UK startup Space Forge raised $30M to produce advanced semiconductor materials in space, where microgravity yields purer crystals. Supported by the NATO Innovation Fund and defense giant Northrop Grumman, the company aims to power technologies ranging from 5G networks to quantum computing systems. Its first launch failed in 2023, but a new mission, “The Forge Awakens,” is set to demonstrate its tech later this year.
SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission launched Friday, heading to the ISS to enable astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore’s return after nine months. Delayed by Boeing’s Starliner issues, their homecoming, set for March 19, stirred buzz as Elon Musk claimed—without proof—Biden blocked an earlier rescue for political reasons.
IIT Madras and ISRO have jointly created the IRIS chip, an indigenous semiconductor for space and computing applications. Built on the Shakti processor, manufactured in India, it enhances ISRO’s mission efficiency and supports the ‘Make in India’ initiative, reducing reliance on foreign technology.
ISRO launched the SpaDeX mission from Sriharikota on Dec 30, 2024, marking India’s first attempt at docking two satellites in space. Using indigenous “Bharatiya Docking System” technology, this milestone paves the way for missions like Gaganyaan and India’s space station. The satellites will unite at a speed of 0.036 km/hr.
Abhijit Chavda’s in TRS podcast discussed different interesting topics, including exploring Mars and space, rocket science, new space technologies, mysterious concepts like dark energy and parallel universes, the possibility of life on Mars, and the importance of scientific research in understanding the universe. Abhijit also discusses the connection between ancient Indian ideas and modern scientific theories, the crucial role of space agencies like ISRO and NASA, and the potential commercial interests and conflicts in space, particularly regarding resources like helium-3 on the Moon.