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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...

CERN Unveils Plans for the Large Hadron Collider's Successor: The Future Circular Collider

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CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, has revealed ambitious plans for a next-generation particle accelerator that will succeed the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). This new project, known as the Future Circular Collider (FCC), aims to push the boundaries of particle physics, offering deeper insights into the fundamental nature of the universe. With cutting-edge technology and unprecedented energy levels, the FCC could unlock answers to some of the most profound scientific mysteries.

What is the Future Circular Collider (FCC)?

The FCC is a proposed underground particle accelerator with a circumference of approximately 91 kilometers, significantly larger than the 27-kilometer LHC. The FCC will be built beneath the French-Swiss border and extend under Lake Geneva, offering a much more powerful platform for high-energy physics research.

Key Objectives of the FCC

  • Explore dark matter and dark energy: Scientists aim to uncover the composition of the universe, which remains largely unknown.

  • Investigate the Higgs boson: More precise measurements could provide deeper insights into the origin of mass.

  • Study matter-antimatter asymmetry: Understanding why the universe is predominantly composed of matter rather than antimatter.

  • Search for new particles: The FCC may detect phenomena beyond the Standard Model of particle physics.

Technical Details and Timeline

The FCC will be developed in two major phases:

1. FCC-ee (Electron-Positron Collider)

  • Expected to begin operations in the mid-2040s.

  • Focus on high-precision studies of known particles, particularly the Higgs boson.

  • Utilize electron-positron collisions to analyze fundamental physics with minimal background noise.

2. FCC-hh (Hadron Collider)

  • Planned for the 2070s.

  • Will collide protons at 100 TeV (compared to the LHC's 13 TeV), significantly increasing collision energy.

  • Could reveal new physics phenomena beyond the current Standard Model.

The estimated cost for the first phase (FCC-ee) is around 15 billion Swiss Francs, with a projected timeline of at least 15 years. The project is expected to generate approximately 800,000 person-years of employment, highlighting its economic impact.

Potential Scientific Breakthroughs

The FCC could revolutionize our understanding of the universe by addressing some of the biggest unanswered questions:

1. What is Dark Matter and Dark Energy?

While dark matter and dark energy make up about 95% of the universe, their true nature remains elusive. The FCC could provide the necessary energy and data to help identify these mysterious components.

2. What Lies Beyond the Standard Model?

Physicists believe the Standard Model is incomplete. The FCC will have the power to test new theories, including supersymmetry and extra dimensions.

3. Why is There More Matter Than Antimatter?

One of the greatest puzzles in physics is why the universe is made mostly of matter when the Big Bang should have produced equal amounts of matter and antimatter. The FCC could help uncover the missing piece of this puzzle.

Controversies and Challenges

The FCC proposal has sparked both excitement and debate among scientists and policymakers.

Arguments in Favor

  • Scientific Advancements: The FCC represents the next logical step in particle physics.

  • Economic and Technological Benefits: Past investments in particle physics have led to innovations in medicine, computing, and engineering.

  • Global Collaboration: Large-scale scientific projects bring together international researchers, fostering cooperation and knowledge sharing.

Criticisms and Concerns

  • High Costs: With an estimated multi-billion-dollar price tag, some argue the funds could be allocated to other pressing global issues, such as climate change.

  • Technical Challenges: Constructing such a massive infrastructure poses significant engineering and logistical difficulties.

  • Environmental Impact: The energy demands of the FCC raise questions about sustainability and its long-term effects on the environment.

New Leadership at CERN and Its Impact

The appointment of Professor Mark Thomson as CERN’s Director-General in 2026 is expected to shape the future of the FCC. With extensive experience in particle physics, Thomson will oversee strategic planning, funding negotiations, and global partnerships to ensure the project's success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How is the FCC different from the LHC?

A: The FCC will operate at significantly higher energy levels, allowing it to explore new physics beyond the LHC's capabilities. Its larger circumference will enable more precise measurements and discoveries.

Q: Will the FCC impact the environment?

A: CERN is conducting environmental assessments to minimize any negative effects. Plans include energy efficiency measures and sustainability initiatives to offset its carbon footprint.

Q: When will the FCC be approved and built?

A: CERN's member states are expected to decide on the project’s approval by 2028. If approved, construction would begin in the 2030s, with the FCC-ee operational by the mid-2040s.

Conclusion

The Future Circular Collider is an ambitious step forward in the quest to understand the universe. While challenges remain, its potential to unlock groundbreaking discoveries makes it one of the most exciting scientific endeavors of the 21st century. As CERN and the global scientific community move forward, the FCC represents the next frontier in particle physics, promising to redefine our understanding of reality itself.

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