Here are today’s most important updates from the realm of Science and Space.
Japan's Astroscale, a company specialised in removing orbital junk, has agreed with Bengaluru-based space companies Digantara and Bellatrix Aerospace to collaborate on technology and services. India has already opened the country's space sector beyond the state-owned Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to private players and created a 10 billion rupee ($116 million) fund to support startups. Astroscale is currently working with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to demonstrate a commercial debris removal mission in 2027. It has also won orders from the U.S. Space Force and space agencies of Britain and France, which include experimental services to extend a satellite's lifespan. Digantara provides space situational awareness services to monitor orbital objects and Bellatrix Aerospace manufactures satellite propulsion systems.
The @UN has designated 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation with March 21 marking the first World Day for Glaciers.
— Suhora Technologies (@suhoratech) March 21, 2025
On this occasion, Suhora takes a moment to bring attention to the pressing issue of the expansion of glacial lakes in the Himalayan region. pic.twitter.com/aSQr9PRqs3
(Credit: X/@suhoratech)
As the risks of climate change and global warming keep ramping up, the impact is most visible in the Himalayas as glaciers melt at an alarming pace. However, what's more alarming is the rapid pace at which the glacial lakes are growing due to this enhanced melt. Suhora Technologies, an Indian Earth observation firm, has analysed how the Himalayan glacial lakes are expanding at an alarming rate, heightening risks of devastating glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). Over 76% of Himalayan glacial lakes are end-moraine-dammed, a fragile structure prone to breaches. The 2023 Sikkim disaster showed the urgent need for real-time monitoring, as floodwaters overwhelmed infrastructure before alerts could be issued.
Scientists of the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology analyzed High-resolution MRI scans to measure the size and shape of different parts of the brain and specific areas within the hippocampus linked with learning, memory, and spatial navigation. The study revealed shrinkage in the front and side of the brain (prefrontal, temporal, and cingulate cortices, and the hippocampus) affect the brain parts that help in remembering words. The discovery is crucial as it helps in understanding and treating the parts of the brain that are affected by epilepsy, which significantly affects brain areas for word memory. The study guides safer epilepsy surgery for memory.
A team of our scientists have been involved in assembling the worlds most detailed map of the landscape beneath Antarctica's ice sheet, highlighting the vast both with and without ice! 🧊
— Newcastle University (@UniofNewcastle) March 18, 2025
Read more here. ⬇https://t.co/4t1rAviaKm#WeAreNCL pic.twitter.com/aAhQi98gFr
(Credit: X/@UniofNewcastle)
The Antarctic has always been shrouded in mystery. It seems the seventh largest continent’s icy surface is more than meets the eye. Scientists from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have introduced the most detailed map ever of Antarctica’s hidden landscape under its expansive sheet of ice. The research is noteworthy as it will help scientists understand how Antarctica’s icy surface responds to climate change and its impact on future sea-level rise. It offers crucial data to analyse how ice interacts and moves with the ocean. Besides the clearer view of the hidden landscape, it will assist in studying the continent’s geological past.
