Orbit

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  ISRO Drafts Its First 'POEM' To Study How Life Works In Space

  India for the very first time is flying biological experiments into space using a homegrown rocket. The next launch of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) will see not one, but three biological experiments rocketed into space.

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  Study Explores Sun’s Magnetic Field Changes and Solar Wind Acceleration

  A study published in The Astrophysical Journal has shed light on how the Sun’s magnetic field influences solar wind acceleration. Using data from the Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter, researchers observed that sharp magnetic switchbacks smooth out into gentler waves as they travel further from the Sun. This relaxation process transfers magnet...

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  TRAPPIST-1b Could Have Carbon Dioxide-Rich Atmosphere, Study Reveals

  A new study published in Nature Astronomy proposes that TRAPPIST-1b, the innermost planet in the TRAPPIST-1 system, might have a carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere. This discovery comes from new data showing a reflective haze in the planet's upper atmosphere. Scientists are also investigating the possibility of volcanic activity based on the planet’s...

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  A World-First Discovery - Twin Stars Trapped Orbiting Galactic Black Hole

  At the centre of the Milky Way is a supermassive black hole called Sagittarius A*. It is roughly 27,000 light years from Earth and 23.5 million kilometres in diameter.

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  NASA's Astronaut Sunita Williams Poses with Tentacle-Armed Astrobee Robot on ISS: Report

  NASA’s Astrobee robot tested its REACCH system aboard the ISS, demonstrating advanced robotic arms inspired by gecko adhesion for satellite servicing and space debris management. Astronaut Sunita Williams, Expedition 72 Commander, participated in the demonstration inside the Kibo module, mimicking the robot’s flexible arms. The technology aims ...

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  Binary Star System D9 Found Orbiting Sagittarius A* Near Milky Way’s Core

  Astronomers have detected a young binary star system, D9, orbiting Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the Milky Way's centre. This challenges previous assumptions about star survival near intense gravitational forces. The discovery was made using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope. Future research with advanced tel...

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  SpaceX Launches Two SES Communication Satellites on December 17 with Successful Recovery

  On December 17, SpaceX successfully launched two communication satellites for SES, marking the second mission of the day. The O3b mPOWER 7 and 8 satellites were deployed into medium Earth orbit (MEO) approximately 5,000 miles above Earth. The Falcon 9 rocket’s first stage successfully returned to Earth after launch, landing on the Just Read the I...

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  Video: Japanese Space Startup's Rocket Launch Fails Minutes After Lift-Off

  A Japanese space startup's attempt to launch a rocket carrying satellites into orbit was aborted minutes after liftoff on Wednesday. This was Tokyo-based Space One's second attempt to launch the Kairos small rocket.

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  SpaceX Successfully Launches Rapid Response Trailblazer-1 Mission from Florida

  SpaceX successfully launched the Rapid Response Trailblazer-1 mission from Cape Canaveral on December 16, 2024, marking a major military milestone. The satellite was sent into medium Earth orbit and may connect with the GPS III network, improving navigation systems. Despite weather delays and speculation over its payload, the Falcon 9 rocket’s fi...

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  NASA’s InSight Mars Lander Captured with Dust Layers by Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter

  NASA’s retired InSight Mars lander has been spotted by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) in a recent image taken on October 23, 2024. The image, captured using the HiRISE camera, shows dust accumulation on InSight’s solar panels, now matching the reddish-brown Martian surface. This observation provides insights into wind patterns and dust m...

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  Space Junk Crisis: Experts Call for Immediate Action to Avoid Orbital Disaster

  Rising space debris in low Earth orbit is raising concerns among scientists, who warn of potential catastrophic collisions. Experts at the AGU meeting highlighted that unregulated satellite launches and growing orbital debris are depleting shared space resources. Urgent global efforts are needed to prevent the Kessler syndrome, which could make Ear...

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  Japan's Space Firm Postpones 2nd Attempt At Orbit Due To Strong Winds

  A company aiming to become Japan's first private firm to put a satellite into orbit postponed its rocket launch on Saturday, after its first try ended in a mid-air explosion.

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  JWST Discovers Jupiter-Mass Binary Objects in Orion Nebula, Offering New Clues

  The James Webb Space Telescope has identified dozens of Jupiter-mass binary objects (JuMBOs) in the Orion Nebula. These enigmatic rogue gas giant pairs orbit each other at distances of 25 to 400 AU. Researchers propose they could be failed stars formed under extreme radiation conditions, ejected planetary systems, or a mix of both. Simulations repl...

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  SpaceX Launches 23 Starlink Satellites to Strengthen Global Internet Services

  SpaceX successfully launched 23 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral in its latest mission to enhance global internet coverage. Thirteen of these satellites feature direct-to-cell technology, enabling mobile phones to connect directly to satellites without requiring modifications. This marks SpaceX’s 123rd Falcon 9 mission of the year, demonst...

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  ISRO Successfully Launches PSLV-C59 Carrying ESA’s Proba-3 Satellites

  The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the PSLV-C59 rocket on December 5, 2024, from Sriharikota, deploying the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 satellites into orbit. Proba-3, a twin-satellite mission, aims to demonstrate precision formation flying, achieving control down to a millimeter. The spacecraft will cre...