Latest news with #DepartmentofSpace
NDTV
2 days ago
- Science
- NDTV
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla To Serve As Mission Pilot On Axiom-4 Mission: Jitendra Singh
New Delhi: Union Minister for Department of Space, Jitendra Singh announced on Saturday that Shubhanshu Shukla, one of India's astronauts, will conduct exclusive food and nutrition-related experiments onboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the upcoming Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a release from the Ministry of Science and Technology said. The experiments--developed under a collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), with support from NASA--aim to pioneer space nutrition and self-sustaining life support systems vital for future long-duration space travel. Union Minister Singh detailed that the first ISS experiment will examine the impact of microgravity and space radiation on edible microalgae--a high-potential, nutrient-rich food source. The study will focus on key growth parameters and the changes in transcriptomes, proteomes, and metabolomes of various algal species in space compared to Earth conditions. Presenting an example of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Space biology experiments aboard the ISS will be conducted using indigenously developed biotechnology kits under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). These specialized kits, tailored for microgravity conditions, have been designed and validated by Indian scientists to ensure precision and reliability in space-based research. Their deployment marks a major milestone in India's ability to deliver world-class scientific tools for frontier research and underscores the country's growing self-reliance in critical technologies for space exploration and biotechnology. "Microalgae grow rapidly, produce high-protein biomass, absorb carbon dioxide, and release oxygen--making them perfect candidates for sustainable space nutrition and closed-loop life support systems," said the Minister. Some species can grow in as little as 26 hours, and when cultivated in photobioreactors, they produce more biomass per unit volume than traditional crops--crucial for space missions with tight space and resource constraints. The second experiment will investigate the growth and proteomic response of cyanobacteria--specifically Spirulina and Synechococcus--under microgravity, using urea- and nitrate-based media. The research will evaluate the potential of Spirulina as a space "superfood" due to its high protein and vitamin content, assess the feasibility of using nitrogen sources derived from human waste, such as urea, for cyanobacterial growth, and study the effects of microgravity on cellular metabolism and biological efficiency. These insights are critical for developing closed-loop, self-sustaining life support systems essential for long-duration space missions. "These organisms could be the key to carbon and nitrogen recycling in spacecraft and future space habitats," Singh emphasized. Jitendra Singh noted that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as Mission Pilot on the Axiom-4 mission, alongside Commander Peggy Whitson (USA, former NASA astronaut); Mission Specialist Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland/ESA); and Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu (Hungary/ESA). Captain Shukla is part of the first team of Indian astronauts trained for human spaceflight, with Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair serving as his designated backup. The Ax-4 mission, managed by Axiom Space and launched via SpaceX Falcon 9, is a landmark for India's first astronaut-scientist-led space biology experiments onboard the ISS. To drive future innovation, an ISRO-DBT Joint Working Group (JWG) has been constituted to accelerate collaborations in Space Biotechnology and Space Biomanufacturing. Institutions including the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, and BRIC-inStem, Bengaluru, are currently exploring new experiment opportunities. "The JWG recently discussed a joint 'Announcement of Opportunity' in Space Biotech, highlighting challenges and pathways for in-space manufacturing, bio-regenerative systems, and extra-terrestrial biomanufacturing for long-term missions," said Jitendra Singh. With these initiatives, India is not just reaching space--but shaping how humans will live, eat, and survive in it. The success of these experiments has the potential to revolutionize human nutrition in space and enable bio-recycling systems for closed habitats. Dr. Jitendra Singh affirmed that this mission underscores India's growing influence in the global space sector and its transition from launch services to space exploration, sustainability, and science leadership.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Time of India
From Helmets to Mind Maps: Reclaiming focus in a distracted world
Ravindra Kondekar, an alumnus of IIT Bombay, spent more than 27 years working in the Indian technology industry. He has worked in software development for the Department of Space and for many multinational corporations. He is also the inventor of 4 Patents granted by USPTO. Today, he works as a productivity consultant, helping others reach their full potential by working smartly to the best of their abilities. His teaching experience early in his career, MBA education, and senior management roles in corporate add to his ability to quickly grasp the productivity problems faced by his clients and coach them on best practices for personal productivity. LESS ... MORE 'Perhaps the most difficult thing that a human being is called upon to face is long, concentrated thinking.' – Hugo Gernsback, inventor and science fiction pioneer, writing in the 1920s …And that hasn't changed. Whether you're a software developer designing a complex system, a UX designer crafting a seamless experience, an artist conceptualizing your next piece, or a blogger crafting this post (me ) — focused thinking remains the backbone of meaningful work. To protect that focus, Gernsback invented The Isolator in 1925 — a strange helmet that blocked sound, light, and even oxygen to help the wearer concentrate. Fascinating? Yes. Practical? Not quite. But do we have something better today? Fortunately, yes. Especially when you're trying to break down a complex project, plan meaningful actions, and bring your full focus to the task at hand — there's a tool that rises to the occasion. That tool is the Mind Map — practical, visual, and surprisingly powerful. Popularized by Tony Buzan, the Mind Map was designed to tap into memory, creativity, and understanding. But one thing it definitely delivers is focus. Its true usefulness lies in the mindfulness required to create it. You can't Mind Map on autopilot. It compels you to slow down, make connections, and visualize the bigger picture — making it a surprisingly effective way to brainstorm and shape a clear, actionable plan for your projects. It's like a thought processor — taking in your jumbled ideas and outputting a structured, prioritized list of actionable tasks. How Mind Maps Help Deconstruct complex projects into manageable parts Clarify each step on the path to achieving your goals — main or minor Channel your full attention where and when it matters most Generate a focused to-do list with clearly defined, actionable tasks And when it comes to action planning, the Mind Map naturally encourages what Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman called slow thinking — the deliberate, focused, and reflective kind of thought that leads to better decisions and clearer outcomes. A little while back, I was reinvited to a podcast by Prina Shah on the topic of why the time-blocking method doesn't work for many people. I had to create content for my talk — and what else would I do but start with a mind map? As the mind map evolved, so did my content. It became richer, more structured, and clearer. In the end, I delivered the episode with confidence — thanks to the clarity the mind mapping process brought me. In a world that demands speed, mind mapping invites you to pause — not to delay, but to think clearly before you move. And sometimes, that's all the difference between scatter and strategy. Try it for your next project — especially one of those tough nuts you've been avoiding. See what happens when you give your brain the structure it craves. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
India Today
23-05-2025
- Science
- India Today
Bharatiya Antariksh Station to weigh 50 tonnes, confirms Isro chief
The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is preparing to launch its own space station into orbit, marking a historic leap in India's space ambitions, Isro Chairman V Narayanan announced on upcoming space station, expected to weigh over 50 tonnes, will further cement India's position among the world's leading spacefaring on the sidelines of a programme at Ram Mohan Mission, Narayanan highlighted the crucial role of India's 57 operational satellites, which provide vital services ranging from weather forecasting to tele-education in remote He also emphasised the Department of Space's ongoing collaboration with various agencies to ensure the safety and security of India's vast borders, including its 11,500 km coastline and northern frontiers. India is readying for Gaganyaan Mission. (Photo: Isro) Addressing concerns over the recent PSLV-C61/EOS-09 mission setback, Narayanan described it as an exception in Isro's otherwise stellar record. He assured that the failure would not derail future projects, including the highly anticipated Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. 'Gaganyaan's first mission will be an uncrewed test flight, expected to launch in the coming days, followed by two crewed missions in the near future,' he is also advancing its lunar exploration programme, with Chandrayaan-4 set to return lunar samples within the next two-and-a-half years. Meanwhile, Chandrayaan-5, a collaborative mission with Japan, will feature a 6,400 kg lander carrying a 350 kg rover, designed for a 100-day mission on the Moon. For comparison, the successful Chandrayaan-3 lander weighed 1,600 kg and carried a 25 kg rover."Right now, we (Isro) are also working on Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5. Chandrayaan-5, in collaboration with Japan. It will have a life span of 100 days," he these bold initiatives, Isro continues to inspire the nation and expand India's footprint in space Watch
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Business Standard
22-05-2025
- Science
- Business Standard
Gearing up for space station, Gaganyaan, lunar missions: Isro chairman
ISRO is gearing up to launch its own space station into orbit, marking a bold leap in India's space ambitions, chairman V Narayanan said on Thursday. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief also said the Department of Space, of which he is the Secretary, is working alongside various organisations to ensure the safety and security of the country's citizens. "Take our country, for example we have 11,500 km of coastline, and then there's the northern border. We have a vast border to monitor, and the government is working diligently to ensure our safety. There are responsible individuals and systems in place," he told reporters on the sidelines of a programme of Rammohan Mission here. Narayanan said, "Currently, we have 57 satellites in orbit, serving the public by providing real-time updates and data on a wide range of issues, from weather forecasts to tele-education in the most remote areas." About the space station, he said it will weigh over 50 tonnes. On the recent failure of the PSLV-C61/EOS-09 mission, Narayanan described the setback an exception in ISRO's track record. He asserted that the setback cannot in any way derail ISRO's future programmes like Gaganyaan - which will be an important milestone for India's space exploration. "Right now, we (ISRO) are also working on Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5. Chandrayaan-5, in collaboration with Japan, will have a 6,400 kg lander carrying a 350-kg rover. It will have a life span of 100 days," he said. The Chandrayaan-3 lander weighed 1,600 kg having a 25-kg rover. Chandrayaan-4, to bring back sample from the lunar surface, will be launched in the next two-and-a-half years. "Over the past several decades, India has moved on and is now placed among the top nations in space research and exploration," he added. The eminent space scientist further said that ISRO is preparing for the country's first human spaceflight, called 'Gaganyaan'. Narayanan said Gaganyaan's first mission will be an uncrewed test flight, which is expected to be launched in the coming days. This will be followed by two missions with crew which are expected to be launched by ISRO in the near future, he added. Earlier in the day, the ISRO chief addressed students of Ram Mohan Mission and Ram Mohan Mission High School on the 253rd birth anniversary of social reformer Rammohan Roy. He paid glowing tributes to Roy and other social reformers who championed the causes of emancipation and women's uplift. Narayanan also highlighted the contributions of women space scientists in India's space programmes.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
ISRO gearing up for space station, Gaganyaan, lunar missions: Chairman Narayanan
ISRO is gearing up to launch its own space station into orbit, marking a bold leap in India's space ambitions, chairman V Narayanan said on Thursday. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief also said the Department of Space, of which he is the Secretary, is working alongside various organisations to ensure the safety and security of the country's citizens. "Take our country, for example - we have 11,500 km of coastline, and then there's the northern border. We have a vast border to monitor, and the government is working diligently to ensure our safety. There are responsible individuals and systems in place," he told reporters on the sidelines of a programme of Rammohan Mission here. Narayanan said, "Currently, we have 57 satellites in orbit, serving the public by providing real-time updates and data on a wide range of issues, from weather forecasts to tele-education in the most remote areas." About the space station, he said it will weigh over 50 tonnes. On the recent failure of the PSLV-C61/EOS-09 mission, Narayanan described the setback an exception in ISRO's track record. Live Events He asserted that the setback cannot in any way derail ISRO's future programmes like Gaganyaan - which will be an important milestone for India's space exploration . "Right now, we (ISRO) are also working on Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5. Chandrayaan-5, in collaboration with Japan, will have a 6,400 kg lander carrying a 350-kg rover. It will have a life span of 100 days," he said. The Chandrayaan-3 lander weighed 1,600 kg having a 25-kg rover. Chandrayaan-4, to bring back sample from the lunar surface, will be launched in the next two-and-a-half years. "Over the past several decades, India has moved on and is now placed among the top nations in space research and exploration," he added. The eminent space scientist further said that ISRO is preparing for the country's first human spaceflight , called 'Gaganyaan'. Narayanan said Gaganyaan's first mission will be an uncrewed test flight, which is expected to be launched in the coming days. This will be followed by two missions with crew which are expected to be launched by ISRO in the near future, he added. Earlier in the day, the ISRO chief addressed students of Ram Mohan Mission and Ram Mohan Mission High School on the 253rd birth anniversary of social reformer Rammohan Roy. He paid glowing tributes to Roy and other social reformers who championed the causes of emancipation and women's uplift. Narayanan also highlighted the contributions of women space scientists in India's space programmes.
