NASA - The Purbottar

20 Aug

U.S. Air Force’s X-37B Spacecraft Gears Up for Mission 8

Mohini BarmanNASA

Set for launch on August 21, 2025, the U.S. Space Force’s X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (Mission 8) will ride a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The mission is testing next-gen technologies including laser-based communications and a quantum inertial sensor optimized for space operation. The tests aim to boost data security and improve satellite communication resilience. South Asian space agencies—from ISRO in India to emerging programs in Nepal and Bhutan—are watching these developments as they shape future regional collaboration in secure space tech.

05 Aug

Moon Mission Pushed to 2027 as Engineers Work on Safety Systems

Mohini BarmanNASA

NASA’s much-anticipated Artemis III mission, which aims to land astronauts on the Moon for the first time in over 50 years, has been postponed from 2025 to 2027. The delay is due to ongoing concerns with the lunar lander system developed by SpaceX and spacesuit readiness. This mission is especially significant as it includes the first woman and person of color to set foot on the Moon. NASA officials said that the delay, while disappointing, is necessary to prioritize astronaut safety and mission success. Space enthusiasts and science students across South Asia—including from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh—have expressed continued excitement.…

30 Jul

First Woman and First Person of Colour to Land on Moon in Historic US Space Mission

Mohini BarmanNASA

NASA has formally named the four-member crew of its upcoming Artemis III mission, which will mark the first human moon landing since 1972. The 2026 launch aims to put the first woman and the first person of colour on the lunar surface. The astronauts are undergoing high-pressure simulations at Johnson Space Center, Texas. The mission is part of NASA’s broader goal to build a permanent base on the moon under the Artemis program, supported by global partners including ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), and ISRO (India). With rising student interest in astrophysics across Nepal, Bhutan, and Eastern India, space educators see…

15 Jul

NASA Announces Crewed Mission to Mars in 2031

Mohini BarmanNASA

NASA has officially declared 2031 as the target year for sending humans to Mars, marking a major milestone in interplanetary exploration. The announcement came during a briefing at the Johnson Space Center, where mission details including spacecraft design and international collaboration were discussed. Astronaut selection will begin in 2027, with test flights scheduled in 2029. NASA is partnering with ESA (Europe) and ISRO (India) for tech and training support. The news has sparked excitement among students and researchers in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, with universities exploring space research tie-ups and STEM exchange programs.

12 Jul

NASA’s Europa Clipper Begins Final Assembly Before 2024 Launch

Mohini BarmanNASA

NASA's upcoming Europa Clipper mission has entered its final assembly phase at California’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The spacecraft, set to launch in October 2024, will explore Jupiter’s moon Europa, believed to have a subsurface ocean that could harbor life. This $5 billion mission aims to make nearly 50 flybys of Europa, collecting high-resolution images and analyzing surface composition. Scientists hope to better understand whether the moon’s icy crust hides conditions suitable for microbial life. The mission has drawn significant global attention, including among Indian astronomers and students in Nepal and Bangladesh, as it symbolizes humanity's growing effort to explore extraterrestrial…

28 May

NASA Confirms Plans for Moon Base by 2032

Mohini BarmanNASA

NASA has announced its ambitious goal to establish a sustainable base on the Moon by 2032, as part of the Artemis program. The project aims to deploy astronauts and build a habitat that supports long-duration missions. The lunar base will feature 3D-printed structures using moon soil, robotic construction tools, and a power system powered by solar energy. NASA is also collaborating with private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin for logistics and infrastructure. This development could pave the way for deeper space missions, including manned expeditions to Mars. Space research organizations in India and Bangladesh are watching closely, as opportunities…

20 May

NASA to Launch First AI-Powered Satellite for Climate Monitoring

Mohini BarmanNASA

NASA is set to launch its first AI-integrated climate satellite—ClimaSat-1—next month, designed to gather real-time data on global temperature, sea levels, and greenhouse gas levels. The AI system will process data onboard, minimizing delays and increasing forecasting accuracy. Unlike previous models, ClimaSat-1 uses machine learning to prioritize climate events like cyclones, forest fires, or drought zones. South Asian scientists are already collaborating with NASA to use this data for regional early warning systems. With countries like India, Bangladesh, and Nepal facing frequent climate disasters, this mission could provide critical support. It marks a breakthrough in how AI will shape our…

18 Apr

NASA’s Artemis Program Delayed Again Due to Safety Concerns

Sonakshi SarkarNASA

NASA has announced a delay in its Artemis II mission, which was scheduled to take astronauts around the Moon later this year. Engineers discovered issues with a helium valve in the rocket’s upper stage, prompting safety reviews. Originally planned for November 2024, the mission is now expected to launch in early 2025. Artemis II is crucial as it will be the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years and a step toward establishing a long-term human presence on the Moon. The delay impacts international partners, including the European and Canadian space agencies. NASA emphasized safety over schedule, noting that…

16 Apr

Artemis III Astronauts Begin Final Phase of Lunar Training

Sonakshi SarkarNASA

NASA’s Artemis III mission is entering its final preparation phase as astronauts gear up for what will be the longest human stay on the Moon to date. Scheduled for late 2026, this mission aims to establish a permanent lunar research base as a stepping stone to Mars. The crew, including astronauts from the U.S. and Canada, will conduct geological research and test long-duration life-support systems. Unlike previous missions, Artemis III will land at the Moon’s south pole, an area rich in water ice. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson stated that international collaboration is key to the mission. Japan, the UK, and…

17 Feb

Exploring the Red Planet: NASA Gears Up for 2026 Mission

editorNASA

NASA has announced its next Mars mission, scheduled for launch in 2026. The mission will include a state-of-the-art rover designed to explore previously uncharted Martian terrain for signs of past life. This rover will be equipped with advanced drilling technology and AI-powered navigation systems. NASA is also collaborating with the European Space Agency to bring Martian soil samples back to Earth for further study. The mission aims to unlock more secrets of Mars’ geological and atmospheric history, paving the way for future human exploration.