Latest news with #Somanath
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
NASA warns! 1200- foot asteroid 2005 VO5 to pass Earth today - know its speed, distance, and potential risk
A massive asteroid, approximately the size of a football stadium, is set to make a close flyby of Earth this week, drawing the attention of sky watchers and astronomers around the globe. Although the near-Earth object poses no immediate threat, its approach serves as a critical reminder of the unpredictable nature of space. Events like these emphasise the growing importance of planetary defence and global efforts in asteroid tracking and space monitoring. With increased awareness and advancements in technology, agencies like NASA and ISRO continue to improve detection systems to safeguard Earth from future asteroid impact risks. Asteroid 2005 VO5 speeding Earth today: Know speed and distance NASA has officially confirmed that asteroid 2005 VO5 will make its closest approach to Earth on July 11, 2025. Travelling at an astonishing speed of over 32,000 miles per hour, the asteroid will pass at a distance of approximately 3.78 million kilometres from our planet. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Get ₹2Cr life cover@ ₹700 p.m. ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo Although that may seem comfortably distant, in astronomical terms, it is considered relatively close. This proximity, combined with the asteroid's significant size—estimated to be about 1,200 feet (370 meters) wide—makes it an object of interest for scientists. NASA monitors asteroid 2005 VO5 closely Despite its size and speed, asteroid 2005 VO5 is not expected to pose any danger to Earth during this pass. It belongs to the Aten group of near-Earth asteroids—space rocks whose orbits often cross Earth's path. While 2005 VO5 will not enter Earth's immediate vicinity, its dimensions qualify it as "potentially hazardous" under NASA's monitoring criteria. NASA classifies any object larger than 85 meters that comes within 7.4 million kilometres of Earth as worth tracking. Although VO5 doesn't meet the distance criteria for a potential threat, it's still being closely observed for any unexpected orbital shifts. Even the slightest change in its trajectory could pose a threat in the future. ISRO joins global effort to track and deflect dangerous asteroids India is also taking proactive steps in the field of planetary defence. ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), under the leadership of Chairman S. Somanath, has laid out a long-term vision for monitoring and mitigating asteroid threats. In recent remarks, Somanath emphasized the importance of global cooperation and readiness, especially as the world looks ahead to major celestial events—such as the 2029 flyby of asteroid Apophis, one of the largest near-Earth asteroids expected to pass within a close range. ISRO aims to collaborate with global space agencies like NASA, ESA (European Space Agency), and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) to build robust systems for early detection and deflection. Plans are underway for future missions that may land on or closely observe asteroids, testing crucial technologies that could one day protect Earth from potential collisions. Why is it important to monitor asteroid 2005 VO5 While asteroid 2005 VO5 will safely pass by without incident, its visit is far from meaningless. It highlights the dynamic and ever-changing nature of our solar system—and reminds us that space, while awe-inspiring, carries potential threats that demand vigilance. As scientists and agencies worldwide continue to track and study these fast-moving rocks, the event also invites the public to look up at the night sky—not with fear, but with curiosity and awareness. The universe is full of mysteries, and each passing asteroid is a silent message from the cosmos: be prepared, stay alert, and keep watching. Also Read | NASA's DART mission ejected boulders from asteroid Dimorphos, offering new insight into asteroid collision outcomes
Deccan Herald
26-06-2025
- Business
- Deccan Herald
Ex-ISRO chief Somanath becomes Skyroot Aerospace's honorary Chief Technical Advisor
In his new capacity, Somanath will advise Skyroot as the city-based startup prepares for the launch of its Vikram-1 launch vehicle, India's first privately developed launch vehicle capable of deploying satellites in Earth's orbit, a release from the firm said on Thursday.
Business Standard
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Dr. S. Somanath Assumes Office as Chancellor of Chanakya University; Reconstituted Board of Governors Announced
India PR Distribution Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 12: Chanakya University marked a momentous occasion today as Dr. S. Somanath, Eminent Scientist and Former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), officially assumed office as the Chancellor of Chanakya University on 12th June 2025. In his inaugural address, he laid out a bold and inspiring vision for the University's future, urging the academic community to go beyond conventional benchmarks and focus on shaping the character and competence of every student. He envisioned Chanakya University as a modern-day Nalanda or Takshashila--rooted in India's civilizational values and responsive to future challenges. Highlighting a critical structural gap, Dr. Somanath called attention to the disconnect between academia and industry. He emphasized that academic research must feed into the nation's economic growth and encouraged Chanakya University to take the lead in pioneering high-impact, industry-relevant innovation. He also spoke about the need to cultivate an ecosystem that naturally attracts top talent from around the world--a space where growth, innovation, and collaboration thrive, and where students aspire to be part of a larger mission. The event was graced by Founder Chancellor Prof. M. K. Sridhar, Pro-Chancellor Sri M. P. Kumar, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Yashavantha Dongre, Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. H. S. Subramanya, Chief Operating Officer Sri Nagaraj Reddy, Registrar, Deans, Department Heads, Faculty, Staff, and Students--marking a transformative new chapter in the University's journey. The university also announced the reconstitution of its Board of Governors in accordance with the Chanakya University Act. Dr. Somanath will chair the newly formed Board, which includes a distinguished panel of leaders from academia and industry: - Prof. M.K. Sridhar, Padma Shri Awardee and President, Centre for Educational and Social Studies, Bengaluru - Sri M.P. Kumar, Pro Chancellor, Chanakya University, Ex-Officio -Prof. Yashavantha Dongre, Vice Chancellor, Chanakya University - Sri Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairman, Axilor Ventures; Co-founder, Infosys - Sri T.V. Mohandas Pai, Chairman, Aarin Capital Partners - Dr. Shamika Ravi, Member, Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council (UGC nominee) - Prof. B. Mahadevan, Former Professor, IIM Bangalore - Prof. Nandini N., Former Professor, Bangalore University - Sri Nagaraj Reddy, Secretary, Centre for Educational and Social Studies - Principal Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Government of Karnataka (Ex-Officio Member) - Prof. H.S. Subramanya, Pro Vice Chancellor, Chanakya University - Prof. Sushanth T Joshi, Registrar, Chanakya University This dynamic leadership team signals a bold new chapter for Chanakya University as it aspires to become a global hub of learning, innovation, and societal transformation--anchored in India's timeless civilisational values. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by India PR Distribution. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Somanath is Chanakya University chancellor
Bengaluru: Former Indian Space Research Organisation ( ) chairman S Somanath will take over as chancellor of Chanakya University, a private university based in Devanahalli. Somanath will replace founder-chancellor MK Sridhar, who was part of the core committee developing National Education Policy (NEP). Sridhar will continue to be a part of the board of governors. Chanakya University started in 2022 through a state legislature act.
India.com
10-06-2025
- Politics
- India.com
'India needs hundreds of satellites to intercept hypersonic missiles', warns..., says US planning to create 500...
(Representational image: AI generated) New Delhi: There was a time when in the modern world when wars were fought between two or more militaries using conventional weapons for both attack and defence. Since the disintegration of the USSR and the end of the Cold War, technology became an integral part of warfare. If we say technology is the lifeline of modern warfare than not many will disagree. The scenario in the 21st century has given way to new, much advanced, sophisticated, and cutting-edge systems. We can say it has become futuristic as we have observed evolution of fighter jets, missiles, artillery, submarines, and other modes. In this process, space has emerged as the base or the command centre of many countries' militaries. Space has been flooded with satellites that play key role in modern war theatre. In this regard, former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman Dr. Sreedhara Panicker Somanath has warned that without a massive satellite boost, India's armed forces risk blind spots in crisis. He described it an unacceptable vulnerability in an era where wars are being fought in the skies through networking and signals. 'The importance of space for defence has been understood very well now. It has been demonstrated very well in some of the recent conflicts. For example, the Ukraine conflict. It has shown it very well how it played a role, and recently in India also,' said Dr Somanath as he cited studies according to which more than 50% of the space-based applications will be in defence. He went on to say that state-funded military programmes will soon dominate the economics of space systems. Referring to the limited role of human beings in the present day combat, Dr Somanath said, 'Many of the conflicts are not in occupation. You wage cyber warfare. Now, wars are fought to create problems and havoc in countries. There is no occupation of anything. In this context, satellites deliver critical frameworks of communication for secure command and frameworks for observation to track threats in real time.' Citing example of hypersonic missiles, which are almost impermeable to ground defences, have hastened the need for orbital early warning. Dr Somanath said the USA is working on the idea of creating a 500 satellite constellation for an early warning system and a neutralising system, detecting launches, and guiding counter-measures long before impact. Dr Somanath warned that India must balance this scale. 'You need hundreds of such satellites. Their period of observations is hardly 15 minutes and the next satellite should come immediately to cover that area,' he said. Dr Somanath called for night-vision, beyond visible imaging, thermal, radar, multispectral and hyperspectral sensors, each feeding AI-driven analytics to distil massive data into battlefield decisions. Satellites themselves must evolve into both offensive platforms and hardened assets, as you have to protect your own satellites because the satellites are also a war occupant, he observed. Dr. Somanath served as ISRO chairman from 2022 to 2025. Under his chairmanship, ISRO carried out the lunar exploration mission Chandrayaan-3, making India the first country to successfully land a spacecraft near the lunar south pole.
