Latest news with #DragonCapsule
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
'What a ride! Namaskar pyare deshvasiyon,' says Shukla in his first reaction from space
What a ride!" That was Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla 's first reaction from space. About 10 minutes into the flight, and about a minute after the Dragon Capsule, which has now been named "Grace", separated, Shukla addressed India in Hindi. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "What a ride! Namaskar mere pyare deshvasiyon. We've returned to space after 40 years and it was a fantastic ride. Right now, we are orbiting Earth at a velocity of about 7.5km/sec," he said. "...I have my Tricolour on my shoulder which tells me that I am not alone and that I am with all of you. This is not the beginning of my journey to the ISS but the beginning of India's human spaceflight programme . I want all Indians to be part of this journey. All your chests must swell in pride and must be as excited. Let's begin India's human spaceflight journey together. Jai Hind. Jai Bharat," he said. Before Shukla, Axiom-4 mission commander Peggy Whitson spoke. "Nominal orbital insertion and we had an incredible ride uphill and now we set our course for the ISS aboard the newest member of the Dragon fleet, our spacecraft named 'Grace'," Whitson announced. "Grace is more than a name. It reflects the elegance with which we move through space against the backdrop of Earth. It speaks to the refinement of our mission, the harmony of science and spirit and the unmerited favour we carry with humility. Grace reminds us that spaceflight is not just a feat of engineering but an act of goodwill," she said. The other two astronauts also spoke from Grace in their native languages. Ahead of the launch, Shukla had said: "No one travels to space alone.. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now . we do so on the shoulders of so many more. I feel grateful to each and every one of you. Thank you... A big thank you to family and friends who have been my bedrock in this journey. Sometimes your close ones make sacrifices that you do not even fully understand but they do so out of their love for you." Shukla specially thanked his wife Kamna for being the wonderful partner that she was and said, "Without you none of this was ever possible but more importantly none of this would matter." Kamna had given a message to Shukla in an exclusive interview to TOI. "As you go on this incredible journey, I am extremely proud of you. You're not just reaching for the stars, you are inspiring so many of us back home. Just shine bright and do your duty to your best, as you always do." Family and friends of Shukla and other crew members all shared their messages with the astronauts ahead of the launch. Shukla's school, CMS Lucknow, too had sent a special message.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
What A Ride! I'm not alone: Shubhanshu Shukla's first reaction from space
image/agencies 'What a ride!' That was Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla 's first reaction from space. About 10 minutes into the flight, and about a minute after the Dragon Capsule, which has now been named 'Grace', Shukla addressed India in India. 'What a ride! Namaskar mere pyare Deshvasiyo. What a ride! We've returned to space after 40 years and it was a fantastic ride. Right now, we are orbiting Earth at a velocity of about 7.5km/sec,' he said. '...I have my Tricolour on my shoulder which tells me that I am not alone and that I am with all of you. This is not the beginning of my journey to the ISS but the beginning of India's human spaceflight programme. I want all Indians to be part of this journey. All your chests must swell in pride and must be as excited. Let's begin India's human spaceflight journey together. Jai Hind. Jai Bharat,' he said. Before Shukla, Axiom-4 mission commander Peggy Whitson spoke. 'Nominal orbital insertion and we had an incredible ride uphill and now we set our course for the International Space Station aboard the newest member of the Dragon fleet, our spacecraft named 'Grace',' she announced. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo 'Grace is more than a name. It reflects the elegance with which we move through space against the backdrop of Earth. It speaks to the refinement of our mission, the harmony of science and spirit and the unmerited favour we carry with humility. Grace reminds us that spaceflight is not just a feat of engineering but an act of goodwill,' she said. The other two astronauts also spoke from Grace in their native languages. Over the course of the next 24 to 28 hours, Dragon will execute a series of engine burns using its onboard thrusters. These raise and adjust its orbit, allowing it to phase into alignment with the space station's path. These manoeuvres are planned down to the second. Even a slight delay could affect the rendezvous window. Dragon uses GPS data, radar, and its own sensors to continuously track both its position and that of the ISS. Once Dragon is within range, it begins a slow and measured approach. It halts at several pre-set points — called waypoints — starting from 400 metres out and moving progressively closer. At each stage, ground controllers and onboard systems assess whether to proceed. At around 20 metres, Dragon will make its final approach. Using a suite of laser-based sensors and cameras, it aligns precisely with the docking port on the station's Harmony module. The spacecraft then moves forward at just a few centimetres per second until it makes contact. The first stage is a soft capture, where magnets gently pull the capsule into position. This is followed by a hard capture: mechanical latches and hooks secure the spacecraft, and a pressure-tight seal is formed between Dragon and the ISS. Once docking is completed, the crew is not immediately allowed to exit their vehicle and enter the station. Engineers on the ground conduct a series of leak checks and confirm that the pressure inside the docking vestibule is stable. Once verified, the hatches between Dragon and the ISS will open. The Ax-4 astronauts then float into the space station, greeted by its current residents. Over the next two weeks, they will conduct a range of scientific experiments, including biomedical studies that could inform treatments for diseases like diabetes. For Shukla, the mission pilot, it marks not just a personal milestone but a proud moment for India's expanding role in global space exploration.
Bloomberg
12-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Divorcing SpaceX Just Isn't Possible Right Now
The public spat between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, the world's richest person, was unsettling given the power these two men wield and how their verbal tussle quickly escalated to issues that directly affect national security. Trump floated the cancellation of all NASA and Department of Defense contracts with SpaceX, the space-launch and satellite-internet company Musk founded in 2002. Musk countered that he would withdraw the services of the Dragon space capsule, which is the only option now, except for resorting to the Russians, for ferrying astronauts to the International Space Station.
Hans India
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
MyVoice: Views of our readers 9th June 2025
The deadly comeback of Covid India's active Covid case tally has crossed the 6,000 mark with 769 new infections being reported in the last 48 hours, according to the Union health ministry data released on Sunday, 8 continues to be the most affected state, followed by Gujarat, West Bengal and Delhi. Due to the rising Covid cases, the Centre has instructed all states to ensure availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential are 6,133 active Covid cases in India, and six more deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours, the ministry January 2025, 65 deaths have been reported in the country. There were a total of 257 active patients in the country on 22 May. With this the killer disease COVID has returned to India which is warning to everybody to take care of themselves rather than depending on the government. Bhagwan Thadani, Mumbai New Hamas strategy sparks raw Hamas have adopted a new strategy to deter Israel's ongoing ground offensive, Operation Gideon's Chariots, by directly appealing to Israeli civilians. Their leader has warned them to pressure their government to halt its attacks on Gaza or face dire consequences: the execution of the remaining 55 hostages held by Hamas, who would be returned in coffins. This ultimatum has triggered widespread chaos and unrest in Israel, with citizens staging mass protests. Demonstrators, carrying placards with images of the hostages, are demanding their immediate release. In response, Israel should consider offering Hamas a defined window during a ceasefire to facilitate the safe release of the hostages, providing a crucial opportunity for de-escalation. Should Hamas fail to comply, the United Nations must step in, working alongside Israeli forces to ensure the hostages' safe extradition. Global intervention may be essential to break the deadlock and save innocent lives. RS Narula, Patiala Fight to the finish Donald Trump and Elon Musk's friendship is well-known. Both are influential people in the world. One is a powerful politician and the other is the richest person. However, differences have started between the two. It is turning into a war of words. US President Donald Trump has announced a reduction in contracts with Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's companies. Musk has threatened to stop the service of the 'Dragon Capsule', which is used to transport astronauts and other materials to the International Space Station, on social media. After the failure of the US government's Boeing Company's Starliner spacecraft, Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams was safely returned to Earth by the Dragon Capsule. Musk's Dragon Capsule has become a backbone in NASA's space missions. Also, NASA has taken help from SpaceX in many military Musk's Government Efficiency Account (DOSE) was created primarily to reduce government spending. Musk believes that Trump's policy undermines the original purpose of this account. He described Trump's bill as 'disgusting.' Trump initially took a tough stance on imposing import tariffs on China. Musk's Tesla company was to directly benefit from it. Because Chinese electric cars have eroded Tesla's position in other major markets. After all, Elon Musk helped Trump in the election with a business perspective or goal in mind. But Trump's new bill will be a problem for Musk's Tesla company. That's why Elon Musk has left the government. Dattaprasad Shirodkar, Mumbai Stampede and our attitude What followed the stampede that claimed 11 lives at Chinnaswami Stadium, Bangalore when fans celebrated Royal Challengers Bangalore winning the IPL 2025 title on Wednesday was clearly along expected lines; call for a 'thorough investigation', words expressing 'shock and profound grief' from the responsible, blame game and audacious inaction. These will be followed by the usual forgetfulness, which will help the responsible get away scot-free. The country will continue to be on the back foot at crowd control much to her shame. There have been umpteen incidents of stampedes at various places in the country, that something needs to be done urgently. Dr George Jacob, Kochi
Associated Press
06-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Elon Musk pulls back on threat to withdraw Dragon spacecraft
As President Donald Trump and Elon Musk argued on social media on Thursday, the world's richest man threatened to decommission a space capsule used to take astronauts and supplies to the International Space Station. A few hours later, Musk said he wouldn't follow through on the threat. After Trump threatened to cut government contracts given to Musk's SpaceX rocket company and his Starlink internet satellite services, Musk responded via X that SpaceX 'will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately.' It was unclear how serious Musk's threat was, but several hours later — in a reply to another X user — he said he wouldn't do it. The capsule, developed with the help of government contracts, is an important part of keeping the space station running. NASA also relies heavily on SpaceX for other programs including launching science missions and, later this decade, returning astronauts to the surface of the moon. The Dragon capsule SpaceX is the only U.S. company capable right now of transporting crews to and from the space station, using its four-person Dragon capsules. Boeing's Starliner capsule has flown astronauts only once; last year's test flight went so badly that the two NASA astronauts had to hitch a ride back to Earth via SpaceX in March, more than nine months after launching last June. Starliner remains grounded as NASA decides whether to go with another test flight with cargo, rather than a crew. SpaceX also uses a Dragon capsule for its own privately run missions. The next one of those is due to fly next week on a trip chartered by Axiom Space, a Houston company. Cargo versions of the Dragon capsule are also used to ferry food and other supplies to the orbiting lab. NASA's other option: Russia Russia's Soyuz capsules are the only other means of getting crews to the space station right now. The Soyuz capsules hold three people at a time. For now, each Soyuz launch carries two Russians and one NASA astronaut, and each SpaceX launch has one Russian on board under a barter system. That way, in an emergency requiring a capsule to return, there is always someone from the U.S. and Russia on board. With its first crew launch for NASA in 2020 — the first orbital flight of a crew by a private company — SpaceX enabled NASA to reduce its reliance on Russia for crew transport. The Russian flights had been costing the U.S. tens of millions of dollars per seat, for years. NASA has also used Russian spacecraft for cargo, along with U.S. contractor Northrup Grumman. SpaceX's other government launches The company has used its rockets to launch several science missions for NASA as well as military equipment. Last year, SpaceX also won a NASA contract to help bring the space station out of orbit when it is no longer usable. SpaceX's Starship mega rocket is what NASA has picked to get astronauts from lunar orbit to the surface of the moon, at least for the first two landing missions. Starship made its ninth test flight last week from Texas, but tumbled out of control and broke apart.
