Science and Technology

 

Science and Technology, Important Development for Competitive Exams. 

PSLV-C62 Mission Launched: Reports Anomaly During Third Stage

The PSLV-C62 mission, the 64th flight of India’s PSLV launch vehicle, lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota on 12 January 2026, carrying the Earth Observation Satellite EOS-N1 (Anvesha) along with 14 commercial payloads. The mission was executed by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and marked the ninth dedicated commercial launch, with strategic support from DRDO, which developed the EOS-N1 for high-precision imaging. The rocket also carried satellites from both domestic and international customers, including seven from Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space, making it a milestone for India’s private space sector.

However, the mission experienced an anomaly near the end of the third (PS3) stage, where the vehicle reported higher roll disturbances and a flight path deviation. ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan confirmed that the PSLV’s performance up to the PS3 stage was nominal and that data is currently being analysed to assess the impact of the anomaly.

ISRO Successfully Launches AST SpaceMobile BlueBird Block-2 Satellite Using LVM3

India successfully carried out another significant space mission as ISRO, through its commercial arm NewSpace India Limited, launched the United States’ AST SpaceMobile BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite on 24 December 2025 at 8:55 AM from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

The satellite was placed into Low Earth Orbit by ISRO’s heavy-lift launch vehicle LVM3, marking its sixth operational flight and reinforcing ISRO’s reliable launch capabilities. The mission was particularly notable as BlueBird Block-2 is the largest commercial communication satellite deployed in Low Earth Orbit and also the heaviest payload launched by LVM3 from Indian soil.

Owned by AST SpaceMobile (USA), BlueBird Block-2 is part of a global LEO constellation designed to enable direct-to-mobile connectivity, supporting 4G and 5G calls, messaging, video, and data services worldwide.

DRDO Successfully Conducts High-Speed Rocket-Sledge Test of Fighter Escape System

The DRDO successfully conducted a high-speed rocket-sledge test of a fighter aircraft escape system on 2 December 2025, marking a major milestone in India’s indigenous defence capability.
The test, conducted at the Rail Track Rocket Sledge (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh, involved collaboration with ADA, HAL, and was witnessed by officials from the Indian Air Force and the Institute of Aerospace Medicine.

The dynamic test used a dual-sledge system to propel the LCA aircraft forebody at controlled high velocity, simulating real ejection conditions. An instrumented Anthropomorphic Test Dummy was used to measure loads and accelerations experienced by pilots during ejection.
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh congratulated all agencies, calling it a significant step toward self-reliance in defence technology.

DoT Issues New SIM-Binding Rules to Prevent Misuse of Messaging Apps

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued new security guidelines for major app-based communication platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, Signal, ShareChat, Josh, Arattai, and JioChat.

These directions aim to stop the misuse of telecom identifiers and strengthen security in India’s digital communication ecosystem.

Under the new rules:

  • Apps must remain continuously linked to the active SIM card in the user’s device.
    ➤ This will prevent users from operating these apps after the SIM is removed, deactivated, or used abroad.
  • Web versions of these services must automatically log out periodically, requiring QR code verification for re-login.
  • Platforms using Indian mobile numbers for user identification must comply with the rules within 90 days and submit a compliance report within 120 days.

The Ministry stated that these measures are necessary to prevent cybercrimes such as anonymous scams, digital arrest frauds, and fake government calls, which are often conducted from overseas using Indian numbers.

With cyber-fraud losses exceeding ₹22,800 crore last year, the government said these mandatory SIM-binding rules will ensure traceability, enhance security, and protect public trust under the Telecom Cyber Security Rules.

DAE Launches India’s First Nitric-Oxide Wound Dressing and New Rare-Earth Reference Material

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) announced two major scientific breakthroughs with important applications in healthcare and rare-earth research.

India’s first nitric-oxide-releasing wound dressing, “ColoNoX,” was launched for treating diabetic foot ulcers (DFU).

  • Developed by BARC in collaboration with Cologenesis Pvt. Ltd.
  • Successfully completed Phase II and III clinical trials.
  • Received DCGI approval for commercial production.
  • DAE Secretary Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty said the innovation will offer affordable and effective treatment for diabetic patients.

DAE also released a new Certified Reference Material (CRM) named Ferrocarbonatite (FC) – BARC B140, developed for rare earth element (REE) exploration and processing.

  • Created jointly by BARC’s NCCCM and the Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD), Hyderabad.
  • Provides certified values for 13 rare-earth elements and 6 major elements.
  • It is India’s first CRM of this type and only the fourth in the world.

ISRO Launches India’s Heaviest Communication Satellite GSAT-7R (CMS-03)

On 2 November 2025, ISRO successfully launched the GSAT-7R (CMS-03), India’s heaviest communication satellite (4,410 kg), using the LVM3-M5 (Baahubali) rocket from Sriharikota.

The indigenously built satellite will boost the Indian Navy’s communication and maritime surveillance over the Indian Ocean Region. It is designed to operate for 15 years.

ISRO Chief V. Narayanan called it a “shiny example of Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” praising teams for executing ISRO’s heaviest-ever payload launch. The LVM3 achieved its 8th consecutive success and will be used for the upcoming Gaganyatri-2 mission.

Aadhaar Vision 2032 Framework Launched by UIDAI

On 31 October 2025, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) launched the ‘Aadhaar Vision 2032’ framework — a strategic roadmap to make Aadhaar future-ready through advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Quantum Computing, and Advanced Encryption.

The initiative aims to reinforce Aadhaar’s security, scalability, inclusiveness, and compliance with data protection and privacy standards, ensuring its continued role as a cornerstone of India’s digital governance and economy.

A High-Level Expert Committee, chaired by Neelkanth Mishra (Chairperson, UIDAI), has been formed to draft the vision document. Members include experts from academia, industry, and administration such as Vivek Raghavan (Sarvam AI), Dheeraj Pandey (Nutanix), Sasikumar Ganesan (MOSIP), Rahul Matthan (Trilegal), Navin Budhiraja (Vianai Systems), Anil Jain (Michigan State University), and others.

The Aadhaar Vision 2032 document will outline a next-generation architecture aligned with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act and global cybersecurity standards, focusing on AI-driven authentication, Blockchain-based trust, Quantum security preparedness, and advanced data encryption.

Gaganyaan G1 Mission; Launch Planned for December 2025

On 23 October 2025, ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan announced that 90% of work on the Gaganyaan uncrewed test flight mission (G1) has been completed, with the launch scheduled for the first week of December 2025. He confirmed that all key tests — including those on the crew module, escape system, parachute, and communication subsystems — have been successfully conducted. The Vyomamitra humanoid will fly aboard this uncrewed mission to low Earth orbit.

The final crewed Gaganyaan mission is targeted for 2027, during which three Indian astronauts will travel to space and return safely.

Dr. Narayanan also provided updates on other ISRO projects:

  • The NISAR Earth Observation Satellite will have its payloads operational within 10–15 days.
  • The first base module of the Bharatiya Antriksh Station will be launched by 2028, with the space station expected by 2035.
  • The NAVIC navigation satellite constellation (seven satellites) will be fully operational by 2027.
  • The Mars Lander Mission configuration is under development and awaiting approval.
  • ISRO is advancing technology for next-generation multi-stage rockets capable of lifting 75,000–80,000 kg, designed for human and deep space missions.

Google to Build Largest AI and Data Infrastructure Hub Outside the U.S. in Visakhapatnam

In October 2025, Google announced a $15 billion investment to build its largest AI and data infrastructure hub outside the U.S. in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, in partnership with Adani Group and Bharti Airtel.

The 1-gigawatt data center campus, powered by renewable energy and supported by subsea cable and fiber networks, will enhance AI, cloud, and digital infrastructure in India.

Unveiled at the Bharat AI Shakti event in New Delhi, the project is expected to create over 1 lakh jobs, boost AI adoption, and strengthen Indo-U.S. tech collaboration. Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu called it a milestone toward making Visakhapatnam an “AI City.”

UAE Unveils Sovereign Mobility Cloud & Dubai Autonomous Zone

Event: Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport 24–25 Sept 2025.

Sovereign Mobility Cloud:

  • Launched by the UAE, enabled by Core42’s Sovereign Public Cloud and powered by Microsoft Azure.
  • Provides secure digital infrastructure for autonomous mobility.
  • Ensures data sovereignty (all data hosted in UAE under national rules).
  • Supports HD mapping, telematics, fleet ops, traffic management, digital twins.
  • Backed by Space42 for pilot deployment & commercial rollout.
  • Builds on success of TXAI driverless service (600,000 km, 20,000 passenger trips).

Dubai Autonomous Zone (DAZ):

15-km dedicated corridor for driverless vehicles & marine transport.

  • Operational: Early 2026.
  • Coverage: Al Jaddaf Metro – Dubai Creek Harbour – Dubai Festival City.
  • Autonomous transport options: Driverless Metro, RoboTaxis, RoboBuses, shuttles, delivery bots, road sweepers, autonomous abras.
  • RoboTaxi trials by end of 2025, goal: 1,000 vehicles by 2028.
  • Collaboration: Uber + RTA + WeRide for autonomous cars.
  • Safety focus: 50+ vehicles testing in Jumeirah for real-world data.
  • Benefits: shorter travel, cost reduction, app-based booking (2026), accessibility for elderly/disabled, lower emissions.

India Unveils First Indigenous Semiconductor Chip “Vikram-3201”

On the sidelines of Semicon India 2025 in New Delhi, On 2 September 2025, India unveiled its first fully Made-in-India semiconductor chip, named Vikram-3201, developed by ISRO’s Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL).

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw presented the chip to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a giant step in India’s semiconductor self-reliance journey under the India Semiconductor Mission (2021).

Tata Electronics & Merck Sign MoU to Strengthen India’s Semiconductor Manufacturing

On 2 September 2025, Tata Electronics Pvt. Ltd. and Merck signed an MoU to advance India’s semiconductor and electronics manufacturing. The collaboration focuses on semiconductor materials, fab infrastructure, and specialty chemical and gas distribution for Tata Electronics’ upcoming ₹91,000 crore (USD 11 billion) fabrication plant in Dholera, Gujarat.

Merck will provide high-purity materials, advanced gas/chemical systems, turnkey fab services, and AI-powered Material Intelligence™ solutions. The partnership also emphasizes safety, best practices, supply chain localization, warehousing, talent development, and industry standards.

ISRO Successfully Conducts First Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) for Gaganyaan Mission

ISRO Successfully Conducts First Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) for Gaganyaan Mission on 24 Aug 2025, at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota.

  • Agencies Involved: ISRO, Indian Air Force, DRDO, Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard.
  • Objective: End-to-end demonstration of parachute-based deceleration system for Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.

James Webb Telescope Discovers Uranus’ 29th Moon, S/2025 U1

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) discovered a new moon of Uranus, named S/2025 U1.

  • The discovery was made by a team led by the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) on On 2 February 2025.
  • This raises the total number of Uranian moons to 29.
  • The moon is estimated to be just 10 km in diameter.
  • It orbits Uranus at a distance of 56,000 km.
  • Lead scientist Maryame El Moutamid called it a “small but significant discovery.”

ISRO to Conduct Gaganyaan’s First Test Flight in December 2025

On 21 August 2025, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman V. Narayanan announced that India’s maiden manned space mission – Gaganyaan will have its first test flight in December 2025.

  • Progress: Around 7,700 tests (80%) completed; remaining 2,300 tests to finish by March 2026.
  • Other Achievements (2025): 196 milestones, including GLEX-2025, a high-thrust electric propulsion system, and plans to launch a 6,500 kg US communication satellite from India.
  • Aditya L1 Mission: Delivered 13 terabits of scientific data this year.
  • Axiom-4 Mission: ISRO corrected a LOX leakage in Falcon-9’s first stage, ensuring a safe launch.

India to Establish Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035; Crewed Moon Mission by 2040

On 16 August 2025, Science & Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced India’s plan to set up an operational Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and send an Indian crewed mission to the Moon by 2040.

The announcement was made during a special Lok Sabha discussion on India’s first astronaut aboard the ISS. The Minister lauded IAF Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla for his historic mission to the International Space Station.

Starlink Approved to Launch Satellite Internet in India

On 31 July 2025, the Indian government granted Elon Musk’s Starlink a Unified License to offer satellite-based internet services in India. The service will deliver high-speed (50–250 Mbps), low-latency internet via LEO satellites, especially targeting rural and remote areas.

  • License announced by Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
  • Starlink kit cost: ₹33,000; Monthly fee: ₹3,000.
  • Will partner with Airtel and Reliance Jio for nationwide rollout.
  • Competes with OneWeb and Jio SES.
  • Launch expected by late 2025 or early 2026, supporting India’s Digital growth and 5G/6G leadership.

India Launches NISAR Satellite with NASA

On 30 July 2025, India and NASA jointly launched the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, a $1.5 billion Earth observation mission, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre using GSLV-F16.

  • NISAR is the first radar satellite to use dual-frequency (L-band & S-band) for tracking minute surface changes.
  • Placed in a 747 km Sun-synchronous orbit, it will map the globe every 12 days.
  • It helps monitor climate change, disasters, glacier retreat, and more.
  • The mission marks a milestone in U.S.-India space cooperation.
  • Data will be freely available worldwide; expected mission life is 5 years.
  • It supports India’s rising space ambitions, including Gaganyaan and a space station by 2035.

ISRO to Launch NASA-ISRO NISAR Earth Observation Satellite

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite today, 30 July 2025, at 5:40 PM from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, using the GSLV-F16 rocket.

  • Countdown began at 2:10 PM on 29 July 2025.
  • NISAR is an advanced Earth observation satellite capable of capturing minute surface changes smaller than a centimetre.
  • It can map the Earth day and night, in all weather conditions, and will scan the entire globe every 12 days.
  • The mission places the satellite into a Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit.
  • The GSLV rocket is used due to the satellite’s heavier payload, replacing the more commonly used PSLV.
  • NISAR is a joint mission between ISRO and NASA, marking their first hardware collaboration, with both agencies contributing distinct radar systems.

ISRO-NASA to Launch NISAR: World’s Most Advanced Earth Observation Satellite

ISRO, in collaboration with NASA, will launch the NISAR Earth Observation satellite on 30th July at 5:40 PM from Sriharikota using the GSLV F16 rocket. It will be placed in a 743 km Sun Synchronous Orbit and scan the globe every 12 days.

NISAR is the first satellite to use dual-frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar—NASA’s L-band and ISRO’s S-band—with a 12-metre deployable antenna. It will provide high-resolution, all-weather, day-night data and monitor sea ice, vegetation, storms, soil moisture, water bodies, and disaster risks.

India Successfully Test-Fires Strategic Missiles: Prithvi-II, Agni-I & Akash Prime

On 17 July 2025, India conducted successful test-firings of nuclear-capable ballistic missiles Prithvi-II and Agni-I from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, under the Strategic Forces Command. The tests validated all operational and technical parameters, reinforcing India’s nuclear deterrence capabilities.

  • Prithvi-II
    • Range: ~350 km
    • Payload: Up to 500 kg (nuclear/conventional)
  • Agni-I
    • Range: 700–900 km
    • Payload: 1,000 kg (nuclear/conventional)

These missile systems are integral to India’s strategic deterrent posture.

🚀 Akash Prime Successfully Tested in Ladakh (16 July 2025)

On July 16, 2025, India test-fired the Akash Prime missile in Ladakh, capable of operating at altitudes above 4,500 meters. This variant of the Akash air defence system is customized for high-altitude warfare, especially significant given its proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

  • Equipped with indigenous radio frequency seeker
  • Upgraded based on operational feedback
  • Proven effective during Operation Sindoor

Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Returns After ISS Mission

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three other crew members of the Axiom-4 mission safely returned to Earth on 15 July 2025 after completing an 18-day historic mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft made a safe splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego, California. The crew will now undergo a 7-day rehabilitation program to readjust to Earth’s gravity.

The Axiom-4 mission began on 25 June 2025, when the Falcon-9 rocket launched the Dragon capsule from Florida toward the ISS.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to visit the ISS, and only the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984. During his stay, Shukla conducted seven India-specific microgravity experiments to aid future planetary exploration and long-duration space missions.

The mission, called Akash Ganga, was a joint collaboration between Axiom Space, NASA, and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). At a farewell ceremony aboard the ISS, Mr. Shukla described the journey as “truly incredible.”

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Becomes First Indian to Visit ISS on Axiom-4 Mission

The Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, carrying Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is scheduled to dock with the International Space Station (ISS) today at 4:30 PM IST, according to ISRO.

With this mission, Shukla becomes the first Indian to visit NASA’s orbiting laboratory ISS and the second Indian in history to travel to space, following Rakesh Sharma who flew in 1984 aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft.

The Axiom-4 crew launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:01 PM IST on 25 June 2025, and includes:

  • Shubhanshu Shukla (India)
  • Peggy Whitson (USA, former NASA astronaut)
  • Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland)
  • Tibor Kapu (Hungary)

Shukla, born on 10 October 1985 in Lucknow, joined the Indian Air Force in 2006 as a fighter pilot and has over 2,000 hours of flying experience on aircraft such as MiGs, Sukhois, Dorniers, Jaguars, and Hawks.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the mission, saying Shukla carries the hopes of 1.4 billion Indians. In Lucknow, his parents watched the launch with local students amid celebrations.

While on the two-week mission aboard the ISS, the Ax-4 crew will conduct 60 scientific experiments, including seven from India. Key experiments by ISRO include studying the effects of microgravity on biology and six varieties of crop seeds.

Shukla’s flight marks India’s return to space after 41 years, and highlights the growing international collaboration in human spaceflight.

Axiom-4 Mission 2025: India’s Shubhanshu Shukla Heads to Space with Global Crew

The Axiom-4 mission is set to launch on June 10, 2025, marking a significant milestone in private spaceflight. Operated by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX, the mission will send four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.

Crew Members

The Axiom-4 crew consists of:

  • Peggy Whitson (USA) – Mission Commander
  • Shubhanshu Shukla (India) – Mission Pilot
  • Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland) – Mission Specialist
  • Tibor Kapu (Hungary) – Mission Specialist

This mission is historic as it marks the first time astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary will travel to the ISS. Shubhanshu Shukla will be the second Indian astronaut to go to space after Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission.

Mission Objectives

The Axiom-4 mission aims to conduct 60 scientific experiments, including:

  • Seven experiments by ISRO focusing on microgravity agriculture, muscle regeneration, and cognitive performance.
  • Five joint studies with NASA under its human research program.
  • Collaborative research from 31 countries, making it the most science-focused Axiom mission to date.

Launch and Duration

  • Launch Date: June 10, 2025, at 8:22 AM EDT (5:52 PM IST) from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
  • Docking Time: June 11, 2025, at 10:00 PM IST, after a 28-hour journey.
  • Mission Duration: 14 days aboard the ISS.

Significance for India

This mission is a major step for India’s space program, strengthening NASA-ISRO collaboration and paving the way for India’s Gaganyaan mission, planned for 2027. Shukla’s experience on Axiom-4 will be valuable for future long-duration space missions.

ISRO Investigates PSLV-C61 Failure to Place EOS-09 in Orbit

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has set up a committee to investigate the failure of the PSLV-C61 mission, which was unable to place the EOS-09 Earth observation satellite into its intended orbit on 18 May 2025.

ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan stated that while the first two stages of the four-stage rocket operated successfully, an anomaly in the third stage caused the mission to fail. The launch took place at 5:59 am from Sriharikota following a 22-hour countdown.

Despite the setback, ISRO plans to continue with its scheduled launches, with one mission planned every month in 2025. Multiple review discussions have been held to identify the cause of the failure.

India’s First 3nm Chip Design Centre Inaugurated in Noida and Bengaluru

On 13 May 2025, Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, inaugurated state-of-the-art semiconductor design facilities in Noida and Bengaluru.

The key highlight is that this is India’s first design centre working on 3-nanometer chip design, placing the country in the global league of semiconductor innovation.

Mr. Vaishnaw called this a critical step toward building a nationwide semiconductor ecosystem, tapping into India’s vast engineering talent. The centre will allow end-to-end 3nm chip design within India—a national first.

He also launched a semiconductor learning kit to boost hands-on hardware skills among engineering students.
Over 270 academic institutions that already have EDA tools under the India Semiconductor Mission will now also get these new hardware kits.

India Becomes First Country to Launch Genome-Edited Rice Varieties

India has become the first country in the world to develop and release genome-edited rice varieties, marking a significant milestone in agricultural innovation. On May 4, 2025, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched two new varieties developed by ICAR institutions in New Delhi.

The two rice varieties are:

  • DRR Dhan 100 Kamala – derived from Samba Mahsuri, matures 15–20 days earlier, and yields 25% more than conventional varieties.
  • Pusa DST Rice 1 – salinity and alkalinity tolerant, offering 30% higher yields in saline conditions.

These varieties are designed for states like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh. Their cultivation over 5 million hectares is projected to produce an additional 4.5 million tons of paddy.

The innovation is seen as a crucial step toward climate-resilient, high-yield agriculture, potentially triggering a second green revolution in India.

‘Ramanujan: Journey of a Great Mathematician’ Launched by National Archives of India

The National Archives of India launched a new book titled “Ramanujan: Journey of a Great Mathematician” on 30 April 2025 at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The book highlights Srinivasa Ramanujan’s life, tracing his journey from Erode, Tamil Nadu, to becoming a pioneer in number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions. Despite minimal formal training, Ramanujan’s work still influences modern mathematics. The book also serves as a tribute to his passion and perseverance, aiming to inspire future generations.

In addition, the National Archives launched Abhilekh Patal Version 3.0, a revamped digital platform for historical records, and announced it had received ISO Certification, reinforcing its commitment to archival excellence and accessibility.

India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, completed 50 years

India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, completed 50 years. Launched on 19th April 1975, it was named after ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer Aryabhata.

Built by ISRO and launched from Kapustin Yar with USSR’s assistance, the satellite aimed to study Solar Physics, Aeronomy, and X-ray Astronomy. Aryabhata had a 26-sided polyhedron design, measured 1.4 metres in diameter, and weighed 360 kilograms. 24 of its faces were covered with solar panels.

After five days in orbit, a power failure halted all experiments, but valuable data and experience were still gained. It continued to transmit for a few more days.

Aryabhata marked India’s entry into space exploration, making India the 11th country to send a satellite into orbit, and laid the groundwork for future space missions.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to Fly to ISS on Axiom’s Ax-4 Mission

India is set to make history as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force will fly to the International Space Station (ISS) in May 2025 as part of the Axiom Space mission, Ax-4.

Minister of State for Space and Atomic Energy, Dr. Jitendra Singh, announced this after a high-level meeting in New Delhi, highlighting it as a major milestone in India’s space journey.

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