Russia Launches Soyuz Rocket carrying Ionosphere-Monitoring and International Satellites Russia launches Soyuz rocket on Tuesday, carrying a mix of ionosphere-monitoring and international satellites, including two from Iran. The rocket took off from the Vostochny Cosmodrome, located in Russia’s Far East, as confirmed by Russia’s space agency, Roscosmos. Launch Details and Primary Mission The Soyuz-2.1 spacecraft transported two main payloads, the Ionosfera-M satellites, which will help monitor the Earth’s ionosphere. Positioned around 820 kilometres (510 miles) above Earth, each Ionosfera-M satellite weighs 430 kilograms (948 pounds) and contributes to a planned four-satellite constellation. The ionosphere is a key layer in Earth’s…
Author: Kanika Sharma
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Australia Cancels Lockheed Martin Military Satellite Deal, Shifts to Multi-Orbit System Australia cancels Lockheed Martin satellite deal ,a multi-billion dollar military project, choosing to focus instead on a more resilient multi-orbit satellite system. The decision, announced by the Department of Defence on Monday, follows recent advancements in space technology and growing threats in space. Move to Multi-Orbit Capability for Enhanced Security Initially, Lockheed Martin Australia had been chosen to provide Australia’s first sovereign satellite communication system for the Indo-Pacific region. The project aimed to establish a Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellite to secure independent military communication for the country. However,…
India’s First Analog Space Mission Begins in Ladakh, Simulating Life Beyond Earth The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched its first analog space mission in Ladakh, aiming to simulate extraterrestrial conditions to help prepare for future space missions. This mission, featuring a compact inflatable habitat known as Hab-1, will replicate life in an interplanetary habitat, allowing scientists to study the unique challenges astronauts may face on long-duration missions. Exploring Life in Space with Hab-1 ISRO’s new analog mission involves a state-of-the-art habitat, Hab-1, equipped with essentials such as a hydroponics farm, kitchen, and sanitation facilities. This self-sustaining environment will…
L&T Gears Up to Expand Aerospace Division Amid India’s Growing Private Space Industry India’s largest private defence manufacturer, Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T), is planning to boost its aerospace division to expand its presence in India’s private space sector. This strategy aligns with recent government efforts to open the space industry, traditionally dominated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), to private companies. The successful Chandrayaan-3 moon landing and Aditya-L1 solar mission have ignited fresh opportunities for companies with advanced engineering expertise. Leveraging Decades of Space Industry Expertise L&T, which has collaborated with ISRO for over 50 years, aims to…
Iconic 1960s ‘Flipping’ Ship Flip to Undergo High-Tech Revival The innovative Floating Instrument Platform, or Flip, a 1960s Flipping Ship known for its ability to switch from horizontal to vertical orientation, is set to escape the scrapyard. Originally built in 1962 for the US Navy’s acoustic research, Flip was decommissioned last year. Now, UK-based ocean engineering firm DEEP has stepped in to bring the ship to Europe for a high-tech refit, preserving its unique history and expanding its potential. A Revolutionary Vessel with a Unique Design Flip stands out for its remarkable design, resembling a cross between a ship and…
AbbVie Acquires Aliada Therapeutics for $1.4 Billion, Betting on Alzheimer’s Therapy U.S. pharmaceutical giant AbbVie announced its acquisition of Aliada Therapeutics for $1.4 billion in cash. The deal gives AbbVie ownership of Aliada’s experimental Alzheimer’s treatment, ALIA-1758, which is currently in early-stage development. The acquisition underscores AbbVie’s commitment to expanding its neuroscience portfolio as it diversifies beyond its blockbuster arthritis drug, Humira. Fierce Competition and High Interest in Alzheimer’s Treatments AbbVie faced tough competition from at least three other pharmaceutical companies, which drove up the price of privately held Aliada Therapeutics. According to an insider familiar with the sale, this…
India Expands Space Program, Greenlights Chandrayaan-4 Moon Sample Return Mission India has given the go-ahead for several major space projects, including the ambitious Chandrayaan-4 mission aimed at returning samples from the Moon. Approved by the Union Cabinet under Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sept. 18, the Chandrayaan-4 mission will employ two LVM-3 rockets to launch distinct spacecraft stacks consisting of propulsion, lander, and ascent modules, as well as transfer and reentry systems. The mission has been granted a substantial budget of approximately 21 billion rupees (around $253 million). This complex mission will equip India with critical technologies essential for its…
Boeing Considers Selling Key Space Assets Amid Ongoing Challenges Boeing, the US aerospace giant, may sell parts of its space business, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal on Friday. Sources familiar with the matter suggest the company’s decision stems from financial and operational challenges within its space division. Space Operations on the Table for Sale The assets Boeing is reportedly considering for sale include its Starliner space vehicle and other services related to the International Space Station (ISS). However, the potential sale excludes the division that builds NASA’s Space Launch System. Boeing’s Starliner program has faced persistent…
ESA Unveils Plan to Support Space Industry Amid Job Cuts and Delays The European Space Agency (ESA) announced new measures on Thursday aimed at speeding up payments to the space industry, while implementing stricter oversight to address delays and cost overruns. This comes as the industry faces increasing job cuts, with Airbus recently announcing significant layoffs in its satellite division. Accelerating Payments to Boost Profitability ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher revealed the new support strategy after a council meeting with representatives from the 22-nation agency. The announcement followed news from Airbus, which disclosed plans to cut 2,500 jobs, mainly in…
TSMC warns US of Potential Huawei Attempt to Bypass US Chip Restrictions TSMC warns US about a potential effort by Huawei to bypass US export controls, which restrict the Chinese company from obtaining high-end AI chips. These controls, imposed two years ago, aim to limit China’s access to advanced technologies that could enhance its military capabilities. TSMC’s Compliance with US Export Rules TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), the world’s largest chipmaker, stated that it has not supplied chips to Huawei since September 2020, in compliance with US restrictions. These rules prevent global semiconductor manufacturers from using US technology to produce…
