Federal Judge Blocks NLRB Claims Against SpaceX Over Severance Agreements A federal judge in Texas has temporarily blocked the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) from pursuing claims against Elon Musk’s SpaceX. The NLRB alleges that SpaceX forced workers to sign illegal severance agreements. This block will remain until the outcome of SpaceX’s challenge to the agency’s structure is decided. Judge’s Decision and SpaceX’s Argument U.S. District Judge Alan Albright, based in Waco, Texas, announced his decision at the end of a 40-minute hearing. He stated he would grant a temporary block on the NLRB’s administrative case. SpaceX argued that facing…
Author: Kanika Sharma
Europe Reaches New Heights with Ariane 6 Rocket Launch Successful Debut Flight Europe celebrated a significant milestone as the Ariane 6 rocket successfully completed a series of trials during its debut flight. The launch, which took place on Tuesday, marked Europe’s return to space. Despite a minor hitch at the end, European space officials hailed the mission as a success. Independent Access to Space Restored The Ariane 6 rocket lifted off from French Guiana at around 4 p.m. local time (1900 GMT). This event restored Europe’s independent access to space after a series of delays, political setbacks, and funding debates.…
New Troodos Space Observatory Resembles Sci-Fi Spaceship A new space observatory in Cyprus, resembling a sci-fi movie spaceship, is now open and ready for exploration. Perched high on the Troodos mountains, the Troodos Observatory offers an unobstructed view of the skies and aims to enhance celestial knowledge. Troodos Observatory: Design and Purpose The Troodos Observatory, funded with 1.77 million euros ($1.90 million), was inaugurated in May. Located in the Troodos mountains, it aims to attract visitors to areas increasingly affected by urbanisation. Designed by sci-fi enthusiasts and architects Elena, Nicodemos, and Cassandra Tsolakis, the building’s spaceship-like appearance was not intentional…
Aditya-L1 Completes First Halo Orbit Around Sun-Earth L1 Point The Aditya-L1 spacecraft has successfully completed its first halo orbit around the Sun-Earth L1 point. Launched on 2 September 2023, this Indian solar observatory reached its targeted halo orbit on 6 January 2024. The Aditya-L1 takes 178 days to complete one revolution around the L1 point. Maintaining the Orbit During its journey in the halo orbit, the Aditya-L1 spacecraft encounters various perturbing forces. These forces cause deviations from its intended path. To counteract these, two station-keeping manoeuvres were performed on 22 February and 7 June. Today’s third station-keeping manoeuvre has ensured…
Can AI Influence Your Vote? Examining the Impact on Elections The potential for artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfakes to influence global elections is a growing concern. Britain’s upcoming general election is seen as a key test for AI interference, according to data scientists at the Alan Turing Institute. Current Impact of AI on Elections Research from the Alan Turing Institute suggests that while AI’s direct impact on election results has been minimal so far, its misuse could still undermine the democratic process. Sam Stockwell from the Centre for Emerging Technology and Security (CETaS) at the Institute stated, “We haven’t seen…
NSIL and Space Machines Company Sign Landmark Launch Service Agreement NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) under the Department of Space, has partnered with Space Machines Company, an Australian-Indian in-space servicing firm, for a Dedicated Launch Service Agreement. This pioneering collaboration aims to launch Space Machines Company’s second Optimus spacecraft, weighing 450kg, the largest Australian-designed and built spacecraft to date. The launch, scheduled for 2026, will utilise NSIL/ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). A Historic Collaboration The signing of the Launch Service Agreement was formally announced at the India Space Congress 2024…
Collins Aerospace in Talks to Exit NASA Spacesuit Contract RTX Corp subsidiary Collins Aerospace is negotiating with NASA to withdraw from its contract to build new spacesuits for astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS). This development poses a setback for NASA, which has been grappling with outdated spacewalking suits for decades. Background of the Contract In 2022, NASA awarded $3.5 billion to Collins Aerospace and Axiom Space for developing new spacesuits for the ISS and future moon missions. Collins received an initial $97 million for ISS suit development, with the possibility of additional funds for lunar spacesuit development. However,…
iDEX Signs Landmark 350th Contract for Miniaturised Satellite Development Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence, has achieved a significant milestone by signing its 350th contract in New Delhi. The contract, signed with SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd aimed at advancing satellite technology, marks a pivotal moment for iDEX and its commitment to fostering innovation in defence. Key Contract with SpacePixxel Technologies The landmark contract was signed with SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd for the design and development of a miniaturised satellite. This satellite is capable of carrying various advanced payloads, including Electro-Optical, Infrared, Synthetic Aperture…
Breakthrough Device Gives Hope to Boy with Severe Epilepsy A 13-year-old British boy with severe epilepsy has been given renewed hope after a groundbreaking device was implanted in his skull to control seizures. Oran Knowlson, from Somerset, has been battling Lennox-Gastaut syndrome since he was three years old, enduring frequent daily seizures. Life-Changing Treatment Oran’s mother, Justine, described the different types of seizures her son experienced, including those where he fell, shook, lost consciousness, and even stopped breathing, requiring emergency medication. However, since the implantation of the Picostim neurostimulator at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital in October 2023, Oran’s daytime…
At the invitation of Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, Her Excellency Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh, paid a State Visit to India on 21-22 June 2024. The two leaders discussed the enduring India-Bangladesh partnership, which has deepened over the past decade. This relationship is rooted in historical, linguistic, cultural, and economic connections. Inspired by shared sacrifices in 1971 and guided by new aspirations, the partnership now transcends a strategic alliance, built on shared values, equality, trust, and mutual sensitivity. A Shared Vision for the Future To maximise the potential of their extraordinary relationship, the leaders outlined a…
