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…
Author: Kanika Sharma
Read More
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…
Comcast Partners with SpaceX’s Starlink for Enhanced Enterprise Connectivity Groundbreaking Collaboration Comcast’s enterprise services unit has signed an innovative agreement with SpaceX’s Starlink. This partnership aims to provide satellite-based connectivity to business customers in areas with limited network access. Comcast, a leading global media and technology firm, announced this significant deal on Friday. Importance of the Deal This deal is unique as it marks the first collaboration between a network operator and a satellite network to deliver space-based connectivity to enterprise customers. The partnership highlights Starlink’s leadership in satellite-based communication networks. Starlink remains ahead of competitors such as Amazon’s Kuiper…
EU Approves €3 Billion German State Aid for Hydrogen Pipeline Network The EU approves approximately €3 billion ($3.2 billion) in German state aid to support the development of a hydrogen pipeline network, known as the Hydrogen Core Network (HCN). Financial Support for Hydrogen Infrastructure Berlin plans to provide financial guarantees to companies building and operating the €20 billion network. These guarantees will help the companies secure more favourable loans to cover initial losses during the ramp-up phase from 2025. The Commission stated that promoting hydrogen uptake outweighs any potential distortion to EU competition and trade from the scheme. Germany’s ruling…
