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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...

World’s Largest Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) Facility in China: Revolutionizing Energy Storage

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World’s Largest Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) Facility in China: Revolutionizing Energy Storage

Understanding Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES):

  1. What is CAES?

    • Concept: CAES is an innovative technology that stores energy by compressing air and saving it in underground formations, such as salt caverns or repurposed mines.
    • Storage Form: It stores electrical energy as potential energy in the form of compressed air.

  2. How Does CAES Work?

    • Energy Compression: During off-peak hours—when electricity demand is low—excess power is used to run compressors that pressurize and store air underground.
    • Energy Release: When energy demand spikes, the compressed air is released to drive turbines, which convert the potential energy back into electricity to feed into the grid.
    • Process Cycle: This cyclical process allows energy to be stored when plentiful and used when most needed, helping balance the grid.

  3. Recent Milestone in China:

    • World’s Largest Facility: Recently, China has launched the world’s largest CAES facility, marking a significant advancement in energy storage technology.
    • Operational Impact: The full operation of this facility demonstrates the practical application of CAES in managing grid stability and integrating renewable energy sources.

  4. Key Benefits of CAES:

    • Peak Shaving: By storing energy during low-demand periods and releasing it during high-demand times, CAES helps reduce the gap between energy supply and demand.
    • Environmental Advantage: CAES employs a process that is environmentally friendly, with minimal emissions during operation.
    • Enhanced Grid Stability: The technology ensures a steady power supply by smoothing out fluctuations in energy availability.
    • Efficient Energy Utilization: It makes effective use of surplus energy, preventing wastage and improving overall energy efficiency.

  5. Broader Applications and Impact:

    • Renewable Integration: CAES is pivotal in supporting renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which are inherently variable. The storage system compensates for these fluctuations.
    • Future Energy Infrastructure: The successful implementation of China’s CAES facility sets a benchmark for future projects worldwide, encouraging further investment in sustainable energy solutions.
    • Economic and Operational Benefits: By stabilizing the grid and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, CAES contributes to both economic savings and environmental protection.
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