Science

Tiangong-2, the Chinese space lab that was launched in September 2016 will plummet back to earth in a controlled demolition on Friday, July 19, 2019. Xinhua, the Chinese state news agency revealed that most of the Chinese spacecraft will burn up in the atmosphere during the re-entry, while a small amount of debris is expected to crash into the South Pacific ocean. Chinese space agency decided to carry out the controlled demolition of Tiangong-2 after it has been there in the orbit for more than 1000 days. During its glorious mission, two astronauts spent one month inside the space lab, thus becoming the country's longest-ever crewed space mission. These astronauts conducted various experiments related to medicine, physics, and biology during their stay in the space laboratory. It should be noted that the controlled demolition of Tiangong-2 is happening just a few months after Tiangong-1 plummeted to Earth in an uncontrolled descent. Tiangong program is widely considered as the Chinese … [Read more...] about Chinese space lab Tiangong-2 is about to fall from space

TOKYO (AFP) - A breakthrough technique harnessing two methods to target disease-carrying mosquitoes was able to effectively eradicate buzzing biters in two test sites in China, according to research published on Thursday (July 18). The mosquitoes targeted are a type that is particularly difficult to control called Aedes albopictus - more popularly known as the Asian tiger mosquito - which are a major vector for diseases including Zika and dengue. The study "demonstrates the potential of a potent new tool", wrote Peter Armbruster, a professor at Georgetown University's department of biology, in a review of the work. Researchers harnessed two population control methods: the use of radiation - which effectively sterilises mosquitoes - and a strain of bacteria called Wolbachia that leaves mosquito eggs dead on arrival. They conducted a two-year trial at two sites on river islands in Guangzhou, where Asian tiger mosquitoes are to blame for the highest dengue transmission rate in China. The … [Read more...] about Buzz off: Breakthrough technique eradicates dengue mosquitoes

On April 20, a spaceship developed by SpaceX exploded during an uncrewed ground test, as it prepared to carry astronauts to the International Space Station, upon successful completion of the test. An investigation conducted by SpaceX with the guidance of NASA and the USAF revealed that the seven-person capsule, called Crew Dragon had blown due to a valve problem. Now, nearly three months after the explosion, Kathy Lueders of NASA called the anomaly discovery a huge gift, as the explosion has helped both SpaceX and NASA to follow more stringent safety standards in upcoming manned space missions. "In a lot of ways, this was a gift for us, because it was a test on the ground. We had the ability to find an issue with the hardware, and be able to find the hardware, and be able to assess the hardware. Through this process, we will continue to learn things that will help us fly safer," said Kathy Lueders, QZ reports. In last May, Hans Koenigsmann, SpaceX's vice president of mission assurance … [Read more...] about SpaceX spaceship explosion was a gift for us, says NASA official

As the world is eagerly is waiting for the launch of flying cars that could help passengers to conduct short trips via air, a French inventor has demonstrated a jet-powered hoverboard that helped him to fly across the skies during the annual Bastille Day military parade in France. Carrying a rifle, Frank Zapata, a former JetSki champion and army reservist flew across the skies, thus indicating the potential use of this device for military purposes. French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel who were present at the event lauded Zapata for his efforts and the whole crowd gave a standing ovation as he hovered in the skies. Florence Parly, the French Minister for Armed Forces revealed that devices like these could help to create flying soldiers, that could give an extra cutting edge to the country in future battlefields. Florence Parly told France Inter radio that this jet-powered flying machine can "allow tests for different kinds of uses, for example as a … [Read more...] about Forget Flying Car, here’s Flying Soldier who soared over Paris

In a move to become a space power, India had previously announced that they will launch their Chandrayaan-2 moon probe on July 15, from the Satish Dhawan Space Center at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. However, less than an hour before the liftoff, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) aborted the mission citing technical reasons. The space agency is expected to announce a new launch date soon. Until now, only three nations, the US, the Soviet Union during the 1970s space race and China have landed on the moon. Recently, an Israeli non-profit company named Beresheet attempted to land on the lunar surface, but it crashed on the moon minutes before the planned touchdown. Chandrayaan, that means 'Moon Craft' in Sanskrit planned for a soft landing on the South Pole of earth's natural satellite, popularly known as the dark side of the moon. It should be noted that only China has landed on this area of the moon, that is not visible from the earth due to tidal locking. Indian was … [Read more...] about India aborts Chandrayaan-2 launch, ISRO cites technical glitch