FLIGHT RETURNED
Air India teases another new Boeing 787-9 from Everett
Air India has teased the arrival of another Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. This development marks another step in the airline's ongoing fleet transformation plans. The carrier is also refurbishing its existing legacy Boeing 787-8 aircraft with upgraded cabins. By the end of 2026, nearly sixty percent of its widebody fleet will feature modern interiors. This signals a milestone in strengthening its international long-haul market position.
Flight attendant surprises father on his birthday, his face changes the moment he recognises her
A flight attendant surprised her father on his birthday by appearing on the same flight without telling him she would be part of the crew. A video shared by Shweta Pandey captures his initial confusion as he struggles to recognise her in uniform before realising who she is and embracing her. She said it was their first such reunion onboard.
In 1959, Able and Baker survived a 300-mile Jupiter rocket flight; Able died during surgery four days later, while Baker lived to 27
In 1959, two brave monkeys named Able and Baker embarked on a historic space mission. Tragically, Able passed away just four days post-mission due to complications during surgery. Meanwhile, Baker enjoyed a long and celebrated life, becoming a star at a space center, receiving numerous awards and fan letters for her pioneering role. Baker lived until 1984, reaching the remarkable age of 27.
In 1951, Soviet dog Smelaya ran away before her rocket launch; after she returned, she flew safely with Malyshka
During the initial experiments in space exploration, Soviet engineers evaluated dogs for their survival skills during launch. Female dogs were preferred due to their tranquil temperament and manageable waste disposal. A notable event occurred when a test dog named Smelaya vanished just hours before her flight but miraculously reappeared the following day, allowing the mission to continue as intended.
Can fish populate space? In 1994, four medaka fish were flown aboard Columbia. They laid 43 eggs; 8 babies were born in space with no gravity. Adult fish, however, forgot to use one organ in their body
In 1994, Japanese astronaut Chiaki Mukai was pleasantly shocked to find that new life could indeed be born in space. Four fish he had carried with him on the space mission were able to hatch 43 eggs in space. When they returned to Earth, the hatchlings were able to grow completely normally.
In 1951, Yorick the monkey and 11 mice rode an Aerobee rocket to 236,000 feet; the flight showed animals could survive launch and landing, though Yorick died after touchdown
In 1951, a rhesus monkey named Yorick embarked on a groundbreaking mission aboard a rocket, soaring nearly forty-five miles above the New Mexico desert alongside eleven mice. Despite a successful parachute deployment, the capsule's overheating led to Yorick's tragic death from heat prostration before rescue teams could arrive. This mission yielded invaluable data that paved the way for future human space exploration.
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Nepal floods: 28 Andhra pilgrims return safely after completing Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Twenty-eight Andhra Pradesh pilgrims safely returned from Nepal after a flash flood incident. Their journey was delayed by visa issues, which indirectly helped them avoid the worst. A sudden surge of water caused vehicles to be swept away and a bridge to collapse. Some pilgrims were stranded, while two buses from West Bengal remain missing. Indian officials and the travel agency provided assistance throughout the perilous situation.
Families of South Koreans missing in Nepal floods seek urgent helicopter access
Nine South Koreans remain missing after a catastrophic flash flood in Nepal. Families are urging authorities to secure helicopter access for a critical search operation. A South Korean rapid response team awaits flight clearance to reach the affected disaster area. Nepalese authorities stated they do not require foreign assistance for ongoing rescue efforts. The disaster struck a major hydropower project on Wednesday, impacting workers.
In 1958, the US launched Gordo the squirrel monkey 300 miles above Earth; he endured 8.3 minutes of weightlessness and 40 g during re-entry, but died after his capsule sank at sea
In the historic space flight of 1958, Gordo, a courageous squirrel monkey, faced intense conditions that ultimately validated human survival in the cosmos. Although a flotation device malfunction led to his spacecraft's descent into the ocean, the mission was deemed partially successful by the US Army. The crucial data gathered from Gordo's experience played a vital role in advancing Project Mercury further.
In 1961, NASA sent Ham the chimpanzee 157 miles above Earth to test whether a primate could work in space; he completed a 16-minute flight and returned safely
Chimpanzee Ham made history in 1961 when he soared into space aboard a Mercury-Redstone rocket. His mission aimed to assess the capabilities of primates under the daunting conditions of space travel. During his brief yet impactful journey, Ham adeptly executed trained tasks, paving the way for America's first astronaut. Today, Ham's legacy stands tall as a testament to the adventurous spirit of space exploration.
On STS-51B, NASA flew 24 rats and 2 squirrel monkeys with Spacelab-3; one monkey showed space sickness while the rats returned with muscle loss
In 1985, Challenger carried rats and monkeys to study microgravity's effects. One monkey experienced space sickness, mirroring human astronaut symptoms. Rats showed notable muscle loss and bone fragility after the mission. This experiment provided early evidence of rapid bodily changes in space. These findings remain relevant for future long-duration space travel.
In 1992, Endeavour rescued stranded Intelsat VI; three astronauts captured it by hand, and a new booster sent the satellite to geosynchronous orbit
In 1992, NASA unleashed the Endeavour shuttle on an ambitious mission to salvage a damaged satellite. The crew faced daunting challenges during their multiple spacewalks, grappling with initial failures. Highlighting their determination was a historic three-person spacewalk that expertly secured the Intelsat VI satellite for repairs. By fitting a new engine, they ensured the satellite reached its intended orbit, showcasing humanity's ingenuity in the challenging frontier of space.
In 1966, Gemini VIII made the first U.S. docking in space; 27 minutes later, a stuck thruster sent it spinning near 1 revolution per second before Neil Armstrong stopped it
The Gemini VIII mission quickly transitioned from a planned rendezvous to a critical in-flight emergency. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and David Scott faced a dangerous spin after docking with an Agena target vehicle. Armstrong's decisive action to use re-entry thrusters stabilized the spacecraft and averted disaster. This emergency led to an early mission end and a vital safety improvement for future flights.
SpaceX launch today: Record-breaking Falcon 9 mission set to kick off busy Space Coast schedule
Florida's Space Coast is preparing for a busy launch schedule. SpaceX will launch Starlink satellites using a reusable Falcon 9 rocket. NASA's Roman Space Telescope will launch aboard a powerful Falcon Heavy rocket. Crewed missions and commercial satellites will also fill the autumn manifest. Spectators should monitor weather and range updates for viewing opportunities.
In 2023, Kitepower flew a 176-pound fabric wing over a Mayo bog for the first time. 3 years later, it has logged more than 90 flights and over 100 hours generating airborne wind-energy data
Kitepower is testing an unconventional approach to renewable energy at a designated airborne wind-energy site in County Mayo, Ireland. Instead of using a traditional tower and rotating blades, the system sends a lightweight fabric wing into the sky while a tether connects it to ground-based generation equipment. The wing flies repeated figure-eight patterns, creating pulling force that turns a generator as the tether unwinds.
In 1963, France sent a stray cat 154 km into space; Félicette survived the flight, was euthanized for research, and honoured with a bronze statue
In 1963, France sent stray cat Félicette 154 km into space, making her the first and only cat to travel beyond Earth. She survived the flight but was later euthanized for research; decades later, a bronze statue was unveiled in her honour. She retains a unique place in the pantheon of animal astronauts, as the first and only cat to have travelled into space.
In 1968, two Afghan tortoises who beat humans to the Moon lost 10% of their weight - They flew around the moon on Soviet Zond 5 and returned alive 3 months before Apollo 8
In September 1968, two tortoises made history as the first animals to orbit the Moon and safely return to Earth aboard the Soviet Zond 5 spacecraft. Their remarkable journey proved that living beings could endure the harsh conditions of deep-space travel, although they experienced a ten percent body weight loss. This pioneering mission laid the groundwork for human exploration beyond our planet.
Air India Express flight from Ranchi to Bengaluru delayed by five hours due to oxygen cylinder
An Air India Express flight from Ranchi to Bengaluru experienced a significant delay. The aircraft had to arrange oxygen cylinders from Delhi for the return journey. This delay occurred after a passenger required oxygen during the inbound flight. The flight, number IX 1244, eventually departed for Bengaluru after the cylinders arrived. Passengers waited for approximately five hours at Birsa Munda Airport.
NASA found astronauts can become up to 3% taller in space; their spines lengthen without Earth’s gravity, then compress again after landing
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station actually grow taller due to the absence of gravity. This temporary height increase occurs as spinal discs decompress and elongate in microgravity. Upon returning to Earth, gravity compresses the spine, reversing the height gain. However, astronauts experience muscle atrophy in their lower backs which takes time to recover. This can lead to an increased risk of herniated discs after long-duration spaceflight.
In 1985, NASA astronauts built two giant “flyswatters” aboard Space Shuttle Discovery; they used them in an attempt to activate a stranded satellite
In the remarkable year of 1985, astronauts faced a daunting challenge when they crafted makeshift tools from spare materials aboard their spacecraft to repair a satellite. Their first attempt, an unplanned spacewalk to activate the Syncom IV-3 satellite, didn't succeed, yet ingenuity prevailed as the satellite was ultimately restored. This incident showcases NASA's creative problem-solving using what they had on hand.
After Apollo 11 returned to Earth in 1969, Neil Armstrong spent his 39th birthday behind a glass wall from his wife; NASA kept him in a 3-week quarantine while scientists investigated a Lunar threat that probably never existed
Apollo 11 astronauts underwent a three-week quarantine after returning from the Moon. This precaution was taken due to the unknown biological environment of the lunar surface. Scientists tested lunar samples for potential harmful microorganisms and toxins. The astronauts celebrated a birthday behind glass while remaining in isolation. After testing confirmed safety, the quarantine requirement was discontinued.
UN welcomes Sri Lanka's efforts to bring back refugees from India
Sri Lanka simplified immigration procedures for refugees returning from India. The United Nations welcomed this significant decision for their safe return. Many refugees fled ethnic violence which began in nineteen eighty-three. Around ninety thousand refugees still reside in India's Tamil Nadu state. The UNHCR will facilitate the return and resettlement of these displaced individuals.
IndiGo flight performs precautionary go-around at Gorakhpur Airport after scratches found near APU inlet
An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Gorakhpur performed a precautionary go-around before landing safely. Maintenance crews later discovered minor scratches near the aircraft's APU inlet. Another IndiGo flight from Trichy to Singapore returned due to a technical snag. This aircraft circled for two and a half hours before landing safely. An alternative flight was arranged for all 127 passengers to reach Singapore.
IndiGo flight from Trichy to Singapore carrying 127 passengers returns after technical snag
An IndiGo flight from Trichy to Singapore returned safely to the airport. The aircraft experienced a technical snag shortly after its departure. Passengers were aboard the flight which circled for two and a half hours. Airport officials maintained communication while the plane reduced its fuel. The flight landed after completing all necessary safety procedures.
‘They just sent me here’: Inside the first major Haiti deportation flight
More than 160 people were deported to Haiti on Thursday, marking a significant return flight. The plane landed in Cap-Haïtien due to ongoing security issues in the capital. Some deportees had lived in the United States for decades and barely knew Haiti. Advocates criticize the deportations, citing Haiti's severe violence and displacement crisis. The end of Temporary Protected Status leaves many Haitians facing an uncertain future.
US sends 2,300 deported Mexicans through Guatemala, testing Mexico ties
Guatemala reports receiving nearly 2,300 deported Mexicans from the United States this year. These individuals are flown to Guatemala and then transferred to Mexico within 24 hours. Mexico officially opposes this practice and is working to repatriate its citizens. U.S. authorities reaffirm commitment to Trump-era immigration policies and ending illegal immigration. This tactic may aim to deter illegal reentry by moving migrants farther from the border.
Arsenal launch title defence as new-look Premier League kicks off
Arsenal begins the new Premier League season as titleholders facing Coventry City at home. Manchester United starts their campaign against Hull City after a promising previous season. Manchester City enters a new era without Pep Guardiola and key departing players. Liverpool faces Newcastle United in their first match without Mohamed Salah. Chelsea aims for a strong season with a new manager and significant player investment.
On August 7, Elon Musk feared SpaceX’s Ship 40 was lost at sea. 11 days later, it became the first Starship upper stage ever recovered after returning from space
SpaceX has made a remarkable achievement by successfully retrieving Starship Ship 40 from the depths of the Indian Ocean. The spacecraft emerged from its recent journey intact following its splashdown. Engineers are preparing to evaluate the vessel's condition near Christmas Island, allowing them to gather essential data that telemetry could not provide. This recovery is a pivotal milestone for advancing the Starship program.
Air India undertakes pilot testing programme amidst scrutiny after Phuket incident
Air India has voluntarily undertaken a testing programme covering all its pilots, beyond regulatory requirements, amid heightened scrutiny following the Phuket-Delhi flight incident. The airline said the move reflects its commitment to safety and professionalism, while urging stakeholders to avoid speculation and wait for verified findings after the ongoing process is completed.
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