Even before orbiting astronauts on India's first manned mission to the space in December 2021, the Indian Space Research Organisation will send 'Vyomamitra', a '<keyword id="7617165" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="lady-robot">lady robot</keyword>', in unmanned <keyword id="6797456" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gaganyaan">Gaganyaan</keyword> spacecraft. The robot was the centre of attraction at the inaugural session of the "<keyword id="1064783" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="human-spaceflight">Human Spaceflight</keyword> and Exploration - Present Challenges and Future Trends" here on Wednesday. Vyomamitra, a combination of two Sanskrit words Vyoma (Space) and Mitra (Friend), took everyone by surprise when she introduced herself to the audience gathered there. "Hello everyone. I am Vyomamitra, the prototype of the half-humanoid, been made for the first unmanned Gaganyaan mission," the robot said. Explaining about the role in the mission, she said, "I can monitor though module parameters, alert you and perform life support operations. I can perform activities like switch panel operations..." The robot said she can also be a companion and converse with the astronauts, recognise them and can also respond to their queries. ISRO chairman K Sivan told reporters the humanoid will simulate human functions in space and also interact with the environment control life support system. "It will be simulating exactly the human functions there (in space). It will check whether the system is right. This will be very useful to simulate, as if a human is flying," said Sivan. Earlier, addressing the inaugural function, Sivan said ahead of the launch of India's maiden human spaceflight venture 'Gaganyaan' in December 2021, ISRO will undertake two unmanned missions in December 2020 and June 2021. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/isros-gsat-30-satellite-successfully-rides-the-ariane-5-rocket-into-orbit-abroad-the-first-launch-of-2020/articleshow/73312278.cms">ISRO's GSAT 30 satellite successfully rides the Ariane 5 rocket into orbit abroad the first launch of 2020</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/budget-2020-isro-needs-rs-666-cr-for-chandrayaan-3/articleshow/73462546.cms">Exploring space is expensive — and ISRO needs more money from the 2020 Union Budget</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/chandrayaan-3-and-gaganyaan-top-priorities-for-isro-in-2020/articleshow/73063629.cms">India's second mission to land on the Moon, Chandrayaan 3, confirmed by ISRO chief</a>

ISRO's humanoid lady robot will fly into space before they send astronauts out on Gaganyaan

Chennai, The Indian space rockets are set to go <keyword id="6355671" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="green">green</keyword> as <keyword id="6358064" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro">ISRO</keyword> is working to replace its existing hazardous <keyword id="4869" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Fuel">fuel</keyword> with non-hazardous and environment- friendly fuels for its rockets and <keyword id="41530" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="satellites">satellites</keyword>, the ISRO Chairman said. He also said that the <keyword id="116095" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Space-Research-Organisation">Indian Space Research Organisation</keyword> (ISRO) is looking at green propulsion through hydrogen peroxide in its rocket that would take Indians into the space under its 'Gaganyaan' mission. "Since humans will be inside the rocket, we want only non-hazardous fuel and not the hazardous one to power the human space mission's Gaganyaan rocket," ISRO chief K Sivan, who is also Secretary in <keyword id="245720" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Department-of-Space">Department of Space</keyword>, told IANS. According to him, ISRO is also looking at rocket engines powered by hydrogen peroxide as a mono-propellant or as a bi-propellant along with ethanol. ISRO is also developing another green fuel - LOX/Methane- liquid oxygen as oxidiser and methane as fuel. "One month back, we tested the LOX/Methane engine and the results were good," Sivan said. The LOX/Methane propellant has advantages in terms of specific impulse, storability, low toxicity, and cost. According to Sivan, the space agency is looking to replace its existing liquid engine fuels with green fuel-powered ones. ISRO has also developed ISROSENE, which is a rocket-grade version of kerosene as an alternative to conventional hydrazine rocket fuel. Queried about the green option for its solid fuel-fired engines, Sivan said the work towards this end is also progressing well. As regards powering the satellites, ISRO is working towards lightweight electrical propulsion in place of chemical fuel. "Now, fuel constitutes nearly 50 per cent of the satellite weight. On the other hand, the electrical propulsion system is much lighter, say 200-300 kg. When electrical propulsion is used, then the satellite's payload can be increased or the satellite can be put into orbit by a lightweight rocket," Sivan said. The ISRO chief said that the payload of six-tonne satellite with chemical fuel can be configured in a satellite weighing four tonnes when powered by electrical propulsion. Presently, ISRO can put into orbit communication satellites weighing up to four tonnes with its rockets and satellites over four tonnes are orbited using European space agency Arianespace's Ariane rocket. "When the weight of the satellite goes down due to electric propulsion, we can use a normal geosynchronous satellite launch vehicle (GSLV) rocket instead of GSLV-Mk III rocket or the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) instead of the normal GSLV rocket," Sivan added. "We will soon launch an electric propulsion technology demonstrator satellite," he added. ISRO has successfully demonstrated electric propulsion system for station-keeping operations in the South Asia Satellite, launched on May 5, 2017. In 2010, ISRO flew its communication satellite GSAT-4 with electrical propulsion and other new technologies. The satellite however did not reach its intended orbit owing to problems in the GSLV rocket's third stage. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/top-stocks-to-watch-tata-steel-vedanta-adani-green-tata-motors-maruti-mm-dhfl-v-mart-indian-bank-and-others/articleshow/80038635.cms">Top stocks to watch — Tata Steel, Vedanta, Adani Green, Tata Motors, Maruti, M&amp;M, DHFL, V-Mart, Indian Bank, and others</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/checkout-the-list-of-upcoming-new-mobiles-in-january-2021-with-expected-price/articleshow/80039794.cms">Upcoming smartphones in India in January 2021</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/ten-of-the-most-outrageous-predictions-for-2021-according-to-saxo-bank/slidelist/80040045.cms">From Amazon buying Cyprus to Germany bailing out France — here are ten of the most ‘outrageous’ predictions for 2021</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/india-edtech-in-charts-how-the-shi[%E2%80%A6]es-of-byjus-unacademy-and-others/articleshow/80040270.cms">India’s edtech in charts – How the shift to online learning meant money, valuation and users for the likes of BYJU’S, Unacademy, and others</a>

ISRO is working on green fuel to its reduce carbon footprint and cut down on costs

<ul class="summary-list"><li>India has unveiled a "female" humanoid robot which it plans to send into space in 2020 as part of an unmanned mission.</li><li>The robot, which doesn't have any legs, is called 'Vyommitra'. A prototype of the robot was unveiled Wednesday by the country's space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation.</li><li>Indian prime minister Narendra Modi is looking to establish the country as a major player in the space industry.</li><li>But some of India's space forays have not gone well to date.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/international?r=US&amp;IR=T">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.</a></li></ul>India has unveiled a "female" humanoid robot that it plans to launch into space in 2020.On Wednesday, the country's space agency - the Indian Space Research Organisation - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ddm4US8B4qI&amp;feature=emb_logo">showcased a prototype of 'Vyommitra,' a humanoid robot it describes as "a woman.</a>"Vyommitra will reportedly speak two languages and will fly on an unspecified unmanned mission this year. Though the robot appears to be dexterous, it doesn't seem to have any legs, raising the question of why it needs a physical form at all. Vyommitra's development forms but a small part of Indian prime minister Narendra Modi's ambitious, ongoing plans to establish India as a space industry player. You can see a video of Vyommitra via The Times of India:The ISRO is preparing for the Gaganyaan mission, the country's first attempt at sending humans into space and Vyommitra is part of the prep.Not all of India's attempts to conquer space have gone smoothly.The ISRO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-lost-contact-with-moon-lander-indicating-crash-2019-9?r=US&amp;IR=T">failed in an attempt to place a lunar lander on the moon earlier in January, with the ground crew losing touch of the lander</a>. The mission cost an estimated $145 million - nearly one-tenth of the agency's meager <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/we-have-liftoff-india-launches-moon-mission-on-second-attempt/2019/07/22/8a1cb69c-aa34-11e9-8733-48c87235f396_story.html">reported annual budget of $1.8 billion</a>, Despite Modi's space-faring ambitions, India's recent actions in space have come under fire from NASA. India <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/scientists-in-india-just-shot-down-a-low-orbit-satellite-in-space-2019-3?r=US&amp;IR=T">shot down a satellite as part of a missile launch</a> in March 2019, leaving millions of pieces of space debris.NASA condemned its actions as "<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nasa-space-junk-india-destroying-missile-threaten-international-space-station-terrible-thing-2019-4?r=US&amp;IR=T">a terrible, terrible thing"</a> and claimed it had endangered the lives of astronauts aboard the International Space Station.For his part, Modi was bullish in the wake of the launch, claiming it proved India was now a "<a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-satellite/modi-hails-india-as-military-space-power-after-anti-satellite-missile-test-idUSKCN1R80IA">space power</a>."

India wants to send a legless, female humanoid robot called 'Vyommitra' into space

<ul><li>National <keyword id="5459195" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Moon-Day">Moon Day</keyword> commemorates the first time humanity landed on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission. </li><li>51 years down the line the conversation around the Moon is no longer about exploration but about ownership. </li><li>The increased knowledge about the kind of resources the Moon has and what that could mean for deeper space exploration has everyone wanting a piece of the pie.</li></ul>National Moon Day may only be celebrated in the United States but it marks a moment that is a milestone for all of humanity. National Moon Day commemorates the time Neil Armstrong landed on the lunar surface followed by his first steps saying, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Come 2020, nearly five decades have passed since humans visited the Moon last. The last crewed mission to the Moon was on 7 December 1972 — not that space agencies across the world have softened their resolve. <div type="Video" msid="50849861" hostid="261" title="This is why no one can legally own the Moon" dataSource="BUSINESSINSIDER" thumbUrl="https://denmark.timesinternet.in/cmslite/api/app/images.jpg?msid=50849861"></div> Everyone wants a piece of the pie when it come to the Moon, including private companies like Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos’ Blue Orbit and <keyword id="6355315" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="elon-musk">Elon Musk</keyword>’s SpaceX. Both companies are also working alongside the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (<keyword id="6360409" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nasa">NASA</keyword>) to launch Artemis by 2024. <div type="image" title="nasa landing system_edited" msid="77063368" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Artist&amp;#39;s representation of the NASA Human Landing System being built in cooperation with Blue Origin, Lockheed Martin, Northop Group and Draper for the Artemis Moon mission&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The Moon is now about property rights, not just exploration The <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/executive-order-encouraging-international-support-recovery-use-space-resources/">US government</a> recently brought back the issue of property rights on the Moon. This is largely because enough scientific findings have concluded that there are minerals and chemicals on the Moon that could help companies save a fortune back on Earth. <div type="image" title="apollo 11_edited" msid="77063287" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Apollo 11 takes off from Floriday on 16 July 1969&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The use of resources from the Moon also holds the potential to drum down costs for deeper space exploration. Helium-3, for instance, could a potential way to provide safer nuclear energy in a fusion reactor, since it is not radioactive and would not produce dangerous waste products according to the <a href="https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Preparing_for_the_Future/Space_for_Earth/Energy/Helium-3_mining_on_the_lunar_surface">ESA</a> <div type="image" title="moon flag_edited" msid="77063248" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong working at an equipment storage area on the lunar module with US flag planted on the lunar surface&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> While there may be US flags symbolically planted or scattered remnants of Russia’s Luna Landers on the Moon’s surface, no nation claims ownership of the Moon — yet. The international legal status of mining in space continues to remain <a href="https://www.space.com/26644-moon-asteroids-resources-space-law.html">unclear and controversial</a>. Future missions to the Moon The Indian Space Research Organisation (<keyword id="6358064" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro">ISRO</keyword>) hopes that its Gaganyaan Mission will be successful in launching Indian astronauts into space paving the way for them to one day land on the Moon. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="75546034" title="ISRO may quietly gain a cost advantage despite the delay in Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan 3, says an expert" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> The US, the pioneers of exploration on the Moon, also their own mission pegged to launch in 2024. The $30 billion Artemis project is going to be the US’ first step towards building a Lunar Gateway — an outpost or moon base that will orbit the Moon and serve as a landing pad to and from the Moon’s surface — in addition to mining for resources on the surface. According to the US government, Artemis will be the skeleton on which future manned missions — like a mission to Mars — will be built. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/as-saturns-iconic-rings-disappear-its-on-the-verge-of-losing-its-largest-moon-as-well-at-a-rate-thats-100-times-faster-than-originally-anticipated/articleshow/76319906.cms">As Saturn's iconic rings disappear, it's on the verge of losing its largest moon as well — at a rate that's 100 times faster than originally anticipated</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/nasa-new-rules-to-protect-mars-and-moon-from-earth-germs/articleshow/76906055.cms">NASA issues new guidelines to protect the Moon and Mars from Earth's germs</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/news/nasa-to-pay-you-rs-26-lakh-for-designing-a-space-toilet-for-moon/articleshow/76657782.cms">NASA to pay you Rs 26 lakh for designing a space toilet for Moon</a>

Moon Day celebrates when man first landed on the Moon and how 51 years later everyone wants a piece of it

<ul><li>The Indian government has just given its approval to set up a new company under the Department of Space. </li><li>The company will look at technology transfer as well as explore manufacturing opportunities with private players. </li><li>The space industry was a part of the Narendra Modi government’s Vision 2030, during the announcement of the Interim Budget in February. </li></ul>The space industry was part of the Narendra Modi government’s Vision 2030 announced during the recent interim budget. Now, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) will be able to <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cabinet-oks-setting-up-of-firm-to-boost-commercial-exploitation-of-isros-rd/articleshow/68070011.cms">sell</a> its research and development work to further enable private players in India, according to an official release. The Indian government just gave its approval to set up a new company under the Department of Space to commercially exploit the research and development work carried out by ISRO and constituent units of DOS. This will give ISRO the opportunity to also explore manufacturing of small satellite launch vehicle with private sector players, productionisation and marketing of space-based products and services including launch and applications. Through the new company, ISRO will also look at the transfer of technology from its centres to private players for the latter to leverage on the same. According to official documents from the government of India, for technology transfer the new company will have to take license from DoS/ISRO and sub-license to industries. This is a landmark move as it will allow private companies access to breakthrough technologies that have remained in ISRO’s domain. ISRO has already been creating multiple hits in recent months. In late 2018, it put into orbit a whopping 31 satellites in one go and also <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/isro-wants-private-players-to-take-over-pslv-satellite-production-by-2020-118090600564_1.html">expressed </a>interest in working with private players. In January, ISRO chief K Sivan announced that under the Gaganyaan mission, a three-member team will be sent to space which could also include a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/isros-first-manned-space-mission-might-have-women/articleshow/67486206.cms">woman</a> astronaut. See Also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/isro-is-to-trying-to-beat-elon-musks-spacex-success/articleshow/67550362.cms">India’s apex space agency is following Elon Musk's idea — and taking it a step forward</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/isros-first-manned-space-mission-might-have-women/articleshow/67486206.cms">India's first ‘manned’ mission to space may have women too</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/gsat-31-india-successfully-launches-its-40th-communication-satellite/articleshow/67861257.cms">India successfully launches its 40th communication satellite</a>

A new Indian government company will sell space technology to private players

<ul><li>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is ready to share India's space technology with the rest of the world — but only with 'friendly countries'. </li><li>India is known for its pocket friendly missions like its most recent mission to the moon — Chandrayaan 2. </li><li>India is also trying to break into the space launch market with ISRO first fully commercial launch exclusively for foreign satellites pegged to launch later this month. </li></ul>The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is ready to share India's budget space technology with the rest of the world — but only to 'friendly' countries. "I am happy to state that India would be happy to help other friendly countries develop land restoration strategies through cost-effective satellite and space technology," stated Modi during the United Nations Conference of the Parties (<a href="https://www.unccd.int/conventionconference-parties-cop/cop14-2-13-september-new-delhi-india">UN-COP</a>) 14 to combat desertification. India's most recent mission to moon, Chandrayaan 2, cost ₹10 billion ($140 million). It's lauded for being cheaper than the budget of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/chandrayaan-2-cheaper-than-avengers-endgame-what-the-foreign-press-says/articleshow/70208309.cms">Avengers: Endgame.</a> India's Mars Orbiter Mission (<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/mars-orbiter-mission-completes-4-years-in-pictures/articleshow/65972664.cms">MOM</a>) — also called <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/akshay-kumars-mission-mangal-could-miss-facts-about-mangalyaan/articleshow/70498232.cms">Mangalyaan</a> — also impressed the world by reaching the Red Planet on a budget of ₹4.5 billion ($74 million). Even the upcoming <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indias-first-manned-mission-to-space-may-have-women-too/articleshow/67486206.cms">Gaganyaan mission</a>, which is India's first attempt to send astronauts into space, has expected to cost less than ₹100 billion ($1.43 billion). The price of keeping costs down India's exploration of space might be considered <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india-low-cost-chandrayaan-and-mars-missions-come-at-a-price/articleshow/70226652.cms">budget friendly but it comes at a price.</a> These missions are mostly undertaken to demonstrate India's technological prowess. Other space agencies around the world, like the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the European Space Agency (ESA), spend a lot more on their voyages into outer space — and have a lot more to gain as well. ESA's missions are categorised from Class A to D, depending on the priority of the mission, its national significance, the mission's lifetime and how much it's going to cost. The longer the mission, the more expensive it likely will be. Capturing the launch market It's not only India's missions into space that are pocket friendly, but also their launch technology. Later this month on 16 September 2019, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to conduct its first ever commercial launch catering exclusively to foreign satellites. It will be launching two British satellites — Novasar and S1-4 — aboard its PSLV C-42 rocket from the launch pad in Sriharikota. "Subsequent two PSLV mission will also carry foreign satellites. However those missions will be on sharing mode (also carrying Indian payloads)," ISRO Chairman K Sivan told <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-to-launch-rocket-solely-for-foreign-satellites-in-september/articleshow/65061764.cms">Times of India</a>. As of now, NASA dominates the commercial satellite launch market. India's apex space agency has only managed to muster 0.6% share of the market pegged at ₹36 billion. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india-low-cost-chandrayaan-and-mars-missions-come-at-a-price/articleshow/70226652.cms">India's low cost space missions come at a price</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/heres-why-chandrayaan-2-is-landmark-moon-mission-for-india/articleshow/69842571.cms">India's second moon mission Chandrayaan 2 that will cost ₹10 billion will break new records</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/5-Surprising-Things-That-Cost-More-Than-Indias-Historic-Mission-To-Mars/articleshow/43332986.cms">5 Surprising Things That Cost More Than India's Historic Mission To Mars</a>

Modi offers India's cost-effective technology but only to 'friendly' nations

ISRO on Wednesday announced that four Indian Air Force pilots have been selected for the ambitious 'Gaganyaan' manned space mission programme, whose astronaut training would commence soon in Russia. A day after Union Minister Jitendra Singh said India will launch Chandrayaan-3 most likely in 2020, Indian Space Research Organisation chairman K Sivan said the activities for the mission were going on very smoothly and the take-off may shift to next year. Addressing a press conference here, Sivan said four Indian Air Force airmen have been identified for the country's maiden manned space mission and their astronauts training would start from the third week of this month in Russia. "We had good progress in 2019 as regards Gaganyaan. And many of the designs were completed and astronauts' selection process is over. Now four are identified for training purpose..that process is also completed," Sivan said. On Chandrayaan-3, he said the work was going on smoothly. "One major announcement I wanted to make here officialy is that the government has approved Chandrayaan-3 and the project has been formed. The activities are going on for Chandrayaan-3 very smoothly and its configuration will be similar to that of Chandrayaan-2," he said. It will have a lander, rover and a propulsion module, he noted. Asked about the launch date, he said it would be announced only when the project nears completion. He also said the launch of Chandrayaan-3 may shift to next year. Work on both Chandrayaan-3 and Gaganyaan, was going on simultaneously, he added. Noting that Chandrayaan-2 orbiter's mission life was seven years, he said it would be used for the third lunar mission as well. Giving an estimate of the project cost for Chandrayaan-3, Sivan said, "This particular cost of lander and rover configuration thing is about Rs 250 crore. The total cost of the project is Rs 615 crore." The objective of Chandrayaan-3 would also be to land in the lunar south pole, he said. On the launch pad to come up at Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu, Sivan said, "apart from the space port at the Sathish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, the land acquisition for a second one has been initiated in Tuticorin district." As regards the choice of location, he said, "It was mainly to get advantages of southward launch especially for SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle)." Observing that the pad, once set up, would be used for launching SSLVs initially, he said it may be expanded for big ones in future. On future missions, he said, "25 missions have been planned for 2020." "The missions that were planned in 2019 and could not be completed would be finished by March this year," he said. Asked what went wrong with the Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-2, he said it was due to velocity reduction failure. "The velocity reduction failure was due to internal reasons," he said. Chandrayaan-2 mission was India's first attempt to land on the lunar surface. ISRO had planned the landing on the south pole of the lunar surface. However, Vikram hard-landed. Sivan also congratulated the Chennai based techie who recently located the Vikram lander that hard-landed and maintained that it was the space agency's policy not to release pictures of the crashed module. The space agency has sought an allocation of Rs 14,000 crore from the Centre in the budget for 2020-21 for various projects. India has signed agreements with Russia and France for cooperation on the ambitious Gaganyaan mission, which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech in 2018. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/chandrayaan-3-and-gaganyaan-top-priorities-for-isro-in-2020/articleshow/73063629.cms?src=hp_nav">India's second mission to land on the Moon, Chandrayaan 3, confirmed by ISRO chief</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/the-moon-is-shining-brighter-than-the-sun-and-that-is-dangerous/articleshow/70737236.cms">The Moon is shining brighter than the Sun — and that is dangerous</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/supermassive-black-hole-is-eating-meals-worth-four-moons-thrice-a-day/articleshow/71090624.cms">Supermassive black hole is eating meals worth four Moons thrice a day</a>

ISRO selects four IAF pilots for Gaganyaan to train in Russia

<ul><li>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) claims that India's test of their anti-satellite weapon is a "terrible, terrible thing."</li><li>The head of NASA stated, "That kind of activity is not compatible with the future of human spaceflight."</li><li>But, most experts feel like since the test was conducted at an altitude of 250kms, it's unlikely to be a threat to the <keyword id="6382020" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="international-space-station">International Space Station</keyword> (ISS).</li></ul>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has strongly criticised <keyword id="3384000" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mission-Shakti">Mission Shakti</keyword>, India's anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon test, saying the debris from the explosion endangers the International Space Station (ISS). According to NASA, the risk of collision of the debris with the International Space Station (ISS) has increased by 44% over the last 10 days. "What we are tracking right now, objects big enough to track — we're talking about 10 centimeters (six inches) or bigger — about 60 pieces have been tracked," Jim Bridenstine, the administrator of NASA said in an announcement to his employees. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 <div type="ExtQuote" text="That is a terrible, terrible thing to create an event that sends debris at an apogee that goes above the International Space Station: That kind of activity is not compatible with the future of human spaceflight." auname="Jim Bridenstine, administrator of NASA"></div>

















 This may put India's collaboration with US on <keyword id="7168485" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mission-Gaganyaan">Mission Gaganyaan</keyword>, the Indian human spaceflight programme, in jeopardy. Bridentstine and the <keyword id="6358064" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro">ISRO</keyword> Chairman, K Sivan, were <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/us-india-collaboration-gaganyaan-manned-space-mission-charles-bolden-1474207-2019-03-09">reportedly</a> in talks about forming a working group to work exclusively on the project. It may also push India towards cementing its <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/russia-commits-full-support-to-indias-first-manned-space-mission-gaganyaan-pm-modi-5388790/">collaboration</a> with Russia for the Gaganyaan mission. India and France was already signed a memorandum of understanding where the French scientists will share their expertise to help the human space project get off the ground. Is there really a threat to the ISS? The United States Air Force (USAF) has also been tracking remnants from India's ASAT test. Lt. Gen. David Thompson, vice commander of USAF <a href="https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/03/27/u-s-military-sensors-track-debris-from-indian-anti-satellite-test/">told</a> the Senate Armed Services Committee in the US that, "they are tracking about 270 different objects in the debris field." Adding that the number will only grow as the debris spreads out and their sensors pick up more information. An <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indias-anti-satellite-missile-test-may-have-created-6500-eraser-size-pieces-of-space-junk-near-earth-according-to-a-new-simulation/articleshow/68639583.cms">estimated</a> 6,500 pieces of space debris as expected as a result of Mission Shakti according to a simulation created by Analytical Graphics Inc., an engineering software company that creates models of the space environment around Earth. The Indian government, on the other hand, <a href="https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/31179/Frequently_Asked_Questions_on_Mission_Shakti_Indias_AntiSatellite_Missile_test_conducted_on_27_March_2019">claims</a> that their test was specifically conducted in low Earth orbit (LEO) in order to ensure that there is no space debris created. And whatever debris may have been left behind, will eventually decay and fall back onto Earth within the span of a few weeks. Experts like Kumar Abhijeet, member of the International Institute of Space Law, also believe that the debris will most likely dissipate in the atmosphere. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 <div type="ExtQuote" text="Now, debris also depends on where we’re doing the test. In China’s case, they did it at 800kms — we’ve conducted ours at 300kms. The debris will most likely burn up in the atmosphere. So there is minimum chance of debris being created." auname="Kumar Abhijeet, Member of the International Institute of Space Law and Research Scholar at the Institute of Air and Space Law"></div>

















 While China's ASAT test in 2007 might have resulted in the destruction of two Russian satellites due the debris left behind, the test was also conducted at a higher altitude of 850 kilometers. India's test, on the other hand was at an altitude of 300kms. Since it well below the 400 kms threshold, most experts are <a href="http://www.thespacereview.com/article/3686/1">claiming</a> are there is no threat to the ISS especially since the debris from the 2008 test conducted by the US at 250kms dissipated within days. Since then, the Bridenstine has had to resume <a href="https://in.reuters.com/article/usa-india-debris/pentagon-says-india-debris-expected-to-burn-up-in-atmosphere-idINKCN1RG22J">cooperation </a>with ISRO after an assessment by the Pentagon revealed that the space debris generated by India's ASAT set would dissipate within a few months and does not pose a threat to human space flight. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indias-asat-mission-shakti-creates-space-debris/articleshow/68594904.cms">India's test of its anti-satellite weapon may have weakened its fight against dangerous space debris</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india-asat-test-marks-time-for-nations-to-make-new-space-treaty/articleshow/68607435.cms">It might be time for ‘space superpowers' to bring in a new space treaty</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/prime-minister-modi-in-his-live-address-says-indian-scientists-shot-down-a-low-orbit-satellite-300-km-away-in-space/articleshow/68593276.cms">India enters an elite club after scientists shoot down a low orbit satellite 300 km away in space</a>

NASA slams India's anti-satellite test, may pull support from mission Gaganyaan

<ul><li>At the start of 2020, Indian Space Research Organisation (<keyword id="6358064" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro">ISRO</keyword>) Chairman and Secretary Department of Space K. Sivan said that the space agency was planning to have 25 launches. </li><li>All was going well for ISRO after the crashlanding of India's moon lander Vikram on the lunar surface in 2019.</li><li>The first setback of the year for ISRO came on March 4, when it had to call off the launch of GISAT-1, a day before its actual launch, owing to technical reasons. </li></ul>What would have been an insipid first half of the calendar year 2020 for the Indian space agency turned a bit interesting towards the end, with the government announcing its decision to open up the sector to private participation. At the start of 2020, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman and Secretary Department of Space K. Sivan said that the space agency was planning to have 25 launches -- including Aditya-L1 satellite, <keyword id="1512353" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Geo-Imaging-Satellite">Geo Imaging Satellite</keyword> (GISAT-1), realisation of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) or small rocket (carrying capacity 500 kg), navigation satellite with indigenous atomic clocks and <keyword id="9550825" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="indian-data-relay-satellite-system">Indian Data Relay Satellite System</keyword> (IDRSS), and GSAT-20 satellite with electric propulsion. Sivan also said India will embark on its third moon mission 'Chandrayaan-3' and attempt to land a lander on the lunar surface sometime in 2020-21. All was going well for ISRO after the crashlanding of India's moon lander Vikram on the lunar surface in 2019. The year began well ISRO with the launch of the 3,357 kg communication satellite GSAT-30 by the European space agency Arianespace rocket Ariane 5 on January 17. The ISRO also showcased its robot/half-humanoid -- Vyommitra - which was part of its human space mission programme 'Gaganyaan'. The first setback of the year for ISRO came on March 4, when it had to call off the launch of GISAT-1, a day before its actual launch, owing to technical reasons. The ISRO did not share any detail about the technical reasons, or the glitch, and its rectification since then. It is also not known when the satellite with a very good camera would be launched. Then came the Covid-19 lockdown within and outside India that had its cascading impact on ISRO's core plans like the realisation of SSLV, launch of GISAT-1, delay in the first test-flight of the rocket as part of Gaganyaan mission. "During the lockdown, industries that were supplying components were not working. Our own officials were not able to attend office. Further travel to Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh for satellite launch by the officials were not possible due to the lockdown," Sivan told IANS. It is also not known when ISRO will be able to restart its satellite launch operations. With coronavirus infection spreading fast in the county, ISRO also started work on developing a low-cost ventilator and sanitiser. Meanwhile, two positive developments happened for ISRO -- securing an Indian patent for its liquid cooling and heating garment (LCHG) suitable for space applications and for its method of manufacturing highland lunar soil simulant or simply lunar/moon soil. On May 16, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that Indian private sector will be a co-traveller in India's space-sector journey and a level-playing field will be provided for them in satellites, launches, and space-based services. She also said that a predictable policy and regulatory environment will be provided to private players. The future projects for planetary exploration, outer space travel and others are to be opened up for the private sector, adding there will be a liberal geo-spatial data policy for providing remote-sensing data to tech-entrepreneurs subject to various checks. Welcoming the announcement, sectoral experts suggested various models for restructuring of ISRO and also urged the government to set up an independent regulator and also enact necessary legislation. On June 24, the Union Cabinet decided to set up Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), making ISRO to focus on research and development (R&amp;D) of new technologies, exploration missions, and human spaceflight programme. Singh said the Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to set up IN-SPACe to provide a level playing field for private companies to use Indian space infrastructure. He also said the New Space India Limited (NSIL) will endeavour to re-orient space activities from a 'supply driven' model to 'demand driven' model, thereby ensuring optimum utilisation of the country's space assets. Former ISRO Chairman <keyword id="52158" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="madhavan-nair">Madhavan Nair</keyword> said there should be a national space law to define responsibilities and liabilities. Pointing out the role envisaged for IN-SPACe and the demand for a sectoral regulator, when queried whether the proposed body could be converted into the space sector regulator, Sivan told IANS: "IN-SPACe could be turned into a regulatory body when the necessary laws and regulations are in place." "We are on the job of getting ready the Space Activities Bill. It will define the space activities, liabilities and other aspects," he added. As part of the reform process, new navigation policy is also being proposed. Suitable changes in the remote sensing data policy as well as SATCOM policy are on the anvil to align them to an open and inclusive space sector, said Sivan. "The best is to establish an independent regulator -- <keyword id="9550824" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="space-regulatory-authority-of-india">Space Regulatory Authority of India</keyword> (SRAI) -- which will create a level-playing field for many of the emerging players," Narayan Prasad, Chief Operating Officer, satsearch, told IANS. Establishing an independent regulator could allow a systematic review and reforms on a continuous basis rather than one-off announcements, Prasad said. As per current scheme of things, IN-SPACe will have its own directorates for technical, legal, safety and security, monitoring as well as activities promotion for assessing the private sector's needs and coordination of the activities. IN-SPACe would have a board and representatives from industry, academia and the government, Sivan said. "Initially, IN-SPACe will be manned by people from the existing space setup. Later, people from outside will be taken in. It will have its funds from the budgetary allocations for the DoS. The new body may not need big financial allocations," Sivan remarked. Stressing that the ISRO's importance will not diminish with the entry of IN-SPACe, Sivan said all the existing centres - manufacturing, services, rocket launch centres - would continue to be with the ISRO. "The ISRO will be involved in research and development in advanced technologies, human space missions. It will also share its technological expertise with the private parties. The proposed new body will not disturb the existing ones. It will be another autonomous body," Sivan said. Industry officials are hoping to see further steps being taken by the government regarding the space sector during the second half of 2020. But as regards the satellite launches - domestic as well as foreign for a fee - by ISRO during the year depends on the spread or control of coronavirus and the resultant lockdown. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/photographer-of-the-viral-black-panther-images-from-india-shares-his-story/articleshow/76830618.cms">INTERVIEW: Shaaz Jung opens up about the blood, sweat and years behind the viral images of a rare black panther</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/world/news/harvard-and-mit-are-suing-ice-to-block-its-order-forcing-international-students-to-leave-the-us-if-their-course-is-online-only/articleshow/76856699.cms">Harvard, MIT, and Northeastern University are suing ICE to block its order forcing international students to leave the US if their course is online-only</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/enterprise/news/russian-scammers-are-conning-senior-executives-into-giving-away-2-7-million-by-impersonating-real-ceos-and-lawyers/articleshow/76849870.cms">Russian scammers are conning senior executives into giving away $2.7 million by impersonating real CEOs and lawyers</a>

ISRO doesn't know when it will be ready to restart space launches

<ul><li>During the <keyword id="7190005" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="interim-budget-2019">Interim Budget 2019</keyword>, the Modi government presented Vision 2030. </li><li>From clean Ganga to an astronaut in space and building hubs for Digital India, the Vision 2030 agenda has big plans. </li><li>The government’s current track record in some cases and the lack of details in others are uninspiring. </li></ul>Indian government’s budget for 2019-20 was supposed to be an interim vote on account before the elections in the upcoming summer. However, the government’s promises, hopes and estimation went as far as 2030. Here’s the 10-point agenda for the next decade set by Piyush Goyal, standing in for finance minister Arun Jaitley. “We are poised to become a Five Trillion Dollar Economy in the next five years and aspire to become a Ten Trillion Dollar Economy in the next 8 years thereafter.” The message from the government is that it is not just focussed on the headline growth, but also on the quality of life. “On the social infrastructure side, every family will have a roof on its head and will live in a healthy, clean and wholesome environment,” said Finance MInister Piyush Goyal. It was 2017, when prime minister Modi promised to double farmers’ income in the following five years. However, the rural distress has been one of the biggest failures of the administration. While ‘housing for all by 2022’ is still an ongoing project, there is still a lot left to desire in <a href="https://www.bloombergquint.com/global-economics/15-million-indian-households-have-meters-but-no-electricity">electrification</a> and <a href="https://www.livemint.com/Politics/d0gb1cTpVnVwJaUQIPIaaP/Swachh-Bharat-Abhiyan-Why-Indias-toilet-data-is-too-good-t.html">sanitation</a> of villages. “Digital India into every sector of the economy” There were two announcements towards digitisation of the economy – to turn 1 lakh villages into Digital Villages over next five years, and a plan to build centre of excellences for Artificial Intelligence (AI). This is not the first time the government has promised a push for AI. ₹3,073 crores were allocated for the programme in 2018-19. This fund was supposed to boost the development of artificial intelligence, robotics, big data analysis, and digital manufacturing, by setting up centres of excellences in the country. However, there has been little or no progress so far. The Indian government had allocated ₹10,000 crores in the last budget for Bharat Net phase II-- a pan-India broadband network--to create 500,000 rural wifi hotspots. By December 2018, the network had covered half the target range, but the utilisation was reportedly less <a href="https://thewire.in/government/pmo-bharatnet-project-shoddy-state-of-broadband-initiative">than 10%</a>. “Over ₹17,000 crore has been spent already on BharatNet. No results can be seen. There is no utilisation...Public money has been wasted and it will become a serious problem for the government," a senior official at Trai told <a href="https://www.livemint.com/politics/policy/trai-asks-telecom-dept-to-auction-bharatnet-assets-to-private-firms-1548698974471.html">Mint</a> in January. “This India will drive on Electric Vehicles with Renewables becoming a major source of energy supply. India will lead the world in the transport revolution through electric vehicles” India did assume the lead in the global fight against climate change after the <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/what-signing-the-paris-climate-change-treaty-means-for-india/story-RsDH1IAohQNEqRxb426YbM.html">Paris pact </a>of 2016. But the push towards green vehicles at home has had, at best, a sputtering start. While there has been a growth in demand for electric two-wheelers, only 1,200 electric cars were sold in FY 2017-18, according to a report done by the <a href="https://www.livemint.com/Politics/1x96WeyG6cCVnm5zPcUraK/Govt-proposes-incentives-to-boost-EVsalesin5-years.html">Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles.</a> The main concern of the automobile companies is the lack of infrastructure for growth of EVs in India as well as the absence of <a href="https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/are-indian-automakers-ditching-ev-in-want-of-clear-policy/67749150">clarity</a> regarding the EV policy. “Expanding rural industrialisation using modern digital technologies to generate massive employment” Both industrial growth and employment have been among the big failures of the Modi regime, mostly because private investment has been lacking. The most recent data in factory output growth was the lowest in 17 months. A news report based on leaked data from the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) said that India’s unemployment rate has hit a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/unemployment-in-india-is-at-its-highest-in-45-years-says-an-indian-daily-citing-an-undisclosed-jobs-survey/articleshow/67769020.cms">45-year high</a> by December 2018, with a majority of job losses seen in rural India, showing that the government’s policies have so far failed to spur industrialisation and jobs. “Our Government has worked vigorously for cleaning River Ganga. Fifth Dimension of our Vision for India of 2030 is Clean Rivers” The government has already approved ₹25,500 crores for ‘Namami Gange Mission’, but the impact has less than satisfactory, according to environmental activists. There was no additional in the current budget for the same programme. Spending crores of rupees for beautification of ghats has been "wastage of the public exchequer" because "without ensuring a continuous flow, clean Ganga will continue to remain a distant dream", said <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/why-indias-waterman-thinks-the-governments-3-5-billion-plan-to-clean-up-ganga-is-not-working/articleshow/67672185.cms">Rajendra Singh,</a> who goes by the sobriquet "Waterman of India". “Our efforts in the Sagarmala programme will be scaled up and we will develop other inland waterways faster.” According to a reply to a right-to-information petition filed in 2018, it was <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/sagarmala-drives-in-slow-lane-only-1-5-projects-completed-since-fy16-118091700931_1.html">reported</a> that just 80 projects had been completed out of the 220 projects envisioned under the Sagar Mala project, over three years after its inception. “Placing an Indian astronaut into space by 2022” The ISRO chief K Sivan in a press conference last month had <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indias-first-manned-mission-to-space-may-have-women-too/articleshow/67486206.cms">announced</a> that under the Gaganyaan mission,a three-member team will be sent to space which could also include a woman astronaut. It’s too soon to evaluate the progress of this plan. “High farm production and productivity will be achieved through modern agricultural practices and value addition” India, a country which has over 45% of its population employed in agriculture, is also a major exporter. According to <a href="https://www.ibef.org/exports/agriculture-and-food-industry-india.aspx">reports</a>, during April-October 2018, exports of agricultural and processed food products totalled US$ 21.61 billion. India now faces the problem of <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/agrarian-crisis-farmer-protests-rural-distress-surplus-production-crop-procurement-the-age-of-surplus-5213499/">surplus</a>, where farmers are ready to answer the demand for more produce. However, the farmer has not been in the winning end of the deal. A report of the Committee on Strategy for Doubling Farmers' Income by 2022 <a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/agriculture/you-may-pay-a-steep-price-but-does-the-farmer-make-any-money--62364">states </a>that “The WPI (wholesale price index) of food articles was lower than that of agricultural inputs for most years, indicating that farmers received lower market prices for agricultural commodities than the prices paid for the purchase of inputs.” “Aiming at healthy society with an environment of health assurance and the support of necessary health infrastructure” The Indian government had announced its ambitious Ayushman Bharat scheme in 2018. The Finance Minister during his budget speech announced that so far ₹3000 crore had been allocated to Ayushman Bharat which has benefited over 10 lakh people. However, many states have pulled out of the scheme criticising it for legitimate and political reasons. As the minister from Chhattisgarh explained, Ayushman Bharat provided insurance for secondary and tertiary healthcare in hospitals, whereas <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/healthcare/chhattisgarh-govt-to-pull-out-of-ayushman-bharat/articleshow/67550227.cms">nearly 80%</a> of the state’s citizens required primary healthcare services. Outpatient treatment, which is hugely popular with India’s poor households according to <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/201612_health-and-morbidity.pdf">a Brookings report</a>, isn’t provided under the scheme. In addition, as public hospitals lack the requisite infrastructure, the government is relying heavily on private hospitals, which aren’t that widespread in semi-urban and rural areas and can promote expensive treatments to improve their margins “Transforming India into a Minimum Government Maximum Governance nation” ‘Minimum Government Maximum Governance’ was one of the many slogans that Modi came up with ahead of the 2014 elections. Indeed, he managed to reduce the layers in bureaucracy and made processes simpler in many cases. It helped India to rise to the <a href="http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=184513">77th position</a> in the ease of doing business ranking assessed by the World Bank, up from 142 in 2014. Yet, the spirit of the slogan does not pervade all parts of the government. For instance, startups, which mushroomed in India in the years where there was no focussed regulation, have now hit a wall with the infamous ‘angel tax’. Early stage investors who back these startups were burdened with higher tax in a bid to control money laundering. The sweeping tax on all angel investors hurt new investments in startups. Even the steps taken to assuage the concern has only added to the layers of permission required to start a new business. See Also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/income-tax-slabs-for-2019-20/articleshow/67788923.cms">No tax proposed on annual income up to ₹500,000</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/the-indian-government-just-announced-its-highest-ever-outlay-for-defence/articleshow/67789219.cms">The Indian government just announced its highest ever outlay for defence</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget-2019-income-tax-and-other-benefits-for-middle-class-in-india/articleshow/67789294.cms">Here is how the Budget 2019 benefits the Indian middle class</a>

You Searched For "Gaganyaan mission" and got 10 results

ISRO's humanoid lady robot will fly into space before they send astronauts out on Gaganyaan

PTI

ISRO is working on green fuel to its reduce carbon footprint and cut down on costs

IANS

India wants to send a legless, female humanoid robot called 'Vyommitra' into space

Charlie Wood

Moon Day celebrates when man first landed on the Moon and how 51 years later everyone wants a piece of it

Prabhjote Gill

A new Indian government company will sell space technology to private players

Sanchita Dash

Modi offers India's cost-effective technology but only to 'friendly' nations

Prabhjote Gill

ISRO selects four IAF pilots for Gaganyaan to train in Russia

PTI

NASA slams India's anti-satellite test, may pull support from mission Gaganyaan

Prabhjote Gill

ISRO doesn't know when it will be ready to restart space launches

IANS

India’s Narendra Modi has a grand vision for 2030 – but it is short on details

Sanchita Dash