<ul class="summary-list"><li>Russia launched its first mission to the moon since 1976 on Thursday. </li><li>If successful, it could be the first to do a soft landing on the south pole of the moon.</li></ul>Russia is on its way to the moon for the first time in almost 50 years, and aims to be the first to soft land on the coveted south pole of our satellite, beating the US, China, and others to the punch.Roscosmos, Russia's space agency, launched the Luna-25 mission on Friday morning from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the far eastern Amur region, Russia, Reuters reported. The last one was in 1976.The Soyuz-2.1b rocket is carrying a lander, which Roscosmos will <a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/space/russia-launch-lunar-spacecraft-race-find-water-moon-2023-08-10/#:~:text=Major%20powers%20such%20as%20the,landing%20on%20the%20south%20pole." target="_blank" rel="noopener">try to land on the south pole</a> of the moon on August 21, Reuters reported. If successful, it would be the first mission to achieve a soft landing on the south pole of the moon, and the robotic lander would collect crucial information over the next year. A soft landing is one in which the lander doesn't explode.But these are risky missions with a tendency to fail.<h2>The south pole is a crucial strategic objective</h2>Russia isn't the only nation vying for the south pole. The region has a crucial <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nasa-helping-private-companies-build-business-moon-make-lunar-billions-2023-6">strategic scientific and commercial pull</a> in the near future."The moon is the seventh continent of the Earth so we are simply 'condemned', as it were, to tame it," said Lev Zeleny, a space researcher at the Russian Academy of Sciences, per Reuters. The Luna-25 lander will be collecting and analyzing regolith, the soil that covers the moon, to better understand its properties and test for traces of water, per Reuters. But the Russian mission's "most important task, to put it simply, is <a href="https://www.space.com/russia-luna-25-moon-mission-launch-success">to sit where no one</a> has sat," said Maxim Litvak, chief scientist for the mission from Russia's Space Research Institute. The comment was in a blog post on the institute's website, per space.com.Both <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-to-build-moon-station-five-years-lunar-soil-bricks-2023-4">the US and China, in collaboration with Russia, aim to build lunar stations</a> in that area within the decade. <div type="image" title="The International Space Station looking like a white dot as it passes the Moon as seen from Liverpool." height="864" width="1152" msid="102650198" hostid="261"></div>The south pole's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nasa-scientists-discover-moons-hidden-water-stores-2020-10">main attraction is water</a>, a resource that's been found peppered around the area and could be mined to extract fuel for moon missions or rockets on their way to Mars. A few research missions are aiming to collect more information about the resources available on the moon.China plans to send a rover there in 2026, and NASA also aims to send its <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nasa-viper-moon-rover-landing-spot-lunar-south-pole-2021-9">VIPER rover and drill</a> to the surface. Russia's biggest competition today is <a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/space/india-readies-rocket-aimed-landing-moons-south-pole-2023-07" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India</a>, whose Chandrayaan-3 mission has been orbiting the moon since August 6. However, just because Russia and India have launched their missions doesn't mean they'll be successful. Soft landings can be particularly tricky, as shown by a recent mission from a Japanese private company <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/japanese-company-ispace-fears-moon-probe-crash-landed-2023-4">ispace</a>, which crashed on the surface of the moon in April.Asked if Russia was concerned about India's mission interfering with their own, Roscosmos told Reuters: "There is no danger that they interfere with each other or collide. There is enough space for everyone on the moon," it said.<h2>Russia's ambitious return to the moon was delayed by invading Ukraine</h2><div type="image" title="Russia's Luna-25 mission is shown launching from its launchpad in at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the far eastern Amur region, Russia" height="2678" width="3570" msid="102650201" hostid="261"></div>Luna-25 was planned to launch two years earlier, but Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 delayed the mission, space.com reported. The European Space Agency was meant to provide some of the equipment for the lander, but pulled its cooperation with Russia after the invasion, per space.com. The mission is reigniting Russia's ambitious space program, which has been dormant for almost half a century. Building on the Luna-25 mission, Russia is planning to send a rocket to orbit the moon in Luna-26, a drilling rig with Luna-27, and a mission to bring back regolith from the moon with Luna-28, per space.com. The timelines for these missions have not been shared.

Russia is racing to beat the US, India, and China to the south pole of the moon in its first lunar mission since the 70s

<ul class="summary-list"><li>This year, the world made several major achievements in the race to space. </li><li>They included SpaceX sending its most powerful rocket to space and India reaching the moon. </li></ul>Every year, space agencies and private companies move closer to making us a multi-planetary species, breaking barriers along the way.This year was no exception. 2023 saw groundbreaking rocket launches, unprecedented lunar missions, and remarkable scientific discoveries.Ahead of the new year, here's everything you need to know to catch up.<h2>1. SpaceX's Starship soared toward space twice – and blew up both times</h2><div type="image" title="starship rocket launching" height="1596" width="2842" msid="106403268" hostid="261" sizebytes="146050"></div>One of the most long-awaited spaceflight events of the decade took place in 2023, after SpaceX launched its gargantuan Starship mega-rocket in its fully-stacked form for the first time.Starship is the most powerful rocket ever built. Standing at almost 400ft, it is designed to be a workhorse to ferry humans and cargo to and from Mars. It could also play a crucial role in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-spacex-starship-launch-crucial-nasa-moon-return-sls-2023-3">NASA's return to the moon</a>.Elon Musk's SpaceX had previously shown it could fly the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/watch-spacex-starship-rocket-exploded-five-times-2023-4">Starship spaceship</a> on its own. But the company had never attempted to launch it on top of its Super Heavy booster — a necessary step to bring the spaceship to outer space.That seal was broken this year, twice. The fully stacked mega-rocket took its maiden flight on April 21.The flight, in some measure, was a success. The rocket cleared the launchpad and flew for a few minutes. But it eventually burst into flames after tumbling out of control. It later came to light that Starship's powerful engines had also <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-starship-rocket-crater-concrete-launchpad-upon-liftoff-2023-4">blown a crater</a> in its concrete launchpad.Undeterred, SpaceX modified the rocket and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-starship-launch-rocket-blows-up-explosion-elon-musk-mars-2023-11?r=US&amp;IR=T">flew again</a> on November 18. This time, the spacecraft successfully separated and flew into space, though it burst again within <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-starship-launch-rocket-blows-up-explosion-elon-musk-mars-2023-11?r=US&amp;IR=T">seconds of reaching its apex</a>.<h2>2. Private space companies made waves</h2><div type="image" title="A photomontage shows Terran 1 ready to launch on its launchpad next to a picture of the rocket's trajectory after launch." height="1000" width="2000" msid="106403270" hostid="261" sizebytes="73662"></div>It was a big year for other spaceflight companies as well.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/relativity-space-3d-printed-rocket-mars-musk-spacex-bezos-launch-2023-3?r=US&amp;IR=T">Relativity Space</a> showed the capability of its monstrous 3D printers by launching and flying a rocket that was made of 85% printed materials. Terran 1 successfully separated from its first stage but didn't quite make it to orbit.The company now aims to develop an even bigger rocket, called Terran R, in a bid to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.relativityspace.com/press-release/2022/7/19/impulse-space-and-relativity-space-announce-first-commercial-mission-to-mars">beat Musk to Mars</a>. While Relativity will keep pushing its rocket development, its main purpose is to demonstrate the power of its 3D printers, which could one day be used to create custom equipment for Martian settlers, the company CEO Tim Ellis previously told Business Insider.Meanwhile, Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin got a much-needed vote of confidence from NASA. In May, it became the second private company, after SpaceX, to land the agency's coveted contract to develop tech to land astronauts on the moon. The company was awarded $3.4 billion.The firm was also awarded the Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (ESCAPADE) NASA contract, which means New Glenn, a heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle in development by Blue Origin, could fly a research payload to Mars on its first flight.SpaceX also beat a record that it had set only last year.By October, the company had launched 74 orbital missions, up from its previous record of 62 in 2022.The firm aims to launch 100 flights by the end of 2023, Bill Gerstenmaier, a senior SpaceX official, said on October 18 during a hearing of the U.S. Senate's Subcommittee on Space and Science, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.space.com/spacex-launch-144-missions-2024">per Space.com.</a>He added that next year it would aim for 12 flights per month, or a mission every three days or less, per Space.com.<h2>3. China got serious about the moon</h2>China once again demonstrated its precise spaceflight engineering capabilities, reporting it had reached orbit with a rocket fueled<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-beats-spacex-blue-origin-orbit-methane-rocket-2023-7?r=US&amp;IR=T"> with methalox,</a> a composite liquid fuel of methane and oxygen, in July.In doing so, the country beat several US companies trying to get methalox-fueled rockets to orbit, including SpaceX and Blue Origin.<div type="image" title="Chinese LandSpace's Zhuque-2 rocket is seen on its launchpad at night" height="1290" width="2000" msid="106403271" hostid="261" sizebytes="104158"></div>The country this year continued to set aggressive timelines for its space program, announcing it could <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-to-build-moon-station-five-years-lunar-soil-bricks-2023-4?r=US&amp;IR=T">build a space station</a> on the moon within five years, and put boots on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-moon-mission-astronauts-by-2030-2023-5?r=US&amp;IR=T">lunar soil by 2030.</a><h2>4. Russia fell behind on its lunar ambitions</h2>Meanwhile, Russia's lunar aspirations were dealt a blow this year.Roscosmos attempted to beat nations like China, the USA, Japan, and India by aiming to be the first to land a robotic mission near the south pole of the moon, a strategically important site for upcoming lunar missions.The nation was attempting to revive its long-dormant lunar program, which hadn't landed on the moon <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-russia-falling-behind-us-china-in-moon-space-race-2023-9?r=US&amp;IR=T">since the collapse of the Soviet Union</a>.But after a successful launch in August, Roscosmos's Luna-25 probe broke contact with Earth and spun out of control before <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-attempt-land-moon-ends-in-disaster-luna-25-2023-8?r=US&amp;IR=T">crashing into the moon.</a><h2>5. Where Russia failed, India thrived — a step that puts them in pole position in the space race</h2>India surprised the world in August when it became <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/watch-india-attempt-first-ever-moon-landing-2023-8?r=US&amp;IR=T">the first nation</a> to land a spacecraft near the south pole of the moon, and only the fourth country to ever land on the moon.Chandrayaan-3's dog-sized rover, released by the spacecraft a few days after it landed, collected crucial information about the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-vikram-lunar-lander-moon-discoveries-2023-9?r=US&amp;IR=T">lunar soil</a> before shutting down in September.<div type="image" title="image of the lander on the moon" height="1024" width="1024" msid="106403273" hostid="261" sizebytes="123486"></div>"It definitely puts them on the international stage as an emerging space power," Robert Braun, head of space exploration at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, previously told Business Insider.<h2>6. Europe tried to catch up</h2>The UK attempted the first launch from British soil from its new <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/virgin-orbit-uk-space-launch-fail-rocket-mission-spaceport-photos-2023-1">Spaceport Cornwall</a> in Newquay in January. But celebrations were cut short when Virgin Orbit's rocket failed to reach orbit. This was a blow to the spaceport as Virgin Orbit, its only listed customer, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/virgin-orbit-bankruptcy-protection-richard-branson-space-launch-funding-2023-4">closed down shortly after.</a>This misfire is a symptom of a bigger issue at stake. The European Space Agency's (ESA's) independent access to space has been <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ft.com/content/14b060df-4cfc-4494-a3d2-2af57dc6fa2a">shrinking steadily</a>.ESA has been facing fire for the delay in its heavy-lift <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ft.com/content/55619674-9ca3-478f-9c5a-d3a7525ccac7">Ariane 6 development</a> and the recent failures of its newest rocket, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.space.com/vega-c-failure-rocket-nozzle-flaw-investigation-report">Vega-C</a>. This has left the European agency in an "acute launcher crisis" after the retirement of Ariane 5 in July, ESA head Josef Aschbacher <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/holistic-approach-launchers-exploration-europe-josef-aschbacher/">said</a>.The UK's newly-developed spaceports are part of a bigger push to expand commercial launching capability in the area. European countries have been investing in building continental spaceports to complement ESA's launchpad in French Guiana. The first EU mainland spaceport was inaugurated in Sweden's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.space.com/first-european-mainland-orbital-spaceport-swedish-rocket-range">Arctic Circle</a> in January. An orbital spaceport was opened in <a target="_blank" href="https://spacenews.com/norway-opens-andoya-spaceport/">Andøya, Norway</a>, in November.In announcing the Swedish spaceport, EU president <a target="_blank" href="https://www.pressclub.be/press-releases/speech-by-president-von-der-leyen-at-the-inauguration-of-the-esrange-spaceport/">Ursula van der Leyen</a> foreshadowed a "change to the way we 'do space' in Europe," promising more support for small space firms and private investors.Europe's private spaceflight ambitions did get a welcome boost in October when the bloc's first fully private rocket, a single-stage rocket called Miura-1 designed by Spanish firm PLDSpace, took its first flight.The rocket failed to reach orbit but provided precious data that the firm hopes will help them push the development of its two-stage reusable rocket Muira-5, which could launch as early as 2025, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.space.com/pld-space-first-launch-miura-1-rocket">Space.com reported.</a>

From Elon Musk's giant Starship rocket to India's spectacular moon landing, 2023 was an epic year in space

<keyword id="3239668" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gut-microbes">Gut microbes</keyword> have immense benefit and now, new research reports that promoting a healthy gut microbiome could protect travelers from the rigours of long <keyword id="435085" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="space-travel">space travel</keyword>. If humans are to ever walk on Mars, they will need to endure a long space flight, but space travel can have negative impacts on health, potentially limiting how far we can go. The microgravity environment can result in muscle breakdown and reduced bone mass. It can cause nausea, meaning that sometimes space travelers struggle to eat enough (space food isn't all that nice either). The change in diet aboard a spaceship can disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to further health issues. "Changes in the microbiome are likely to lead to the breakdown of the balanced and complex relationship between microbes and their human host, with potentially severe repercussions on the functionality of body systems," said Professor Silvia Turroni from <keyword id="9900828" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="the-university-of-bologna">the University of Bologna</keyword>. The review, published in the open-access journal Frontiers in Physiology, discussed a variety of studies suggesting that disruptions in the gut microbiome occur during space travel. For instance, one study found that the microbiomes of space travelers on the same mission became more similar to each other during the journey. There was also an increase in bacteria associated with intestinal inflammation and a decrease in those with anti-inflammatory properties. However, the research review revealed that manipulating the gut microbiome may be a powerful way to maintain health on board a spacecraft. "The literature suggests that nutritional countermeasures based on prebiotics and probiotics hold great promise to protect space travelers," said Turroni. What would these microbial treatments involve? They may be as simple as nutritionally balanced meals, with lots of fiber to kickstart microbial metabolism in the gut. Other options could be more targeted, including microbial supplements, such as bacteria that secrete immune-boosting substances, or those that synthesize vitamins required for bone growth. "The well-being of the gut microbiome of space travelers should be among the primary goals of long-duration exploratory missions," said Professor Martina Heer of the University of Bonn. "To ensure the success of the mission, we must not overlook the myriad of microorganisms that reside in our gastrointestinal tract and make sure they are in balance." While future missions to Mars will undoubtedly look for evidence of microbial life on the red planet, this review suggests that it may be our homegrown microbes that get us there, the authors wrote. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/chandrayaan-3-will-be-mission-repeat-of-chandrayaan-2-may-launch-early-2021-after-delay-due-to-covid-19-lockdown/articleshow/77971870.cms">'Chandrayaan-3 will be mission repeat of Chandrayaan-2' — may launch early 2021 after delay due to COVID-19 lockdown</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/isro-chandrayaan-1-and-nasa-spot-rust-on-moon-earth-atmosphere-could-be-the-reason-why/articleshow/77926459.cms">ISRO's Chandrayaan 1 spots rusting on the Moon — NASA scientists believe Earth's atmosphere could be the reason why</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/nasa-congratulates-indian-scientists-for-discovering-one-of-the-farthest-galaxies-in-the-universe/articleshow/77883347.cms">NASA congratulates Indian scientists for discovering one of the farthest galaxies in the universe</a>

A healthy tummy is key for travelling through space finds new study

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div></div></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>India's space agency called off its lunar mission on Monday after it observed a "technical snag" just one hour before its scheduled launch time.&#xa0;</li><li>The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) said in a tweet on Monday that Chandrayaan 2 was called off&#xa0; "as a measure of abundant precaution," and said it would be announcing a new launch date in the future.&#xa0;&#xa0;</li><li>The mission was approved in 2008 and was slated to touch down on the moon's uncharted South Pole on September 6.</li><li>According to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-space-exploration-india-moon/indias-second-lunar-mission-delayed-due-to-technical-snag-isro-idUSKCN1U90N7">Reuters</a>, the 10 billion rupee ($146 million) mission's success would put India alongside the US, the former Soviet Union, and China as the only countries in the world to have completed a soft landing on the moon's surface.&#xa0;&#xa0;</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit BusinessInsider.com for more stories.</a></li></ul>India's space agency called off its lunar mission on Monday after it observed a "technical snag" just one hour before its scheduled launch time.&#xa0;The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) announced the delay of Chandrayaan 2, which means "<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/yoursay/weird_words/other_languages/chandrayaan_hindi.shtml">lunar vehicle</a>" in Hindi, on <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1150520298761936896">Twitter</a> 56 minutes before the rocket was set to liftoff. The spacecraft was set to be launched on the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-III, or GSLV Mk-III, which the space agency referred to as "India's most powerful launcher to date.""A technical snag was observed in launch vehicle system at 1 hour before the launch," the agency said on Twitter.&#xa0;"As a measure of abundant precaution, #Chandrayaan2 launch has been called off for today."It added that a new launch date would be announced in the future.&#xa0;Chandrayaan 2 was approved by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2008, and was slated to touch down on the moon's uncharted South Pole on September 6. The mission has three elements, including a lunar orbiter, rover, and lander, and will be the most complex mission the agency has undertaken.&#xa0;According to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-space-exploration-india-moon/indias-second-lunar-mission-delayed-due-to-technical-snag-isro-idUSKCN1U90N7">Reuters</a>, the 10 billion rupee ($146 million) mission's success would put India alongside the US, the former Soviet Union, and China as the only countries in the world to have completed a soft landing on the moon's surface.&#xa0;&#xa0;Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-israel-beresheet-moon-landing-failed-2019-4">Israeli scientists' attempt at the first private moon landing failed because of a glitch that caused a high-speed crash into the lunar surface</a>In <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-israel-beresheet-moon-landing-failed-2019-4">April</a>, Israel's Beresheet spacecraft crashed into the moon's surface after a technical glitch in one of its components caused its main engine to malfunction. SpaceIL, the Israeli nonprofit which sponsored the private moon mission, announced days later that it would build and launch a second mission.&#xa0;India successfully launched its first lunar mission, <a href="https://www.isro.gov.in/Spacecraft/chandrayaan-1">Chandrayaan 1</a>, in October 2008, which orbited the moon at a height of 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the lunar surface. The mission concluded in August 2009 after communication with the spacecraft was lost.&#xa0;&#xa0;<div></div> <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/roborace-self-driving-autonomous-race-cars-2019-6">Inside Roborace: the Formula One for self-driving cars</a></h3> <div> </div> </div>

India calls off the launch of its $146 million lunar mission due to a 'technical snag'

<ul><li>China’s experimental spacecraft successfully landed back on Earth after orbiting the planet for 2 days and 20 hours.</li><li>The unmanned charter was a test for <keyword id="1064783" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="human-spaceflight">human spaceflight</keyword> for the country’s plans to set up its own space station by 2022.</li><li>The Indian Space Research Organisation (<keyword id="6358064" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro">ISRO</keyword>) has similar plans but a lot remains uncertain with the lockdown keeping the space agency’s scientists at home.</li></ul>China’s manned space program is well on its way to constructing a space station by 2022. Today (May 8), its next-gen spacecraft made a successful landing after orbiting the Earth for 2 days and 20 hours. India also has similar plans of setting up a space station but its fate remains uncertain with the current coronavirus lockdown in effect. <div type="image" title="rocket_new" msid="75621483" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Prototype of China&amp;#39;s new-generation manned spacecraft in the process of being hoisted&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> China’s capsule, which launched on May 6 abroad its brand new Long March-5B rocket, was confirmed to be ideal condition even after a small ‘anomaly’ earlier during the test. The China Manned Space Agency (<a href="http://en.cmse.gov.cn/news/202005/t20200506_46488.html">CMSA</a>) said the cabin structure within the spacecraft was perfectly intact as well. During its time in space, the spacecraft managed to complete a few experiments — like 3D printing — that will go a long way in helping China plan for its maiden human spaceflight. The plan is to eventually send astronauts into space to set up a space station by 2022, followed by a trip to the Moon. India has similar plans, with a similar deadline Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that it has plans of setting up its own space station by 2022 so that it can conduct experiments in without the pressures of gravity. “It will be a smaller module [as compared to the International Space Station (ISS)], which would be mainly used to carry out microgravity experiments,” said <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india-space-station-plan-by-isro-plans-k-sivan/articleshow/69775780.cms">ISRO chairman K. Sivan in June last year.</a> Gaganyaan, the plan for India to send astronauts into space, was scheduled to take flight in December next year. Unmanned missions, like the one that China just concluded, were scheduled for <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/isro-will-send-two-unmmaned-missions-into-space-before-gaganyaan/articleshow/73517340.cms">December 2020 and June 2021</a>. However, experts opine that there may be <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/isro-may-quietly-gain-a-cost-advantage-despite-the-delay-in-gaganyaan-and-chandrayaan-3-says-an-expert/articleshow/75546034.cms">delays given the current lockdown</a> which has restricted the space agency’s scientists to their homes. Even Sivan said he doesn’t know what the new timeline will look like unlike the lockdown comes to an end. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/isro-may-quietly-gain-a-cost-advantage-despite-the-delay-in-gaganyaan-and-chandrayaan-3-says-an-expert/articleshow/75546034.cms">ISRO may quietly gain a cost advantage despite the delay in Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan 3, says an expert</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/the-last-supermoon-of-the-year-set-to-rise-on-may-7-the-flower-power-wonder-kicks-off-tonight/articleshow/75578234.cms">The last Super Moon of the year set to rise on May 7 — the flower power wonder kicks off tonight</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-red-green-and-orange-zones-have-been-designed-wrong-say-experts/articleshow/75620266.cms">India’s red, green and orange zones have been designed wrong, say experts</a>

China’s unmanned spacecraft makes a successful return to Earth⁠— racing ahead of India on the path to having a space station

<ul><li>India’s Union Cabinet is setting up the Indian Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to govern the participation of private players in the <keyword id="2809639" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="space-sector">space sector</keyword>.</li><li>Minister of Space and Atomic Energy, Jitendra Singh announced that the board will be in charge or promoting and guiding the space activities of the private industry.</li><li>He also said that this will free up the Indian Space Research Organisation to focus more on its own research and development activities.</li></ul>The Union Cabinet has announced a new board, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to provide a level playing field for private companies in the country’s space sector. According to the Minister of Space and Atomic Energy, Jitendra Singh, the board will be in charge or promoting and guiding the space activities of the private industry. “IN-SPACE’s structure and other details will be worked out in the coming days,” he said during the virtual meeting. The government hopes that setting up an independent board will also allow the Indian Space Research Organisation (<keyword id="6358064" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro">ISRO</keyword>) to focus more on research and development, new technology, space exploration and human spaceflight. According to Singh, some of the planetary exploration missions will also be opened up to the private sector through an ‘announcement of opportunity’ mechanism. The move comes as a way to bolster the earlier announcement by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on May 16 where she said the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) testing facilities and data will be opened up for private players. She also said that future projects for planetary exploration and outer space travel will be opened to the private sector. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="75776128" title="ISRO treasure trove of testing facilities and data will now be open to startups and private players" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> “India today is a frontline space-faring nation, but somewhere, the need was felt to change the way we’ve been working in the past 70 years,” said Singh while pointing that not everyone may understand the implications, but that it’s a long term reform. “India’s space agency was working very secretly and its capability was limited to only a handful of people working at ISRO. Now human resources and expertise has improved,” he added. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/isro-may-quietly-gain-a-cost-advantage-despite-the-delay-in-gaganyaan-and-chandrayaan-3-says-an-expert/articleshow/75546034.cms">ISRO may quietly gain a cost advantage despite the delay in Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan 3, says an expert</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/five-ways-india-isro-that-is-can-capitalise-on-the-window-of-opportunity-during-space-age-2/slidelist/76089803.cms">Space age 2.0 has kicked off — here are five ways that India's ISRO can capitalise on this window of opportunity</a>

ISRO can focus more on its own R&D as India sets up new board to govern private participation in the space sector

<ul><li>Elon Musk-owned <keyword id="6360701" type="DEFINITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="spacex">SpaceX</keyword> launched three satellites this morning and successfully recovered Falcon 9’s booster. </li><li>The booster used for the SAOCOM 1B launch has now successfully been used for four missions but is yet to break the current record — six successful launches.</li><li>The booster’s successful return also marks SpaceX's first polar orbit mission from Florida.</li></ul>In the wee hours of the morning in India, on the other side of the world, SpaceX was busy getting its signature <keyword id="1064782" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Falcon-9-rocket">Falcon 9 rocket</keyword> back in action. Not only did it place Argentina’s SAOCOM 1B satellite and two smaller piggyback satellites into Earth’s orbit, <keyword id="6355315" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="elon-musk">Elon Musk</keyword>’s space company also completed its first polar orbit mission from Florida. <div type="twitter" handle="SpaceX" handlename="SpaceX" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1082744382585856001/rH_k3PtQ_normal.jpg" favoritecount="16474" retweetcount="2288" status="After launching SAOCOM 1B and two rideshare payloads to orbit, Falcon 9’s first stage returns to Earth and lands at… https://t.co/IgbZRfr49p" createdat="1598842315000" id="1300265030424956928"></div> Instead of making use of the Earth’s gravitation spin to reach low orbits like usual, the rocket flew south along the US’ eastern coast instead along a flight path that’s known as the polar corridor. Falcon 9’s reusable booster also made headway with a rare off-shore landing. The booster, which is normally caught somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, was successfully made to touch down in Cape Canaveral. <div type="twitter" handle="SpaceX" handlename="SpaceX" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1082744382585856001/rH_k3PtQ_normal.jpg" favoritecount="40294" retweetcount="7487" status="Falcon 9’s first stage has landed at Landing Zone 1 https://t.co/0y5FkVqPk8" createdat="1598830148000" id="1300213999187890184"></div> Falcon 9‘s SAOCOM 1B mission — from launch to landing SpaceX launched Argentina’s Earth-observation satellite SAOCOM 1B along with two smaller piggyback satellites off the coast for Florida in the US at around 4:48 am Indian Standard Time (IST). <div type="image" title="saocom1b launch." msid="77845567" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Falcon 9 takes from Cape Canaveral with the SAOCOM 1B satellite onboard&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Nine minutes into its journey towards outer reaches of Earth’s atmosphere, the booster’s first stage created its usual sonic booms as it made its way back to the landing zone back on the planet. <div type="image" title="Saocom1b separation." msid="77845585" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Falcon 9&amp;#39;s booster flies back to Earth after separating from the main rocket&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The sonic booms aren’t just for show. It’s the sounds of the booster dancing through an orbital ballet as it gets into position for landing. Once it was in the right place, the booster conducted a series of three engine burns in order to slow itself down to gently touchdown. <div type="image" title="Saocom 1b landing." msid="77845610" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Falcon 9&amp;#39;s booster at it touches down over Landing Zone 1 in Cape Canaveral&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Usually, SpaceX has two ships that it uses for booster recovery, Of Course I Still Love You and Just Ready the Instructions. These uniquely named floating platforms are usually found drifting out in the Atlantic Ocean enabling SpaceX to launch rockets more frequently. This time, Falcon 9’s booster made its way to Landing Zone-1 on solid ground of sea. <div type="twitter" handle="SpaceX" handlename="SpaceX" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1082744382585856001/rH_k3PtQ_normal.jpg" favoritecount="18079" retweetcount="2620" status="Following launch, Falcon 9’s first stage booster will land at Landing Zone 1 https://t.co/ZM3orMDnrC" createdat="1598829041000" id="1300209352528113664"></div> The SAOCOM 1B mission was originally scheduled for March but was delayed due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/no-other-asteroid-is-going-to-get-closer-to-earth-in-the-next-decade-as-the-one-set-to-fly-by-on-september-1/articleshow/77802359.cms">No other asteroid is going to get closer to Earth in the next decade than the one set to fly by on September 1</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/mars-spotted-first-time-by-uae-hope-probe-on-its-maiden-voyage-in-space/articleshow/77775267.cms">UAE’s Hope probe spots Mars for the very first time on its maiden voyage through space</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/isro-chandrayaan-2-identifies-craters-that-may-have-water-after-mapping-4-million-square-kilometres-of-the-moon-in-its-first-year/slidelist/77667105.cms">ISRO’s Chandrayaan 2 identifies craters that may have water after mapping 4 million square kilometres of the Moon in its first year</a>

Elon Musk owned SpaceX completes its first polar orbit mission as Falcon 9’s booster nails off-shore landing

<ul><li>The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has plans to launch its very first geo imaging satellite (GISAT 1) on March 5.</li><li>The satellite has five multispectral cameras capable of scanning the entire Indian subcontinent every 30 minutes.</li><li>However, the cameras are not capable of peering past clouds or other obstacles in the sky.</li></ul>A new first for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to take place on March 5. Its plans to launch its very first Geo Imaging Satellite (GISAT 1) designed to enhance real-time observations of India. The satellite was originally scheduled to launch in 2017 aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). However, the project was pushed back due to numerous delays. Now, GISAT 1 will be <a href="https://www.vssc.gov.in/VSSC/images/GSLV/LaunchesPlanned.pdf">launched</a> aboard India’s strongest rocket — the ‘Bahubali’ Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) — from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR in Sriharikota at 5:43 pm. 
	<div type="twitter" handle="isro" handlename="ISRO" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/413572279734247424/LshYgwCH_normal.jpeg" favoritecount="8281" retweetcount="1319" status="GSLV-F10 is scheduled to launch Geo Imaging Satellite, GISAT-1 on March 05, 2020 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre SH… https://t.co/bWBsmyZrpG" createdat="1582646889000" id="1232336490526494720"></div>



 Features of the GISAT 1 The aim of the GISAT 1 is to help monitor natural hazards using the 4-meter wide payload’s <a href="http://www.aprsaf.org/annual_meetings/aprsaf19/pdf/program/day3/5_CountryReport_Dr.Dadhwal.pdf">five multispectral cameras</a>. The cameras are capable of scanning the entire country every 30 minutes at a spatial resolution of 50 meters. However, if a specific area has been selected, the satellite can generate a field image every five minutes. 
	
 <div type="image" title="gisat1" msid="74311976" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;GISAT 1 preparing for launch&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>




 The main camera — 700mm Ritchey-Chretien telescope — is based on the design of the Cartosat 2 satellite. The remaining four cameras capture high-resolution multi-spectral and hyper-spectral images. However, unlike previous observation satellites, the cameras aren’t equipped to peer through the cloud cover. This means that they need a cloud-free sky in order to operate efficiently. 
 <div type="image" title="gisat2_edited" msid="74311987" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;GISAT 1 preparing for launch&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>



 According to <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20190103095037/https://nrsc.gov.in/sites/all/pdf/GISAT-UIM-3Jan2016_V3_Alok_2.pdf">ISRO</a>, the GISAT 1’s cameras are going to, “tap new functionalities hitherto not covered by existing LEO and GEO missions like fast revisit capabilities, real-time monitoring, high resolution multispectral and hyperspectral imaging — all on a single, agile, jitter-free platform.” The GISAT 1 weighs around 2227 kilos and will be placed in geostationary orbit by the GSLV F-10 at an altitude of 35,768 kilometres. After the successful launch of GISAT 1, ISRO plans to launch its twin satellite — the GISAT 2, which have the same specifications — in the near future. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/indias-new-rocket-will-let-isro-launch-satellites-month-on-month/articleshow/73892024.cms">India’s new rocket will let ISRO launch satellites month-on-month</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 first geo imaging satellite can scan India every 30 minutes

<ul><li>The last <keyword id="592509" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Super-Moon">Super Moon</keyword> of 2020 is set to rise on Thursday, May 7, this week.</li><li>Tonight the Moon will be just 2% away from being a full-blown Super Moon, appearing larger than average in the sky.</li><li>The Full Moon in May is also called the ‘Flower’ Moon or the ‘Vesak’ Moon and coincides with the celebration of <keyword id="160011" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Buddha-Purnima">Buddha Purnima</keyword>.</li></ul>This week is your last chance to grab a view of a <keyword id="9176967" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="super-full-moon">Super Full Moon</keyword> this year. The Super ‘Flower’ Moon, set to rise on May 7, will be the last of the Super Moons we’ll see this year. Astronomers recommend catching the view right after sunset, as the Moon is rising over the horizon. According to NASA, the Moon will visible in its full glory for a total of three days. So, even if you look up at the sky tonight — anytime after 5:51 pm IST — the waxing gibbous Moon will be a wonderful sight only 2% away from being at its largest tomorrow evening. <div type="image" title="supermoon_ISS_edited" msid="75578460" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet took this image of a Super Moon from on board the International Space Station in 2016&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> ‘Flower’ Power Full Super Moon Moon The May Moon gets its nickname from spring in the US since flowers are in abundance as spring kicks in. Similarly, it’s also called the Vesak Moon in India given that it comes during the harvest season, according to the Maine Farmer’s Almanac published in the 1930s. In some parts of the country, it’s also when people celebrate Buddha Purnima to commemorate the life of Gautam Buddha. In other parts of the world, May’s Moon is also referred to as the Corn Planting Mooon and the Milk Moon. Super Moon origins For those unfamiliar with the concept of Super Moons, it’s when the Moon is at its closest to the Earth — its perigee. Because is it at its closest, a Super Full Moon also appears to be 16% brighter than the average Full Moon. <div type="image" title="supermoon_LRAO_edited" msid="75578524" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;An image of the moon taken by NASA&amp;#39;s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter is shown in two halves to illustrate the difference in the apparent size and brightness of the moon during a supermoon. The left half shows the apparent size of a supermoon (full moon at perigee), while the right half shows the apparent size and brightness of a micromoon (full moon at apogee). &amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> And it’s not just the Moon that gets brighter during a Super Moon, the hides also get higher. Scientists estimate that the perigean spring tides are around 2 inches higher than regular spring tides. ‘Super Moon’ isn’t an official astronomical term, but one coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979. According to him, it is whenever the Moon is more than 90% of its approach to Earth’s orbit. However, it is not clear why chose the 90% threshold as the cut-off — which is any distance closer than 360,000 kilometres from the centre of the Earth. <div type="image" title="supermoon" msid="75578588" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;The Moon at perigee and apogee from the Earth&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> This year, there have been four Super Moons that graced the sky, April’s being the largest. In the coming year, there will only be two Super Moons — one in April and followed by another in May. Historically, the Super Moon on 14 November 2016 was the closest Super Moon that the Earth has seen since 1948. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/isro-may-quietly-gain-a-cost-advantage-despite-the-delay-in-gaganyaan-and-chandrayaan-3-says-an-expert/articleshow/75546034.cms">ISRO may quietly gain a cost advantage despite the delay in Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan 3, says an expert</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/heres-how-you-can-watch-the-biggest-asteroid-of-2020-live-as-it-zooms-past-the-earth/articleshow/75442421.cms">Here’s how you can watch the biggest asteroid of 2020 live as it zooms past the Earth</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/there-are-19-interstellar-asteroids-between-jupiter-and-neptune-and-even-computers-cant-predict-where-they-are-headed/articleshow/75350530.cms">There are 19 interstellar asteroids between Jupiter and Neptune ⁠— and even computers can’t predict where they are headed</a>

The last Super Moon of the year set to rise on May 7 — the flower power wonder kicks off tonight

<ul><li><keyword id="4491776" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="The-Indian-Space-Research-Organisation">The Indian Space Research Organisation</keyword> (<keyword id="6358064" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro">ISRO</keyword>) is calling for applications from the <keyword id="53482" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Private-sector">private sector</keyword> even before the Indian Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) is formalised. </li><li>ISRO chairman K. Sivan believes the new reform will help India become a ‘global technology powerhouse’. </li><li>He explains how IN-SPACe will be a separate vertical within the Department of Space (DoS) will representation from all stakeholders and how this new reform will work. </li></ul>India’s nodal space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation, is “wholeheartedly” inviting the private sector to participate in the country’s new space era through its new nodal agency, the Indian Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe). “India is among a handful of countries with advanced <keyword id="6422364" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="space-technology">space technology</keyword> that can play a significant role in boosting the industrial base of the country,” said the agency’s chairman <keyword id="2003919" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="K-Sivan">K Sivan</keyword> during a press conference. According to him, the new reform will allow India to become a ‘global technology powerhouse’. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="76557050" title="ISRO can focus more on its own R&amp;D as India sets up new board to govern private participation in the space sector" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> Even though it will take another three to six months for the system to be formalised, he highlighted that private players need no wait and can start sending in their applications to the Department of Space (DoS) immediately. “We will process the requirements and do the needful even now itself. In fact, private companies have already approached us for the use of ISRO’s facilities and we are processing the request in fast-track mode,” said Sivan. India’s new nodal agency, IN-SPACe — and how it’s going to work IN-SPACe will be an autonomous nodal agency the DoS as a separate vertical for taking independent decisions with respect to permitting and regulating the activities of private companies in the space sector. It will have its own directorates for technical, legal, safety and security, activity promotions as well as for monetary purposes so that they can take independent decisions. The agency’s board will have representation from industry, academia, and the government of India. “IN-SPACe will act as a national nodal agency for hand-holding and promoting <keyword id="9374579" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="private-sector-in-space">private sector in space</keyword> endeavours — and for this, ISRO will share its technical expertise and facilities,” explained Sivan. Through IN-SPACe, private companies will be permitted to build facilities within DoS premises as per the need and feasibility. They will be able to apply directly to the agency and then, IN-SPACe will independently evaluate and process the applications. According to Sivan, once it gives its decision, it will be binding to all stakeholders. “ISRO will wholeheartedly support the private sector as per IN-SPACe decisions,” said Sivan. He added that the establishment of IN-SPACe doesn’t mean that ISRO will be doing any less. It will continue to carry out space activities including advanced R&amp;D, interplanetary missions, human spaceflight and capacity building activities. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/isro-may-quietly-gain-a-cost-advantage-despite-the-delay-in-gaganyaan-and-chandrayaan-3-says-an-expert/articleshow/75546034.cms">ISRO may quietly gain a cost advantage despite the delay in Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan 3, says an expert</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/five-ways-india-isro-that-is-can-capitalise-on-the-window-of-opportunity-during-space-age-2/slidelist/76089803.cms">Space age 2.0 has kicked off — here are five ways that India's ISRO can capitalise on this window of opportunity</a>

ISRO 'wholeheartedly' invites the private sector to make India a 'global technology powerhouse'

<ul><li>The Indian Space Research Organisation (<keyword id="6358064" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro">ISRO</keyword>) is looking to forward to private participation in the space sector.</li><li>ISRO chairman <keyword id="2003919" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="K-Sivan">K Sivan</keyword> highlights now more than just setting up the Indian Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), other reforms are required to make the process more effective. </li><li>He highlighted how <keyword id="7832818" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="new-space-india-limited">New Space India Limited</keyword> (NSIL) — ISRO’s commercial arm — now needs to be demand-drive and not supply-driven. </li><li>Sivan also expressed the need for changes in navigation policies so that private players have easier access to data.</li></ul>India’s new autonomous nodal agency, the Indian Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/isro-can-focus-more-on-its-own-rd-as-india-sets-up-new-board-to-govern-private-participation-in-the-space-sector/articleshow/76557050.cms">IN-SPACe</a>), will be formalised within the next three to six months. However, in order for the private sector to fully engage with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the space agency’s chairman K. Sivan has a few more reforms in mind other than just setting up a new agency under the Department of Space (DoS). <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="76618927" title="ISRO 'wholeheartedly' invites the private sector to make India a 'global technology powerhouse'" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> “There is also a requirement for policies,” he said during the press conference on June 25. He highlighted the new for new navigation policies and also how the private sector arm of ISRO — New Space Indian Limited (NSIL) needs to recalibrate itself. Policy changes need to make the space sector more accessible to private players “India has the <keyword id="925456" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="SATCOM-policy">SatCom policy</keyword> and Remote Sensing Data Policy (RSDP) but they need suitable modifications for the purpose of in-space to perform its duty in an effective manner,” he explained. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="75776128" title="ISRO treasure trove of testing facilities and data will now be open to startups and private players" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> The SatCom policy dictates the use of Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system’s capacity by non-governmental agencies, the establishment and operation of Indian Satellite Systems and the use of foreign satellites for SatCom Services. The other is India’s Remote Sensing Data Policy (RSDP) for the acquisition and distribution of remote sensing satellite data — from Indian and foreign satellites — for civilian users in India. “To make this system function effectively, we definitely need new policies to be built and we need a new navigation policy,” said Sivan. According to him, the new mechanism will provide fair and equitable space for private enterprises. Changes needed in New Space India Limited (NSIL) “The role of NSIL is being recalibrated to transform its approach of a supply-driven model to being a demand-driven model for space-based services,” said Sivan. Through these reforms, NSIL will be empowered to take over the operational launch vehicle, satellites as well as commercial applications, according to Sivan. It will execute through industry concertion and undertake technology transfer activities. The new mechanism will ensure that private players experience ‘ease of doing space business’ at low cost. The big push on private sector participation will enable non-government entities to carry out all space activities from the building of rockets and satellites to providing launch services and providing space-based services on commercial services. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/isro-wholeheartedly-invites-the-private-sector-to-make-india-a-global-technology-powerhouse/articleshow/76618927.cms">ISRO 'wholeheartedly' invites the private sector to make India a 'global technology powerhouse'</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/isro-can-focus-more-on-its-own-rd-as-india-sets-up-new-board-to-govern-private-participation-in-the-space-sector/articleshow/76557050.cms">ISRO can focus more on its own R&amp;D as India sets up new board to govern private participation in the space sector</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/isro-may-quietly-gain-a-cost-advantage-despite-the-delay-in-gaganyaan-and-chandrayaan-3-says-an-expert/articleshow/75546034.cms">ISRO may quietly gain a cost advantage despite the delay in Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan 3, says an expert</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/five-ways-india-isro-that-is-can-capitalise-on-the-window-of-opportunity-during-space-age-2/slidelist/76089803.cms">Space age 2.0 has kicked off — here are five ways that India's ISRO can capitalise on this window of opportunity</a>

These are the three new reforms in the works for India's space sector

<ul><li>During the bilateral dialogue between <keyword id="6358826" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Russia">Russia</keyword> and India earlier today, nodal space agencies from both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).</li><li>The agreement indicates that potential candidates for India’s manned space will be invited to train at ROSCOSMOS in Russia. </li><li>The previous agreement between the ISRO and ROSCOSMOS in 2015 expanded the bilateral cooperation in the exploration and use of <keyword id="523986" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="outer-space">outer space</keyword> for peaceful purposes.</li></ul>India has planned its first <keyword id="1064783" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="human-spaceflight">human spaceflight</keyword> programme, Gaganyaan, for 2022 but it may not have to go at it alone. During the bilateral dialogue between Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> and President Vladamir Putin, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was <a href="https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/30469/IndiaRussia_Joint_Statement_during_visit_of_President_of_Russia_to_India_October_05_2018">signed</a> between the country’s nodal space agencies on the manned space mission. The agreement between the <keyword id="116095" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Space-Research-Organisation">Indian Space Research Organisation</keyword> (ISRO) and Russia’s federal space agency, ROSCOSMOS, states that the potential candidates for the mission will have to pass a training course in Russia. Once chosen, their subsequent training could <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/indian-astronaut-may-travel-to-international-space-station-for-training-report/article25113362.ece">include</a> a trip to the <keyword id="6382020" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="international-space-station">International Space Station</keyword> (ISS). In addition, India’s endogenous navigation system, meant to emulate GPS or the Russian GLONASS, is going to be <a href="https://www.rt.com/news/440381-india-russia-space-contract/">built</a> in the Russian city of Novosibirsk in Siberia. Not the first time India-Russia cooperation in the realm of space exploration isn’t a new phenomenon. India’s lunar mission, Chandrayaan-2, scheduled for January after many delays will be using Russian isotope products. ROSCOSMOS and ISRO signed another MoU back in 2015 on expanding cooperation between the two countries on exploring and using outer space for peaceful purposes. The bilateral agreement opened up collaboration on a number of new fronts like satellite navigation, remote sensing of the Earth, exchange of scientists, and launch vehicle development among others. Experts surmise that space exploration is one of the key pillars of the strategic relationship between the two nations. In fact, the first Indian to have ever been to Space, Rakesh Sharma of the Indian Air Force, got there on onboard the Russian Soyuz T-11 back in 1984. Even the first two Indian satellites, Aryabhata and Bhaskar, were launched into orbit from the <keyword id="832996" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Baikonur-cosmodrome">Baikonur Cosmodrome</keyword> in the former Soviet Union.

Russia to help India with its first manned space mission, may train astronauts aboard the ISS

<ul><li>China, marking a historic moment for Earth, just became the first country to land a rover on the far side of <keyword id="236250" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="the-Moon">the moon</keyword>. </li><li>It’s a stepping stone for country in its ambitions to become to next space ‘superpower’ as its space exploration efforts catch up to the US and Russia. </li><li>Landing on the ‘dark side’ of the moon isn’t just about exploration, but also about the potential resources that may support life as Earth’s resources deplete.</li></ul>The ‘dark side’ of the moon — as ominous yet thrilling as Pink Floyd’s record — finally has it’s first visitors from Earth. The Chinese state media <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/in-a-first-for-humanity-china-just-parked-an-unmanned-vehicle-on-the-dark-side-of-the-moon-state-media-reports/articleshow/67360370.cms">announced</a> that they’ve successfully landed their rover on the far side of the moon on Thursday morning. Not only does is position China as a space superpower in the eyes of the the rest of the world, but it also marks a landmark achievement in Earth’s space exploration history. China Central Television (CCTV) reported that China’s National Space Administration (CNSA) successfully landed the rover — Chang’e 4 — on the South Pole-Aitken Basin at 10:26am Beijing time. The race for dominating outer space The ongoing race to dominate space between the US, Russia, and the emerging space ‘superpowers’ — India and China — has gained even more importance in recent years as technology has developed at an increasing pace. Experts even claim that Russian astronauts were <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/slideshows/miscellaneous/22-astounding-facts-about-the-moon-landing-from-first-man-that-are-actually-true/As-the-movie-properly-points-out-Russian-cosmonauts-were-ahead-of-the-US-at-nearly-every-turn-in-the-Cold-War-space-race-until-the-moon-landing-/slideshow/66189360.cms">ahead</a> of the US at every turn of the <keyword id="1891755" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="space-race">space race</keyword>, that is, until the moon landing. China’s landing on the far side of the moon is about more than exploring the unexplored but about having <a href="https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/china-the-us-and-the-race-for-space/">first-mover advantage</a> over the resources that may possibly come to light. The fear is that they may lay unilateral claim, as they already have over 90% of the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/south-china-sea?_ga=2.119564352.996819351.1546334735-1350775353.1539092537">South China Sea</a>. They already stand <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-steel-tariffs-have-nothing-on-chinas-intellectual-property-theft-2018-3?_ga=2.117927873.996819351.1546334735-1350775353.1539092537">accused</a> of having stolen key space technology from the US. Even though war in outer space isn’t a phenomenon yet, countries are already arming themselves with <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/the-chief-of-us-intelligence-just-warned-the-us-is-under-threat-of-a-space-attack/articleshow/62907406.cms">anti-satellite weapons (ASATs)</a> and have shot down their satellites — which were no longer useful — as show of what their technology is capable of doing. The innovation of ASATs is hardly surprising considering the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/China-and-Russia-could-cripple-the-US-with-a-space-attack-but-the-US-is-pushing-back/articleshow/59657285.cms">dual-nature</a> of space technology that can be used empower, but also destroy. Donald Trump’s plan for the ‘<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/trumps-space-force-is-about-beating-china-as-beijings-talking-like-it-already-owns-space/articleshow/65356674.cms">Space Force</a>’ is based on the same premise. Mike Pence, the US vice president, as defended the Space Force stating that, “While other nations increasingly possess the capability to operate in space, not all of them share our commitment to freedom, to private property and the rule of law.” China’s road to becoming a space ‘super power’ China’s first successful mission to the moon was the Luna 2 on September 12, 1959. Since then, China has launched their China Lunar Exploration Programme — also known as the Chang’e program — which encompasses multiple robotic moon missions by China’s nodal space agency, the CNSA. The Chang’e program is divided into four parts, the last of which includes a manned mission to the moon. In 2013, China already made a name for itself by being the third country — after the US and Russia — to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/china-has-landed-on-the-moon/articleshow/27370032.cms">successfully ‘soft land’</a> its <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/Heres-The-Jade-Rabbit-Rover-That-China-Just-Landed-On-The-Moon/articleshow/27375400.cms">‘Jade Rabbit’</a> rover on the moon. It’s same landing that India plans on achieving with the launch on Chandrayaan-2, which is scheduled to launch on 31 January 2019 after <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india-will-launch-two-moon-missions-in-2018-here-are-the-details/articleshow/59829885.cms">repeated delays</a>. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/china-is-about-to-launch-the-first-robots-to-the-far-side-of-the-moon-their-discoveries-could-be-revolutionary-/articleshow/66993049.cms">China is about to launch the first robots to the far side of the moon. Their discoveries could be revolutionary</a>. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/a-chinese-moon-satellite-took-an-incredible-picture-of-earth-that-will-make-you-feel-tiny/articleshow/64594129.cms">A Chinese moon satellite took an incredible picture of Earth that will make you feel tiny</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/trumps-space-force-is-about-beating-china-as-beijings-talking-like-it-already-owns-space/articleshow/65356674.cms">Trump's Space Force is about beating China, as Beijing's talking like it already owns space</a>

The race to become the next space ‘superpower’ lands China on the ‘dark side’ of the moon

On the celebration of <keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword>’s 72nd <keyword id="28240" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Independence-day">Independence Day</keyword>, the country’s prime minister addressed the nation making a few key announcements about future projects. One of the more significant developments was the promise of a manned space mission by 2022. But closer home, the Ayushman Bharat Healthcare Scheme is set to launch on 25 September. Here are the <keyword id="6381696" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="highlights">highlights</keyword> from Modi’s Independence Day address: <div type="image" title="independence day highlights" msid="65423758" hostid="261"></div>

 1. <keyword id="6797456" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gaganyaan">Gaganyaan</keyword> to take off in 2022 The preparations for the India’s first manned space mission have already been in the news for a while but the PM has officially set a launch deadline for 2022. Currently, project ‘Gaganyaan’, an initiative of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is in its initial stages having successfully tested the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/isro-pads-up-to-make-indias-manned-mission-into-space-a-reality/articleshow/64887057.cms">Crew Escape System</a>. That being said, while ambitious with its intentions, ISRO has had trouble meeting past deadlines. Most recently, the Chandrayaan-2 mission set to launch in April and then in October, is now looking at a 2019 launch date. But, the chairman of ISRO also warned that the launch maybe delayed to March if the changes aren’t made to the spacecraft in time. 2. Ayushman Bharat Healthcare scheme to launch on 25 September Also called the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyaan, the prime minister claims that it will benefit nearly 500 million citizens of the country. The scheme aims to give ₹500,000 ($7,123) cover per year for a whole family. Inclusive of nearly 1,354 packages within the scheme, the measure covers 100 million vulnerable families. That’s over 40% of the Indian population. The initiative, though necessarily for a country like India where statistics indicate that 67% of health expenditure is out-of-pocket, has ruffled a few feathers. There are questions over whether using third party administrators is the best idea and how easy it would be to exploit the loopholes in the scheme. 3. Permanent commissioning of <keyword id="624" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Women">women</keyword> in the <keyword id="3790" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Armed-forces">armed forces</keyword> It’s not that women weren’t allowed in the Indian armed forces before, but with permanent commissioning, they can now be a part of the direct combat arms like the infantry, armoured corps and artillery. The current 3,700 women employed in the armed forces are restricted to officer posts. This initiative opens up a myriad of career choice where they can now apply for subordinate posts to achieve the ranks of colonels, brigadiers, major generals and lieutenant generals. 4. New agricultural export policy soon In a mission to double farmer incomes in India by 2022, the prime minister has stated that a new agricultural export policy will be rolled out soon that will boost their compensation. Using the ‘Beej se Bazaar tak’ (from planting seeds to accessing the market) approach, Modi expressed the importance of value addition. While no other details were revealed during the Independence Day address, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry did publish a Draft Agricultural Export Policy back in March that was aimed at doubling India’s agricultural exports and integrating agricultural commodities in to the global value chain. 5. <keyword id="95908" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Panchayat-polls">Panchayat polls</keyword> in Jammu and Kashmir It’s been seven years since the last panchayat polls in the volatile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The polls that were supposed to take place in 2016 were, first, postponed due to the unrest that followed the death of Burhan Wani and then, eventually cancelled due to ‘security concerns’. Even the local body elections haven’t been conducted in over eight years now. According to the state’s Governor, NN Vohra, the local body election will happen first over the course of September and October followed by the panchayat polls from October to December. Reviewing the country’s progress over the past couple of years, Modi made it a point to assert how his government has pulled pending initiatives through without directly pointing the finger at the Opposition. That being said, a fact-checking report by <a href="https://www.thequint.com/news/india/independence-day-speech-modi-fact-check">The Quint</a> calls those claims into question. Which is why though these announcements may bring a ray of hope to many, expectations should be adjusted keeping past performances in mind.

You Searched For "chandrayaan 2 delays" and got 14 results

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