Man behind India's Akash missile system on ‘Op Sindoor', what Army wanted & the challenges ahead
Join us for an exclusive interview with Dr. Prahlada Ramarao, the visionary scientist behind India's Akash missile defence system. Discover how Dr. Ramarao, mentored by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, led a team of over 1,000 scientists to create this groundbreaking technology. Hear about the challenges, breakthroughs, and the Akash system's crucial role in strengthening India's security. This is a rare insight into the dedication, innovation, and leadership that made Akash possible. Don't miss this inspiring conversation - like, share, and subscribe for more stories of Indian scientific excellence!
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Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Mission with next Indian in space pushed to June 10
The groundbreaking space mission that will make Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, only the second Indian to go to space, has been postponed to June 10, Axiom Space Inc announced on Tuesday—the second delay for the historic 14-day flight. Axiom Space Inc announced that the Ax-4 mission, originally scheduled for May 29 and later moved to June 8, will now lift off at 8:22am EST aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida for the International Space Station. The 39-year-old test pilot will join three international crew members on the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, marking India's return to human spaceflight after a 40-year hiatus since Rakesh Sharma's pioneering mission in 1984. 'Since we both belong to the Indian Air Force and were also test pilots, he understands the journey and background I come from,' Shukla said, speaking of Sharma as his mentor during a virtual press conference with the crew. 'He navigated the same path in 1984 and guided me with sound advice which I am carrying along.' Shukla, who grew up reading about Sharma in textbooks, initially channeled his space fascination into flying fighter jets before India had a human spaceflight programme. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Gaganyaan mission in 2018—India's first indigenous crewed orbital flight—Shukla immediately applied for Indian Space Research Organisation's (Isro) Human Spaceflight Programme and remains among the top contenders, he said. The mission carries deep personal significance for Shukla, who will take a surprise gift to space for Sharma without revealing details. 'I will personally hand it over to him once I am back,' he said. Shukla said for himself, he will carry his favourite mango nectar, moong halwa and carrot halwa. Leading the Ax-4 crew is Peggy Whitson, a former Nasa astronaut commanding her second commercial human spaceflight mission. The team includes Sławosz Uznański, an ESA project astronaut who becomes the second Polish astronaut since 1978, and Tibor Kapu, Hungary's second national astronaut since 1980. The mission represents a significant milestone for all three nations, each returning to human spaceflight after more than four decades and visiting the ISS for the first time. Adding a touch of whimsy, the crew unveiled a fifth member—a swan named Joy serving as a Zero G indicator. Whitson explained the choice symbolised wisdom in India, resilience in Poland, and grace in Hungary. Shukla will conduct seven experiments during the mission, studying microgravity's impact on edible microalgae to analysing human interaction with electronic displays in space. From the ISS, Shukla will interact with students, academia, and space industry members, embodying what he describes as 'carrying the hopes and dreams of a billion hearts.' The crew entered a two-week quarantine phase in Florida on May 26 to ensure optimal health.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
What was it like to have Jayant Narlikar as a father? A daughter answers
1 2 3 4 5 6 Pune: Throughout their lives, the three Narlikar sisters — Geeta, Girija, and Leelavati — were often asked variations of this question: What is it like to have a famous father? On behalf of the three daughters of renowned astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar (86), who passed away on May 20, Geeta, a US-based biochemist, answered the question at Narlikar's memorial meeting organised by the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) on Tuesday. "If Baba were there, he might be thinking, 'Why are you doing this?' Speaking on behalf of all three sisters, I would say we have heard variations of these lines — 'Your father was a major influence on me when growing up', 'What is it like to have a famous father?' If it was not for these questions, occasional newspaper articles, and Baba's travels to accept an award, we would not have known the huge impact he had on the world of astrophysics or the scientific consciousness of Marathi and Indian society more broadly. This is because his behaviour at home was of a deeply engaging family man, not of someone flaunting fame," said Geeta. She spoke of how their father, together with mother Mangala Narlikar, a mathematician who passed away in 2023, were ahead of their time in society in raising three girls. "Looking back, we were influenced more by his actions than his words. We internalised the deep respect Baba showed for Aai and the freedom to make our choices in our careers and life partners. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo This was implicit in how they fostered our independence of thoughts and actions," said Geeta, while sharing several memories about the noted astrophysicist with the gathered audience. The memorial meeting was attended by renowned scientists such as Naresh Dadhich, Ajit Kembhavi, and Anil Kakodkar, among others. Geeta further spoke about her parents, saying they enjoyed the work they did and never thought of research and teaching as a chore. "It was energising for them. Baba's zest for life and his creativity were integral parts of his parenting. We see it now in reflection. This ranged from setting up puzzles for all of us to solve to telling us stories using characters we made up on the spot. We would make all kinds of characters and weave them into a story that was engaging, fascinating, and novel. This also ranged from making sure, as much as possible, to take the family with him on sabbatical trips, so we would experience what it meant to live in another country and be influenced by their culture. His ready laughter also resulted in happy tears at jokes he told or stories he recounted, and this is one of the most joyous memories of him. What it showed us is a father who loved to be happy, a father who was not stuck in the seriousness of his achievements," said Geeta. Narlikar also had a deep love for good food. "Some of you are also familiar with how much Baba loved good food," Geeta told the gathering, adding, "Every trip to other countries involved savouring local delicacies, from street food to gourmet meals. Even in his last few days, he made a request for a full English breakfast, a pot of biryani, and, of course, chocolates and mango with ice cream, living life to the fullest. His parenting, in collaboration with Aai, prepared us to meet the challenges of life and career with courage and an open mind, to enjoy the little things in life, and never take ourselves too seriously. "
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Even stars attainable, says Shubhanshu Shukla; Ax-4 liftoff now on June 10
BENGALURU: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of India and three other members of Axiom-4 mission's multinational crew will launch for International Space Station on June 10 at 5.52pm IST, two days later than the originally planned June 8 lift-off. Axiom Space announced the revised schedule Tuesday, citing no reason for the delay. The mission, led by veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson, will launch from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex in Florida. Shukla addressed the world in a stirring final message, combining gratitude, science, and India's cultural pride. "Even stars are attainable," he said. "The last few months have been nothing short of extraordinary - of discovery and unshakable resolve. From diverse systems to advanced platforms, across continents and cultures. This training has been intense but deeply rewarding." Carrying not just scientific equipment but "the hopes and dreams of a billion hearts", Shukla will conduct seven experiments designed by Indian research institutions. These investigations, ranging from stem cell cultures to crop seed behaviour in microgravity, aim to boost India's presence in space-based science. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo "These experiments will pave the way for India's progress in microgravity science," he said. "I am proud to be the bridge between Earth and orbit for this pioneering research." Commander Whitson praised her team's dedication, work ethic, and cultural richness. She introduced the crew's zero-gravity indicator - Joy, a swan representing "Wisdom in India", "Resilience in Poland," and "Grace in Hungary". To honour India's artistic spirit, Shukla will also carry artefacts crafted by students of National Institute of Design. "I will carry them with deep pride," he said. The mission will feature live interactions from orbit, including sessions with Indian VIPs, students, academia, and space industry leaders. Asked about a possible link-up with PM Modi, Shukla confirmed multiple planned outreach events. He also paid tribute to India's first astronaut Wing Commander (retd) Rakesh Sharma, calling him a mentor. "I am carrying something to honour him, but I cannot reveal it yet - I haven't told him, and I want that to be a surprise." Shukla's payload includes Indian delicacies like mango nectar, moong dal halwa, and carrot halwa.
