Science
Blue Origin completes latest space tourism flight successfully
Blue Origin conducted its eighth human spaceflight, taking six passengers, including a 21-year-old student, to the edge of space. The New Shepard rocket launched from Texas, offering participants a brief period of weightlessness before returning safely. Ticket costs vary, with prominent figures sometimes flying for free.
Reality show to select Indian space traveller on Blue Origin mission
Banijay Asia collaborates with SERA for a reality show to send an Indian to space via Blue Origin's New Shepard mission. The program will document the journey of shortlisted Indian participants through various challenges, culminating in one winner being selected for the space mission. This partnership aims to democratize space travel.
SpaceX's Polaris mission: Key facts about first-ever private spacewalk
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk today shared new details on Polaris Dawn, one of the company's most ambitious missions aimed at advancing human spaceflight and supporting important causes on Earth.
Meet Jared Isaacman, an entrepreneur who is set to create history with first-ever private spacewalk
Jared Isaacman, billionaire founder of Shift4 Payments, is set to lead the Polaris Dawn mission for the first private spacewalk. Backed by SpaceX, the mission includes a team of former Air Force pilot Scott Poteet and SpaceX engineers Anna Menon and Sarah Gillis. The five-day mission aims to reach 870 miles from Earth.
Wasn't polio wiped out? Why it is still a problem in some countries
Polio, once nearly eradicated, remains a threat in some regions. Recent cases in Gaza highlight the danger, with efforts now focused on global vaccination. The WHO and partners aim to eliminate the disease by 2026 despite challenges like conflict and health system limitations. Vaccine-derived cases now surpass wild virus cases globally.
Boeing's no good, never-ending tailspin might take NASA with it
Boeing faces criticism after NASA deemed its Starliner spacecraft too risky for a return trip from the International Space Station, delaying the return of astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore. This raises concerns about Boeing's ongoing role and reliability in NASA's Artemis moon mission program.
IIT Guwahati-ISRO study yields new insight on X-ray polarization in pulsars
Researchers from IIT Guwahati and ISRO have discovered surprisingly low polarization in X-rays emitted by the Galactic Ultraluminous Pulsar Swift J0243.6+6124. This finding challenges existing theories about neutron stars in binary systems and their magnetic fields.
Astronomers find the brightest object of known universe that eats 'just over a Sun per day', and its still growing
Astronomers have discovered the brightest black hole in the known universe, named J0529-4351, using the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope. This quasar is the most luminous object observed, with a mass of 17 billion Suns. Its light journeyed over 12 billion years to reach Earth, providing significant insights into the universe's early stages.
Five asteroids, including a massive 110-foot one, to fly past earth in the next five days; NASA issues alert
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has alerted about five asteroids passing close to Earth between August 27 and September 1. While these asteroids pose no threat, they offer valuable observation opportunities for scientists. The asteroids range in size, and their closest approaches provide data important for planetary defense research.
Elon Musk-led SpaceX 'Polaris Dawn' featuring 1st commercial spacewalk mission delayed again
The launch of 'Polaris Dawn' mission initially scheduled to launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre on Tuesday was delayed for August 28 due to a helium leak. The mission is now delayed again due to predictions of bad weather off the coast of Florida where the crew capsule will splash down in the ocean at the end of the flight, the company said in a post on X.
NASA's Perseverance rover on Mars begins steep climb to rim of a crater
NASA's Perseverance rover has begun a challenging climb to the rim of Jezero Crater on Mars, 1,000 feet above its current location. The mission aims to collect rock samples that may reveal clues about the planet's ancient climate and potential past life. Perseverance has already gathered 22 rock core samples since its 2021 landing.
Must Watch
Elon Musk's SpaceX to launch Polaris Dawn Mission, featuring billionaires historic spacewalk
Elon Musk's SpaceX is set to launch the highly anticipated Polaris Dawn mission, featuring an all-civilian crew conducting a spacewalk. The mission was delayed due to a helium leak, and the crew will travel to 870 miles, the highest crewed mission in over 50 years. Billionaire Jared Isaacman will lead the mission, and the crew will conduct a commercial spacewalk and test new spacesuits. After six days, the mission will end with a splashdown off the coast of Florida. This mission is a critical step in SpaceX's vision of advancing space exploration.
Nasa astronaut tweets picture of massive moon, photo goes viral
Astronaut Matthew Dominick's stunning image of the moon over the Pacific, captured from the ISS, has created a buzz on social media. Dominick used a 400mm lens and a 1/20000s shutter speed. NASA also announced that astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will stay at the ISS until February, returning in a SpaceX capsule.
Private philanthropy must step up to push innovation, say science historian Jahnavi Phalkey and philanthropist Rohini Nilekani
The Sci560: Science in the City exhibition in Bengaluru, delayed by the pandemic, has opened with backing from philanthropist Rohini Nilekani. Organized by Science Gallery Bengaluru, notable scientists, and research institutions, the event aims to highlight Bengaluru’s connection with science and innovation, emphasizing the need for private philanthropy in supporting R&D and combating misinformation.
NASA has a huge update: Here's what’s next for Sunita Williams’ return to Earth
NASA was expected to finalize the return of astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station. They encountered delays related to Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. The decision, between the Starliner or SpaceX's Dragon capsule, was anticipated during a scheduled press conference with NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and other leaders.
'We are not alone’: Ex-Pentagon insider alleges US has alien tech, UFOs and bodies
Former Pentagon spy Luis Elizondo claimed that the US government has known about extraterrestrial life for decades, citing the 1947 Roswell crash. His assertions have prompted diverse reactions, from belief to skepticism. Elizondo first gained attention in 2017 for discussing military secrecy on UFOs. His recent statements have reignited public interest and debate over the existence of alien life, fueling ongoing discussions within the community.
