The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has postponed its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDex) mission which was scheduled for Thursday, after the satellites drifted more than expected during a manoeuvre, ISRO said in a statement on Wednesday.

This is the second time that the docking experiment has been postponed.
It was originally scheduled for January 7.

In a post on X, ISRO said, “While making a maneuver to reach 225 m between satellites, the drift was found to be more than expected post non-visibility period.”

“The planned docking for tomorrow is postponed. Satellites are safe,” it added.

Earlier, on Monday, the ISRO had postponed the docking of its SpaDex mission program, initially scheduled for January 7, 2025. The new date for the docking has been set for January 9, 2025. ISRO has not provided any specific reason for the schedule change.

On December 30, ISRO achieved a historic feat by launching PSLV-C60 with SpaDeX and innovative payloads.

The SpaDeX mission is a cost-effective technology demonstrator mission for the demonstration of in-space docking using two small spacecraft launched by PSLV. The primary objective of the SpaDeX mission is to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for the rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft (SDX01, which is the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target, nominally) in a low-Earth circular orbit.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Jitendra Singh, last week said that the SpaDeX mission was named “Bharatiya Docking Technology” because it is purely an indigenous mission, and India is carrying out the first such experiment related to docking technology.

The Union MoS further stated that SpaDeX’s mission very much aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”

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The highly anticipated debut launch of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket has been scheduled for January 10, 2025. The heavy-lift rocket, designed for both commercial and government missions, will take off from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. A launch window of three hours, beginning at 1 a.m. EST, has been announced. The rocket’s inaugural flight marks a significant milestone for Blue Origin as the company aims to validate its capabilities and establish itself as a major player in the space industry.

New Glenn’s Mission and Capabilities

According to Blue Origin, as reported by space.com, the New Glenn rocket is a reusable, 320-foot-tall launch vehicle capable of carrying 50 tons (45 metric tons) to low Earth orbit (LEO). The NG-1 mission will test the company’s Blue Ring spacecraft platform, which is designed to support a variety of orbital payloads. This demonstration will include assessments of communication systems, in-space telemetry, and ground-based tracking capabilities. The payload will remain aboard the rocket’s second stage for a six-hour mission, as stated by Blue Origin.

Booster Recovery and Future Goals

The mission will also attempt a recovery of the rocket’s first stage booster, which will land on a ship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean, as per reports from space.com. The company’s senior vice president, Jarrett Jones, emphasised the importance of the flight, stating that rigorous preparations had been undertaken but that true insights could only be gained through actual launch experiences.

NG-1 is a critical step toward securing certification for U.S. national security missions. A successful outcome would bring Blue Origin closer to fulfilling these high-stakes contracts, further solidifying its position in the competitive aerospace sector.

This launch will serve as a proving ground for the New Glenn system, with valuable data expected to inform future missions and technology advancements.

New research has revealed that spiders use specialised hairs on their legs to detect airborne scents, offering fresh insights into the sensory abilities of these arachnids. This discovery has resolved a long-standing question about how spiders, which lack antennae like insects, can identify odours such as pheromones. Male spiders were observed using olfactory hairs, known as wall-pore sensilla, to sense sex pheromones emitted by females. This mechanism underscores their ability to locate potential mates through chemical signals.

Olfactory Sensilla Identified

According to a study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the wall-pore sensilla were found on the upper legs of adult male wasp spiders (Argiope bruennichi). These microscopic structures are believed to be critical for detecting pheromones. High-resolution scanning electron microscopy revealed thousands of these sensilla, which were absent in females and juvenile males. This specific distribution supports their role in mate detection. Researchers emphasised to phys.org that these findings have mapped and identified the elusive sensilla, previously thought to be absent in spiders.

Response to Pheromones

Experiments demonstrated the sensitivity of these sensilla to pheromone compounds. Tiny amounts of the substance, such as 20 nanograms, elicited significant neuronal responses. The experiments involved exposing the sensilla to pheromone puffs, and responses were observed consistently across various leg pairs. The researchers concluded that spiders’ olfactory systems rival the sensitivity seen in insects, highlighting their advanced chemical detection capabilities.

Broader Implications

The study explored 19 other spider species and confirmed the presence of wall-pore sensilla in most male spiders, suggesting that this trait evolved multiple times. However, it was noted that some primitive species lack these structures. Future research is expected to investigate how female spiders detect smells, the types of chemicals relevant to their behaviours, and the evolutionary aspects of olfaction in spiders.

This breakthrough provides a foundation for understanding the sophisticated sensory mechanisms that govern spider behaviour.