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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO ) has announced the development of the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS), a significant project aimed at enhancing India's presence in space exploration. Weighing approximately 52 tonnes, the space station will initially host three astronauts as per a report, with a future plan to expand its capacity to six. The capacity of the BAS was reportedly revealed during the Kannada Technical Seminar held at the U.R. Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru. Designed for Science and Space Tourism ISRO's BAS is being developed as a platform for interplanetary research, life sciences and medicine studies, according to an India Today report . It is expected to play a critical role in studying microgravity's effects on human health and testing technologies necessary for sustaining life beyond Earth . The space station is expected to be leveraged for space tourism and resource utilisation, marking India's venture into commercial space applica...

The first phase of astronaut training for India's Gaganyaan mission , a collaborative effort between the Indian Space Research Organisation ( ISRO ) and NASA , has been successfully completed. ISRO announced this milestone in an official statment, which confirmed that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the primary crew member, and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, the backup crew member, have concluded their initial training in the United States. The Gaganyaan mission, scheduled for late 2026, marks India's first human space flight. Training Details and Key Milestones The initial training, which commenced in August, has been focused on preparing the astronauts for their roles in the mission. In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), ISRO revealed that the programme included mission-related ground facility tours, an overview of launch sequences, SpaceX suit fitting sessions, and space food trials. The astronauts were also familiarised with the SpaceX Dragon spacecraf...

A dramatic flow of lava from an active fissure near Iceland's Blue Lagoon was captured by NASA's satellites, highlighting the ongoing volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The images, taken by Landsat 9 and Suomi NPP satellites , were released on November 27, showing the intensity of the eruption that began on November 20. The infrared visuals reveal the lava's brightness surpassing that of Reykjavík, Iceland's capital city, located 47 kilometres from the site. Evacuations Triggered by Lava Flow Statements from NASA's Earth Observatory indicate that the eruption occurred at the Sundhnúkur crater row and a fissure stretching 2.9 kilometres released streams of lava flowing east and west, avoiding direct impact on the nearby town of Grindavík. However, precautionary evacuations were carried out for Grindavík's 3,800 residents and the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. Icelandic media reported that the lava enveloped a service building and a car park at the sp...

A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 24 Starlink satellites was launched by SpaceX from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on November 30, 2024, at 12:00am EST (10:30am IST). According to a report, this marked the latest addition to the company's growing Starlink constellation, designed to provide global internet coverage. Satellite Deployment and Low-Earth Orbit Expansion As confirmed by SpaceX's official updates, the rocket's first stage completed its return to Earth approximately eight minutes after liftoff, landing securely on the droneship Just Read the Instructions, stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. The booster, identified as B1083, had previously completed five missions, including Crew-8 and Polaris Dawn. Its latest mission brought the number of Starlink launches for this particular booster to three. Falcon 9 delivers 24 @Starlink satellites to orbit from Florida pic.twitter.com/xpHHbnWmCg — SpaceX (@SpaceX) November 30, 2024 The upper stage of the Falcon...

A discovery in Kenya has revealed that Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei, two distinct hominin species, coexisted 1.5 million years ago, according to reports. According to a study published in the journal Science on Thursday, the footprints were uncovered at Koobi Fora near Lake Turkana in 2021. These findings suggest that these two species not only shared the same environment but may also have interacted. The team, led by Kevin Hatala, a paleoanthropologist from Chatham University, analysed a 26-foot-long trail of fossilised footprints. Unique Features of the Footprints Using advanced 3D imaging techniques, researchers identified tracks belonging to individuals with distinct foot shapes and walking patterns. As per source, it was concluded that the footprints with high arches and heel-to-toe strides were left by Homo erectus, whose body structure closely resembles that of modern humans. In contrast, the flatter footprints, marked by deeper forefoot impressions, were attribut...

A discovery in Kenya has revealed that Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei, two distinct hominin species, coexisted 1.5 million years ago, according to reports. According to a study published in the journal Science on Thursday, the footprints were uncovered at Koobi Fora near Lake Turkana in 2021. These findings suggest that these two species not only shared the same environment but may also have interacted. The team, led by Kevin Hatala, a paleoanthropologist from Chatham University, analysed a 26-foot-long trail of fossilised footprints. Unique Features of the Footprints Using advanced 3D imaging techniques, researchers identified tracks belonging to individuals with distinct foot shapes and walking patterns. As per source, it was concluded that the footprints with high arches and heel-to-toe strides were left by Homo erectus, whose body structure closely resembles that of modern humans. In contrast, the flatter footprints, marked by deeper forefoot impressions, were attribut...

Recent studies, published in Physical Review D on September 16 and 17, have proposed that microscopic black holes may be present within the solar system , potentially affecting the paths of planets and satellites. These objects, referred to as primordial black holes, are thought to have formed during the early universe. Estimated to have asteroid-like masses but dimensions comparable to a hydrogen atom, they are being suggested as possible contributors to the enigma of dark matter, which constitutes 85 per cent of the universe's matter. Planetary Orbits and Primordial Black Holes It has been theorised that primordial black holes originated from dense regions of the early universe collapsing under their own gravity . Unlike black holes formed from dying stars, these objects are significantly smaller and faster, with estimated speeds of approximately 200 kilometres per second., as per one of the research paper . The gravitational effects of such black holes on planetary orbits ar...

Recent studies, published in Physical Review D on September 16 and 17, have proposed that microscopic black holes may be present within the solar system , potentially affecting the paths of planets and satellites. These objects, referred to as primordial black holes, are thought to have formed during the early universe. Estimated to have asteroid-like masses but dimensions comparable to a hydrogen atom, they are being suggested as possible contributors to the enigma of dark matter, which constitutes 85 per cent of the universe's matter. Planetary Orbits and Primordial Black Holes It has been theorised that primordial black holes originated from dense regions of the early universe collapsing under their own gravity . Unlike black holes formed from dying stars, these objects are significantly smaller and faster, with estimated speeds of approximately 200 kilometres per second., as per one of the research paper . The gravitational effects of such black holes on planetary orbits ar...

The integration of artificial intelligence ( AI ) and open science by NASA has been reported to significantly advance disaster preparedness, response and recovery efforts. According to the space agency, NASA's Disasters Program, supported by the agency's commitment to open science, has been developing innovative tools and datasets to assist in managing natural disasters like hurricanes. These tools aim to equip communities and emergency responders with accurate, timely data for informed decision-making, as highlighted by the programme's application during Hurricane Ida in 2021. Hurricane Ida and NASA's Contribution Hurricane Ida, which struck Louisiana on August 21, 2021, was among the most destructive hurricanes in the US  history . While emergency teams worked on the ground, NASA's Disasters Program utilised satellite-based models and tools to provide critical data. Reports indicate that information on soil moisture, precipitation, vegetation changes, and po...

The integration of artificial intelligence ( AI ) and open science by NASA has been reported to significantly advance disaster preparedness, response and recovery efforts. According to the space agency, NASA's Disasters Program, supported by the agency's commitment to open science, has been developing innovative tools and datasets to assist in managing natural disasters like hurricanes. These tools aim to equip communities and emergency responders with accurate, timely data for informed decision-making, as highlighted by the programme's application during Hurricane Ida in 2021. Hurricane Ida and NASA's Contribution Hurricane Ida, which struck Louisiana on August 21, 2021, was among the most destructive hurricanes in the US  history . While emergency teams worked on the ground, NASA's Disasters Program utilised satellite-based models and tools to provide critical data. Reports indicate that information on soil moisture, precipitation, vegetation changes, and po...

An explosion occurred during a test of the second-stage engine for Japan's Epsilon S rocket on November 26, according to officials. The engine failure, which took place at the Tanegashima Space Center , has cast uncertainty on the rocket's development schedule. The Epsilon S was expected to debut in March 2025 with the launch of a Vietnamese satellite , but the incident raises doubts about its readiness. Investigations to Determine the Cause The explosion, which happened 49 seconds into the engine test, marked the second such incident involving this design in less than two years. A similar test failure in July 2023 at JAXA's Noshiro Rocket Testing Center resulted in significant damage to the facility, according to reports from The Asahi Shimbun. In response to the explosion, officials from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency ( JAXA ) announced plans to launch an investigation in an official statement. The cause of the malfunction remains unknown. Takayuki Imoto, Pro...

An explosion occurred during a test of the second-stage engine for Japan's Epsilon S rocket on November 26, according to officials. The engine failure, which took place at the Tanegashima Space Center , has cast uncertainty on the rocket's development schedule. The Epsilon S was expected to debut in March 2025 with the launch of a Vietnamese satellite , but the incident raises doubts about its readiness. Investigations to Determine the Cause The explosion, which happened 49 seconds into the engine test, marked the second such incident involving this design in less than two years. A similar test failure in July 2023 at JAXA's Noshiro Rocket Testing Center resulted in significant damage to the facility, according to reports from The Asahi Shimbun. In response to the explosion, officials from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency ( JAXA ) announced plans to launch an investigation in an official statement. The cause of the malfunction remains unknown. Takayuki Imoto, Pro...

NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft , launched on October 14, 2024, is now moving at 35 kilometres per second and has travelled more than 13 million miles from Earth as reported by NASA. Designed for an ambitious mission to study Jupiter's icy moon, Europa, the spacecraft is expected to arrive in the Jupiter system in 2030. Following its arrival, the mission will embark on a series of 49 close flybys of Europa to gather data on the moon's subsurface ocean and assess its potential to support life. Spacecraft's Instruments Undergo Deployment and Testing After its deployment from a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, the Europa Clipper's vast solar arrays—each stretching the length of a basketball court—were successfully extended, NASA revealed . The magnetometer boom, a 28-foot (8.5-metre) component designed to measure Europa's magnetic field, was also deployed. This will help scientists examine the depth and salinity of the ocean thought to lie beneath Europa's icy...

NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft , launched on October 14, 2024, is now moving at 35 kilometres per second and has travelled more than 13 million miles from Earth as reported by NASA. Designed for an ambitious mission to study Jupiter's icy moon, Europa, the spacecraft is expected to arrive in the Jupiter system in 2030. Following its arrival, the mission will embark on a series of 49 close flybys of Europa to gather data on the moon's subsurface ocean and assess its potential to support life. Spacecraft's Instruments Undergo Deployment and Testing After its deployment from a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, the Europa Clipper's vast solar arrays—each stretching the length of a basketball court—were successfully extended, NASA revealed . The magnetometer boom, a 28-foot (8.5-metre) component designed to measure Europa's magnetic field, was also deployed. This will help scientists examine the depth and salinity of the ocean thought to lie beneath Europa's icy...

A mission to launch 23 Starlink internet satellites is set to be carried out by SpaceX from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida during the early hours of Monday, November 25, 2024. The Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled for liftoff at 4:35 a.m. EST within a 3.5-hour launch window according to several reports. Among the satellites, 12 are equipped with direct-to-smartphone technology, marking a notable enhancement to the Starlink network. Live Coverage and Booster Recovery The event will be live-streamed by SpaceX on X, commencing approximately five minutes before the scheduled launch. Should the mission proceed as planned, the Falcon 9 rocket's first stage will successfully return to Earth around eight minutes post-liftoff, landing on the droneship Just Read the Instructions stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. This mission will mark the 13th flight and landing for the booster, with six of its previous flights also dedicated to Starlink launches, according to SpaceX's mis...

Amazon.com pumped another $4 billion into OpenAI competitor Anthropic, as the e-commerce giant goes up against Big Tech rivals in a race to capitalize on generative artificial intelligence technology. This doubles Amazon's investment in the firm known for its GenAI chatbot Claude , but it remains a minority investor, the startup said on Friday. Similar to Amazon's previous $4 billion investment, it comes in the form of convertible notes and comes in phases, first at $1.3 billion. Anthropic is also in talks with additional investors to raise more capital on the back of Amazon backing, sources added, who requested anonymity for discussing private matters. Anthropic declined to comment. Amazon, which has gradually established itself as Anthropic's primary cloud partner, is fiercely competing with Microsoft and Alphabet's Google to offer AI-powered tools for its cloud customers. AWS is bringing significant revenue to Anthropic as a major distributor of its latest mode...

2024 is the year Google finally introduced its entire range of Pixel devices in India, including the Pixel 9 , Pixel 9 Pro , Pixel 9 Pro XL , and Pixel 9 Pro Fold . In short, this year, consumers have plenty of Pixel devices to choose from, depending on the budget. Starting at Rs. 79,999 for the base Pixel 9 and going all the way to Rs. 172,999 for the book-style Pixel 9 Pro Fold. On paper, the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL might only differ in terms of display size and battery, but the real difference lies in everyday use. One is compact to fit in the smallest pockets and convenient to use with one hand, while the other is huge at 6.8 inches. This year, Google added one phone to its Pixel lineup, which is the Pixel 9 Pro, which we will review here. Much like how Apple brought all the bells and whistles from its Pro Max model to Pro this year, Google also tries to fit all the firepower in the compact body of the Pixel 9 Pro. So, who should exactly buy this one or consider an alternate flag...

2024 is the year Google finally introduced its entire range of Pixel devices in India, including the Pixel 9 , Pixel 9 Pro , Pixel 9 Pro XL , and Pixel 9 Pro Fold . In short, this year, consumers have plenty of Pixel devices to choose from, depending on the budget. Starting at Rs. 79,999 for the base Pixel 9 and going all the way to Rs. 172,999 for the book-style Pixel 9 Pro Fold. On paper, the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL might only differ in terms of display size and battery, but the real difference lies in everyday use. One is compact to fit in the smallest pockets and convenient to use with one hand, while the other is huge at 6.8 inches. This year, Google added one phone to its Pixel lineup, which is the Pixel 9 Pro, which we will review here. Much like how Apple brought all the bells and whistles from its Pro Max model to Pro this year, Google also tries to fit all the firepower in the compact body of the Pixel 9 Pro. So, who should exactly buy this one or consider an alternate flag...