SciTech Express

The latest revelations from India's Chandrayaan-3 mission have taken the global scientific community by storm. Data from the Vikram lander suggests that water ice may be far more accessible on the Moon than previously believed. This discovery has profound implications for future lunar exploration, human settlement plans, and deep-space missions. Breaking New Ground: Chandrayaan-3’s Crucial Findings One of the most striking discoveries from Chandrayaan-3 is the drastic temperature variations measured at different points on the lunar surface. An instrument onboard the Vikram lander recorded a surface temperature of 82°C, while just a meter away, the temperature plummeted to 58°C. This significant difference over a small scale indicates that the Moon's thermal environment is highly dynamic, which has led scientists to believe that there are more areas where conditions could support stable water ice beneath the surface. This insight challenges previous assumptions that water ice wa...

Chandrayaan-5: India’s Next Giant Leap in Lunar Exploration Introduction The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has officially received approval from the central government for Chandrayaan-5 , marking another ambitious step in India’s space exploration journey. The mission is set to carry a 250-kg lunar rover , making it one of the most advanced and high-tech lunar missions ever undertaken. This announcement comes after the remarkable success of Chandrayaan-3 , which achieved a historic soft landing near the Moon's south pole. As space enthusiasts around the world eagerly anticipate this mission, let’s dive deep into what Chandrayaan-5 aims to achieve, how it differs from its predecessors, and why it is a game-changer for India’s space program. The Evolution of India’s Lunar Missions India’s space journey has been nothing short of spectacular. From launching Chandrayaan-1 in 2008, which discovered water molecules on the Moon, to the flawless landing of Chandrayaan-3 i...

ISRO Successfully Tests Semi-Cryogenic Engine for Future Heavy-Lift Missions BVC The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved another significant milestone in its pursuit of advanced space propulsion technology. On [date], ISRO successfully conducted a crucial test of its semi-cryogenic engine, a key component required for future heavy-lift space missions. This breakthrough is expected to enhance India's space capabilities, paving the way for ambitious interplanetary missions and high-payload satellite launches. Image What is a Semi-Cryogenic Engine? A semi-cryogenic engine is a type of rocket propulsion system that uses a combination of liquid oxygen (LOX) as an oxidizer and kerosene-based fuel. Unlike fully cryogenic engines that use both LOX and liquid hydrogen (LH2), semi-cryogenic engines are more cost-effective and offer higher thrust, making them ideal for heavy-lift launch vehicles. Key Advantages of Semi-Cryogenic Engines Higher Thrust: Provides greater l...

PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM): Driving Space Innovation for Startups Content Purpose : Developed by ISRO , the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) provides an affordable platform for on-orbit experiments. It significantly reduces costs for startups and smaller entities traditionally hindered by high launch expenses. Recent Test : Manastu Space , an IIT Bombay startup, successfully tested its green propulsion system VYOM 2U aboard PSLV C60 using POEM-4 . Capacity : POEM-4 boasts three times the experimental capacity of its predecessor, POEM-3 . Working : Converts the fourth stage of PSLV into a free-flying space testbed in low Earth orbit. Strategic Importance : Lowers entry barriers for Indian startups and promotes space technology innovation, helping accelerate India’s private space sector growth.

ISRO's Next-Generation Launch Vehicle  (NGLV) Soorya: Pioneering India's Space  Exploration   The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has embarked on an ambitious project to develop the Next-Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), aptly named "Soorya." This initiative aims to bolster India's capabilities in space exploration, satellite deployment, and interplanetary missions. The Soorya project signifies a monumental leap in aerospace technology, aligning with global trends toward reusable and sustainable launch systems. 1. Overview of the Soorya Project Strategic Vision : The Soorya project is conceived to meet India's burgeoning demands for satellite launches, human spaceflight, and deep-space missions. It is envisioned to replace ISRO's current workhorse launch vehicles, offering enhanced payload capacities and reusability features. pib.gov.in Project Timeline : The development phase is projected to span approximately seven years, with the inaugural fli...

Aditya-L1 Captures First-Ever Image of Solar Flare ‘Kernel’: A Breakthrough in Solar Science India's first dedicated solar mission, Aditya-L1 , has achieved a significant milestone in space research. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that the mission's Solar UltraViolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) successfully captured the first-ever image of a solar flare 'kernel' , marking a historic breakthrough in solar physics. This observation provides deep insights into the Sun’s explosive activities and their far-reaching impacts on Earth's space environment. 1. Understanding Solar Flares and the ‘Kernel’ Phenomenon What is a Solar Flare? A solar flare is a sudden and intense burst of radiation emitted from the Sun’s surface due to the sudden release of magnetic energy. These flares can be classified into different categories (A, B, C, M, and X) based on their intensity, with X-class flares being the most powerful. What is a Flare Kernel? The ‘kernel’ ...

ISRO to Resume SpaDeX Experiments from March 15 The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is set to recommence its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) on March 15, 2025. This phase involves separating and re-docking the previously united satellites, Chaser and Target, to advance technologies essential for future missions. Key Highlights: Mission Overview: Launch Date: December 30, 2024 Satellites Involved: SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target) Objective: Demonstrate in-space docking capabilities Recent Achievements: Successful docking of Chaser and Target satellites on January 16, 2025 Formation of a unified satellite system in elliptical orbit Upcoming Experiments: Start Date: March 15, 2025 Activities Planned: Separation of the unified satellite into Chaser and Target Re-docking maneuvers to test and validate docking procedures Simulation experiments preceding actual operations Operational Constraints: Elliptical orbit provides a 10-15 day window every two months for experiments Cu...