Tag: Space Exploration

Human Interest

Voyager 1 Sends Signal After 48 Years in Space, Leaving NASA Speechless

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

America’s National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is known for pioneering space exploration, but even its most seasoned scientists were left speechless recently. The cause? A new signal from the legendary Voyager 1 spacecraft — still active and transmitting after 48 years in deep space.

Voyager 1 was launched in 1977 with a primary goal of exploring the giant planets in our solar system, particularly Jupiter and Saturn. It accomplished that mission with stunning success, capturing some of the most iconic images ever taken of those distant worlds. But the true legacy of Voyager 1 began not with what it photographed, but with where it went next.

After leaving the known planetary orbits, Voyager 1 continued on its path toward the unknown. It eventually crossed a critical boundary known as the heliopause — the outermost edge of our solar system where the Sun’s solar wind meets the interstellar medium. It was here that Voyager’s instruments picked up something unexpected: a rise in both temperature and particle density. This region, dubbed the “wall of fire,” is a turbulent frontier where the calm of our solar system collides with the chaos of deep space.

Despite being powered by less energy than a single LED light bulb — only about 4 watts per scientific instrument — Voyager 1 continues to function. Its radioactive plutonium core steadily depletes over time, but still provides just enough power to keep critical systems alive. Communicating with such a distant spacecraft is a monumental challenge. NASA relies on enormous 230-foot antennas scattered around the globe to receive Voyager’s incredibly weak signals.

The feat is even more impressive considering the craft is more than 15 billion miles from Earth. Every signal takes over 22 hours to reach us. The fact that Voyager is still “talking” at all is a testament to the engineering ingenuity behind it. NASA’s team continues to tweak its systems remotely, optimizing power usage and preserving key instruments so that the data stream can continue for as long as possible.

This latest signal — faint, delayed, yet profound — is another reminder that even decades-old machines can redefine human understanding. Voyager 1 may have started its journey with a camera pointed at Jupiter, but today, it peers into the uncharted vastness beyond, still pushing the boundaries of exploration.

National

Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Arrives in India to a Grand Hero’s Welcome in Lucknow

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Indian Astronaut and test pilot Shubhanshu Shukla was welcomed in grandeur upon his return to India, following his successful space mission with the Axiom-4 crew. The streets of Lucknow came alive with celebrations as citizens gathered in large numbers to express their pride and admiration for the astronaut’s remarkable journey. The 39-year-old pilot, who represented India aboard the international space mission, received widespread love and praise, echoing through the heart of his hometown.

Shukla’s mission, launched on June 25, 2025, marked a historic moment for Indian spaceflight. Aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft named Grace, launched atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the Axiom-4 mission took off in collaboration with Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX. Alongside Shukla, the crew included Commander Peggy Whitson from the USA, and Mission Specialists Sławosz Uznanski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. This mission represented the first government-sponsored human spaceflight in over four decades for India, Poland, and Hungary.

Spanning approximately 18 days, the mission concluded with the spacecraft’s undocking on July 14, 2025. During their time aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the crew conducted over 60 groundbreaking scientific studies, exploring areas such as crop growth in space, the behavior of cyanobacteria in microgravity, and the physiological changes experienced by the human body during extended space travel. These experiments were not only critical for future space exploration but also contributed to expanding our understanding of human adaptation to space environments.

The return of Shubhanshu Shukla is more than a celebration of individual achievement—it is a symbol of India’s growing presence in international space endeavors. With the success of the Axiom-4 mission, India takes a proud step forward in global scientific advancement, and Shukla stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring scientists and explorers across the nation.

As the city of Lucknow echoed with cheers, banners, and patriotic pride, it was clear that Shukla’s return marked a historic chapter not only in India’s space journey but also in the hearts of millions who look up to the stars with dreams of discovery.

National

Back From Space: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Meets PM Modi, Discusses India’s Space Future

Tanisha Cardozo

August 19, 2025 – New Delhi: After a successful 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 crew, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla returned to India and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their conversation marked a significant moment for India’s aspirations in space exploration, centered around the upcoming Gaganyaan mission and India’s proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035.

Shukla expressed confidence that India could lead a collaborative space station in the future, much like the International Space Station led by the US, Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada. He noted the global excitement around India’s Gaganyaan mission and shared that his crewmates had requested to attend its launch.

“We have the ability and the position to be in a leadership role in a space station led by India,” Shukla said.

During the meeting, PM Modi recalled assigning “homework” to Shukla — to learn and document everything that could help future astronauts. Shukla shared how even astronauts on the ISS teased him about getting such a special task from his country’s leader. The documentation is expected to be valuable for ISRO’s astronaut training pipeline.

In a symbolic moment, Shukla gifted PM Modi the Tricolour he carried into space and the official Axiom-4 mission patch. The patch features Earth at the center of a pentagon, the four astronauts’ names and national flags, and seven stars representing the continents.

Shukla detailed his experiment in growing crops aboard the ISS in a water-based dish. Sprouting in just eight days, the experiment offered hope not just for long-duration space missions but for food security challenges on Earth.

“Food is a big challenge in space. But this research may help solve problems here on Earth too,” Shukla said.

Describing his physical transformation in space, Shukla said that adaptation is required both while reaching and returning from orbit.

“I was feeling okay but I could not walk… the brain has to rewire,” he explained.

Shukla reflected on how Indian children today see space as a real career option — unlike his own childhood, when India lacked a consistent astronaut programme.

“Children no longer just dream — they know becoming an astronaut is possible,” he shared.

Looking ahead, PM Modi emphasized the need for a strong astronaut pool of 40–50 individuals to support India’s ambitions. Shukla’s insights, training, and documentation are set to play a crucial role in the Gaganyaan mission, scheduled for launch in the coming years.

Shukla, who had been recovering in Houston after landing back on Earth in July, arrived in India to a warm reception at Delhi Airport by Union Science Minister Jitendra Singh and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

His journey marks not just the return of a national hero, but the takeoff of India’s next giant leap in space.

International

Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Returns to Earth After Historic Space Mission

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New Delhi, July 2025 – In a moment that has stirred national pride and emotion, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla returned to Earth after an inspiring 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission.

The mission, a collaboration between Axiom Space, NASA, and international space agencies including ISRO, aimed at advancing microgravity research, space-based technology experiments, and future commercial spaceflight training.

Shukla’s return was marked by a successful splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, where recovery teams quickly retrieved the capsule. The astronaut was seen smiling and waving as he was helped out of the spacecraft and later reunited with his family in an emotional moment that was broadcast live.

Hailing from India’s space research hub in Bengaluru, Shukla became a national icon as one of the first Indians to board the ISS as part of a private commercial spaceflight mission. He conducted multiple experiments during his time in orbit, including studies on space agriculture, radiation impact on human cells, and zero-gravity engineering trials.

The Government of India and ISRO officials welcomed his return, calling it a “milestone moment for India’s space ambitions.”

“Shubhanshu’s mission represents the next step in India’s human spaceflight journey. He has made the nation proud,” said an ISRO spokesperson.

With India gearing up for its own Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, Shukla’s experience is expected to play a pivotal role in training future astronauts and advancing India’s commercial space initiatives.

As celebrations continue, Shubhanshu Shukla’s homecoming reminds the world that India is not just reaching for the stars—it’s touching them.

Science

Mars May Have Hosted a River More Powerful Than the Ganga, Say Scientists

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In a revelation that has stirred the scientific world, planetary researchers have found compelling evidence suggesting that Mars once had a vast river system — possibly mightier than the Ganga, one of Earth’s largest and most powerful rivers.

This stunning discovery, made using high-resolution images from NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and detailed terrain analysis, points to an ancient river network with deep canyons, wide channels, and evidence of fast-flowing water, indicating a much wetter and more Earth-like past for the Red Planet.

The River That Defied Expectations

The ancient Martian river is believed to have stretched for hundreds of kilometers and carved deep valleys through the surface, much like the Colorado River in the U.S. or the Ganga in India. Scientists from the SETI Institute and other collaborating institutions say the river could have flowed billions of years ago, possibly during the Noachian period, when Mars was warmer and had a thicker atmosphere.

“The sheer size and depth of the riverbeds suggest it wasn’t just a trickle — this was a dynamic system, possibly more powerful than any river system we’ve known on modern Mars,” said Dr. Joel Davis, planetary geologist and one of the study’s co-authors.

Clues to Life on Mars?

The discovery has revived hopes in the search for extraterrestrial life. Water is the cornerstone of life as we know it, and such powerful, persistent flows raise the possibility that microbial life may once have thrived on ancient Mars.

“Large river systems like this one could have sustained life-friendly conditions for extended periods,” said Dr. Tanya Harrison, Mars scientist and science communicator. “It pushes us to think differently about Mars’ potential habitability.”

How Was It Discovered?

Using stereo imaging from Mars orbiters, scientists were able to reconstruct 3D models of terrain features. The depth and width of some channels — over 30 feet deep and hundreds of meters wide — indicated high-energy water flow, suggesting prolonged river activity rather than isolated flooding events.

Implications for Future Missions

The discovery could influence where future Mars missions, especially those looking for signs of past life, may focus their explorations. These ancient river valleys could be prime candidates for drilling and sampling, possibly containing trapped sediments or fossilized microbial life.

Conclusion

This Martian river, mightier than the Ganga, not only reshapes our understanding of Mars’ history but also deepens the mystery of the Red Planet’s once-thriving environment. As exploration continues, this discovery adds to growing evidence that Mars was once much more Earth-like than we ever imagined.

Stay tuned as scientists dig deeper into the secrets hidden in the Martian soil — and possibly rewrite our cosmic history.