A recent study by Ohio State University astronomers has revealed that super-Earth exoplanets—rocky planets larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune—are far more widespread in the universe than previously thought. Using data from the Korea Microlensing Telescope Network (KMTNet), scientists found that roughly one in three stars likely hosts a super-Earth with a Jupiter-like orbit. This challenges traditional theories of planetary formation and suggests such planets can form farther from their stars. The discovery significantly enhances our understanding of planetary systems and raises new possibilities for finding habitable worlds beyond our solar system. (PC: ANI)  

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has entered pre-launch quarantine with the Ax-4 crew ahead of their scheduled June 8, 2025 mission to the International Space Station. Operated by Axiom Space, Ax-4 is a milestone in commercial spaceflight and India’s growing space ambitions. The quarantine ensures the crew remains infection-free before liftoff. Shukla expressed strong confidence in the mission’s success, which also supports India's upcoming Gaganyaan program. A pre-quarantine send-off ceremony reflected pride and optimism. During their stay at the ISS, the crew will conduct vital scientific experiments and technology demonstrations, marking another leap in global and Indian human spaceflight efforts. (PC: India Today)

On May 18, 2025, ISRO’s PSLV-C61 mission failed to accomplish its objective of deploying the EOS-09 (RISAT-1B) Earth observation satellite. The launch, which began at 5:59 AM IST from Sriharikota, proceeded smoothly through the first and second stages. However, a critical anomaly occurred in the third stage, causing a drop in chamber pressure and halting the satellite deployment. EOS-09 was intended to bolster India’s all-weather surveillance and remote sensing capabilities. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath announced the formation of a Failure Analysis Committee to investigate. This marks the first PSLV failure since 2017, underscoring the complexity of space missions. (PC: PTI)  

On May 18, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) faced a setback when its PSLV-C61 mission, carrying the Earth observation satellite EOS-09, failed due to a technical anomaly. The launch from Sriharikota proceeded as scheduled at 5:59 AM IST, with the first and second stages performing nominally. However, during the third stage, a drop in chamber pressure occurred, preventing the mission from being accomplished. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan confirmed the issue in a post-launch address. A Failure Analysis Committee has been constituted to investigate the cause of the third stage malfunction. The EOS-09 satellite was intended to enhance India's Earth observation capabilities. (PC: The Tribune)

On May 18, 2025, ISRO's PSLV-C61 mission, intended to deploy the EOS-09 Earth observation satellite into a sun-synchronous polar orbit, failed due to a third-stage anomaly. The launch commenced successfully at 5:59 AM IST from Sriharikota, with the first two stages performing nominally. However, during the third stage, a drop in chamber pressure in the solid motor system led to mission failure. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan confirmed the anomaly and announced the formation of a Failure Analysis Committee to investigate the issue. EOS-09, equipped with a C-band synthetic aperture radar, was designed to enhance India's surveillance and remote sensing capabilities. This incident marks a rare setback in ISRO's otherwise commendable launch history. (PC: ISRO)

On May 18, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) faced a major setback when the PSLV-C61 mission failed to deploy the EOS-09 satellite. The launch began successfully from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 5:59 AM IST, with the first and second stages performing normally. However, an anomaly occurred during the third stage, resulting in mission failure. EOS-09, a 1,696 kg radar imaging satellite with C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar, was intended for all-weather Earth observation. ISRO has launched a technical investigation to determine the cause of the failure. (PC: The Hindu)

On May 18, 2025, at 5:59 AM IST, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the EOS-09 satellite aboard the PSLV-C61 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. EOS-09, also known as RISAT-1B, is a 1,710 kg Earth observation satellite equipped with advanced C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), enabling high-resolution imaging regardless of weather or lighting conditions. Its five imaging modes support detailed surveillance and wide-area monitoring, significantly boosting India's capabilities in border security, disaster response, and environmental monitoring. This marks ISRO’s 101st successful mission. (PC: ISRO)

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force is set to become the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), scheduled for launch on May 29, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Shukla will serve as mission pilot alongside veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson and others. Over the 14-day mission, he will conduct seven ISRO-led experiments on microgravity effects, aiding India's Gaganyaan preparations and marking a major milestone since Rakesh Sharma's 1984 spaceflight. (PC: Axiom Space)

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will become the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) as he launches aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft on May 29. Serving as pilot for the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), Shukla joins an international crew led by NASA veteran Peggy Whitson, alongside astronauts from Poland and Hungary. A decorated test pilot with over 2,000 flying hours, Shukla trained in Russia, India, and the US. He will conduct scientific experiments during his 14-day stay, including tests crucial for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission. This marks India’s return to human spaceflight after four decades. (PC: Axiom Space)

As HBO’s The Last Of Us returns for Season 2, scientists are addressing the real-world risk of fungal outbreaks. While the show's parasitic cordyceps fungus turns humans into zombie-like monsters, experts say some fungi do pose a serious threat. Species like Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida already cause hundreds of thousands of deaths annually. Though cordyceps can’t infect humans, climate change may alter that risk in the future. Experts urge greater awareness and preparedness, with antifungal research still lagging behind. The show’s apocalyptic scenario may be fictional, but its themes echo growing scientific concern over fungal evolution. (PC: HBO/Warner Media/Liane Hentscher)