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🇮🇳 Indian Astronaut Returns to Space After 41 Years: Shubhanshu Shukla Aboard Axiom-4 Mission to ISS

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In a landmark moment for India's space ambitions, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has blasted off to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission , marking the country's return to human spaceflight after a 41-year hiatus . This historic launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida has not only reignited national pride but also officially kickstarted India’s human spaceflight programme . The mission, operated by Axiom Space , includes a four-member international crew that will spend 14 days in orbit , conducting scientific research, outreach programs, and various commercial activities. This momentous occasion places India among a select group of nations capable of sending humans into space and reflects the growing prowess of the Indian space sector . A New Chapter: Shubhanshu Shukla and India’s Astronautical Comeback The last Indian to go to space was Rakesh Sharma in 1984, aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11. Now, in 2025, Shubhanshu...

Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket Makes First Successful Mission: NG-1

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Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket Makes First Successful Mission: NG-1

Introduction to New Glenn and Blue Origin: Blue Origin, a private space company founded by Jeff Bezos in 2000, has successfully launched its giant New Glenn rocket on its first mission, NG-1. This mission represents a significant milestone in the commercial space industry.

About the NG-1 Mission:

  1. Objective: The NG-1 mission aimed to place the Blue Ring Pathfinder test satellite into orbit. This satellite is designed to test new space technologies.
  2. Reusability Demonstration: A key feature of this mission was to demonstrate the rocket's booster reusability. After the rocket launched the satellite, the booster returned and landed on a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean. This reusability reduces launch costs and increases efficiency for future missions.

What Makes New Glenn Special?

  • Size and Power: New Glenn is one of the largest rockets ever built, capable of carrying heavy payloads into space.
  • Reusability: The booster can be reused multiple times, a game-changing feature in space exploration.

Other Prominent Commercial Space Ventures and Their Rockets:

Several companies are also advancing space exploration with innovative rockets:

  1. SpaceX:

    • Falcon 9: A highly successful, partially reusable rocket used for satellite launches and ISS resupply missions.
    • Starship: A fully reusable rocket designed for future missions to Mars and beyond.

  2. United Launch Alliance (ULA):

    • Atlas V: A reliable workhorse rocket used for both military and scientific missions.
    • Delta IV: Used for heavy-lift missions.
    • Vulcan Centaur: An upcoming rocket designed to replace both the Atlas V and Delta IV.

  3. AgniKul Cosmos (India):

    • Agnibaan SOrTeD: A small satellite launch vehicle developed by this Indian startup, designed for flexibility and rapid deployment.

Significance of Commercial Space Ventures:

Commercial space companies like Blue Origin and SpaceX are driving innovation in space exploration. Their reusable rockets and advancements in technology are making space more accessible, reducing costs, and paving the way for future space travel and colonization.


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