Elephant call each other by name

Elephants give each other names: Stunning new skill decoded  

Elephants address each other with unique calls resembling names, confirmed by a study of African savannah elephants in Kenya. Researchers used machine learning to analyze vocalizations and found that elephants responded more strongly to calls seemingly directed at them, suggesting sophisticated communication abilities.

 

Link to Research Paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02420-w

Link to related news: https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/elephants-give-each-other-names-stunning-new-skill-decoded-in-species-2551741-2024-06-11

India's rocket production capacity will increase three times

ISRO Chief S. Somanath inaugurated new Propellant Tank Production and CNC Machining facilities at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) Aerospace Division. These state-of-the-art facilities will significantly boost ISRO's production capacity, particularly for the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), India's most powerful rocket.

Currently, ISRO can only conduct two LVM3 launches annually. With the new HAL facilities, this capacity could increase to six launches per year. Somanath emphasized the crucial role HAL will play in future ISRO missions, urging the company to focus on emerging technologies and design challenges to support end-to-end tasks.

The new production facility will manufacture high-performance fuel and oxidizer tanks, essential components for the LVM3. This heavy-lift launch vehicle, also known as the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III), is capable of carrying

up to 8 metric tons to low Earth orbit and 4 metric tons to geosynchronous transfer orbit. The inauguration of these facilities marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between ISRO and HAL, enhancing India's space capabilities and advancing future missions.

Extra-ordinary success of India: World's first single piece 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket engine Launched by an Indian startup Agnikul Cosmos.

Agnikul Cosmos, a Chennai-based space start-up, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully launching the world's first single-piece 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket engine. Founded in 2017, Agnikul Cosmos operates India's first private launchpad and mission control center, located within the National Center for Combustion R&D (NCRD) at IIT Madras. This achievement marks a pivotal moment for India's burgeoning private space industry.

 

 The successful mission, named the Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD), was a sub-orbital test flight that lasted approximately 1 minute and 29 seconds. This launch showcased the Agnibaan rocket, a 6.2-meter-tall, single-stage launch vehicle equipped with an elliptical nose cone and advanced avionics architecture. The autopilot software for Agnibaan was developed in-house, highlighting Agnikul's capabilities in developing cutting-edge space technology.

 A notable feature of the Agnibaan rocket is its Agnilet engine. This engine is remarkable for being entirely 3D-printed in a single piece, a first in the world for semi-cryogenic engines. The Agnilet engine can generate approximately 3kN of thrust at sea level and powers the higher stage of the Agnibaan rocket. This innovative approach reduces the complexity and potential points of failure associated with multi-part engines.

 

The successful launch of the Agnibaan rocket did not come without challenges. The mission was initially postponed just 92 seconds before liftoff due to technical issues on April 7. After four failed attempts, the test flight was finally carried out without live-streaming and with fewer dignitaries present at the Sriharikota launch pad, located within ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

 

The data gathered from this mission will be instrumental in refining the Agnibaan launch vehicle, which is expected to be highly customizable. The vehicle is designed to carry payloads of up to 300kg to a 700km orbit, providing significant versatility for various space missions.

 

The successful launch was met with congratulations from notable figures in India's space sector. ISRO congratulated Agnikul Cosmos, terming the launch as a major milestone. Pawan Goenka, Chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), expressed his elation at the achievement, highlighting the brilliance of India's young innovators. Lt Gen A K Bhatt (retd), Director General of the Indian Space Association (ISpA), also lauded the success, seeing it as a boost for India's private space industry and a glimpse into its promising future.

 Agnikul Cosmos' achievement aligns with India's broader ambitions in space exploration. The country aims to establish the 'Bharatiya Antariksha Station' by 2035 and send the first Indian to the Moon by 2040. This successful launch not only demonstrates the capabilities of Agnikul Cosmos but also positions India as a formidable player in the global space industry. The development of indigenous space technology, as evidenced by the Agnibaan SOrTeD mission, is a testament to India's growing prowess in this field and its commitment to advancing space exploration.

https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/agnikul-cosmos-launches-agnibaan-maiden-test-flight-isro-2545555-2024-05-30

 

https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/pm-modi-lauds-agnikuls-momentous-rocket-launch-hails-indian-youth-power-2545697-2024-05-30

 

Diamond Production within 15 minutes.mp4 #science #facts #diamo...

Diamond Production within 15 min

Scientists have developed a groundbreaking technique to synthesize diamonds at atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature within just 15 minutes.
Researchers used a gallium-nickel-iron mixture with a bit of silicon in a graphite crucible, flushing superhot, carbon-rich methane gas through it.
The process holds potential for technological applications like polishing and drilling, but its commercial impact remains to be seen.