Here are today’s most important updates from the realm of Science and Space.
Christmas Comes Early for ISRO as Bahubali LVM3 Makes History
India's space agency delivered a festive triumph on Christmas Eve, executing a flawless LVM3 launch that propelled the heaviest foreign satellite ever from Indian soil into orbit. The LVM3-M6 mission, dubbed "Bahubali" for its mighty 640-tonne liftoff mass, roared off the Second Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at precisely 08:54 IST on December 24, 2025. Carrying AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird Block-2, a humongous 6.5-tonne communication satellite, this sixth operational flight marked Isro's 101st orbital success and a commercial coup via NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). ISRO chief in his post-launch address said, "This marks a new milestone for India, with the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil. LVM3 has continued its excellent track record, delivering an orbital performance with less than 2 km of dispersion, among the best in the global space arena.”
Gaganyaan Countdown Begins as ISRO Reveals Game-Changing 2026 Missions
Speaking during an address post the successful LVM3-M6 mission (Launch Vehicle Mark-III’s sixth operational flight), Isro chairman V. Narayanan revealed an ambitious roadmap that highlights India’s evolution from a regional player into a dominant global space powerhouse. From the highly anticipated Gaganyaan mission to the surging prowess of private startups like Skyroot Aerospace, the coming year is set to be a definitive turning point for the nation's celestial ambitions. The crown jewel of the 2026 calendar is the uncrewed Gaganyaan launch. This mission serves as the ultimate litmus test for India’s human spaceflight program.
Tamil Nadu Deploys AI to Track Wildlife and Prevent Human–Animal Clashes
In a major step toward modern conservation and public safety, the government of Tamil Nadu has launched an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered Command Centre for Human-Wildlife Conflict Management, aimed at transforming how the state responds to growing episodes of conflict between humans and wildlife. "Something incredibly exciting is happening in Gudalur in The Nilgiris District which has been facing serious human wildlife conflict for years but this is now set to change," said Supriya Sahu, Tamil Nadu's additional chief secretary Environment Climate Change & Forests. The new command centre, described by state officials as a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, will employ advanced data analytics, real-time tracking and predictive AI models to anticipate, monitor and manage situations where wildlife, especially elephants, leopards and other large mammals, enter human settlements.
From Sand to Snow: Why Saudi Arabia’s Freak Weather Should Worry India
Snowfall in Saudi Arabia is rare, but what unfolded this winter across parts of the nation's northern regions was exceptional and alarming at the same time. Regions such as Tabuk and nearby mountainous areas saw temperatures plunge, hills turn white, and authorities issue weather alerts; all of these occurrences are often familiar to colder climates. One of the most persistent misconceptions about climate change is that it simply means hotter days everywhere. According to scientists, the opposite is true. As the planet warms, the atmosphere holds more moisture and energy, destabilising long-established weather patterns. It is the very reason why the world, including India, is experiencing intense heatwaves, extreme rainfall, and sudden cold events in unlikely places.
