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...
The Future is Fluid: Scientists Create Shape-Shifting Robots That Flow Like Liquid & Harden Like Steel
The Future is Fluid: Scientists Create Shape-Shifting Robots That Flow Like Liquid & Harden Like Steel Introduction In a groundbreaking advancement in robotics and materials science, researchers have developed shape-shifting robots that can transition between liquid and solid states. Inspired by nature, particularly the properties of sea cucumbers and the fictional T-1000 robot from Terminator 2 , these robots offer a new frontier in adaptive, self-healing, and flexible machines . This innovation could transform fields ranging from medicine to space exploration. Key Features of Shape-Shifting Robots Liquid-Solid Phase Transition These robots can liquefy , flow through tight spaces, and then harden into a rigid structure. The transition is controlled via magnetic fields and temperature variations . Magnetically Responsive Material The robots are made from a unique composite material: gallium (a metal that melts at low temperatures) mixed with magnetic particles . This enables ext...