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Tag: ISRO

  • India launches its heftiest satellite yet

    India launches its heftiest satellite yet

    SRIHARIKOTA: India just flexed its space muscles. On 2 November, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) hurled its heaviest communications satellite ever into orbit from home soil—a 4,400 kg behemoth called CMS-03 that will keep the navy’s ships, submarines and aircraft chattering across the Indian Ocean. The launch from Sriharikota at 5:26 pm marked the end of an embarrassing era: no longer must India send its bulkiest satellites abroad for a lift.

    The rocket doing the heavy lifting was LVM3, ISRO’s most powerful launcher and now nicknamed “Bahubali” for its Herculean payload capacity. This souped-up version sports a beefier cryogenic upper stage—the C32, carrying 32,000kg of fuel and belching 22 tonnes of thrust, a 10 per cent upgrade on the previous model. It can now haul 4,000kg to geosynchronous orbit and 8,000kg to low Earth orbit without breaking a sweat.

    Until now, India’s chunkier satellites hitched rides with foreigners. France’s Arianespace launched the 5,854kg GSAT-11 and 4,181kg GSAT-24. Elon Musk’s SpaceX ferried the 4,700kg GSAT-20. No more. Isro chairman V Narayanan crowed about the mission being “a shining example of Atmanirbhar Bharat”—self-reliant India, in case the point wasn’t clear enough.

    The CMS-03, also known as GSAT-7R, isn’t just heavy; it’s clever. Bristling with indigenous components, the multiband satellite will provide encrypted voice, data and video links for 15 years, giving the Indian Navy real-time situational awareness across a vast oceanic region. The navy called it a testament to national self-sufficiency in maritime defence.

    This was LVM3’s eighth consecutive successful launch, following triumphs like Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3 (which made India the first nation to land near the lunar south pole), and OneWeb satellite deployments. The upgraded rocket also feeds directly into Isro’s Gaganyaan programme, which aims to send astronauts into space. Three uncrewed missions are planned first, including one carrying Vyommitra, a robotic astronaut, later this year.

    Narayanan said the space organisation is eyeing seven more launches by March 2026, with another LVM3 mission slated for December. India’s space sector, he declared, is “soaring high.

    With launches this meaty, it’s hard to argue.

  • Orbitaid fuels India’s space race with new 2m dollars R&D hub in Bengaluru

    Orbitaid fuels India’s space race with new 2m dollars R&D hub in Bengaluru

    MUMBAI: Talk about rocket fuel for ambition! India’s space dreams just got a top-up. Orbitaid Aerospace, the country’s first startup dedicated to On-Orbit Servicing and Refuelling (OOSR), has unveiled a sparkling new research and development facility in Bengaluru, setting the stage for India’s next big leap in space sustainability.

    The 2 million dollars, 6,500 square feet centre was inaugurated by none other than ISRO chairman Dr V. Narayanan, who called the initiative a timely boost for India’s growing private space ecosystem. The hub houses India’s largest commercial infrastructure for Rendezvous proximity operations and docking (RPOD), think of it as a cosmic pit stop where satellites can refuel and extend their lifespan instead of burning out.

    Complete with a high-end control room, a class 10,000 cleanroom, and fuel-transfer facilities, the setup signals Orbitaid’s intent to play on the global stage. Dr Narayanan praised the effort, noting that docking and refuelling interfaces will be vital to India’s future missions and confirmed that ISRO is now welcoming private players to collaborate on such technologies.

    For Orbitaid, the new facility isn’t just a milestone, it’s a mission. Founder and ceo Sakthikumar Ramachandran said the company’s indigenously built SIDRP interface has reached technology readiness level 7, putting them in pole position to deliver life-extension services to satellites in India and beyond.

    And Bengaluru is only the beginning. The company plans to expand into Tamil Nadu with a manufacturing hub for propellant handling and satellite servicing, building what it calls a “circular economy” for space tech. Early backer Unicorn India Ventures, whose managing partner Bhaskar Majumdar lauded Orbitaid’s discipline and focus, is doubling down on support.

    The launch event drew dignitaries including the consuls general of Germany, Italy, and Switzerland, along with Startuptn and Unicorn India Ventures representatives. ISRO officials, defence leaders, academics, and space industry executives also turned up, underscoring how the startup has captured attention well beyond the launchpad.

  • India’s southern spaceport progressing; to take aim at polar satellites

    India’s southern spaceport progressing; to take aim at polar satellites

    MUMBAI: India is racing to complete its second spaceport on the Tamil Nadu coast, promising to revolutionise the country’s small satellite launch capabilities. The Kulasekarapattinam facility, targetted for commissioning in 2026-27, will unlock dramatic payload improvements that existing infrastructure simply cannot match.

    Minister of state in the prime minister’s office Jitendra Singh told parliament that the Rs 985.96 crore project has consumed Rs 389.58 crore so far, with land acquisition nearly complete and technical facilities under construction. What makes the coastal location special is geography: launching southward over open ocean eliminates the orbital gymnastics required at the existing Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

    The numbers tell the story. India’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle can carry just 300kg to sun-synchronous polar orbits from Kulasekarapattinam—but “inadequate” payloads from the established Sriharikota facility. The problem lies in trajectory: rockets launching from Sriharikota must perform complex manoeuvres to avoid dropping spent stages on populated areas, gutting their carrying capacity.

    Sun-synchronous polar orbits are the sweet spot for earth observation satellites, keeping spacecraft in constant sunlight as they circle the planet. But reaching these orbits from India’s existing spaceport requires fuel-guzzling course corrections that leave little room for actual cargo.

    Kulasekarapattinam changes the equation entirely. The southern facility’s coastal position allows rockets to fly straight into polar trajectories without dodging landmasses or cities. Once operational, the spaceport will handle launches for both ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle and equivalent rockets from private companies.

    The project represents India’s push to capture more of the booming small satellite market, where payload efficiency often determines commercial viability. With fabrication of equipment underway at various work centres and construction proceeding on technical facilities, the race is on to bring India’s orbital ambitions down to earth—or rather, up to space—by 2027.

  • V. Narayan to succeed S. Somnath; to take over as Isro chairman

    V. Narayan to succeed S. Somnath; to take over as Isro chairman

    MUMBAI: There’s a new head at the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) and at the department of space (DoS). On 7 January, the  appointments committee of the cabinet sent out a notification announcing the selection of the head of the liquid propulsion systems centre (LPSC)  V Narayan in the organisation as the man for the job. He will also hold the post of chairman of the space commission. He takes over from current Isro boss S. Somnath  on 14 January when the latter’s term ends.

    Narayan was one of the key architects of India’s development of the cryogenic engine, which on the back of which India’s space program – including launch vehicles and space exploration – could move ahead at the pace it has.

    Speaking to NDTV Narayan said: “We have a clear roadmap for India and I hope to take Isro  to greater heights as we have great talent.”

    As  LPSC  director he has been providing techno-managerial leadership which is engaged in the development of liquid, semi cryogenic and cryogenic propulsion stages for launch vehicles. chemical and electric propulsion systems for satellites, control systems for launch vehicles and transducer development for propulsion system health monitoring.

    Narayanan, who is a rocket and spacecraft propulsion expert joined Isro in 1984 and functioned in various capacities before becoming director of the centre. During the initial phase, for four and a half years, he worked in the solid propulsion area of sounding rockets and augmented satellite launch vehicle (ASLV) and polar satellite launch vehicle (PSLV) in Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). He contributed in the process planning, process control and realisation of ablative nozzle systems, composite motor cases and composite Igniter cases.

    In 1989, Narayan completed his M.Tech in cryogenic engineering with first rank at IIT-Kharagpur and joined the cryogenic propulsion area in the LPSC. Isro’s geosynchronous launch vehicles namely GSLV Mk-II  and GSLV Mk-III capable of placing two-tonne and on four-tonne class communication satellites in geo transfer orbit have cryogenic propulsion stages as terminal stages.

    As one of the few cryogenic members, working  in this area in the initial stages, he carried out fundamental research, theoretical and experimental studies and contributed in the successful development and testing of cryogenic sub systems namely the gas generator, sub-scale cryogenic engine of one tonne thrust and thrust chamber of 12 tonne thrust. 

    Considering the long-lead time required for the development of cryogenic stage of GSLV MkII vehicle, for meeting the initial flights, few of the cryogenic stage hardware were procured from Russia. Towards this, as an expert in cryogenic propulsion,  he contributed in the development of mission management systems, contract management and the successful flights of GSLV MkII vehicle with procured cryogenic stages.

    For sustained operation of GSLV MkII, initially Isro planned for technology acquisition of cryo stage for manufacturing in India. But due to geopolitical reasons, the technology acquisition could not succeed and Isro decided to develop cryogenic upper stage (CUS) indigenously  Narayanan has played crucial role in the successful development of CUS  and contributed in making it operational for the GSLV Mk II vehicle. 

    For the GSLV MkIII experimental mission with CARE module, he conceived and realised the passive cryogenic stage and contributed for the successful experimental flight. As the project, director of the C25 cryogenic project, he provided techno-managerial leadership and conceived, designed and developed the 25 cryogenic propulsion system of GSLV Mk-III launch vehicle powered by an engine developing a thrust of 200kN. 
    He contributed in establishing the necessary infrastructure and facilities for design, analysis, realisation, testing and launching. Due to innovative approach, the C25 cryo stage was developed under his guidance in the shortest time frame with all successful tests and inducted in the GSLV MkIII vehicle. Subsequently he also made the stage operational. 

    His contribution, made India one among six countries in the world to have the complex and high performance cryogenic propulsion systems and made the country  self-reliant in this area. 
    Narayan parallely completed PhD in aerospace engineering from IIT-Kharagpur in 2001. The work carried out as part of M.Tech thesis titled Cavitating Venturies for Flow Control in Cryogenic Rocket Engines and PhD thesis titled Thrust and Mixture Ratio Regulation Systems for Cryogenic Rocket Engines were directly employed in the development of the Indian cryogenic propulsion systems. 

    Towards the GSLV Mk-III M1/Chandrayaan-2 mission, L110 liquid core stage, C25 cryogenic stage, were delivered for the vehicle under his watchful eye. Propulsion systems for orbiter and Vikram lander which include the throttleable thrusters for soft landing were also developed and delivered for the Chandrayaan-2 Mission, under his guidance. As the chairman of the national expert committee constituted to study the reasons for hard landing of the Chandrayaan-2 lander ship, contributed in pin pointing the reasons and corrective actions required to overcome the observations. Realised and delivered all the propulsion systems for Chandrayaan-3. 
    For the Indian human space flight (Gaganyan) programme, he worked on the human rating of C25 and L110 liquid stages of LVM3 vehicle and the development of propulsion modules for crew module and service module and the cabin pressure control systems. He also focused on the thermal and humidity control systems and the propulsion stage for the test vehicle. 

    For enhancing the GTO payload capability of LVM3 vehicle and meeting the future Indian heavy lift  rockets, Narayan guided the team and designed a Lox-kerosene semi cryogenic propulsion system and provided  techno-managerial leadership for its development.

    He took up the development of improving the C25 cryogenic stage performance with higher propellant (32 tonnes of LoX and LH2) loading with higher thrust (22 tonne) engine. His team is also working on developing the 100 tonne  thrust Lox-CH4 engine and electric propulsion thrusters. He has also made significant contribution in the spacecraft propulsion area. 

    Narayan contributed as the member of two failure analysis committees (FACs) of GSLV MkII D3 and GSLV MkII F02 vehicles and , member secretary of the first Indian cryogenic upper stageeEngine FAC. He  was a member of Isro’s 12th Five Year plan-drafting group and contributed in finalsing the propulsion system development during 12th five year plan. He has also finalised the propulsion road map of Isro for the next 20 years (2017 – 2037). As director of  the LPSC, during the last five  years, he has delivered 164 liquid propulsion systems for 41 launch vehicles and 31 space craft missions. 

    V Narayanan, is currently the chairman of LPSC-IPRC co-ordination committee and chairman of programme management council – space transportation systems.

  • Fevicreate Idea Labs 2024 Art & Craft Competition: Winners announced

    Fevicreate Idea Labs 2024 Art & Craft Competition: Winners announced

    Mumbai: Pidilite, through its Fevicreate initiative, proudly announces the winners of the Fevicreate Idea Labs Annual Art & Craft Competition 2024. This national event, which combines science with art and craft, drew participation from over 1.3 lakh students representing 500+ schools across India, showcasing groundbreaking projects in Space Exploration, Endangered Species & Conservation, and Ocean Life.

    In its fourth year, the competition invited 16 finalists to Mumbai for the final round, where they competed live using a variety of art and craft materials, including Fevicreate boxes filled with Pidilite products. The themes were Marine Life for ages 9-14 years and the Solar System for ages 5-8 years. Projects were judged on creativity, innovative use of materials, scientific principles used, adherence to the theme, and overall presentation. Padma Shri Mylswamy Annadurai, an esteemed Indian space scientist and former ISRO Director, served as the chief jury member. Kashyap Gala, Senior Vice President of Consumer Products Business at Pidilite was also present at the event as a jury member.

    Winners in the 5-8 years or the ‘Little scientists’ age group include Hetvi Vaswani from MPS International, Jaipur, Rajasthan, and Bhani Gupta from St. Marks Senior Secondary Public School, Delhi, who both secured first place. Rama Anannya from Sri Chaitanya School Ameerpet, Hyderabad, Telangana, won second place, while Devanshi Sehgal from D.A.V High School, Ambala, took third place. In the 9-14 years ‘Young Innovators’ age group, Harshita Nopani from St. Xavier’s High School, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, claimed first place. Kanithi Swathi from D.A.V Centenary Public School, Vizag, Andhra Pradesh, secured second place, and Ifra Siddique from National English School, Kolkata, West Bengal, took third place.

    The final round was covered in episodes aired on prominent Viacom 18 network channels, Nickelodeon and Sonic. They will also be available on Jio Cinemas after June 24th.

    ISRO former director Padma Shri Mylswamy Annadurai expressed, “As a jury member of the Fevicreate Idea Labs competition, I am truly inspired by the creativity and ingenuity displayed by these young minds. At a time when education is evolving, it’s crucial to embrace the ‘learning by doing’ philosophy to drive STEM education. This competition exemplifies how art and science can come together to spark innovation and curiosity to approach and solve a given problem. The projects presented by these talented students are not only impressive but also a testament to the power of hands-on learning. I congratulate all the participants and winners for their remarkable efforts and encourage them to continue exploring and innovating.”

    Pidilite senior vice president of consumer products business Kashyap Gala remarked, “At Fevicreate, we wholeheartedly support the concept of ‘learning by doing.’ Today’s bright and curious minds thrive on challenges, and educators are continuously seeking innovative ways to teach them. School boards and NEP guidelines advocate for ‘Art-Integrated Learning,’ emphasizing that more learning should take place through art and craft. Fevicreate is dedicated to fostering this approach. The 16 creative young minds selected from across 65 cities and 1.3 lakh students are a testament to our commitment to ‘learning by doing.”

    Commenting on the association, Viacom18 Business head of Kids TV Network Anu Sikka said “Nick, as the ultimate destination for kids’ entertainment, is thrilled to join forces with Pidilite, the leader of arts and crafts innovation, for the innovative Fevicreate Idealabs Finale event. Nick’s extensive reach and influence in the children’s entertainment sector enable partner brands to connect with kids on a large scale, providing unique opportunities for collaboration. We are constantly seeking partnerships that enhance creativity and encourage exploration and learning. This contest embodies our dedication to nurturing the imaginative minds of tomorrow and offers a platform for Pidilite to showcase its innovative products to a broad, engaged audience.”

    Top winners received scholarships of Rs 1 lakh, Rs 75,000, and Rs 50,000 for first, second, and third places, respectively. Additional awards included runner-up prizes, trophies, certificates for schools with high participation, 22 city-level winners and special hampers for top students from schools with over 200 participants.

  • Viacom18 Studios & Marflix onboard Black White Orange for exclusive merchandise licensing

    Viacom18 Studios & Marflix onboard Black White Orange for exclusive merchandise licensing

    Mumbai: Viacom18 Studios and Marflix’s ‘Fighter’ is one of the most anticipated films of 2024. Directed by Siddharth Anand, ‘Fighter’ marks a milestone as India’s first aerial action franchise. Starring superstars Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, and Anil Kapoor, the film promises to deliver heart-pounding action sequences, captivating visuals, and an unforgettable cinematic experience. An ode to the valor of the Indian Air Force, the film will release on the eve of India’s 75th Republic Day on 25 January 2024.

    Black White Orange, a leading licensing and brand solutions agency in India, has been appointed as the Licensing Partner by Viacom18 Studios for ‘Fighter.’ Known for its expertise in designing, curating and developing merchandise and licensing programs for entertainment properties, it will collaborate closely with the ‘Fighter’ Movie to bring a wide range of exclusive merchandise to fans and enthusiasts. From apparel and accessories to collectibles and memorabilia, this partnership aims to provide fans with an immersive experience beyond the big screen. The range will also be available on the D2C brand www.a47.in, a label that celebrates India & its achievements through official merch like ISRO, Indian Infantry, and our indigenous IAF aircraft LCA Tejas.

    Commenting on the partnership, Viacom18 Studios COO Ajit Andhare said, “Fighter is a highly anticipated film that pushes boundaries as India’s first aerial action franchise, and we are excited to bring its captivating world to life beyond the screen. Viacom18 Studios is happy to partner with Black White Orange as the exclusive Licensing Partner for ‘Fighter’s’ merchandise line. Through a meticulously crafted collection of apparel and accessories, fans will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the thrilling universe of ‘Fighter’ and own exclusive items that pay homage to the valor of the Indian Air Force and the iconic characters of the film. We urge everyone to get ready to embark on this extraordinary journey with ‘Fighter’ and indulge in the excitement it brings!”

    Expressing his thoughts on extending the “Fighter” experience beyond the big screen, Director Siddharth Anand shares, “We want to leave no stone unturned to make this experience a memorable one for our audience. Thus, Mamta Anand, the producer on ‘Fighter,’ was very keen on coming up with a merchandise line for our film ‘Fighter.’ She then planned with Viacom 18 to engage in an exciting collaboration with Black White Orange, who will now help us bring our envisioned ‘Fighter’ experience to life. With our unique merchandise line, fans will get a one-of-a-kind opportunity to truly immerse themselves in the world of ‘Fighter,’ celebrating the unwavering valor of the Indian Air Force.”

    Black White Orange Brands Pvt. Ltd CEO & founder Bhavik Arora added, “Fighter is not just a film; it’s an experience that celebrates the Indian Air Force, and we are thrilled to have been entrusted by Viacom18 Studios to bring their vision to life on merchandise. Through our partnerships, BWO will create a high-quality and aspirational merchandise program that will allow fans to connect with the film on a deeper level. We are also excited to launch the ‘Fighter’ range on our own D2C platform, www.a47.in, a brand that celebrates the rich pop culture of India, and it will be great to see the ‘Fighter’ collection alongside our official merch for ISRO and units of the Indian Armed forces. With our expertise and commitment, we aim to deliver an exceptional experience for fans and further elevate the captivating world of ‘Fighter.’”

    The goal of this collaboration with Black White Orange is to create an engaging and immersive brand experience for the fan base of all ages by exploring several licensing and retail partnerships across India.

  • Dentsu India Marks Chandrayaan 3’s Moon landing with DOOH campaign celebration

    Dentsu India Marks Chandrayaan 3’s Moon landing with DOOH campaign celebration

    Mumbai: Dentsu India proudly congratulates the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon.  

    To mark this unanimous victory, the network launched a DOOH (Digital-Out-Of-Home) campaign across Mumbai, expressing its heartfelt respect and support for ISRO.  

    Chandrayaan-3’s spectacular landing marks a significant milestone for India’s space program, showcasing the country’s technological prowess and determination to push the boundaries of space exploration. Designed and executed by Posterscope India – Dentsu’s OOH specialist agency, each digital hoarding carried a congratulatory note from Dentsu to celebrate this humungous success.

    The hoardings, strategically located across five key locations in Mumbai (Juhu, Bandra, Worli, Lower Parel & Dadar), featured striking visuals to capture the essence of Chandrayaan-3’s mission and landing – allowing Mumbaikars to share in the joy of ISRO’s accomplishment while passing through the bustling cityscape.

  • From moon to marketing: Brands amplify Chandrayaan 3’s victory

    From moon to marketing: Brands amplify Chandrayaan 3’s victory

    Mumbai: In a remarkable triumph, ISRO’s Chandrayaan 3 mission achieved resounding success, marking a significant stride in India’s lunar exploration endeavors. This mission showcases ISRO’s unwavering commitment to advancing space exploration and scientific discovery on the Moon. After the failed attempt of landing on the moon’s surface by Chandrayaan-2, the anticipation for this lunar landing has truly been out of this world. The Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing has been a hot topic for the past two months and the successful landing brings a lot of joy to Indians.

    To mark this achievement and maximise this moment, many of the brands have captured the moment in their own unique way. The messaging all around has been about the historic soft landing.

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    A post shared by Paytm Money (@paytmmoney)

     

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    A post shared by Tata Steel (@tatasteelltd)

     

    The credit for the creation and execution of all creatives for DBS Bank, Paytm Money, Ashwin Sheth Group, BN Group, Venture Catalysts, U&i World, and Tata Steel goes to GOZOOP Group.

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    The credit for the creation and execution of all creatives for Zero Zero India, Varmora, Flamingo, Keshroot, and 2baconil goes to Zero Gravity Communications.

    Walkers & Co. platform by Johnnie Walker Refreshing Mixer (non-alcoholic)

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    A post shared by Wiggles (@wiggles.in)

     

    Mad Over Donuts executive director and CEO Tarak Bhattacharya

    It is such a proud moment for India today. We would like to appreciate the efforts of everyone at ISRO. A huge thank you for taking India to new heights with the successful landing of Chandrayaan 3! Chandrayaan 3 has become a testament to India’s relentless pursuit of scientific excellence. Here’s to dreaming bigger and more successes to celebrate India! Jai Hind!

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    A post shared by Pepsi India (@pepsiindia)

     

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    A post shared by 7UP India (@7upindia)

     

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    A post shared by @tictacindia

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    Audible

    Apollo 1

    Written by: Ryan S Walters and Narrated by: Kevin Kenerly

    Revisit Apollo’s first moon landing when astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White, and Roger Chaffee entered a new spacecraft atop a colossal Saturn rocket at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center. Little did they know, this routine rehearsal would seal their fate, never allowing them to leave the craft alive. The Apollo 1 disaster could have shattered the space dream, but instead, it spurred a complete spacecraft overhaul that propelled humanity toward its ultimate goal: moonwalking. ‘Apollo 1’ unfurls the gripping story of these audacious astronauts, the calamity that struck them, and the transformative aftermath.

    Asteroid: Discovery

    Written by: Bobby Akart and Narrated by: Chris Abernathy

    The gripping trilogy from a master storyteller – Bobby Akart, the  Gunner Fox series begins with Asteroid: Discovery. Gunner Fox, a United States Air Force fighter pilot and Earth scientist discovers an asteroid on a collision course with Earth. In the history of our planet, five extinction-level events have occurred caused by asteroids. Gunner Fox serves up evidence for the astonishing fragility and unpredictability of life. It is a testament to the reality that everything we have can be diminished at the mercy of invisible forces, the very forces that made our existence possible a few hundred thousand years ago.

    The Space Pioneers

    Written by: Carey Rockwell and Narrated by: Charles Constant

    The Space Cadets Tom Corbett, Roger Manning, and the big Venusian Astro have triumphed over all kinds of interplanetary challenges including pirates, rogue reactors, and hostile environments. The cadets find themselves in a formidable situation when they’re assigned to lead a ‘wagon train’ of ships to colonize a distant world. After Captain Strong departs abruptly under awkward circumstances, Tom and his pals get entangled in a secret plot involving a belligerent scientist, a suspicious politician, and a planetary anomaly that crashes spaceships. As the clock is ticking,  the cadets can either solve this mystery fast or face unforeseen circumstances.

    Star Wars: The High Republic: Path of Vengeance

    Written by: Cavan Scott and Narrated by: Emily O’Brien

    There isn’t a sci-fi lover who isn’t a fan of Star Wars, this enthralling starry adventure is set in the world of the High Republic, 150 years prior to the Phase 1 story: The Light of Jedi. Star Wars: The High Republic: Path of Vengeance is a story encapsulating the journey of a bunch of fortune-seeking explorers, enigmatic followers, and valiant Jedi whose intersecting paths on the planet Dalna will set them on a collision course that will inundate the High Republic for centuries to come.

    The Infinite Miles

    Written by: Hannah Fergesen and Narrated by: Sarah Beth Goer

    The Infinite Miles is a wacky sci-fi odyssey wrapped with elements of friendship, time travel, and intergalactic wars. Three years after her best friend Peggy went missing, Harper Starling is overwhelmed by dealing with the loss of a close friend in her life. Traveling through time with the help of a superhero she learns about Peggy’s final days before death. Harper is faced with a new challenge – an alien enemy called Incarnate – who has destroyed several solar systems. Harper is stuck in 1971 and has to find a way to end Incarnate’s tyranny. This gripping tale takes us through grim and unforeseeable circumstances Harper is put up with as she has to battle with the enemy Incarnate without the help of Argonaut – the main character of Infinite Odyssey.

  • Eyes On The Moon: #countdowntohistory with National Geographic on a LIVE telecast of Chandrayaan – 3

    Eyes On The Moon: #countdowntohistory with National Geographic on a LIVE telecast of Chandrayaan – 3

    Mumbai: Harnessing the power of storytelling and exploration, National Geographic, with its rich legacy of over 130 years, has been on a mission to go deeper, further, and push the boundaries of how we see the world. Building upon the national pride witnessed during Chandrayaan 2’s mission in 2019, National Geographic India is all set to capture the nation’s attention once again for Chandrayaan 3’s planned landing. The live simulcast of Chandrayaan – 3 #countdowntohistory across National Geographic Channel and Disney+ Hotstar will begin at 4 PM on August 23, 2023, i.e., hours before Vikram’s descent on the lunar surface, which is expected to begin around 5:45 PM IST.  Hosted by Gaurav Kapoor and leading space experts, the show will take viewers on a captivating journey through time and space, capturing the countdown to the final moments as India creates history.

    While the live show will provide exclusive insights from eminent personalities such as astronauts Sunita Williams, and Rakesh Sharma, and S. Somanath, chairman of ISRO about the mission’s significance for India and the future of space exploration. Joining live, Srijan Pal Singh, CEO and co-founder of Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Centre; Chris Hadfield, former commander of The International Space Station and Ann Druyan, creative director of NASA’s Voyager Interstellar message and Emmy-winning Writer, will count down to the final moments as India creates history while shedding light on the journey to the moon. With futuristic AR VR graphics and interesting facts and trivia, the show will decode the basics of the rocket science and tech behind this mission. It will also feature informative short films on Vikram Sarabhai and his discovery of Thumba, Satish Dhawan as a visionary leader of ISRO, and an inspiring AV on Dr. Kalam.

    Chandrayaan 2’s live telecast on National Geographic in 2019 drew millions to the landmark event, bringing the nation together with the hope of witnessing India become the 4th country in the world to carry out a successful landing on the moon. Now, 15 years after the first Chandrayaan mission, India is again gearing up for a gripping landing on the south pole of the lunar surface with Chandrayaan 3. The live simulcast across National Geographic Channel and Disney + Hotstar will reach a larger, attentive audience cheering for India to make a successful landing. Additionally, National Geographic has released a special anthem to wish Chandrayaan 3 a successful soft landing and salute the ingenious minds at ISRO.

    “At National Geographic, we pride ourselves on presenting authentic and trustworthy narratives, which establishes us as a pioneer in the realm of science and exploration. With our rich legacy of spectacular storytelling, we are committed to bringing best-in-class immersive experiences that will inspire our viewers and foster a greater understanding and appreciation for the world around them. With futuristic 3D graphics, uncharted access to the voices of experts from India and abroad, and short informative films, we want to unite Indians across the globe and take them on a memorable journey to #countdowntohistory together,” said Disney+ Hotstar & HSM Entertainment Network, Disney Star Head Content Gaurav Banerjee.

    “In the last 40 years, despite limited resources, ISRO has had a spectacular journey, the programs we have conducted over the years have surprised the world. Space explorations do have their ups and downs, but we’ve remained focused in our approach, and knowing the way ISRO functions I can proudly say that Chandrayaan 3 will have a safe landing. I look forward to a successful Moon landing on 23rd August” said Rakesh Sharma, First Indian in Space.

    ‘Chandrayaan – 3 #countdowntohistory’ will be telecast live on August 23, 2023, at 4 PM on National Geographic Channel and Disney+ Hotstar in India.

     

  • ‘Demand-driven’ communication satellite GSAT-24 launched; capacity leased to Tata Play

    ‘Demand-driven’ communication satellite GSAT-24 launched; capacity leased to Tata Play

    Mumbai: NewSpace India (NSIL) on Thursday successfully launched GSAT-24 in its first “demand-driven” communication satellite mission post space sector reforms, leasing the entire capacity on board to direct-to-home (DTH) service Tata Play, as per a news agency report.

    The 24 Ku-band communication satellite was built by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for NSIL. It will provide pan-India coverage to meet DTH application needs, stated the report.

    The satellite was launched by French company Arianespace in French Guiana (South America).

    As part of the space reforms announced by the government in June 2020, NSIL incorporated in March 2019, was mandated to undertake operational satellite missions on a “demand-driven” model, wherein it had the responsibility to build, launch, own and operate satellites and provide services to its committed customer.

    GSAT-24 is configured on ISRO’s proven I-3k Bus with a mission life of 15 years.

    “Demand-driven” mode basically means when a satellite is launched, one will know who the end customers are going to be and what’s the kind of utilisation and commitment so that you have very effective utilisation of this satellite capacity once it goes into orbit,” the news report said qouting an NSIL official.

    “Earlier the mode was supply driven, with capacity being leased after the launch with largely no firm commitment by customers beforehand,” the official added.

    “The entire mission including satellite, satellite launch, launch campaign, insurance, in-orbit maintenance, transformation and support is fully funded by NSIL. Once the satellite is in orbit it will be fully funded and owned by NSIL,” NSIL chairman & managing director Radhakrishnan Durairaj also opined in the report.

    Post the successful launch of GSAT-24, NSIL would own and operate 11 communication satellites in-orbit and meet the bulk of the communication needs of the country.

    NSIL is the commercial arm of ISRO and a public sector undertaking by the Government of India.