Highlights of 2024 Space and Astronomical Events

The year 2024 was packed with significant astronomical and spaceflight milestones:

• A solar eclipse was visible across North America.
• Two robotic landers successfully reached the lunar surface.
• The most powerful rocket booster was captured using mechanical arms called "chopsticks."
• A mission to Jupiter's icy moon Europa commenced.
• Private astronauts conducted a notable spacewalk.

Anticipations for 2025 in Space Exploration

Jeff Bezos' Entry into the Space Arena

Jeff Bezos, through his company Blue Origin, is set to challenge Elon Musk's dominance in space exploration:

• Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, designed to be fully reusable, is expected to launch in 2025.
• The rocket aims to reduce launch costs and may carry national security satellites, NASA spacecraft, and Amazon's Project Kuiper satellites.
• Project Kuiper will compete with SpaceX's Starlink by providing internet services from space.

Rubin Observatory's First Light

The Rubin Observatory, named in honor of Vera Rubin, will play a crucial role in astronomical research:

• Equipped with the world's largest digital camera, it will create a time-lapse motion picture of the Southern sky.
• The observatory will aid in understanding dark matter and dark energy, key components of the universe.

U.S. Lunar Exploration and Policy Changes

U.S. space policy, influenced by presidential changes, focuses on lunar missions:

• Under Trump's new administration, existing space plans could be altered, with potential shifts towards Mars exploration.
• Robotic missions to the moon are planned, with companies like Firefly Aerospace and Ispace launching landers in early 2025.
• Intuitive Machines' second lunar lander, Athena, will attempt to find ice samples on the moon.

India's Space Ambitions

India is making strides in space with a focus on human spaceflight:

• Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is set for a mission to the International Space Station in collaboration with Axiom Space.
• India's Gaganyaan program is preparing for an uncrewed test launch, potentially leading to a crewed mission by 2026.

New Milestones and Spacecraft

Several new rockets and spacecraft are poised to take flight in 2025:

• SpaceX's Starship, the most powerful rocket, may achieve further milestones, including a "chopsticks" catch after an orbital flight.
• Rocket Lab is developing Neutron, a reusable rocket.
• Sierra Space's Dream Chaser space plane aims to deliver cargo to the ISS for the first time.

Development of Advanced Injectable Hydrogel for Cancer Treatment

Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati (IIT-G) and the Bose Institute, Kolkata have innovated an advanced injectable hydrogel for targeted cancer therapy, focusing primarily on breast cancer treatment.

Key Features of the Hydrogel

• Controlled Drug Release: Acts as a stable reservoir for anti-cancer drugs, ensuring controlled release while safeguarding healthy cells. 
• Localized Treatment: Designed to address limitations of traditional methods like chemotherapy and surgery, particularly for hard-to-reach internal tumors. 

Hydrogel Composition and Mechanism

• Structure: Composed of water-based, three-dimensional polymer networks mirroring living tissues, suitable for biomedical applications. 
• Composition: Utilizes ultra-short peptides, which are biocompatible and biodegradable. 
• Mechanism: Responds to high levels of glutathione (GSH) found in tumor cells to trigger controlled drug release, minimizing interaction with healthy tissues. 

Research Findings and Efficacy

• Preclinical Trials: Demonstrated significant efficacy in a murine model of breast cancer, with a ~75% reduction in tumor size within 18 days post a single injection. 
• Drug Delivery: The hydrogel localizes at the tumor site, releasing drugs steadily and reducing systemic side effects. 
• Advantages: Enhances drug effectiveness and reduces dosage requirements, minimizing toxicity and promoting cancer cell death. 

Implications

This innovative approach exemplifies how scientific advancements can address urgent needs in cancer treatment by offering precision drug delivery, improving drug uptake, inducing cell cycle arrest, and supporting programmed cell death.

Air India's Onboard Wi-Fi Service Rollout

Air India has become the first airline in India to offer Wi-Fi Internet connectivity on domestic flights. This service is initially available on select domestic and international flights.

Current Fleet Offering Wi-Fi

• Wi-Fi is available on Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9, and select Airbus A321neo aircraft.
• These aircraft are equipped with the necessary hardware for Internet connectivity.
• The service is being extended from erstwhile Vistara aircraft, facilitated by Nelco and Panasonic Avionics Corporation.

Accessing Onboard Wi-Fi

• Passengers must enable Wi-Fi on their devices and select the 'Air India Wi-Fi' network.
• They need to enter their details, such as PNR and last name, to access the internet.

Technologies for In-Flight Internet Connectivity

• Air-to-Ground (ATG) Technology: Utilizes ground-based cellular towers to provide connectivity. Limited by the availability of towers.
• Satellite-Based Connectivity: Internet from ground stations is transmitted to aircraft through satellites, offering wider coverage.

Functioning of In-Flight Wi-Fi

• Wi-Fi signals from passenger devices are collected by in-cabin antennae.
• Signals are relayed to an onboard server, then transmitted via satellites or ground towers depending on the technology used.
• Satellite systems provide signals through an antenna on the aircraft to a satellite, while ATG systems use cellular towers.

Cost Considerations

• Initial installation of antennae is costly for airlines.
• Globally, some airlines offer a limited amount of free Internet before charging for data packs.
• Airlines may offer free or discounted Internet to loyalty program members and premium passengers.
• Air India offers the service free for a limited introductory period.