VoicesUnheard

Scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have teamed up with NASA's ICESat-2 satellite to produce a groundbreaking underwater map of the famed Ram Setu, also known as Adam's Bridge. This collaboration marks a significant achievement in underwater cartography, providing detailed insights into the structure that spans the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka. Over a period of six years, from October 2013 to October 2019, researchers meticulously gathered data using ICESat-2, achieving a remarkable 10-meter resolution map of the entire bridge. The map reveals the bridge's dimensions, which stretches approximately 29 meters in width and rises 8 meters above the seabed. The findings, published by scientists from ISRO's centres in Jodhpur and Hyderabad at the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), represent a milestone in underwater mapping. They highlight the use of ICESat-2's advanced capabilities to capture precise details of Adam...

India's ambitious venture into space exploration continues to unfold with plans for the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS), a modular space station slated to be constructed and operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Originally scheduled for completion by 2030, the project has been delayed to 2035 due to technical setbacks associated with the Gaganyaan crewed mission and challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The BAS is set to weigh approximately 52 tonnes and will maintain a stable orbit about 400 kilometers above Earth's surface, offering astronauts accommodation for stays lasting 15–20 days. The station's development will commence with the launch of its first module in 2028 aboard the LVM3 launch vehicle, with subsequent modules deployed by 2035 using the Next Generation Launch Vehicle. In 2019, ISRO's chairman K. Sivan unveiled preliminary details of the space station, initially projecting a weight of 20 tonnes. Recent advancements include...

NSIL, the commercial arm of ISRO, and Australia's Space Machines Company (SMC) have officially sealed a landmark agreement during the India Space Congress 2024 held in Delhi. The agreement paves the way for a dedicated launch service, marking a significant step in bilateral space cooperation. Under this agreement, NSIL will facilitate the launch of Australia's largest domestically designed and built spacecraft, the 450 kg Optimus spacecraft, scheduled for 2026. This spacecraft is set to be launched aboard ISRO's Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), showcasing India's capability to support international satellite deployment missions. Termed "Space MAITRI" (Mission for Australia India's Technology, Research, and Innovation), this initiative signifies the strengthening partnership between Australia and India in the field of space technology. It emphasizes collaborative efforts in advancing space research and fostering innovation between the two n...

In a recent development in space affairs, the United States Space Command (USSPACECOM) has raised concerns over the capabilities of a newly deployed Russian satellite, alleging it could potentially engage in hostile actions from space, beyond Earth's atmosphere. The satellite in question, COSMOS 2576, was launched on May 16th aboard a Soyuz rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. This launch marked a significant event as it included a total of nine satellites deployed into Low Earth Orbit (LEO), with COSMOS 2576 being one of the most contentious among them. USSPACECOM's assessment suggests that COSMOS 2576 might function as a counterspace weapon designed specifically to target satellites operating in LEO, a critical area for various communication and surveillance satellites. Particularly alarming to US officials is the satellite's reported proximity to an American spy satellite managed by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). As of now, COSMOS 2576 has not made any...