Elon Musk’s Defence Alliance Seeks Role in Satellite-Based Shield SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, has emerged as a leading contender for a critical part of former President Donald Trump’s proposed “Golden Dome” missile defence shield. According to six sources familiar with the matter, SpaceX has teamed up with software firm Palantir and drone manufacturer Anduril to develop essential components of the initiative. The plan centres around launching hundreds of satellites capable of detecting and tracking missile threats, alongside a separate fleet of attack satellites designed to neutralise them using missiles or laser systems. SpaceX’s role would be limited to the…
Author: Aditya Lenka
Possible Signs of Alien Life Detected on Distant Exoplanet Scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope have found compelling evidence that could hint at alien life beyond our solar system. The discovery involves the detection of gases typically linked to biological activity on Earth, found in the atmosphere of a distant planet named K2-18 b. Unusual Gases Suggest Possible Microbial Activity Researchers identified two specific gases — dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) — in the planet’s atmosphere. On Earth, these gases are produced by marine microorganisms, particularly phytoplankton. Their presence on K2-18 b may suggest microbial life could…
A Milestone in Deep-Space Exploration China has created the world’s first three-satellite network based on Distant Retrograde Orbit (DRO) in the Earth-moon region. This major step strengthens China’s future in space science and crewed deep-space missions. The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) developed DRO-A and DRO-B, which are now connected to DRO-L, a satellite launched earlier. These satellites form a stable communication network in orbit, which was announced during a symposium in Beijing. DRO is a rare orbit that loops around Earth in a forward path and the moon in a backward path. It sits within the Earth-moon space zone,…
Climate Crisis Deepens as CO2 Hits Record High and Global Warming Accelerates Concentrations of carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere reached a record 422 parts per million in 2024, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). This climate crisis comes after another year of unprecedented global temperatures, intensifying calls for stronger climate action. Scientists Warn 1.5°C Threshold May Already Be Breached New research suggests the world may have already surpassed the critical 1.5°C warming limit compared to pre-industrial levels. This figure is considered a tipping point beyond which extreme and irreversible climate impacts could become inevitable. The study,…
South Korea Boosts Semiconductor Support to 33 Trillion Won Amid Global Competition South Korea announced on Tuesday an expanded support package for its semiconductor industry, increasing it to 33 trillion won ($23.25 billion). This marks a rise of nearly 25% from the 26 trillion won package revealed last year. Responding to Global Uncertainty and Rising Competition The decision comes as South Korean firms face growing policy uncertainty under the current US administration and intensified competition from Chinese companies. A joint statement from key ministries, including the Ministry of Trade, highlighted the need for stronger government backing during this challenging period.…
Trump Administration Cuts Deepen Biotech Sector Uncertainty The biotech industry in the US is facing heightened uncertainty as federal health agency cuts under the Trump administration send shockwaves through a sector already grappling with a prolonged downturn. FDA Layoffs Threaten Small Biotech Firms The mass layoffs at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have raised alarm among small- and mid-cap biotech companies. Many of these firms rely heavily on clinical trials and lack any marketed products to sustain them financially. Industry experts warn that delays in approvals and reduced regulatory feedback could significantly harm the sector. “This is a…
Hilton Space hotel: From Orbit to the Moon Ambitious dream of space tourism began with the idea of building a Hilton space hotel in low Earth orbit, with plans later expanding to include a luxurious underground resort on the Moon. These projects, though imaginative, were backed by research and captured the world’s imagination during the height of the space race. Orbital Hilton: A Hotel Among the Stars The first concept, the Orbital Hilton, was designed as a 14-level hotel floating in low Earth orbit. It would accommodate up to 24 guests, primarily for short space trips, such as stopovers en…
Shenzhou-19 Crew Advances Space Science Aboard Tiangong Station China’s Shenzhou-19 astronauts have achieved key scientific milestones during their mission aboard the Tiangong space station. The crew has spent over 150 days in orbit, focusing on neuroscience, medicine, and microgravity physics. Brain Research in Space: Understanding Cognitive Responses Astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze conducted several neuroscience experiments using electroencephalogram (EEG) devices. These studies aim to understand how gravity influences visual-motor processing. The findings may reveal how humans perceive spatial relationships in microgravity and examine how brainwave-based music therapy affects cognitive control during long space missions. The data collected…
ISRO and Indian Air Force Join Forces as Shubhanshu Shukla Set to Become Second Indian in Space on Ax-4 Mission In a landmark move for India’s human spaceflight ambitions, Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to become the second Indian to travel to space, flying aboard the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS) in May 2025. The mission underscores the growing synergy between the ISRO and the Indian Air Force, marking a significant step in India’s deepening involvement in international space exploration. ISRO–IAF Collaboration Reaches New Heights This historic mission is the result of…
India Plans 10 Orbital Launches in 2025 as Space Ambitions Grow India’s space agency, ISRO, is set to significantly increase its launch activity in 2025, with a total of 10 orbital missions scheduled. This marks a notable for India rise from the five launches completed in 2024 and could push India’s annual launch count into double figures for the first time. ISRO to Support Government and Commercial Goals The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will lead the charge, with missions covering satellite navigation, Earth observation, telecommunications, and human spaceflight preparation. Among the 10 missions, ISRO will launch four Geosynchronous Satellite…