Current Context : The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will send its humanoid robot Vyommitra aboard the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission in December 2025, to test life-support systems and onboard safety before sending astronauts. ABOUT VYOMMITRA Meaning – Derived from Sanskrit: “Vyoma” (space) + “Mitra” (friend). Type – Half-humanoid robot with head, torso, and arms, but no legs. Developed By – Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Kerala. Capabilities – Equipped with AI and environmental sensors. Can operate control panels, monitor oxygen, CO₂ levels, and simulate human reactions. Interacts in Hindi and English, providing responses like a co-passenger. ROLE IN GAGANYAAN....Read More

Current Context : NASA has launched the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) to study how solar particles are energized, map the heliosphere’s boundary, and improve space weather forecasting. ABOUT IMAP Purpose To map the heliosphere (a bubble formed by the Sun’s solar wind). To trace energetic particles and study cosmic rays. To improve forecasting of solar storms and space radiation hazards. Location Placed at the Earth-Sun Lagrange Point 1 (L1), about 1 million miles from Earth toward the Sun. Functions Provides real-time observations of solar wind and space weather. Helps scientists monitor cosmic rays and understand how the heliosphere....Read More

Current Context: India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength Space Astronomy Observatory, AstroSat completed a decade of operations. ABOUT AstroSat It was launched  by PSLV-C30 from Sriharikota in 2015. It was designed to observe the universe in the Visible, Ultraviolet, low and high energy X-ray regions of the electromagnetic spectrum simultaneously with the help of its five payloads. The payloads including Ultra Violet Imaging Telescope (UVIT), Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter (LAXPC), Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride Imager (CZTI), Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT) and Scanning Sky Monitor (SSM). Although initially designed for a five-year mission, AstroSat continues to deliver valuable scientific data a decade later. It has....Read More

Current Context: ISRO signed an agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to transfer technology for Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLV) production. KEY HIGHLIGHTS Marks a major step in industry participation in space sector. This is the 100th technology transfer facilitated by INSPACe (space sector promoter). ISRO will complete the transfer process within 24 months, with training and technical support to HAL. HAL will then be able to independently build and sell SSLVs in domestic and international markets. ABOUT SSLV Type: 3-stage, all-solid fuel launch vehicle Payload: Up to 500 kg into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Purpose: Quick turnaround, on-demand launches....Read More

Current Context: Ukraine has recently unveiled a new long-range cruise missile named Flamingo (FP-5). ABOUT FLAMINGO MISSILE Developer: Ukraine’s Fire Point Defense Company. Type: Long-range ground-launched cruise missile. Category: First indigenously produced “heavy” missile system of Ukraine. FEATURES Range: 3,000 km. Warhead: 1,150 kg. Maximum Takeoff Weight: 6,000 kg. Wingspan: About 6 meters. Engine: Turbofan engine. Speed: Up to 900 km/h. Navigation: Inertial system + GPS. Special Ability: Resistant to electronic warfare. Secure GPS module with CRPA antennas. Heavy weight + high terminal velocity → deeper penetration before explosion, increasing destructive power.Read More

CURRENT CONTEXT : India successfully test-fired Agni-5 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) under the Strategic Forces Command (SFC). SFC is part of India’s Nuclear Command Authority and manages the country’s tactical and strategic nuclear weapons stockpile. ABOUT AGNI-5 Type: Nuclear-capable Surface-to-Surface Ballistic Missile (SSBM). Range: Over 5,000 km. Engine: Powered by three-stage solid fuel Developer: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Programme: Part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). Other missiles: Prithvi, Trishul, Nag, Akash.Read More

Current Context : A group of 34 students from Indian government schools will visit Japan under the Sakura Science Programme 2025. ABOUT SAKURA SCIENCE PROGRAMME Launched by: Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) in 2014 India joined: 2016 Objective: To expand scientific curiosity, foster innovation, and strengthen international collaboration. Nature: Japan–Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science. 2025 Participation : Students from India, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia will join.Read More

Current Context : The Trump administration has recently proposed shutting down NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatories (OCO)program. About OCO PROGRAM Purpose: Dedicated Earth remote sensing satellites to observe atmospheric CO₂ from space and improve understanding of climate change. Missions Timeline: OCO-1: Failed after launch (Feb 2009) OCO-2: Launched (July 2014), based on original OCO design to minimize cost and time OCO-3: Installed on International Space Station (ISS) in 2019 for enhanced atmospheric CO₂ observations Significance: Provides high-resolution maps of plant growth globally Applications in agriculture, drought monitoring, rangeland management, and forest mapping Used by the US Department of Agriculture and private....Read More

Current Context: The International Space Station (ISS) now uses advanced artificial intelligence (AI) robots like Cimon to support astronauts during space missions. ABOUT CIMON Full Form: Crew Interactive Mobile Companion Developed By: Airbus, IBM, and German Space Agency Launched: 2018 Type: Voice-controlled, floating robot Features: Displays step-by-step instructions Offers hands-free information access Records and monitors experiments Uses AI to interact like a helpful teammate Purpose: Reduces workload of astronauts Increases efficiency and safety in space missions  Read More

Current Context: India has set up a unique analogue research station called Human Outer Planet Exploration (HOPE) at Tso Kar in Ladakh, developed by ISRO and Bengaluru-based company Protoplanet. ABOUT HUMAN OUTER PLANET EXPLORATION (HOPE) Location: Tso Kar, Ladakh (Altitude: over 14,500 feet) Developed By: Protoplanet (Private space-tech company) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Purpose: Simulates the conditions of the Moon and Mars Used to test space technology, study human survival, and prepare for interplanetary missions Analogue Site: A place on Earth that closely matches the terrain and environment of other planets Useful for training astronauts, testing life-support systems, and....Read More