Recently, Chandrayaan-3, India's lunar mission, earns the prestigious World Space Award from the International Astronautical Federation for its historic achievement of landing near the lunar South Pole. The mission has inspired global recognition and bolstered India's standing in space research and technology development. ABOUT CHANDRAYAAN-3 Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 to demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface. The Lander Module consists of a Lander (Vikram) and a Rover (Pragyan). Launched: July 14, 2023 Inserted into Lunar Orbit: August 05 Soft landing on August 23 The Chandrayaan-3 Mission consists of two modules -....Read More

Current Context : NASA’s CHAPEA project,  a year-long simulated Mars mission involved four volunteers of Nasa emerged from their 17,000 sq ft habitat at Johnson Space Centre. ABOUT Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) is a series of analog missions conducted by NASA. It will simulate year-long stays on the surface of Mars. Objective : to assess and collect data regarding NASA’s food system and understand and counter the physical and mental challenges astronauts will face, which will help during future space missions. Each mission will consist of four crew members living in Mars Dune Alpha, an isolated 1,700-square-foot....Read More

Current Context : NASA is set to launch a  CubeSat Radio Interferometry Experiment (CURIE) mission to study the mysteries of solar radio waves. ABOUT CUBESAT RADIO INTERFEROMETRY EXPERIMENT (CURIE): Aim : to investigate the enigmatic origins of radio waves emanating from the Sun, a phenomenon first observed decades ago. Technique used : low frequency radio interferometry, marking its first use in space. Mission consists of two miniature spacecraft, collectively no larger than a shoebox, which will orbit Earth approximately two miles apart. It will measure radio waves in the 0.1 to 19 megahertz range, frequencies blocked by Earth's upper atmosphere.....Read More

Current Context : Recently, NSIL (India) and Space Machines company (Australia) signed an agreement to launch Space Machines Company’s second Optimus spacecraft. New Space India Limited (NSIL) is under the Department of Space and is responsible for producing, assembling and integrating the launch vehicle. The 450kg Optimus spacecraft is the largest Australian-designed and built spacecraft is scheduled to launch in 2026 on ISRO's Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). About Space MAITRI (Mission for Australia-India's Technology, Research and Innovation) mission : It aims to foster closer ties among commercial, institutional and governmental space organizations from both countries in the space domain.Read More

Current Context : Recently,Space-based Multi-band Variable Object Monitor (SVOM) mission was launched. It is a joint satellite was launched by China and France into orbit for studying the farthest explosion of stars. Objective : to the study of the most distant explosions of stars, the gamma-ray bursts. It was lifted by a Chinese carrier rocket launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan.Read More

Current Context : The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has conducted the third landing experiment of the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV LEX-03) named ‘Pushpak’. ABOUT PUSHPAK  (RLV LEX -03) : It is named after the mythical 'Pushpak Viman' from the Ramayana. It aims to not just launch missions to space, but also return the same way as the American shuttle missions. It is designed as an all-rocket, fully reusable single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) vehicle. It uses multisensor fusion including sensors like the Inertial sensor, Radar altimeter, Flush air data system, Pseudolite system and NavIC. RLV-LEX-03 mission reused the winged body and flight....Read More

Current Context : Pakistan launched Multi mission communication satellite named PAKSAT MM1. Aim : to enhance internet services in the country. The PAKSAT MM1 was launched from China’s Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province, achieving its planned orbit successfully. It will contribute to the promotion of economic activities, e-commerce, and e-governance. It was a joint venture between Suparco (Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission) and the Chinese aerospace industry.Read More

Current Context : South Korea has launched its first space agency, the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA). KASA will create national strategy in the space field, conduct research and development projects. It will help to foster talent, develop the industry and promote international cooperation. It aims to boost South Korea into the top five space powers.Read More

Complete 100% FDI under automatic route is permitted to manufacture components and systems/ sub-systems for satellites, ground segment and user segment. At present, satellite manufacturing and operation, satellite data products and ground and user segment can get a 74% FDI. Beyond this, government route will be applicable. Up to 49% FDI is allowed in the creation of spaceports for launching and receiving spacecraft through automatic routes. Beyond this, government route is applicable on these activities. Elon Musk expected to announce the launch of Star link and investments worth $2-$3 billion. WHAT IS STARLINK ? Starlink has a constellation of 4,000....Read More

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chief S Somnath announced that the upcoming phase of the Chandrayaan project is in progress. India's aspiration of landing an astronaut on the moon by 2040. Chandrayaan-4 is the first step in the direction-to step a craft on the moon and collect sample and bring it back to Earth. It demonstrates the full cycle of going to the moon and coming back to Earth.Read More