Asteroid 2022 YS5, estimated to be greater than 85 meters in diameter, is scheduled to safely flyby Earth on July 17, passing within 7.4 million kilometers. This event highlights the importance of global cooperation in monitoring near-Earth objects (NEOs) and planetary defense, with agencies like NASA and ISRO actively tracking the asteroid. ISRO is focusing on enhancing its planetary defense infrastructure, including the upcoming close approach of Apophis in 2029, and collaborating internationally on missions for early detection and deflection strategies. While 2022 YS5 poses no threat, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and preparedness against potential asteroid risks.
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The Axiom-4 mission successfully launched from Florida, carrying a multi-national crew that included Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the second Indian to journey into space. Piloting the commercial flight to the International Space Station (ISS), Shukla is poised to become the first Indian to visit the orbiting laboratory, marking India’s return to space after 41 years. The mission, a collaboration between NASA, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and others, also includes astronauts from Poland and Hungary. This significant event has generated considerable excitement in India, with ISRO recognizing the valuable experience Shukla will gain, supporting its future spaceflight endeavors.
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India’s Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission, launched on December 30th, successfully completed its historic space docking maneuver on Thursday. The mission, involving two 220kg spacecraft, demonstrated the ability to join two craft in space, a crucial step towards India’s goals of establishing a space station and lunar missions. This achievement makes India only the fourth nation to master this complex technology, after the US, Russia, and China. The successful docking and planned power transfer between the spacecraft showcase India’s growing capabilities in space technology.
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John Q. Hosedrinker