SpaceX Launches Private Lander Odysseus To The Moon

On Thursday, a private US company launched a lunar lander, sponsored by NASA, following a recent failed attempt by a rival. SpaceX’s Falcon rocket, carrying Intuitive Machines’ lunar lander, took off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre and aims to land on the moon next week. For its latest lunar experiments, NASA is paying Intuitive Machines $118 million.


The lander from Intuitive Machines is named after Odysseus from Homer, signifying the historic journey that lies ahead. A variety of organisations, including Columbia Sportswear and sculptor Jeff Koons, have contributed experiments and payloads to the mission as part of NASA’s investment.

The Odysseus lander will also carry Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Eaglecam for imaging purposes. After a week on the lunar surface, the spacecraft’s operations will conclude. After a week on the lunar surface, the spacecraft’s operations will conclude.

The CEO of Intuitive Machines highlighted the difficulties ahead of the trip while expressing excitement. NASA is still dedicated to supporting private space initiatives, despite the obstacles faced by its commercial lunar delivery service. Until now, only five nations have landed on the moon, and no private enterprise has succeeded. NASA aims at sending men to the moon’s south pole, which is close to where Intuitive Machines expect to land their 14-foot-tall lander. Despite recent failures on lunar missions, optimism remains high.

Apple Tops The Race To Acquire Most AI Startups In 2023 Beating Google And Meta

In 2023, American tech giant Apple beat out competitors in the BigTech space to acquire the most startups. According to Stocklytics, which gathered their data from Statista, Apple purchased up to 32 artificial intelligence startups last year to strengthen its AI capabilities.

This strategic move bolsters Apple’s AI capabilities across its products and services. Financial analyst Edith Reads highlighted Apple’s significant deals, which bring in top talent and innovative technologies. While Apple remains discreet about its AI integration plans, its approach encompasses talent acquisition, technology integration, and intellectual property expansion.

Key acquisitions include Voysis for voice assistants, WaveOne for video compression, and Emotient for expression recognition. Apple targets early-stage startups to anticipate emerging AI trends. Despite advances by competitors like Samsung and Google in AI, Apple’s aggressive acquisition rate hints at ambitious plans for future devices and services.

Apple’s secretive nature obscures exact figures, but analysts estimate an acquisition rate of 2–3 startups per week. Apple’s pursuit of promising AI startups is evidence of its commitment to leading the race, in contrast to Google and Microsoft, who appear more interested in acquiring established businesses. However, Apple rarely discloses its acquisition intentions.

NASA’s Historic Mars Helicopter Ingenuity Ends Its Three-Year Mars Mission

NASA’s Mars Helicopter, Ingenuity, has wrapped up its groundbreaking mission after completing an impressive 72 flights (roughly 129 minutes of flight time in the skies of Mars) on the red planet. Initially conceived as a brief technological demonstration, Ingenuity exceeded expectations by demonstrating the potential for aerial exploration on distant planets.

Despite its diminutive 4-pound size and initial plans for just five flights, Ingenuity surpassed predictions, showcasing the viability of flight in Mars’ thin atmosphere, which is only 1% of Earth’s volume.

However, during its 72nd flight, Ingenuity encountered a setback as one of its rotor blades sustained irreversible damage, effectively grounding it for good. Despite this, Ingenuity’s legacy remains intact as the first aircraft to fly on another planet. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson commended Ingenuity’s historic journey, highlighting its ability to fly higher and farther than ever imagined.

Ingenuity’s collaboration with NASA’s Perseverance rover, which touched down at the Jezero Crater on Mars in February 2021, represents a significant milestone in space exploration. Together, they have pushed the boundaries of what is possible in planetary exploration, paving the way for future missions to explore the mysteries of our solar system and beyond.

US To Announce Billions In Subsidies For Advanced Chips

The US government is expected to fund billions of dollars in subsidies for top semiconductor companies, including Intel and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC). Other top contenders include Samsung Electronics, Micron Technology, Texas Instruments, and GlobalFoundaries.

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report on Saturday, the upcoming announcement was made to help build new factories in the US. It further aims to kick-start the manufacturing of advanced semiconductors that power smartphones, AI, and weapon systems.

The department spokesperson said that CHIPS awards will be solely based on projects that will help enhance US economic and national security. This will be a merit-based approach with rigorous commercial discussions.

As per the WSJ’s journal, Intel is expected to receive subsidies for projects that are now in progress in Arizona, Ohio, New Mexico, and Oregon. The combined cost of these projects might exceed $43.5 billion. Meanwhile, TSMC has two plants under construction with a $40 billion investment near Phoenix and South Korea’s Samsung Electronics with a $17.3 billion project in Texas.

Before U.S. President Joe Biden’s State of the Union speech on March 7, business leaders anticipate announcements on subsidies.

ISRO Flags Off Meteorological Satellite To Sriharikota Spaceport For Launch

On Saturday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced the handover of its meteorological satellite INSAT-3DS to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The satellite is configured around ISRO’s I-2k bus platform with a liftoff mass of 2275 kg.

ISRO concluded its vital testing of the INSAT-3DS satellite, which included satellite assembly, integration, and testing activities completed at the Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru.

The INSAT-3DS is a user-funded initiative with the Ministry of Earth Science (MoES) and was flagged to Sriharikota for the GSLV-F14 mission with a mid-February target.

According to ISRO, the satellite is equipped with state-of-the-art payloads, including a satellite-assisted search and rescue (SAS&R) transponder and a data relay transponder (DRT) for communication. The satellite’s SAS&R transponder is designed to provide worldwide coverage for search and rescue services by relaying distress signals or alarm detections from beacon transmitters. Additionally, the satellite consists of nineteen channel imagers and sounder meteorology payloads for weather forecasting and disaster warning.

The DRT instrument enhances weather forecasting by obtaining meteorological, hydrological, and oceanic data from automatic weather stations (AWS) or data collection platforms.

Iran Simultaneously Launches Three Satellites Into Orbit

On Sunday, Iran launched three domestically developed satellites into orbit using the Simorgh (Phoenix) satellite carrier, nearly a week after the launch of a research satellite by the Revolutionary Guards drew Western criticism. It also stated that the satellites were launched into a minimum orbit of 450 kilometers (280 miles). Iran’s Space Agency constructed the 32-kilogram Mahda satellite, which is intended to test sophisticated satellite components.

Kayhan 2 and Hatef weigh less than 10 kg each and will test narrowband communication and space-based locating technologies. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran launched the research satellite Soraya into space last week.

The launch was criticised by Britain, France, and Germany. These nations call Iran’s move “interventionist.”. The United States and other Western nations have cautioned Iran against these launches. These nations claim the possibility of using the same technology for ballistic missiles, which might carry a nuclear weapon. It further condemns the launch of its first military satellite, Nour-1, into orbit in April 2020.

However, Iran has responded that it has no intention of obtaining nuclear weapons and is launching satellites and rockets for military or commercial use.

Japan’s Highly Anticipated Lunar Mission ‘Moon Sniper’ Set For Soft Landing

Japan is all set to attempt its historic touchdown on the lunar surface this weekend with its ‘Moon Sniper’ spacecraft. Moon Sniper is one of the highly anticipated feet for Japan after its two previous failed lunar missions.

Japan aims to become the fifth nation to achieve the big feet needed to make a soft landing on the rocky surface. The nations that have achieved a soft landing are the United States, the Soviet Union, China, and India.

Japan’s Smart Lander for Investigating the Moon (SLIM) was carefully designed to accomplish the soft landing. Developed by JAXA, SLIM is equipped with a rolling robot.

On Saturday, it will start at midnight Japan time (1500 GMT, Friday) and should touch down in around 20 minutes if everything goes well. It is targeting a smaller area of 100 metres, which is considered a much smaller than usual landing zone. The landing site is anticipated to be a crater where the mantle, the innermost layer of the moon’s crust, is accessible from the surface. JAXA has already accomplished a precise landing on an asteroid; however, the Moon presents a more difficult task due to its higher gravity.

Aditya-L1 Reaches Final Destination, Prime Minister Praises “Extraordinary Feat”

In a historic moment for India’s space exploration endeavors, the Aditya-L1 mission has successfully reached its final destination – a point in space about 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth. The achievement has garnered accolades from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who lauded the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for accomplishing an “extraordinary feat” that positions the nation as a formidable player in space research and solar studies.

The Aditya-L1 mission, India’s first dedicated scientific expedition to study the Sun, has been in the works for several years. The spacecraft, equipped with a suite of advanced instruments, is designed to observe and analyze the outermost layer of the Sun, known as the corona. This mission holds immense scientific significance, as understanding the Sun’s behavior is crucial for predicting space weather and its impact on Earth’s communication systems and climate.

As Aditya-L1 settled into its designated orbit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to express his pride and congratulations for the ISRO team. He praised the scientists and engineers for their dedication, calling the successful mission a testament to India’s growing capabilities in space exploration. The Prime Minister highlighted the strategic importance of studying the Sun, emphasizing its impact on various aspects of technology and climate on Earth.

The successful completion of the Aditya-L1 mission is expected to contribute significantly to global solar research efforts. The spacecraft’s advanced instruments will enable scientists to gather crucial data about solar activities, providing insights that could lead to advancements in space weather forecasting and our understanding of the Sun’s complex dynamics.

The Prime Minister’s acknowledgment of the Aditya-L1 mission underscores the government’s commitment to fostering advancements in space technology and research. As India solidifies its position as a leader in space exploration, the success of the Aditya-L1 mission marks a momentous stride toward unlocking the mysteries of our solar system and fortifying the nation’s standing in the global space community.

US plans $162 million award to Microchip Technology to boost production

In a significant move to bolster domestic semiconductor production, the United States government has announced a substantial award of $162 million to Microchip Technology. This strategic initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the country’s technological infrastructure and reduce dependence on foreign semiconductor suppliers.

Microchip Technology, a leading player in the semiconductor industry, is set to receive this funding as part of the CHIPS for America program. This program is designed to revive and boost the U.S. semiconductor industry, which is critical for various sectors including defense, telecommunications, and consumer electronics.

The $162 million award aims to facilitate Microchip Technology in expanding its production capabilities and innovating new technologies. This investment is expected to have a far-reaching impact, potentially leading to advancements in semiconductor design and manufacturing processes. It underscores the importance of semiconductors in modern technology and the need for a resilient, domestic supply chain.

This initiative comes at a time when global semiconductor shortages have highlighted the vulnerabilities in the international supply chain. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, leading to significant disruptions in various industries reliant on these critical components.

The award to Microchip Technology is also seen as a step towards maintaining competitive edge in the global technology race. With nations like China rapidly advancing in the semiconductor space, the U.S. government recognizes the need to support and invest in domestic technology firms.

Moreover, this funding is likely to create jobs and spur economic growth. The expansion of Microchip Technology’s production capabilities is expected to have a ripple effect, benefiting local economies and reinforcing the United States’ position as a leader in technological innovation.

India’s Gujarat holding talks with Japan, US firms as Modi eyes chipmaking hub

The Indian state of Gujarat is actively engaging in talks with leading Japanese and American firms, positioning itself at the forefront of India’s ambitious plan to become a hub for semiconductor manufacturing. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader vision to bolster India’s position in the global technology sector and reduce dependence on imported microchips.

As digital technology increasingly becomes the cornerstone of economic development, the strategic move to develop a domestic chipmaking industry is seen as a vital step for India. The Gujarat government’s negotiations with top companies from Japan and the US are indicative of its commitment to attracting foreign investment and expertise in semiconductor manufacturing.

This initiative is not just about tapping into the lucrative chipmaking industry; it’s also a response to global supply chain disruptions, particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Establishing a semiconductor manufacturing base in India would ensure a more resilient supply chain for the country’s burgeoning electronics market and for global demands.

Gujarat, known for its business-friendly policies and infrastructure, presents an ideal destination for this high-tech endeavor. The state offers a conducive environment for manufacturing, backed by robust logistics, power supply, and policy support. These factors are integral in drawing foreign investment and technical know-how essential for setting up sophisticated chip manufacturing facilities.

The talks with Japanese and American firms are expected to cover aspects like technology transfer, joint ventures, and setting up of manufacturing units. A successful negotiation could lead to substantial foreign direct investment in Gujarat, creating job opportunities and contributing significantly to the region’s economic development.

Moreover, India’s entry into chip manufacturing under PM Modi’s vision could have broader implications for its strategic and economic autonomy. By reducing reliance on imports, India aims to secure its technological infrastructure and gain leverage in the global tech arena.