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...
Researchers' Work Towards Better, Fatigue-Resistant Alloys Introduction Fatigue failure is one of the most critical challenges in materials engineering, impacting industries such as aerospace, automotive, and structural engineering. To combat this, researchers are working on developing fatigue-resistant alloys that can withstand repeated stress cycles without compromising structural integrity. This article explores the latest advancements in fatigue-resistant materials , the science behind fatigue failure, and how emerging technologies like machine learning, nanotechnology, and additive manufacturing are revolutionizing the field. Understanding Fatigue Failure in Alloys Fatigue failure occurs when a material experiences cyclic loading, leading to the gradual formation and propagation of cracks until the material ultimately breaks. The key factors affecting fatigue resistance include: Stress amplitude and mean stress Microstructural characteristics Environmental conditions (e...