PM Modi praises India's achievement as Aditya L1, the nation's first solar observatory, reaches its designated orbit at Lagrange Point 1. This strategic location allows continuous observation of the Sun without eclipses, offering crucial insights into solar activities and space weather. Launched in September 2023, Aditya L1 carries seven payloads to study the Sun's photosphere, chromosphere, and corona. The success marks a significant stride in India's space exploration, showcasing the dedication of scientists in executing complex missions. The observatory aims to unravel mysteries related to coronal heating, mass ejections, and solar dynamics.[image courtesy: ISRO InSight/X]

India's Aditya L1, the first space-based solar observatory, approaches its final orbit on Saturday in a landmark mission led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Speaking to HT Digital, former ISRO scientist Manish Purohit detailed the challenges faced during the spacecraft's 127-day journey, emphasizing the precision needed in the upcoming motor firing. Aditya L1's successful placement in the complex halo orbit at the Lagrangian point 1 promises crucial insights into space weather, offering an early warning system for high-energy solar events and bolstering India's space exploration prowess.

Scientists have discovered a promising antibiotic named Zosurabalpin that fights hard-to-treat bacteria, including Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (Crab). Crab is a tricky bacteria that doesn't respond well to many medicines. Developed by Roche, Zosurabalpin is being tested and has shown success in mice. It works differently than other antibiotics, offering hope not just for Crab but also for other challenging bacteria. While it's not a complete solution, Zosurabalpin brings optimism in the ongoing battle against drug-resistant bacteria, addressing a significant health concern as traditional antibiotics struggle to combat these resilient infections.

In a first, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch its advanced communication satellite GSAT-20 on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. The 4,700 kg satellite offering high throughput capacity will lift off from Florida likely in Q2, 2023. This is ISRO's maiden deal with SpaceX to launch a satellite. ISRO chief S. Somanath said no other rocket was available on time to launch GSAT-20. The commercial arm New Space India Limited (NSIL) signed the contract as ISRO lacks capacity beyond 4-ton satellites. NSIL said choosing SpaceX made commercial sense despite France's Arianespace being India's trusted partner for heavy satellite launches traditionally. The renewed GSAT-20 or GSAT-N2 will provide broadband services across India.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched a specialized satellite designed to study black holes and other astronomical phenomena. The X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) lifted off successfully on Monday from Sriharikota spaceport, becoming only the second such space telescope after NASA's, launched in 2021. According to ISRO, the $30 million mission aims to enable more detailed research into black holes and improve scientific understanding. XPoSat has a planned lifespan of 5 years in orbit. The launch follows a series of successful ISRO missions over the past year, including lunar and solar studies. It represents India's growing space capabilities and ambitions, as ISRO also prepares for a manned mission in 2025 after completing test flights.

ISRO's PSLV-C58 rocket triumphantly initiated 2024, propelling the X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite, XPoSat, into a designated 650km orbit from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. A video shared by ISRO captured the satellite's orbital insertion. XPoSat's mission holds significance as India becomes the second nation, after the US, to explore celestial bodies' characteristics through dedicated polarimetry. The technology aids in understanding emissions from black holes, neutron stars, and other astronomical sources. ISRO's Chairperson, S Somnath, highlighted ambitious plans for 2024, aiming for a minimum of 12 missions, including Gaganyaan preparations and the final maneuver for Aditya-L1 on January 6.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) commenced 2024 with a resounding success as the PSLV-C58 mission, lifting off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, placed the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) into orbit. XPoSat, ISRO's debut in polarimetry, aims to unravel mysteries surrounding celestial X-ray sources, including black holes. Equipped with scientific payloads POLIX and XSPECT, the spacecraft will delve into the structure of neutron star magnetic fields, study galactic black hole binaries, and observe X-ray production. The ambitious launch also showcases ISRO's innovative use of the PSLV fourth stage for experiments in space. With plans for Gaganyaan and a joint NASA mission ahead, ISRO demonstrates its commitment to pioneering space exploration in 2024.

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are poised for a unique New Year's experience, celebrating the transition from 2023 to 2024 a total of 16 times. The ISS's rapid orbit, completing an orbit around Earth every 90 minutes, results in 16 sunrises and sunsets within a 24-hour cycle. This distinctive phenomenon provides astronauts with unparalleled opportunities for experiments in microbiology and metallurgy. While adhering to Greenwich Mean Time, the ISS crew encounters challenges in maintaining circadian rhythms due to the continual oscillation between day and night. The ISS mission offers breathtaking views and a truly extraordinary New Year's celebration.

India gears up for a groundbreaking year in science, planning human spaceflight tests and delving into deep ocean exploration. After a successful moon mission, ISRO sets sights on sending aquanauts aboard "Samudrayaan" and launching XPoSat to study X-rays and black holes. The upcoming Gaganyaan missions aim for human spaceflight by 2025. Private space sector milestones include Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos eyeing commercial launches in 2024. Pixxel plans a satellite constellation, while major projects like LIGO and National Quantum Mission get government approval. Exciting developments include Antarctic research station plans and a winter expedition to the Arctic.

Scientists have unveiled a groundbreaking development – eSoil, an electrically conductive substrate for hydroponic cultivation, resulting in an impressive 50% increase in barley seedling growth within just 15 days. Eleni Stavrinidou, an associate professor at Linkoping University, emphasizes its potential: "With hydroponics, we can grow food also in urban environments in very controlled settings." This electronic substrate, made of cellulose and PEDOT, not only ensures low energy consumption but also poses no high voltage risk. The breakthrough paves the way for sustainable and controlled farming methods, addressing food demands and environmental challenges.