Surya: NASA and IBM Release Largest Open-Source Heliophysics AI Model on Hugging Face

IBM and NASA have unveiled a groundbreaking open-source AI model called Surya, designed to predict solar weather and protect critical infrastructure from space-based disruptions. The powerful AI model is trained on 14 years of observations from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO).

Here's a breakdown of what makes this initiative so impactful:

What Is Surya?

• Name Origin: “Surya” is Sanskrit for “Sun,” reflecting its heliophysics focus.
• Purpose: Predict solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and other solar phenomena that can disrupt satellites, GPS, power grids, and telecommunications.
• Availability: Open-source and hosted on Hugging Face.

Technical Highlights

• Foundation Model: Trained on 14 years of high-resolution solar data from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO).
• Data Types: Includes solar coronal EUV images, magnetic field maps, and solar surface velocity data.
• Model Size: 366 million parameters—lightweight enough for broader deployment.

Capabilities & Performance

• Forecasting Power:
  • Predicts solar flares up to 2 hours in advance.
  • Achieved 16% improvement in flare classification accuracy over previous models.
• Use Cases:
  • Early warnings for satellite operators.
  • Infrastructure protection for energy grids and aviation.
  • Academic research in heliophysics and space weather.

Why It Matters

• Economic Risk: A major solar storm could cost the global economy up to $2.4 trillion over five years.
• Recent Events: Solar storms have already disrupted GPS, diverted flights, and damaged satellites.
• Future-Proofing: As humanity ventures deeper into space, accurate solar forecasting becomes essential for safety and continuity.

Open Science Impact

• SuryaBench Dataset: IBM and NASA also released the largest curated heliophysics dataset to support further research.
• Community Collaboration: Encourages scientists and developers to build on Surya for new applications in space weather prediction.

Summary Table

Feature	Details
Model Name	Surya
Developed By	IBM & NASA
Training Data	14 years of solar observations from NASA's SDO
Parameter Count	366 million
Forecast Window	Up to 2 hours before solar flare events
Accuracy Improvement	16% over prior models
Hosted On	Hugging Face

NASA Discovers Heart-Shaped Wonders on Mars

In a delightful twist to planetary science, NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has captured images of dozens of heart-shaped landforms sprinkled across the Martian surface—turning the cold, red expanse into a gallery of cosmic affection.

These curious shapes have appeared in various regions, from Arabia Terra to the southern highlands. While they might evoke sentiments of love and whimsy, scientists assure us they’re no extraterrestrial Valentine’s messages. Instead, they’re crafted by natural forces over millions of years.

How Does Mars Carve Out a Heart?

• Impact Craters: Small meteoroids collide with Mars, revealing lighter sediment underneath and sculpting crater patterns that coincidentally resemble hearts.
• Erosion & Volcanism: Mesas and depressions, shaped by erosion or volcanic activity, also contribute to heart-like silhouettes.
• Lighting & Shadows: Martian sunlight plays visual tricks—enhancing ridges and dips to accentuate these romantic outlines.

“It's one of those moments where science meets poetry,” remarked Dr. Alisha Grant, a planetary geologist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. “We're interpreting nature’s randomness as a symbol of something very human.”

Mars: The Solar System’s Secret Romantic?

NASA has been sharing these striking visuals each year around Valentine’s Day, fueling public fascination. One post even quipped, “Looks like Mars has been secretly playing Cupid all along.”

The trend has gained momentum online, with space enthusiasts tagging their favorite heart-shaped formations and debating whether the Red Planet deserves a new nickname: ‘The Loveliest Planet.’

What It Means for Science & Storytelling

While the formations are scientifically valuable—helping researchers analyze erosion patterns, geological layering, and ancient water flows—they also serve a purpose beyond data. They invite the public to engage with space exploration in a playful, emotional way.

After all, when a distant planet 225 million kilometers away starts resembling symbols of love, it’s hard not to feel a cosmic connection.

Ghost Waves Beneath the Ice: NASA's ANITA Hears What Shouldn't Exist

High above Antarctica, a NASA experiment called ANITA (Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna) detected radio waves coming from beneath the ice — at angles around 30° below the surface. That’s a big deal because, according to the Standard Model of particle physics, such signals should be absorbed by thousands of kilometers of rock before ever reaching the surface. Yet, somehow, they made it through.

Initially, scientists thought these might be caused by neutrinos, those ghostly subatomic particles that rarely interact with matter. But the angles and behavior of the signals don’t match what we’d expect from neutrinos. Researchers have ruled out known particle interactions, background noise, and even checked data from other observatories like Pierre Auger in Argentina — still no satisfying.

The unusual radio pulses were detected by the Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna (ANITA) experiment, a range of instruments flown on balloons high above Antarctica that are designed to detect radio waves from cosmic rays hitting the atmosphere. (Credit: Stephanie Wissel / Penn State creative commons)

Some theorists are now floating ideas that range from dark matter interactions to new physics beyond the Standard Model. Others suggest we might be seeing an unknown behavior of radio waves near ice or the horizon. A new balloon-based detector called PUEO is expected to launch soon to gather more data and hopefully crack the case.

ANITA was placed in Antarctica because there is little chance of interference from other signals. To capture the emission signals, the balloon-borne radio detector is sent to fly over stretches of ice, capturing what are called ice showers. Credit: Stephanie Wissel / Penn State.

After ANITA's balloon-borne detectors picked up those impossible upward-traveling radio pulses (in both 2006 and 2014), researchers ruled out neutrinos as the cause. The angles were just too steep — around 30° below the horizon — meaning any particle would’ve had to pass through nearly 3,000 km of solid Earth. That’s a feat no known particle can pull off.

To double-check, scientists turned to other observatories like IceCube in Antarctica and Pierre Auger in Argentina. Neither found matching events, reinforcing the anomaly. Theories now range from exotic particles to unknown radio propagation effects near ice or the horizon — but none fully explain the signals.

Enter PUEO — the Payload for Ultrahigh Energy Observations. It’s ANITA’s successor, slated to launch soon with five times the sensitivity. It’ll carry more antennas and upgraded electronics to hunt for similar signals and hopefully determine whether we’re seeing new physics or just misunderstood phenomena.

Stephanie Wissel, a lead physicist on the project, summed it up best:

It's one of those long-standing mysteries. We’ve ruled out what it’s not — now we’re trying to figure out what it is

It’s like the ice is whispering secrets from a realm we haven’t yet mapped. Want to dive deeper into the theories — dark matter, exotic particles, or even the more speculative ones? Follow IndianWeb2.com on X, LinkedIn or Facebook.

NASA Fast-Tracks Mars Missions, Puts Lunar Plans on Hold

NASA is considering launching missions to Mars as early as next year, marking a significant shift in priorities. This change comes after the U.S. administration released its proposed budget, which emphasizes landing a human on Mars and allocates an additional $1 billion for Mars-related projects.

SpaceX's Starship is expected to play a key role in these missions, given its capability to reach the Red Planet. The agency is evaluating launch windows in 2026 and 2028 to test technologies that will support human exploration on Mars. However, this shift may lead to tensions with lawmakers who have mandated NASA to focus on a long-term lunar presence.

With this NASA's shift toward Mars missions is causing major changes to its lunar exploration plans. The Artemis program, which was designed to establish a long-term human presence on the Moon, is facing significant cuts. The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion crew capsule—key components of Artemis—are set to be retired after Artemis 3, the first planned crewed Moon landing. Additionally, the lunar Gateway space station, which was meant to serve as a staging point for deep-space missions, is being canceled.

Despite these cuts, NASA is still allocating over $7 billion for lunar exploration. However, the agency is shifting toward commercial alternatives, such as SpaceX's Starship, to support future Moon missions. This move aligns with the administration’s goal of prioritizing Mars while maintaining a presence on the Moon.

Notably, NASA and ISRO's NISAR mission remains on track despite NASA's shift toward Mars. The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite is scheduled for launch in June 2025. This Earth observation mission will use dual-frequency radar (L-band and S-band) to monitor changes in landforms, ice sheets, and ecosystems every 12 days.

While NASA is prioritizing Mars, NISAR's funding and development remain intact, as it serves a different purpose—tracking environmental changes, disaster management, and infrastructure monitoring. The satellite is currently undergoing final integration at ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

So, while NASA's deep-space ambitions are shifting, its collaboration with ISRO on Earth science remains strong.

This shift of priorities from NASA is sparking concerns among lawmakers and international partners, as NASA had previously committed to a sustained lunar presence. What do you think, should NASA focus on Mars, or is the Moon still a crucial stepping stone? Do comment your opinion below...

50 Yrs of Climate Change: NASA Image Shows The 'Blue Planet' Has Turned Grey

Half a century ago, Earth was a shimmering marble in the void—a planet so vibrantly blue, its image from space became a symbol of purity, balance, and life. But in the last 50 years, that celestial blue has dimmed, clouded by the scars of human progress. Rising temperatures, poisoned oceans, and vanishing forests—our home has morphed into something unrecognizable.

The Apollo 8 images from 1968 captured Earth in its pristine glory, a vibrant blue sphere untouched by the extreme climate shifts we see today. Meanwhile, NASA's EPIC (Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera) images from 2025 provide a stark contrast, revealing the effects of rising temperatures, pollution, and deforestation.

1968: A pristine, thriving Blue Planet. The beginning of space exploration and hope.

Explore these images here:

• 1968 Apollo 8 Earth View: [See it here]
• 2025 NASA EPIC Earth View: [See it here]

Besides this 1968 photo, the original slide film of the famous 1972 Blue Marble photograph was taken by the Apollo 17 crew on December 7, 1972, during their journey to the Moon. This iconic image, officially designated AS17-148-22727, became one of the most widely distributed photographs in history, showcasing Earth in its full, illuminated glory.

This classic photograph of the Earth was taken on December 7, 1972. 

For a high-quality version of the original slide transparency, explore:

• NASA's archival records: [View here].
• Agent Gallery Chicago, which offers a large transparency slide of the image: [See details]

This image was groundbreaking because it was the first time astronauts could capture the entire Earth, including the South Pole, in a single frame. It remains a powerful reminder of our planet’s beauty and fragility.

The Warning We Ignored

The first murmurs of a climate crisis emerged in the 1970s, when scientists started linking fossil fuel emissions to global temperature rise. Fast forward to today, and their predictions have become stark reality. Glaciers retreat like beaten warriors, islands sink beneath rising tides, and entire species are disappearing before our eyes. The warnings were there, yet humanity plowed ahead, chasing industrial expansion and unchecked consumption.

Oceans: The Fading Blue

2025: A fading, wounded Earth. 50 years of climate change and the fight for survival. (NASA Image taken on 22 April 2025) 

Once a vast cradle of life, our oceans bear the deepest wounds. Nearly 30% more acidic than 50 years ago, their coral reefs bleach into graveyards, unable to withstand relentless temperature spikes. Polluted waters choke marine ecosystems, while plastic islands float aimlessly—monuments to our disregard for nature. What was once Earth's lifeblood has transformed into a struggling, poisoned entity.

Forests: The Vanishing Green

The lungs of our planet are collapsing. The Amazon, once infinite in its stretch, has lost millions of acres. Climate-triggered wildfires ravage Australia and California with apocalyptic force, leaving behind a scorched wasteland. Trees—nature’s most efficient carbon scrubbers—are being erased at an alarming rate, allowing carbon dioxide to fill the air like an invisible plague.

A dramatic comparison between 2000 and 2015 reveals vast areas of forest replaced by roads and plantations.

The Temperature Siege

We've surpassed tipping points once thought unimaginable. The last decade was the hottest in recorded history, with summers stretching longer and fiercer, and winters becoming erratic. As Arctic ice melts, new pathways open for geopolitical ambition, but at a devastating cost—the loss of an ancient ecosystem. Cities once considered safe from climate threats are now battling floods, heatwaves, and resource scarcity.

What Now?

Despite the bleak picture, all is not lost. Renewable energy innovations, ambitious climate agreements, and the relentless fight of environmental activists offer glimpses of hope. Nations are slowly shifting towards greener economies, corporations are being held accountable, and individuals are embracing sustainable habits. The Earth’s wounds are deep, but not irreparable—if we act, if we adapt, if we revolutionize.

The question remains: Will we restore the blue that made Earth the envy of the cosmos, or will we stand idly as it fades to gray?

Sunita Williams to Return Safely on March 19: Sr Scientist at NASA-JPL

• “Sunita Williams to return home safely on March 19”: Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay at ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025
• “There is no conspiracy theory here; Sunita Williams’ return was delayed due to a technical glitch,” said Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay
• “We have not found life outside Earth; not even a single cell,” said Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay

“There is no conspiracy theory here. NASA is not keeping Sunita Williams in space. Sunita Williams’ return was delayed due to a technical glitch, but on March 19, they will be safely back home. In fact, we are using this opportunity to explore space further,” Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay, Senior Scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Visiting Professor at Caltech said on NASA’s Sunita Williams stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) at ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025 in Mumbai, today.

Against the backdrop of India's growing leadership in space exploration, Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay, exploring humanity's latest discoveries in the quest to understand the universe, said, “Can life exist outside of Earth? The answer is yes. But we have not found life outside of Earth; not even a single cell. But with 400 billion stars and the majority having planets revolving around them, the probability of life existing beyond Earth is there. Our goal is to find a planet where life is sustainable.”

Speaking at the session ‘Adventures in Space – Our Place in the Universe,’ Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay, added, “We search for the unknown with the knowledge of the known. But we don’t even know what kind of life could start or where it may exist. That is what we are trying to figure out. The best place to live a happy life in this universe is our Earth. Why should we go live on Mars? We can send you there if you want, but it’s a one-way ticket.”

Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay also spoke on India’s unmatched potential in the global landscape, stating, “ISRO and NASA are collaborating on a project right now. ISRO is doing great and executing successful missions.”

Talking about how astronomy is different from astrology, Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay said, “Astronomy truly opens up your vision to the universe and it is a big mystery that we are trying to solve."

ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, centred on the theme ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier’, will bring together thought leaders and innovators to explore the challenges and opportunities in India’s ascendance in a rapidly changing world. In the face of climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and technological advancements such as AI, the summit delved into India’s role as both an ancient civilisation and a demographic powerhouse in shaping the future. The two-day summit brought together a confluence of ideas from global thought leaders, intellectuals, and change-makers, covering transformative possibilities in science, medicine, social contracts, and global leadership, with experts from diverse fields offering bold visions of a better, more sustainable world for all.

NASA Astronaut Captures Photos of Maha Kumbh at Night from The ISS

NASA astronaut Don Pettit, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), recently shared stunning photos of the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela from space. Captured at night, the images show the vast crowd illuminated under the night sky, highlighting the grandeur of the world's largest human gathering.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, held once every 144 years in Prayagraj, attracts millions of devotees who come to take a holy dip in the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Pettit's photos beautifully capture the enormity and vibrancy of this spiritual event from an unparalleled perspective.

2025 Maha Kumbh Mela Ganges River pilgrimage from the ISS at night. The largest human gathering in the world is well lit. pic.twitter.com/l9YD6o0Llo

— Don Pettit (@astro_Pettit) January 26, 2025

NASA astronaut Don Pettit, known for his passion for photography, has used a Telephoto lenses attached to an electronic still camera to capture the stunning images of the Maha Kumbh Mela from the International Space Station (ISS). Pettit has shared many breathtaking views of Earth from space during his missions.

Enlarged and enhances copy of photo taken by Astronaut Pettit (Click or tap to view) 

Pettit used high-resolution digital cameras, including models from Nikon and Canon, to capture his images.

He employed a range of lenses, including fisheye, wide-angle, and telephoto lenses, to get different perspectives and details.

The fisheye lens allowed him to capture wide panoramic views, which are especially useful for photographing large events. Telephoto lenses were used to zoom in on specific areas, providing detailed close-up shots of geographical features or events on Earth.

An innovative photographer, Pettit has used time exposure, multiple cameras, infrared, and other techniques to contribute breathtaking images of Earth and star trails from the space station’s unique viewpoint. These photos contribute to a database researchers use to understand Earth’s changing landscapes, and this imagery can inspire the public’s interest in human spaceflight. 

China Dam Slowing Down Earth's Rotation, Says NASA

The Three Gorges Dam in China had a measurable impact on Earth's rotation, says scientists from the US space agency NASA. The dam spans the Yangtze River in Hubei province, China. It is about 2,335 meters (7,660 feet) long and 185 meters (607 feet) high. The reservoir created by the dam is 600 kilometers (370 miles) long and can hold up to 39.3 cubic kilometers (9.43 cubic miles) of water.

The primary purpose of the dam is to generate electricity. It has an installed capacity of 22,500 megawatts, making it the largest hydroelectric power station in the world.

The massive weight of the water stored in the dam's reservoir has increased Earth's moment of inertia. This means that the distribution of Earth's mass has changed, causing a slight decrease in the speed of Earth's rotation.

As a result, the length of a day has increased by about 0.06 microseconds. While this change is incredibly small and not noticeable in daily life, it is scientifically significant.

 If filled, the dam would hold 40 cubic kilometers (10 trillion gallons) of water. That shift of mass would increase the length of day by only 0.06 microseconds and make the Earth only very slightly more round in the middle and flat on the top. It would shift the pole position by about two centimeters (0.8 inch).

Other Effects

Power Generation: The dam generates a massive amount of electricity, approximately 88.2 billion kWh annually, making it the world's largest hydroelectric power station.

Environmental Impact: The construction and operation of the dam have led to significant environmental changes, including the relocation of over 1.2 million people and the flooding of large.

Future Projects

China is planning to build an even larger dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, which could have even more pronounced effects on Earth's rotation and the environment.

It's fascinating how human engineering can have such a profound impact on our planet. 

History & Timeline of NISAR, the World’s Most Expensive Earth-Imaging Satellite

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite is a collaborative project between NASA and ISRO, aimed at providing advanced radar imaging for Earth observation.

NISAR is expected to be the world's most expensive Earth-imaging satellite, with a total cost estimated at US$1.5 billion. The data collected will be freely available to the scientific community and the public, aiding in understanding and managing Earth's natural resources and hazards.

Here's a brief history and timeline of the NISAR mission:

Conceptualization

2014: The partnership between NASA and ISRO was formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop and launch the NISAR satellite.

2016: Detailed design and development work began, with both agencies contributing their expertise and resources.

Artist Rendering of NISAR (Source: NASA/ JPl-Caltech) 

Development and Testing

2018-2020: The development of the satellite's components, including the L-band radar provided by NASA and the S-band radar provided by ISRO, was completed.

2020-2023: Integration and testing of the satellite and its instruments were conducted to ensure functionality and reliability.

Launch Preparation

2023: The satellite was transported to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh, India, for final preparations and integration with the launch vehicle.

2024: Final checks and rehearsals were conducted in preparation for the scheduled launch in early 2025.

NISAR's flight antenna system undergoes thermal vacuum testing at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Launch and Mission

March 2025 (Planned): The NISAR satellite is scheduled to be launched aboard ISRO's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II (GSLV Mk II) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

Mission Objectives

Earth Observation: NISAR will map the entire globe every 12 days, providing data on ecosystems, ice mass, vegetation, sea level rise, groundwater, and natural hazards like earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, and landslides.

Dual Radar Systems: The satellite will carry both L-band and S-band radars, allowing for comprehensive monitoring of Earth's surface movements and natural processes.

NISAR Launch and Deploy Animation Video 

How Do Astronauts Vote From Space?

Fascinating blend of technology and democracy are working together to ensure everyone's voice can be heard, even from outer space.

Astronauts have the unique opportunity to vote from space, thanks to a special process set up by NASA.

The First Vote from Outer Space

David Wolf, the first American to vote in space, relaxes in the Spacehab module while Space Shuttle Atlantis was docked to Mir (10/16/1997)

The very first vote from space was cast by NASA astronaut David Wolf in 1997 while he was aboard Russia's Mir Space Station. This historic event was made possible by legislation passed by the Texas Legislature, which allowed NASA astronauts to cast ballots from orbit. The process involved sending an encrypted electronic ballot to the astronaut, which was then transmitted back to Earth and delivered to the appropriate county clerk's office.

Why Astronauts have to Vote from the Space?

The ability for astronauts to vote from space ensures that they can participate in the democratic process, even while they are on extended missions. It's a testament to the importance of civic duty and the innovative ways technology can support it.

Astronauts vote from space primarily because they may be on extended missions during election periods and cannot return to Earth to cast their ballots. This process ensures that astronauts can still participate in the democratic process while fulfilling their duties aboard the International Space Station (ISS) or other space missions.

The Setup

NASA astronaut Kate Rubins points to the International Space Station’s “voting booth” where she cast her vote from space this month. Credit: NASA

Image Credits - NASA

1. Application for Absentee Ballot: Before their mission, astronauts fill out a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to request an absentee ballot.

2. Secure Transmission: NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston sends the encrypted electronic ballot to the astronaut via a secure communication system.

3. Voting from Space: The astronaut fills out the ballot on an onboard computer, which is equipped with unique credentials to ensure security.

4. Transmission Back to Earth: The completed ballot is then encrypted and transmitted back to Earth using NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS).

5. Final Delivery: The ballot is relayed to the county clerk's office responsible for casting the ballot.

This process ensures that astronauts can participate in the democratic process even while they are orbiting Earth

Indian Conglomerate Scouts for NASA's Next Space Station

An Indian multinational conglomerate, which has been a key partner for the Indian space agency ISRO for over five decades, is exploring opportunities to contribute to NASA's successor to the International Space Station (ISS).

Mumbai, Maharashtra-headquartered Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has been a key player in powering ISRO's space missions for over five decades and is now looking to expand its reach to the international market. L&T is hopeful that Indian firms will play a role in the supply chain for America's next space station.

Vikas Khita, Vice President of L&T Precision Engineering and Systems, mentioned that while earlier talks with Blue Origin for supplying orbital launch capabilities and space habitat solutions faced challenges, remnants of those discussions are still ongoing, now involving NASA.

Khita told news agency PTI that L&T has been in discussions with Blue Origin, a Jeff Bezos's aerospace manufacturer, for supplying orbital launch capabilities and space habitat solutions.

While these talks encountered some challenges, remnants of the discussions are still ongoing, now involving NASA.

NASA is collaborating on developing a space station owned, built, and operated by a private company — either Axiom Space, Voyager Space, or Blue Origin. NASA is giving each company hundreds of millions of dollars in funding and sharing their expertise with them.

Progress photo showing the Axiom Space station being built.
(Image - ENRICO SACCHETTI/Axiom Space

NASA's next space station is called Gateway. It's a lunar space station designed to support deep space exploration and serve as a multi-purpose outpost for lunar surface missions, science in lunar orbit, and human exploration further into the cosmos. Gateway is central to NASA's Artemis missions, which aim to return humans to the Moon and eventually pave the way for human missions to Mars and beyond.

Known as India's largest engineering firm, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has been involved in the fabrication of various satellites for ISRO, including the GSAT series and IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System) satellites.

Moreover, L&T has even contributed to the development of ISRO's launch vehicles, including the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). L&T is also involved in ISRO's Gaganyaan program, which aims to send Indian astronauts into space.

L&T is also interested in building space ports, space parks, and manufacturing clusters, aligning with the Indian government's decision to open up the space sector for private participation.

Next-Gen Spacesuits to Allow Astronauts Communicate via Voice and Video

Soon, Astronauts will be able to communicate more effectively with mission control and other crew members on the lunar surface. This real-time communication can improve safety, coordination, and decision-making during missions.

Artemis III, the first crewed NASA mission to set foot on the Moon in more than 50 years, will be a historic mission, returning astronauts to the Moon for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972.

Axiom Space has partnered with Nokia to integrate advanced 4G/LTE communication capabilities into the next-generation spacesuits for the Artemis III lunar mission.

These spacesuits, known as the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU), will support HD video, telemetry data, and voice transmission over multiple kilometers on the Moon. This advancement will allow Artemis III crewmembers to capture real-time video and communicate with mission controllers on Earth while exploring the lunar surface.

Image credit: Axiom Space

Texas, US-headquartered privately funded space infrastructure developer, Axiom Space, has selected Nokia’s Lunar Surface Communications System (LSCS) for integration into its AxEMU spacesuits, which Artemis III astronauts will wear as they work on the lunar surface.

In its collaboration with Axiom Space on the Artemis III lunar spacesuit, Nokia intends to prove that the same cellular technologies that connect billions of devices on Earth can meet the critical communications needs of these seminal missions.

Together, Nokia and Axiom Space will incorporate high-speed cellular-network capabilities in AxEMU, supporting HD video, telemetry data and voice transmission over multiple kilometers on the Moon. This advancement will enable Artemis III crewmembers to capture real-time video and communicate with mission controllers on Earth while they explore the lunar surface.

The ability to transmit HD video and telemetry data over longer distances will facilitate scientific research, exploration, and documentation. Astronauts can share their experiences and findings with experts back on Earth.

Noki plans to deploy the first cellular network on the Moon as part of Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 mission, which is scheduled to be delivered to the launch site in this year only.

The Lunar Surface Communications System (LSCS)

Nokia’s Lunar Surface Communications System (LSCS), pioneered by Nokia Bell Labs’ research and innovation, will be deployed during IM-2 and will be further adapted for use in the AxEMU spacesuit.

While it is a 4G/LTE system at its heart, it is quite different to any cellular network on Earth.

4G/LTE Space Hardware

Nokia Bell Labs completely reconceptualized the hardware and software design of a 4G/LTE network, we experience on the Earth, to prepare the system for the unique operating parameters of a lunar mission and the harsh conditions of the Moon’s surface.

The LCS has been carefully engineered to withstand the extreme environmental conditions on the lunar surface, including radiation, extreme temperature variations and the Moon’s complete lack of atmosphere.

Finally, the equipment is designed to withstand the dynamic stresses of launch, spaceflight and lunar landing, as well as to meet Artemis III’s rigorous weight, size and power limitations.

Notably, the LSCS is the result of nearly two decades of research and innovation into automation, optimization, miniaturization and hardware and software integration. Nokia Bell Labs completely reconceptualized the hardware and software design of a terrestrial 4G/LTE network to prepare the system for the unique operating parameters of a lunar mission and the harsh conditions of the Moon’s surface.

The LSCS has two main components. First, a network-in-a-box combines the radio, base station, routing, security and core elements of a terrestrial network into a single highly resilient unit that will be integrated into the HLS. Second, device modules will be integrated into Axiom Space’s AxEMU spacesuits, providing mobile voice and broadband connectivity up to two kilometers away from the Artemis III human landing system (HLS).

The LSCS network system software is highly integrated and optimized, creating an extremely compact system that is fully autonomous and capable of self-deploying, self-configuring and self-healing.

As lunar missions become more frequent, this collaboration between Axiom Space and Nokia sets a precedent for developing lunar communication infrastructure. Future missions may build upon this technology or explore even more advanced communication systems.

Boeing’s Rockets Are Built with Inexperienced and Untrained Workforce, Reports NASA's Inspector General

A recent report has highlighted significant issues with Boeing's workforce involved in rocket production. The report, issued by NASA's inspector general, points out that Boeing's quality control practices at the Michoud Assembly Facility in Louisiana are lacking. This is largely due to the workforce having insufficient aerospace production experience.

The lack of a qualified workforce has led to numerous "Corrective Action Requests" and has caused delays and increased costs for the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket program. For instance, unsatisfactory welding operations resulted in propellant tanks that did not meet specifications, causing a seven-month delay.

These findings are concerning, especially given the importance of the SLS rocket for NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon.

The Space Launch System (SLS) is NASA's super heavy-lift launch vehicle designed for deep space exploration. It is a key component of NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and eventually send astronauts to Mars.

The audit was performed, by the NASA Inspector General, because the SLS’s new upper stage — the Exploration Upper Stage (EUS)— is a critical component of the SLS upgrade, which is being done by the Boeing Company.

Once completed, the EUS will give the SLS a 40% upgrade in capability to send the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle capsule and large cargos to the Moon, from 27 metric tons under Block 1—the SLS rocket’s first iteration—to 38 metric tons with Block 1B.

According to Safety and Mission Assurance officials at NASA and DCMA officials at Michoud, Boeing’s quality control issues are largely caused by its workforce having insufficient aerospace production experience," the report states. "The lack of a trained and qualified workforce increases the risk that the contractor will continue to manufacture parts and components that do not adhere to NASA requirements and industry standards."

This lack of a qualified workforce has resulted in significant program delays and increased costs. According to the new report, "unsatisfactory" welding operations resulted in propellant tanks that did not meet specifications, which directly led to a seven-month delay in the program.

Notably, SLS is the only rocket capable of sending the Orion spacecraft, astronauts, and large cargo directly to the Moon in a single mission. The rocket has multiple configurations, with the initial Block 1 capable of lifting 95 metric tons to low Earth orbit (LEO) and future versions (Block 1B and Block 2) designed to carry even heavier payloads.

The SLS will support various missions, including crewed lunar landings, deep space exploration, and potentially missions to Mars.

The SLS represents a significant advancement in space exploration technology, combining power, versatility, and the capability to support long-duration missions beyond Earth's orbit.

NASA Inspector general's report has projected that SLS Block 1B costs will reach approximately $5.7 billion before the system is scheduled to launch in 2028. This is $700 million more than NASA’s 2023 Agency Baseline Commitment, which established a cost and schedule baseline at nearly $5 billion.

EUS development accounts for more than half of this cost, which the report estimates will increase from an initial cost of $962 million in 2017 to nearly $2.8 billion through 2028. Boeing’s delivery of the EUS to NASA has also been delayed from February 2021 to April 2027, and when combined with other factors, suggests the September 2028 Artemis IV launch date could be delayed as well.

ISRO, ESA and NASA Team Up to Study Asteroid Apophis During Its 2029 Flyby

An asteroid, named after Egyptian deity of destruction, — Apophis — will come remarkably close to Earth during its flyby in 2029. At its closest approach, it will be about 19,000 miles (30,500 kilometers) from our planet's surface. To put this in perspective, that's closer than some of our geostationary satellites.

This close encounter provides a unique and rare opportunity for detailed observations and scientific study. Space agencies of USA and Europe – NASA and ESA – are gearing up to learn more about this intriguing asteroid.

In a latest now Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), ESA and NASA have team up to Study Asteroid Apophis During Its 2029 Flyby. 

Asteroid 99942 Apophis is a near-Earth object (NEO) estimated to be about 1,100 feet (335 meters) across. Initially considered one of the most hazardous asteroids, its impact assessment changed after precise orbit analysis. Recent radar observations ruled out any impact risk for at least a century, including the close approaches in 2029 and 2036.

ESA's Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety (Ramses) mission aims to closely study Apophis during its safe but exceptionally close flyby of Earth in 2029. Ramses will provide valuable insights into this large asteroid, enhancing our preparedness for future asteroid threats.

NASA already has a probe to study Apophis after its 2029 flyby, complementing ESA's efforts.

While ISRO is not directly involved in the collaborative study of asteroid Apophis in 2029, their contributions to space exploration and scientific research are noteworthy. ISRO is India's national space agency, known for its successful satellite launches, lunar missions (such as Chandrayaan-2), and Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan). The Indian Space agency has expertise in remote sensing, communication
satellites, and interplanetary exploration.

However, according to reports ISRO may send its own spacecraft or collaborate with NASA and ESA to enhance the overall mission's scientific return. The Indian Space agency plans to observe Apophis during its 2029 flyby, though specific mission details are still under consideration.

ISRO has emphasized the real possibility of an asteroid impact on Earth, and the space agency is actively working on planetary defense efforts.

ISRO continues to expand its capabilities, and future collaborations may involve joint efforts in planetary defense and space science

Remember, space exploration is a collective endeavor, and each agency's contributions enhance our understanding of the cosmos. 

From Levitating Transport System on Moon to Plasma Rocket, NASA Updates on 6 Groundbreaking Space Technology Concepts

American space agency, NASA, has a program called "NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC)", and this program has taken a significant step by advancing six groundbreaking space technology concepts to a new phase of development. These concepts, which seem like they're straight out of science fiction, have completed their initial phase and have been selected for Phase II, which includes additional funding and development.

The NIAC Phase II conceptual studies will receive up to $600,000 (~ ₹5 Crores) to continue working over the next two years to address key remaining technical and budget hurdles and pave their development path forward.

When Phase II is complete, these studies could advance to the final NIAC phase, earning additional funding and development consideration toward becoming a future aerospace mission.

Here's a brief overview of the six innovative tech concepts:

1. Fluidic Telescope (FLUTE):

The Fluidic Telescope (FLUTE) is a revolutionary concept being developed by NASA in collaboration with the Technion Israel Institute of Technology. It represents a significant leap forward in the design and construction of space observatories.

Artist’s depiction of the Fluidic Telescope (FLUTE) Edward Balaban

The FLUTE concept aims to create a large optical observatory in space using fluidic shaping of ionic liquids. It could potentially help investigate high-priority astrophysics targets, such as Earth-like exoplanets, first-generation stars, and young galaxies.

One of the most intriguing aspects of FLUTE is the concept of self-healing mirrors. These mirrors would be able to maintain their shape and repair themselves from minor damages, which is a significant advantage in the harsh environment of space.

FLUTE is designed to study high-priority astrophysics targets, including Earth-like exoplanets, first-generation stars, and early galaxies. By peering farther into space, FLUTE could help answer one of humanity's most profound questions: "Are we alone in the universe?".

2. Pulsed Plasma Rocket:

The Pulsed Plasma Rocket (PPR) is an advanced propulsion system under development that could significantly reduce travel times for human missions to Mars and beyond. The propulsion system utilizes nuclear fission, where atoms split apart to release energy. This energy is then used to create bursts of plasma for propulsion, pushing the rocket forward in space.

It may generate up to 100,000 N of thrust with a specific impulse (Isp) of 5,000 seconds. This exceptional performance combines high Isp and high thrust, which is crucial for efficient space travel over large distances.

The high efficiency of the PPR allows for manned missions to Mars to be completed within just 2 months. It also enables the transport of much heavier spacecraft equipped with shielding against Galactic Cosmic Rays, reducing crew exposure to negligible levels.

3. The Great Observatory for Long Wavelengths (GO-LoW):

The Great Observatory for Long Wavelengths (GO-LoW) is a visionary project proposed by NASA to explore the low-frequency radio sky, which has been largely inaccessible until now due to the Earth's ionosphere.

GO-LOW aims to measure the magnetic fields of terrestrial exoplanets by detecting their radio emissions at frequencies between 100 kHz and 15 MHz.

Artist concept highlighting the novel approach proposed by the 2024 NIAC Phase II awardee for possible future missions. Credits: Mary Knapp

The observatory will consist of an interferometric array of thousands of identical SmallSats located at an Earth-Sun Lagrange point, such as L5. These autonomous SmallSats satellites will measure magnetic fields emitted from exoplanets and the cosmic dark ages.

GO-LOW is part of a long-term vision to map out the technological development required to make such an observatory feasible in the next 10-20 years.

4. Radioisotope Thermoradiative Cell Power Generator:

This study investigates new in-space power sources that could operate at higher efficiencies than NASA's legacy power generators.

 

Artist’s depiction of Radioisotope Thermoradiative Cell Power Generator Stephen Polly

The Radioisotope Thermoradiative Cell (TRC) Power Generator is an innovative power source being developed for space missions, particularly those targeting the outer planets.

The TRC operates on a novel principle of thermal power conversion, somewhat akin to a solar cell working in reverse. It converts heat from a radioisotope source into infrared light, which is then emitted into the cold expanse of space. This process generates electricity.

This technology could significantly improve the capabilities of small spacecraft, enabling missions that were previously not feasible due to power constraints. It's particularly suited for operations in areas where sunlight is scarce, such as polar lunar craters or the outer reaches of our solar system. The ongoing research aims to refine the TRC technology, focusing on system size, weight, and power (SWaP), and to integrate the effects of potential power and efficiency loss mechanisms developed in Phase.

This power generation concept study is from Stephen Polly at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York.

5. Lunar Railway System:

A concept being developed at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory for a railway system to provide payload transport on the Moon.

Artist concept of novel approach proposed by a 2024 NIAC Phase II awardee for possible future missions depicting lunar surface with planet Earth on the horizon. Credit: Ethan Schaler

The FLOAT (Flexible Levitation on a Track system) employs unpowered magnetic robots that levitate over a 3-layer flexible film track: a graphite layer enables robots to passively float over tracks using diamagnetic levitation, a flex-circuit layer generates electromagnetic thrust to controllably propel robots along tracks, and an optional thin-film solar panel layer generates power for the base when in sunlight.

This would be a lunar railway system, providing reliable, autonomous, and efficient payload transport on the Moon. This rail system could support daily operations of a sustainable lunar base as soon as the 2030s. Ethan Schaler leads FLOAT at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California.

FLOAT robots have no moving parts and levitate over the track to minimize lunar dust abrasion / wear, unlike lunar robots with wheels, legs, or tracks.

FLOAT will operate autonomously in the dusty, inhospitable lunar environment with minimal site preparation, and its network of tracks can be rolled-up / reconfigured over time to match evolving lunar base mission requirements.

6. ScienceCraft for Outer Planet Exploration (SCOPE)

Artist’s depiction of ScienceCraft, which integrates the science instrument with the spacecraft by printing a quantum dot spectrometer directly on the solar sail to form a monolithic, lightweight structure. Mahmooda Sultana

The ScienceCraft for Outer Planet Exploration (SCOPE) is a groundbreaking mission concept developed by NASA. It aims to revolutionize the exploration of the outer planets, particularly the ice giants Neptune and Uranus, which are believed to hold secrets about the formation and evolution of our solar system.

SCOPE integrates a science instrument and spacecraft into one monolithic structure, which is a significant departure from traditional spacecraft design.

The mission utilizes a quantum dot-based spectrometer printed directly onto the solar sail material. This allows the spacecraft to not only propel through space but also to conduct scientific measurements.

These visionary studies will receive up to $600,000 each to continue working over the next two years to address technical and budget hurdles and pave their development path forward. When Phase II is complete, these studies could advance to the final NIAC phase, earning additional funding and development consideration toward becoming future aerospace missions.

NASA’s Radar Satellite CloudSat That Gave Never-Before-Seen Details of Clouds, Weather and Climate, Ended Its Operations

NASA's CloudSat mission, which provided unprecedented insights into the vertical structure and water/ice content of clouds, has concluded its operations after nearly two decades. Launched in 2006, CloudSat was initially proposed as a 22-month mission but extended its service to nearly 18 years.

The mission's Cloud Profiling Radar was the first 94 GHz wavelength (W-band) radar in space, a thousand times more sensitive than typical ground-based weather radars. This technology allowed scientists to view clouds in three dimensions, revealing intricate details about cloud formation, precipitation, and their impact on weather and climate.

CloudSat, a @NASAEarth radar satellite that gave us never-before-seen details of clouds and advanced weather and climate predictions, has ended its scientific operations after nearly two decades of peering into the soul of our skies: https://t.co/qeHRQG6aa9 pic.twitter.com/JYYX5ZtFKi

— NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) April 23, 2024

CloudSat's contributions include peering into hurricanes, calculating global snowfall rates, and aiding in the understanding of how clouds cool and heat the Earth's atmosphere and surface. The data collected by CloudSat has been instrumental in thousands of research publications and will continue to support scientific discoveries.

As planned, due to the end of its operational lifespan, CloudSat was lowered into an orbit in March 2024 that will lead to its eventual disintegration in the Earth's atmosphere. This marks the end of a mission that has significantly advanced our understanding of Earth's weather and climate systems.

NASA and Google Arts To Digitally Show the Climate Change Impact on The Earth's Water Cycle

The US space agency NASA has partnered with Google Arts to create a digital experience that shows how climate change is impacting Earth’s water cycle. “A Passage of Water” uses data from NASA’s SWOT and GRACE missions and will be featured at COP28 .

As part of the long-standing partnership between NASA and Google, NASA worked with Google Arts & Culture and artist Yiyun Kang to create an interactive digital experience around global freshwater resources titled “A Passage of Water.” This immersive experience leverages data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites and new high-resolution data from the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission to illustrate how climate change is impacting Earth’s water cycle.

A digital version of “A Passage of Water” will be released online on Thursday, Nov. 30, ahead of the beginning of the United Nations’ Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP 28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Google also will host a physical installation of the visualization project in the Blue Zone at COP 28.

“NASA is the U.S. space agency that provides end-to-end research about our home planet, and it is our job to inform the world about what we learn,” said Kate Calvin, NASA’s chief scientist and senior climate advisor in Washington. “Highlighting our Earth science data in the installation of ‘A Passage of Water’ is a unique way to share information, in a digestible way, around the important connection between climate change and the Earth’s water cycle.”

The international Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite, as shown in this illustration, is the first global mission surveying Earth's surface water. SWOT's high-resolution data helps scientists measure how Earth's bodies of water change over time. Credit: CNES.

For six decades, NASA has been collecting data on Earth's land, water, air, and climate. This data is used to inform decision-makers on ways to mitigate, adapt and respond to climate change. All of NASA’s Earth science data is available for scientists and the public to access in a variety of ways.

"NASA studies our home planet and its interconnected systems more than any other planet in our universe,” said Karen St. Germain, director of NASA’s Earth Science Division. “’A Passage of Water’ provides an opportunity to highlight the public availability of SWOT data and other NASA Earth science data to tell meaningful stories, improve awareness, and help everyday people who have to make real decisions in their homes, businesses, and communities.”

A collaboration between NASA and the French space agency CNES (Centre National d’Études Spatiales), SWOT is measuring the height of nearly all water on Earth’s surface, providing one of the most detailed, comprehensive views yet of the planet’s freshwater bodies. SWOT provides insights into how the ocean influences climate change and how a warming world affects lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.

NASA To Send Nuclear-powered Rotorcraft on Saturn's Moon Titan in July 2028

American space agency NASA's Dragonfly – a mission to send a rotorcraft to explore Saturn’s moon Titan – has passed all the success criteria of its Preliminary Design Review. The Dragonfly team conducted a re-plan of the mission based on expected funding available in FY 2024 and estimate a revised launch readiness date of July 2028.

NASA’s only mission to the surface of another ocean world, Dragonfly is designed to investigate the complex chemistry that is the precursor to life. The rotorcraft vehicle will be built & operated by the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland. The spacecraft will be equipped with cameras, sensors and samplers to examine areas of Titan known to contain organic materials that may have previously mixed with liquid water now frozen on the icy surface.

A rotorcraft is a kind of aircraft that rely on rotary blades. Rotary-wing aircraft have a unique advantage over fixed-wing aircraft, such as helicopters, as they use a primary rotor that creates lift. This means they can hover, allowing them to perform operations that require more precise control such as ground surveillance, assessment etc. among others.

Saturn's moon Titan is the second most largest moon in our solar system and stands out as the sole moon in the solar system, with a thick atmosphere. And, NASA's goal is to explore the surface of any icy moon that could potentially harbor ocean and Titan is perfect candidate for this.

 

Artist’s Impression: Dragonfly Descends View From the Surface of Titan as Dragonfly Descends Toward a Landing Spot. (Image Credit: Nasa/johns Hopkins Apl/steve Gribben) 

Dragonfly Field Demo - Flight Control and Navigation, May 2018. (Image Credit: Johns Hopkins APL)

NASA's rotercraft Dragonfly will weigh approximately 450 kg (990 lb) and be packaged inside a heat-shield of 3.7 m (12 ft) diameter. It would then use its vertical takeoffs and landings (VTOL) capability to move between exploration sites. It would then use its vertical takeoffs and landings (VTOL) capability to move between exploration sites.

Titan is similar to the very early Earth, and can provide clues to how life may have arisen on Earth and similar to our planet, Titan's atmosphere is also made of nitrogen, with a tiny component of methane, according to NASA. Titan also has a cycle similar to Earth's, in which liquids shower from clouds.

The Dragonfly dual-quadcopter will explore a variety of locations on Titan making multiple flights. In under an hour, Dragonfly will cover tens of miles or kilometers, farther than any planetary rover has traveled. With one hop per full Titan day (16 Earth days), the rotorcraft will travel from its initial landing site to cover areas several hundred kilometers away during the planned two-year mission. Despite its unique ability to fly, Dragonfly would spend most of its time on Titan's surface making science measurements.

Unable to use solar power due to Titan's hazy atmosphere, Dragonfly will be powered by a Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG), which is also used by the Curiosity rover on Mars. MMRTG is a Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) — a space nuclear power system that converts heat into electricity using no moving parts.

Flight, data transmission, and most science operations will be planned during Titan's daytime hours (eight Earth days), giving the rotorcraft plenty of time during the Titan night to recharge.

The Dragonfly rotorcraft would provide the capability to explore diverse locations to characterize the habitability of Titan's environment, investigate how far prebiotic chemistry has progressed, and search for biosignatures indicative of life based on water as solvent and even hypothetical types of biochemistry.

Image Credit: Artwork by Mike Yakovlev, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab