Here are today’s most important updates from the realm of Science and Space.
In a significant advancement for India's space capabilities, the Ministry of Science and Technology has announced its support for Agnikul Cosmos, a Chennai-based aerospace startup, to develop and commercialise the "Agnibaan" launch vehicle. This highly customisable two-stage rocket is designed to deliver payloads of up to 300 kg to orbits at an altitude of 700 km, aiming to make satellite launches more accessible and affordable. The initiative is backed by the Technology Development Board (TDB). Agnikul Cosmos achieved a historic milestone earlier this year with the successful launch of Agnibaan SOrTeD, the world's first rocket powered by a single-piece 3D-printed engine.
Sunita Williams and her crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are embracing the Christmas holiday spirit following the recent departure of a SpaceX Dragon capsule. The astronauts are making the most of their unique situation, sharing festive cheer and traditions that transcend Earthly boundaries. The Dragon’s cargo delivery included the supplies and gifts for the crew, which reflected on the significance of celebrating the holidays in such an extraordinary environment. In addition to personal celebrations, Williams and her fellow astronauts are participating in educational outreach efforts. They plan to engage with students on Earth through live video sessions, sharing insights about life in space and encouraging young minds to explore science and technology.
In a historic milestone for India, astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to travel with the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in spring 2025. This mission will mark India's first human presence aboard the ISS and the second government-sponsored human spaceflight from India, following Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma's journey in 1984. The Ax-4 mission is a significant collaboration between India and the United States, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the US last year. As part of their preparation, Shukla and his backup, Group Captain Prashanth Nair, have undergone extensive training with international partners, including NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) has recently captured stunning new images of the retired InSight lander, revealing how dust accumulation on its solar panels has transformed its appearance over time. Captured on October 23, 2024, by MRO’s High-Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera, the images show InSight’s solar panels now sharing the reddish-brown hue characteristic of the Martian surface. InSight landed on Mars in November 2018 and detected several marsquakes, providing valuable insights into the planet's crust, mantle, and core. Dust plays a crucial role in Mars' atmosphere and landscape, influencing everything from weather patterns to the aging of meteorite impact craters. The study of dust dynamics is essential for preparing future missions, particularly those relying on solar power.
