Scientists uncover a new species of snake, potentially the largest in the world, in the Amazon rainforest. The northern green anaconda, measuring up to 6.3 meters (20.7 feet) long, was found during an expedition in Ecuador's Baihuaeri Waorani Territory. The discovery, made while filming for National Geographic, sheds light on the biodiversity of the region. Researchers highlight the importance of conservation efforts amid threats such as deforestation and climate change. The findings, published in MDPI Diversity, reveal the genetic divergence of the northern green anaconda from its southern counterpart, dating back nearly 10 million years.

India's ISRO successfully completes human rating tests for the CE20 cryogenic engine, a crucial step in the Gaganyaan mission. The engine, powering the LVM3 launch vehicle, underwent extensive ground qualification tests, including life demonstrations and endurance assessments. With four engines passing 39 hot firing tests, exceeding required cumulative duration, ISRO gears up for the crewed Gaganyaan mission in 2024-2025. ISRO has also finished acceptance tests for the flight engine designated for the first unmanned Gaganyaan (G1) mission, expectedly set in Q2 of 2024. ISRO's ambitious plans extend to establishing a space station by 2035 and sending the first Indian to the Moon by 2040.

India's space agency, ISRO, is internally deliberating the launch of the Chandrayaan-4 mission, aiming to retrieve soil samples from the Moon's surface. Following the success of Chandrayaan-3's touchdown on the lunar south pole, ISRO Chairman S Somanath revealed plans for more ambitious missions. Chandrayaan-4's payload and design are under discussion, with a focus on robotic soil retrieval. Somanath emphasized the complexity of the task, requiring novel rocket designs and high-end technology. While details remain undisclosed pending government approval, ISRO aims to advance lunar exploration capabilities and extend its scientific reach.        

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a milestone with the successful launch of the INSAT-3DS satellite aboard GSLV Mk-II. Scheduled for a decade-long mission, INSAT-3DS aims to enhance India's environmental monitoring, oceanic observations, and weather forecasting. Equipped with advanced imaging and sounding payloads, it will provide crucial atmospheric data for accurate predictions and disaster management. Additionally, its data relay transponder and search and rescue capabilities promise improved global coverage and emergency response. With GSLV Mk-II's 16th successful mission, ISRO continues to strengthen India's space capabilities, benefitting sectors like agriculture and aviation.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is poised to launch the INSAT-3DS satellite, heralding a new era in India's space exploration endeavors. Scheduled to lift off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at 5:35 pm IST, INSAT-3DS aims to bolster meteorological observations and disaster warning capabilities. Funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, this advanced satellite promises improved weather forecasting and disaster preparedness. Propelled into orbit by the GSLV-F14, INSAT-3DS underscores India's self-reliant approach in space technology. With Indian industries contributing significantly to its development, the mission signifies a leap forward in India's meteorological prowess and space exploration achievements.

Project Director P Veeramuthuvel assures that India's space goals remain on course, with plans for a national space station by 2035 and an Indian astronaut on the moon by 2040 progressing well. ISRO's recent triumph involves the Chandrayaan-3's Propulsion Module returning to Earth's orbit after fulfilling mission objectives. Veeramuthuvel highlights the successful lunar day completion and a hop-on experiment using the same engine. The propulsion module's return demonstrates ISRO's capability to bring it from the moon's orbit to Earth's orbit. The ambitious endeavors align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for India's space exploration.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is scheduled to launch the meteorological and disaster warning satellite INSAT-3DS on February 17 at 5:30 pm from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR in Sriharikota aboard GSLV F14. This mission, fully funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, aims to enhance weather forecasting capabilities with advanced payloads. The satellite, equipped with a 6-channel Imager and 19-channel Sounder, will be positioned in a Geostationary Orbit after orbit-raising maneuvers. IN-SPACe also announced plans for approximately 30 launches in the next two years, catering to various sectors including commercial, scientific, and technological endeavors.

Former US Army helicopter pilot, Alex Collier, asserts that humanity will uncover ancient alien ruins in the universe shortly. Collier alleges he spent three months aboard an alien mothership in the 1980s, conversing with extraterrestrial beings named Vissaeus and Moroanay. Recounting his experience, he describes wearing a special belt to communicate with the aliens and asserts their claim of humans not being alone in the universe. Collier, speaking at a Japan event in 2007, emphasized the vastness of the universe and humanity's limited understanding. He also claims the US Army is technologically more advanced than perceived, as told by the Andromedians.          

India's uncrewed Vyommitra Mission, featuring the woman robot astronaut, is set to precede ISRO's ambitious Gaganyaan mission, marking India's maiden manned space flight. Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirmed the mission's launch in the third quarter of 2024, with Gaganyaan slated for 2025. Named after Sanskrit words for "space" and "friend," Vyommitra will simulate human functions, monitor module parameters, and execute life-support operations. This initiative aims to validate technology, mitigate risks, and enhance human-robot interaction before human astronauts embark on the historic Gaganyaan journey. Chandrayaan-3's successful landing augments India's space endeavors, with crucial data expected to further enrich the program.

ISRO attains triumph as POEM-3 accomplishes all objectives post PSLV-C58 launch. The innovative space platform sets the stage for a controlled re-entry in 75 days, ensuring no space debris. Various experiments conducted by institutions like Bellatrix Aerospace, InspeCity Space Labs, and ISRO's VSSC contribute to the success. With 21 payloads integrated across POEM missions, ISRO underscores its commitment to space cleanliness. Lowering the vehicle intentionally to expedite orbit decay, POEM-3, now on its 25th day, prepares for re-entry after 400 orbits. ISRO's Manish Purohit envisions solving debris issues and advancing in-orbit services initiatives.