EXPLORATION MISSION
'Still feels like science fiction': Google CEO Sundar Pichai hails SpaceX's Starship as it completes first-ever mid-air catch on return from orbit
SpaceX achieved a historic milestone by successfully catching its Starship spacecraft upright after a return from orbit. The spacecraft launched from Starbase in Texas and completed a mission that included deploying satellites. After reaching orbit, the Starship re-entered Earth's atmosphere and performed a controlled descent. It landed in the mechanical arms of its launch tower, named Mechazilla, completing the unprecedented maneuver.
NASA is hiring astronauts for future Moon missions: Who can apply, what tests must you pass and how to get selected?
NASA is recruiting its next class of astronauts, with selected candidates potentially preparing for future Moon missions and living at a lunar base. The agency is accepting applications from qualified US citizens, including candidates with master's-level nursing degrees. Here's a look at the eligibility criteria, experience requirements, $164,395 starting salary and application deadline.
Why SpaceX needs just two successful catches to change the future of rocket launches
SpaceX is preparing for its Starship Flight 15 mission which aims to recover both rocket stages after launch. This mission will test the reusability of rockets and the efficiency of SpaceX's recovery systems. Starship is set to deploy 26 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites into low Earth orbit during this flight. Successfully catching both stages could lead to reduced launch costs and increased satellite deployment.
Opening space sector unlocked new avenues for private players, startups: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said opening up India’s space sector to private companies and startups has created new opportunities for young innovators to build rockets and launch satellites. Speaking at the inauguration of the COSMOS-Mysuru Planetarium in Mysuru, he highlighted India’s progress in space exploration, including the Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing, the Aditya-L1 solar mission and its space docking capabilities.
Who is Maruthi S. Akella? IISc award winner whose research helped guide first US Moon landing in 50 years, asteroid named after him
Maruthi S. Akella, a University of Texas professor and IISc alumnus, is among eight scientists and engineers selected for IISc's annual alumni honours. His research group contributed to the onboard guidance algorithm for the Intuitive Machines IM-1 mission, which achieved the first US Moon landing in more than 50 years. An asteroid has also been named after him.
Prada's new Milan exhibition turns a century of fashion into fresh discoveries
Prada’s Milan exhibition, Pradasphere, is turning its century-old fashion legacy into a business opportunity, with the brand expecting it to generate an additional 100 million euros in annual revenue.
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India's water journey a model for developing nations: World Bank official
India's water management initiatives, including the Jal Jeevan Mission and Namami Gange Programme, are gaining international recognition. Senior officials at the World Bank have praised these efforts as models for developing countries. The upcoming United Nations Water Conference will highlight India's achievements and encourage knowledge sharing. India is actively preparing for the conference, emphasizing its role in global water security discussions.
NASA job applications: $164,395 salary for astronaut posts as selected candidates can live on Moon and Mars; check direct link, eligibility and deadline
NASA astronaut applications: NASA has opened applications for its next astronaut class, with selected candidates potentially getting the opportunity to live and work on a future Moon base and participate in missions to Mars. Here's a look at the $164,395 annual salary, eligibility criteria, application requirements and December 3 deadline.
Before The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping releases, here's where to watch Jennifer Lawrence's The Hunger Games online
With The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping arriving in theatres on November 20, 2026, fans can revisit the franchise's five earlier films. Starring Jennifer Lawrence, the movies follow Katniss Everdeen's fight against the Capitol and explore Panem's history. All five films are available on Amazon Prime Video in India, with the 2023 prequel also available to rent.
900-year-old book records Kashmir's kings and their wars, now earns UN recognisition along with Mahabharata and Chanakya's Arthashastra
UNESCO has added Kalhana's Rajatarangini, the Mahabharata and Kautilya's Arthashastra to its Memory of the World Regional Register for Asia and the Pacific. The decision was taken at the committee's 11th session in Jakarta, taking India's total regional inscriptions to six, following three recognitions in 2024.
Laika became the first dog to orbit Earth 69 years ago. Decades later, a scientist revealed what really happened hust hours after launch
Laika became the first animal to orbit Earth when the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 2 in November 1957. While the mission made history, the stray dog died just hours after liftoff. A Russian scientist revealed the actual circumstances of her death in 2002, challenging the Soviet Union's earlier account of the mission.
NASA's Artemis II rocket punched 3,100-mile-long holes in Earth's atmosphere, disrupted GPS signals: Study
NASA's Artemis II mission created large disturbances in the ionosphere that disrupted GPS signals across the United States. These disturbances were significantly more intense than those from prior rocket launches, causing potential issues for technologies reliant on precise positioning. Researchers noted that even minor positioning errors could impact autonomous vehicles, which rely on GPS data. The mission set new records for human distance from Earth during a lunar flyby.
India opens special deepwater oil, gas bidding round, offers to fund up to 50% of well costs
India is launching a special licensing round for deepwater and ultra-deepwater oil and gas blocks under its ₹84,084 crore Samudra Manthan offshore exploration scheme. The government will offer monthly bidding windows and fund up to 50% of eligible exploratory drilling costs, aiming to attract investors, accelerate offshore exploration, unlock hydrocarbon reserves and reduce India's dependence on imported oil and gas.
India progressing towards sending its first human deep-sea mission to depth of up to 6,000 metres by 2028: Jitendra Singh
Union Minister Jitendra Singh outlined India's plans for deep-sea exploration and human spaceflight during the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026. India intends to conduct its first human deep-sea mission by 2028, reaching depths of up to 6,000 metres. The country focuses on enhancing its capabilities through collaboration among various scientific fields. The initiative reflects India's commitment to exploring and utilizing ocean resources strategically for economic benefits.
NASA space telescope plunges to Earth after two decades studying cosmic explosions
NASA's Swift Observatory has reentered Earth's atmosphere after more than two decades of effective research. Its mission, which began in 2004, far exceeded initial expectations by lasting 11 times longer than planned. A recent attempt to boost its orbit failed due to complications with a private rescue mission. Meanwhile, NASA is exploring options to save the Hubble Space Telescope, set to fall in the mid-2030s.
One giant leap for America? Trump's Moon ambitions put India's space diplomacy to the test
Donald Trump’s push for a permanent American presence on the Moon by 2028 has raised questions over lunar governance, resource ownership and the future of international space cooperation. As the US and China pursue competing lunar programmes, India faces the challenge of protecting its strategic autonomy while advancing its own space ambitions.
Voyager 1 lost? Where is NASA's spacecraft right now, and how long will it last?
As NASA's Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 traverse the vast reaches of interstellar space, they confront various power and communication obstacles. Recently, Voyager 1 encountered a setback, losing contact momentarily when its fault protection system triggered due to inactive thrusters. Thankfully, engineers swiftly restored communication and introduced power-saving strategies to prolong the mission.
NASA invites people to send their names to Saturn’s moon Titan aboard Dragonfly spacecraft: Check deadline date and how to register
NASA is inviting people around the world to send their names to Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, aboard its upcoming Dragonfly spacecraft. As part of the initiative, names will be stored on a microchip carried by the rotorcraft, with participants receiving personalised digital boarding passes. With the mission scheduled to launch in 2028 and reach Titan in 2034, here is how people can register, what the deadline is and what NASA hopes to discover on the distant moon.
Europe space chief heads to Gulf as bloc looks beyond US
The head of the European Space Agency will visit the United Arab Emirates to discuss collaboration. This meeting aims to reduce Europe's dependence on the United States for space exploration. The ESA hopes to establish a framework agreement with the UAE to strengthen its exploration initiatives. Additionally, discussions may include potential investments and participation in upcoming programs. European governments must first ensure adequate funding before pursuing international cooperation.
Crew from NASA's simulated Mars mission emerges after 378 days in isolation
Four crew members completed a 378-day isolation mission to simulate conditions for a future Mars expedition. They grew crops and engaged in tasks while experiencing simulated communications delays. This experience is aimed at preparing astronauts for long-duration missions beyond Earth. NASA will analyze the insights gained from this mission for upcoming lunar and Mars missions. The mission was conducted at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.
10 films to watch in November 2026, from Brad Pitt’s Hollywood comeback to the next Hunger Games
This month brings an exciting lineup of films across various genres, from comedies to gripping dramas and vibrant animations. Brad Pitt shines in a fresh role, while fans can explore new narratives from The Hunger Games universe. Stellar performances by Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver elevate a riveting crime thriller. Furthermore, the selection includes powerful stories on pressing issues like disability rights and personal struggles.
Uttar Pradesh to launch state Quantum Mission, steps up push for AI and robotics
The state of Uttar Pradesh is gearing up to launch a transformative Quantum Mission, poised to bolster its technology framework. By focusing on quantum technology within a broader digital transformation agenda, the initiative aims to ignite innovation. At the ETGovernment AI Vision Conclave, leading industry figures explored the adoption of AI, investment avenues, and workforce readiness.
Global oil sanctions and chokepoints a means to hold prices hostage: Jaishankar
Addressing the G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Atlanta on Friday (US time), he said the world was facing an energy crisis driven not by a lack of production but by unpredictability, supply disruptions, unaffordable costs and difficulties in access.
Google's 'Project Suncatcher' achieves first successful AI response from space
In a groundbreaking achievement, Google has successfully implemented an artificial intelligence model aboard a prototype satellite, marking a significant milestone for Project Suncatcher. Once launched, the satellite underwent initial tests where it powered its TPU and creatively generated a haiku about the cosmos. Future objectives involve challenging the satellite's resilience through various thermal and radiation tests, pushing the boundaries of AI in space exploration.
EAM Jaishankar slams sanctions, chokepoints disrupting global energy trade, holding prices hostage
S Jaishankar highlighted the challenges posed by disruptions in global oil supplies during the G20 meeting. He pointed out that the current energy crisis results from unpredictability and significant disruptions. Jaishankar emphasized the need for the G20 to ensure that energy markets remain open and predictable. He also mentioned India's efforts in critical minerals and the necessity for reliable energy supplies.
Google’s Space AI just wrote a Haiku from orbit; here’s how it did it
Google launched its Project Suncatcher prototype satellite on October 1, 2026, aboard SpaceX's Transporter-18 mission. Following initial checks, the satellite completed early machine learning tests with its onboard Gemma AI model. During a ground-station pass, the satellite generated a haiku about life in space, showcasing its capabilities. Google plans to explore the reliability of this technology under space conditions in future tests.
Abundantia Entertainment and invideo announce first film of their co-production slate Beta Builder
Abundantia Entertainment and invideo have announced the commencement of production for the film Beta Builder. Directed by Hridaye A Nagpal, this innovative film blends live-action with AI-driven technology. The story follows Jai, a self-taught architect from Dharavi, as he navigates the virtual reality landscape. The film explores themes of ambition and community, highlighting the importance of belonging. With a talented cast, this production marks a significant step into AI-assisted filmmaking.
US begins deportation operations using newly acquired government-owned aircraft
DHS has initiated the use of its newly acquired Boeing 737 aircraft for deportation flights. The aircraft had been previously purchased to enhance immigration enforcement operations under the Trump administration. Despite initial uncertainty, the aircraft completed two deportation flights from Texas to Mexico recently. Critics have raised concerns regarding the necessity of the government-owned fleet amid existing charter operator contracts.
Who is Dr M. V. Ramana Murthy? An IIT Madras alumnus honoured after a new electric ray species discovered deep in the Arabian Sea has been named after him
New electric ray species found: Dr M. V. Ramana Murthy, Mission Director of India's Deep Ocean Mission, has been honoured by the naming of a newly discovered electric ray after him. An IIT Madras-trained ocean engineer, he has worked in coastal research, desalination, marine technology and hazard management, including as director of the National Centre for Coastal Research.
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