MethaneSAT Goes Off Course An $88 million satellite funded by Jeff Bezos and designed to track methane leaks has been lost in space. The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), which led the project, said the satellite, MethaneSAT, stopped working around 10 days ago. Its last known location was over Svalbard in Norway, and EDF confirmed it does not expect recovery as the satellite has lost power. MethaneSAT had been gathering emissions data from pipelines, drilling sites, and processing facilities since its launch in March 2024. EDF described the loss as a setback rather than a failure, noting the mission had provided…
Author: Arushi Pandey
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High Demand Meets Long Wait Times China’s Xiaomi is facing new complaints as customers learn they must wait over a year for their YU7 electric SUV. The company, once known for smartphones, received around 240,000 orders within 18 hours of the YU7’s launch. However, only a few cars were ready for immediate delivery, leaving many buyers frustrated. By Tuesday, Xiaomi’s app showed a delivery wait of 38 to 60 weeks for the YU7. Many customers were unaware of this long wait before placing their orders, leading to disappointment and concern. Complaints Grow Over Refunds and Tax Worries Since Friday, more…
Protests in Venice Target Bezos Wedding and Rising Inequality Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s high-profile wedding in Venice has sparked protests, reflecting growing anger over inequality, elitism and the effects of mass tourism. The demonstrations brought attention to issues such as unaffordable rents, worker exploitation and the city’s depopulation. Local politicians downplayed the protests, calling the demonstrators a minority. However, Bezos’s fame and Venice’s striking scenery gave protesters a platform to share their message with the world. Banners reading “No Space for Bezos” appeared on the Rialto Bridge, while St Mark’s Square displayed a canvas urging Bezos to pay more…
A Proud Moment for India After 41 Years On Wednesday, June 25, people across India cheered the successful launch of the Axiom 4 mission. The event was especially significant because it included Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla as part of the crew. This marked the first time in 41 years that an Indian has travelled to space. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a pilot in the Indian Air Force, played a key role in the mission. His participation is seen as a stepping stone for India’s own space ambitions, particularly the upcoming Gaganyaan mission. That mission, set for 2027, will be India’s…
Peggy Whitson Leads Historic Axiom 4 Space Mission with First-Time ISS Astronauts Former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson launched into space for the fifth time early Wednesday, joined by crewmates from India, Poland, and Hungary. Their journey marks a milestone, as each of these nations sends astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) for the first time. Early Morning Launch from Florida The Axiom 4 mission took off around 2:30 a.m. EDT from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The launch was carried out by Axiom Space, a Texas-based company, in partnership with SpaceX. The team travelled aboard a…
China Opens Immersive Mars Simulation Base for Outer Space Tourism China has launched its first immersive Mars-themed base in northwest Gansu Province, offering a unique space tourism experience. The facility, known as “Mars Base 1,” merges aerospace science with local desert landscapes to create a realistic Martian environment. A Vast Martian Simulation in the Gobi Desert Located in the Gobi Desert near Jinchang, the base spans an area of 67 square kilometres. It features a wide range of simulated experiences, including Mars probes, rovers, and 3D-printed Mars nests. Visitors can also stay in starry sky tents, adding to the sense…
UK Unveils Industrial Strategy with Lower Energy Bills for Businesses by 2027 The UK government has released a new 10-year industrial strategy aimed at boosting innovation and productivity while reducing energy costs for businesses. A key promise is to cut electricity bills for thousands of firms starting in 2027. Outlined on Monday, the plan sets long-term goals across several critical sectors, from clean energy to advanced manufacturing. Below are the main initiatives included in the strategy. Advanced Manufacturing to Drive Innovation The UK plans to invest up to £2.8 billion in research and development for advanced manufacturing over the next…
Venturi Lunar Rover Unveiled for Future Moon Missions The 55th Paris Air Show is captivating crowds with groundbreaking aviation and space technology at Le Bourget Airport near Paris. One of the event’s biggest highlights is the Mona Luna, a fully European lunar rover developed by Venturi Space France. Based in Toulouse, Venturi Space France created the rover to support the European Space Agency’s (ESA) mission of landing European astronauts on the Moon by 2030. The Mona Luna is a unique blend of cutting-edge engineering and sleek design, showcasing Europe’s ambition in space exploration. A Rover Designed for Harsh Lunar Conditions…
Static Fire Test Ends in Fiery Blast at SpaceX Starbase A dramatic explosion rocked the SpaceX Starbase in Texas on Wednesday night during a routine engine test. The incident occurred around 11pm when the Starship 36 rocket was undergoing a static fire test—where engines are ignited while the rocket remains anchored to the launch pad. Shocking video footage captured the moment the rocket’s nose burst open, briefly flooding screens with a white flash. The explosion sent thick, dark smoke billowing into the sky, and nearby residents reported shaking windows and rattling dishes. What Happened at Starbase? Static fire tests are…
A Major Step by Honda Towards Suborbital Launch Goals Honda has successfully completed a key launch and landing test of its prototype reusable rocket, marking significant progress in its goal to achieve suborbital spaceflight by 2029. The surprise announcement came on Tuesday, following a test conducted by Honda R&D, the carmaker’s research division, in the space-focused town of Taiki in northern Japan. The experimental vehicle reached an altitude of 271 metres before landing safely. Measuring 6.3 metres in length, the rocket was developed as part of Honda’s broader exploration into space technology. While Honda has not confirmed plans to commercialise…