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India readies plan to get from moon n-fuel enough to power the world for centuries

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7 years ago

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India readies plan to get from moon n-fuel enough to power the world for centuries

India’s space program wants to go where no nation has gone before – to the south side of the moon, said a Bloomberg report. And once India gets there, says the report, it will study the potential for mining a source of waste-free nuclear energy that could be worth trillions of dollars.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) – the nation’s equivalent of NASA – will launch a rover in October to explore virgin territory on the lunar surface and analyze crust samples for signs of water and helium-3. That isotope is limited on Earth yet so abundant on the moon that it theoretically could meet global energy demands for 250 years if harnessed.

“The countries which have the capacity to bring that source from the moon to Earth will dictate the process,” said ISRO chairman K Sivan, “I don’t want to be just a part of them, I want to lead them.”

The mission would solidify India’s place among the fleet of explorers racing to the moon, Mars and beyond for scientific, commercial or military gains. The governments of the US, China, India, Japan and Russia are competing with startups and billionaires Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson to launch satellites, robotic landers, astronauts and tourists into the cosmos.

The rover landing is one step in an envisioned series for ISRO that includes putting a space station in orbit and, potentially, an Indian crew on the moon. The government has yet to set a timeframe.

“We are ready and waiting,” said Sivan, an aeronautics engineer who joined ISRO in 1982. “We’ve equipped ourselves to take on this particular program.”

China is the only country to put a lander and rover on the moon this century with its Chang’e 3 mission in 2013. The nation plans to return later this year by sending a probe to the unexplored far side.

In the US, President Donald Trump signed a directive calling for astronauts to return to the moon, and NASA’s proposed $19 billion budget this fiscal year calls for launching a lunar orbiter by the early 2020s.

ISRO’s estimated budget is less than a 10th of that – about $1.7 billion – but accomplishing feats on the cheap has been a hallmark of the agency since the 1960s. The upcoming mission will cost about $125 million – or less than a quarter of Snap Inc. co-founder Evan Spiegel’s compensation last year, the highest for an executive of a publicly traded company, according to the Bloomberg Pay Index.

This won’t be India’s first moon mission. The Chandrayaan-1 craft, launched in October 2008, completed more than 3,400 orbits and ejected a probe that discovered molecules of water in the surface for the first time.

The upcoming launch of Chandrayaan-2 includes an orbiter, lander and a rectangular rover. The six-wheeled vehicle, powered by solar energy, will collect information for at least 14 days and cover an area with a 400-meter radius.

The rover will send images to the lander, and the lander will transmit those back to ISRO for analysis.

A primary objective, though, is to search for deposits of helium-3. Solar winds have bombarded the moon with immense quantities of helium-3 because it’s not protected by a magnetic field like Earth is.

The presence of helium-3 was confirmed in moon samples returned by the Apollo missions, and Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison Schmitt, a geologist who walked on the moon in December 1972, is an avid proponent of mining helium-3.

“It is thought that this isotope could provide safer nuclear energy in a fusion reactor, since it is not radioactive and would not produce dangerous waste products,” the European Space Agency said.

There are an estimated 1 million metric tons of helium-3 embedded in the moon, though only about a quarter of that realistically could be brought to Earth, said Gerald Kulcinski, director of the Fusion Technology Institute at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a former member of the NASA Advisory Council.

That’s still enough to meet the world’s current energy demands for at least two, and possibly as many as five, centuries, Kulcinski said. He estimated helium-3’s value at about $5 billion a ton, meaning 250,000 tons would be worth in the trillions of dollars.

To be sure, there are numerous obstacles to overcome before the material can be used – including the logistics of collection and delivery back to Earth and building fusion power plants to convert the material into energy. Those costs would be stratospheric.

“If that can be cracked, India should be a part of that effort,” said Lydia Powell, who runs the Centre for Resources Management at the New Delhi-based Observer Research Foundation think tank. “If the cost makes sense, it will become a game-changer, no doubt about it.”

Plus, it won’t be easy to mine the moon. Only the U.S. and Luxembourg have passed legislation allowing commercial entities to hold onto what they have mined from space, said David Todd, head of space content at Northampton, England-based Seradata Ltd. There isn’t any international treaty on the issue.

“Eventually, it will be like fishing in the sea in international waters,” Todd said. “While a nation-state cannot hold international waters, the fish become the property of its fishermen once fished.”

India’s government is reacting to the influx of commercial firms in space by drafting legislation to regulate satellite launches, company registrations and liability, said GV Anand Bhushan, a Chennai-based partner at the Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. law firm. It doesn’t cover moon mining.

Yet the nation’s only spaceman isn’t fully on board with turning the moon into a place of business.

Rakesh Sharma, who spent almost eight days aboard a Russian spacecraft in 1984, said nations and private enterprises instead should work together to develop human colonies elsewhere as Earth runs out of resources and faces potential catastrophes such as asteroid strikes.

“You can’t go to the moon and draw boundaries,” Sharma said. “I want India to show that we’re capable of utilizing space technology for the good of people.” – Bloomberg

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Partial solar eclipse 2025 today: Timings, livestreams, double sunrise effect and safety tips

The first solar eclipse of 2025, occurring today, will not be visible from India but can be watched online via livestreams by NASA and other observatories.

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2 weeks ago

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March 29, 2025

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Partial solar eclipse forming crescent Sun in sky

A partial solar eclipse, the first of the year 2025, is set to unfold today, March 29. While this celestial phenomenon will be observable from several parts of the world, it will not be visible from any region in India. The eclipse is expected to start around 2:20:43 PM IST and continue until 6:13:45 PM IST, with visibility dependent on geographic location.

What is a partial solar eclipse?

Unlike a total eclipse where the Moon entirely blocks the Sun, a partial solar eclipse leaves part of the Sun exposed. As the Moon partially covers the Sun, it creates a striking crescent-like shape in the sky. Today’s eclipse is also expected to produce a rare “double sunrise” effect — where the Sun appears to rise, dim briefly, and rise again — typically visible in areas where the eclipse coincides with sunrise.

A global event, but not for Indian skies

According to space data agencies, about 100 crore (1 billion) people will be in locations where they can witness this partial eclipse. However, only around 44,800 people will see at least 90% coverage of the Sun — marking a very limited population for the highest visibility range.

Watch safely — never directly

Experts strongly advise against looking at the Sun directly during any solar eclipse. Viewers should only use certified solar viewing glasses, eclipse glasses, or handheld solar viewers. Watching through regular cameras, binoculars, or telescopes without proper solar filters can lead to severe eye damage.

Livestreaming options for virtual viewing

For those in India and elsewhere who cannot witness the eclipse directly, several global platforms like NASA and SLOOH Observatory are offering live streaming on their websites and social media channels. Indian space authorities like ISRO may also stream the event live. Viewers can access real-time visuals and expert commentary from the comfort of their homes.

The eclipse pairing rule

Astronomers remind us that eclipses always occur in pairs. This solar eclipse follows a total lunar eclipse that occurred just two weeks ago. Another pair of solar and lunar eclipses is expected to occur in September 2025, in line with the seasonal pattern of eclipses occurring roughly six months apart.

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US President Trump says he will pay out of his pocket to Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore for overtime stay in space

“Nobody told me about this. If it comes to it, I’ll pay it from my own pocket, alright? I’ll sort it for them,” Trump declared, visibly taken aback. “Is that it? That’s peanuts for what they’ve been through,” he added, marvelling at the modest sum given their ordeal.

Published

3 weeks ago

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March 22, 2025

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US President Donald Trump has expressed surprise upon learning that NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who endured an extended nine-month stint aboard the International Space Station (ISS), hadn’t received overtime pay.

Addressing reporters at a White House briefing, Trump even floated the idea of covering the costs himself, after the reporter highlighted that the duo were owed $1,430—$5 daily for 286 days.

“Nobody told me about this. If it comes to it, I’ll pay it from my own pocket, alright? I’ll sort it for them,” Trump declared, visibly taken aback. “Is that it? That’s peanuts for what they’ve been through,” he added, marvelling at the modest sum given their ordeal.

The astronauts, including Williams and Wilmore, alongside Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, returned to Earth on Wednesday via SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, splashing down off Tallahassee, Florida.

Trump showered praise on SpaceX chief Elon Musk for the rescue. “Thank heavens for Elon. Without him, who knows how long they’d have been stuck up there?” he remarked, crediting Musk’s ingenuity for their safe return.

For Williams and Wilmore, seasoned test pilots for Boeing’s Starliner capsule, what began as an eight-day mission ballooned into over nine months due to technical snags—helium leaks and thruster glitches—that rendered their craft unfit for the journey back.

The Starliner returned empty in September 2024, leaving them reliant on SpaceX. Trump underscored the physical toll of prolonged space stays. “After nine or ten months, the body starts breaking down—bones, blood, the works. It gets grim beyond 14 months. Without Elon, they’d be in a fix,” he said.

In a tangent, Trump drew parallels between Musk’s challenges and his own, claiming Tesla faced vandalism akin to the 6 January 2021 riots. “Elon’s had his share of trouble too,” he noted, blending admiration with a touch of defiance.

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Sunita Williams returns home after 286 days at space, greeted with smiles and applause

Astronaut Sunita Williams returned home after an unplanned 286-day mission in space, originally intended to last only eight days.

Published

3 weeks ago

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March 19, 2025

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Sunita Williams waving after returning from space

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and her crewmate Butch Wilmore have successfully returned to Earth after spending an unexpected 286 days in space. Originally meant to be an eight-day mission, the duo faced prolonged delays due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which left them stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Williams and Wilmore finally made their journey back aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, which splashed down in the ocean near Florida. The mission, which initially launched on June 5 last year, concluded with a safe landing early this morning.

Splashdown near Florida

After spending 17 hours in transit back to Earth, the capsule deployed its parachute, ensuring a controlled descent before making a water landing. NASA teams were on standby to retrieve the astronauts, assisting them onto mobility aids as they adapted to Earth’s gravity.

Williams was seen waving and flashing thumbs-up signs as she emerged from the capsule, signaling a positive return despite the physical challenges posed by prolonged space travel.

SpaceX ensures safe return

The return of the astronauts was made possible through SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission. The Dragon capsule, which was launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket, was sent to replace Crew-9 at the ISS. The spacecraft undocked at 10:35 am (IST), with NASA sharing visuals of the departure.

From an eight-day mission to nine months in space

Williams and Wilmore initially traveled to the ISS on what was to be the first crewed flight of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. However, the Starliner developed propulsion issues and was deemed unfit for the return journey. NASA reassigned them to SpaceX’s Crew-9, and in September, a Dragon capsule was sent with a two-member crew to ensure their safe return.

After multiple delays, a relief team finally arrived on Sunday, paving the way for their journey home.

Challenges faced by returning astronauts

A prolonged stay in space presents multiple health challenges. Astronauts experience muscle and bone density loss due to the lack of gravity, which can lead to long-term physical impairments. NASA estimates that for every month in space, astronauts’ weight-bearing bones lose approximately one percent of their density.

Radiation exposure is another concern, as the Earth’s atmosphere provides protection that is unavailable in space. Vision impairment and weakened muscles are also common issues faced by astronauts after extended space travel.

PM Modi acknowledges Sunita Williams’ achievements

Ahead of her return, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a letter to Sunita Williams, praising her resilience and contribution to space exploration. The letter, dated March 1 and shared publicly by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, expressed India’s pride in Williams’ achievements.

PM Modi mentioned that he had discussed Williams’ mission with both former US President Donald Trump and his predecessor, Joe Biden, during his visits to the United States. “1.4 billion Indians have always taken great pride in your achievements. Recent developments have yet again showcased your inspirational fortitude and perseverance,” the letter read.

Williams’ return marks the end of an eventful mission filled with challenges and triumphs, further reinforcing her legacy as a seasoned space traveler.

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