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Kshatriya to head NASA’s new Moon to Mars office

Indian-origin robotics engineer to head NASA’s new Moon to Mars office

In the new role, Kshatriya is responsible for programme planning and implementation for human missions to the Moon and Mars.A…reports Asian Lite News

Indian-origin software and robotics engineer, Amit Kshatriya has been appointed as first head of NASA’s new Moon to Mars Programme Office at the agency’s headquarters in Washington.

The new office aims to carry out NASA’s human exploration activities at the Moon and Mars for the benefit of humanity.

“The Moon to Mars Programme Office will help prepare NASA to carry out our bold missions to the Moon and land the first humans on Mars,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, in a statement.

“The golden age of exploration is happening right now, and this new office will help ensure that NASA successfully establishes a long-term lunar presence needed to prepare for humanity’s next giant leap to the Red Planet.”

As directed by the 2022 NASA Authorization Act, the Moon to Mars Programme Office focuses on hardware development, mission integration, and risk management functions for programmes critical to the agency’s exploration approach that uses Artemis missions at the Moon to open a new era of scientific discovery and prepare for human missions to Mars.

This includes the Space Launch System rocket, Orion spacecraft, supporting ground systems, human landing systems, spacesuits, Gateway, and more related to deep space exploration.

The new office will also lead planning and analysis for long-lead developments to support human Mars missions.

The office resides within the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD), and Kshatriya, appointed as deputy associate administrator, will report to its Associate Administrator Jim Free.

Kshatriya previously served as acting deputy associate administrator for Common Exploration Systems Development, providing leadership and integration across several of the programmes that now fall within the new office.

In the new role, Kshatriya is responsible for programme planning and implementation for human missions to the Moon and Mars.A

He will direct and lead the programmes to ensure Artemis and Mars planning, development, and operations are consistent with ESDMD requirements, and will serve as the single point of focus for risk management.

Kshatriya began his career in the space programme in 2003, working as a software engineer, robotics engineer, and spacecraft operator primarily focused on the robotic assembly of the International Space Station.

From 2014 to 2017, he served as a space station flight director, where he led global teams in the operations and execution of the space station during all phases of flight.

From 2017 to 2021, he became deputy, and then acting manager, of the ISS Vehicle Office, where he was responsible for sustaining engineering, logistics, and hardware programme management.

In 2021, he was assigned to NASA Headquarters in the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate as an assistant deputy associate administrator, where he was an integral part of the team that returned a spacecraft designed to carry humans to the Moon during the Artemis I mission.

Son of first-generation Indian immigrants to the US, Kshatriya holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California, and a Master of Arts in Mathematics from The University of Texas at Austin.

He has also been decorated with the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal for actions as the lead flight director for the 50th expedition to the space station, as well as the Silver Snoopy — an award that astronauts bestow for outstanding performance contributing to flight safety — for his actions as lead robotics officer for the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services Dragon demonstration mission to the orbiting laboratory.

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Science Tech Lite

Mind-control robots could be a reality

robotic.(photo:unsplash)

A new study outlining the technology has just been published in the peer-reviewed journal ACS Applied Nano Materials. It shows that the graphene sensors developed at UTS are very conductive, easy to use and robust…reports Asian Lite News

Researchers from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) have developed biosensor technology that will allow you to operate devices, such as robots and machines, solely through thought control.

The advanced brain-computer interface was developed by Distinguished Professor Chin-Teng Lin and Professor Francesca Iacopi, from the UTS Faculty of Engineering and IT, in collaboration with the Australian Army and Defence Innovation Hub. As well as defence applications, the technology has significant potential in fields such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace and healthcare — for example allowing people with a disability to control a wheelchair or operate prosthetics.

“The hands-free, voice-free technology works outside laboratory settings, anytime, anywhere. It makes interfaces such as consoles, keyboards, touchscreens and hand-gesture recognition redundant,” said Professor Iacopi.

“By using cutting edge graphene material, combined with silicon, we were able to overcome issues of corrosion, durability and skin contact resistance, to develop the wearable dry sensors,” she said.

A new study outlining the technology has just been published in the peer-reviewed journal ACS Applied Nano Materials. It shows that the graphene sensors developed at UTS are very conductive, easy to use and robust.

The hexagon patterned sensors are positioned over the back of the scalp, to detect brainwaves from the visual cortex. The sensors are resilient to harsh conditions so they can be used in extreme operating environments.

The user wears a head-mounted augmented reality lens which displays white flickering squares. By concentrating on a particular square, the brainwaves of the operator are picked up by the biosensor, and a decoder translates the signal into commands.

The technology was recently demonstrated by the Australian Army, where soldiers operated a Ghost Robotics quadruped robot using the brain-machine interface. The device allowed hands-free command of the robotic dog with up to 94% accuracy.

“Our technology can issue at least nine commands in two seconds. This means we have nine different kinds of commands and the operator can select one from those nine within that time period,” Professor Lin said.

“We have also explored how to minimise noise from the body and environment to get a clearer signal from an operator’s brain,” he said.

The researchers believe the technology will be of interest to the scientific community, industry and government, and hope to continue making advances in brain-computer interface systems. (ANI)

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ISRO’s LVM3 injects 36 satellites into orbits

ISRO has launched 36 Internet satellites into space through India’s most powerful ISRO rocket from Sriharikota…reports Asian Lite News

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched India’s largest LVM3 rocket carrying 36 satellites from Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota on Sunday morning.

LVM3 was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at around 9 AM. “LVM3 standing 43.5 metres tall and weighing 643 tonnes lifted off from the second launch pad rocket port carrying OneWeb’s final instalment of 36 Gen1 satellites”, said the officials.

Reportedly, the LVM3 is a three-stage rocket with the first stage fired with liquid fuel, the two strap-on motors powered by solid fuel, the second by liquid fuel and the third is the cryogenic engine.

“Just over 19 minutes after the rocket’s take off, the process of satellite separation will begin. The separation of 36 satellites will happen in a phased manner”, as informed by the officials.

Earlier social media handle of OneWeb satellite communications company and a partner in this mission took to Twitter and said, “Our golden ‘Hello World’ mission patch for this launch reflects our initiation of global coverage this year”.

One Web also mentioned the importance of collaboration between the UK and Indian space industries.

One Web further tweeted, “OneWebLaunch18 will see us launch 36 satellites with @isro and @NSIL_India from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India. This mission marks OneWeb’s second satellite deployment from India, highlighting the collaboration between the UK and Indian space industries”.

In the year 2022 on October 23, ISRO launched 36 satellites of OneWeb. It was the first satellite deployment collaboration between the two organizations.

India to play big role

India will play a big role in the launch of OneWeb’s satellite broadband services globally according to Sunil Bharti Mittal, the executive chairman of the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications firm, which on Sunday launched 36 Internet satellites into space through India’s most powerful ISRO rocket.

“India has a big role to play in the launch of OneWeb’s services globally. Tens of thousands of user terminals would be required with the launch of our services, and India will become a real place to manufacture these terminals, especially with the given Chinese terminals that are unlikely to be accepted in most parts of the world,” Mittal said while speaking to reporters.

The telecom tycoon, and the Executive Chairman of OneWeb, was speaking after a Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) rocket lifted off from India’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota carrying 36 OneWeb broadband satellites towards’ Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Bharti Enterprises serves as a major investor and shareholder in OneWeb.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that all 36 spacecraft had been deployed successfully to an orbit about 450 kilometers above Earth. With this launch the London-headquartered firm completed placing in orbit its first generation LEO constellation, which will enable it to launch its broadband from space services globally.

Meawhile, Mittal said that he is in discussion with space authorities to identify companies in India for manufacturing user terminals at a larger scale. “I’m in discussion with the space authorities in India to see which manufacturing companies in India can step up to start to manufacturing user terminals for OneWeb,” the LEO satellite firm’s executive chairman said.

Mittal further said, “Two OneWeb ground stations are being established in India including one in Tamil Nadu’s Madurai and in Gujarat’s Vadodara. Both the stations will be ready by June-July.”

“It will take about three months for us to place the satellites into their final orbit, and with July everything will be in place,” he added.

He further said , “I’m now testing and experience in flight connectivity of nearly 138mbps down-link and 25mbps up-link, which is likely over 4G cross plus or the real 5G speed. This up in the sky is available on aeroplanes, and it is going forward.”

“Three days back we demonstrated to the defence authorities a very small lightweight terminal, which one can carry in a backpack. It takes about three minutes to set up and gets connected to OneWeb’s network,” Mittal told reporters.

“We have also tested our terminals on ships, and they are working efficiently,” he added.

Key milestone to enable global connectivity

Bharti-backed OneWeb, the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications company, on Sunday confirmed the successful deployment and contact of 36 satellites launched by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) in Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota.

Lift-off took place on Sunday at 9 am. OneWeb’s satellites separated successfully from the rocket and were dispensed in nine phases over a period of 1 hour and 14 minutes, with the signal acquisition on all 36 satellites confirmed. According to an official statement, this is OneWeb’s 18th launch, its third this year, bringing the total of OneWeb’s constellation to 618 satellites.

“The OneWeb constellation design calls for 588 satellites for global coverage and additional satellites are planned for resiliency and redundancy. With today’s successful launch, the constellation is in place to soon deliver global services,” the statement said.

“By the year-end, OneWeb will be ready to roll out global coverage, enhancing its existing connectivity solutions that are already live in regions north of 50 degrees latitude as it brings new areas online by partnering with leading providers,” it added.

Sunil Bharti Mittal, Executive Chairman of OneWeb, said, “In my work, I have seen the power of connectivity to bring benefits to all, wherever they are. Yet half the world’s population does not have access to fast, reliable connectivity. Today’s launch represents a major step towards closing the digital divide. OneWeb’s global constellation will play a pivotal role in realising this dream.”

Lauding the Centre, Mittal said that the government’s target to significantly expand access to high-speed internet connectivity is vital.

“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India’s target to significantly expand access to high-speed internet connectivity is vital, and OneWeb is grateful for all the support. Overall, this is an incredibly exciting time for the satellite connectivity industry, and I am delighted that the UK and India are at the forefront of developments,” he said.

Somanath S, Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, ISRO, said that the launch is an important milestone for ISRO as it demonstrated the successful launch of a second consecutive commercial payload of OneWeb.

“This valued customer trusted our capability and we have proved it in a very short span of time. This launch has created a new record in Indian space history. With this launch of LVM3, through NewSpace India Ltd, ISRO is confident of handling many more such launches on demand for both LEO and GEO missions in the future. I wish OneWeb great success in globalizing the completed constellation,” he said.

Radhakrishnan D, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, NewSpace India Limited, said, “Successful injection of 36 OneWeb Gen-1 satellites from UK by LVM3 today, is an extremely proud moment for NSIL and the entire ISRO fraternity.”

UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Michelle Donelan said, “The completion of the LEO constellation is hugely significant both for OneWeb and the UK’s wider sector. We invested in OneWeb’s vision to bridge the global digital divide, and our burgeoning space sector is transforming the UK into the perfect base for like-minded companies to realise their stratospheric potential.”

Neil Masterson, Chief Executive of OneWeb, said that this is the most significant milestone in the history of OneWeb, as it reached the satellites needed for global coverage.

“Over several years we have remained focused on our commitment to deliver a network that will provide connectivity for our customers and communities that need it most. With today’s satellite deployment, facilitated by our expert team and our partners at ISRO and NSIL, we are realising this central ambition and are even closer to changing lives at scale.” (ANI)

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Chandrayaan-3 passes ISRO’s vibration tests

The 25 seconds hot test was conducted on February 24 at the ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu…reports Asian Lite News

Indian space agency on Thursday said it had successfully completed the tests to check Chandrayaan-3 — moon spacecraft — to withstand the harsh vibration and acoustic environment that the spacecraft would face during its launch.

According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the tests were conducted during the first week of March 2023 at the test facilities located at the UR Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru.

These tests are an essential part of the qualification and acceptance process for any spacecraft.

These tests were particularly challenging, considering the fact that the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft is a composite of three modules viz. Propulsion Module, Lander Module and the Rover module.

The vibration and acoustic tests carried out on the integrated spacecraft have provided sufficient confidence on the structural integrity and survivability in the launch environment, ISRO said.

Last month, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said it had successfully conducted the flight acceptance hot test of the CE-20 cryogenic engine that would power the country’s rocket for the third moon mission — Chandrayaan-3.

According to the space agency, the CE-20 cryogenic engine will power the Cryogenic Upper Stage of the rocket called LVM3-M4.

The 25 seconds hot test was conducted on February 24 at the ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu.

“All the propulsion parameters during the test were found satisfactory and closely matched with predictions. The cryogenic engine will be further integrated with the propellant tanks, stage structures and associated fluid lines to realise the fully integrated flight cryogenic stage,” ISRO said.

According to ISRO, the Chandrayaan-3 lander successfully underwent EMI/EMC test during January 31-February 2 at the U.R. Rao Satellite Centre, Bengaluru.

The EMI-EMC test is conducted for satellite missions to ensure the functionality of the satellite subsystems in the space environment and their compatibility with the expected electromagnetic levels.

This test is a major milestone in the realisation of the satellites.

Chandrayaan-3 interplanetary mission has three major modules:the Propulsion module, Lander module, and Rover.

The mission’s complexity calls for establishing radio-frequency (RF) communication links between the modules, said ISRO.

During the Chandrayaan-3 lander EMI/EC test, launcher compatibility, antenna polarisation of all RF systems, standalone auto compatibility tests for orbital and powered descent mission phases, and Lander and Rover compatibility tests for post landing mission phase were ensured.

The performance of the systems was satisfactory, the Indian space agency added.

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OneWeb’s satellites fitted inside Indian rocket’s heat shield

OneWeb satellites.(photo:oneweb.net)

A couple of days back, OneWeb had launched 40 satellites through SpaceX’s rocket…reports Asian Lite News

The second batch of 36 satellites belonging to the UK-based Network Access Associated Ltd (OneWeb) has been fitted inside the Indian rocket LVM3’s heatshield.

In a tweet, OneWeb said: “Exciting news from India as we confirm the encapsulation of our 36 satellites ahead of #OneWebLaunch18; our final launch which will complete our Gen 1 constellation. Thanks to our OneWebbers on site, as well as our colleagues at @isro Aand NSIL_India.”

The Indian rocket is expected to fly off with the OneWeb satellites this month end.

The first batch of 36 satellites was launched on October 23, 2022 from Sriharikota rocket port in Andhra Pradesh with LVM3 rocket formerly known as Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle MkIII (GSLV MkIII).

ISRO’s commercial arm NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) has signed a contract with OneWeb to launch 72 satellites in two phases for a launch fee of over Rs 1,000 crore, OneWeb Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal had said last October.

A couple of days back, OneWeb had launched 40 satellites through SpaceX’s rocket.

OneWeb has 582 satellites now in orbit. Once Indian rocket LVM3 puts into orbit 36 satellites then the total number of OneWeb’s low earth orbit satellites will go up to 618.

The company backed by India’s telecom major Bharti Group will complete global footprint of its Gen 1 constellation with a launch set to take place later this month with ISRO/NSIL.

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UAE’s nuclear energy to drive future space missions

A trip to Mars using the nuclear thermal propulsion could take roughly four months, instead of some nine months with chemically powered engine…reports Asian Lite News

The UAE is ready to make history and shoot for the stars again, inspired by the ambitions of the nation’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Sultan Al Neyadi will become the second Emirati to take the UAE flag to space, spending 180 days on board the orbiting laboratory of the International Space Station (ISS) alongside crew mates from Roscosmos and NASA.

A seemingly unlinked sector to space exploration is nuclear power’s role beyond clean electricity, with the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme to become a catalyst for the nation’s era of space exploration in the decades ahead.

UAE’s Space Exploration Era

UAE Mission 2, the longest Arab space mission in history, will significantly contribute to humanity’s understanding of life on and beyond Earth, three years after the Hope Probe.

In 2019, the first Emirati astronaut Hazzaa Al Mansoori spent eight days on the ISS. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre in Dubai was responsible for making the UAE a world leader in space services and exploration.

While in the UAE’s early space exploration years, the nation has already made incredible progress, becoming the first Arab nation and fifth country ever to reach Mars and the first Arab country to build and launch a Moon rover.

Since 2000, the space station has never been without astronauts on board, and the UAE will rank 11th globally among countries that have successfully achieved a long-duration mission at the ISS.

SpaceX to launch UAE’s MBZ-SAT in 2023

Supporting Space Shuttles

Since 1961, nuclear power has enabled understanding of dark, distant planetary bodies that would otherwise be unreachable, opening up the solar system to human exploration and scientific discovery. Nuclear fuel is incredibly energy-dense, enabling nuclear-powered spacecraft power to travel thousands of kilometres over the years without refuelling.

To date, NASA has flown more than 25 missions carrying a nuclear power system through a successful partnership with the United States (US) Department of Energy, which provides the power systems and fuel, with ground-breaking missions extending humanity’s reach across the solar system.

Radioisotope power systems are reliable and efficient, and NASA uses nuclear systems to power unmanned spacecraft to distant planets with enhanced reliability and efficiency compared to solar energy. However, a National Academies report concluded that larger systems are needed for human flights to Mars and beyond, or for setting up colonies on the Moon or Mars, even actual nuclear reactors.

Future Plans

In this new age of space travel, nuclear power and related technologies are making interplanetary missions faster, more efficient and more economical, with advances in nuclear fission and fusion indispensable for deep-space travel. In the foreseeable future, nuclear energy could supply electricity for a broader spectrum of applications, including onboard systems and instrumentation, powering a sustained human presence on celestial bodies in the solar system.

The US space agency is exploring nuclear thermal propulsion to drive efficiencies. This concept introduces heat from a nuclear fission reactor to a hydrogen propellant and plans to test a spacecraft engine powered by nuclear fission by 2027. A trip to Mars from Earth using the technology could take roughly four months, instead of some nine months with a conventional, chemically powered engine, and substantially reduces the time astronauts would be exposed to natural deep-space radiation.

Beyond Electricity

The UAE has a long-term, data-driven approach to developing nuclear energy with the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, the cornerstone of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme, generating abundant clean electricity around the clock. Spearheading an increase in the intellectual wealth of the UAE with thousands of high-value career opportunities for UAE Nationals, the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is transforming the human capital of the nuclear sector and stimulating millions of dollars of value for local companies.

The Barakah Plant is just the beginning of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme, with nuclear energy the catalyst for innovation and R&D. With abundant clean electricity flowing 24/7, ENEC focuses on exploring and incubating strategic investments in nuclear energy locally and internationally that support the growth and development goals of the UAE.

Catalyst for Innovation and R&D

The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is a nation-defining strategic energy infrastructure project driving efforts towards achieving UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 target by preventing millions of tons of carbon emissions annually. Today, the Barakah Plant is the region’s largest source of clean electricity. Among its civil applications, ENEC plans to realise the full value of the UAE Programme, from clean energy generation and clean molecules production, to applications in healthcare, agriculture and space exploration.

UAE astronauts are continuing Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and making a nation proud by turning the ambitions of his wise leadership into reality. It is inspiring and motivating to witness their progress, share their ambitions, and continue the incredible progress in exploring the universe beyond our world to help make the breakthroughs we need to protect all life on Earth.

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Crew-6 mission called off at last minute

The NASA and SpaceX will now look at a new launch date while engineers investigate the issue with the Falcon 9 rocket….reports Asian Lite News

With just minutes for lift-off, the Crew-6 mission to the International Space Station has been called off due to a technical issue with the ground systems.

NASA announced that the launch was scrubbed due to an issue with ground systems.

The NASA and SpaceX will now look at a new launch date while engineers investigate the issue with the Falcon 9 rocket.

“Standing down from tonight’s launch of Crew-6 due to a TEA-TEB ground system issue. Both Crew-6 and the vehicles are healthy and propellant offload has begun ahead of the crew disembarking Dragon,” SpaceX tweeted.

“Propellant offload complete, launch escape system disarmed, and the crew access arm has swung back in place for the crew to egress,” it further said a few minutes later.

Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi is among the four crew members who are embarking on a historic six-month mission to space.

This is the sixth crew rotation mission with astronauts using the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft on a Falcon 9 rocket to the orbiting laboratory as part of the agency’s Commercial Crew Programme.

Meanwhile yesterday, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has dialled Astronaut AL Neyadi  and prayed for the success of the mission.

“We are delighted with you, and we invest in the likes of you,” the UAE President said along with a piece of advice for the 42-year-old: “The important thing is to maintain your daily workout so that your muscles remain strong when you return, God willing.”

The astronaut highlighted how the UAE President leads with his kindness and generosity; and how he “paves the way” for all. “You lead us and we follow you. The first mission was already completed by my brother Hazza Al Mansouri, who carried the UAE flag to space. I am just continuing this journey and there are more to come,” said AlNeyadi, the Khaleej Times reported.

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Science Technology UAE News

Hope Probe transitioning to new Mars orbit

The Hope Probe orbits Mars is currently in its elliptic orbit between 20,000 and 43,000 km with a 25-degree incline towards the planet…reports Asian Lite News

The Emirates Mars Mission ‘Hope Probe’, the first Arab-led planetary exploration mission, is transitioning to a new orbit.

The orbital transfer will allow the Hope Probe to fly within approximately 150 km and capture unprecedented data on Deimos, the smaller and outermost of the two natural satellites of Mars.

The new historical move will allow the Hope Probe to transition into a new elliptic orbit around Mars, following a Lambert orbital transfer maneuver utilising the change in its velocity. The new orbit will facilitate gathering data on Deimos, while allowing the Probe to continue its original mission and capture data on Mars’ atmosphere.

Deimos is the least observed compared to the red planet’s second moon, Phobos, which has been widely observed since its discovery in 1969. Orbiting Mars on a larger orbit, Deimos completes a revolution around the planet every 30 hours.

“The Deimos campaign aims to provide the international scientific community with previously unseen observations and data. The Hope Probe will capture high cadence images and data of the irregularly shaped, crater-heavy moon, during fly-bys at different times,” said Hessa Al Matroushi, Emirates Mars Mission Science Lead.

The first Deimos fly-by began in late January and continues through February 2023, as the Probe moves to its closet approach to the moon, this allows the Hope Probe’s Emirates Exploration Imager (EXI), Emirates Mars Ultraviolet Spectrometer (EMUS), and the Emirates Mars Infrared Spectrometer (EMUS), to capture high cadence images and detailed observations of the moon.

To enable the orbital transfer maneuver, the Hope Probe completed two out of three maneuvers using its main thrusters in September 2022 and January 2023, marking the first time the thrusters were activated remotely to make the necessary orbital corrections.

The Hope Probe orbits Mars is currently in its elliptic orbit between 20,000 and 43,000 km with a 25-degree incline towards the planet, giving it the unique ability to complete one revolution around the planet every 55 hours, capturing comprehensive data every nine days. The slight change in the Probe’s orbit will allow it to capture new observations of Deimos, while capturing data on the red planet’s atmosphere. In fact, the Deimos fly-by burns change Hope’s orbit so minimally that the entirety of the primary mission objectives remain completely unaltered.

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Al Neyadi hopes to see a UAE flag on lunar surface

The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, named Endeavour, atop a Falcon 9 rocket, will carry the UAE astronaut and Mission Specialist Sultan Al Neyadi, along with two NASA astronauts”…reports Asian Lite News

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has announced the details of the second mission of the UAE Astronaut Programme. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, named Endeavour, atop a Falcon 9 rocket, will carry the UAE astronaut and Mission Specialist Sultan Al Neyadi, along with two NASA astronauts, Mission Commander Stephen Bowen, and Pilot Warren Hoburg, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev.

Key mission information, such as the launch time and launch opportunities, was announced during the NASA Crew-6 mission overview media briefing.

 “We are proud to talk about our second mission under the UAE Astronaut Programme and Sultan’s first mission to space,” said Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director-General, MBRSC. “Our human space programme kicked off in 2017 where we selected our first two astronauts, Hazzaa Al Mansoori and Sultan Al Neyadi. We had our first mission to the ISS in 2019, which had an impact on hundreds of thousands of people.”

“Today Sultan AlNeyadi is a very capable astronaut and he, along with his colleague Hazzaa Al Mansoori have a total of 5 years of training, including training on EVAs and operations aboard the ISS.”

“We have over 20 science experiments from UAE universities in the upcoming mission and a lot of outreach activities being done across the region,” Al Marri added.

For his part, Al Neyadi, said, “The idea of waking up every morning and having access to a window like the Cupola, where one can scan the entire world in 90 minutes, is amazing, and I believe it is literally out of this world.

“The trip to space by Hazzaa Al Mansoori marked the UAE’s consistent presence in space. Our Prime Minister promised to continue these flights, and now we’re talking about the second mission to the International Space Station. This time we raised the bar to six months, and we now have two additional astronauts training with the class of ’23.

“I would also love to see a UAE flag on the lunar surface, carried on the shoulder of a UAE astronaut. UAE is doing an excellent job, and I believe that in the next ten years, we will be following international efforts to go to space and push the boundaries of exploration.”

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US to test nuclear thermal engine for future Mars missions

NASA and DARPA will partner on the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO) programme..reports Asian Lite News

NASA and the US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) have announced a collaboration to demonstrate a nuclear thermal rocket engine in space, the key steps for sending the first crewed missions to Mars.

NASA and DARPA will partner on the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO) programme, Xinhua news agency reported.

Using a nuclear thermal rocket allows for faster transit time, reducing risk for astronauts, according to NASA. Reducing transit time is a key component for human missions to Mars, as longer trips require more supplies and more robust systems.

“NASA will work with our long-term partner, DARPA, to develop and demonstrate advanced nuclear thermal propulsion technology as soon as 2027. With the help of this new technology, astronauts could journey to and from deep space faster than ever – a major capability to prepare for crewed missions to Mars,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.

A nuclear thermal rocket engine presents advantages over existing propulsion technologies, such as sending cargo to a new lunar base, humans to Mars, and robotic missions even farther.

NTR propulsion offers a high thrust-to-weight ratio around 10,000x greater than electric propulsion and with two-to-five times greater efficiency than in-space chemical propulsion.

“DARPA and NASA have a long history of fruitful collaboration in advancing technologies for our respective goals, from the Saturn V rocket that took humans to the Moon for the first time to robotic servicing and refueling of satellites,” said Dr. Stefanie Tompkins, director, DARPA.

“The space domain is critical to modern commerce, scientific discovery, and national security. The ability to accomplish leap-ahead advances in space technology through the DRACO nuclear thermal rocket program will be essential for more efficiently and quickly transporting material to the Moon and eventually, people to Mars.”

The U.S. Space Force has signaled its support for DRACO with the intent to provide the launch for the demonstration mission.

“We will conduct several experiments with the reactor at various power levels while in space, sending results back to operators on Earth, before executing the full-power rocket engine test remotely,” said Dr. Tabitha Dodson, DARPA program manager for DRACO. “These tests will inform the approach for future operation of NTR engines in space.”

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