Private Indian Rocket Vikram-1 Set for Inaugural Launch Vikram-1, the first private Indian rocket, is poised to launch within three months. This rocket has the capacity to carry satellites weighing up to 350 kg into low Earth orbit and up to 260 kg into sun-synchronous orbit. Constructed with carbon materials, Vikram-1 features a liquid engine manufactured via 3D printing technology. The maiden launch of Vikram-1 is anticipated to include the deployment of multiple commercial spacecraft, marking a significant milestone in India's private space industry.

Russian Cosmonauts Undergo Exams at GCTC Before ISS Mission Training sessions span two days, occurring on October 30 and 31. Both the main and backup crews participate in exams using simulators replicating the "Soyuz" spacecraft and the Russian segment of the ISS. The ISS-74 main crew comprises Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, Sergey Ryzhikov, and NASA astronaut Christopher Williams. The backup crew consists of Roscosmos cosmonauts Petr Dubrov, Anna Kikina, and NASA astronaut Anil Menon. During the exam, crew members choose a card detailing potential emergency scenarios for them to address while "in flight" on the spacecraft or station.

Earth "on the Edge": 2024 Hottest Year in 125,000 Years Two-thirds of critical planetary indicators have hit all-time highs, spanning from greenhouse gas concentrations to ocean warmth. Experts caution that humanity is facing a state of "ecological overstrain."

Earth's Upper Atmosphere Contracts Due to Carbon Dioxide Influence NASA researchers have identified carbon dioxide as the driving force behind the contraction of the Earth's upper atmosphere. While carbon dioxide near the surface raises temperatures in the lower layers, it has the opposite effect in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere, causing them to cool and contract. Over the period from 2002 to 2019, these upper atmospheric layers shrank by about 1.3 km, with a projected drop in temperatures of 1.7°C in the coming years. As a consequence of this phenomenon, the prolonged cooling and contraction of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere will lead to an extension in the duration that space debris remains at high altitudes. This development poses potential challenges for satellite operations and space activities due to the increased presence of debris in these regions.

China Moves Closer to Landing Humans on the Moon by 2030 The initial prototypes of the lunar lander "Lanyue," piloted spacecraft "Manzhou," carrier rocket "Changzheng-10," lunar spacesuit "Wan'yu," and moon rover "Tanso" have been completed. Accelerated progress is being made on the launch and landing platforms, but many new developments still require testing.

Barl Completes Thermal Vacuum Testing of "EOS-O" Satellite Thermal Model Engineers conducted thermal vacuum testing on the "EOS-O" satellite model by placing it in a cryothermal vacuum chamber. This simulation aimed to replicate heat conditions from the Sun and outer space. The testing assessed the satellite's various modes, such as orbital and solar orientation, including functions like Earth imaging and orbit correction. The "EOS-O" satellite is specifically crafted for Earth remote sensing purposes, equipped to gather data at an exceptional resolution of 0.5 meters per pixel from a 500 km orbit.

Gas Particles Transform into Blue Lava Phenomenon Some gas particles transform into liquid sulfur, causing the volcano to appear as if it is spewing blue lava during intense eruptions. Approaching the volcano presents a visually stunning but hazardous scene, as the area around the sulfur lake is filled with toxic gases and vapors. Residents often extract sulfur without proper protection, highlighting the significant risks and distinctive challenges of living in proximity to these volatile volcanoes.

Falcon 9 Rocket Captured in Stunning Photo Astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy captured an incredible image of the Falcon 9 rocket set against the backdrop of the cloud-covered Moon. The photo highlights the magnificence of space launches and the exquisite blend of space's beauty with cutting-edge rocket technology. This shot by McCarthy beautifully showcases the grandeur of space exploration and the impressive visual spectacle created by the intersection of space and advanced rocketry.

Government Shutdown in the USA Impacts Moon Mission Preparation For almost a month, NASA has faced a funding suspension, posing a threat to the readiness for the manned Artemis II launch set for February 2026. The government shutdown in the USA has started to disrupt the crucial preparations for the upcoming moon mission, raising concerns about the potential delays and setbacks in the timeline for the Artemis II launch.

Mesmerizing Iridescent Clouds Enhance Hvitserkur Rock Beauty The iridescent clouds above the intimidatingly beautiful Hvitserkur rock create a mesmerizing sight, blending the delicate hues of the glowing clouds with the majestic and enigmatic natural form of the rock.