United News of Bangladesh

NASA is moving forward with plans to establish a lasting base near the Moon's South Pole, with more than 20 robotic landing missions planned through 2029 to deliver equipment, conduct scientific research and test technologies for future human operations. The planned lunar base is expected to support scientific research, technology development and eventually human activities on the Moon. NASA is working with commercial partners Blue Origin, Firefly Aerospace, Intuitive Machines and Voyager Technologies, which are developing landers for missions through 2028. The spacecraft will carry infrastructure, scientific instruments and other equipment needed to build a long-term presence on the lunar surface. The missions are part of the first phase of NASA's Moon Base architecture, which is currently underway and runs through 2029. Before astronauts arrive, robotic spacecraft will study the lunar environment, test new technologies and begin establishing infrastructure needed for future human missions. NASA expects its Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) programme to provide regular cargo deliveries, helping create a dependable supply system between Earth and the Moon. Blue Origin Blue Origin is preparing its Blue Moon MK1 lander for its first planned lunar mission, called Endurance. The lander has completed several environmental tests, including a thermal vacuum test at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. The tests were designed to ensure the spacecraft can operate in conditions similar to those on the Moon. Its main structure, propulsion systems and avionics are now assembled. The company is conducting additional integration work and preparing for further tests, including checks of wiring connections for payloads. Endurance has also completed communication tests with NASA's satellite and deep-space communication networks. A major final test before launch preparations will involve loading its cryogenic propellants. During its mission, the lander is expected to demonstrate precise landing capabilities, gather information about the lunar environment and test autonomous systems that could be used in future Moon Base missions. Firefly Aerospace Firefly Aerospace is preparing Blue Ghost Mission 2, building on the success of its first lunar landing. The new mission will use a larger spacecraft designed for operations on the far side of the Moon. Blue Ghost will be mounted on Firefly's Elytra orbital spacecraft, creating a system about 22 feet tall. Elytra will be able to deploy payloads both in lunar orbit and on the surface, giving NASA greater flexibility for scientific research and future cargo operations. Blue Ghost Mission 2 is planned to make the first US landing on the far side of the Moon. Scientists hope to study the region's geology and learn more about the early universe during the period known as the cosmic Dark Ages. Three NASA payloads will be carried on the mission to support scientific research and test technologies that could be useful for future lunar infrastructure. Firefly also plans to reuse some systems from its first Blue Ghost mission, helping speed up development and reduce risks. Intuitive Machines Intuitive Machines is preparing its third Nova-C lunar landing mission, IM-3, which will also deploy the company's first lunar data relay satellite, Altus-1. The Nova-C lander, named Trinity, is undergoing assembly and testing as the company works toward providing regular science and cargo deliveries to the Moon. The spacecraft's upper deck has been aligned, while its internal wiring is being tested. The company has also completed long-duration thermal vacuum testing with NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The tests were designed to ensure that sensors can work accurately through the extreme temperatures expected during the spacecraft's descent to the lunar surface. Further work includes engine integration and hot-fire testing. IM-3 will place Altus-1 into lunar orbit and carry several payloads. Trinity will transport five NASA payloads, six commercial payloads and one civil payload to the surface. The mission will also study Reiner Gamma, an unusual magnetic feature on the Moon. It is expected to be the first mission to explore the surface of a lunar swirl, providing scientists with a closer look at the mysterious region. Voyager Technologies Voyager Technologies is testing its Griffin-1 lander at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California as it prepares for a planned lunar mission. Griffin-1 is designed to carry large infrastructure-related payloads and is scheduled for launch in late 2026. It is expected to deliver the largest commercial payload ever placed on the lunar surface. Five NASA payloads will be installed on the Astrolab FLIP rover. The rover and its instruments will help test lunar mobility, demonstrate new technologies and prepare for longer operations on the Moon. Griffin-1 recently completed mass properties testing, which provides information needed for navigation, guidance and flight control. More environmental tests are planned to simulate conditions from launch through lunar landing. The testing is intended to identify potential problems and improve the spacecraft's reliability. After testing, Griffin-1 will return to Voyager's facility in Pittsburgh for final assembly before moving through launch preparations and being transported to Cape Canaveral. Northrop Grumman tests lunar technology NASA is also working with Northrop Grumman on three technology demonstrations that will be delivered to the lunar surface. The projects use power and avionics systems originally developed for NASA's Gateway programme. The technology is now being adapted for use on the lunar surface as NASA places greater emphasis on surface operations. The demonstrations will test systems designed to survive the Moon's harsh environment, including the extremely cold lunar night and long periods in darkness. NASA and Northrop Grumman will also test shared power systems that could provide electricity to scientific instruments and other Moon Base equipment. The projects will further examine power and avionics systems that could support future lunar operations. Building a long-term lunar presence NASA's planned robotic missions, commercial deliveries and technology demonstrations are aimed at gradually building the infrastructure needed for a long-term presence on the Moon. The agency hopes the effort will support continued scientific research and technology development while preparing the way for sustained human activity on the lunar surface alongside robotic operations. Source: Science Daily

NASA has announced early plans for building a long-term base on the Moon, moving ahead with orders for landers, rovers and drones just weeks after its Artemis II lunar mission. The US space agency revealed the first phase of its lunar base programme on Tuesday, awarding hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts to four American companies. Under the plan, Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin will provide a pair of landers to transport equipment to the Moon’s surface near the south pole. The landers will carry lunar buggies developed by companies Astrolab and Lunar Outpost. Meanwhile, Firefly Aerospace will send drones to support operations on the lunar surface. NASA hopes the equipment will reach the Moon before astronauts land there again, with crewed missions expected as early as 2028. The agency’s Artemis programme is already advancing. In April, Artemis II carried four astronauts around the Moon, flying farther into space than any human mission since the Apollo era. The next mission, Artemis III, planned for 2027, will test docking systems in orbit as part of preparations for landing astronauts on the lunar surface. NASA is aiming for a human landing by 2028, followed by gradual expansion of the Moon base in the 2030s. Later phases will include building infrastructure such as a power system and eventually permanent habitats for astronauts. Officials say the long-term goal is to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon. NASA’s Moon base programme executive Carlos Garcia-Galan said the future base could stretch across hundreds of square miles, supported by drones placed at key locations to help monitor the area. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the system is also designed to respect other countries’ lunar missions and equipment, with expectations of similar cooperation from other space agencies. He added that the Moon base is intended to support scientific research, encourage a lunar economy, and prepare for future missions to Mars. “The journey is just beginning, and we are not slowing down,” Isaacman said.

Scientists say the Moon, Earth’s closest neighbour, is shrinking faster than previously thought, a discovery that could affect future lunar exploration. Research by the National Air and Space Museum’s Center for Earth and Planetary Studies shows that as the Moon’s interior cools, its surface contracts, creating tectonic features such as lobate scarps and small mare ridges (SMRs). The SMRs, which are relatively young and widespread, suggest that the Moon is still geologically active. These features may also indicate new sources of moonquakes, which could influence where astronauts and equipment are placed on future missions. “This work gives us a complete view of recent lunar tectonism, helping understand its interior, thermal history, and potential for moonquakes,” said Cole Nypaver, lead author of the study. The shrinking Moon poses real risks for human exploration. NASA warns that moonquakes caused by surface contraction can originate 20–30 km deep, reach up to magnitude 5.5, and last more than 10 minutes. Such seismic activity will need to be considered when selecting landing sites and designing infrastructure for programs like Artemis, which aims to return humans to the Moon by 2028. Tom Watters, senior scientist emeritus, said the discovery of young ridges in the lunar maria completes a global picture of a dynamic, contracting Moon. Understanding these tectonic changes is critical for the safety of astronauts and the success of future scientific missions. Scientists continue to study the Moon’s internal dynamics to better understand its history and evolution, while providing crucial data for the next wave of lunar exploration. With inputs from BBC.

As Nasa prepares for its Artemis programme to return humans to the Moon, space agencies say future astronauts will face extreme physical, psychological and social challenges far beyond those experienced during earlier space missions. Nasa astronaut Victor Glover, who will pilot the Artemis II mission, says space travel is far more demanding than many people realise. The mission will take the Orion spacecraft farther than any crewed mission in history, with four astronauts confined to a small capsule for about 10 days without any possibility of resupply. Glover said even basic resources such as food and water must be carefully managed, while privacy will be almost non existent. Routine activities, including using the hygiene compartment, can disrupt the entire crew due to noise in the tight living space. He said such conditions require extensive psychological preparation, not just technical skill. Artemis II marks the first stage of humanity’s long term return to the Moon. Future missions plan to land astronauts near the Moon’s South Pole and establish a base where crews may live for months. Astronauts will operate days away from Earth in an airless, dusty environment with extreme temperatures, high radiation levels and lunar nights lasting up to two weeks. Experts say selecting the right astronauts is crucial. According to Sergi Vaquer Araujo of the European Space Agency, the ideal candidate is not exceptional in just one area but competent across many domains, including physical health, mental resilience and teamwork. While early astronauts were chosen mainly for peak physical fitness and competitive instincts, modern missions place greater emphasis on cooperation and emotional intelligence. ESA’s recent astronaut selection process focused heavily on group tasks, rewarding candidates who prioritised team success over individual achievement. Certain medical conditions still disqualify candidates, including chronic lung disease, heart irregularities or colour blindness. Space agencies say this is necessary because advanced medical treatment is not available during deep space missions. To better understand how people cope with long term isolation, scientists study environments on Earth that resemble space conditions. British surgeon Nina Purvis recently spent a winter at the Concordia research station in Antarctica, living with 12 others in complete isolation for several months. She said adaptability, calmness under pressure and being pleasant to work with are essential traits. Researchers at Concordia also examined boredom and mental wellbeing, finding that structured group activities such as yoga, art and mindfulness exercises improved morale and social cohesion. Scientists believe similar practices will become part of daily routines for future Moon crews. Private initiatives are also contributing to lunar living research. During the Covid pandemic, two European architects lived for 60 days in a prototype Moon habitat in northern Greenland. The compact structure was designed to simulate confinement while providing personal space and artificial lighting to maintain healthy sleep cycles. The experiment later led to a company specialising in designing space habitats for agencies and private firms. One of the designers said living in extreme conditions helped identify small daily frustrations that could be solved through better design. Despite years of preparation, Glover admits that the psychological impact of travelling so far from Earth remains uncertain. He said the true test of readiness will only come after the mission is complete. As space agencies move closer to sustained human presence on the Moon, experts agree that success will depend as much on mental strength, cooperation and adaptability as on rockets and technology.   With inputs from BBC

New research suggests that the moon’s South Pole, a hotspot for future exploration, might be more challenging than expected due to “moonquakes” and landslides. The moon's allure as a target for space agencies like NASA and private companies like SpaceX is undeniable. But a recent study funded by NASA throws a cautionary flag on the lunar South Pole, a region rich in potential water ice and the target for several upcoming missions, reports CNN. The study revealed that the moon’s core is cooling and shrinking, causing its surface to wrinkle and crack, similar to a raisin, it said. China sends its youngest-ever crew to space as it seeks to put astronauts on moon before 2030 These “faults” trigger moonquakes lasting for hours and landslides, potentially posing a threat to future human settlements and equipment. The moon may seem geologically dead, but its interior is still hot, making it seismically active. The study links a powerful moonquake detected by Apollo astronauts to faults near the South Pole, highlighting the potential dangers. While the findings won’t affect the upcoming Artemis III mission due to its short duration, they raise concerns for long-term lunar settlements. Future site selection may consider factors like proximity to tectonic features. India becomes the fourth country to successfully land a spacecraft on the moon Yosio Nakamura, , a professor emeritus of geophysics at the University of Texas at Austin, who was among the researchers who first looked at the data collected by the Apollo seismic stations, disagreed with the study’s cause of shallow moonquakes, suggesting they originate deeper within the moon. He emphasized the need for more data. Allen Husker, a research professor of geophysics at the California Institute of Technology, said “It is very unlikely that a large moonquake will happen while they are there. However, it is good to know that these seismic sources (causing the quakes) exist. They can be an opportunity to better study the moon as we do on the earth with earthquakes,” Husker said. “By the time there is an actual moon base, we should have a much better idea of the actual seismic hazard with upcoming missions.” Jeffrey Andrews, an associate professor of planetary science at the University of Arizona, said, “Moonquakes are an incredible tool for doing science.” “They are like flashlights in the lunar interior that illuminate its structure for us to see. Studying moonquakes at the South Pole will tell us more about the moon’s interior structure as well as its present-day activity,” he added. Japan becomes the fifth country to land a spacecraft on the moon

India launched its first space mission to study the sun on Saturday, less than two weeks after a successful uncrewed landing near the south polar region of the moon. The Aditya-L1 spacecraft took off on board a satellite launch vehicle from the Sriharikota space center in southern India on a quest to study the sun from a point about 1.5 million kilometers (930,000 miles) from earth. Read : Chandrayaan-3 a glowing testament to what India can achieve with passion: Indian Cabinet The spacecraft is equipped with seven payloads to study the sun's corona, chromosphere, photosphere and solar wind, the Indian Space Research Organization said. India became the first country to land a spacecraft near the moon's south pole on Aug. 23 — a historic voyage to uncharted territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water. After a failed attempt to land on the moon in 2019, India joined the United States, the Soviet Union and China as only the fourth country to achieve this milestone. The sun study, combined with India's successful moon landing, would completely change the image of ISRO in the world community, said Manish Purohit, a former ISRO scientist. Read : Pakistan vs India 1st ODI in Asia Cup 2023: Match Preview The Aditya-L1 was headed for the L1 point of the Earth-Sun system, which affords an uninterrupted view of the sun, ISRO said. "This will provide a greater advantage of observing solar activities and their effect on space weather in real-time." Once in place, the satellite would provide reliable forewarning of an onslaught of particles and radiation from heightened solar activity that has the potential to knock out power grids on Earth, said B.R. Guruprasad, a space scientist, in an article in The Times of India newspaper. The advanced warning can protect the satellites that are the backbone of global economic structure as well as the people living in space stations. Read : Bangladesh’s development, growing capabilities stood to add value to G20 discussions: India "Those seven payloads are going to study the sun as a star in all the possible spectrum positions that we have visible, ultraviolet, and X-ray. … It's like we're going to get a black and white image, the color image and the high-definition image, 4K image of the sun, so that we don't miss out on anything that is happening on the sun," Purohit said.

Roles assumed by women have undergone a profound evolution. Transitioning from traditional nurturing responsibilities, they have emerged as indispensable contributors across diverse domains, including science and technology. Chandrayaan-3 hailed the women scientists who led India’s moon landing. This article serves as a tribute to the female engineers who orchestrated the expedition, making groundbreaking history. Groundbreaking Chandrayaan-3 mission ISRO, or the Indian Space Research Organisation, is India's national space agency. Chandrayaan-3 marks the third chapter in its lunar exploration saga through the Chandrayaan program. Its purpose is to explore the moon's surface, study lunar composition, and demonstrate soft landing capabilities. Embarking on a transformative lunar exploration journey, Chandrayaan-3 stands as a testament to India's space ambitions. Launched on July 14, 2023, from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, this mission is an extension of ISRO's lunar program, aiming to explore the moon's mysteries with precision. Read more: 3 Bangladeshi women make it to list of top 100 Asian scientists The mission comprises the Vikram lander and the Pragyan rover, symbolising technological innovation. The propulsion module facilitated the lunar orbit insertion, a crucial step, achieved on August 5, 2023. This propelled the spacecraft into an orbit around the moon, preparing for a historic lunar landing. Vikram, equipped with four landing legs and thrusters, carries both Pragyan and scientific instruments for lunar analysis. Pragyan, the six-wheeled rover, embarked on an odyssey across the lunar surface. Chandrayaan-3's triumphant lunar descent on August 23, 2023 showcased India's prowess in soft landings. With meticulous calculations, Vikram achieved a controlled touchdown, setting the stage for Pragyan's mission. Read more: New crew for the space station launches with 4 astronauts from 4 countries Pioneering Women Scientists behind Chandrayaan-3 Mission Within Chandrayaan-3's celestial voyage, a constellation of remarkable women scientists emerges. This assembly of 54 adept female engineers and scientists exemplifies the culmination of scientific excellence intertwined with relentless determination. Here are the nine leading women scientists who were part of India’s Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava This accomplished Indian scientist and aerospace engineer started on her ISRO journey in 1997. As the Deputy Operations Director of India's Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), she played a pivotal role in orchestrating the spacecraft's autonomy system. It enables the spaceship to navigate space autonomously and respond to anomalies with precision.  Fondly referred to as one of India's "Rocket Women," Ritu's contributions were undeniable in propelling India into the exclusive league of space explorers. Her expertise resonates in conceptualizing and executing the craft's onward autonomy system. It was a cornerstone of the mission's success. Read more: 10 Greatest Female Scientists of All Time Kalpana Kalahasti Kalpana, armed with an aeronautical engineering degree from Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, entered ISRO in 2003 as a scientist. Her illustrious career includes diverse satellite projects, including communication and remote sensing satellites. This expertise has transformed India's capabilities in data collection and communication.  The significant milestones of her career include Mars Orbiter Mission and Chandrayaan-2. Her ingenious design of propulsion systems and imaging equipment exemplified her engineering prowess. Notably, her integral role in the Chandrayaan-2 and Mangalyaan missions underscores her versatility and indelible contributions. Dr. V. R. Lalithambika Dr. V. R. Lalithambika, a stalwart since 1988, carved her niche in the realm of Advanced Launcher Technologies. Her journey with ISRO commenced at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), where she joined as a young engineer. Over the years, she led a team that designed rocket control and guidance systems, an integral aspect of mission success. Her expertise spans over a hundred space missions, reflecting her adeptness in engineering and leadership.  Read more: Jute Sanitary Napkins: Bangladeshi scientist Farhana Sultana got awarded for eco-friendly innovation

NASA’s Orion capsule made a blisteringly fast return from the moon Sunday, parachuting into the Pacific off Mexico to conclude a test flight that should clear the way for astronauts on the next lunar flyby. The incoming capsule hit the atmosphere at Mach 32, or 32 times the speed of sound, and endured reentry temperatures of 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit (2,760 degrees Celsius) before splashing down west of Baja California near Guadalupe Island. A Navy ship quickly moved in to recover the spacecraft and its silent occupants — three test dummies rigged with vibration sensors and radiation monitors. NASA hailed the descent and splashdown as close to perfect, as congratulations poured in from Washington.. “I'm overwhelmed,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said from Mission Control in Houston. “This is an extraordinary day ... It's historic because we are now going back into space — deep space — with a new generation.” Read more: NASA's Orion capsule reaches moon, last big step before lunar orbit The space agency needed a successful splashdown to stay on track for the next Orion flight around the moon, targeted for 2024 with four astronauts who will be revealed early next year. That would be followed by a two-person lunar landing as early as 2025 and, ultimately, a sustainable moon base. The long-term plan would be to launch a Mars expedition by the late 2030s. Astronauts last landed on the moon 50 years ago. After touching down on Dec. 11, 1972, Apollo 17′s Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt spent three days exploring the valley of Taurus-Littrow, the longest stay of the Apollo era. They were the last of the 12 moonwalkers. Orion was the first capsule to visit the moon since then, launching on NASA’s new mega moon rocket from Kennedy Space Center on Nov. 16. It was the first flight of NASA’s new Artemis moon program, named after Apollo’s mythological twin sister. “From Tranquility Base to Taurus-Littrow to the tranquil waters of the Pacific, the latest chapter of NASA’s journey to the moon comes to a close. Orion back on Earth,” announced Mission Control commentator Rob Navias. While no one was on the $4 billion test flight, NASA managers were thrilled to pull off the dress rehearsal, especially after so many years of flight delays and busted budgets. Fuel leaks and hurricanes conspired for additional postponements in late summer and fall. In an Apollo throwback, NASA held a splashdown party at Houston’s Johnson Space Center on Sunday, with employees and their families gathering to watch the broadcast of Orion’s homecoming. Next door, the visitor center threw a bash for the public. Getting Orion back intact after the 25-day flight was NASA’s top objective. With a return speed of 25,000 mph (40,000 kph) — considerably faster than coming in from low-Earth orbit — the capsule used a new, advanced heat shield never tested before in spaceflight. To reduce the gravity or G loads, it dipped into the atmosphere and briefly skipped out, also helping to pinpoint the splashdown area. Read more: NASA’s newest moon rocket lifts off 50 years after Apollo All that unfolded in spectacular fashion, officials noted, allowing for Orion’s safe return. “I don't think any one of us could have imagined a mission this successful," said mission manager Mike Sarafin. Further inspections will be conducted once Orion is back at Kennedy by month’s end. If the capsule checks find nothing amiss, NASA will announce the first lunar crew amid considerable hoopla in early 2023, picking from among the 42 active U.S. astronauts stationed at Houston’s Johnson Space Center. “People are anxious, we know that,” Vanessa Wyche, Johnson's director, told reporters. Added Nelson: “The American people, just like (with) the original seven astronauts in the Mercury days, are going to want to know about these astronauts.” The capsule splashed down more than 300 miles (482 kilometers) south of the original target zone. Forecasts calling for choppy seas and high wind off the Southern California coast prompted NASA to switch the location. Orion logged 1.4 million miles (2.25 million kilometers) as it zoomed to the moon and then entered a wide, swooping orbit for nearly a week before heading home. It came within 80 miles (130 kilometers) of the moon twice. At its farthest, the capsule was more than 268,000 miles (430,000 kilometers) from Earth. Orion beamed back stunning photos of not only the gray, pitted moon, but also the home planet. As a parting shot, the capsule revealed a crescent Earth — Earthrise — that left the mission team speechless. Nottingham Trent University astronomer Daniel Brown said the flight's many accomplishments illustrate NASA's capability to put astronauts on the next Artemis moonshot. “This was the nail-biting end of an amazing and important journey for NASA’s Orion spacecraft," Brown said in a statement from England. The moon has never been hotter. Just hours earlier Sunday, a spacecraft rocketed toward the moon from Cape Canaveral. The lunar lander belongs to ispace, a Tokyo company intent on developing an economy up there. Two U.S. companies, meanwhile, have lunar landers launching early next year.

Saudi Arabia will celebrate Eid-ul-Azha, the feast of the sacrifice, on July 9, as the crescent moon of Zilhajj was sighted Wednesday. The sighting of the crescent moon of Zilhajj, the month in which the hajj pilgrimage takes place, was confirmed at the Tamir Observatory, near Riyadh, in the evening, according to the Saudi Supreme Court. So, Thursday will be the first day of Zilhajj, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. The first day of Eid-ul-Azha, the second-largest religious festival for Muslims, will be on July 9 in most Arab and Muslim countries while many Southeast and South Asian countries will start the celebrations on July 10. Usually, the crescent of Zilhajj is first sighted in Saudi Arabia and then a day later in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and some other countries. Today, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, Hong Kong and Brunei announced July 10 as the first day of Eid-ul-Azha. The religious festival marks the end of hajj and commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail on Allah's will.  Prophet Ibrahim was eventually given a lamb to sacrifice. So, Muslims perpetuate the tradition by slaughtering a lamb or a cow and sharing the meat with people in need. This year's hajj will start on July 6 and Eid-ul-Azha will be three days later in Saudi Arabia. Muslims around the world celebrate Eid-ul-Azha almost the same way with the morning being marked with Eid prayers and the slaughtering of sacrificial animals. The celebration last for three days. Also read: 2,415 more Bangladeshis can perform Hajj this year

The National Moon Sighting Committee will sit on Saturday to ascertain the commencement of holy Ramadan, the lunar month of self-purification through fasting and abstinence. The meeting will be held in the conference room of the Islamic Foundation's Baitul Mukarram office in the capital around 6:30 pm after Maghrib prayers. READ: National Moon sighting committee to sit Tuesday State Minister for Religious Affairs Faridul Haque will preside over the meeting. People, if they see the moon anywhere in the country, have been requested to inform the committee by dialing telephone numbers 02-223381725, 02-41050912, 02-41050916, and 02-41050917 or faxing – 02-223383397 and 02-9555951.