Category Archives: science

NASA to stop a $500M spacecraft from crashing to Earth

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**NASA to Stop $500 Million Spacecraft from Crashing to Earth**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 25, 2025, 11:03 AM*

NASA has awarded a $30 million contract to Katalyst Space Technologies, an Arizona-based startup, to prevent the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory (also known as SWIFT) from falling back into Earth’s atmosphere.

The $500 million spacecraft, which has been studying distant galaxies and black holes since 2004, is currently in low-Earth orbit. However, its orbit is gradually decaying due to atmospheric drag, putting it at risk of burning up upon re-entry. NASA estimates there is a 90% chance SWIFT will disintegrate in Earth’s atmosphere by late 2026 if no action is taken.

### Mission Details

Katalyst Space Technologies plans to launch a modified version of its “Link” spacecraft to rendezvous with the observatory and push it into a higher orbit. This mission serves as a critical test of space-docking technology, which has important implications for military operations and satellite maintenance.

Notably, SWIFT does not have an onboard propulsion system or attachment points for docking. To overcome this, Katalyst’s Link craft will feature a tailored robotic mechanism designed to pinch small metal rims on the observatory, securing a firm grip for the orbital boost.

### Service Strategy

Originally, Link was intended for an internal demonstration mission. However, after studying detailed designs of SWIFT, Katalyst will modify the spacecraft starting next month, aiming for a launch in May 2026.

Once in orbit near the observatory, Link will engage its robotic arm to attach to SWIFT and execute the maneuver that will extend the telescope’s operational life.

### Military Implications

The mission also carries significant military interest. Katalyst CEO Ghonhee Lee told Reuters that the success of this operation will demonstrate that any satellite can be serviced, even those lacking a launch adapter ring.

The Pentagon is closely monitoring the mission’s progress. Lee expressed hopes to collaborate with the U.S. Space Command on additional orbital maneuvering capabilities. This highlights the growing strategic importance of space-docking technologies amid escalating geopolitical competition, especially between the United States and China.

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This innovative mission not only aims to save a valuable scientific asset but also marks a milestone in satellite servicing and space technology with broad civilian and defense applications.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/nasa-enlists-start-up-to-rescue-500m-spacecraft-in-orbit/story

‘Like a train’: remote earthquake biggest in decades

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An earthquake that sounded “like a train” and rattled cupboards was the largest in southwest Tasmania in two decades, felt across the island.

The 4.1-magnitude tremor struck at 6:38 am on Thursday near Lake Pedder at a depth of 14 km. More than 120 people reported the earthquake to Geoscience Australia, including residents in Hobart, Queenstown on the west coast, and Launceston in the north.

One resident in Burnie posted on social media that it sounded like a train going down the street, while another south of Hobart reported glassware rattling in cupboards. Despite these reports, there were no calls for assistance or damage reported, according to the state’s emergency service.

Geoscience Australia senior seismologist Hadi Ghasemi said it was the largest quake within a 100 km radius of the epicentre in 20 years. “Tasmania is not high seismicity,” he explained, “but this event is testament that earthquakes can happen anywhere in Tasmania.”

Dr. Ghasemi also noted that the largest earthquake documented in Tasmania was a mid-to-high magnitude six in the late 1800s off Flinders Island.

Hydro Tasmania confirmed that no damage had been identified to its dams in the region, including Edgar Dam, which is currently undergoing upgrades. The dam, located about 30 km from the earthquake’s epicentre, is designed to withstand tremors of up to 6.8 magnitude along the Lake Edgar fault line.

“This earthquake was well below that and was not on the fault line,” said Hydro Tasmania’s General Manager of Assets and Infrastructure, Jesse Clark. “The upgrade will strengthen the dam even further.”

Hydro Tasmania emphasized that it maintains extensive seismic monitoring and will continue to inspect and monitor infrastructure over the coming days to ensure safety.
https://thewest.com.au/news/disaster-and-emergency/like-a-train-remote-earthquake-biggest-in-decades-c-20138247

How this teen sent a homemade rocket soaring to 400m

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**How This Teen Sent a Homemade Rocket Soaring to 400 Meters**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 22, 2025, 08:00 PM*

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**The Story**

Zhang Shijie, an 18-year-old from Hunan province in central China, has achieved an impressive feat by launching a homemade rocket to an altitude of 400 meters. Using inexpensive materials and tools, Zhang’s accomplishment highlights his ingenuity and dedication to rocketry. His passion for rockets was sparked at the age of 14 when he witnessed a live rocket launch alongside his father.

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**Educational Path**

Despite coming from a humble village background, Zhang’s commitment to learning has led him to enroll in the aerospace engineering program at Shenyang Aerospace University. Much of his early knowledge about rocket construction came from watching DIY rocket videos and short clips shared on online platforms. According to his school teacher, Long Yanjiao, the internet was “immensely helpful” in fostering Zhang’s enthusiasm for rocketry, especially given the limited resources available at their village school.

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**Resourcefulness**

Zhang demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness in his learning process. Using a second-hand laptop borrowed from his sister, he explored various science forums and innovation communities online. His initial attempts at making rocket fuel involved scraping nitrate from his family’s pigsty, but through lessons learned at school, he began producing purer fuel from fertilizers using filtration techniques.

He also experimented with affordable materials like PVC tubes and cement to build rocket engines. Although his early prototypes did not succeed, Zhang’s perseverance kept him moving forward.

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**Breakthrough Moment**

On his birthday in June 2023, Zhang invited his father and classmates to witness his first test launch. While that initial attempt was hindered by rain and ultimately failed, he succeeded the very next day. Over more than 100 experiments, Zhang developed four types of rocket engines, built several single-stage rockets, and a two-stage rocket that reached 400 meters in altitude.

His school recognized Zhang’s determination and supported his project financially with CNY 3,500 (approximately 43,400 INR).

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**Financial Support and Future Goals**

To sustain his passion, Zhang sold some of his creations to institutions, using the funds earned to repay loans from classmates who had supported him. His family also stands firmly behind him; his father works as a ride-sharing driver while his mother is employed as a nanny in another city.

Looking ahead, Zhang’s ultimate dream is to design a real rocket—a goal he plans to realize through his studies at university.

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Zhang Shijie’s inspiring journey exemplifies how innovation and determination, combined with resourcefulness and community support, can help achieve extraordinary feats—even from the humblest beginnings.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/chinese-teen-builds-rocket-from-scrap-materials-reaches-400m-altitude/story

Nanotech, AI, Robotics Shaping Up Healthcare As Much As Space Exploration: ISRO Chairman

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Advanced technologies such as nanotechnology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and robotics are playing a pivotal role in shaping both healthcare and space exploration, said ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan.

Speaking at the IADR Asia Pacific Regional & 35th ISDR Annual Conference 2025, Dr. Narayanan elaborated on ISRO’s advancements in the field of space. As Chairman of the Space Commission and Secretary of the Department of Space (ISRO), he highlighted India’s rise on the global stage and the importance of scientific convergence.

“India has put itself firmly on the global map. Chandrayaan made us the only country to achieve a successful soft landing. Engineering and medicine cannot remain apart,” he said. “Nanotechnology, AI, and robotics are transforming healthcare as much as they are shaping space exploration,” he added.

The noted cryogenic engineer and rocket scientist also shared a personal insight about his hobby of reading medical books. He emphasized the value of collaboration between ISRO and medical institutes to drive innovation forward. “Reading medical books has always been my hobby, and I strongly believe that collaboration between ISRO and medical institutes will take innovation further,” Narayanan said.

He further lauded medical science for increasing human longevity. “Today, India’s literacy has reached 79 per cent, and the average healthy lifespan of Indians has increased because of medical progress. We have made significant advances across all fields,” he added.

At the event, Prof. Abhijat Sheth, Chairman of the National Medical Commission, stressed the need to strengthen the foundations of medical education. “Two critical areas often overlooked in medical training are clinical research and communication. These must be made an integral part of the basic curriculum,” Sheth stated. “Embedding them early will help nurture a culture of research, innovation, and discovery,” he added.

The three-day conclave attracted more than 600 delegates, including 150 international participants from 20 countries.

*Disclaimer: This story is from the syndicated feed. Nothing has changed except the headline.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/tech/nanotech-ai-robotics-shaping-up-healthcare-as-much-as-space-exploration-isro-chairman

Indore’s SAIMS Takes A Big Stride In Healthcare Innovation

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**SAIMS Indore to Become First Private Medical College in India to Produce Isotopes at Own Cyclotron Plant**

*Indore (Madhya Pradesh):* In a pioneering step towards healthcare innovation, Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences (SAIMS), Indore, is set to become the first private medical college in the country to produce isotopes at its own cyclotron plant.

The isotopes, including gallium-based PET tracers, will be created using liquid gallium. These isotopes will play a vital role not only in advanced diagnostic procedures but also in treatment, with the added advantage of being free from side effects.

Dr. Vinod Bhandari, founder chairman of Sri Aurobindo University, shared this information while inaugurating an awareness campaign under National Pharmacovigilance Week organized by the department of pharmacology.

He said that in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India, SAIMS is introducing revolutionary measures to provide patients with world-class medical facilities.

### SAIMS Designated as Regional Pharmacovigilance Centre

Highlighting the institute’s role in drug safety, Dr. Bhandari added that the Government of India has designated SAIMS as the first Regional Pharmacovigilance Centre in Madhya Pradesh under its pharmacovigilance programme.

In the first phase, SAIMS has reported over 6,000 adverse drug reactions from 13 centres to the National Centre (IPC Ghaziabad) and the WHO Uppsala Monitoring Centre in Sweden. This data is being used by national and global health agencies for research and to improve patient safety.

### National Pharmacovigilance Week Awareness Campaign

The campaign coordinators, Dr. Chhaya Goel and Dr. Pooja Reddy, explained that the objective of the National Pharmacovigilance Week is to make patients more aware of possible side effects of medicines and encourage them to report adverse drug reactions.

They further clarified that adverse drug reactions do not reflect negatively on the doctor but instead provide crucial information that helps ensure safer and more effective prescriptions in the future.

Under the campaign, awareness sessions, scientific workshops, and interactive programmes are being conducted to engage both patients and healthcare professionals.

Senior faculty members including Dr. Raj Wavre (Dean, Medical College), Dr. Jayshree Tapadia (Dean, Student Welfare), Dr. Anuja Jha (Deputy Coordinator, Materiovigilance), Mohammad Rafi (Pharmacovigilance Associate), and Jitendra Patidar (Materiovigilance Associate) attended the event.

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Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences continues to lead in healthcare innovation and patient safety, contributing significantly to India’s goal of advanced medical care facilities.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/indore/indores-saims-takes-a-big-stride-in-healthcare-innovation

5 epic behind-the-scenes facts that make ‘The Expanse’ amazing

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By Vinita Jain | Sep 18, 2025 | 05:35 pm

**What’s the Story?**

*The Expanse* has been a fascinating watch, praised for its brilliant storytelling and realistic take on space exploration. While the on-screen drama keeps viewers hooked, some interesting behind-the-scenes facts make the show even more amazing. These insights offer a glimpse into the immense effort and creativity involved in creating this complex universe.

—

### 1. Realistic Space Physics in *The Expanse*

What truly makes *The Expanse* stand out is its commitment to realistic space physics. This level of authenticity is achieved through close collaboration with scientists, ensuring that zero gravity and space travel are portrayed accurately. From practical effects to innovative filming techniques, every element adds to the realism, making viewers feel as if they are truly inside the universe. This sets the show apart from many other science fiction series that often simplify these concepts.

—

### 2. Language Creation for Belter Creole

Language plays a significant role in the world-building of *The Expanse*. The show features a unique dialect called Belter Creole, spoken by the inhabitants of the asteroid belt. Renowned linguist Nick Farmer was hired to develop this language, carefully crafting its grammar and vocabulary. This linguistic creation enriches the cultural diversity of the series and highlights how language can evolve over time and in different environments.

—

### 3. Detailed Set Designs Reflecting Future Technology

The set design in *The Expanse* is another area where the show excels. Designers meticulously crafted environments that not only showcase futuristic technology but also remain functional and believable. Whether it’s the interior of a spaceship or a colony on a distant planet, every setting is designed with intricate attention to detail. These authentic backdrops not only enhance the visual appeal but also support the storytelling by providing immersive settings for character interactions.

—

### 4. Extensive Use of Practical Effects Over CGI

While CGI dominates modern television production, *The Expanse* stands out by extensively using practical effects wherever possible. This choice was made to maintain authenticity, as physical props often create more believable interactions between actors compared to digital effects alone. The show skillfully combines both practical techniques and CGI—especially in scenes involving stunts or explosions—ensuring an immersive viewing experience without sacrificing quality.

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### 5. Collaboration Between Authors & Showrunners

The success of *The Expanse* largely stems from the collaboration between the original authors James S. A. Corey (the pen name for Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck) and showrunners Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby. Together, they adapted the novels into a compelling screenplay, weaving narrative threads across different media. This partnership ensured a faithful adaptation that respects the source material while expanding the lore, delivering a cohesive and engaging experience for fans.

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*The Expanse* is more than just a sci-fi series; it’s a masterclass in thoughtful storytelling and meticulous production. These behind-the-scenes insights deepen our appreciation for the show’s dedication to authenticity and creativity.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/5-behind-the-scenes-facts-about-the-expanse/story

5 epic behind-the-scenes facts that make ‘The Expanse’ amazing

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By Vinita Jain | Sep 18, 2025, 05:35 PM

**What’s the Story?**

*The Expanse* has been a fascinating watch, celebrated for its brilliant storytelling and realistic take on space exploration. While we love the intense drama unfolding on-screen, some interesting behind-the-scenes facts make the show even more amazing. These insights offer a glimpse into the effort, creativity, and craftsmanship involved in building this complex universe.

—

### 1. Realistic Space Physics in *The Expanse*

What truly makes *The Expanse* stand out is its commitment to realistic space physics, made possible through collaboration with scientists. This partnership ensures that elements like zero gravity and space travel are portrayed accurately. From practical effects to innovative filming techniques, every detail adds to the show’s realism, making viewers feel as if they are truly part of the universe. This level of authenticity sets it apart from many other science fiction shows that often simplify these aspects.

—

### 2. Language Creation for Belter Creole

Language plays an integral role in the world-building of *The Expanse*. The show features a unique dialect called Belter Creole, spoken by the inhabitants of the asteroid belt. Linguist Nick Farmer was hired to create this language, carefully designing its grammar and vocabulary to make it consistent and believable. This attention to linguistic detail enriches the cultural diversity of the series, demonstrating how language evolves based on environment and history.

—

### 3. Detailed Set Designs Reflecting Future Technology

Set design is another area where *The Expanse* excels. The production team meticulously crafted sets that showcase future technology while maintaining functionality and realism. From spaceship interiors to colonies on distant planets, each environment is thoughtfully designed with fine attention to detail. These authentic backdrops not only enhance the visual appeal but also support the storytelling by providing believable settings for character interactions.

—

### 4. Extensive Use of Practical Effects Over CGI

While CGI dominates modern television productions, *The Expanse* opts to use practical effects whenever possible. This creative choice enhances authenticity—physical props often produce more convincing interactions between actors than fully digital effects. The show skillfully integrates both practical effects and CGI, especially in sequences involving stunts or explosions, allowing viewers to stay immersed without compromising visual quality.

—

### 5. Collaboration Between Authors and Showrunners

The success of *The Expanse* is largely due to the close collaboration between authors James S. A. Corey (Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck) and showrunners Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby. Together, they adapted the novels into screenplays, weaving narrative elements across different media forms. This teamwork ensured a faithful adaptation of the source material while expanding the series’ lore, maintaining the spirit of the originals in a cohesive and engaging experience for fans.

—

*The Expanse* continues to impress not only through its on-screen storytelling but also through the thoughtful and dedicated efforts behind the scenes—making it a standout show in the realm of science fiction television.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/5-behind-the-scenes-facts-about-the-expanse/story