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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will start a series of test flights for India’s maiden human space flight mission from February next year, a senior official said on Thursday.

The space agency also plans to deploy the heavy lift Chinook helicopter and the C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft for testing the crew module, which will carry astronauts into the orbit for three days as part of the Gaganyaan human space flight mission, R Umamaheshwaran, Director of ISRO‘s Human Space Flight Centre said.

Addressing the India Space Congress, he said scientists at ISRO had completed the design of the Environment Control System, which will ensure ambient living conditions for astronauts in the crew service module when they are orbiting the Earth.

At least 17 different tests are planned by ISRO next year before it carries out the unmanned space flight in December next year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the Gaganyaan Mission in his Independence Day address in 2018 with a tentative target of achieving it in 2022, when the country completed 75 years of freedom from colonial rule.

However, the COVID pandemic led to several delays and the first Indian astronauts are likely to undertake their maiden spaceflight by the end of 2024 or early 2025.

Umamaheshwaran said the task of designing the crew module and environment control system was a challenging one as the astronauts should feel comfortable even during the re-entry phase, when the temperatures outside the space capsule could reach over 2000 degrees celsius.

“The crew module, where the astronauts are supposed to sit and fly, is completed and the fabrication work is on. Within six months, we will get the crew module,” he said on the sidelines of the event organised by the SatCom Industry Association.

Umamaheshwaran said the environment control system was a critical element of the project as it provides ambient living conditions in the crew module.

“We have to provide oxygen, remove carbon dioxide, remove humidity, maintain temperature and also ensure there is no fire hazard. This is a very complex technology which no country would give us,” he said.

The senior scientist said it was decided to develop the environment control system indigenously.

“We have the capability to design, so we are doing that and that only is taking a little bit of time. We have completed all the design and now is the time to prove that whatever has been designed is safe enough. That is the entire effort,” Umamaheshwaran said.

He said four candidates have been shortlisted to undertake the spaceflight and have already completed their initial training in Russia.

The shortlisted astronauts are currently undergoing further training at the Astronaut Training Facility in Bengaluru, he said.

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First-Ever Female Burial With Weapons Uncovered in Hungary

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January 4, 2025

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First-Ever Female Burial With Weapons Uncovered in Hungary

The first confirmed case of a female burial with weapons from the 10th century in the Carpathian Basin, Hungary, has been uncovered. Skeletal remains and grave goods, including weaponry, were identified at the Sárrétudvari-Hízóföld cemetery. This discovery, described by experts, challenges prior assumptions about societal roles during the Hungarian Conquest period, a time marked by mounted archers and frequent conflicts. Although evidence of weapons was present, researchers approached conclusions cautiously, ensuring findings were grounded in detailed analysis.

Archaeological Findings and Methodology

The study was led by Dr. Balázs Tihanyi and his colleagues, published in PLOS ONE. As reported by Phys.org, the burial contained a silver penannular hair ring, bell buttons, a bead necklace, and archery-related items such as an arrowhead, quiver parts, and an antler bow plate. Genetic and morphological tests confirmed the individual, referred to as SH-63, was female, despite the poor preservation of skeletal remains.

Dr. Balázs Tihanyi, leader of the research team, told the publication that the combination of grave goods in SH-63’s burial was unique within the cemetery, blending typically male and female items.

Challenges in Determining Warrior Status

The presence of weapons did not lead to assumptions about SH-63’s status as a warrior. Researchers noted that being part of a warrior class involved specific societal roles, and physical evidence alone is insufficient for confirmation.

Indicators such as joint changes and trauma were identified, possibly suggesting activities like horse riding or weapon use. However, it was emphasised that these signs could also result from daily life unrelated to warfare.

Historical Implications

It was reported that this discovery provides a glimpse into the complexity of life in 10th-century Hungary, with SH-63’s burial raising questions about gender roles and social structures of the time. Further investigations are planned to compare this case with others from the same period, aiming to deepen understanding of the era’s societal dynamics.

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JUNO Neutrino Detector Nears Completion, Set to Begin Operations in 2025

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January 4, 2025

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JUNO Neutrino Detector Nears Completion, Set to Begin Operations in 2025

Physicists are finalising the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO), a facility designed to unravel the mysteries surrounding neutrinos, subatomic particles with no electric charge and minimal mass. Scheduled to commence data collection in summer 2025, the observatory aims to identify the heaviest among the three neutrino types. Situated 700 metres beneath the ground in China, the project represents a significant step in the study of these elusive particles and their antiparticle counterparts, antineutrinos.

Key Features of the JUNO Detector

According to a Science News report, the observatory features a 35-metre-wide acrylic sphere at its core, which will hold 20,000 metric tons of liquid scintillator. This liquid is engineered to emit light when particles from an antineutrino interaction are detected. The setup includes tens of thousands of photomultiplier tubes to capture these light signals. To minimise interference from other particles, the detector is surrounded by a water-filled cylindrical pit, the filling of which began on December 18, 2024.

Focus on Antineutrinos

Antineutrinos from two nuclear power plants located 50 kilometres away will be observed, offering insights into their properties and interactions. According to project sources, this experimental setup will not only aid in determining neutrino masses but also contribute to broader physics research, including the understanding of matter-antimatter asymmetry.

Significance of JUNO

Reports indicate that this observatory will be the largest of its kind globally, with scientists expecting groundbreaking findings. By investigating antineutrinos in detail, JUNO is anticipated to enhance understanding of subatomic physics and the fundamental structure of the universe.

The collaborative efforts of international teams underscore the importance of the project in advancing neutrino research. This facility marks a major advancement in the quest to uncover the properties of neutrinos, with its findings expected to have far-reaching implications in the field of particle physics.

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Tristan Da Cunha: The Earth’s Most Remote Inhabited Island

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January 4, 2025

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Tristan Da Cunha: The Earth's Most Remote Inhabited Island

Tristan da Cunha, a remote group of volcanic islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, is renowned for being the most isolated inhabited location on the planet. This British Overseas Territory houses a farming community of approximately 250 people on its only populated island, Tristan da Cunha. The settlement, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, is surrounded by rugged landscapes and extraordinary biodiversity, providing a unique environment for both its residents and visiting researchers. The archipelago is situated over 1,500 miles southwest of St. Helena and stretches across vast expanses of the Atlantic.

Formation Through Ancient Geological Processes

According to a BBC report, the islands were formed millions of years ago due to volcanic activity linked to the breakup of Gondwana, an ancient supercontinent. The hotspot now referred to as the Walvis Ridge Hotspot is believed to have played a significant role in this process. As tectonic plates shifted, magma from deep within Earth’s mantle created these volcanic islands.

The main island, characterised by Queen Mary’s Peak, features a striking central crater containing a heart-shaped lake. This natural feature freezes in winter and thaws during summer, attracting adventurous hikers seeking its summit.

Biodiversity and Accessibility

A Live Science report highlight that the region is a haven for wildlife, including seals, northern rockhopper penguins, and albatrosses. Despite its rich ecosystem, reaching Tristan da Cunha is challenging, requiring a six-day boat journey from South Africa. This isolation has shaped the lives of its inhabitants, who primarily rely on farming for sustenance.

Volcanic Legacy and Extinct Peaks

As per reports, Tristan da Cunha and its neighbouring islands were shaped by volcanic eruptions along the ocean floor. These volcanoes, fed by magma plumes, gradually became inactive as tectonic movement carried them away from the hotspot. Each island in the archipelago represents a distinct phase of this geological evolution, forming a snapshot of Earth’s dynamic history.

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Search for Elusive Missing Link Black Holes Continues as Omega Centauri Observation Turns Out to Be a Dud

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