Panasonic Energy Targets Reduced Dependence on China for U.S. EV Battery Supply Panasonic Energy, a Tesla supplier, has prioritised eliminating supply-chain reliance on China for electric vehicle (EV) batteries made in the United States. Allan Swan, President of Panasonic Energy of North America, called this shift the company’s “No.1 objective” during an interview at the CES trade show in Las Vegas. This move aligns with challenges posed by US trade policies. Former President Donald Trump’s tariff threats on Chinese imports had previously pushed global companies to reevaluate their manufacturing and supply strategies. Diversifying the Battery Supply Chain Panasonic Energy, a…
Author: Kanika Sharma
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ISRO Achieves Milestone with Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) India has reached a significant milestone in space technology with the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), placing the country alongside global leaders in this critical field. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the achievement following the successful launch of the PSLV-C60 rocket on 30 December from Sriharikota. The SPADEX mission, which involves two small satellites, showcases ISRO’s ability to perform spacecraft rendezvous, docking, and undocking. These technologies are crucial for future advancements such as satellite servicing, space station operations, and interplanetary missions. Objectives and Milestones of SPADEX Dr. Singh outlined several key objectives…
PSLV-C60 SpaDeX Mission: POEM-4 Expands Horizons in Space Research The PSLV-C60 SpaDeX mission marks a milestone for ISRO’s Polar Synchronous Launch Vehicle (PSLV) programme with the fourth deployment of the Orbital Experiment Module (POEM). This innovative platform utilises the spent fourth stage of the PSLV to conduct extended-duration in-orbit microgravity experiments, preventing it from becoming space debris. ISRO’s POEM-4 hosts 24 experimental payloads, tripling its capacity compared to the previous mission, POEM-3. Advanced Payloads from ISRO/DOS Centres ISRO has contributed 14 cutting-edge payloads focusing on robotics, sensors, space science, and proof-of-concept experiments. Highlights include: Walking Robotic Arm (RRM-TD): Developed by…
Sriram Krishnan Appointed as Senior White House AI Policy Advisor US President-elect Donald Trump has named Indian-American entrepreneur and venture capitalist Sriram Krishnan as the Senior Policy Advisor on Artificial Intelligence. Announced on Sunday, December 22, 2024, this appointment is part of Trump’s broader strategy to bolster US leadership in AI. Krishnan, a Chennai-born tech expert with a background in leading product teams at Microsoft, Twitter, Yahoo!, Facebook, and Snap, will work closely with David O. Sacks, who has been named White House AI and Crypto Czar. A Vision for AI Leadership Trump highlighted Krishnan’s extensive experience in technology, noting…
India’s SpaDeX Mission: A Leap in Space Docking Technology India’s SpaDeX mission aims to showcase cost-effective technology for in-space docking. This demonstration is pivotal for the country’s space ambitions, including lunar missions, sample returns, and the creation of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS). By mastering in-space docking, India moves closer to joining the elite group of four nations possessing this technology. https://youtu.be/HsQbJH-Z_8I Key Objectives of the SpaDeX Mission The SpaDeX mission seeks to achieve the following primary and secondary objectives: Rendezvous, docking, and undocking demonstration: The mission involves two small spacecraft, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), performing these manoeuvres in…
Ancient Frog Species Faces Modern Threats The Helmeted Water Toad (Calyptocephalella gayi), a species that coexisted with dinosaurs, is now endangered in its native Chile. This “living fossil” is among the world’s largest frogs, reaching lengths over 30 cm and weights up to 1 kg. Despite minimal genetic changes over millions of years, its survival is now at risk. Declining Populations and Conservation Status Since 1990, the Helmeted Water Toad’s population has decreased by at least 30%. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists it as “vulnerable.” Its habitat ranges from Coquimbo in the north to the southern…
NASA Astronauts Face Extended Stay on ISS Until March NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore will remain on the International Space Station (ISS) until at least late March. Their return, initially planned for February, marks a significant extension of their original eight-day mission, which has now spanned over nine months. The astronauts traveled to the ISS in June aboard a Boeing Starliner capsule for a test mission. However, the spacecraft was deemed unfit for their return journey, prompting a delay in their departure. Crew-10 Mission Delays Return NASA confirmed that Williams and Wilmore, along with astronauts Nick Hague and…
ISRO Marks Ten Years of Progress Towards Human Spaceflight December 18, 2014, was a milestone for ISRO when the Indian Coast Guard successfully recovered a Crew Module from the Bay of Bengal, about 1,600 km from SDSC-SHAR. This recovery followed the maiden flight of the LVM3-X, which lifted a 3,775 kg Crew Module to a suborbital altitude of 126 km. The module used thrusters for orientation and parachutes for a smooth splashdown. Developed as part of pre-project activities for the Human Spaceflight Project, this mission laid the groundwork for Gaganyaan, officially approved in 2019. Now, a decade later, ISRO is…
Europe Advances Secure Satellite Constellation IRIS² to Compete with Starlink The European Commission has awarded key contracts to progress the delayed IRIS² satellite constellation, a €10.6 billion ($11.13 billion) project. This initiative aims to secure the position of Europe in space communications, responding to Elon Musk’s Starlink and other emerging internet networks. A Resilient Communications Network for Europe IRIS², a multi-orbit system featuring over 280 satellites, will provide encrypted communication for EU governments and public agencies. Additionally, it will support commercial services, strengthening Europe’s technological capabilities. Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA), highlighted the importance of…
ULA Prepares Vulcan Rocket Upgrade to Compete with SpaceX’s Starship United Launch Alliance (ULA), a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, plans to upgrade its Vulcan rocket to better compete with SpaceX’s Starship in the growing low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite market. Tory Bruno, ULA’s CEO, shared these plans during a military space conference in Orlando, highlighting the need to adapt to the evolving demands of this lucrative market. Targeting the Expanding LEO Market ULA aims to position its Vulcan rocket as a strong contender in the LEO satellite launch industry, where SpaceX has gained dominance by launching thousands…