Fusion Milestone: Japan Unveils JT-60SA, the World's Largest Experimental Nuclear Fusion Reactor
Japan unveiled the world's largest operational experimental nuclear fusion reactor. This colossal machine, dubbed JT-60SA, is housed in a hangar north of Tokyo in Naka, and represents a pivotal moment in the quest for clean and limitless power.
Unlike traditional nuclear fission used in power plants, which splits atomic nuclei, fusion mimics the sun's energy production by merging two nuclei, potentially offering a safer and more abundant energy source.
The JT-60SA, a six-story-high tokamak, is designed to contain and control plasma heated to a staggering 200 million degrees Celsius. The objective is to explore the viability of fusion as a secure, expansive, and carbon-neutral net energy source, where the energy produced surpasses is more than the input required for its production.
Dec 06, 2023
Akshata Krishnamurthy Becomes First Indian to Operate Mars Rover
NASA operatives are currently seeking signs of ancient life and collecting rock samples on Mars via the Perseverance Rover. And one of the leading team members is Dr Akshata Krishnamurthy — the first Indian citizen to operate the rover. The scientist had travelled to the US 13 years ago for higher studies and faced numerous challenges as she carved out a space for herself.
The 'rocket scientist' obtained her Masters from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign before pursuing a Doctorate at MIT. She worked with MIT for some time and knocked on 100s of doors to get hired full-time at NASA.
IN-SPACe Launches Seed Fund Scheme for Space Tech Start-ups
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) launched a seed fund scheme for start-ups operating in the area of urban development and disaster management by using space technology.
As part of the scheme, selected start-ups will receive seed funding for transforming an original idea into a prototype using space technology, ISRO facility support including Earth Observation (EO) data for validation of the concept, mentorship support, and access to data algorithm as transfer of technology from Department of Science (DoS).
The scheme has the provision of providing financial assistance of up to Rs. 1 crore in addition to mentorship support, training and networking opportunities.
Dec 02, 2023
South Korea Launches its First Military Spy Satellite
South Korea launched its first military spy satellite into space, a little over a week after North Korea claimed to put its own spy satellite into orbit for the first time as tensions rise between the rivals.
Launched from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, it was the first of five spy satellites South Korea plans to send into space by 2025 under a contract with SpaceX.
South Korea had no military reconnaissance satellites of its own in space and has partially resorted to the United States' spy satellites to monitor moves by North Korea.
Dec 01, 2023
Space-Tech Start-up Agnikul to Flight Test 3D-printed Engine by Year-End
Chennai-based start-up Agnikul is gearing up to launch its groundbreaking rocket, Agnibaan, featuring the world's first 3D-printed engine. The company, incubated at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, is set to conduct a technology demonstrator mission by the end of this year, paving the way for its first commercial launch in 2024.
Agnibaan boasts the pioneering Agnilet engine, a single-piece 3D-printed marvel, designed and manufactured entirely in India. This engine, successfully test-fired in early 2021, marked a significant milestone in 3D printing technology for the country. Unlike traditional sounding rockets, Agnibaan is a highly customisable, single-stage launch vehicle capable of carrying up to 300 kg payloads to orbits around 700 km high (low Earth orbits).
Nov 30, 2023
The 4th ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation Forum
The 4th edition of the annual ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation Forum (AIGIF) took place in Langkawi, Malaysia, showcasing the collaborative efforts of India and the 10 ASEAN Member States (AMS) in the fields of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI). With the participation of 200 representatives, this year's (2023) AIGIF aimed to strengthen the relationship between the nations and promote social innovations at the grassroots level.
The AIGIF is an annual program designed to foster cooperation in STI between India and AMS. It not only provides a platform for showcasing social innovations but also contributes to strengthening governance in grassroots innovation ecosystems.
Y. B. Chang Lih Kang, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Government of Malaysia, inaugurated the AIGIF 2023.