Science
National Space Day: From Chandrayaan-3 to Aditya-L1, how Indian chips are powering its space missions
Made-in-India semiconductor chips are now powering key Indian space missions. These domestically manufactured components support lunar and solar exploration efforts. Specialized chips from Mohali's Semiconductor Laboratory are used in Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1. Indigenous processors are also integrated into satellite launch vehicles for onboard computing. This growing capability strengthens India's technological independence in space exploration.
From Thumba to tomorrow: Indian space programme is preparing for its biggest leap yet
India's space program began with a small rocket range in 1962. It progressed to launching its first satellite and developing indigenous launch vehicles. Chandrayaan-3's lunar landing marked a significant achievement for the nation. The program now includes private sector involvement and ambitious future goals. India aims for a space station by 2035 and a lunar landing by 2040.
'India will establish its own space station by 2035': ISRO Chief V Narayanan
India is working towards establishing its own space station by 2035, with the first module of the proposed Bharatiya Antariksha Station already approved, ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan said on Sunday. Speaking at the third National Space Day celebrations in Ahmedabad, Narayanan highlighted India's growing capabilities in space technology and said the country is now using space-based applications across more than 50 areas directly serving citizens. "Today, we are celebrating the third National Space Day. The theme is very important: innovation, collaboration, and aspiring for global leadership in the space sector," Narayanan said.
'India will establish its own space station by 2035': ISRO Chief V Narayanan
India plans to establish its own space station by the year 2035. The first module for the Bharatiya Antariksha Station has already received approval. This ambitious project aligns with the nation's growing space capabilities and aspirations. National Space Day celebrates India's achievements and future endeavors in space exploration.
PM Modi wants India to ‘create an aura’ that can draw space talent; urges startups to build global businesses
Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims to lure global expertise to India's expanding space landscape. He identifies the private sector's potential as a crucial asset for global competition. Key advantages include India’s affordability and its appetite for innovation. To foster investment in the demanding space sector, maintaining consistent policies is vital. Meanwhile, Indian startups are setting their sights on global markets to elevate their reach.
PM Modi interacts with startup CEOs from Space Sector
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today interacted with Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Founders of Space Startups in New Delhi. During the interaction, the Prime Minister called for wider applications of Space Technology to improve the lives of people.
National Space Day 2026: From bicycles to global space leadership, ISRO chief recalls India's journey
India observed its third National Space Day, commemorating the Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing. ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan recalled the agency's humble beginnings and current global standing. He highlighted Chandrayaan-3's soft landing near the Moon's south pole in August 2023. The mission's scientific data was shared globally, inspiring millions of Indians worldwide. This year's theme focuses on innovation and collaboration for global space leadership.
Northeast India looks to emerge as space-tech gateway to Southeast Asia
The Northeast India Space Workshop 2026 will convene in Guwahati to explore regional transformation. This event aims to leverage space technology for global reach and economic growth. Stakeholders will discuss Northeast India becoming a developer and testbed for space solutions. The region's strategic location and disaster exposure create demand for space applications. This initiative seeks to connect existing capabilities with the commercial space ecosystem.
PM Modi urges space startups to explore applications in agriculture, livestock, environment
Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged young space entrepreneurs to innovate for agriculture and daily life. He highlighted the potential of India's private space sector for global impact. Startups were urged to engage with schools and inspire future generations. Modi acknowledged the risks taken by entrepreneurs and the government's reform process. The government will continue supporting startups to build national space capabilities.
India's space ambitions face over 4x higher rocket launch costs than US, study shows
India faces a substantial cost gap with the United States for launching payloads. A recent study estimates India's cost at over $13,000 per kilogram by 2025. This contrasts with the United States' estimated cost of $3,225 per kilogram. The study highlights scale and experience as key factors for reducing launch expenses. India must increase launch frequency and build capabilities to compete globally.
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Japan aims for the moons of Mars
Japan's MMX mission will blast off soon to collect Martian moon samples. The spacecraft will orbit Mars for three years and land on Phobos. This mission aims to understand Solar System origins and life's emergence. A rival Chinese mission also plans to return Mars samples around 2031. The Japanese mission could also prepare for future human exploration of Mars.
Department of Atomic Energy releases draft rules of SHANTI Act
Draft rules for the SHANTI Act, 2025, mandate financial security for nuclear damage. Operators must maintain insurance or financial security until spent fuel removal. Foreign reactor designs require certification by their country of origin's regulatory body. The licensing authority may grant in-principle approval for sites or technologies not yet selected. A single composite license will authorize building, owning, operating, and decommissioning nuclear plants.
What makes earthquakes so deadly?
Colombia and Venezuela experienced deadly earthquakes due to tectonic plate friction. The Nazca plate sliding beneath the South American plate caused tremors. Earthquake magnitude and depth significantly influenced the destructive impact. Building codes and terrain also played crucial roles in the devastation. International data sharing is vital for mitigating future seismic risks.
Indian physicist Deepak Dhar wins prestigious 2026 Dirac Medal
Physicist Deepak Dhar received the 2026 Dirac Medal for his statistical mechanics work. He shares the award with three other scientists for their complex systems research. Their contributions span biology, finance, computer science, and artificial intelligence. Dhar is recognized for his influential sandpile model research. This award highlights significant advancements in theoretical physics and its applications.
NASA invites ISRO to join Moon Base programme as India, US deepen space cooperation
India has been invited to join NASA's Moon Base program. Discussions focused on expanding civil and commercial space cooperation. Both nations agreed to advance open scientific data sharing under Artemis Accords. They also reaffirmed commitment to UN guidelines for outer space sustainability. Future collaborations in space science and human spaceflight technologies are being explored.
IN-SPACe moves to hand over Isro’s new Rs 986 crore small rocket launch complex to private sector
IN-SPACe seeks private partners to manage ISRO's new launch complex. This facility will support small rocket launches and enhance launch efficiency. Private entities will handle end-to-end operations and maintenance of the complex. ISRO will provide initial technical and operational support for capability development. This move supports India's growing commercial space sector and launch infrastructure.
