirming the viability of wooden satellites for future space missions. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Is it all wood?" comment="subhead" text="Is it all wood?">Is it all wood?</cmsannotation> Not quite. LignoSat, a 10-centimetre cube, comprises 4 to 5.5 millimetre-thick magnolia wood panels, complemented by a frame partially crafted from aluminium. Equipped with solar panels attached to select sides, the satellite weighs approximately 1 kilogram. Constructed using a traditional Japanese technique devoid of screws or adhesive materials, LignoSat reflects a blend of innovative engineering and time-honoured craftsmanship. Takao Doi, a seasoned astronaut and program-specific professor at Kyoto University, expressed aspirations for future satellite iterations to feature an entirely wooden construction, including the electronic substrate component housed within. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What next?" comment="subhead" text="What next?">What next?</cmsannotation> The satellite will be handed over to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency on June 4. It is then scheduled for a September launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, US, destined for the International Space Station. Following its arrival at the orbiting laboratory, approximately one month later, it will be deployed into space. Over the subsequent six months post-launch, a plethora of data will be gathered on various aspects including wood expansion and contraction, internal temperature, geomagnetism and electronic equipment performance. This invaluable data, transmitted to Kyoto University's communications station, will play a pivotal role in shaping the development of a second satellite, LignoSat-2. However, the vision extends beyond this groundbreaking achievement. Takao Doi envisions an ambitious future where wood serves as a cornerstone for sustainable space exploration. “Expanding the potential of wood as a sustainable resource is significant. We aim to build human habitats using wood in space, such as on the moon and Mars, in the future,” he was quoted as saying by <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/05/29/japan/science-health/world-first-wooden-satellite/">The Japan Times</a>. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Japan unveils world's first wooden satellite! Here’s all you need to know about ‘LignoSat’

Centre University of Jammu (CUJ) on Wednesday announced that its Radio-Sonde, a crucial tool for atmospheric data collection, was launched successfully from its ISRO centre in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir. The launch, a part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), ISRO and CUJ, aims to enhance the understanding of atmospheric conditions and climate change, contributing valuable data to both national and global meteorological research, a varsity spokesperson said. Using hydrogen-filled balloons, the scientists record atmospheric pressure, temperature, wind direction, and speed from 12 kilometres above earth's surface and the data is transmitted to the ground via radio signals. The spokesperson said this is only the third testing facility of its kind established by ISRO at CUJ. CUJ vice chancellor Prof Sanjeev Jain said the milestone event marks a significant achievement in the university's ongoing commitment to advancing space science research and technology. "Today's successful launch of the Radio-Sonde exemplifies our commitment to enhancing innovation and research in space sciences. This entire Radio-Sonde system is fully developed indigenously by ISRO under the 'Make in India' vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "This initiative not only strengthens our research capabilities but also positions our institution at the forefront of atmospheric studies," Jain said. The centre launched the weather balloon in the afternoon, convenor of the centre Prof Vinay Kumar said. It will provide a unique set of data as the convection layer is fully developed by this time, he said. Other centres and institutions are collecting data only in the morning and evening hours, Kumar said, adding that the balloon will ascend upwards at a rate of five metres per second up to a maximum height of 40 km. The Satish Dhawan Centre for Space Sciences, a premier facility within the university, has been instrumental in providing the state-of-the-art infrastructure and resources for such pioneering projects, the spokesperson said. He said the launch of Radio-Sonde is expected to pave the way for future research endeavours and collaborations in the field of space and atmospheric sciences. "The data collected from Radio-Sonde will be analysed and utilised for various research projects, ultimately contributing to the broader field of space sciences," he said.<meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Atmospheric data collection tool Radio-Sonde launched from ISRO centre at Samba

In our ongoing search for alien life, astronomers have scoured the cosmos, longing for a connection beyond our own world. While the dream of encountering intelligent beings remains distant, we might just have chanced upon a planet that mirrors our own with uncanny familiarity. In a remarkable revelation, astronomers have pinpointed a potentially habitable Earth-like exoplanet merely 40 light-years away, with temperatures only slightly higher than those on our planet. This intriguing new world, named Gliese 12 b, completes an orbit around its star every 12.8 days. Comparable in size to Venus and only slightly smaller than Earth, it boasts an estimated surface temperature of 42°C, cooler than most of the 5,000-plus confirmed exoplanets (planets outside our solar system). The key question now is its atmosphere. It might harbour an atmosphere like Earth’s, a nightmarish greenhouse scenario akin to Venus, or perhaps an entirely unique composition not observed within our solar system. Unravelling its atmospheric mysteries could unveil whether Gliese 12 b is capable of sustaining temperatures suitable for liquid water. This, in turn, would be indicative of its potential to harbour life. This discovery could also offer insights into why Earth and Venus, despite their similarities, have evolved to house such different environments. NASA has underscored the significance of Gliese 12 b, highlighting it as one of the select few Earth-like exoplanets deserving of closer examination. Described as “the nearest, transiting, temperate, Earth-size world located to date,” it stands as a prime candidate for further exploration by the James Webb Space Telescope. <div type="image" title="Gliese 12 b vs Earth" msid="110383855" hostid="261" sizebytes="23944" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;This artist&amp;#39;s concept compares Earth with different possible Gliese 12 b interpretations, from one with no atmosphere to one with a thick Venus-like one.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Gliese 12 b orbits a cool red dwarf star named Gliese 12, located almost 40 light-years away in the constellation Pisces. The star is about 27% the size of our sun and has a surface temperature around 60% of the sun’s. The implications of this discovery extend beyond the confines of a single exoplanet. It has the potential to reveal whether most Milky Way stars, which are categorised as cool stars, can host temperate planets with atmospheres, which would make them habitable. Fascinatingly, the proximity between Gliese 12 b and its host star amounts to just 7% of the distance separating Earth and the sun. Consequently, the exoplanet receives 1.6 times more energy than Earth and experiences approximately 85% of Venus's solar radiation. This proximity also means the planet's surface temperature depends heavily on its atmospheric conditions. While estimates place Gliese 12 b's temperature at 42°C, Earth, in contrast, maintains an average surface temperature of 15°C. Reflecting on these discoveries, Larissa Palethorpe, co-lead of the research and a doctoral student at the University of Edinburgh and University College London, remarked: “It is thought that Earth's and Venus's first atmospheres were stripped away and then replenished by volcanic outgassing and bombardments from residual material in the solar system. “The Earth is habitable, but Venus is not due to its complete loss of water. Because Gliese 12 b is between Earth and Venus in temperature, its atmosphere could teach us a lot about the habitability pathways planets take as they develop.” This paper has been published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society and can be accessed <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article/531/1/1276/7679807" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">here</a>. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Earth 2.0? Astronomers have discovered the nearest-yet potentially-habitable planet with Earth-like temperatures!

Did you know that Genghis Khan might have decided to move his conquest westwards because of the direction of Halley's comet? While it might seem silly to think that such monumental decisions may have been taken based on extraterrestrial bodies separated billions of kilometres from us, sometimes it just takes one celestial event to understand why. On a serene Saturday evening, the skies over Spain and Portugal were set ablaze by a spectacular celestial event that left onlookers in awe. At approximately 11:46 p.m. in Portugal, a fragment of an unidentified comet streaked through the atmosphere at a blistering 45 kilometres per second, lighting up the night with a mesmerising flash of blue, green, and white. Momentarily turning night into day, the phenomenon has been captured in numerous social media videos. <div type="twitter" handle="In2ThinAir" handlename="In2ThinAir" favoritecount="0" retweetcount="0" id="1792006563156177192"></div>Unlike the more common rocky asteroids that frequently burn up in Earth's atmosphere, this weekend's projectile had an unusual trajectory and speed. While earlier termed a “meteor”, experts from the European Space Agency (ESA) later identified it as a fragment of a comet, an ancient icy body possibly dating back to the dawn of the solar system. <div type="twitter" handle="esaoperations" handlename="esaoperations" favoritecount="0" retweetcount="0" id="1792106330267799685"></div>Meteors and comets, while both originating from space, have distinct differences. A meteor is a fragment of a meteoroid or asteroid that burns up upon entering Earth’s atmosphere, creating a bright streak in the sky commonly referred to as a "shooting star." In contrast, comets are icy bodies originating from the outer solar system. When they approach the Sun, the heat vaporises their ice, often forming a tail that points away from the Sun. Comets are typically visible for longer periods than meteors. “It’s an unexpected interplanetary fireworks show,” astronomer Meg Schwamb tells the media. “This chunk is likely a bit bigger than a good fraction of the meteors we see during meteor showers, so this just made a bigger light show”. According to the ESA, our blue comet shard met its fiery end 60 kilometres above the Atlantic Ocean, disintegrating entirely before reaching the ground. Early detection of such objects is key to preventing potential disasters, yet the weekend's comet shard went unnoticed until it disintegrated in the sky. There is an ongoing concern that larger, potentially hazardous objects could similarly escape detection and cause significant damage. The 2013 Chelyabinsk meteor event, which injured over 1,200 people in Russia, serves as a stark reminder of this risk. To that end, next-generation observatories like Chile’s Vera C. Rubin Observatory is poised to play a crucial role in help in interplanetary defense against such threats. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

WATCH: Massive comet fragment blazes up in beautiful blue flames over Portugal and Spain

In the vast expanse of the cosmos, countless elements and compounds converge in cosmic clouds, offering the basic building blocks needed for the formation of planets. Now, astronomers have stumbled upon what they assert is the biggest known reservoir of planet-forming ingredients identified to date, swirling around a young star. The gargantuan disk, located about 1000 light-years from Earth, boasts a diameter approximately 3,300 times greater than the distance between Earth and the sun! Given its size, it is believed to house an ample supply of gas and dust capable of birthing super-sized planets in far-flung orbits. Dubbed IRAS 23077, this planet-forming disk — referred to as a protoplanetary disk by astronomers — presents a striking resemblance to a butterfly in the images captured. The dark, dusty strip at the centre mirrors the elongated body of a butterfly, while the blue and white lobes evoke its wings, with two narrow filaments resembling antennae. Encircling a star situated 1,000 light-years away, this disk was initially detected in 2016. However, it was only recently confirmed as a prolific nursery for nascent planets through observations conducted by telescopes in Hawaii. Lead author Kristina Monsch of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics has expressed excitement over the potential insights this colossal and gas-rich disk could offer regarding “the birth and evolution of worlds beyond our own”. Monsch adds that this disk, double the size of the previous record-holder, holds promise for NASA's Hubble and Webb space telescopes. These instruments may be able to discern the ongoing formation of planets akin to Jupiter or larger within the disk's confines. The quest to uncover such celestial bodies will continue in full force. According to Monsch, some worlds are probably already out there, and “we just have to look for them”. These findings were detailed in Monday's edition of Astrophysical Journal Letters and can be accessed <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/ad3bb0">here</a>.<meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Butterfly basin: Astronomers find the biggest known reservoir of planet-forming ingredients around a young star!

The Sun has been throwing some major temper tantrums lately, its active sunspot AR13664 directing multiple intense X-class flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) towards our planet since the beginning of May. A recent geomagnetic storm, deemed to be the strongest since 2003, struck Earth earlier this month, causing disruptions to communication and GPS systems. The Indian space agency ISRO, which had front-row seats to the debacle, was able to remain on top of these events. On high alert during the entire solar drama, the space agency’s satellites were able to dodge the worst of the storm’s impacts while its spacecraft Aditya-L1 and Chandrayaan-2 managed to collect quite a bit of data on the event. Aditya-L1 is stationed at a special point between Earth and the Sun, constantly monitoring our fiery neighbour. It used its ASPEX instrument to measure the fast solar wind, hot plasma, and energetic particles released during the solar storm. It also used its X-ray sensors to directly see the powerful X-class flares, and its magnetometer picked up changes in the magnetic field between planets. While Aditya-L1 kept a watchful eye on the Sun, Chandrayaan-2, orbiting the Moon, provided another vantage point. The spacecraft used its X-ray monitor (XSM) to observe various aspects of the storm. It tracked X-rays from the Sun, automatically identified strong flares, and monitored the local high-energy particle environment. The data from XSM showed an increase in nearby charged particles starting around May 9, with brief dips due to the spacecraft's movement around the Moon. As for ISRO’s 30 other GEO spacecraft or Earth Observation Satellites, no major upsets or anomalies were reported. However, the solar storm did spark an increase in atmospheric density, which led to increased orbit decay — where the orbital radius decreases due to atmospheric drag. According to ISRO, some satellites experienced decay 5-6 times higher than usual on May 11. The intense solar activity caused slight deviations in their momentum wheels, requiring adjustments. But these were just bumps on the road, and no major damage or loss of function was reported. By capturing the details of this solar storm, ISRO has gained valuable insights into the Sun's behaviour. This data will be crucial for developing better prediction models and safeguarding our infrastructure from future solar events. So, the next time the Sun throws a tantrum, we'll be even more prepared, thanks to ISRO's watchful eyes in space. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

ISRO’s Aditya L1 and Chandrayaan-2 get front-row seats to the strongest solar storm in over 20 years

Researchers have discovered a new "fiery, glowing red" exoplanet displaying intense volcanic activity similar to Jupiter's moon Io. Further, the many active volcanoes on the exoplanet could be making its surface hotter than some stars, they said. In a known star system about 66 light years away from Sun, the astrophysicists discovered signals for a new rocky planet about a third larger than Earth. The signals were captured by NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), which searches for exoplanets or planets outside our solar system, orbiting the brightest stars in the sky. The team, including researchers from the University of California Riverside, US, said that the star system, called HD 104067, was already known to harbour a giant planet. While gathering data on the planet, Stephen Kane, a professor of Planetary Astrophysics, "unexpectedly" found another "fiery" one, taking the count of planets in the star system to three. "At optical wavelengths, you would be able to see a glowing, red-hot planet with a molten lava surface," Kane, lead author of the study published in The Astronomical Journal, said. The newly discovered rocky exoplanet, named TOI-6713.01, has a lot in common with Jupiter's rocky innermost moon, Io, and is known to be the most volcanically active body in our solar system, Kane said. The researchers explained that gravitational forces exerted by the other two planets in the system force this rocky planet into an elliptical or "eccentric" orbit around their star. The star, to which TOI-6713.01 is closer than the other planets, "squeezes" the rocky planet as it orbits and rotates because of gravity, thereby causing tides on the planet's surface in the form of volcanoes. Likening the scenario to "racquetball", Kane explained that the rocky inner planet gets hotter as it is constantly bounced around by the other two planets and squeezed by the star. "It's been forced into a situation where it's constantly exploding with volcanoes," he said. The extreme volcanic activity could be making the surface of TOI-6713.01 hotter than some stars, Kane said, as he calculated the surface temperature to be 2,600 degrees Kelvin or 2,330 degrees Celsius. The intense volcanic activity on Jupiter's Io is also due to the gravity exerted by the other moons of the solar system's biggest planet, which itself has a strong gravitational pull, the researchers said. Io is thus "forced" into an eccentric orbit around the planet, Kane explained. "If the other moons weren't there, Io would be in a circular orbit around the planet and it would be quiet on the surface. Instead, Jupiter's gravity squeezes Io so much that it erupts in volcanoes constantly," Kane said. On Earth, tides are the effect of moon's gravity on our oceans. The researchers said the findings reveal a lot about the extremes in amounts of energy that can be pumped into a rocky planet, such as TOI-6713.01. Further, tidal effects on planets haven't historically been a focus of exoplanet research, which Kane hopes might change with this discovery. "While we know that stars contribute to the heat of a planet, the vast majority of the energy here is tidal and that cannot be ignored," he said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/aadhar-housing-finance-ipo-allotment-how-to-check-allotment-gmp-listing-date-and-more/articleshow/110071990.cms">Aadhar Housing Finance IPO allotment – How to check allotment, GMP, listing date and more</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/webstories/ipl-decoded-highest-individual-scores-in-ipl-2024-so-far-from-stoinis-to-kohli/slidelist/110008351.cms">IPL Decoded: Highest individual scores in IPL 2024 so far, from Stoinis to Kohli</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/indian-smartphone-market-up-8-5g-smartphones-account-for-over-70-of-shipments/articleshow/110002512.cms">Indian smartphone market up 8%, 5G smartphones account for over 70% of shipments</a> <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

New "fiery" exoplanet discovered, found to display volcanic activity like Jupiter's Io

As we head towards a solar maximum possibly next year, the Sun has been flexing its massive muscles. Of late, it has been spewing out more and more powerful solar flares this week and launching a giant cloud of charged particles, known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), straight at Earth. With our solar neighbour having squeezed out another solar storm that could shake up our planet’s magnetic field tomorrow, do we need to take cover? Read on to find out. The muscle in question is a huge canopy of a sunspot dubbed AR3664. Sprawling across 200,000 kilometres from end to end, this dark spot on the Sun is 15 times wider than Earth and rivals the great Carrington sunspot of 1859 in size. And it has spewed out six X-class flares in the past week, the last three whoppers clocking in at X1.3, X1.2, and X4.5! Luckily, a repeat of the destructive Carrington event is unlikely. What we can expect is a possible double whammy of two CMEs and G2 geomagnetic storms that could escalate the storm to a G3 storm on Saturday, May 11. The anticipated G2-class storm could disrupt radio signals, affecting communication with aircraft and ships. GPS accuracy might also take a hit, causing issues for industries relying on precise location data. Thankfully, these effects are temporary — so no need to retire to your apocalyptic bunkers just yet. However, satellites in lower orbits could face lasting damage due to increased atmospheric drag. A more positive outcome would be some gorgeous auroras. Thankfully, missions like NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory are giving us a front-row seat to this solar drama, helping us understand and prepare for future storms. Further, CMEs usually arrive with a longer lead time than solar flares, providing a window of opportunity for preparation. This allows us to take steps to safeguard critical infrastructure, minimising potential damage. Meanwhile, this surge in solar activity is nothing out of the ordinary. We're currently approaching solar maximum, a period of heightened solar activity in the Sun’s 11-year cycle. While the exact timing is uncertain, experts predict it to occur sometime between May 2024 and early 2026. This weekend's geomagnetic storm serves as a reminder of the sun's immense power and the potential impact on our technology-driven world. Stay informed and stay curious for updates on this exciting space weather event! <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Major solar storm alert: Third CME this week to hit Earth on May 10-11, possibly affecting satellite communications, GPS and power grids

Have you ever wondered what happens if you were to fall into a black hole? Thanks to cutting-edge visualisations produced on a NASA supercomputer, this mind-bending experience is now within reach. Astrophysicist Jeremy Schnittman, alongside fellow scientist Brian Powell, has crafted immersive simulations that take viewers on a perilous voyage toward the event horizon — the point of no return — of a supermassive black hole. Utilising the immense computational power of the Discover supercomputer at NASA's Center for Climate Simulation, Schnittman and Powell have unlocked a window into the enigmatic world of black holes. These simulations, which generated a staggering 10 terabytes of data, offer multiple perspectives, from what would happen if we fell into the black hole itself, to the view of an observer narrowly missing the gravity giant. The journey begins with a distant view of the black hole, its gravitational pull quickly dominating the scene. As the camera hurtles toward the abyss, the surrounding space-time distorts, bending light and warping the familiar constellations into unrecognisable shapes. Along the way, viewers witness the surreal dance of an accretion disk — a swirling mass of hot gas — and photon rings, hauntingly beautiful structures born from light orbiting the black hole. <div type="Youtube" id="chhcwk4-esM" title="NASA Simulation’s Plunge Into a Black Hole: Explained" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/chhcwk4-esM/mqdefault.jpg"><url><![CDATA[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chhcwk4-esM]]></url></div> But as the camera approaches the event horizon, time itself seems to slow, echoing the eerie stillness of this cosmic boundary. This is where the laws of physics, as we understand them, begin to unravel. The phenomenon known as spaghettification awaits those unfortunate enough to cross the threshold — a relentless tidal force that stretches and distorts everything in its grasp into noodle-like structures. <div type="Youtube" id="dGEIsnBRWGs" title="360 Video: NASA Simulation Shows a Flight Around a Black Hole" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dGEIsnBRWGs/mqdefault.jpg"><url><![CDATA[https://youtu.be/dGEIsnBRWGs?si=CVAkSszgt9AzRBS3]]></url></div> For the daring astronaut who dares to skirt the edge of oblivion, time itself becomes a plaything. The effects of gravitational time dilation mean that while the spacefarer may experience a 6-hour-round trip, her comrades faraway would end up being 36 minutes younger upon her returning. And if the black hole were to possess a rapid rotation, as depicted in the film “Interstellar," the temporal disparity would be even more extreme. In the end, whether one's fate is sealed within the inescapable grip of the singularity or they emerge unscathed, these simulations offer a tantalising glimpse into the profound mysteries of the cosmos. Through the lens of cutting-edge science and technology, we venture ever closer to understanding the true nature of these cosmic behemoths. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Here’s what falling inside a black hole would look like, according to a NASA supercomputer simulation

Is the only thing that’s keeping you from leaving Earth and its gazillion problems behind to move to Mars the commute time? Worry not, NASA’s got you. NASA has set its sights on six mind-blowing tech concepts that seem ripped straight from science fiction. These visionary ideas, chosen for further development by the NIAC (NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts) program, could revolutionise space exploration as we know it. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="A telescope made of liquid" comment="subhead" text="A telescope made of liquid">A telescope made of liquid</cmsannotation> The FLUTE, or Fluidic Telescope, project proposes a massive space observatory that uses special fluids to create its shape, allowing for a much larger viewing area than ever before. This could unlock secrets of distant galaxies and even Earth-like exoplanets. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Need a quicker ride to Mars?" comment="subhead" text="Need a quicker ride to Mars?">Need a quicker ride to Mars?</cmsannotation> The Pulsed Plasma Rocket might be the answer. This innovative engine uses powerful fission-generated packets of plasma to propel spacecraft, potentially slashing travel times between Earth and other planets. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Mega constellation of satellites" comment="subhead" text="Mega constellation of satellites">Mega constellation of satellites</cmsannotation> The GO-LoW (Great Observatory for Long Wavelengths) project envisions a network of thousands of tiny satellites working together as one giant radio telescope. This could revolutionise our understanding of the early universe and alien worlds. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Solar power gets an upgrade" comment="subhead" text="Solar power gets an upgrade">Solar power gets an upgrade</cmsannotation> The Radioisotope Thermoradiative Cell offers a new, potentially more efficient way to power spacecraft. This could be a game-changer for smaller missions venturing far from the sun's rays, like probes exploring the outer reaches of our solar system or rovers scouting the icy moons of Jupiter or Saturn. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Picture a lunar railway!" comment="subhead" text="Picture a lunar railway!">Picture a lunar railway!</cmsannotation> The FLOAT (Flexible Levitation on a Track) project proposes a futuristic transportation system on the Moon. Imagine cargo gliding effortlessly across a track, supporting the construction and daily operations of future lunar bases. This efficient and reliable transport system could ferry supplies and materials around the lunar surface, paving the way for a sustainable human presence on the Moon. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="ScienceCraft takes sails to a whole new level" comment="subhead" text="ScienceCraft takes sails to a whole new level">ScienceCraft takes sails to a whole new level</cmsannotation> Imagine a solar sail unfurling not just to capture the sun's energy for propulsion, but also to gather invaluable scientific data as it journeys past distant objects! This concept involves embedding tiny, quantum dot-based sensors into a solar sail, transforming it into a giant space imager. This lightweight design could send powerful scientific observatories across the solar system at a fraction of the cost. Overall, NASA's vision for the future is looking brighter than ever. John Nelson, who oversees the NIAC program, is impressed by the latest round of futuristic ideas. He sees them as a springboard for groundbreaking discoveries in the years to come. With continued development, these concepts could transform space travel, scientific discovery, and our understanding of the cosmos. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

A train on the Moon? NASA’s new space tech includes lunar railways, Martian rockets and more

The launch of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, scheduled to carry NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore to the International Space Station (ISS) was on Monday (local time) postponed after a valve glitch in the upper stage of the rocket set to propel it to space. Rocket company United Launch Alliance's Tom Heter III the director overseeing the launch announced the decision to delay the launch about two hours before the expected lift off from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, United States. NASA announced on social media platform X that the problem was identified with an oxygen valve on part of ULA's Atlas 5 rocket and that the space agency, Boeing and ULA have "scrubbed the launch opportunity on May 6 for the agency's Boeing Crew Flight Test to the International Space Station due to a faulty oxygen relief valve observation on the Atlas V rocket Centaur second stage. The crew and rocket remain safe and more information will be forthcoming." It said that NASA astronauts Wilmore and Williams exited the Starliner spacecraft at Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida and will return to astronaut crew quarters. This would have marked the first human crewed flight for Starliner with Indian origin Sunita "Suni" Williams piloting the craft with fellow NASA pilot Barry "Butch" Wilmore. Boing had designed Starliner to rival the Dragon capsule of Elon Musk's SpaceX which carried out its crewed flight test in May 2020. SpaceX has handled most of NASA's crew transportation needs since then. However, just two hours before the scheduled launch, a valve glitch in the rocket's upper stage forced mission managers to call off the mission. It was a frustrating setback for Wilmore and Williams, both seasoned astronauts ventured to space on two previous journeys aboard NASA space shuttle and Russian Soyuz missions and had impressive backgrounds in naval aviation. The disappointment was tangible as they unstrapped from their seats, their hopes of soaring into space momentarily grounded, CBS News reported. Incidentally Sunita Williams has named the spacecraft "Calypso" for her love of the ocean and in reference to the ship of famed explorer Jacques Cousteau, who sailed across the world on his own ship named bearing the same name. Despite the setback, the seasoned duo maintained their composure, knowing that space travel demands patience and resilience. Clad in their distinctive Boeing pressure suits, Wilmore and Williams awaited news of the next launch window, ready to embark on their celestial journey at the earliest opportunity, as reported by CBS News. The Atlas 5 rocket, renowned for its reliability, stood ready for its milestone 100th flight - to launch Boeing's Crew Space Transportation (CST)-100 Starliner spacecraft. The plan was that following separation from Atlas 5, Starliner engines will burn taking it the rest of the way to orbit and on to the International Space Station, according to ULA. The Atlas 5 had successfully launching scientific spacecraft to Mars on five different occasions, plus research investigations to the Sun, the Moon, Jupiter, the Asteroid Bennu and Pluto The Atlas 5 consists of two major components: a booster and Centaur, its so-called upper stage. Starliner sits on top of Centaur, which in turn rests on the booster. The booster powers everything off the launchpad. During the flight, Centaur is designed to separate from the booster, propelling Starliner into a proper orbit. Then, Starliner separates from Centaur and flies on its own. It has delivered US national security assets into space, launched weather observatories that all Americans depend upon and deployed commercial satellites to connect the world. Williams, selected as an astronaut by NASA in June 1998, has spent a total of 322 days in space on two missions and accumulated 50 hours and 40 minutes of cumulative EVA time on seven spacewalks. Williams worked with Roscosmos on its contribution to the space station and with the first Expedition crew. Meanwhile, 61-year-old, Wilmore has logged 178 days in space and has 25 hours and 36 minutes of time on four spacewalks. NASA has been waiting half a decade for Starliner to begin flying crew, and the development of Starliner was beset by years of delays, setbacks and blunders. More broadly, Boeing as a company has suffered years of scandals in its aircraft division that have tarnished the legacy aerospace giant's brand, CNN reported. If successful, the Crew Test Flight could queue up Boeing to begin flying routine trips to the space station on NASA's behalf. Boeing has already planned six manned missions for the platform over the next six years, the projected end of the ISS' operating lifespan. NASA plans to use both SpaceX's Dragon and Boeing's Starliner to send up astronauts at least every six months from US soil. Both Boeing and SpaceX were given the responsibility in 2014 by NASA to send commercial crew missions to the ISS. Boeing received over USD 4 billion in US federal funds to develop the Starliner, while SpaceX received about USD 2.6 billion. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/indegene-ipo-company-details-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/109888922.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/indegene-ipo-company-details-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/109888922.cms" target="_blank">Indegene IPO: Company details to risk factors, all you need to know</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/worldwide-tablet-shipments-grow-in-q1-2024-after-two-years-of-decline/articleshow/109876390.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/worldwide-tablet-shipments-grow-in-q1-2024-after-two-years-of-decline/articleshow/109876390.cms" target="_blank">Worldwide tablet shipments grow in Q1 2024 after two years of decline</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/asus-zenbook-duo-review/articleshow/109875023.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/asus-zenbook-duo-review/articleshow/109875023.cms" target="_blank">Asus ZenBook Duo review – an excellent dual-screen laptop for multitaskers</a> <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Planned crewed launch of Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams on Boeing's Starliner spacecraft called off

India's space and satellite sector is poised for a significant transformation following the recent decision to permit local satellite companies to utilise foreign orbital resources for the first time. This landmark move, orchestrated by India's national space regulator IN-SPACe, is set to revolutionise the landscape of satellite communications (satcom) services within the country. If you have experienced your mobile signal weakening during road trips, this is because our devices rely on terrestrial mobile towers that transmit and receive data. As you move away from built-up areas, you also move away from these towers, which hinders your device’s ability to access networks. On the other hand, satellite devices (as the name suggests) directly tap into the satellites orbiting our Earth, meaning they have access to some network from just about anywhere on the planet. This is extremely useful for communication in remote areas, such as lesser-developed villages and mountainous regions. Satellite devices are especially important in emergency situations since they aren’t relying on fragile land-based communication infrastructure. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="More affordable communication?" comment="subhead" text="More affordable communication?">More affordable communication?</cmsannotation> Previously, Indian satellite players — an industry still very much in its nascent stage — were constrained by reliance solely on domestic orbital resources, which often proved to be limited and costly. However, with the new IN-SPACe guidelines, Indian entities can now leverage surplus international satellite capacities to deliver satcom services at competitive rates, promising better services and affordability for end-consumers. This initiative opens doors for Indian companies to access non-Indian orbital slots and associated frequencies, a crucial development that fosters competition and innovation in the satcom sector. By tapping into global capacities, Indian players can expand their service offerings and enhance their competitiveness in the market. Pranav Roach, President of Hughes Network Systems India Ltd, lauded the decision, emphasising the greater flexibility it provides to satcom players in delivering broadband services across India. Similarly, industry executives anticipate a surge in local participation in the Indian space services sector, driven by the newfound commercial options enabled by access to non-Indian orbital resources. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Reliance, Starlink, OneWeb, Globalstar express interest" comment="subhead" text="Reliance, Starlink, OneWeb, Globalstar express interest">Reliance, Starlink, OneWeb, Globalstar express interest</cmsannotation> The implications extend beyond the domestic market, with global satellite giants such as Bharti Mittal-backed Eutelsat OneWeb, Amazon and Reliance Jio expressing interest in leveraging India's burgeoning satcom market. Elon Musk’s Starlink — which was instrumental in emergency communications during the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza — is also eyeing the country’s satcom market. Globalstar, the American satcom company behind the emergency SOS services in Apple iPhones, has also been seeking clearances to launch similar services in India. If approved, upcoming handsets by the tech giant could be equipped with the potentially life-saving tech as well. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

India's satcom sector to take off as IN-SPACe allows Indian players access to international orbital data

After a series of delays over the years due to a number of setbacks in the spacecraft's development, the Boeing’s brand new Starliner is finally ready to take its maiden flight. This history-making launch is scheduled for May 7th, 2024, at 8:04 am IST, blasting off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, US. But here’s what makes this mission particularly exciting: beloved Indian origin astronaut Sunita Williams, 59, will be piloting the spacecraft on its first-ever crewed mission to the International Space Station (ISS). While a veteran of two space missions with a total of 322 days spent orbiting Earth, there's a certain thrill to the unknown. Williams acknowledges some nerves, but her enthusiasm for exploration remains undimmed. "When I reach the ISS," she says, "it will be like going back home." However, Sunita Williams won't be alone on this adventure. Joining her is veteran astronaut Butch Wilmore, a 61-year-old Navy test pilot with two space missions under his belt as well. Together, they'll soar aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket for a critical, 26-hour journey. Williams and Wilmore will be tasked with conducting a series of tests to ensure the Starliner meets NASA's stringent safety standards for future regular missions. After docking, the astronauts will spend a productive eight days living and working on the ISS before returning to Earth on May 15. Unlike traditional US capsules that splashdown in the ocean, the Starliner will make a novel land-based touchdown in the western US. With this mission, Williams is poised to etch her name in the history books — becoming the first woman to pilot a maiden crewed mission on a brand-new spacecraft. No stranger to pushing boundaries, she previously held the record for longest cumulative spacewalk time by a female astronaut (a record since surpassed by Peggy Whitson). In fact, she even completed the Boston Marathon after running in one place for over four hours while aboard the ISS. Also a decorated Navy test pilot with a passion for science, Williams was selected for the astronaut program in 1998. After the Space Shuttle's retirement, she transitioned seamlessly into the next generation of space travel, chosen for NASA's Commercial Crew Program. This program, a collaboration with private companies like Boeing, aims to revitalise American spaceflight. The Starliner mission, alongside SpaceX's Crew Dragon, signifies a new era of public-private partnership in space exploration. Adding a touch of personal tradition, Williams will carry a statuette of Lord Ganesh, her "good luck charm," on this historic flight. Back on Earth, her achievements resonate across the globe, particularly in India where she holds immense national pride. Dr M Mohan, head of ISRO's Human Space Flight Center, expressed his admiration for Williams, stating, "We are all proud" of her upcoming mission. India itself has its sights set on the stars with their Gaganyaan program, aiming for a crewed mission by 2026. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Remember Sunita Williams, Indian-origin astronaut who made history by going to space twice? She is all set to fly to space for the third time!

<ul class="summary-list"><li>China has developed a large network of military satellites. </li><li>A Pentagon official warned they could be used to target US troops. </li></ul>China has developed a network of hundreds of military satellites that could be used to target US troops, a Pentagon official warned.Maj. Gen. Greg Gagnon, deputy chief of space operations for intelligence,<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrEjmVCr1pU&amp;t=2s"> told a conference</a> on Thursday that China had developed a sophisticated military satellite program.He said it could be used to track and target US troops moving to defend Taiwan, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.defenseone.com/threats/2024/05/new-chinese-satellites-ending-us-monopoly-ability-track-and-hit-long-distance-targets/396272/">Defense One reported.</a>"It's to provide indications and warnings of sailors, marines, airmen, trying to move west, if directed, to defend freedom," Gagnon said."They will now—in a way that we're not comfortable talking about in America—they will be inside a rapidly expanding weapons engagement zone."He went on to explain that means they can track their targets from a long-distance, even if those targets are mobile."Few countries have that advantage," he said.The US has long deployed a network of satellites to monitor potential threats, but Gagnon said that China had ended the US monopoly on using satellite data to strike targets at very long distances.He described it as an "architecture that's designed to go to war and sustain in war. And the purpose of reconnaissance and surveillance, from the ultimate high ground, is, of course, to inform decisions about fire control for militaries."China has, in recent years,<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-plan-dominate-space-breathtaking-speed-us-needs-wake-up-2024-4"> intensified its bid to establish </a>itself as a major military force in space.Military experts believe that if a war were to break out between major powers, the opening shots would likely be fired in space in a bid to disable the satellite systems militaries rely on for communications.China has developed weapons capable of taking out US satellites, systems for monitoring US troops, and hypersonic weapons capable of evading air defense systems — and some are warning could be preparing to use the<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-could-attack-us-satellites-from-moon-warns-general-2024-3"> moon as a platform for attacks.</a>The number of Chinese crafts in orbit has risen by around 500% since its space military division was formed in 2015, said Gagnon, and of the 400 launched in the last two years around half are used to monitor Earth.US military leaders are warning that the US must step up if it wants to avoid being beaten in the race for space dominance."We are at a pivotal moment in history," Troy Meink, principal deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office, which builds and operates the US fleet of spy satellites, said at a recent event in Colorado, <a target="_blank" rel=" nofollow" href="https://www.space.com/china-space-progress-breathtaking-speed-space-force">as quoted by </a><a target="_blank" href="http://Space.com">Space.com</a><a target="_blank" rel=" nofollow" href="https://www.space.com/china-space-progress-breathtaking-speed-space-force">.</a>"For the first time in decades, US leadership in space and space technology is being challenged," Meink added. "Our competitors are actively seeking ways to threaten our capabilities, and we see this every day."<meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

China is building a huge network of satellites that could be used against US troops: intel chief

<ul class="summary-list"><li>China is intensifying its bid to supplant the US as a major space power. </li><li>It is "moving at breathtaking speed," according to the US Space Force commander.</li></ul>After a meeting with Japanese and South Korean officials in Tokyo on Friday, US Space Force commander Gen. Stephen Whiting warned about a growing threat.China, he said, is "moving at breathtaking speed in space," and is developing a range of weapons that threaten America's space supremacy, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.stripes.com/branches/space_force/2024-04-25/space-force-china-japan-korea-13651897.html">reported Stars and Stripes.</a>"They're also using space to make their terrestrial forces — their army, their navy, their marine corps, their air force — more precise, more lethal, and more far-ranging," he added. It's one of a series of warnings from top US military officials in recent months about the growing threat in space posed by China.There is a very real risk, they say, that the US could soon lose its status as the world's dominant space power."We are at a pivotal moment in history," Troy Meink, principal deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office, which builds and operates the US fleet of spy satellites, said at a recent event in Colorado, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.space.com/china-space-progress-breathtaking-speed-space-force">as quoted by Space.com.</a>"For the first time in decades, US leadership in space and space technology is being challenged," Meink added. "Our competitors are actively seeking ways to threaten our capabilities, and we see this every day."They echo comments by Gen. Chance Saltzman, chief of space operations at the United States Space Force, who <a target="_blank" href="https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3368200/complacency-must-be-avoided-to-maintain-us-superiority-in-space-saltzman-says/">last year </a>warned against taking US space supremacy for granted."I'm worried about a far more subtle form of complacency. One that grows out of the comfort of continuity, the comfort of our expertise, the comfort of our successes. What we have done and how we have done it has worked and worked well, but I fear we think it will work well forever," he said.Space today is "far more contested and US access to space capabilities is not a given," Saltzman said.<h2>US satellites under threat</h2>In recent years, China has developed a sophisticated military program in space, where for decades, the US has been the dominant force.Space is where military analysts believe the first shots could be fired in a war between major powers.China has created technology capable of targeting US satellites, as well as for better monitoring Earth and developing coordination between land, sea, air, and space operations.At a congressional hearing in February, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-29/us-sees-china-s-threat-from-space-growing-at-breathtaking-pace">Whiting said</a> that China is also developing a "hypersonic glide vehicle" and other weapons capable of evading air defense systems and satellite warnings.Dominic Chiu, an analyst with the Eurasia Group, told Business Insider that plans for space warfare were at the heart of China's recent military reorganization."China's leadership believes elements such as space and cyber will play a bigger role, and that making them more operationally efficient is crucial to preparedness and success," he said.<div type="image" title="Air Force Lieutenant General Gregory Guillot (left) and US Space Force Lieutenant General Stephen Whiting (right) on July 26, 2023." height="683" width="1024" msid="109732329" hostid="261"></div>The plans place China's aerospace units directly under the control of central command and mirror the US' creation of a Space Force under former President Donald Trump in 2018, said Chiu.One of the main fronts in the rivalry is the race to the moon, and US officials are warning that China, under the guise of scientific research, could be planning on seizing control of regions of the lunar surface as part of its plans for military dominance.With the Artemis mission, the US is planning on sending astronauts to the moon for the first time in 50 years. But China has its own moon landing program, and US lawmakers at a congressional hearing in<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/01/17/artemis-china-delay-competition/"> January warned that</a> delays to NASA's plans to get astronauts to the lunar surface by 2022 mean that China could get there first."The country that lands first will have the ability to set a precedent for whether future lunar activities are conducted with openness and transparency or in a more restricted manner," said Rep. Frank Lucas, chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee.Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, commander of US Space Forces Indo-Pacific,<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-could-attack-us-satellites-from-moon-warns-general-2024-3"> told a conference in March</a> that China could be planning to use its presence on the moon as part of covert plans to target US satellites."As in other domains, the US is the established power, and China is seeking to catch and, if possible, overtake it, using its race to the moon to increase funding," Graeme Thompson, an analyst at the Eurasia Group, told BI.<h2>The US and allies monitor 'deep space' for threats</h2>The US and its allies are responding to the threat by developing plans to monitor areas of space that China is seeking to dominate for potential threats.In December, the AUKUS alliance, which comprises the US, Australia, and the UK, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-67603379">said it would </a>develop radars to monitor threats in "deep space," around 22,000 miles from Earth."Both the US and China view outer space along with cyberspace as new and interlinked military domains, and both feature in US, UK, and Australian collaboration under the AUKUS agreement," said Thompson.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/china-challenging-us-militarys-dominance-space-rcna128993">According to reports, </a>the Pentagon is intensifying its bid to develop technology capable of countering China's plans to take out US satellites.Tory Bruno, chief executive of United Launch Alliance, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/china-challenging-us-militarys-dominance-space-rcna128993">told NBC News </a>that engineers are developing maneuverable satellites that could move out of the way of Chinese satellites that are fitted with robotic arms to take them out of orbit.The stakes in the race for the dominance of space could not be higher, say experts. Whoever wins will not just have control over the moon, but will likely be the top power on Earth. And through complacency, America may fast lose its advantage, say critics."The truth is, whoever controls the space domain will dominate the future global economy," wrote analyst Arthur Herman for the conservative-leaning Hudson Institute in February."If America was the preeminent space power from Presidents John F. Kennedy to Ronald Reagan, we've let our edge slip away, while China and Russia aim to displace us all together."<meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

China's plan to be the dominant power in space is moving at breathtaking speed. The US needs to wake up, officials say. 

No, it’s not aliens, so don’t get too excited. The general and golden rule with breaking bad news to someone is to tell them QUICKLY after indicating the need for conversation. But what do you do when you have to wait two days to get a basic response, and addressing that concern takes a couple of days as well? For Linda Spilker and the team that oversees NASA’s Voyager 1 mission — an interstellar spacecraft 24 billion kilometres from us — it means five harrowing months of patience and problem solving. To understand what we’re talking about, here’s a rough timeline of the voyages of Voyager 1. Despite what the naming might suggest, Voyager 1 is actually the younger brother of the Voyager spacecraft twins. Launched in 1977, both Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 were created to study the four giant gas planets in our solar system. Having completed their fly-bys of these planets, Voyager 1 entered interstellar space in 2012, and is now currently swimming earnestly through the pitch black of in-between space as the most distant human-made object. Considering how old and far away Voyager 1 is from us, it is a scientific marvel and a privilege that we still continue to receive sound scientific data from the spacecraft. To keep it functional after all these years, scientists have been periodically switching off a few systems and diverting the energy towards the satellite’s core functions. All seemed to be going well — until it didn’t. According to NASA, Voyager 1 mysteriously stopped sending decipherable science and engineering data back to Earth on November 14. Fortunately, a myriad of independent controllers onboard were able to show that the spacecraft was still able to receive commands and was working normally, meaning the problem was localised. More importantly, it seemed fixable. In March 2024, NASA engineers finally sussed out the issue: a single chip responsible for storing data captured by Voyager wasn’t working somehow. Age, hardware failure, or an unlucky spot of radiation exposure might have been the culprit, the team reckons. As hinted earlier, it takes 22.5 hours to send a message to Voyager 1, and another 22.5 hours to get a confirmation back. Therefore, in the absence of a superhero spacefaring speedster to manually fix the spacecraft in person, scientists had to meticulously single out what code was lost due to the broken chip, and replace it. However, the new problem was storage. The computers aboard the Voyagers were invented in the 70s, a time before the giga- and terabytes of sophisticated storage tech that we have today. Therefore, to fit all the missing code, the NASA engineers sliced it into smaller sections to be stored into whatever memory chips had space available onboard the Voyager 1. “There were three different people looking through line by line of the patch of the code we were going to send up, looking for anything that they had missed,” Spilker explained to NBC. “And so it was sort of an eyes-only check of the software that we sent up.” After much cross-checking, the team huddled into the office, waiting for a reply with bated breath. And lo and behold, came the lost-but-familiar beeping of Voyager’s operations clicking back into place. NASA reported this joyous news through a post on X, to which the spacecraft’s account replied with ‘Hi, it’s me. - V1’. <div type="twitter" handle="NASAVoyager" handlename="NASAVoyager" favoritecount="0" retweetcount="0" id="1782454547446890633"></div> In the upcoming weeks, the team will be busy relocating and fine-tuning other segments of Voyager 1’s software, especially those primed to transmit scientific data. Meanwhile, Voyager 2 is still going strong after over 46 years since launch, making it the longest-running and most distant spacecraft in history. Its journey past Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune remains a remarkable feat in space exploration. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

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Boeing Starliner with Sunita Williams onboard could wait months in space before return as NASA mulls extending mission duration