Wednesday, July 30News That Matters

Tag: International Space Station

Gamma-Ray Bursts: Unraveling the Mystery of Heavy Element Creation in the Universe

Gamma-Ray Bursts: Unraveling the Mystery of Heavy Element Creation in the Universe

Breaking News, Idea & Innovations, Space
After its "birth" in the Big Bang, the Universe mainly consisted of hydrogen and a few helium atoms. These are the lightest elements in the periodic table. Over the past 13.8 billion years, stars have produced many heavier elements through nuclear fusion. However, fusion in stars only produces elements as heavy as iron. Creating heavier elements requires energy instead of releasing it, posing a significant mystery for scientists. One promising candidate for producing these heavier elements is gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), the most powerful explosions in the Universe. GRBs can emit a quintillion (10 followed by 18 zeros) times the luminosity of our Sun and are thought to originate from various catastrophic events. GRBs are divided into two categories: long bursts and short bursts. Long GRB...
Japan Unveils World’s First Wooden Satellite to Launch on SpaceX Rocket

Japan Unveils World’s First Wooden Satellite to Launch on SpaceX Rocket

Breaking News, Environment, Space
Kyoto: In a groundbreaking achievement, Japanese researchers have developed the world's first wooden satellite. The innovative cuboid craft, designed by scientists at Kyoto University in collaboration with Sumitomo Forestry, is scheduled to be launched aboard a SpaceX rocket in September. Measuring just 10 centimeters (four inches) per side, the experimental satellite, named LignoSat, aims to test the feasibility of using wood as a primary material in space technology. This initiative is driven by environmental concerns, as the wooden satellite is expected to burn up entirely upon re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, thereby eliminating the risk of creating harmful metal particles that could affect the environment and telecommunications. Key Features and Launch Details The satellit...
NASA to Provide Advanced Training for Indian Astronauts, US Envoy Announces

NASA to Provide Advanced Training for Indian Astronauts, US Envoy Announces

Breaking News, Space
Washington, D.C. – NASA will soon begin providing advanced training to Indian astronauts as part of a collaborative effort to send them to the International Space Station (ISS), announced U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti. Speaking at the "US-India Commercial Space Conference: Unlocking Opportunities for US & Indian Space Startups," held in Bangalore, Garcetti outlined the plans for this significant collaboration. Garcetti emphasized the joint effort between the two nations, stating, "NASA will soon provide advanced training to Indian astronauts, with the goal of mounting a joint effort to the International Space Station, hopefully, this year or shortly thereafter, which was one of the promises of our leaders' visit together." In addition to astronaut training, Garcetti hig...
SpaceX Launches First Batch of Spy Satellites for New U.S. Intelligence Network

SpaceX Launches First Batch of Spy Satellites for New U.S. Intelligence Network

Breaking News, Learning & Developments, Space
SpaceX successfully launched an inaugural batch of operational spy satellites on Wednesday, marking the first deployment of a new U.S. intelligence network aimed at enhancing the nation's space-based surveillance capabilities. The launch took place from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Southern California. The newly launched satellites are part of a vast system designed to significantly upgrade the United States' ability to rapidly detect and monitor ground targets globally. This development follows earlier reports revealing that SpaceX is constructing hundreds of satellites for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), an intelligence agency responsible for satellite reconnaissance. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 4 a.m. EDT, carrying what the NRO described as the "first launch...
NASA Captures Breathtaking Image of Half-Frozen Pangong Tso Lake from Space

NASA Captures Breathtaking Image of Half-Frozen Pangong Tso Lake from Space

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment
NASA, renowned for its stunning images of Earth and the Universe, recently shared a captivating photograph of a half-frozen Pangong Tso lake taken from the International Space Station (ISS). The image, posted on Instagram by NASA Earth, showcases the remarkable beauty of this high-altitude lake nestled between India and China. Pangong Tso is renowned as one of the highest lakes globally, boasting an elevation of 4,225 meters (13,862 feet). Despite its lofty altitude, it is not a freshwater lake but rather a saltwater one. During the winter months, the lake freezes entirely, even hosting a marathon atop its icy surface. Notably, the lake's hues change with varying weather conditions, adding to its allure. Describing the image, NASA Earth highlighted the diverse landscapes surrounding ...