The Takshashila Institution’s Post

If you are interested in space exploration and science, you don’t want to miss this article. We will tell you everything you need to know about the Gaganyaan Mission, India’s first human spaceflight programme, which aims to send an Indian crew

* The Kessler effect is a concept put forth by NASA scientist Donald J. Kessler in 1978. It describes a theoretical scenario that arises due to the high density of objects in low Earth orbit. In this situation, collisions between objects can trigger a #cascade effect — each collision generates additional space debris, which, in turn, raises the risk of further #collisions. The result is an ever-wider field of #spacedebris that becomes increasingly difficult to manage and navigate. The domino effect of space junk presents significant challenges for space activities, satellite operations, and the long-term sustainability of low Earth orbit. As the number of small debris particles continues to grow, addressing this issue becomes crucial for maintaining a safe and functional space environment. Moreover, the urgency escalates as the number of #LEO satellites deployed in space has doubled over the last five years. No need to be an alarmist, but it is time for the global space community to address this issue, and to do so sooner rather than later. ——— P.S. I had to double check today’s date to confirm that this post from #Conksat below👇is coming a few days too early… but it does serve as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible space debris management. The name “ConkSat” is intended to be a conk to the head, I guess. #APNewspaceCommunity

Exploring the final frontier requires innovative approaches on Earth! 🌎 Enter analogue studies: simulations that mimic inaccessible or risky environments to better understand how space travel affects astronauts and to address health challenges on Earth. Ground-based analogue studies are valuable for helping better understand the risks of spaceflight and for validating new countermeasures against those risks. These studies can set the stage for future science investigations in space. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eNaFkPNB

Today we're celebrating a legacy of innovation. On this day in 1961, Yuri Gagarin became the first human to make the perilous journey to space. Immediately, this moment became a symbol of human achievement and continues to inspire technological advancement in space and on Earth. At Reflex, we don't just observe the day; we embrace the values behind it. The early days of space exploration were full of challenges, but every challenge opened a door to creative solutions that pushed our understanding of science and technology further. We’re reminded of how far we’ve come, and how much there is left to accomplish. We see the legacy of human spaceflight as a call to ensure that the spirit of innovation stays alive in our company and our actions. #InternationalDayOfHumanSpaceFlight #SpaceInnovation #NextSpace

Delve into the fascinating world of Soviet spaceflight technology with our latest blog post! Learn about the incredible engineering behind the Globus INK, a mechanical navigation computer that played a crucial role in guiding spacecraft through the cosmos. Gain unique insights into this historical marvel and its impact on space exploration. Read the full article here: https://ift.tt/iVrnChy

Today marks the International Day of Human Space Flight, honoring the first human space flight by Yuri Gagarin and celebrating the contribution of space science and technology. #HumanSpaceFlight #SpaceExploration #SpaceTravel #SpaceMission #SpaceAdventure #InternationalDay Learn more here ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/e5VrMjps

🔭 PRC space surveillance, space situational awareness (SSA), space domain awareness (SDA). China just launched (2024-10-22 00:10 UTC) three satellites (Tianping-3 A01, B01, and B02) which will be used for "calibration targets for ground based orbital object surveillance services such as atmospheric space environment study and orbit prediction model correction." (ref Next Spaceflight). I initially thought these may be radar cross section (RCS) calibration objects, but the description lends itself more to objects with known area/mass or ballistic coefficients to quantify drag effects. There's a PRC version of "HASDM" being tuned somewhere! Launch video sourced from China 'N Asia Spaceflight (@CNSpaceflight) on X: https://lnkd.in/gkzTH-VS UPDATE: it appears RCS calibration is in fact part of the mission scope - see my comment below for more

INTRODUCING: FRAGSAT For years, spaceflight companies have discussed means for reducing the amount of space junk in low Earth orbit (LEO). As visionaries at ConkSat, we have never been satisfied with the status quo - and that means going against popular thinking. That's why we're announcing the first spacecraft dedicated to increasing the amount of space junk in LEO. FragSat is more than a satellite - it's a cloud of over 70 billion steel ball bearings packed into a payload fairing. Say goodbye to your competitor's megaconstellations with FragSat, guaranteed to increase the rate of collisions in orbit by orders of magnitude. Taking advantage of the increase in payload to orbit offered by new launchers, we're planning on up to twenty launches per year of pure steel, rendering entire families of orbits unusable for centuries. Just another way we're bringing space down to Earth.

Finally companies are looking towards solving the right problems.

Heyy Connection! Here is my article about Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration Part of LADEE’s payload is a technical demonstration that will be used to demonstrate high data rate optical communications between Earth and the Moon in preparation for use of Laser Communication for space and deep space applications. The LLCD System consists of three primary parts: The Lunar Lasercom Space Terminal mounted on LADEE and the Lasercom Ground Terminal with Lasercom Operations Center on Earth. Because the LLCD system is part of the payload, it is not considered part of LADEE’s communications system as all data that is required for mission success is up- and downlinked via LADEE’s S-Band system. LLCD will only demonstrate data transfers. The project is being managed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT and Lincoln Laboratory LI in cooperation with NASA’s Goddard Spaceflight Center. The goal is to demonstrate duplex optical communications from a spacecraft in lunar orbit to an Earth-based receiver. LLCD achieves data rates of up to 620 Mbit/s for uplink and 20 Mbit/s for downlink. Additionally, the payload will demonstrate laser ranging with a 2-way time of flight error of less than 200 picoseconds providing sub-centimeter accuracy.