Sunita Williams 'Gardens' in Space as 10-Day Mission Extends to 50 Days

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:30pm on 25 Jul 2024,Thursday Science

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams has been in space for 50 days, far beyond her planned 10-day mission. She and fellow astronaut Barry "Butch" Wilmore are safely aboard the ISS, assisting with maintenance and experiments. Williams is conducting "gardening" in space, studying how plants grow in microgravity. This research is vital for future space missions. They also participated in vein scans to understand how space affects the human body. NASA and Boeing engineers are working to fix the Starliner's propulsion system and plan a safe return for the astronauts. An update on their return is expected soon.

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NASA Prepares Starliner for Return as Sunita Williams Gets Ready to Come Home

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:59pm on 25 Jul 2024,Thursday Science

NASA is working with Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft to update software and fine-tune systems as astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams prepare for departure from the International Space Station. The astronauts have been aboard for over a month, addressing glitches in the spacecraft. The updates and onboard measurements are crucial for assessing the Starliner's long-term performance, vital for future missions. This extended stay provides valuable data, ensuring the spacecraft's readiness for six-month missions. NASA plans a press conference to discuss the astronauts' potential return.

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ISRO Astronauts to Begin NASA Training for Gaganyaan Mission in August

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:21pm on 24 Jul 2024,Wednesday Science

Two ISRO astronauts will commence training at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Texas this August for the Gaganyaan mission. These astronauts, part of a group of four Indian Air Force test pilots, will be trained on ISS modules and protocols. One astronaut will join the Indo-US space mission to the ISS, announced during PM Modi’s visit to the US in June 2023. The mission, managed by Axiom Space, will utilize SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon capsule. This collaboration marks a significant step towards India's first indigenous crewed spaceflight under the Gaganyaan program, expected by 2025.

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NASA and Boeing to Announce Important Update on Sunita Williams's Delayed Return Due to Technical Challenges

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:58pm on 24 Jul 2024,Wednesday Science

NASA and Boeing are preparing to announce important details regarding the delayed return of astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station. The Boeing Crew Flight Test, part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, has faced technical challenges that postponed their return. The mission, which began on June 6 with the launch of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, is crucial for certifying the spacecraft for future ISS missions. Recent tests of the Starliner's thrusters have been conducted to ensure a safe return, with an announcement on initial findings expected soon.

Read More at India Today

Boeing Starliner Astronauts' Return Date to be Announced by NASA

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:45am on 24 Jul 2024,Wednesday Science

NASA and Boeing are set to announce the return of astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station (ISS). The duo has been aboard the ISS since June 6, after launching on the Boeing Starliner spacecraft as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program. However, technical issues have delayed their return. The Boeing Crew Flight Test mission has faced challenges, prompting a crucial announcement regarding the astronauts' comeback. The exact date and details of their return are expected to be revealed, bringing an end to their extended stay in space. A press conference will provide further updates.

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ISRO Successfully Tests Air Breathing Propulsion System in Second Experimental Flight

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:30am on 23 Jul 2024,Tuesday Science

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducted a successful second experimental flight to demonstrate the Air Breathing Propulsion Technology on July 22, 2024. The propulsion systems were mounted on an RH-560 Sounding Rocket, launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The flight achieved satisfactory performance, including the successful ignition of the propulsion systems. Approximately 110 parameters were monitored to assess its performance. This data will aid in the further development of the technology. Prior to the mission, multiple ground tests were conducted at VSSC, LPSC, IPRC, and CSIR-NAL.

Read More at The Hindu

Sunita Williams Leads Emergency Drill on Space Station After Debris Scare

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:25pm on 16 Jul 2024,Tuesday Science

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams led an emergency drill on the International Space Station (ISS) after debris from a satellite posed a threat. The drill involved all nine astronauts, focusing on handling crises like pressure leaks and fires. Williams and Butch Wilmore have been busy with essential maintenance, including refilling temperature loops and coolant systems. They also worked on scientific research and reviewed procedures for managing station fluids. Williams expressed confidence in the safety of the Starliner spacecraft, despite issues with its propulsion system, which have delayed the mission indefinitely.

Read More at India Today

Indian Scientists Achieve Major Breakthrough in Quantum Cryptography

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:35am on 13 Jul 2024,Saturday Science

Indian Scientists at the Raman Research Institute in Bengaluru has achieved a milestone in Quantum Cryptography research. They successfully demonstrated a photonic experiment that violated the Leggett Garg Inequalities, a fundamental test for quantum systems. This breakthrough enables the generation of truly random numbers, essential for secure quantum data encryption. The study, supported by the Department of Science and Technology, enhances India's capabilities in quantum cryptography and cybersecurity. The research has significant implications for secure data transmission and encryption, aligning with global efforts to develop unbreakable quantum cryptography methods.

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"Our Future Couldn't Be Brighter": Sunita Williams on US-India Joint Space Mission

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:20pm on 11 Jul 2024,Thursday Science

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams expressed optimism about the joint ISRO-NASA mission to send an Indian astronaut to space. Speaking from the International Space Station, Williams praised the collaboration between India and the US, stating, "Our future couldn't be brighter." The mission involves training two of the four selected Indian astronauts at NASA, with one set to fly to the International Space Station. This partnership also includes the NISAR Earth-observation mission, slated for launch this year. Williams looks forward to meeting the Indian astronauts training at NASA's Johnson Space Center, highlighting the expanding cooperation in space exploration between the two nations.

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Sunita Williams to Address Earth from Space Station on July 10

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:58pm on 08 Jul 2024,Monday Science

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams is safe on the International Space Station (ISS) despite delays in her return. Originally set for a 10-day mission, Williams and her crewmate Butch Wilmore have spent over a month on the ISS due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. Williams will give a live address about the crew’s mission on July 10 at 8:30 pm. NASA assures there are enough supplies on the ISS, and the crew continues their work. Boeing is under scrutiny for the technical problems that caused the delays.

Read More at NDTV

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