Chinese Astronauts Set New Spacewalk Record, Advancing Beijing’s Space Programme Two Chinese astronauts achieved a world-record spacewalk of more than nine hours this week, marking a significant milestone for China’s rapidly growing space programme. The achievement highlights Beijing’s increasing presence in space exploration. Record-Breaking Spacewalk Details Cai Xuzhe and Song Lingdong conducted the spacewalk outside the Tiangong space station on Tuesday. Their mission lasted at least four minutes longer than the previous record set in 2001 by NASA astronauts James Voss and Susan Helms. Wearing their Feitian spacesuits, the Shenzhou-19 astronauts completed tasks such as installing space-debris protection devices on…
Author: Aishwarya Parikh
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Expedition Uncovers 27 New Species in Peru’s Amazon An “amphibious mouse” with partially webbed feet that preys on aquatic insects is among 27 new species discovered during a 2022 expedition in Peru’s Amazon, according to Conservation International. This remarkable discovery highlights the ecological richness of Alto Mayo, a protected area in the region. Incredible Discoveries in Alto Mayo The expedition, led by Conservation International’s Rapid Assessment Program, revealed a variety of new species. Among them are the amphibious mouse, a spiny mouse with stiff fur, a dwarf squirrel just 14 cm long, eight types of fish, three amphibians, and 10…
Oxford’s Space Lab Studies Ageing in Microgravity Human tissue samples from Space Innovation Lab (SIL) of Oxford are now aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The aim is to uncover why the ageing process accelerates in space and explore potential ways to slow it down. Investigating Ageing in Space and on Earth The experiment compares how organoids—miniaturised and simplified versions of human organs grown in a lab—respond to conditions in microgravity versus Earth’s gravity. These findings could help scientists understand how space travel impacts ageing at a cellular level. Dr. Ghada Alsaleh, the lead researcher at Oxford’s SIL, highlighted the…
Japan and India Collaborate on Space Junk Removal Using Lasers Space startups from Japan and India announced on Tuesday a joint initiative to tackle orbital debris using laser-equipped satellites. The partnership addresses the growing issue of space congestion as Earth’s orbit becomes increasingly crowded. Innovative Solutions for Orbital Debris Tokyo-based Orbital Lasers and Indian robotics firm InspeCity will explore business opportunities for in-space services. These include de-orbiting inactive satellites and extending the lifespan of operational spacecraft. Orbital Lasers, a spin-off from Japanese satellite leader SKY Perfect JSAT, is developing a system to stabilise space junk. The technology uses laser energy…
Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore: Pioneers Aboard Starliner NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore, originally set for a brief stay on the International Space Station (ISS), are marking six months in space on December 5. The duo were the first to fly aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft in June 2024, but technical issues drastically altered their mission. Starliner was meant to return the astronauts to Earth within a short timeframe. However, propulsion system failures, including five malfunctioning thrusters and helium leaks, forced an unmanned return to Earth in September. The spacecraft successfully landed in New Mexico, leaving the astronauts…
Adani Green’s Renewable Energy Plans Face Major Setback A Vision for the World’s Largest Renewable Energy Project Indian billionaire Gautam Adani has long championed the push for clean energy, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious renewable energy goals. His company, Adani Green Energy, embarked on an unparalleled venture to build the world’s largest renewable energy park in Gujarat. Set to cover an area five times the size of Paris, the project aims to generate 50 gigawatts (GW) of power by 2030, representing 10% of India’s clean energy targets. Adani Green received significant support from global investors, including France’s TotalEnergies…
DOJ Pushes for Google to Sell Chrome Browser Over Monopoly Concerns The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has proposed that Google divest its Chrome browser after a federal court ruled in August that the tech giant holds a monopoly in the search market. The move is part of an effort to promote fair competition in the digital advertising and search sectors. Google launched Chrome in 2008, leveraging its popularity to collect user data for targeted advertising. On Wednesday, the DOJ filed a statement asserting that separating Chrome from Google would level the playing field for competing search engines. In the…
ISRO Partners with SpaceX for GSAT-N2 Satellite Launch India’s space agency, ISRO, has signed a landmark deal with SpaceX, marking a new chapter in India-US space collaboration. The Falcon 9 rocket, operated by SpaceX, will soon launch the Indian GSAT-N2 satellite into orbit, strengthening ties between the two nations as they embark on significant space ventures. GSAT-N2: A Technological Milestone GSAT-N2, weighing 4,700 kg, is a powerful communications satellite designed to enhance Internet connectivity across India, including in-flight services. With its advanced capabilities, GSAT-N2 will deploy 32 spot beams to ensure robust coverage for the next 14 years. India’s current…
Tesla’s Path to Self-Driving Robotaxis: Challenges and Regulatory Roadblocks As Tesla’s electric vehicle sales level out, CEO Elon Musk is shifting focus towards self-driving robotaxis. However, this plan faces substantial technological and regulatory challenges, especially in the United States, where state-by-state laws complicate development. Musk’s alignment with President-elect Donald Trump may help ease some regulatory barriers, offering a possible advantage for Tesla in advancing its autonomous driving goals. Navigating Complex Autonomous Vehicle Regulations Currently, Tesla operates under a complex web of state-level laws governing autonomous vehicles. In an earnings call on October 23, Musk criticised this landscape, describing the approach…
A Unique Space Story Reflecting Lockdown Isolation British author Samantha Harvey claimed the 2024 Booker Prize for her novel Orbital, set over a single day aboard the International Space Station. Written during the COVID-19 lockdowns, Harvey’s fifth novel explores themes of isolation and connection, capturing Earth’s beauty as viewed from space. The story resonated with readers and topped the Booker shortlist, selling more copies than the past three Booker Prize winners combined. Judges Praise Samantha Harvey, Her Writing and Unique Perspective This year’s Booker Prize judges applauded Harvey’s “intense attention to our precious and precarious world.” The panel, chaired by…