World’s First Wooden Satellite LignoSat Launched by Japan In a historic first, researchers from Japan have launched a wooden satellite, called LignoSat, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Developed by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, the innovative satellite aims to explore wood’s potential as a sustainable material for future space missions, including lunar and Mars exploration. https://youtu.be/ThTs3eW6V7g A Timber Satellite in Space LignoSat, a compact satellite no larger than a palm, is currently on its way to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a SpaceX mission. After arriving at the ISS, it will be released into an orbit approximately 400 kilometres…
Author: Arushi Pandey
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Two Tourists Arrested for Trespassing at Baikonur in Kazakhstan Two Tourists Arrested for Trespassing at Baikonur in Kazakhstan. A 21-year-old French tourist and a 26-year-old German tourist were arrested for unauthorised entry into the Baikonur Cosmodrome, a restricted space launch facility in Kazakhstan used by Russia. According to Russian state media, the two men entered the cosmodrome without permission, intending to catch a glimpse of the Russian Energiya rocket. Kazakh authorities detained the pair briefly before escorting them out of the area. Increased Trespassing Incidents at Baikonur This incident follows a series of recent trespassing attempts at Baikonur. In July,…
Classic Horror Movie Posters Up for Auction This Halloween British auction house Ewbank’s will host a thrilling Halloween auction on Thursday, October 31, featuring a collection of classic horror movie posters. The sale highlights iconic titles like Dracula A.D. and A Nightmare on Elm Street and is expected to draw interest from horror enthusiasts and collectors alike. Key Posters and Price Estimates The showcase item is a 30×40-inch British quad poster for the 1972 Hammer production Dracula A.D., crafted by renowned artist Tom Chantrell. This poster, featuring the late Christopher Lee in his iconic role as Count Dracula, carries a…
Senator Jerry Moran Pushes for Faster FAA Rocket Launch Approvals U.S. Senator Jerry Moran has called on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to speed up its approval process for private rocket launches. In a letter to FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker, Moran highlighted delays that he says hinder critical national goals. As the leading Republican on the Senate Commerce aviation subcommittee, Moran’s request reflects growing frustration within the fast-evolving U.S. space sector. Industry Frustration with FAA Delays In his October 25 letter, Moran emphasised that the FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation must improve its “transparency, accountability, and pace of execution”…
India’s Space Biotechnology Collaboration Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, recently oversaw a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This partnership aims to advance biotechnology applications in space, showcasing India’s commitment to cutting-edge research. With initiatives like the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and the Gaganyaan mission, Dr. Singh’s leadership is poised to significantly grow the national space sector. Major Government Initiatives in Space and Biotechnology Dr. Singh highlighted several key initiatives, recently approved by the Union Cabinet, which underscore India’s progress…
Archaeologists Uncover Small Yet Ornate House in Ancient Pompeii Archaeologists in Pompeii have discovered a small but richly decorated house with stunning frescoes depicting mythological scenes, the site revealed on Thursday. This remarkable find, named the House of Phaedra, offers new insights into architectural trends in the ancient Roman city during the first century AD. The House of Phaedra: A Unique Architectural Find The house, named after the mythological queen of Athens, Phaedra, features frescoes of her story on its walls. Uniquely, the dwelling deviates from traditional Roman house designs. Most houses in Pompeii were built around a central atrium,…
Boeing Workers Reject Contract, Extending Strike Amid Financial Struggles Boeing strike continues as factory workers have voted to reject a new contract offer, extending their strike beyond five weeks. The vote, with 64% in opposition, deals a blow to CEO Kelly Ortberg, who took office in August pledging to improve relations with workers. The rejected contract proposed a 35% wage increase over four years, but workers remain frustrated, demanding a 40% rise and the return of a defined-benefit pension. Deep-Rooted Resentment Fuels Strike The rejection reflects years of worker dissatisfaction, especially after the 2014 contract ended traditional pensions. Workers feel…
Qatar Airways Launches First Starlink-Equipped Boeing 777 Flight Qatar Airways has made history by launching the world’s first Boeing 777 aircraft equipped with Starlink, a revolutionary in-flight internet service. On 22 October 2024, the flight from Doha to London marked a significant leap in air travel technology, allowing passengers to stay connected with high-speed, low-latency internet at 35,000 feet. Starlink Internet: A Game-Changer for Passengers Passengers on Qatar Airways can now enjoy seamless, ultra-fast internet from gate to gate, free of charge. Whether streaming shows, watching live sports, gaming online, or working during their journey, the new Starlink service offers…
China Successfully Launches Tianping-3 Satellite from Shanxi China launched the Tianping-3 satellite into space on Tuesday from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre, located in Shanxi Province, northern China. The satellite, launched aboard a Long March-6 carrier rocket at 08:10 Beijing Time, has successfully entered its planned orbit. https://youtu.be/DN_-W9Jlvuc Purpose and Uses of Tianping-3 Satellite The satellite has several key functions. Primarily, it is designed to calibrate ground radar equipment and measure radar cross sections (RCS). Additionally, it will play an important role in supporting ground optical imaging experiments. Furthermore, the satellite will assist in low-orbit space environment detection, monitoring, and…
New Research Reveals Human Evolution on the Tibetan Plateau A recent study has highlighted how evolution continues to shape human life, especially in one of the harshest environments on Earth – the Tibetan Plateau. Led by Cynthia Beall, a Distinguished University Professor Emerita at Case Western Reserve University, the study examines how humans have adapted to thrive in the oxygen-scarce conditions of this high-altitude region. How Tibetan Women Thrive in Low Oxygen Environments The study focused on 417 Tibetan women, aged 46 to 86, living at altitudes between 12,000 and 14,000 feet in Upper Mustang, Nepal. Researchers gathered data on…
