NASA has announced that they have selected Elon Musk's SpaceX to bring astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore back from the International Space Station (ISS) next year. Williams and Wilmore have been on the ISS for over 80 days and were originally scheduled to return with Boeing's Starliner, but due to technical issues, their stay is being extended and they will now be returning with SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson explained the decision was made for the safety of the astronauts, as the Starliner's propulsion system presented too much risk. The news has also sparked discussions about rebuilding trust in Boeing among NASA officials.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has selected SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft to bring astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore back from the International Space Station (ISS) in 2023.
Williams and Wilmore have been on the ISS for over 80 days, initially scheduled to return with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. However, technical issues with the Starliner's propulsion system have forced NASA to extend their stay.
After an investigation, NASA determined that the risks associated with the Starliner's propulsion system were too great for the safety of the astronauts. As a result, the agency chose SpaceX's Crew Dragon as an alternative.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson explained the decision by saying, "We are committed to the safety of our astronauts, and after thorough review, we determined that the Starliner propulsion system presented too much risk. SpaceX's Crew Dragon has a proven track record of safety and reliability."
The decision to switch from Boeing to SpaceX has sparked discussions about rebuilding trust between NASA and Boeing. The Starliner's technical issues have raised concerns about Boeing's ability to meet NASA's safety requirements.
NASA officials have stated that they are working with Boeing to address the issues and ensure that the Starliner is safe for future missions. However, the agency has also made it clear that safety will be paramount in all decision-making.
1. Why were Williams and Wilmore's stay extended on the ISS? Due to technical issues with the propulsion system of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft.
2. Why did NASA choose SpaceX's Crew Dragon over Boeing's Starliner? NASA determined that the risks associated with the Starliner's propulsion system were too high for the safety of the astronauts.
3. What is the timeline for Williams and Wilmore's return? The exact date for their return has not yet been announced, but it is expected to be sometime in 2023.
4. Is the Starliner program still viable? NASA is working with Boeing to address the issues with the Starliner and ensure that it meets safety requirements for future missions.
5. What are the implications of this decision for NASA's relationship with Boeing? The decision has raised concerns about Boeing's ability to meet NASA's safety requirements and has sparked discussions about rebuilding trust between the two organizations.
As China experiences an outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus, also known as HMPV, health officials in Telangana, India have issued a list of precautions for the public, despite no reported cases in the state. The respiratory virus, which primarily affects children, immunocompromised individuals, and the elderly, can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including mild cold-like illness and more serious respiratory conditions. However, the Indian health agency has assured that there is no cause for alarm and that the country does not need to worry at this time.
Renowned nuclear scientist and key figure in India's nuclear program, Dr. R Chidambaram, passed away at the age of 88. He was known for his contributions to nuclear research and played a significant role in India's nuclear tests and the country's civil nuclear agreement with the United States. His passing marks a significant loss for the scientific community and the country's progress in the field of nuclear technology.
The recent spread of a new virus, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), in China has sparked global concerns, with reports of increasing cases among children under 14. However, Indian health experts and the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have dismissed the possibility of a widespread disruption. This is due to previous knowledge about HMPV and its similarity to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common respiratory pathogen. While HMPV may be a trigger for asthma in infants, it is not as deadly as Covid-19 and there is no reason for alarm yet.
China's disease control authorities have launched pilot systems to monitor and report cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which has been linked to a recent flu outbreak. As the country continues to battle this respiratory virus, the World Health Organization calls for transparency and cooperation in researching the origins of COVID-19 to better prevent and prepare for future epidemics. Experts warn that people with weak respiratory health and weakened immune systems, as well as young children and the elderly, are most at risk for HMPV and urge preventive measures such as frequent hand washing and wearing masks.
Amidst growing concerns over the coronavirus outbreak, China confirms an increase in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) among children under 14 years old, especially in northern provinces. HMPV is a respiratory illness similar to the common cold, with symptoms including coughing, runny nose, and sore throat. Health officials are urging the public not to blindly use antiviral drugs to fight HMPV, as there is currently no vaccine against the virus. Antibiotics may be prescribed in extreme cases where HMPV has caused pneumonia and a secondary bacterial infection.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced draft guidelines for introducing skill-based courses and micro-credentials in higher education institutions, aligning with the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020. These courses, including emerging fields such as data analytics and AI, aim to enhance students' employability and support economic growth through a qualified workforce. Feedback on the guidelines will be accepted for the next 30 days, giving students and educators a chance to provide their input.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully placed two satellites, weighing 220kg, into a circular orbit of 475 km for a crucial space docking technology demonstration. This mission also included the launch of POEM-4 with 24 payloads from startups, industries, and academia. Scientist S Somanath stated that the docking process is expected to take place on January 7, after operations at ISTRAC Bengaluru from December 31. This mission is a major step towards future space missions for India.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the PSLV C60 mission on Monday night, marking a historic moment for the country's space exploration. The mission involved the launch of two spacecraft, which will demonstrate India's capabilities in orbital docking- a crucial technology for future human spaceflight and satellite servicing missions. With this achievement, India joins an elite group of countries with this technology, furthering the country's ambitions to send humans to the Moon and establish its own space station.
India's ISRO launched its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C50) carrying two spacecraft, Spacecraft A and B, to test key technologies for the future establishment of a space station. This mission is a precursor to ISRO's goal of setting up its own space station by 2035 and will aid in space docking, satellite servicing, and future interplanetary missions. The successful launch marks another milestone for India's growing space program.
A new western disturbance is expected to affect the state of Rajasthan, bringing in light to moderate rain and hailstorms on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted this system to also bring snowfall in the Himalayan region. North India continues to face severe cold wave conditions, with some states experiencing temperatures as low as -10.6 degrees Celsius. However, some relief may be in sight for Rajasthan with these weather changes.