India to Launch 52 Defence Satellites Post Operation Sindoor

By BPN News Desk June 30, 2025

Science Space & Astronomy

In a decisive response to lessons drawn from Operation Sindoor, the Indian government has approved a major plan to launch 52 dedicated defence surveillance satellites by the end of 2029. This massive effort, under the ₹26,968 crore Space-Based Surveillance (SBS) Phase 3 initiative, marks

Science Space & Astronomy

“India Looks Very Grand, Very Big From Space,” Says Shubhanshu Shukla to PM Modi

By BPN News Desk June 29, 2025

In a heartwarming live video interaction from the International Space Station, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut aboard the ISS, told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that “India looks very grand, very big from space.” The conversation, which lasted nearly 18 minutes, marked a symbolic moment for India’s human spaceflight ambitions and celebrated the

Science Space & Astronomy

“India Is a Partner, Not a Passenger”: S Somanath on Shukla’s ISS Mission Boosting Gaganyaan

By BPN News Desk June 27, 2025

Former ISRO Chairman Dr S Somanath has underscored the historic significance of Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s presence aboard the International Space Station, stating that India is no longer just a passenger in global space missions. “India is a partner, a participant, and a future-ready crew,” he said, describing the event as a defining moment for […]

Science Space & Astronomy

Shubhanshu Shukla Sends “Namaskar from Space” Ahead of ISS Docking

By BPN News Desk June 26, 2025

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the Indian Air Force pilot who became India’s first astronaut in over four decades, sent a warm “Namaskar from space” to Earth as his SpaceX Dragon spacecraft orbited 418 km above the planet, en route to the International Space Station. This heartfelt message, broadcast during a live feed, marked a proud […]

Science Space & Astronomy

Shubhanshu Shukla Set to Pilot Axiom-4 to ISS on June 25

By BPN News Desk June 24, 2025

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force is set to make history as he prepares to pilot the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The launch, confirmed for June 25, will take place from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:01 PM IST (2:31 AM EDT). The crew capsule is […]

Science Space & Astronomy

HAL Wins SSLV Tech Transfer from ISRO in Historic First

By BPN News Desk June 21, 2025

In a pioneering move, India’s largest aerospace firm, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has become the first non-ISRO entity to receive technology transfer rights for the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). The decision follows a formal agreement signed last week that authorizes HAL to manufacture and further develop the SSLV platform under a broader public–private

Science Space & Astronomy

Axiom‑4 Launch Postponed Amid ISS Safety Assessments

By BPN News Desk June 20, 2025

The planned launch of the Axiom‑4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), which was scheduled for Sunday, June 22, has been postponed. NASA and Axiom Space jointly decided to delay the mission to conduct further assessments related to the station’s operational safety. A new launch date is expected to be announced soon. “NASA has […]

Science Space & Astronomy

SpaceX Starship Test Ends in Massive Explosion, All Crew Safe

By BPN News Desk June 19, 2025

On the night of June 18, SpaceX’s Starship prototype—Ship 36—erupted in a massive explosion at its Starbase facility near Boca Chica, Texas. The incident occurred during a routine static fire test ahead of the planned tenth flight, resulting in a dramatic fireball that lit up the night sky and rattled nearby homes, but fortunately caused no […]

Science Space & Astronomy

ISRO Conducts First Rocket-Powered Satellite Launch in Uttar Pradesh

By BPN News Desk June 16, 2025

ISRO achieved a historic milestone on June 14 by successfully launching a rocket carrying a small satellite from Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh. This marks the first time a payload has been launched via rocket from the state, underlining ISRO’s expanding footprint beyond traditional spaceports. ISRO launch in Kushinagar The launch took place at exactly 5:14:33 PM local […]

Science Space & Astronomy

India Finalizes Space Bill to Boost $44 Billion Space Economy

By BPN News Desk May 24, 2025

India is set to unlock the next phase of its space revolution with the finalization of the Space Activities Bill, which aims to empower the private sector, strengthen regulatory oversight, and boost India’s space economy to $44 billion by 2033. The bill represents a foundational shift in space governance, marking India’s transition from a government-led […]