ISRO congratulates Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency on successful launch of lander mission to Moon
Bengaluru (PTI): ISRO on Thursday congratulated the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency on the successful launch of Japan's lander mission to the Moon.
"Best wishes for another successful lunar endeavour by the global space community," the Bengaluru-headquartered national space agency also said on 'X'.
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on Thursday launched a rocket carrying an X-ray telescope that will explore the origins of the universe as well as the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM).
In fact, after the Chandrayaan-3 mission, ISRO's next likely Moon mission is in partnership with JAXA, a venture that's gathering steam.
Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX) is a collaborative venture between JAXA and the Indian space agency.
JAXA and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) are developing the rover and lander, respectively.
The rover will carry not only the instruments of ISRO and JAXA but also those of US space agency NASA and European Space Agency (ESA).
Vice-Chair of Japan's Cabinet Committee on National Space Policy and Director General, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, Saku Tsuneta, visited the ISRO Headquarters here last month and had a meeting with the space agency's Chairman S Somanath, and discussed the progress of the LUPEX mission.
"Development of a smaller lander for the LUPEX mission was discussed, among other things," an ISRO official said.
According to JAXA, the LUPEX mission is aimed at exploring lunar polar region suitability for establishing a lunar base for sustainable activities; obtaining knowledge regarding availability of lunar water-ice resources, and demonstrating lunar and planetary surface exploration technologies such as vehicular transport and overnight survival.
Ahmedabad-based Physical Research Laboratory, an autonomous unit of the Department of Space, has proposed multiple instruments in the LUPEX mission mainly to carry out measurements at surface and subsurface near the permanently shadowed polar region of the Moon.
The objective of one of the proposed instruments -- Permittivity and Thermo-physical investigation for Moon's Aquatic Scout (PRATHIMA) is in-situ detection and quantification of water-ice mixed with lunar surface and sub-surface soil using a rover/ lander platform.
The aim of another proposed instrument -- Lunar Electrostatic Dust EXperiment (LEDEX) is to detect presence of charged dust particles and confirm the dust levitation process in volatile-rich polar region, and to estimate approximate dust size and flux of charged, levitated dust particles.
According to an ISRO official, the LUPEX mission is slated to be launched in the year 2025.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
