Trump wants $1 billion for private-sector-led Mars exploration
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India Today
16 hours ago
- India Today
Trump eases spaceflight rules in big boost to Elon Musk's SpaceX
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday to streamline federal regulations governing commercial rocket launches, a move that could benefit Elon Musk's SpaceX and other private space order, amongst other things, directs the U.S. transportation secretary to eliminate or expedite environmental reviews of launch licences administered by the Federal Aviation Administration, the White House said in a declaration also calls on the secretary to do away with "outdated, redundant or overly restrictive rules for launch and reentry vehicles." "Inefficient permitting processes discourage investment and innovation, limiting the ability of U.S. companies to lead in global space markets," the executive order Musk and Trump had a high-profile falling out months ago, the billionaire entrepreneur's SpaceX rocket and satellite venture potentially stands to be the single biggest immediate beneficiary of Trump's order on though not mentioned by name in Trump's order, easily leads all U.S. space industry entities, including NASA, in the sheer number of launches it routinely conducts for its own satellite network, the U.S. space agency, the Pentagon, and other Bezos' private rocket company Blue Origin and its space tourism business could also gain from a more relaxed regulatory has repeatedly complained that environmental impact studies, post-flight mishap investigations and licencing reviews required by the FAA have needlessly slowed testing of SpaceX's Starship rocket, under development at the company's South Texas launch Starship is the centrepiece of Musk's long-term SpaceX business model, as well as a core component of NASA's ambitions for returning astronauts to the moon's surface, establishing a permanent human lunar presence and ultimately sending crewed missions to has viewed FAA oversight as a hindrance to his company's engineering culture, considered more risk-tolerant than many of the aerospace industry's more established players. SpaceX's flight-test strategy is known for pushing spacecraft prototypes to the point of failure, then fine-tuning improvements through frequent has appeared to run afoul at times with the FAA's mission of safeguarding the public and the environment as it exercises its regulatory jurisdiction over commercial this year, the FAA grounded Starship test flights for nearly two months after back-to-back post-launch explosions rained debris over Caribbean islands and forced dozens of airliners to change course. The FAA ended up expanding the aircraft hazard zone along Starship's launch trajectories before licencing future flights.- EndsTune InMust Watch
News18
17 hours ago
- News18
Massive Object Racing Towards Earth Could Be Alien Spaceship, Warns Harvard Scientist
The discovery of fast-moving object 3I/Atlas has sparked debate, with Harvard's Avi Loeb suggesting it might be an alien spacecraft The age-old question of whether humanity is alone in the universe has once again returned to the spotlight after the discovery of a mysterious, fast-moving object heading toward Earth. The celestial visitor, designated 3I/Atlas, has sparked a heated scientific debate, with one prominent Harvard professor suggesting it might be an alien spacecraft capable of saving or destroying our planet. The object was first detected on July 1, 2025, and is currently hurtling through the inner solar system at an estimated 1,35,000 miles per hour, according to NASA. The agency says it will make its closest approach to the Sun on October 30, at a distance of roughly 130 million miles from Earth. While NASA insists there is no immediate threat, uncertainty over its nature has captured public attention. Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb, known for his unconventional theories about extra-terrestrial life, believes 3I/Atlas could be more than just a comet or asteroid. Drawing parallels with Arthur C Clarke's sci-fi classic 'Rendezvous with Rama', in which a seemingly natural object is revealed to be an alien craft, Loeb said that the object might show signs of 'technical design". He warned that it might carry anything from a reconnaissance probe to a weapon. 'It can come to save us or destroy us," Loeb told reporters, adding that humanity must be prepared for both scenarios. 'We should ensure all alien objects are just rocks," he said. Loeb's calculations suggest the object could reach Earth between November 21 and December 5, 2025. NASA estimates the body is between 20 and 24 kilometres in size, nearly 200 times larger than 'Oumuamua', the cigar-shaped interstellar object detected in 2017 that also stirred alien speculation. Due to its distance, scientists cannot yet determine its exact dimensions or composition. While Loeb's statements have made headlines, not all experts are convinced. Oxford University astronomer Chris Lintott dismissed the alien theory outright, calling it 'complete nonsense" and warning that such claims undermine the serious scientific work being conducted on the object. NASA and the European Space Agency currently classify 3I/Atlas as an outer solar system comet. Loeb concedes this is the most likely explanation, yet insists a 'slight possibility" remains that it is an artificial craft. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Time of India
Independence Day 2025: 10 must-watch patriotic films from Swades to URI on the 79th celebration
As Independence Day approaches, many Indians celebrate not just with flag hoisting and parades, but also by watching films that showcase the country's journey, courage, and unity. Bollywood has produced numerous such movies over the years—some set in historical times, others in modern-day India—but all share a common theme: love for the nation. Independence Day 2025 Before Trump, British used tariffs to kill Indian textile Bank of Azad Hind: When Netaji gave India its own currency Swadeshi 2.0: India is no longer just a market, it's a maker Lagaan (2001) Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, Lagaan is a period drama set in late 19th-century India under British rule. The story follows a small village burdened by high taxes (lagaan). When a cruel British officer challenges the villagers to a cricket match—with taxes waived if they win and tripled if they lose—they rise to the occasion. Led by Bhuvan (Aamir Khan), the villagers, who have never played cricket before, demonstrate courage, unity, and the spirit of standing up against injustice. Swades (2004) Another Gowariker film, Swades stars Shah Rukh Khan as Mohan Bhargava, a successful NASA scientist who returns to India to find his childhood caretaker. Initially disconnected from rural life, Mohan witnesses the villagers' struggles with electricity, education, and social inequality, inspiring him to help. The film's message about returning to one's roots and serving the nation remains powerful today. Rang De Basanti (2006) Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Rang De Basanti sparked a youth movement upon its release. A British filmmaker casts a group of carefree Delhi students in a documentary about freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh. Initially indifferent, the students are transformed by personal tragedy and the courage of the revolutionaries, prompting them to take a stand against corruption. Chak De! India (2007) This sports drama, directed by Shimit Amin, stars Shah Rukh Khan as Kabir Khan, a former Indian hockey captain falsely accused of betrayal. He returns as coach of the Indian women's hockey team, composed of players from diverse states with different cultural backgrounds. The movie emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and national pride, with the slogan 'Chak De! India' becoming iconic. Live Events Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020) Based on the life of Flight Lieutenant Gunjan Saxena, one of India's first female combat pilots during the 1999 Kargil War, the film stars Janhvi Kapoor. It chronicles Gunjan's journey from aspiring pilot to breaking gender barriers in a male-dominated environment, highlighting her determination, courage, and heroism during the war. Gandhi (1982) Though not a Bollywood film, Richard Attenborough's Gandhi is an epic biographical drama covering Mahatma Gandhi's life—from his early days as a lawyer in South Africa to leading India's non-violent freedom struggle. Ben Kingsley's legendary performance earned multiple Oscars, including Best Picture, offering a profound insight into the power of truth and non-violence. Airlift (2016) Based on true events during Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, Airlift stars Akshay Kumar as Ranjit Katyal, a businessman who risks everything to evacuate over 170,000 stranded Indians. The film combines thrill and emotion, showing how one individual's leadership and resourcefulness can save thousands. Kesari (2019) Akshay Kumar leads this retelling of the legendary Battle of Saragarhi, where 21 Sikh soldiers fought against thousands with unmatched valor. URI: The Surgical Strike (2019) A gripping action-drama based on India's 2016 surgical strikes, with Vicky Kaushal delivering the unforgettable line, 'How's Josh?' Kesari Chapter 2 (2025) Akshay Kumar's historical courtroom drama on C. Sankaran Nair's fight for justice after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, now streaming on Jio Hotstar after its April theatrical release.
