Chandrayaan-3 Receives 2026 AIAA Goddard Astronautics Award

Why You Can't Stop Scrolling: Science Behind TikTok's Grip On Your Brain

Deutsche Welle — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 22:43:28 +0530

Edited by Ben Knight

For many of us, the day often starts with a swipe. Before getting out of bed, we might scroll through TikTok, Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts. A few clips become a few dozen. Minutes become an hour. Then, later in the day, we return for more.

Researchers at Germany's University of Bayreuth examined the phenomenon, especially in children and adolescents.

The review, published in the journal European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, analyzed 42 studies involving nearly 30,000 participants, most of them adolescents and young adults.

Importantly, the authors examined something often overlooked in public debate: The mechanics of the platforms themselves.

Far from TV on a smaller screen

The researchers identified three features common to short-form video platforms: The personalization of algorithms, the unpredictability of the infinite scroll and the novelty of rapidly switching among videos.

These features create a media environment unlike television, traditional online video or older social networks, they say.

Short-form video platforms work differently. Algorithms continuously select content, users rarely need to make decisions and there is effectively no natural stopping point.

"TikTok is fundamentally different from television," Aza Raskin, co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology, told DW. "On the other side of a TikTok screen is a massive supercomputer pointed directly at your brain. It is trained on the behavior of 3 billion other human primates."

"The attention economy is essentially a race to the bottom of the brainstem," Raskin said. "If TikTok doesn't occupy your time, Facebook, Instagram or another platform will."

"This triggers a ruthless knife fight for human attention," he added.

The hit and miss of dopamine

Scientists have long understood that highly rewarding experiences activate the brain's reward system. Short-form videos (SFVs) are especially effective at exploiting that system.

Anna Lembke, associate professor of psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine and author of the book Dopamine Nation, told DW that SFVs combined several features that make them unusually compelling.

"Moving images are themselves like catnip for the mammalian brain," she said. "Short-form videos are a more potent form, and hence more addictive, leading to video chaining, akin to chain-smoking,' wherein once we begin it's hard to stop, even when we want to."

Over-stimulating the brain's reward system with highly rewarding unnatural triggers like gambling and binge-eating causes a flood of dopamine, the brain's reward and pleasure neurotransmitter. To protect itself, the brain "downregulates," with cells decreasing the number of dopamine receptors needed to experience pleasure. Repeated hyperstimulation can, over time, make the brain less sensitive to reward.

"We need more videos over time, not to get high, but just to feel normal," she said. "And we lose our ability to engage in and take joy in other, more modest rewards, like watching a sunset, sharing a meal with friends, or reading a good book."

According to Lembke, the endless nature of modern feeds may gradually change how that reward system responds: "Endless scrolling leads to reward desensitization, that is, less dopamine being released over time in response to similar rewards, such that more videos with more extreme content are needed to get the same effect."

The result can be a paradox familiar to many users: Continuing to search for the next rewarding clip even when the experience itself is no longer particularly enjoyable.

Why personalization may matter most

While infinite scrolling receives much of the public attention, Ben Rein, a neuroscientist, science communicator and author of the book Why Brains Need Friends, believes that the real power lies in appealing to the individual.

"Infinite scroll and novelty matter, but they're delivery mechanisms; personalization is the engine," Rein told DW.

He describes a typical TikTok feed as "a system running thousands of tiny experiments on you, learning faster than you do what keeps you watching."

Rein also argues that personalization becomes especially powerful when combined with the unpredictability Lembke describes: "It's the combination, with personalization as the part that makes it so attractive and scalable across every human that uses social media."

Lembke sees a similar dynamic. "The algorithms evolve the perfect drug of choice for each unique person in real time, through our interactions with the platform, which also makes the exchange feel organic and alive," she said.

"Novelty overcomes the boredom that develops with tolerance: That is, needing more potent versions over time to get the same effect," she added. "Unpredictability engages the treasure-seeking, foraging part of our brain that evolved to keep us persistent and striving in a harsh ecosystem of rare and uncertain rewards, making those rare rewards that much more rewarding when we find them."

What comes next?

Across the 42 studies examined by the University of Bayreuth team, several themes emerged repeatedly.

They include higher attentional difficulties, lower working-memory performance, higher anxiety and depression, weaker self-regulation, and addiction-like patterns. However, the research team emphasized that the evidence remains limited.

"There is still insufficient evidence to conclusively claim that short-form video platforms cause 'brainrot' or extreme dopamine effects," lead author Marlene Ebster told DW.

Rather than recommending blanket bans, the authors suggest helping young people understand how recommendation systems work and how platform designs influence behavior.

For Rein, the next frontier for platform designers is probably deeper personalization.

"As recommendation models improve, and increasingly as AI can generate or tailor content to the individual in real time, the gap between 'what you'd enjoy' and 'what you're shown' will likely keep shrinking."

The growing sophistication of artificial intelligence may also become increasingly important.

"We are nowhere near the peak of attention engineering," said Raskin. "We are now entering the era of AI 2.0, which is generative AI. This technology can actually create entirely new content from scratch."

"The capabilities of generative AI to maximize attention, ranging from synthetic media to highly personalized synthetic relationships, will completely dwarf the power of any psychological engineering we have seen to date," he warned.

Disclaimer: This report first appeared on Deutsche Welle, and has been republished on ABP Live as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by ABP Live. for DW

Quote Of The Day | Why Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Believed Dreams Are The First Step To Success

ABP Live Science — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:15:49 +0530

India has produced many inspiring personalities, but few have left as profound an impact as Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Fondly known as the "Missile Man of India", Dr Kalam was an eminent scientist, visionary thinker, teacher and the 11th President of India. Born in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, he played a pivotal role in India's missile and space programmes. Despite reaching the highest office in the country, he remained humble and dedicated to inspiring young minds. His thoughts and words continue to motivate millions across the world.

The Quote And Its Meaning

“Dream is not that which you see while sleeping; it is something that does not let you sleep.” — Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

This iconic quote emphasises that true dreams are not mere fantasies experienced during sleep. Instead, real dreams are ambitions and goals that ignite passion and determination within an individual. Such dreams constantly occupy our minds, encouraging us to work hard and persevere despite challenges.

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Dr Kalam believed that dreams are the foundation of success. According to him, when people are deeply committed to their aspirations, they remain motivated to achieve them. The quote serves as a reminder that success comes not from wishful thinking, but from dedication, effort and unwavering focus.

When And Where Was It Said?

Although this quote is widely attributed to Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and has been repeated in numerous speeches, interviews and books, there is no definitive public record identifying the exact date or location where he first said it. Dr Kalam frequently shared this thought while interacting with students across India, particularly during his motivational lectures at schools, colleges and public events.

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Over the years, the quote has become synonymous with Dr Kalam's philosophy of encouraging young people to dream big and work tirelessly towards their goals.

Quote Of The Day | Charles Darwin’s Success Lesson: Why Every Hour Of Your Life Matters

Devyani Nautiyal — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 18:09:07 +0530

British naturalist and biologist Charles Darwin is best remembered for developing the theory of evolution by natural selection, a groundbreaking idea that transformed the way the world understands life on Earth. Beyond his scientific contributions, Darwin's words continue to inspire people across generations. One of his most powerful reflections on life highlights the importance of time and how wisely it is used. As people look for motivation to end the week on a productive note, his timeless quote offers a valuable reminder about making every moment count.

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Charles Darwin's Quote Of The Day

“A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.”

Darwin's quote serves as a powerful reminder that time is the one resource every person possesses in equal measure, yet many fail to appreciate its true value. While lost money can be earned again and missed opportunities may sometimes return, time once spent is gone forever. Through this simple yet thought-provoking statement, Darwin highlights the connection between time and a meaningful life. Every hour offers a chance to learn something new, develop a skill, strengthen relationships, or take a step closer to personal and professional goals. Those who recognise the importance of time are often better equipped to make the most of life's opportunities and create lasting success.

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What This Quote Teaches About Success

Success is often built through consistent effort and the smart use of time rather than sudden breakthroughs. Darwin's words encourage people to become more conscious of how they spend their days and to avoid habits that lead to unnecessary distractions. The quote serves as a reminder that valuing time is closely linked to valuing life. By making purposeful choices and using each day wisely, individuals can create a stronger foundation for personal growth, achievement and fulfilment.

Quote Of The Day | Stephen Hawking’s Powerful Wisdom On Imperfection And Existence

Devyani Nautiyal — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 22:30:00 +0530

Stephen Hawking, one of the greatest theoretical physicists of modern times, was not only known for his groundbreaking work on black holes and the universe but also for his profound reflections on life, existence, and humanity. His words continue to inspire millions across the world, offering clarity in moments of confusion and perspective in times of doubt. In today’s Wednesday motivation life inspiration quote, we revisit one of his most powerful thoughts that challenges how we understand perfection itself.

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The Universe’s Hidden Truth About Imperfection

“One of the basic rules of the universe is that nothing is perfect. Perfection simply doesn't exist.....Without imperfection, neither you nor I would exist”

In this deeply insightful reflection, Stephen Hawking reminds us that imperfection is not a flaw in existence, it is the very reason existence is possible. The universe, as he suggests, is built on imbalance, variation, and incompleteness. Without these so-called imperfections, the processes that led to life itself would never have taken shape.

This perspective shifts how we view our own flaws and struggles. Instead of seeing imperfection as something to hide or fix completely, Hawking encourages us—through his scientific lens—to see it as essential to life’s creation and continuation.

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Why Imperfection Is Essential To Life And Growth

Hawking’s words go beyond science and enter the realm of philosophy. If everything were perfect and static, there would be no change, no evolution, and no growth. Imperfection is what drives transformation, learning, and discovery.

Every human being carries imperfections, yet it is these very traits that shape individuality and progress. In that sense, flaws are not limitations but conditions for creativity and existence itself. Hawking’s insight gently reframes how we define success, reminding us that life is not about achieving perfection, but about embracing the process of becoming.

Quote Of The Day | Marie Curie's Message On 'Fear And Understanding' Holds The Key To Success

Devyani Nautiyal — Tue, 9 Jun 2026 18:00:00 +0530

Every day presents new challenges, uncertainties and opportunities to grow. During such moments, a few words of wisdom can offer a fresh perspective and help us approach life with greater confidence. Today's Quote Of The Day comes from Marie Curie, one of history's most celebrated scientists, whose message about fear and understanding continues to inspire people across generations.

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Marie Curie's Quote Of The Day

"Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less."

Marie Curie's quote talks about the idea that fear often stems from uncertainty and a lack of understanding. Rather than allowing fear to dictate our actions, her words encourage us to seek knowledge, ask questions and learn more about the situations we face.

Whether it is a personal challenge, a career decision or an unfamiliar experience, understanding can help replace doubt with confidence. The quote serves as a reminder that growth begins when we choose curiosity over fear.

Why Marie Curie's Words Still Matter Today

In a rapidly changing world, people frequently encounter situations that feel uncertain or overwhelming. Marie Curie's message remains relevant because it encourages a mindset of learning and resilience.

By embracing knowledge and remaining open to understanding new ideas, individuals can face obstacles with greater clarity and courage. Her words remind us that while fear may be natural, it does not have to define our response to life's challenges.

ALSO READ: Quote Of The Day | What Ratan Tata Meant By ‘Work-Life Integration’ Instead Of Balance

About Marie Curie

Marie Curie was a pioneering physicist and chemist renowned for her groundbreaking research on radioactivity. She became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to receive Nobel Prizes in two different scientific disciplines, Physics and Chemistry. Her contributions to science and her commitment to discovery continue to inspire generations around the world.

OPINION | The Summer Pollution Problem Most Indians Don't See Coming. Dyson Engineer Shares Expert Tips

Ninad Shitoot — Mon, 8 Jun 2026 14:44:06 +0530

When winter smog settles over Indian cities, checking the AQI becomes almost instinctive. But in summer, when the sky looks clearer and the focus shifts to staying cool, air quality often drops off the radar. That is the blind spot many households overlook. Even during periods of rain and extreme heat, cities such as Delhi have recorded AQI levels above 200, placing air quality in the ‘poor’ category. Pollution, in other words, is no longer only a winter concern.

During heatwaves, families may be staying indoors to escape the temperature, while still breathing air that carries fine particles, gases and pollutants they cannot see.

ALSO READ: How Delhi’s Pollution Crisis Is Hurting Tourism

How Heatwaves Worsen the Air Indoors

High temperatures can accelerate chemical reactions in the atmosphere, contributing to higher levels of ground-level ozone and fine particulate pollution. These pollutants can enter homes through windows, doors and ventilation systems. At the same time, homes are often sealed for longer periods during summer to keep heat out, which can reduce ventilation and allow pollutants to accumulate indoors.

Dyson’s Global Connected Air Quality Data study found that indoor PM2.5 levels exceeded WHO guidance for at least six months across countries, with severe spikes occurring during summer heatwaves.

During heatwaves, homes are often kept closed for longer periods, which changes how air behaves indoors. Outdoor pollutants, fine particles and gases from indoor sources can enter and remain suspended, particularly when ventilation is limited. This creates an environment where pollutants continue to circulate, even when the air appears clear.

Our approach is to understand how these particles move and build machines that can sense, capture and project cleaner air consistently across the room.

Why This Matters for Families

Poor indoor air does not always look polluted. It may not carry the visible haze people associate with winter smog, but prolonged exposure to fine particles, gases and VOCs may still affect comfort and health. For children, elderly family members and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, the impact may be more pronounced during extended heatwaves.

This makes summer air quality a household issue, not just an outdoor pollution issue. The question is no longer only how to keep homes cool, but how to keep the air inside them cleaner and better managed.

Creating a Healthier Indoor Air Environment

Maintaining indoor air quality during summer requires consistent air management. During peak summer months, when homes remain closed for longer periods, take the following measures to make a meaningful difference to the air families breathe.

Reducing exposure to indoor pollutants during a heatwave comes down to a combination of everyday habits and the right technology. Here are a few steps households can take:

Use targeted air purification: During summer, indoor air can carry a mix of fine particles, VOCs and chemical emissions that ventilation alone may not address. The Dyson HushJet™ Purifier Compact captures up to 99.97% of airborne pollutants, including fine particles and gases, while operating quietly, making it suitable for continuous use in enclosed spaces such as bedrooms.
Manage heat and pollutant entry: Keep windows, curtains and shutters closed during peak daytime heat to help limit outdoor pollutants entering the home. Ventilate briefly during cooler hours when outdoor air quality is better.
Maintain cooling systems: Clean AC filters regularly, as poorly maintained systems can circulate dust and allergens indoors.
Balance humidity carefully: Air conditioning can reduce indoor moisture, leading to dry skin and irritated airways. Humidifiers can help restore balance but need proper maintenance to prevent bacteria or mould growth.

Extreme heat is no longer just a temperature problem. It is also changing how families should think about the air inside their homes. As heatwaves grow longer and more intense, indoor air quality needs to be monitored and managed with the same seriousness as cooling.

For households with children, elderly family members or people with respiratory conditions, the first step is recognising that poor air does not always look polluted. Often, it is already inside the home.

Noida Fire Alert: Massive Fire Breaks Out in Noida High-Rise Society, Rescue Operation Underway

ABP News Bureau — Fri, 5 Jun 2026 10:02:15 +0530

A major fire incident has been reported from a residential society in Noida, triggering panic among residents and prompting a large-scale emergency response. The fire broke out in a high-rise apartment complex in Sector 74, where thick black smoke and flames were seen engulfing parts of the building. Several fire brigade vehicles rushed to the scene and are engaged in efforts to bring the blaze under control. Due to the intensity of the fire, authorities have begun evacuating nearby flats and towers as a precautionary measure. Residents have been advised to move to safer locations while rescue teams continue their operations. Officials have stated that no confirmed reports of people trapped inside have been received so far, though evacuation and search efforts are still ongoing. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown. Authorities said a detailed investigation will be conducted after the flames are extinguished to determine whether the incident was caused by a short circuit, a technical malfunction, or another factor. Fire safety systems installed in the society will also be examined as part of the inquiry.

One Side of Earth Is Cooling Faster Than the Other, Here’s How It Affects You

Kirti Pandey — Thu, 28 May 2026 19:17:36 +0530

Earth is often imagined as a stable world, ancient, solid, and mostly unchanging beneath the surface.

In reality, the planet is in constant motion. Continents drift. Oceans widen. Mountains rise.

Far below it all, Earth’s mantle slowly circulates heat from the core toward space.

Now scientists think that process may not be happening evenly.

Recent research suggests the Pacific hemisphere is losing heat from Earth’s interior much faster than the African hemisphere.

It is a surprising discovery because Earth’s mantle has long been viewed as a global system that distributes heat relatively uniformly. Instead, Earth may behave more like two giant thermal regions evolving at different speeds.

And for Indian readers, the contrast is strikingly relatable.

One side of the planet includes Africa, India, and much of Eurasia, regions dominated by thick continental crust that behaves almost like an insulating blanket. The other side is centred on the vast Pacific Ocean and the tectonically violent Ring of Fire, home to places like Japan, where earthquakes and volcanoes are part of everyday geological reality.

In simple terms: one hemisphere may be holding onto Earth’s ancient heat, while the other is venting it aggressively into space.

Earth’s Interior Is Still Extremely Hot

Far beneath the crust, temperatures inside Earth remain extraordinarily high. Some of this heat is leftover energy from the planet’s violent formation more than 4.5 billion years ago. Some comes from radioactive elements slowly decaying inside the mantle.

That heat is constantly escaping.

Earth releases thermal energy through volcanoes, seafloor spreading, tectonic movement, and heat conduction through the crust. The mantle behaves somewhat like a slow-moving convection system, where hotter material rises while cooler material sinks.

This circulation powers plate tectonics itself.

Apart from a hot molten, plasma, and gaseous interior, the Earth’s spinning also gives it gravity and a magnetic field, both of which help it to hug and retain the atmosphere closer.

Without this hot churn in its belly, the blue planet’s continents would not drift, mountains would not form, and when that does come to an end (and standstill someday) the Earth might eventually resemble a geologically quiet planet like Mars.

Why Oceans Lose Heat Faster Than Continents

The new research points toward a surprisingly intuitive explanation.

Oceanic crust is thin.
Continental crust is thick.

That difference changes how efficiently heat escapes from Earth’s interior.

The Pacific hemisphere contains the largest uninterrupted ocean basin on Earth. Beneath the Pacific Ocean, heat escapes relatively easily through thin oceanic crust. Cold seawater above the seafloor also helps pull heat upward and away from the mantle.

Meanwhile, the opposite hemisphere contains far larger continental masses, Africa, Europe, Asia, and India. Continents behave almost like giant insulating lids because their crust is thicker and less efficient at transferring heat.

Imagine two pots of hot water. One is uncovered while the other has a heavy lid. The uncovered pot cools much faster.

Earth may be experiencing a similar process on a planetary scale.

For hundreds of millions of years, the Pacific side may have functioned as Earth’s giant cooling vent.

Use the image provided at this place

Japan And Ring Of Fire Tell Story

The Pacific Ocean is surrounded by one of the most geologically violent regions on Earth: the Ring of Fire.

This enormous belt contains earthquake zones, volcanic arcs, and deep ocean trenches where tectonic plates plunge back into the mantle.

Japan sits directly inside this system.

The country experiences thousands of earthquakes every year because tectonic plates beneath the Pacific are constantly colliding, sliding, and diving under one another. That same tectonic chaos may also help explain why the Pacific hemisphere loses heat so efficiently.

As oceanic plates sink into the mantle through subduction, they help drive mantle circulation. At the same time, new seafloor forms at mid-ocean ridges, where hot material rises upward from below.

Together, these processes create an immense planetary cooling system.

The Pacific may essentially act as Earth’s largest thermal exhaust mechanism.

India Sits On Opposite Side Of Story

India represents a very different geological reality.

The Indian Plate famously collided with Asia and pushed up the Himalayas, creating the tallest mountain range on Earth. Yet India also lies within the more continent-heavy hemisphere that appears to retain heat more effectively.

Scientists think thick continental crust across Africa, India, and Eurasia may slow the escape of heat from Earth’s interior.

That retained heat could help explain several long-standing geological mysteries, including why parts of Africa are slowly rising today and why the East African Rift is gradually tearing the continent apart.

In other words, the hemisphere containing India may not be geologically quieter because it lacks energy. It may actually be storing more of it.

Pacific May Once Have Been Much Hotter

One of the most intriguing parts of the research is the paradox it reveals.

Today, the Pacific hemisphere appears to have cooled more than the African hemisphere. Yet the Pacific is also home to Earth’s fastest-moving tectonic plates and most intense geological activity.

Normally, scientists associate faster tectonic motion with hotter mantle conditions.

So How Can Cooler Region Remain So Active?

One possibility is that the Pacific mantle was once far hotter than it is now.

Ancient supercontinents may have trapped enormous amounts of heat beneath regions that later became the Pacific Ocean. When those landmasses eventually broke apart, the mantle underneath suddenly became exposed beneath thin oceanic crust.

That would have allowed heat to escape rapidly over immense spans of time.

The Pacific could be cooling quickly precisely because it started out with so much stored heat.

Giant Structures Deep Inside Earth

Another clue may lie thousands of kilometres beneath the surface.

Scientists have identified two enormous structures near the boundary between Earth’s core and mantle. One lies roughly beneath Africa and the other beneath the Pacific.

These mysterious regions are known as Large Low Shear Velocity Provinces, or LLSVPs.

They are gigantic masses of unusually hot and chemically distinct material deep inside Earth. Researchers still debate exactly what they are and how they formed.

But they may influence how heat moves through the entire planet.

The African deep mantle structure may retain heat more effectively, while the Pacific side may be more efficiently ventilated by tectonic recycling and oceanic cooling above it.

Planet With Two Thermal Personalities

The broader implication is profound.

Earth’s interior may not behave as one perfectly mixed system. Different hemispheres may evolve thermally in different ways over geological time.

One side, stretching across Africa, India, and Eurasia, appears to conserve heat beneath thick continental crust.

The other, dominated by the Pacific Ocean, Japan, and the Ring of Fire, appears to release that heat far more aggressively through oceanic crust and tectonic activity.

The imbalance may have existed for hundreds of millions of years and could continue shaping earthquakes, volcanoes, mountain building, and continental drift far into the future.

Deep beneath our feet, Earth is not cooling quietly.

It is cooling unevenly.

NASA's 3-Phase Plan For Permanent Moon Base Unveiled; 3 Missions This Year

PTI — Wed, 27 May 2026 08:00:58 +0530

Washington: After a successful lunar flyaround, NASA has announced three missions to the moon as part of efforts to establish a permanent base on the earth's natural satellite.

At a press conference here, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman on Tuesday unveiled a USD 20 billion plan to set up a permanent base on the moon, equipped with lunar rovers and drones, for carrying out experiments that would help master skills to live and operate in the dangerous environment.

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"America is returning to the moon. The Moon Base will be America's and humanity's first outpost on another celestial world," Isaacman said.

NASA has announced its goal to set up a lunar base in March and listed out concrete steps on Tuesday. NASA aims to land astronauts on the moon in 2028.

The space agency said it has selected Blue Origin's Blue Moon Mark 1 Endurance lander for the Moon Base-I mission planned no earlier than fall this year (September).

The mission will deliver equipment, such as Stereo Cameras for Lunar Plume-Surface Studies to study how thrusters interact with the moon's surface and the Laser Retroreflective Array, which helps orbiting spacecraft determine a more precise location using reflected laser light.

The mission will land on the Shackleton Connecting Ridge to demonstrate capabilities that reduce risk for future crewed Artemis landing missions in 2028.

In April, four astronauts went around the moon as part of the Artemis-II mission, which became the first human spaceflight to travel beyond low earth orbit since the Apollo 17 mission of 1972. Gene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt were the last astronauts to walk on the moon in 1972.

The Moon Base II mission, planned for launch later this year, will deliver more than 1,100 pounds of cargo on Astrobotic's Griffin lander, including Astrolab's FLIP rover, to mature mobility systems that inform future lunar terrain vehicle, or LTV, operations.

The Moon Base III mission, also targeted for this year, will carry NASA's Lunar Vertex science mission to study mysterious lunar swirls -- bright formations scientists believe may be linked to magnetic fields beneath the lunar surface -- along with payloads from the European Space Agency and the Korean Space Agency.

Under the three-phased programme, NASA will test technologies and prepare for surface operations over the next three years. It also aims to deliver at least one lunar terrain vehicle for use by astronauts expected to return to the lunar surface in 2028 as part of the Artemis-III mission.

The moon base's second phase, from 2029 to 2032, will start building up the permanent infrastructure, including a power grid.

The third phase from 2032 and beyond is expected to see scaling up operations to achieve a sustained presence, with routine crew rotations and continuous surface activity.

"Then we will be able to say, 'Hey, we are permanently here and we are not giving it up,'" said NASA's moon base programme executive Carlos Garcia-Galan.

(Disclaimer: This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

Chandrayaan-3 Receives 2026 AIAA Goddard Astronautics Award

ANI — Fri, 22 May 2026 07:56:15 +0530

Washington DC [US], May 22 (ANI): India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission has been honoured with the 2026 Goddard Astronautics Award by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), presented in Washington DC on May 21.

On August 23, 2023, Chandrayaan-3 made history as the first spacecraft to achieve a soft landing near the Moon's south pole -- a region of immense scientific and strategic importance that had never before been explored at the surface level.

The mission delivered critical data to support future human missions to the Moon and confirmed the presence of key chemical elements in the lunar south polar soil, pointing to local resources that could one day sustain manufacturing operations on the surface.

India's Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) at the AIAA ASCEND 2026 Conference.

In his remarks, Ambassador Kwatra outlined Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Space Vision 2047, highlighting India's roadmap for deep space exploration, human spaceflight, and the rapid growth of its commercial space sector.

He also called for strengthened collaboration between the governments, industries, and research institutions of India and the United States -- underscoring the deepening partnership between the two nations in space exploration.

The Goddard Astronautics Award is the highest honour AIAA bestows for notable achievements in the field of astronautics. The award is presented to an individual or team. Team nominations include a listing of contributors, from which two at most are designated as representatives to formally accept the award.

It was endowed by Mrs Goddard to commemorate her husband, Robert H. Goddard, rocket visionary, pioneer, bold experimentalist, and superb engineer, whose early liquid rocket engine launches set the stage for the development of astronautics.

The award received its current form in 1975, when the institute changed the name and widened the selection criteria of its former Goddard Award (which had been bestowed for contributions in the engineering science of propulsion and energy conversion).

(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)