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Aditya-L1: The Indian first mission to the Sun is successfully launched

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At 11:50 India time (06:20 GMT) on Saturday, Aditya-L1 launched from the launch facility at Sriharikota.

It will cover 1.5 million kilometres (932,000 miles) or 1% of the distance between the Earth and the Sun.

According to India’s space agency, the journey will take four months.

The name of India’s first space-based project to examine the largest object in the solar system comes from Surya, the Hindu sun god also known as Aditya.

L1 stands for Lagrange point 1, the precise location where the Indian spacecraft is travelling between the Sun and Earth.

A Lagrange point, according to the European Space Agency, is a location where the gravitational pull of two enormous objects, such as the Sun and the Earth, cancel each other out and allow a spacecraft to “hover.”

Aditya-L1 will be able to orbit the Sun at the same speed as the Earth once it reaches its “parking spot” This implies that the satellite will run on very little fuel.

A few thousand people gathered to watch the launch on Saturday morning at the viewing gallery set up by the Indian Space Research Agency (Isro) close to the launch site.

Additionally, it was live-broadcast on national television, where the pundits referred to it as a “magnificent” launch. The launch was successful, according to Isro experts, and its “performance is normal.”

Before heading towards L1, the spacecraft will now make many orbits of the planet.

Aditya-L1 will be able to observe the Sun continuously from this vantage point, even when it is obscured by an eclipse, and conduct research.

Isro has not specified the cost of the mission, however estimates in the Indian press estimate it to be 3.78 billion rupees ($46 million; £36 million).

According to Isro, the orbiter is equipped with seven scientific tools to examine and analyse the solar corona, which is the sun’s outermost layer, the photosphere, which is the part of the sun that we can see from Earth, and the chromosphere, which is a thin layer of plasma between the photosphere and the corona.

The research will aid in the understanding of solar activity, including solar wind and solar flares, and their immediate impact on Earth and near-space weather.

Mylswamy Annadurai, a former scientist of Isro, claims that the Sun constantly affects Earth’s weather through radiation, heat, the movement of particles, and magnetic fields. He claims that it also affects the space weather at the same time.

“Space weather plays a role in how effectively the satellites function. Solar winds or storms can affect the electronics on satellites, even knock down power grids. But there are gaps in our knowledge of space weather,” Mr Annadurai told the BBC.

India has more than 50 satellites in orbit, and they offer the nation a variety of vital services including communication channels, weather information, and assistance in forecasting pest infestations, droughts, and imminent disasters. Nearly 7,800 of the 10,290 satellites still in Earth’s orbit are active, according to the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA).

According to Mr. Annadurai, Aditya will aid in our understanding of the star that is essential to our survival and even provide us with a warning.

We can shift our satellites out of harm’s way if we are aware of the Sun’s activities, such as solar wind or an impending solar eruption, a few days in advance. This will prolong the life of our satellites in orbit.

The mission, he continues, will primarily contribute to advancing our knowledge of the Sun, the 4.5 billion year old star that is the centre of our solar system.

Just a few days prior to its solar mission, India had successfully landed the first probe in history close to the lunar south pole.

With that, India joined the United States, the former Soviet Union, and China as the only other nations to successfully complete a soft landing on the moon.

India will join the exclusive group of nations that are already researching the Sun if Aditya-L1 is a success.

Japan launched the first mission in 1981 to investigate solar flares, and since the 1990s, both the US space agency Nasa and the European Space Agency (ESA) have been keeping an eye on the Sun.

A Solar Orbiter that was jointly launched by NASA and ESA in February 2020 is studying the Sun up close and gathering data that, according to scientists, will help them understand what motivates its dynamic activity.

And in 2021, the Parker Solar Probe, one of NASA’s newest spacecraft, made history by being the first to go through the corona, the Sun’s outer atmosphere.

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SpaceX to Launch 21 Starlink Satellites from Florida on February 4

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SpaceX to Launch 21 Starlink Satellites from Florida on February 4

SpaceX plans to launch another batch of Starlink satellites into orbit from Florida’s Space Coast on February 4, 2025. The mission will deploy 21 Starlink satellites, including 13 equipped with direct-to-cell communications capabilities, marking another major step in SpaceX’s ambitious plan to provide global high-speed internet coverage.

The Falcon 9 rocket flight from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station is scheduled to take place during a roughly three-hour launch window that opens at 3:37 a.m. (0837 GMT). SpaceX will livestream the event on its X account (formerly Twitter), with coverage beginning about five minutes before liftoff.

The mission will use the experienced Falcon 9 first-stage rocket, which will be making its 21st launch and landing. According to SpaceX, this rocket has already flown on 20 missions, 16 of which were dedicated Starlink launches. If all goes as planned, the rocket will return to Earth about eight minutes after liftoff, landing on the unmanned “Just Read the Instructions” craft in the Atlantic Ocean.

The Falcon 9 upper stage will continue its journey to deploy 21 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) about 65 minutes after liftoff. This will be SpaceX’s 15th Falcon 9 mission in 2025, with nine flights dedicated to expanding the Starlink constellation.

Direct-to-cell capabilities


A notable feature of this mission is the inclusion of 13 Starlink satellites with direct-to-cell capability. These advanced satellites are designed to enable seamless connectivity for standard mobile phones, eliminating the need for specialized hardware. This technology has the potential to revolutionize communications in remote and underserved areas, providing reliable internet and cellular services directly to users’ devices.

The growing Starlink constellation


SpaceX is rapidly expanding its Starlink network, which is already the largest satellite constellation ever assembled. In 2024 alone, the company launched more than 130 Falcon 9 missions, about two-thirds of which were dedicated to Starlink deployments. According to astrophysicist and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell, SpaceX currently operates nearly 7,000 Starlink satellites in LEO.

The Starlink network aims to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access to users around the world, especially in regions lacking traditional infrastructure. With this latest launch, SpaceX is expanding the network’s capacity and coverage, bringing its dream of global connectivity closer to reality.

Recyclability and sustainability


The Falcon 9 rocket’s first-stage booster exemplifies SpaceX’s commitment to reusability, a key factor in reducing the cost of spaceflight. By successfully landing and reusing the rocket, SpaceX has revolutionized the aerospace industry and set a new standard for sustainable space operations.

However, the rapid expansion of the Starlink constellation has raised concerns among astronomers and environmentalists. The growing number of satellites in LEO has created problems such as light pollution, which can interfere with astronomical observations, and space debris, which poses a threat to other spacecraft. SpaceX is actively working to mitigate these issues by implementing measures such as blacking out satellite surfaces and responsibly deorbiting inactive satellites.

The February 4 launch is part of SpaceX’s broader strategy to achieve global internet coverage and support its growing customer base. With the addition of direct-to-cell-connect satellites, the company is poised to offer even more versatile and simple connectivity solutions.

As SpaceX pushes the boundaries of space technology, the world will be watching to see how the Starlink network evolves and addresses the challenges associated with large-scale satellite constellations. For now, the focus is on the upcoming launch, which will mark another milestone in SpaceX’s journey to connect the world.

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Scientists Trap Molecules for Quantum Tasks, Paving the Way for Ultra-Fast Tech Advancements

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Scientists Trap Molecules for Quantum Tasks, Paving the Way for Ultra-Fast Tech Advancements

In a groundbreaking milestone for quantum computing, researchers from Harvard University have successfully trapped molecules to perform quantum operations. This achievement marks a pivotal advancement in the field, potentially revolutionizing technology and enabling ultra-fast computations in medicine, science, and finance.

Molecules as Qubits: A New Frontier

Traditionally, quantum computing has focused on using smaller, less complex particles like ions and atoms as qubits—the fundamental units of quantum information. Molecules, despite their potential, were long considered unsuitable due to their intricate and delicate structures, which made them challenging to manipulate reliably.

However, the latest findings, published in the journal Nature, change this narrative. By utilizing ultra-cold polar molecules as qubits, the researchers have opened up new possibilities for performing quantum tasks with unprecedented precision.

A 20-Year Journey to Success

“This is a breakthrough we’ve been working toward for two decades,” said Kang-Kuen Ni, Theodore William Richards Professor of Chemistry and Physics at Harvard and senior co-author of the study.

Quantum computing leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations exponentially faster than classical computers. It has the potential to solve problems that were once deemed unsolvable.

“Our work represents the last critical piece needed to construct a molecular quantum computer,” added co-author and postdoctoral fellow Annie Park, highlighting the significance of this achievement.

How Molecular Quantum Gates Work

Quantum gates, the building blocks of quantum operations, manipulate qubits by taking advantage of quantum phenomena like superposition and entanglement. Unlike classical logic gates that process binary bits (0s and 1s), quantum gates can process multiple states simultaneously, exponentially increasing computational power.

In this experiment, the researchers used the ISWAP gate, a crucial component that swaps the states of two qubits while applying a phase shift. This process is essential for creating entangled states—a cornerstone of quantum computing that allows qubits to remain correlated regardless of distance.

Overcoming Long-Standing Challenges

Earlier attempts to use molecules for quantum computing faced significant challenges. Molecules were often unstable, moving unpredictably and disrupting the coherence required for precise operations.

The Harvard team overcame these obstacles by trapping molecules in ultra-cold environments. By drastically reducing molecular motion, they achieved greater control over quantum states, paving the way for reliable quantum operations.

The breakthrough was a collaborative effort between Harvard researchers and physicists from the University of Colorado’s Center for Theory of Quantum Matter. The team meticulously measured two-qubit Bell states and minimized errors caused by residual motion, laying the groundwork for even more accurate future experiments.

Transforming the Quantum Landscape

“There’s immense potential in leveraging molecular platforms for quantum computing,” Ni noted. The team’s success is expected to inspire further innovations and ideas for utilizing the unique properties of molecules in quantum systems.

This advancement could significantly alter the quantum computing landscape, bringing researchers closer to developing a molecular quantum computer. Such a system would harness the unique capabilities of molecules, opening doors to unprecedented computational possibilities.

The Road Ahead

The implications of this achievement extend far beyond academia. By unlocking the potential of molecules as qubits, the researchers have taken a vital step toward creating powerful quantum computers capable of transforming industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to financial modeling.

As researchers continue to refine this technology, the dream of a molecular quantum computer—one that capitalizes on the complexities of molecular structures—moves closer to reality. This breakthrough represents not just a leap forward for quantum computing but a glimpse into the future of technology itself.

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NASA’s JPL Set to Resume Normal Operations After L.A. Fires

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NASA’s JPL Set to Resume Normal Operations After L.A. Fires

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is preparing to return to regular operations following disruptions caused by the Eaton Fire, which impacted areas near Los Angeles.

Located at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, JPL faced threats from the fire, which has heavily affected nearby communities like Altadena. The lab, known as NASA’s primary hub for planetary exploration, has been closed since January 8, except for essential activities like managing the Perseverance and Curiosity Mars rovers and other critical missions.

With the Eaton Fire no longer posing a direct threat, JPL plans to reopen next week.

“From Tuesday, Jan. 21 through Jan. 24, 2025, the lab will be accessible to any personnel who need to work on-site. Personnel able to telework are encouraged to do so as the facility undergoes full and final cleanup,” JPL officials stated on their emergency information site on Friday, Jan. 17.

The fire’s impact has been severe, with widespread damage in the community. “Significant devastation in our community. 1,000 still evacuated. More than 150 homes completely lost, and many others will face long-term displacement,” JPL Director Laurie Leshin shared in a post on X on Jan. 10.

In a subsequent post, Leshin provided a link to a disaster-relief fundraising site aimed at supporting JPL employees and staff from the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, which manages the facility for NASA.

The Eaton Fire has burned 14,117 acres (5,713 hectares) so far and is now 65% contained, according to NBC News. Meanwhile, the larger Palisades Fire has scorched 23,713 acres (9,596 hectares) and remains just 31% contained, making it the most destructive of the recent L.A. fires.

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