SATELLITES
'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.
Andhra Pradesh inks 9 MoUs for Rs 4,100 crore space-defence push
At the 31st CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam on 12-13 November 2026, the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board signed nine MoUs covering rocket engines and test beds, satellites, missiles, explosives, aerospace manufacturing, flight training and heliports. Eight of them propose investments totalling Rs 4,100 crore and 6,865 direct jobs on about 1,472 acres in Sri Sathya Sai, Tirupati, Nellore and Visakhapatnam. The ninth is a five-year strategic partnership with Pawan Hans to develop and operate heliports across the State.
Delhi AQI remains ‘very poor’ at 367; rain may bring marginal relief in coming days
Delhi's air quality recorded a very poor AQI level of 367 on Saturday, slightly down from 373 on Friday. Upcoming rainfall is expected to provide marginal relief, leading to improved air quality conditions. Monitoring data indicates that vehicular transport and stubble burning are primary pollution contributors in the region. Satellite observations detected numerous crop residue-burning incidents across six states, impacting air quality.
Who will get the kill switch? India satcom showdown intensifies
Two big battles are raging as India's commercial satcom business gets ready to launch. One is for customers, market share and the lucrative business of connecting places beyond the reach of fibre and mobile towers. The other is for control over the infrastructure carrying India's communications traffic, and the 'kill switch'.
SpaceX launches 15th Starship flight with hopes of achieving first round trip
SpaceX successfully launched its Starship spacecraft on a mission that aimed for both orbit and return. Unfortunately, the lower-stage Super Heavy booster rocket failed to complete its return flight. Starship's upper-stage vessel reached orbit and deployed 26 satellites into space. This launch marks SpaceX's 15th Starship test flight, contributing to their satellite connectivity business. The company hopes to achieve a fully reusable rocket system for future missions.
SpaceX to attempt first Starship spacecraft recovery on land in 15th flight
SpaceX plans to launch its Starship rocket for the 15th time to test spacecraft recovery. The mission will attempt to catch the spacecraft at the Texas launch site rather than discarding it at sea. Elon Musk envisions regular Starship launches to expand the Starlink satellite network and future AI capabilities. NASA has provided significant funding for the Starship project under the Artemis moon program.
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.
Sunil Mittal says India must hold satellite 'Kill Switch', warns against dependence on single provider
Sunil Bharti Mittal advocates for India to independently manage its satellite communications infrastructure for national security. He highlights the various satellite operators, including Elon Musk's Starlink and Eutelsat OneWeb, competing for market access. Mittal argues that India should not rely solely on foreign providers for critical communications.
How a Ludhiana bicycle parts maker became India's lord of the rings
Sunil Bharti Mittal began his entrepreneurial journey in 1976, starting a bicycle-parts business in Ludhiana. After facing various challenges, he transitioned into telecommunications by manufacturing push-button telephones. Mittal founded Airtel in 1995 and navigated through intense competition, especially with the arrival of Reliance Jio. His strategic decisions helped Airtel grow into a major player in both India and international markets.
Two PSLV failures, one modified rocket stage: How ISRO is trying to restore launch vehicle reliability
ISRO has tested a modified third-stage motor of its PSLV after two consecutive launch failures involving anomalies in the same stage. The changes cover the motor's nozzle, mechanical connections, sealing arrangements and quality-control procedures. The space agency will analyse the test data before deciding on further testing.
Chinese AI satellite maker Adaspace Technology slips in Hong Kong debut after $96 million IPO
Chinese AI satellite maker Adaspace Technology made a weak Hong Kong debut, with shares falling below their IPO price despite raising HK$750 million. While retail investors showed stronger demand, muted institutional interest and broader market weakness weighed on the listing.
ET Exclusive | Sunil Mittal says Bharti Group open to raising OneWeb stake to 30%, rules out majority control
In a bold move, Bharti Group plans to elevate its position in Eutelsat OneWeb to roughly 30%. The organization seeks to uphold its European identity in the satellite industry. Sunil Bharti Mittal shared ambitious plans, such as entering financial services and establishing AI data centers. He also highlights the crucial task of developing a leadership transition plan, stressing the importance of prioritizing the enterprise over family dynamics in strategic decisions.
Skyroot Aerospace partners with Brazil's Concert Technologies for satellite launch vehicle development
Skyroot Aerospace and Brazil's Concert Technologies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for collaboration. This agreement focuses on developing a satellite launch vehicle for payloads of at least 100 kilograms. The partnership aims to provide affordable access to space for both countries in conjunction with the global space industry. They plan to evaluate technological requirements and commercial prospects over the next two years.
Elon Musk has a class 12 competitor from India: Hyderabad student makes satellite receiver that works without internet
A Class 12 student from Hyderabad has developed SummitSathi, a satellite-based receiver that downloads cloud images without internet or mobile connectivity. Three units, costing around Rs 68,000 each, are planned for deployment across 10 villages in Himachal Pradesh's Seraj Valley to provide an additional source of weather-related information during network disruptions.
Since 2023, over 3,000 volunteers have searched satellite images for clouds; their answers are helping scientists check what computers miss
Thousands of volunteers are analyzing satellite images to assist in accurate cloud classification and detection. The CloudCatcher project aims to enhance the understanding of cloud patterns and their effects on climate. Human input provides valuable data to refine the capabilities of automated systems used in cloud detection. This collaboration showcases the growing trend of involving the public in environmental research efforts.
1,200 stubble burning locations on Diwali: Delhi Minister Mishra alleges conspiracy against farmers, against Delhi and Punjab
Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra has claimed a conspiracy related to the spike in stubble burning incidents during Diwali. He stated that farmers in Punjab reported fires in their fields while they celebrated the festival. Satellite data revealed a dramatic rise in stubble burning locations from November 7 to November 8. Mishra has called for investigations into potential involvement by Aam Aadmi Party leaders.
TRAI moots satellite network-as-a-service model, bars infra providers from directly serving users
TRAI has recommended a new framework for satellite communications, which includes authorising satellite network providers. These providers can offer infrastructure and capacity services to eligible telecom operators without directly serving consumers. The framework also enables potential direct-to-device connectivity using satellite and terrestrial mobile spectrum. Authorised providers will have an authorisation period of up to 20 years, with possible renewal.
Cosmoserve Space raises $6 million, sets up India's first space debris removal facility in Hyderabad
The facility comprises an orbital rendezvous and capture lab, a space robotics innovation lab, an ISO Class 8 satellite integration clean room and a mission simulation and control centre. It will enable the company to design, build and test robotic capture systems and develop capabilities for satellite servicing, including in-orbit repairs and refuelling.
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