Latest news with #Earth
United News of India
2 hours ago
- Science
- United News of India
ISRO reflects a successful 2024
Chennai, May 31 (UNI) As the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for mega launches including Chandrayaan, Gaganyaan and Indo-US Nissar Mission, besides sedning country's first Astronaut to International Space Station (ISS) on board Axiom-4 mission, the Space Agency looked back with pride its ahievements made in 2024. In an update on its website, ISRO said there were five launches from the spaceport of Sriharikota that proved successful that included precise injection of eight Indian spacecrafts, one foreign satellite and six rocket bodies, including POEM 3 and 4. They included PSLV-C58/XPoSat, PSLV-C59/PROBA-3, PSLV-C60/SPADEX docking experimental mission, GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS, and SSLV-D3/EOS-08 mission, all of them successfullyinjected the payloads in their designated orbits. ISRO's GSAT-20 was launched by Falcon-9 Block 5 of SpaceX from Cape Canaveral. TSAT-1A was also launched by Falcon-9. "Consequently, a total of 8 Indian satellites, 1 foreign satellite, and 6 rocket bodies (including POEM-3 and POEM-4) were placed in their intended orbits", It said reflecting back on its achievements of 2024. It said a total of 136 Indian spacecraft, including those from private operators/academic institutions, were launched in Earth-orbit till December 31, 2024. As of that date, the number of operational satellites owned by the Indian government is 22 in LEO (Low Earth Orbit) and 31 in GEO (Geo-synchronous Earth Orbit). In addition, two Indian deep space missions, namely, Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter (CH2O) and Aditya-L1 at Sun-Earth Lagrange's point were also active. The propulsion module of Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft continued to operate in a high Earth orbit (more than 1 lakh km away) after being relocated from its lunar orbit since November 2023. ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan, releasing the Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) for 2024 compiled by ISRO System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations Management (IS4OM), said the upper stage of PSLV-C3 underwent an accidental break-up in 2001 and generated 371 debris. While most of these fragments have re-entered the atmosphere, 41 PSLV-C3 debris were still in orbit by the end of 2024. On Atmospheric re-entry, it said among the intact Indian upper stages, 34 rocket bodies re-entered the Earth's atmosphere till 2024 end, and five of such re-entries took place in 2024. All LVM3 rocket bodies have decayed, only the one from LVM3 M2 OneWeb India- mission remain in orbit. Among GSLV rocket bodies, only GSLV-F12 and GSLV-F14 rocket bodies are in orbit. A total of 31 Indian satellites have re-entered the atmosphere till the end of 2024. In the year 2024 alone, 9 Indian satellites re-entered the atmosphere. Among them was Cartosat-2 which re-entered the atmosphere on February 14, 2024, the first-ever LEO satellite of ISRO to be de-orbited at end-of-life to reduce its post-mission orbital life from more than 30 to less than 4 years. MORE UNI GV 0620
RNZ News
3 hours ago
- Health
- RNZ News
Earth's seasonal rhythms are changing, putting species and ecosystems at risk
By Daniel Hernández Carrasco and Jonathan Tonkin of Monsoon rains represent one of Earth's major seasonal cycles. Photo: Shutterstock Seasonality shapes much of life on Earth. Most species, including humans, have synchronised their own rhythms with those of Earth's seasons. Plant growth cycles, the migration of billions of animals and even aspects of human culture - from harvest rituals to Japanese cherry blossom viewings - are dictated by these dominant rhythms. However, climate change and many other human impacts are altering Earth's cycles. While humans can adapt their behaviour by shifting the timing of crop harvests or indigenous fire-burning practices, species are less able to adapt through evolution or range shifts. Our new research highlights how the impacts of shifting seasons can cascade through ecosystems, with widespread repercussions that may be greater than previously thought. This puts species and ecosystems at risk the world over. We are still far from having a full picture of what changes in seasonality mean for the future of biodiversity. From tropical forests to polar ice caps and abyssal depths, the annual journey of Earth around the Sun brings distinct seasons to all corners of the planet. These seasonal rhythms shape ecosystems everywhere, whether through monsoonal rains in equatorial regions or the predictable melt of snowpack in mountain ranges, but the seasonality of these processes is changing rapidly, due to local human impacts. This includes dams in many rivers, which completely and abruptly disrupt their natural flow, and deforestation, which changes the timing of the onset of the rain season. These local influences are compounded by climate change, which is systematically modifying seasonal patterns in snow cover, temperature and rainfall around the world. From the earlier seasonal melting of glaciers and the snowpack to the disruption of monsoonal rain cycles, the effects of these changes are being felt widely. Many important ecological processes we rely on could be affected. A mismatch between plankton blooms and the life cycles of fish could affect the health of fisheries. Tourism dependent on seasonal migrations of large mammals could suffer. Even the regulation of the climate system itself is tightly controlled by seasonal processes. Changing seasonality threatens to destabilise key ecological processes and human society. The seasonal rhythms of ecosystems are obvious to any observer. The natural timing of annual flowers and deciduous trees - tuned to match seasonal variations in rainfall, temperature and solar radiation - transforms the colours of whole landscapes throughout the year. The arrival and departure of migratory birds, the life cycle of insects and amphibians, and the mating rituals of large mammals can completely change the soundscapes with the seasons. These examples illustrate how seasonality acts as a strong evolutionary force that has shaped the life cycles and behaviour of most species, but in the face of unprecedented changes to Earth's natural rhythms, these adaptations can lead to complex negative impacts. For instance, snowshoe hares change coat colour between winter and summer to blend in with their surroundings and hide from predators. They are struggling to adapt to shifts in the timing of the first snow and snowmelt. The impact of changing seasonality on hare populations is linked with changes in predation rates, but predators themselves may also be out of sync with the new onset of seasons. Our research highlights that these kinds of complex interactions can propagate impacts through ecosystems, linking individual species' seasonal adaptations to broader food web dynamics, or even ecosystem functions such as carbon sequestration. Although biologists have studied seasonal processes for centuries, we know surprisingly little about how they mediate any ecological impacts of altered seasonality. Our findings show we are likely underestimating these impacts. The distinct mechanisms involved deserve further attention. Until we account for these complex processes, we risk overlooking important ecological and human consequences. Understanding the extent to which impacts of altered seasonality can interact and propagate from individuals to whole ecosystems is a big challenge. It will require different types of research, complex mathematical modelling and the design of new experiments, but it is not easy to manipulate the seasons in an experiment. Scientists have come up with inventive ways of experimentally testing the effects of altered seasonality. This includes manually removing snow early in spring, manipulating rainfall patterns through irrigation, and moving plants and animals to places with different seasonality. Some researchers have even recovered seeds from centuries-old collections to sprout them and look at how recent changes in climate have affected plant populations. These efforts will be of great value for forecasting impacts, and designing effective management strategies beneficial for ecosystems and humans alike. Such efforts help to anticipate future shocks and prioritise interventions. For instance, understanding the mechanisms that allow native and non-native species to anticipate seasonal changes has proven useful for "tricking" non-native plants into sprouting only in the wrong season. This gives an advantage to native plants. Similarly, studies on the molecular mechanisms involved in the response to seasonality can help us determine whether certain species are likely to adapt to further changes in seasonal patterns. This research can also point out genes that could be targeted for improving the resilience and productivity of crops. Not only are we likely underestimating the ecological risks of shifting seasons, we tend to forget how much our everyday lives depend on them. As Earth's rhythms change, the risks multiply, but so does our opportunity to better understand, anticipate and adapt to these changes. This story was originally published on [ The Conversation]. Daniel Hernández Carrasco is a PhD candidate in Ecology at University of Canterbury. Jonathan Tonkin is associate professor of Ecology and Rutherford Discovery Fellow at University of Canterbury
Entrepreneur
5 hours ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Satellite Mega Constellations Face Challenges from Solar Activity
The number of satellites orbiting Earth has reached unprecedented levels, with SpaceX's Starlink internet service leading the surge in mega constellations. Recent findings suggest that solar activity has a significant... This story originally appeared on Calendar The number of satellites orbiting Earth has reached unprecedented levels, with SpaceX's Starlink internet service leading the surge in mega constellations. Recent findings suggest that solar activity has a significant impact on these satellite networks, presenting new challenges for operators. Earth's orbit has become increasingly crowded as companies deploy large-scale satellite networks to provide global internet coverage and other services. SpaceX has launched thousands of Starlink satellites alone, contributing substantially to the growth of the orbital population. Solar Activity and Satellite Operations New research reveals that the sun's behavior directly affects satellite operations in ways that operators must now address. Solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and other solar phenomena can disrupt satellite electronics, alter orbital paths, and even cause premature reentry into Earth's atmosphere. When the sun enters active phases of its 11-year cycle, it releases more radiation and particles that interact with Earth's upper atmosphere. This interaction heats and expands the atmosphere, creating increased drag on satellites in low Earth orbit, where many of these new mega constellations operate. The effects can be particularly pronounced for smaller satellites that make up mega constellations like Starlink, as they have less mass to resist atmospheric drag and may require more frequent orbital adjustments. Growing Concerns for Satellite Operators As the current solar cycle intensifies toward its predicted maximum, satellite operators face several critical challenges: Increased fuel consumption for orbit maintenance Higher risk of communication disruptions Greater potential for satellite failures More complex collision avoidance maneuvers SpaceX and other operators must now incorporate solar activity forecasts into their operational planning. This includes scheduling launches during periods of lower solar activity and designing satellites with additional shielding against radiation. Industry Response and Adaptation 'The relationship between solar cycles and satellite operations has always been known, but the scale of today's mega constellations makes this a much more significant issue,' explains Dr. Sarah Johnson, an aerospace engineer specializing in orbital dynamics. Satellite companies are responding by enhancing their monitoring systems and developing more sophisticated predictive models. Some are also modifying satellite designs to better withstand the harsh space environment during periods of high solar activity. The U.S. Space Force and NASA have intensified their space weather monitoring efforts to deliver more accurate forecasts to commercial operators. These agencies track solar events that may affect satellites and provide warnings when hazardous conditions are anticipated. International coordination has also improved, with satellite operators sharing data about orbital positions and planned maneuvers to reduce collision risks that might be heightened during solar events. The current situation represents a learning opportunity for the industry as it adapts to operating large satellite networks during varying solar conditions. The lessons learned will likely influence the design and operation of future satellite systems. The post Satellite Mega Constellations Face Challenges from Solar Activity appeared first on Calendar.
BBC News
5 hours ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Almost lost in space: Astronauts recall tension of troubled Starliner flight
When astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore approached the International Space Station (ISS) last year with failing thrusters on their Boeing Starliner capsule, they were unable to fly forward to dock. And if they couldn't dock, they didn't know if they could make it back home again."Docking was imperative," Mr Wilmore told BBC News, two months after he and Ms Williams finally made a successful return to Earth. "If we weren't able to dock, would we be able to make it back? We didn't know."The astronauts had been travelling on a test flight that was meant to last eight days. Instead, they ended up staying in space for nearly 10 months. The first challenge was to dock safely and successfully at the ISS, which they managed to do within several minutes after Mission Control on the ground helped them restart the craft's Wilmore said that the possibility they might never see Earth again "definitely went through our minds".But both astronauts said they didn't communicate the worst-case scenarios out loud in those moments, because they were trained to move on with solving problems. "You sort of read each other's mind and know where we're going with all the failures," Ms Williams told the BBC. "These were not expected," she admitted. But thoughts quickly turned to solutions: "At the same time, you know, we're like, what do we have? What can we do?" Astronauts Butch and Suni finally back on EarthHow did the Nasa pair fill nine months in space? The pair's saga began in June 2024. They were taking part in the first crewed test flight of the Starliner spacecraft, which was developed by aerospace company after a number of technical problems during their flight, the option of Starliner carrying the astronauts home as planned was deemed to be a risk not worth taking - given that the pair could instead be brought back by another company, that reason, they stayed in space until they hitched a ride back on a SpaceX capsule. For its part, Boeing maintained that its own capsule was safe to use - and was proven right when the craft returned, uncrewed, in September months of experiments aboard the space station, Ms Williams and Mr Wilmore eventually returned to Earth on 18 this phase of their mission, the pair were repeatedly described as stranded, implying there was no means for them to get off the that was not the case, as the space station always has spacecraft attached to it - which could have acted in an emergency as a lifeboat to carry the astronauts back to the pair's stay was longer than expected - though the Nasa pair embraced this."We knew nobody was going to just let us down... we knew everybody had our back and was looking out for us," Ms Williams in limbo, the pair even found themselves in the middle of a political row, after US President Donald Trump blamed his predecessor Joe Biden for abandoning them in space. But the astronauts said they ignored the politics and didn't feel abandoned. "We can't speak to that at all," said Mr Wilmore. "We understand space flight is hard, human space flight is even harder." After two months back on the ground, both astronauts say they are feeling fit and well, because the workouts that they undertook while in their zero-gravity environment paid in zero gravity means your body doesn't need much time to recover from the daily squats and deadlifts, Mr Wilmore said he performed squats and deadlifts "every single day for almost 10 months", meaning that he returned to Earth "literally stronger than I've ever been in my life".Ms Williams agreed - she went running days after landing back on Earth and once ran a full marathon in space strapped to a treadmill - but said it's not always easy to readjust to the weight of the world. "Just getting gravity back on your head and your back and all that kind of stuff is a little bit painful," she their return, the pair have been working with Nasa and Boeing to fix problems with the malfunctioning spacecraft that took them into space last summer."We are very positively hopeful that there will be opportunities to fly the Boeing Starliner in the future," Mr Wilmore both astronauts said they would personally fly in the craft again - once those technical issues were resolved."It's a very capable spacecraft," Ms Williams said. "It has unique capabilities compared to other spacecraft that are out there that are really great for future astronauts to fly."
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
US trade representative: China ‘slowrolling' compliance with deal
U.S. trade representative Jamieson Greer slammed China for not fulfilling their compliance under a trade agreement wagered in early May. Greer says Beijing's leaders have not pulled back on countermeasures as discussed nor have they released the flow of the country's rare Earth magnets being used to manufacture futuristic technology. 'We moved, as the president just said, very quickly, no one can deny that the United States did exactly what it was supposed to do, and the Chinese are slowrolling their compliance, which is completely unacceptable and has to be addressed,' the trade representative said during a Friday appearance on CNBC. On May 12, the Trump administration said the U.S. would drop its baseline tariff rate on Chinese goods from 145 percent to 30 percent and China agreed to lower its tariff to 10 percent from 125 percent. However, the president fumed at foreign leaders on Friday for failing to uphold their end of the deal. 'Because of this deal, everything quickly stabilized and China got back to business as usual. Everybody was happy! That is the good news!!!' Trump wrote on Truth Social. 'The bad news is that China, perhaps not surprisingly to some, HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US. So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!' Trump and his counterpart Xi Jinping are expected to have a call at some point to discuss discrepancies, as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that trade talks have been 'a bit stalled' on Thursday. Greer said China's holdout has forced the administration to take negotiations public. 'We've actually been quieter, frankly, than they have, to some degree. But the president's comments today, obviously, as we're watching the market, you know this is, this is complicating things,' he told CNBC. 'I would say there you know, lot of different ways to deal with folks. You make every effort to be diplomatic and professional and to do things behind closed doors, you know. But at some point, you know, the impact on the US economy, or the trade relationship, becomes such that it's hard to withhold that anymore.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
