India Hosts SG9 Meeting to Advance Standards for Television Technology
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), Department of Telecommunications (DoT) organised the meeting of ITU-T Study Group 9 (SG-9) on "Broadband Cable and Television/Audiovisual content transmission and integrated broadband cable networks" at the IISc campus.
The meeting is being held from May 9- May 18, 2023, and this was the first physical meeting of SG9, which was held after the Covid-19 pandemic. It is worth noting that this was the first time that India hosted the SG9 meeting.
The SG9 looks at various aspects of transmission, distribution, and rendering of cable and broadband TV.
The event was attended by delegates and representatives from Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Congo, Egypt, France, Gambia, Germany, India, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Myanmar, Nepal, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Syria, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Ukraine, and other nations. In addition, representatives of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a UN Organisation, and many other experts attended the meeting.
Established in 1865, ITU facilitates international connectivity in communications networks. It allocates global radio spectrum and satellite orbits, while also developing the technical standards that ensure networks and technologies seamlessly interconnect.
May 17, 2023
Pune: Asia's First Subsea Research Lab at MIT-World Peace University
In a groundbreaking development, MIT-World Peace University (WPU) in Pune unveiled Asia's first-ever subsea research lab, the Centre for Subsea Engineering Research (CSER). The state-of-the-art facility, created in collaboration with Aker Solutions, aims to revolutionise training and education for the global oil and gas industry by providing real-world experience and fostering multi-disciplinary talent.
The CSER, an initiative of MIT-WPU's Department of Petroleum Engineering, marks a significant milestone in the institution's commitment to equipping students with cutting-edge knowledge and skills. Dr. Samarth Patwardhan, the head of the subsea lab and Professor in Petroleum Engineering, emphasized the lab's potential impact on producing highly skilled professionals who are prepared to address future challenges in the industry.
The subsea research lab offers a wide range of applications and resources to various stakeholders in the energy sector. It serves as a hands-on academic platform for undergraduate and postgraduate students, facilitating curriculum experiments and promoting practical learning in petroleum engineering. The lab also facilitates joint professional training programs with industry experts in subsea engineering and Industrial Safety and Health Engineering (ISHE).
May 16, 2023
Saturn Dethrones Jupiter as Planet with Most Satellites
For years, ringed planet Saturn was the planet with the most moons. But it was dethroned as the 'moon king' in February 2023 after astronomers discovered 12 new moons around gas giant Jupiter, which took it's the total tally of its moons to 95. But now (in May 2023), a team of space scientists led by the University of British Columbia has discovered 62 new moons of Saturn, taking the official tally to 145. By overtaking Jupiter, Saturn also became the first planet to have over 100 discovered moons.
Saturn not only has nearly doubled its number of moons, it now has more moons than all the rest of the planets in the solar system combined.
Before this discovery, Saturn had 83 moons recognised by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).
May 15, 2023
NASA Launches the Second Super Pressure Balloon
NASA launched another stadium-sized super pressure balloon from Wānaka Airport, the second of two planned launches for the year.
The first scientific balloon was launched on April 16, following five failed attempts last year (2022).
Airways, New Zealand's air navigation services provider, works with NASA to plan the launches of the balloons, which inflate fully in flight to 532,000 cubic meters - about the size of Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium - and carry a scientific payload of over two tonnes.
The second balloon carries a University of Chicago instrument to detect ultra-high-energy cosmic ray particles from beyond our galaxy.
May 13, 2023
ISRO Successfully Initiates Maiden Test of Semi-cryo Engine Power Head
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) initiated the series of tests required for qualifying and validating its most-powerful liquid-fuelled engine yet, one that is powered by special refined kerosene (dubbed as 'ISROsene') and super-cooled liquid oxygen. Once ready, this 2000kN engine and its stage(associated components, fuel tanks etc.) will be replacing the current L110(core stage) of India's largest rocket - Launch Vehicle Mark 3(LVM3). This is meant to significantly add to the lifting power of the LVM3 rocket.