NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, after completing a 278-day mission aboard the International Space Station, expressed admiration for India's landscapes, particularly the Himalayas, which she observed from space. Williams, who has Indian roots, plans to visit India to experience its natural beauty firsthand. She also addressed misconceptions about being stranded in space, clarifying that her extended mission was due to unforeseen technical challenges. Williams emphasized the importance of international collaboration in space exploration and expressed gratitude for the support received during her mission. (PC: Science Photo Library & BBC)

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, along with Butch Wilmore, shared insights on their extended 286-day mission aboard the ISS. Initially planned for eight days, their stay was prolonged due to Boeing Starliner issues. They completed 4,576 orbits, traveled 121 million miles, and conducted 150+ experiments. Williams, now holding the record for most time in space by a female astronaut (608 days), also completed two spacewalks. “Feeling good,” she said in her first address since returning to Earth. Their research will aid NASA’s future Moon and Mars missions. (PC: India Today)

NASA is evaluating an additional test flight for Boeing's CST-100 Starliner before commencing routine crewed missions to the International Space Station (ISS). This decision follows propulsion system issues, including helium leaks and thruster failures, encountered during the Crew Flight Test that extended astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore's mission. Boeing engineers are implementing modifications to address these challenges, with extensive testing planned to validate the spacecraft's readiness for human spaceflight. Despite financial setbacks exceeding $2 billion, Boeing remains committed to the Starliner program. NASA aims to determine by summer whether Starliner or SpaceX's Crew Dragon will undertake the next crew rotation mission. (PC: NASA)

On March 30, 2025, German startup Isar Aerospace's Spectrum rocket launched from Norway's Andøya Spaceport, aiming to be Europe's first orbital launch from the continent. Unfortunately, the uncrewed 28-meter, two-stage rocket exploded approximately 30 seconds after liftoff, crashing into the Norwegian Sea. Despite this setback, CEO Daniel Metzler deemed the test flight a success, highlighting the valuable data collected and the validation of critical systems like the Flight Termination System. This event underscores Europe's drive for independent space access, reducing reliance on external launch services. (PC: CNN & Firstpost)

NASA astronaut Barry Wilmore, stranded on the ISS for 286 days, is now battling severe muscle and bone loss after returning to Earth on March 18. Wilmore and fellow astronaut Sunita Williams struggle with gravity’s effects, requiring a year-long rehabilitation. His wife, Deanna, shared that Wilmore’s stamina is low, and he faces daily challenges. Despite difficulties, both astronauts were able to walk within 24 hours. NASA doctors have prescribed an intensive recovery program. The Wilmore family plans a summer trip to celebrate his return after missing key milestones like his 30th wedding anniversary. (PC: economic times)

Elon Musk's SpaceX plans to send humans to Mars by 2029, aiming to establish a self-sustaining city within two decades. However, Mars presents formidable challenges: its atmosphere is about 100 times thinner than Earth's, lacking breathable oxygen and adequate pressure, exposing inhabitants to harmful cosmic and solar radiation. Temperatures fluctuate drastically, from daytime highs of 70°F to nighttime lows below -100°F. Massive dust storms can last for weeks, hindering visibility and damaging equipment. Liquid water is absent, necessitating advanced technologies to extract and utilize ice deposits. Additionally, Mars' gravity is only 38% of Earth's, potentially leading to muscle atrophy and bone density loss in settlers. (PC: TechCrunch & CNN)

The International Space Station (ISS), operational since 1998, is nearing the end of its service life and is scheduled for decommissioning by 2030. In response, Jeff Bezos' aerospace company, Blue Origin, in collaboration with Boeing and Sierra Space, is developing Orbital Reef—a $10 billion (£7.7 billion) commercial space station. Designed as a "mixed-use business park" in orbit, Orbital Reef will cater to both research and tourism. The station will feature spacious modules and large windows offering breathtaking views of Earth. With a volume of 8,200 cubic feet, it is slightly smaller than the ISS but aims to provide extraordinary experiences for researchers and tourists alike. Orbital Reef is expected to be operational by 2030, marking a significant milestone in commercial space infrastructure. (PC: BBC & UNILAD Tech)

Indian scientists at IISc have developed a groundbreaking inflatable device to enhance spacecraft re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, aiming to revolutionize space travel. The device, designed by astronaut Prasanth Nair, ensures smoother, safer landings, crucial for future space tourism. Unlike current technologies, it’s ideal for untrained civilians traveling to space. The system’s ability to handle hypersonic speeds and intense friction could make human spaceflight as routine as air travel. This innovation is a step toward India’s growing space ambitions, including its first human spaceflight, Gaganyaan, set for 2026.

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson lauded India's space program, emphasizing its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Speaking to NDTV, he praised ISRO’s 2023 Moon landing and noted that India's funding for space exploration, as a percentage of government spending, is similar to NASA’s. Tyson also revealed his conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi about integrating private enterprises into India’s space sector. He cited China’s independent space advancements as an example of ambition-driven progress. “What matters are your ambitions; resources determine speed,” he said, encouraging India's continued strides in space exploration.

ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan praised astronaut Sunita Williams' safe return from space. He said he was confident in the mission's success and closely followed the landing. He also noted that India could learn from this nine-month NASA mission. Prime Minister Modi has invited Williams to India. Dr Narayanan said ISRO would welcome her support for India's Gaganyaan Mission. He stressed the importance of confidence and taking risks in life. He acknowledged the challenges of space missions but said ISRO is ready to face them. Williams' journey lasted longer than planned due to a technical issue in her spacecraft.