Indian pilot Shubhanshu Shukla set to fly on Axiom-4 mission to the ISS
India is preparing for a historic milestone as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a highly accomplished pilot of the Indian Air Force, readies himself to become the second Indian ever to venture into space. Slated for launch on June 10 aboard the Axiom-4 mission, his journey to the International Space Station (ISS) comes nearly 41 years after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma made his mark in 1984. As the designated mission pilot, Shukla will fly aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Crew Drago
Indian pilot Shubhanshu Shukla set to fly on Axiom-4 mission to the ISS
India is preparing for a historic milestone as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a highly accomplished pilot of the Indian Air Force, readies himself to become the second Indian ever to venture into space. Slated for launch on June 10 aboard the Axiom-4 mission, his journey to the International Space Station (ISS) comes nearly 41 years after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma made his mark in 1984. As the designated mission pilot, Shukla will fly aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Crew Drago
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Recover After Starliner Mission, Call for Uncrewed Test
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, the two American astronauts who spent an unexpected nine months aboard the International Space Station following issues with Boeing's Starliner capsule, are gradually transitioning back to life on Earth. After their return in March, the duo has been undergoing a rigorous rehabilitation phase to recover from the physical toll of extended microgravity exposure. Now, they’re emerging stronger, participating in post-mission responsibilities with both N
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Recover After Starliner Mission, Call for Uncrewed Test
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, the two American astronauts who spent an unexpected nine months aboard the International Space Station following issues with Boeing's Starliner capsule, are gradually transitioning back to life on Earth. After their return in March, the duo has been undergoing a rigorous rehabilitation phase to recover from the physical toll of extended microgravity exposure. Now, they’re emerging stronger, participating in post-mission responsibilities with both N
NASA Skips Global Space Summit in Delhi Amid Budget Cuts
The absence of the United States’ premier space agency, NASA, from the Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX-2025) in Delhi has raised eyebrows within the international space community. Delegates from 37 countries gathered in the Indian capital to discuss the future of space exploration, yet NASA’s empty seats signaled a shift in U.S. space diplomacy under President Donald Trump’s second term. According to experts familiar with recent developments in Washington
NASA Skips Global Space Summit in Delhi Amid Budget Cuts
The absence of the United States’ premier space agency, NASA, from the Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX-2025) in Delhi has raised eyebrows within the international space community. Delegates from 37 countries gathered in the Indian capital to discuss the future of space exploration, yet NASA’s empty seats signaled a shift in U.S. space diplomacy under President Donald Trump’s second term. According to experts familiar with recent developments in Washington
New Solar Telescope Reveals 3D Images of Sun’s Surface and Magnetic Storms
Detailed new images of the sun, taken in early December by the Inouye Solar Telescope, reveal complex sunspot activity during the current solar maximum, a phase in the sun's 11-year cycle when magnetic activity peaks. These dark sunspots mark regions where intense magnetic disturbances occur, often triggering solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs)—massive eruptions of ionized gas, or plasma, from the sun's outer atmosphere. Such events can significantly impact Earth
New Solar Telescope Reveals 3D Images of Sun’s Surface and Magnetic Storms
Detailed new images of the sun, taken in early December by the Inouye Solar Telescope, reveal complex sunspot activity during the current solar maximum, a phase in the sun's 11-year cycle when magnetic activity peaks. These dark sunspots mark regions where intense magnetic disturbances occur, often triggering solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs)—massive eruptions of ionized gas, or plasma, from the sun's outer atmosphere. Such events can significantly impact Earth
NASA Captures Stunning Solar Eclipse Visible Only From Space, Upcoming Eclipses Also Announced
In a spectacular display of cosmic alignment, NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) captured rare and stunning images of a solar eclipse visible only from space. This event, known as a "lunar transit," took place on Sunday, April 27, 2025. Unlike solar eclipses witnessed from Earth, this particular event was not visible to ground-based observers. The moon passed between the SDO and the sun, covering approximately 23% of the sun’s surface, creating a dramatic yet serene
NASA Captures Stunning Solar Eclipse Visible Only From Space, Upcoming Eclipses Also Announced
In a spectacular display of cosmic alignment, NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) captured rare and stunning images of a solar eclipse visible only from space. This event, known as a "lunar transit," took place on Sunday, April 27, 2025. Unlike solar eclipses witnessed from Earth, this particular event was not visible to ground-based observers. The moon passed between the SDO and the sun, covering approximately 23% of the sun’s surface, creating a dramatic yet serene
10 NASA-Recommended Plants to Purify Your Home's Air and Enhance Your Space
When we think about indoor plants, the aesthetic looks, the greenery of the balcony garden, and the beautiful flowers are what come to mind. But there are some indoor plants that help keep the air clean. Here, we mention some air-purifying plants recommended by NASA. Areca Palm One of the most luxurious-looking plants that grows really tall is the Areca Palm. It looks great inside any home and is an indoor plant that is famous for removing toxins like fo
10 NASA-Recommended Plants to Purify Your Home's Air and Enhance Your Space
When we think about indoor plants, the aesthetic looks, the greenery of the balcony garden, and the beautiful flowers are what come to mind. But there are some indoor plants that help keep the air clean. Here, we mention some air-purifying plants recommended by NASA. Areca Palm One of the most luxurious-looking plants that grows really tall is the Areca Palm. It looks great inside any home and is an indoor plant that is famous for removing toxins like fo
Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore Return After Nine-Month Space Mission Delay
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore have returned safely to Earth after spending over nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Their mission, originally scheduled for just eight days, extended unexpectedly due to technical issues, subjecting them to prolonged exposure to microgravity and other space-related conditions. The Crew-9 capsule successfully splashed down near the coast of Florida, USA, concluding their extended stay. The mission, whic
Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore Return After Nine-Month Space Mission Delay
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore have returned safely to Earth after spending over nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Their mission, originally scheduled for just eight days, extended unexpectedly due to technical issues, subjecting them to prolonged exposure to microgravity and other space-related conditions. The Crew-9 capsule successfully splashed down near the coast of Florida, USA, concluding their extended stay. The mission, whic
Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to Return to Earth After 9 Months in Space
NASA has confirmed that astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for over nine months, are finally set to return to Earth. The two astronauts initially embarked on a 10-day mission but remained in space far longer than planned due to propulsion malfunctions in their Boeing Starliner spacecraft. The much-anticipated return journey will now be carried out using the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, which successfully docked a
Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to Return to Earth After 9 Months in Space
NASA has confirmed that astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for over nine months, are finally set to return to Earth. The two astronauts initially embarked on a 10-day mission but remained in space far longer than planned due to propulsion malfunctions in their Boeing Starliner spacecraft. The much-anticipated return journey will now be carried out using the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, which successfully docked a
NASA Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Set to Return Home After 10-Month ISS Stay
Washington, DC: After an unexpected 10-month extended mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are finally set to return to Earth. NASA officials have confirmed that the duo will be brought back as early as March 16 aboard SpaceX’s Crew-9 spacecraft following the successful launch of Crew-10 this week. Delayed Return After Boeing Starliner Malfunction Williams and Wilmore
NASA Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Set to Return Home After 10-Month ISS Stay
Washington, DC: After an unexpected 10-month extended mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are finally set to return to Earth. NASA officials have confirmed that the duo will be brought back as early as March 16 aboard SpaceX’s Crew-9 spacecraft following the successful launch of Crew-10 this week. Delayed Return After Boeing Starliner Malfunction Williams and Wilmore
Chandrayaan-3 Reveals Lunar Ice Deposits May Be More Abundant and Accessible Than Expected
India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission has made groundbreaking discoveries about the presence of lunar ice, indicating that frozen water deposits may be more abundant and accessible than previously believed.The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully landed Chandrayaan-3 near the Moon's South Pole on August 23, 2023, marking a significant achievement in lunar exploration. New data from the mission has provided crucial insights into temperature variations that affect ice format
Chandrayaan-3 Reveals Lunar Ice Deposits May Be More Abundant and Accessible Than Expected
India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission has made groundbreaking discoveries about the presence of lunar ice, indicating that frozen water deposits may be more abundant and accessible than previously believed.The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully landed Chandrayaan-3 near the Moon's South Pole on August 23, 2023, marking a significant achievement in lunar exploration. New data from the mission has provided crucial insights into temperature variations that affect ice format
Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Lunar Lander Set for Historic Landing at Mons Latreille on the Moon
Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lunar lander is on track to achieve a historic landing on the Moon, marking a significant milestone in NASA’s lunar exploration efforts. As part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, Blue Ghost will play a key role in gathering scientific data to support future lunar missions under the Artemis program.The spacecraft has been steadily lowering its orbit around the Moon, performing a crucial engine burn to reduce its altitud
Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Lunar Lander Set for Historic Landing at Mons Latreille on the Moon
Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lunar lander is on track to achieve a historic landing on the Moon, marking a significant milestone in NASA’s lunar exploration efforts. As part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, Blue Ghost will play a key role in gathering scientific data to support future lunar missions under the Artemis program.The spacecraft has been steadily lowering its orbit around the Moon, performing a crucial engine burn to reduce its altitud
NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams' Mission Ends in March with Crew-10 Launch
NASA astronaut Sunita Williams is concluding her extended space mission after spending over eight months in space. Williams, along with fellow astronaut Butch Willmore, shared details about the upcoming Crew-10 mission in an exclusive conversation with CNN. The mission will launch from Earth on March 12 and dock with the International Space Station (ISS), where the astronauts will conduct their duties before handing over responsibilities to a new Space Station Commander. Williams, who is curr
NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams' Mission Ends in March with Crew-10 Launch
NASA astronaut Sunita Williams is concluding her extended space mission after spending over eight months in space. Williams, along with fellow astronaut Butch Willmore, shared details about the upcoming Crew-10 mission in an exclusive conversation with CNN. The mission will launch from Earth on March 12 and dock with the International Space Station (ISS), where the astronauts will conduct their duties before handing over responsibilities to a new Space Station Commander. Williams, who is curr
Wing Commander Saxena Leads Pirate Ship Rescue
On the eve of Republic Day, Wing Commander Akshay Saxena of the Indian Air Force was conferred the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for his remarkable leadership and courage during a high-stakes mission off the Somali coast. The operation, which took place on March 16, 2024, involved rescuing 17 crew members from the MV Ruen, a merchant ship that had been seized by pirates. The pirates had previously attacked merchant vessels in the Arabian Sea and even fired at the Indian Navy’s INS Kolkata
Wing Commander Saxena Leads Pirate Ship Rescue
On the eve of Republic Day, Wing Commander Akshay Saxena of the Indian Air Force was conferred the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for his remarkable leadership and courage during a high-stakes mission off the Somali coast. The operation, which took place on March 16, 2024, involved rescuing 17 crew members from the MV Ruen, a merchant ship that had been seized by pirates. The pirates had previously attacked merchant vessels in the Arabian Sea and even fired at the Indian Navy’s INS Kolkata
Maha Kumbh Mela Captured from Space by NASA Astronaut Don Pettit
The Maha Kumbh Mela, the largest religious gathering in the world, was captured in stunning detail from the International Space Station (ISS). NASA astronaut Don Pettit shared breathtaking images of the event on Sunday, which showed the illuminated banks of the Ganga, reflecting the vibrant energy of the religious congregation. The images revealed the vast scale of the gathering, with radiant lights from the devotees creating a majestic spectacle visible from space. Pettit, an Ameri
Maha Kumbh Mela Captured from Space by NASA Astronaut Don Pettit
The Maha Kumbh Mela, the largest religious gathering in the world, was captured in stunning detail from the International Space Station (ISS). NASA astronaut Don Pettit shared breathtaking images of the event on Sunday, which showed the illuminated banks of the Ganga, reflecting the vibrant energy of the religious congregation. The images revealed the vast scale of the gathering, with radiant lights from the devotees creating a majestic spectacle visible from space. Pettit, an Ameri
ISRO Dispatches Crew Module for Gaganyaan's First Uncrewed Mission
ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) has successfully completed the integration of the liquid propulsion system for the Crew Module of Gaganyaan, India's first human spaceflight mission. On January 21, 2025, ISRO dispatched the Crew Module to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota for further processing and integration. This uncrewed mission, known as Gaganyaan (G1), is a crucial step in ISRO's efforts to acquire human spaceflight capabilities. The Crew
ISRO Dispatches Crew Module for Gaganyaan's First Uncrewed Mission
ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) has successfully completed the integration of the liquid propulsion system for the Crew Module of Gaganyaan, India's first human spaceflight mission. On January 21, 2025, ISRO dispatched the Crew Module to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota for further processing and integration. This uncrewed mission, known as Gaganyaan (G1), is a crucial step in ISRO's efforts to acquire human spaceflight capabilities. The Crew
Janet Petro Appointed Acting NASA Administrator, First Woman in Role
Janet Petro has been appointed as the acting administrator of NASA, making history as the first woman to hold the position since the agency’s founding in 1958. This appointment comes after President Donald Trump took office, with Petro replacing Bill Nelson, the 14th NASA administrator. In her new role, Petro is responsible for overseeing NASA’s budget, programs, and operations until the U.S. Senate confirms a new administrator. Notably, Trump had nominated entrepreneur
Janet Petro Appointed Acting NASA Administrator, First Woman in Role
Janet Petro has been appointed as the acting administrator of NASA, making history as the first woman to hold the position since the agency’s founding in 1958. This appointment comes after President Donald Trump took office, with Petro replacing Bill Nelson, the 14th NASA administrator. In her new role, Petro is responsible for overseeing NASA’s budget, programs, and operations until the U.S. Senate confirms a new administrator. Notably, Trump had nominated entrepreneur
NASA’s LEXI Mission to Study Earth’s Magnetic Shield from the Moon
NASA is preparing to launch the Lunar Environment Heliospheric X-ray Imager (LEXI) to the moon to gather groundbreaking data on Earth’s magnetosphere. LEXI will capture high-resolution images of the magnetosphere's movements, offering crucial insights into how it reacts to solar wind and space weather conditions. This mission is designed to enhance our understanding of space weather, which impacts satellites, electronics, and infrastructure on Earth. The LEXI instrument wi
NASA’s LEXI Mission to Study Earth’s Magnetic Shield from the Moon
NASA is preparing to launch the Lunar Environment Heliospheric X-ray Imager (LEXI) to the moon to gather groundbreaking data on Earth’s magnetosphere. LEXI will capture high-resolution images of the magnetosphere's movements, offering crucial insights into how it reacts to solar wind and space weather conditions. This mission is designed to enhance our understanding of space weather, which impacts satellites, electronics, and infrastructure on Earth. The LEXI instrument wi
New Theory Suggests Pluto 'Kissed and Captured' Charon in Cosmic Encounter
A groundbreaking new theory suggests that Pluto's moon Charon may have been captured in a "kiss and capture" scenario billions of years ago, offering a fresh perspective on the formation of planetary systems. Led by NASA postdoctoral fellow Adeene Denton at the U of A Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, this study challenges long-standing models of moon formation. Instead of the traditional collision model, the researchers propose that Pluto and Charon had a brief, icy encounter, wh
New Theory Suggests Pluto 'Kissed and Captured' Charon in Cosmic Encounter
A groundbreaking new theory suggests that Pluto's moon Charon may have been captured in a "kiss and capture" scenario billions of years ago, offering a fresh perspective on the formation of planetary systems. Led by NASA postdoctoral fellow Adeene Denton at the U of A Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, this study challenges long-standing models of moon formation. Instead of the traditional collision model, the researchers propose that Pluto and Charon had a brief, icy encounter, wh
NASA Delays Artemis Lunar Missions Due to Technical Challenges
NASA has announced delays to its Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon. The first crewed lunar mission, Artemis 2, will now take place in April 2026, pushed back from its original launch window in September 2025. The second mission, Artemis 3, which seeks to land astronauts on the Moon for the first time in over 50 years, has been rescheduled from late 2026 to mid-2027. The delays, revealed on December 5, are attributed to technical issues discovered during the Ar
NASA Delays Artemis Lunar Missions Due to Technical Challenges
NASA has announced delays to its Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon. The first crewed lunar mission, Artemis 2, will now take place in April 2026, pushed back from its original launch window in September 2025. The second mission, Artemis 3, which seeks to land astronauts on the Moon for the first time in over 50 years, has been rescheduled from late 2026 to mid-2027. The delays, revealed on December 5, are attributed to technical issues discovered during the Ar
"NASA's Dawn Spacecraft Uncovers Secrets of Gullies on Asteroid Vesta"
NASA's Dawn spacecraft, which orbited asteroid Vesta in 2012, captured images of enigmatic gullies on the asteroid's surface, prompting scientists to investigate their origins. A recent study published in the Planetary Science Journal explores the possibility that these gullies were formed by brief liquid flows involving briny water. Researchers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) simulated conditions similar to Vesta's surface using the Dirty Under-vacuum Simul
"NASA's Dawn Spacecraft Uncovers Secrets of Gullies on Asteroid Vesta"
NASA's Dawn spacecraft, which orbited asteroid Vesta in 2012, captured images of enigmatic gullies on the asteroid's surface, prompting scientists to investigate their origins. A recent study published in the Planetary Science Journal explores the possibility that these gullies were formed by brief liquid flows involving briny water. Researchers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) simulated conditions similar to Vesta's surface using the Dirty Under-vacuum Simul









