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News18
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
No Alcohol, No Meat? What Was Allowed By NASA At Shubhanshu Shukla's ISS Farewell?
Last Updated: Shubhanshu Shukla's farewell on the ISS was streamed live, featuring no alcohol or non-veg food. NASA's rules ensure pre-approved meals and video call goodbyes When we picture a farewell party, we imagine music, food, maybe a few drinks, and some heartfelt goodbyes. But when the send-off happens 400 kms above Earth, like the one recently held for Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the rules are very different. No champagne toasts. No buffet table. And definitely no non-veg. Shukla and a few fellow astronauts were honored in a small, carefully scripted farewell ceremony on the ISS, streamed live back to Earth. The event prompted a flurry of curiosity online: What exactly happens at a space farewell? Do astronauts eat cake? Is music allowed? Can they talk to family? Here's how it works. The ISS might look laid-back in photos, with astronauts floating around grinning in T-shirts, but NASA and its international partners have laid down a dense manual of rules. These stem from the 1998 Intergovernmental Agreement and the Crew Code of Conduct (CCOC), documents signed by agencies like NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA, and CSA. Any crew gathering, including farewells, must be coordinated with Earth-based mission control centres in Houston and Moscow. These aren't parties in the traditional sense. They're brief, structured ceremonies where the departing astronauts thank colleagues, reflect on the mission, and hand over responsibilities to the incoming team. So What's Actually Served? Forget space steaks or a glass of wine. NASA bans alcohol, non-vegetarian food, and any intoxicants aboard the ISS. Meals are limited to pre-approved dehydrated or thermostabilised food, prepared weeks in advance and vacuum-sealed for zero-gravity handling. At most, astronauts might 'celebrate" with a snack pack of rehydrated mac and cheese or a bar of chocolate. Any item not previously cleared, down to utensils, can't be used. Even the smell of strong food is considered disruptive in a closed-loop system like the ISS, where air is recycled and shared. Music? Maybe Astronauts are allowed to play music, but only if it doesn't interrupt station communications or disturb experiments. There are no impromptu karaoke sessions or loud goodbyes. Every action, every sound, is logged and monitored from Earth. Family Time, Through A Screen One emotional part of the farewell is the video call with family, conducted with support from mission control. Astronauts float in microgravity, waving goodbye and sharing final thoughts before undocking. These messages are often moving and symbolic, emphasising unity, cooperation, and the high-stakes nature of human spaceflight. In Shubhanshu Shukla's case, it was also a moment of national pride. An Indian astronaut taking part in such ceremonies marks a quiet but significant milestone for India's presence in space exploration. view comments First Published: July 14, 2025, 13:01 IST 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.
Morocco World
12-07-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco-Nigeria Gas Pipeline Project Advances as Officials Meet in Rabat
Rabat — The Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline project seems to be making significant progress, with Rabat hosting this week several high-level meetings to discuss the project. The project, which will stretch across 13 African countries, gained momentum during technical and steering committee meetings held on July 10-11 in Rabat. The gatherings brought together top executives from national oil companies across West Africa to review the project's progress. Officials from Morocco's National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM) organized the meetings, which also included representatives from the Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO). Project reaches key milestones The ambitious pipeline has already cleared several important hurdles. Engineers completed detailed design studies in 2024, and teams finished environmental and social impact assessments for the northern section. Similar studies for the southern segment, running from Nigeria to Senegal, are now underway. The pipeline will carry 30 billion cubic meters of gas annually when complete. Developers plan to build it in phases, with a holding company overseeing financing and construction. Three separate project companies will handle different segments of the route. In December 2024, West African leaders approved the Intergovernmental Agreement during the 66th CEDEAO Summit, spelling out each country's rights and responsibilities for the project. New partnership agreement signed During the Rabat meetings, officials signed a new memorandum of understanding between three key players, namely Nigeria's National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Morocco's ONHYM, and Togo's National Gas Company (SOTOGAZ). The agreement marks Togo's official entry into the project and completes the series of partnerships with all countries along the pipeline route. Connecting Africa to Europe The pipeline will start in Nigeria and run along the Atlantic coast through Benin, Togo, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia, Senegal, and Mauritania before reaching Morocco. From there, it will connect to the existing Maghreb-Europe Pipeline and European gas networks. The project will also supply gas to three landlocked countries, including Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. Royal vision for African integration King Mohammed VI and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu launched this strategic initiative together. The Moroccan monarch said he sees the pipeline as a way to boost African development, improve living conditions across the region, and strengthen economic ties between African nations. Officials believe the project will give Africa greater economic, political, and strategic influence while serving as a major driver of regional integration. The pipeline aligns with Morocco's broader Atlantic Initiative, which aims to increase cooperation between Atlantic-facing African countries. The project promises significant economic and social benefits for all 13 countries along its route, potentially transforming energy access and economic opportunities across West Africa. Tags: gas pipelineGas Pipeline ProjectMorocco Nigeria
Morocco World
26-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline: ECOWAS Poised to Give Final Approval
Marrakech – The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project awaits its final institutional step as ECOWAS heads of state prepare to give their official approval. This strategic 6,900-kilometer pipeline aims to strengthen energy security across West Africa while fostering industrial and social development in the region. Amina Benkhadra, Director General of Morocco's National Office of Hydrocarbures and Mines (ONHYM), announced the project's advancement during the 17th US-Africa Business Summit in Luanda, which concluded yesterday. 'The Intergovernmental Agreement has been endorsed by energy ministers of the concerned countries and approved by ECOWAS,' Benkhadra stated. 'The official signature by the heads of state will constitute the final institutional milestone before implementation begins.' The project, co-led by ONHYM and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), has already achieved several key technical, environmental, and institutional benchmarks. Implementation will proceed gradually, adapted to regional specificities. Also known as the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, it will benefit 13 coastal countries and 3 landlocked countries, helping to structure a regional electricity market. Morocco views this initiative as part of its broader energy strategy aimed at ensuring national energy security while expanding access to natural gas across the continent. 'Access to natural gas, a clean and available resource, must be expanded across the continent to support its development,' Benkhadra noted during a high-level session titled 'Unleashing Africa's Gas Potential: Pathways to Sustainable Growth and Energy Security.' She stressed Morocco's position as a bridge between continents and a regional stability actor. 'Morocco, under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, is working to play a driving role in African development by leveraging its geostrategic position at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and America,' Benkhadra added. The director general pointed out Morocco's unique status as the only African country with a free trade agreement with the United States, positioning it as a convergence platform between Africa and major global economies. Morocco was represented at the summit by a strong multisectoral delegation led by Karim Zidane, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government for Investment, Convergence, and Evaluation of Public Policies. The delegation included leaders from key public and private sector organizations, including AMDIE, ONHYM, ONCF, CGEM, MEDZ, MARSA Maroc, and representatives from Moroccan banks. During the summit, Zidane held bilateral meetings with several counterparts, including José de Lima Massano, Angola's Minister of State for Economic Coordination, Rui Miguêns de Oliveira, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Isaac Francisco Maria dos Anjos, Minister of Agriculture and Forests of Angola, and Mohamed Chimi, Egyptian Minister of Public Business Sector. These discussions confirmed a shared desire to strengthen dynamic partnerships in strategic sectors, including investment, industry, agriculture, and trade. The summit, themed 'Pathways to Prosperity: A Shared Vision for US-Africa Partnership,' gathered over 1,500 participants, including heads of state and high-level government officials, serving as a major platform for economic dialogue between the US and African countries. Notably, the US and Angola refused to allow the Polisario Front's self-styled 'SADR' to participate, marking another diplomatic setback for the Algiers regime. This decision reinforces Morocco's legitimate rights over its Sahara, with over 90% of African nations now supporting the North African country's position. The ONHYM delegation also held exchanges with several partners, including the Angolan sovereign wealth fund. Read also: Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Tops President Tinubu's Priorities
Mid East Info
13-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and President of Kazakhstan Witness Masdar Agreement to Develop Renewable Energy Projects
Masdar signs collaboration agreement with Samruk-Kazyna during official visit of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Kazakhstan The agreement will support the development of '24/7' project providing up to 500MW of baseload renewable energy and battery energy storage projects with up to 2GW capacity UAE and Kazakhstan Energy Ministers also exchanged documents recognizing ratification of government agreement on development of Masdar's 1GW wind farm in Central Asian nation Astana, Kazakhstan – May, 2025: His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and His Excellency Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, witnessed a collaboration agreement between Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar and Samruk-Kazyna JSC, related to the development of renewable energy and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in Kazakhstan. His Excellency Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, and Nurlan Zhakupov, Chief Executive Officer of Samruk-Kazyna, exchanged documents related to the collaboration agreement during the Kazakhstan-UAE Business Forum. Under the agreement, Masdar, the UAE's clean energy leader, and Samruk-Kazyna, Kazakhstan's sovereign wealth fund, will explore the development of a '24/7' project that will provide up to 500 megawatts (MW) of baseload renewable energy, and BESS projects with up to 2 gigawatts (GW) capacity. Masdar is currently developing a 1GW wind farm with a 600-megawatt-hour (MWh) BESS in Kazakhstan, set to be one of the largest wind projects in the region. HE Suhail Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, and HE Yerlan Akkenzhenov, Minister of Energy for Kazakhstan, also exchanged documents related to the ratification of the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) signed at COP28 in 2023 for the development of the 1GW wind project. This marks a significant milestone toward the project's implementation. HE Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Masdar Chairman, said: 'This agreement builds on the already strong energy partnership between our two countries and will support Kazakhstan's ambitious renewable energy objectives. By leveraging Masdar's expertise in renewables and battery storage technology, Kazakhstan will be able to address today's energy needs while creating new jobs, stimulating its economy and preparing for the growing demands of tomorrow. We look forward to working closely with Samruk-Kazyna and the Government of Kazakhstan to deliver sustainable, secure energy and drive socioeconomic progress.' Nurlan Zhakupov, CEO of Samruk-Kazyna, said: 'In line with President Tokayev's objective of reaching carbon neutrality by 2060, Samruk-Kazyna is strengthening its efforts in low-carbon development, including through partnerships with leading international companies such as Masdar. This agreement represents a step forward toward increasing the share of renewable energy in Kazakhstan's energy mix, using advanced technologies to support a more sustainable and resilient energy future.' Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said: 'Kazakhstan is a key strategic partner for Masdar and today's agreement further strengthens our presence in the country, building on the strong collaboration established through our existing 1GW wind and battery storage project in the Jambyl region. This agreement also strengthens our partnership with Samruk-Kazyna and we will continue to work closely together to support energy security, economic diversification and climate action.' Kazakhstan is targeting generating 15 percent of electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030 and 50 percent by 2050. Masdar signed an agreement at COP28 with W Solar, Qazaq Green Power QGP, a Samruk-Kazyna Group company, and the Kazakhstan Investment Development Fund to develop and implement the 1GW wind project. The power purchase agreement and the investment agreement for the project were signed at COP29 in Baku last year, with construction expected to begin in 2026. Masdar announced a significant advance in battery storage technology this year, with the launch at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) of the world's first gigascale 24/7 solar and battery storage project. Located in Abu Dhabi, the project will feature a 5.2GW (DC) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant, coupled with a 19 gigawatt-hour (GWh) BESS to deliver up to 1GW baseload power every day – the largest combined solar and BESS project in the world. With abundant solar and wind resources, Central Asia is a key strategic region for Masdar. Beyond its footprint in Kazakhstan, the company has an active presence across the region, including Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. Masdar is targeting a 100GW global portfolio capacity by 2030.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Rafale-M roars after Pahalgam: How India's French fighter deal could turn up the heat on Pakistan
India's recent agreement with France to acquire 26 Rafale-Marine aircraft has been described as a strategic move amid ongoing tensions with Pakistan. The timing of the deal—just days after the Pahalgam terror attack—has raised its symbolic and operational significance. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack Nuclear Power! How India and Pakistan's arsenals stack up Does America have a plan to capture Pakistan's nuclear weapons? Airspace blockade: India plots a flight path to skip Pakistan "During such a time, when there is a lot of tension going on between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack , the signing of this deal is going to mount pressure on Pakistan... In the coming days, whatever action India takes against Pakistan, Rafale will play a key role," defence analyst Sanjeev Srivastava told ANI. He added, "This deal will strengthen India's defence position against Pakistan, and it will keep pressure on them also... The aircraft will be operating from India's two aircraft carriers, which are expected to be delivered between 2028 and 2030. But this has happened amid tension and it will, without any doubt, keep the adversaries under pressure." 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by India-France sign $7.5 billion naval Rafale deal The agreement was signed under an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) framework. It includes 22 single-seat Rafale M aircraft and four twin-seat Rafale D jets. The package also includes training modules, simulators, associated weapons, equipment, and a five-year performance-based logistics support system, according to statements from the Indian Ministry of Defence and the French Embassy in India. Present at the signing were France's Ambassador to India, Thierry Mathou, and India's Defence Secretary, Rajesh Kumar, along with senior officials and industry partners. This deal marks the first-ever export order for the naval version of the Rafale jet, manufactured by Dassault Aviation . Live Events Aerospace cooperation with a Make-in-India boost The Rafale M jets, expected to be delivered between 2028 and 2030, will fly from INS Vikrant and support the existing MiG-29K fleet. But the significance of this deal extends beyond new aircraft. It also includes critical clauses for indigenisation. "In line with the Government's thrust on Aatmanirbhar Bharat , the agreement includes Transfer of Technology for integration of indigenous weapons in India. It also includes setting up of production facilities for Rafale Fuselage as well as Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facilities for aircraft engine, sensors, and weapons in India,' said the Ministry of Defence. The Transfer of Technology clause could enable integration of the Indian-made beyond visual range missile, Astra, onto the Rafale platform. Dassault has already begun building a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Uttar Pradesh as part of its offset commitments for previous Rafale purchases. Why interoperability matters for the Navy and Air Force Dassault's Rafale-M won the bid over Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet, largely due to its operational compatibility with the Indian Air Force's (IAF) 36 Rafales, already stationed at Ambala and Hasimara. Both services—the IAF and the Navy—will now benefit from shared systems and logistics. This includes the "buddy-buddy" aerial refuelling system, which allows one aircraft to refuel another in flight. Such interoperability improves operational endurance and simplifies maintenance cycles. The IAF operates the Rafale C, and the Navy's Rafale M has a high degree of equipment and airframe commonality with it. This reduces the complexity of training and supply chains. Aiming for more than just aircraft This agreement could also set the stage for future Rafale orders. With its current fleet strength below the sanctioned 42 squadrons, the IAF is exploring options to expand its inventory while avoiding excessive diversification. The push to integrate indigenous weapons, like the Astra missile, requires access to the Rafale's source code—a point of negotiation with Dassault Aviation. Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh has previously cited the British-origin Jaguar as a model, allowing India to regularly upgrade avionics and weapons thanks to licensed production. Replicating this model with the Rafale would support long-term self-reliance and modernisation. Lessons from Mirage: Why domestic production matters India's earlier acquisition of the Mirage 2000 jets highlights the importance of local manufacturing. Between 1982 and 1985, the IAF purchased 51 Mirage jets in flyaway condition. Over the years, spare parts and upgrades became a challenge. India had to procure second-hand jets to cannibalise for spares. Even after a costly upgrade deal with Thales in 2011, the mid-life overhaul of the Mirage fleet has been slow. In contrast, the licensed manufacturing of Jaguars and Su-30 MKIs allowed India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to maintain and upgrade them locally, ensuring longer operational relevance. The Rafale deal now seeks to follow this path. This contract not only equips India's Navy with state-of-the-art jets, but also builds infrastructure for long-term support. The MRO facility in India will also handle depot-level maintenance of the M88 engine—the first such facility outside France. Overhaul of MICA missiles is also planned under this framework. By linking strategic deterrence with domestic capability building, the Rafale-M deal signals more than a weapons purchase. It reflects a broader shift in India's defence policy—towards resilience, preparedness, and industrial self-reliance. Manufactured by Dassault Aviation, the Rafale M is a proven carrier-based combat aircraft. Deliveries of the Rafale M jets are expected to begin in 2028 and are anticipated to be completed by 2030. The Rafale M jets will operate from INS Vikrant and support the existing Mig-29 K fleet. The Indian Air Force already operates a fleet of 36 Rafale aircraft acquired under a separate deal signed in 2016. These aircraft are based at Ambala and Hasimara. The new deal will raise the total number of Rafale jets in India to 62, significantly boosting the country's fleet of 4.5-generation fighter aircraft.
