ISRO's PSLV-XL will launch the Proba-3 mission on December 4, 2024, at 4:06 PM from Sriharikota's Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The mission, a collaboration with the European Space Agency, aims to study the Sun's corona using two satellites: the Occulter Spacecraft and the Coronagraph Spacecraft. These satellites will fly in formation to create artificial solar eclipses and gather detailed observations of solar phenomena. Weighing 550 kg, the mission will enhance solar research, demonstrating precision formation flying and showcasing India's growing role in global space exploration.

Indian scientists from the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad have revealed a Martian depression in the Terra Sirenum region, which could indicate ancient conditions suitable for life. Their study, published in JGR Planet, highlights mineral-rich deposits and chloride-rich areas that show signs of multiple wet-dry cycles over thousands of years. These conditions may have created an environment for microbial life. The research provides new insights into Mars’ history and potential for past life, emphasizing the importance of these regions for future astrobiological investigations and the ongoing search for signs of life on Mars.

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams is celebrating Thanksgiving aboard the International Space Station (ISS) with smoked turkey, mashed potatoes, and apple cobbler. Williams, joined by astronauts Butch Wilmore, Nick Hague, and Aleksandr Gorbunov, plans to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade while enjoying their special space meal. In a video message, she wished everyone on Earth a Happy Thanksgiving and thanked her supporters. Williams, who has spent 322 days in space, is expected to return in February 2025 on a SpaceX Dragon capsule after a prolonged mission caused by the faulty Boeing Starliner spacecraft.

India's Aditya-L1 solar mission has reported its first significant finding: the detection of a coronal mass ejection (CME) on July 16, 2024. The mission's Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (Velc) accurately tracked the CME's origin and direction, vital for predicting solar storms that can disrupt satellites and power grids. This breakthrough could provide crucial forewarning, protecting space infrastructure and communication systems. Aditya-L1 joins global space agencies in monitoring solar activities, enhancing our understanding of solar weather and its potential impacts on Earth and space technology.

Elon Musk's SpaceX successfully launched its Starship rocket in front of President-elect Donald Trump in Texas, but the mission faced a setback. The massive 400ft rocket, intended for future lunar and Mars missions, saw its first stage, Super Heavy, splash down in the Gulf of Mexico instead of landing on the launchpad. SpaceX called off the booster catch after four minutes, citing unmet criteria. Despite the failure, the sixth test flight demonstrated progress in reusable rocket technology, with NASA set to use Starship for its upcoming lunar missions, securing SpaceX over $4bn in funding.

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) GSAT-20 satellite from Cape Canaveral on November 19, 2024. Weighing 4,700 kg, the GSAT-20 will enhance India's communication infrastructure, offering internet connectivity to remote areas and in-flight services. The satellite, also known as GSAT-N2, features 32 user beams and has a mission lifespan of 14 years. This launch marks the first-ever commercial collaboration between ISRO and SpaceX, as the GSAT-20's weight exceeded the capacity of ISRO’s own rockets, necessitating the partnership.

SpaceX will launch India’s GSAT-20 communications satellite next week, marking a groundbreaking collaboration with ISRO. The 4,700-kg satellite is too heavy for India’s rockets, prompting the choice of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral, USA. Radhakrishnan Durairaj, NSIL Chairman, stated, “We got a good deal on this maiden launch with SpaceX.” Previously reliant on Arianespace, ISRO faced limited options due to global geopolitical constraints. The GSAT-20 will enhance internet connectivity, particularly in remote Indian regions. Estimated at $60-70 million, this deal underscores SpaceX’s global space leadership while fostering ties for future ventures, including sending an Indian astronaut to the ISS.

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, currently commanding the International Space Station (ISS), addressed recent health rumors, assuring she maintains the same weight despite physical changes. After spending nearly 150 days in space, Williams’ "sunken" appearance led to speculation about rapid weight loss. She explained that fluid shifts in microgravity often alter astronauts' appearances, making heads seem larger. Williams described her workout routine, including treadmill, bike, and weightlifting exercises designed to support bone density. Williams, along with astronaut Barry Willmore, will return to Earth in February after NASA deemed their original Starliner capsule unsafe for reentry due to technical issues.

NASA has issued an alert for asteroid 99942 Apophis, known as the "God of Chaos," which will pass close to Earth on November 13 at about 19,000 miles (31,000 km) away. Although scientists assure a safe distance, Apophis’ proximity and immense size, comparable to the Empire State Building, have sparked global interest. If it were to strike, it could unleash energy equivalent to hundreds of nuclear bombs, causing massive destruction. Discovered in 2004, Apophis is classified as a near-Earth object (NEO) and continues to be closely tracked to understand potential risks and refine future planetary defense technologies.

A small asteroid, designated 2024 UQ, struck Earth on October 22, just hours after its detection by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in Hawaii. Measuring only 3 feet in diameter, it disintegrated in the atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean, off California. The asteroid was the third "imminent impactor" of 2024, with impact monitoring systems failing to fully track its trajectory in time. While the event posed no significant threat, it highlights the need for continued advancements in early space surveillance and impact detection technology.