NASA - The Purbottar

06 Apr

iPhone 17 Pro Max Makes History with NASA’s Artemis II Mission Photos

anuprova EditorNASA, Technology

In a groundbreaking fusion of consumer technology and deep-space exploration, NASA has released a series of stunning images captured during the Artemis II mission using the iPhone 17 Pro Max. This marks the first time a standard consumer smartphone has been officially utilized to document a crewed lunar voyage, providing an intimate and high-definition look at humanity’s return to the Moon's vicinity. The images, which were captured on April 2, 2026, feature astronauts Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch gazing through the Orion spacecraft’s windows as the Earth recedes into a brilliant blue marble against the void. While the mission relies…

30 Mar

SpaceX Successfully Lofts 119 Payloads in High-Cadence Transporter-16 Rideshare Mission

anuprova EditorNASA

Marking another milestone in the commercialization of low Earth orbit, SpaceX successfully launched its Transporter-16 mission early Monday morning, March 30, 2026, delivering 119 diverse payloads into a Sun-synchronous orbit. The Falcon 9 rocket roared to life at 4:02 a.m. PDT (11:02 UTC) from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, piercing the predawn sky with a brilliant plume of exhaust. This flight, the 21st dedicated mission under SpaceX's SmallSat Rideshare Program, underscores the company's dominance in providing affordable and frequent access to space for a global array of customers. The manifest for Transporter-16 was…

26 Mar

Beyond the Sun: NASA Greenlights “Freedom” for Historic 2028 Nuclear Voyage

anuprova EditorNASA

In a move that effectively ends the era of solar dependency for deep-space exploration, NASA has officially greenlit the Space Reactor-1 (SR-1) Freedom mission, the first nuclear-fission-powered interplanetary spacecraft in human history. Slated for a December 2028 launch, the mission will utilize advanced Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) to ferry a high-tech scientific payload to Mars, signaling a paradigm shift in how the United States maneuvers through the solar system. Unlike the radioisotope "nuclear batteries" that have powered past probes like Voyager, SR-1 Freedom will house an active fission reactor designed to convert thermal energy into electricity for high-efficiency ion thrusters.…

11 Mar

A Jewel in the Dark: ISS Captures Breath-taking Nighttime Image of India Glowing from Space

anuprova EditorNASA

The International Space Station (ISS) has once again captivated the world by sharing a stunning nighttime photograph of the Indian subcontinent, showcasing the nation as a brilliant tapestry of golden lights against the vast darkness of the Earth. Taken as the station soared approximately 400 kilometers above the Arabian Sea and moved toward the snow-capped Himalayas, the image reveals the intricate, web-like patterns of India’s sprawling urban centers, connected by glowing arteries of highways and rural networks. This perspective from orbit offers a unique look at the sheer scale of India's population and infrastructure, highlighting how the country’s geography—from its…

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…