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...
Decarbonizing the Steel Industry: IIT Bombay’s Hydrogen-Based Innovation
Key Highlights
The Challenge of Carbon Emissions in Steel Production
- Traditional steel manufacturing relies on coal-based methods, which contribute significantly to global carbon emissions.
- Steelmaking accounts for nearly 7-9% of total global CO₂ emissions.
Hydrogen-Based Direct Reduction of Iron (HDRI)
- IIT Bombay researchers propose using hydrogen gas instead of coal to reduce iron ore.
- This method significantly cuts CO₂ emissions as hydrogen reacts with oxygen in the ore to form water vapor instead of carbon dioxide.
Sustainability and Environmental Benefits
- Reduction in reliance on fossil fuels, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
- The process can be powered by green hydrogen, which is produced using renewable energy sources like solar or wind power.
- Results in a cleaner and more efficient steel production cycle.
Potential Impact on the Industry
- If widely adopted, HDRI can make steel manufacturing a net-zero emissions process.
- Could help India and other countries meet their climate targets and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
- Encourages investments in hydrogen infrastructure and renewable energy sources.
Challenges and Future Prospects
- High initial costs: Hydrogen production, storage, and transportation infrastructure need significant investment.
- Scaling up: Widespread adoption will require collaboration between governments, industries, and research institutions.
- Policy support: Government incentives and policies will play a crucial role in transitioning the steel sector toward hydrogen-based methods.
This breakthrough could transform the steel industry into a sustainable and Eco-friendly sector, paving the way for a cleaner future.