Author: Misum Hasan

Skyroot Aerospace, an Indian startup, has successfully conducted the 2nd stage Kalam-250 flex nozzle actuation test for the Vikram-1 rocket. The test validates the performance of control electronics, electromechanical actuators, and flex-seal. Now Vikram 1 is closer to its maiden flight. In a flex nozzle test, a component named a flex-seal demonstrates the capability to maneuver within combustion gas reaching temperatures of approximately 3000°C. Operated by high-precision electromechanical actuators under the command of the mission computer, the flex-seal adjusts to direct combustion gas at supersonic speeds, effectively guiding the rocket in the desired direction. Kalam-250 The Kalam 250 serves as…

First-time ISRO will use the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to launch the GSAT-20 satellite a heavy-weight 4700 kg communication satellite in the second quarter of 2024 from Florida in the USA. ISRO’s commercial branch, New Space India Limited, has inked a deal with SpaceX. This development marks a significant shift for India, which has traditionally relied on the Ariane-5 rocket from the French-led Arianespace consortium for launching heavy satellites. It’s important to acknowledge that Arianespace retired its trusted Ariane-5 rocket, and the launch of its replacement, Ariane-6, has experienced considerable delays. The SpaceX deal represents a notable departure from India’s…

On January 2nd, 2024, SpaceX achieved a significant milestone by successfully launching its first batch of direct-to-mobile-phone Starlink satellites with the most reliable Falcon 9 rocket. These satellites are specifically designed to establish direct connections with unmodified smartphones, marking a leap forward in satellite internet technology. The primary goal is to offer direct-to-cell capabilities, revolutionizing the way we access the internet on our smartphones. With this advancement, SpaceX aims to provide widespread satellite broadband coverage, promising a future where seamless connectivity is not limited by geographical constraints. SpaceX is set to deploy a total of 840 direct-to-cell Starlink satellites, with…

Never heard of a fuel station in space? Well, Indian startups are working on technologies to build just that – a space fuel station. OrbitAid Aerospace Private Limited and Manastu Space Technologies Private Limited, both Indian startups, are independently engaged in developing these technologies. However, OrbitAid Aerospace specializes specifically in the development of these types of technologies. You’ve likely heard about air-to-air refueling for fighter jets, but there’s a possibility you’ll soon hear about refueling satellites in space. This new idea of a fuel station in space is all about making satellites last longer, so we don’t have to launch…

ISRO’s fuel cell launched with the XPoSat mission to test electricity sources for the Bhartiya Space Station, a manned deep space mission. This fuel cell power system ( FCPS ) was developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) a research and development wing of ISRO. This new fuel cell represents an exciting breakthrough in creating a clean and powerful energy source for space exploration. It’s a cutting-edge technology that aims to make space missions more sustainable and efficient. The FCPS was launched on the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM), which essentially serves as the fourth stage of the Polar Satellite…

ISRO is launching World’s 2nd X-ray satellite which is XPoSat by PSLV- C58 XPoSat Mission on 1st January 2024 at 9:10 AM from Shri Harikota, Andhra Pradesh. Three Indian startups—Dhruva Space, Bellatrix Aerospace, and TM2Space—will also launch their payloads alongside the XpoSat satellite using the PSLV rocket. These payloads from the startups are placed on the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM-3) of the launch vehicle. Payloads of PSLV- C58 XPoSat Mission The first payload of the PSLV- C58 XPoSat Mission is the XPoSat Satellite of ISRO, Dhruva Space, headquartered in Hyderabad, is set to launch its LEAPTD (Launching Expeditions for…

To address threats to the nation and fulfill India’s ambition of becoming a strong country. India will launch 50 AI-powered spy satellites for geo-intelligence gathering in the next 5 years. The Chairman of ISRO, S. Somnath, stated that ISRO has already planned the configuration of 50 satellites for launch in the next five years. The initiative includes establishing a satellite layer in various orbits with the capability to monitor troop movements and capture images of extensive areas spanning thousands of kilometers. Specification of ISRO’s AI-Powered Spy Satellites Mr. Somanath emphasized the significance of enhancing satellite capabilities in detecting changes. He…

Have you ever wondered what happens to the astronaut’s dead body when they die in space? Since human space exploration began just 60 years ago, there have been unfortunate incidents resulting in the loss of 20 lives. This includes the NASA space shuttle tragedies in 1986 and 2003, the Soyuz 11 mission in 1971 which claimed the lives of three astronauts, and the fire on the launch pad during the Apollo 1 mission in 1967, which resulted in the loss of three astronauts. NASA has plans to send a mission to the Moon in 2025 and aims to send astronauts…

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to launch the first module of the Indian Space Station which is named “Bhartiya Space Station (BAS)” in 2028. After the inauguration of this space station, India will join the ranks of countries with their space stations, placing it as the fourth nation globally to achieve this feat, following Russia, the United States of America, and China. Back in 1971, Russia made history by launching the world’s first space station, Salyut 1. Fast forward to today, both the USA and Russia are collaborating as part of the International Space Station. Meanwhile, China entered…

Japan’s SLIM mission entered the lunar orbit, this mission is the first soft and precise mission of Japan which was launched on 7 September 2023 It successfully landed on the moon’s surface on 19 January at 15:20 UTC, Now Japan became the fifth nation to land a spacecraft on moon. The SLIM Lander’s solar panels are not currently facing the Sun, resulting in a lack of power generation. Consequently, the Lander is relying on its battery reserves to sustain its operations until the battery is depleted. The SLIM ( Smart Lander for Investigating Moon ) is a unique mission in…