The Times of India News

SpaceX plans to lower Starlink satellites to a safer orbit in 2026. This move aims to reduce collision risks and space debris. Satellites will burn up faster at the end of their life. This decision follows a recent satellite failure. SpaceX is the world's largest satellite operator. The change focuses on safety and sustainability in low Earth orbit.

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station experienced New Year 2026 sixteen times, witnessing the transition to a new year with each of their 90-minute orbits. This unique perspective highlights the vast differences in time perception between Earth and space, where daily cycles of daylight and darkness are compressed. Their adherence to Greenwich Mean Time structures life in orbit.

A German firm is turning cockroaches into spy tools and rescuers. These insects can navigate dangerous areas where machines and people cannot. Equipped with tiny cameras and microphones, they gather intelligence. The technology also holds promise for disaster response, locating survivors in collapsed buildings. This innovation is reshaping defense and surveillance capabilities.

China's Shenzhou-20 mission faced a critical delay when a small crack appeared in the return capsule's window. This damage, caused by fast-moving space debris, threatened the astronauts' safety. An emergency mission launched a replacement spacecraft, ensuring a safe return. The incident underscores the significant risks posed by even microscopic space junk and prompts a review of orbital safety measures.

Astronomers found a giant hourglass shape around a galaxy called ESO 130 G012. This structure is made of radio waves and stretches over 160,000 light-years. It extends far beyond the galaxy's visible stars. Scientists are studying how this enormous outflow formed. It may be from steady star formation or a past black hole event.

Prepare for a spectacular celestial event as the Wolf Supermoon illuminates the UK on January 3rd, 2026. This exceptionally bright and large full moon will be visible just after sunset, offering breathtaking views. 2026 is an unusual year with 13 full moons, including a blue moon in May, making this January's Wolf Moon a must-see.

New discoveries on Mars reveal deep, round openings. These features are unlike known craters or volcanic pits. Scientists believe water may have shaped these cavities long ago. Such underground spaces could have protected ancient life from harsh surface conditions. These caves offer a new focus for future exploration and the search for signs of life on the Red Planet.

2026 promises a celestial spectacle with four eclipses, including a rare ing of fire and a total solar eclipse visible from mainland Europe. This year marks the beginning of a busy period for skywatchers, with significant lunar and solar events clustering together. Planetary alignments also grace the night sky, offering repeated reasons to look up.

Astronauts, including India's Shubhanshu Shukla, undergo wisdom teeth removal before space missions. This preventive measure addresses the unpredictable nature of these teeth, which can cause serious issues in orbit where medical care is limited. The decision prioritizes mission reliability over potential future discomfort, highlighting the meticulous health preparations for space travel.

2025 has been a landmark year for astronomy, revealing an interstellar comet, early supermassive black holes, and weakening dark energy. Compelling signs of past Martian life and potential biosignatures on exoplanets have emerged. New planets near Earth were found, and galactic collision predictions for the Milky Way and Andromeda were revised. The Vera C.

NASA will preview upcoming International Space Station spacewalks in a public briefing, detailing tasks and risks. Astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman will conduct the first spacewalk on January 8 to work on the power system, followed by a second on January 15 for maintenance and upgrades. These routine operations are crucial for the station's longevity and future deorbit.

The year 2025 witnessed remarkable progress in space exploration. India achieved major milestones including its 100th launch and the first Indian astronaut on the ISS. Globally, scientists mapped the Sun's winds and observed asteroid collisions. New exoplanets were discovered, expanding our cosmic understanding. Commercial space ventures also saw significant advancements, setting the stage for future endeavors.