NASA & IBM Fuse 30 Data Layers into AI Moon Map, Unlocking Lunar Future

NASA is now using artificial intelligence to study the Moon in a whole new way. Working with IBM and top universities, they’ve built the NASA‑IBM Lunar Foundation Model — one of the first open‑source AI tools made just for lunar science. It’s trained on years of data from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and is freely available online. Anyone can explore it on Hugging Face or test the full code on GitHub, opening lunar research to the world.

NASA and IBM have released an open-source Lunar Foundation Model that fuses over 30 data layers from four missions into one AI map, improving lunar mapping accuracy by up to 23% and enabling better detection of ice, craters, and volcanic features. This breakthrough is directly tied to planning future lunar bases near the Moon’s south pole.

The NASA‑IBM Lunar Foundation Model transforms decades of Moon data into a discovery engine, revealing patterns no single mission could uncover.

A 10-image mosaic captured by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter's Narrow Angle Camera between June 2012 and April 2016 showing the volcanic feature Mons Rümker and its surrounding mare plains. NASA/GSFC/Arizona State University

NASA’s AI ecosystem now spans Earth, Moon, and Sun: the Prithvi Model for geospatial Earth observation, the Lunar Foundation Model for Moon science, and the Surya Model for heliophysics. Together, they represent a “5+1” strategy to embed AI into every major science domain, enabling faster discoveries and operational applications.

Prithvi Model (Earth Observation)

• First orbital AI foundation model: Deployed aboard the ISS and South Australia’s Kanyini satellite in 2026.
• Training data: 13+ years of Harmonized Landsat & Sentinel‑2 imagery.
• Applications: Flood mapping, wildfire scar detection, crop yield prediction, land‑use monitoring.
• Strength: Performs analyses in orbit, reducing bandwidth needs by processing data before transmission.
• Open-source: Available on Hugging Face, enabling global researchers to fine‑tune for disaster response and environmental monitoring.

Lunar Foundation Model (Moon Science)

• Developed by NASA & IBM: Trained on 2M+ lunar image tiles from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.
• Capabilities:
  • Crater mapping for geological dating.
  • Ice prospectivity in permanently shadowed regions.
  • Volcanic feature detection (irregular mare patches).
  • Surface change detection (e.g., SpaceX rocket impact).
• Impact: Supports Artemis mission planning, safe landing site selection, and resource utilization for future lunar bases.

Surya Model (Heliophysics)

• Training data: 9 years of Solar Dynamics Observatory data.
• Architecture: Spatiotemporal transformer with spectral gating, designed for solar flare forecasting.
• Applications:
  • Forecasting solar flares up to 2 hours ahead.
  • Predicting solar wind speed and irradiance.
  • Tracking active regions and coronal mass ejections.
• Performance: Surpassed existing flare prediction benchmarks by 16%, offering early warnings for satellites, power grids, and aviation.
• Open-source: Hosted on Hugging Face with GitHub code, encouraging global collaboration.

Comparative Snapshot

Model	Domain	Training Data	Key Applications
Prithvi	Earth	Landsat + Sentinel‑2 (13 yrs)	Floods, crops, wildfires, land use
Lunar Foundation	Moon	LRO imagery (2M tiles)	Craters, ice, volcanic features
Surya	Sun	SDO (9 yrs, multi‑wavelength)	Solar flares, winds, irradiance

What the Model Does

• 30 data layers: Integrated from nine instruments across four missions, including the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and GRAIL.
• Multimodal AI system: Combines thermal, topographic, gravitational, and multispectral data into one unified map.
• Accuracy gains: Ice prospectivity 22% reduction in error; crater detection 19% higher accuracy at 100m resolution using half the training data; volcanic mapping 3% improvement.

Built mainly on data from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, the model is freely available on Hugging Face, with its full codebase open on GitHub for anyone to test and experiment.

Why It Matters

• Lunar ice: Crucial for water, oxygen, and rocket fuel production. Permanently shadowed craters near the poles are prime targets.
• Safer landings: AI helps identify stable terrain for Artemis missions and future bases.
• Geological insights: Crater and volcanic mapping deepens understanding of the Moon’s history.
• Open-source availability: Released via Hugging Face and GitHub, enabling universities, startups, and smaller space agencies to build on it.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Improvement vs Baseline	Impact
Ice prospectivity	22% RMSE reduction	Better targeting of polar ice deposits
Crater detection	+19% accuracy, +19% mAP	Safer landing site selection
Volcanic mapping	+3% IoU	Improved geological history analysis
Training efficiency	Half the data needed	Accessible for smaller research teams

Challenges Ahead

• Domain shift: AI must adapt across different orbital sensors.
• Shadowed regions: Extremely cold, dark craters remain hard to study.
• Validation: Ground truth data from future missions is still needed.

Context for India

This development complements India’s Space Vision 2047, where AI-driven exploration is central to lunar resource utilization and base planning. It also parallels ISRO-backed projects like CraterMorpho, showing how global collaborations are converging on AI-powered planetary science.

NASA Invites ISRO to Join Historic Moon Base Mission

NASA has formally invited ISRO to join its ambitious Moon Base program under the Artemis Accords, marking a historic expansion of India–US space cooperation. The base will be built near the lunar South Pole, with India contributing scientific expertise, technology, and data-sharing initiatives.

The U.S. Embassy in India released a press statement on August 11, 2026, confirming that NASA formally invited ISRO to join the program under the Artemis Accords.

NASA’s Moon Base program is being developed under the Artemis Accords, which already include 27 signatory nations. Besides India’s ISRO, NASA has invited and partnered with agencies such as ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), CSA (Canada), and others to contribute technology, science, and crewed mission support.

The Artemis Accords are a U.S.-led international agreement launched in 2020 to set principles for peaceful, transparent, and sustainable space exploration. As of July 2026, 70 nations — including India — have signed on, making it the broadest coalition for lunar and deep‑space cooperation.

NASA Invites ISRO for Moon Base Program

What the Moon Base Program Means

• Artemis Accords: Framework for peaceful, sustainable lunar exploration signed by India in 2023.
• Location: Near the lunar South Pole, chosen for water-ice deposits and long sunlight exposure.
• Goal: Establish humanity’s first permanent outpost on another celestial body, supporting science, technology, and future Mars missions.
• Phases: NASA outlined a three-phase execution plan during its “Ignition” event in March 2026.

India–US Cooperation Highlights

• NISAR Mission: Joint Earth-observation satellite launched in 2025, monitoring ecosystems and climate.
• Civil Space Joint Working Group: Ninth meeting in Bengaluru (Aug 5–6, 2026) where NASA extended the invitation.
• TRUST Initiative: Strategic technology partnership aligning with Modi–Trump 2025 joint statement.
• Commitments: Both sides reaffirmed UN COPUOS guidelines for sustainable outer space activities.

ISRO’s Role & Capabilities

• Chandrayaan-3: Successful rover landing at the Moon’s South Pole in 2023.
• Chandrayaan-4: Planned for 2027, targeting lunar sample return.
• LUPEX Mission: Joint India–Japan polar exploration (2028–2029).
• Crewed Moon Landing: ISRO aims for a human mission by 2040.

The Mission's Importance

Aspect	Significance
Scientific Data Sharing	Enhances global research on lunar geology, water-ice, and solar wind.
Human Spaceflight	Builds on ISRO’s Gaganyaan program with US collaboration.
Diplomacy	Strengthens India’s role as a cost-effective, reliable space power.
Mars Preparation	Moon Base serves as a stepping stone for future Mars missions.

Challenges & Considerations

• Technology Transfer: Sensitive areas may face restrictions; India must negotiate access.
• Funding & Resources: Large-scale lunar infrastructure requires sustained investment.
• Geopolitical Competition: China’s lunar station plans by 2035 add urgency to India–US cooperation.
• Environmental Risks: Long-term sustainability of lunar activities under UN guidelines is critical.

GE Aerospace Achieves World’s Ist High‑Altitude Hybrid‑Electric Flight, Redefining Aviation’s Sustainable Future

GE Aerospace has successfully completed the world’s first high‑altitude hybrid‑electric aircraft flight above 30,000 feet, using a modified Saab 340B testbed with NASA, Boeing, and BETA Technologies — a milestone that could reshape the future of commercial aviation. The breakthrough was announced at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, marking a leap toward fuel‑efficient, lower‑emission propulsion systems.

US space agency NASA played a central role in enabling GE Aerospace’s hybrid‑electric flight through decades of research and test facilities, while Airbus is advancing parallel 

hybrid‑electric integration projects in Europe under Clean Aviation programs. Together, the companies represent the U.S. and European pillars of sustainable aviation innovation.

NASA’s Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) project provided the framework for GE’s Saab 340B hybrid‑electric testbed. Testing was conducted at NASA’s Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility in Ohio, simulating altitudes up to 45,000 ft.

Beside NASA and Airbus, BETA Technologies, Inc. was also a crucial partner in GE Aerospace’s hybrid‑electric aircraft flight program, serving both as systems integrator and flight operator. The company’s role bridged the gap between advanced propulsion technology and real‑world flight testing. BETA engineers integrated GE’s megawatt‑class hybrid‑electric propulsion system into the Saab 340B testbed, ensuring compatibility between gas turbine, electric drive, batteries, and propellers.

On 20 May this year, GE Aerospace’s historic hybrid‑electric test flight took off, when a modified Saab 340B reached over 30,000 ft in Vermont — later crossing the Atlantic to Farnborough Airshow for public demonstrations. This milestone capped a decade of hybrid‑electric propulsion development under NASA’s EPFD program.

In June–July 2026, the aircraft ferried across the Atlantic (via Goose Bay, Nuuk, Reykjavik) to Farnborough, UK, operating in hybrid‑electric mode. Later, on 20th of July 2026, GE Aerospace publicly unveiled this achievement at Farnborough International Airshow with daily demonstration flight

Key Details of the Flight

• Aircraft Used: Saab 340B turboprop, modified with GE’s megawatt‑class, multi‑kilovolt hybrid‑electric propulsion system.
• Altitude Achieved: Over 30,000 feet, equivalent to standard commercial cruise levels.
• Duration: Longest hybrid‑electric flight lasted over two hours.
• Partners: NASA (research validation), Boeing (Aurora Flight Sciences nacelle), BETA Technologies (systems integration, pilots), BAE Systems (battery supply).
• Public Debut: Farnborough International Airshow 2026, with daily demonstration flights.

Technical Innovations

• High‑Voltage Reliability: Solved the challenge of electrical arcing at altitude (Paschen’s Law), proving safe operation in thin air.
• Hybrid System Components: GE‑developed motor/generators, converters, inverters, controllers; Avio Aero gearboxes; Dowty propellers; Unison heat exchangers; CT7 gas turbine engine integrated with electric drive.
• Performance Gains: Improved climb capability, range extension, and battery recharge during descent.

Strategic Impact

• Commercial Aviation Future: Hybrid‑electric propulsion is part of CFM’s RISE program, targeting next‑generation aircraft like successors to the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320neo.
• Environmental Benefits: Lower fuel burn, reduced emissions, and potential cost savings for airlines.
• Global Partnerships: Strengthens U.S.–Europe collaboration in aerospace innovation, with India’s aviation sector also tied to GE’s broader expansion.

Snapshot Table

Aspect	Details
Aircraft	Saab 340B modified testbed
Altitude	Above 30,000 ft
Duration	2+ hours hybrid‑electric flight
Partners	NASA, Boeing, BETA, BAE Systems
Key Innovation	High‑voltage reliability at altitude
Program Link	CFM RISE hybrid‑electric initiative

Challenges Ahead

• Battery Energy Density: Still limits scalability to larger aircraft.
• Cost & Certification: Regulatory approval and integration into commercial fleets will take years.
• Competition: Pratt & Whitney and Rolls‑Royce are developing rival hybrid‑electric systems.

Humanity’s Farthest Signal: Voyager 1 Hits One Light-Day

NASA has confirmed that Voyager 1 will reach a distance of one light-day from Earth on November 18, 2026, making it the first human-made spacecraft to achieve this milestone. At that point, signals will take a full 24 hours to travel between Earth and the probe.

Voyager 1 was launched by NASA on September 5, 1977, at 12:56 UTC from Cape Canaveral, Florida, aboard a Titan IIIE rocket. It was part of the Voyager program, designed to explore the outer planets and eventually interstellar space.

Voyager 1 is the most distant human-made object, traveling toward the constellation Ophiuchus. It carries a phonograph record with sounds, images, and music representing Earth’s diversity.

Voyager 1 entered interstellar space on August 25, 2012.

The Milestone

• Exact Date & Time: November 18, 2026, at 2:16:07 AM PST (10:16:07 AM UTC / 12:16:07 AM CST)
• Distance: ~16.1 billion miles (25.9 billion km), equal to 173.14 astronomical units (AU)
• Speed: Voyager 1 is traveling at ~79,960 mph (128,700 km/h)
• Signal Delay: Commands from Earth will take 24 hours to reach Voyager 1, and another 24 hours for data to return

Voyager 1’s Journey

• Launch: September 5, 1977, from Cape Canaveral
• Planetary Encounters: Discovered active volcanoes on Jupiter’s moon Io; revealed Saturn’s rings; studied Titan’s atmosphere
• Interstellar Crossing: Entered interstellar space on August 25, 2012, after crossing the heliopause
• Trajectory: Voyager 1 is headed toward the constellation Ophiuchus, moving “up” out of the solar plane

Voyager Program Legacy

• Voyager 2: Launched earlier in 1977, visited all four gas giants (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune). It is ~2 billion miles closer to Earth and moving slower, so it will never catch up
• Golden Record: Both spacecraft carry a phonograph record with sounds, music, and images representing Earth’s diversity — a symbolic message to extraterrestrial civilizations
• Longevity Efforts: NASA engineers are shutting down non-essential instruments to conserve power. In 2025, the Cosmic Ray Subsystem was turned off. Future interventions are planned to extend the mission

Why It Matters

• Scientific Value: Voyager 1 continues to send back data about the interstellar medium, helping scientists understand the boundary between our solar system and deep space
• Cultural Impact: This milestone highlights humanity’s ability to send technology beyond its cradle, inspiring future missions like interstellar probes and deep space exploration
• Symbolism: Voyager 1 remains humanity’s most distant emissary, carrying our story across the stars

Key Figures

Aspect	Details
Distance	16.1 billion miles (25.9 billion km)
Astronomical Units	173.14 AU
Speed	79,960 mph (128,700 km/h)
Signal Delay	24 hours one-way

99.9% Dark Matter: Hubble Spots a Truly Bizarre Galaxy

A field of space with a dozen white foreground stars and a number of small, yellow background galaxies. [Image Credit: NASA, ESA, D. Li (Utoronto), Image Processing: J. DePasquale (STScI)] 

Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope have discovered a galaxy, dubbed Candidate Dark Galaxy-2 (CDG-2), located about 300 million light-years away, that appears to be composed of at least 99.9% dark matter. This makes it one of the most extreme examples of a dark-matter-dominated galaxy ever observed.

Key Facts About CDG-2

At left, a field of space with a dozen white foreground stars and a number of small, yellow background galaxies. An unremarkable area at centre is outlined with a dashed circle surrounded by a white box. Lines extend from the box to a pullout at right containing faint, grainy white light surrounded by a circle labeled “Candidate dark galaxy – diffuse emission.” Four white dots are circled in blue and labeled globular clusters. [ Image Credit: NASA, ESA, D. Li (Utoronto), Image Processing: J. DePasquale (STScI)] 

• Discovery Tool: Hubble Space Telescope
• Distance: ~300 million light-years from the Earth
• Composition: At least 99.9% dark matter, with vanishingly few visible stars
• Detection Method: Identified through the presence of four globular clusters orbiting an otherwise invisible mass
• Visibility: Nearly invisible in optical wavelengths

Why This Matters

• Dark Galaxies: CDG-2 is a strong candidate for the long-hypothesized class of “dark galaxies.”
• Cosmological Significance: Dark matter outweighs normal matter in the universe by about 5-to-1.
• Scientific Opportunity: Studying CDG-2 could help astronomers understand galaxy formation when star birth is suppressed.

Comparison: Typical Galaxy vs. CDG-2

Feature	Typical Spiral Galaxy (e.g., Milky Way)	CDG-2 (Candidate Dark Galaxy)
Dark Matter Fraction	~85–90%	~99.9%
Visible Stars	Hundreds of billions	Almost none (detected via clusters)
Detection Method	Direct observation of stars & gas	Indirect, via globular clusters
Brightness	High, easily visible	Extremely faint, nearly invisible

Challenges & Open Questions

• Verification: Further observations needed, possibly using radio telescopes or gravitational lensing.
• Formation Myst ery: Why did CDG-2 fail to form stars?
• Implications: More galaxies like CDG-2 could reshape our understanding of cosmic structure.

Takeaway

CDG-2 is one of the most compelling candidates yet for a “dark galaxy,” offering a rare glimpse into a realm where dark matter reigns almost completely unchecked. Its discovery underscores how much of the universe remains hidden and how vital tools like Hubble are in uncovering these cosmic mysteries.

NASA and Nobel Laureate–Co-founded Infleqtion to Launch World’s 1st Quantum Gravity Sensor into Space

NASA has long used satellites like GRACE and GOCE to map Earth’s gravity, but quantum sensors promise far greater sensitivity. But now, NASA and Infleqtion are collaborating on a groundbreaking mission: the Quantum Gravity Gradiometer Pathfinder (QGGPf). This will be the world’s first quantum gravity sensor flown to space, marking a major milestone in quantum sensing and Earth science. This mission could pave the way for next-generation Earth observation satellites that detect subtle changes in mass distribution across the planet.

Infleqtion is a pioneering deeptech company specializing in neutral atom quantum technology, founded in 2007 by a team that includes Nobel laureate Theodor Hänsch. With more than 250 employees—over half of them PhD-level scientists and engineers—the company has built one of the world’s largest teams dedicated to advancing quantum computing and sensing.

As a deeptech startup, Infleqtion focuses on long-gestation, science-led innovation that bridges fundamental physics with real-world applications. Its portfolio spans quantum computers, precision sensors, and proprietary software platforms, with use cases in climate monitoring, defense, secure communications, and advanced materials research. Backed by over $311 million in funding and holding more than 230 patents, Infleqtion operates globally across the US, UK, Japan, and Australia, positioning itself as a leader in commercializing quantum breakthroughs for both government and industry.

Quantum sensors can detect the smallest variations in gravitational fields, helping scientists map underground water reserves, track ice sheet changes, and monitor natural resources with unmatched precision.

Infleqtion designed, developed, and tested the Physics Package Assembly (2nd image below this article) for NASA’s Cold Atom Lab aboard the International Space Station. This unique facility cools atoms to near absolute zero in microgravity, creating Bose-Einstein condensates that allow deeper study of quantum behavior and enhanced precision measurement. 

Key Details

A map of Earth’s gravity. Red indicates areas of the world that exert greater gravitational pull, while blue indicates areas that exert less. A science-grade quantum gravity gradiometer could one day make maps like this with unprecedented accuracy. [Credit: NASA] 

• Mission Lead: NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Southern California.
• Partner: Infleqtion, a leader in quantum sensing and computing using neutral-atom technology.
• Objective: Deploy a quantum sensor in low Earth orbit (LEO) to measure Earth’s gravitational field and its gradients with unprecedented precision.
• Funding: Over $20 million contracted to date.
• Timeline: Expected launch around 2030.
• Technology: Cold-atom quantum sensing forms the core of the instrument.

Atomic physics package overview, showing a design for a single source gravity gradiometer. The three main regions are: a vapor loaded 2D-MOT, an atom chip for 3D-MOT and BEC generation, and an interferometry region.

Why It Matters

• Scientific Impact: Gravity measurements help track mass dynamics on Earth’s surface — such as ice sheet changes, groundwater depletion, and tectonic activity.
• Applications: Could revolutionize monitoring of climate change, natural resources, and disaster prediction.
• Strategic Value: Positions the U.S. at the forefront of quantum space sensing, a field with both scientific and national security implications.

The QGGPf mission is designed to demonstrate quantum sensor technologies that could transform how Earth’s gravity is measured from space, said Infleqtion in its official statement. The quantum sensor is designed to monitor mass dynamics across the planet’s surface, including changes in water, ice and land, while operating in microgravity, which enables longer interaction times and correspondingly improved measurement sensitivities.

NASA emphasized the mission’s scientific and strategic importance:  

This instrument aboard a dedicated satellite in low Earth orbit will be the first quantum sensor capable of measuring Earth’s gravitational field and its gradients—critical signals used today to monitor mass dynamics on the planet’s surface,” said JPL representatives. “The mission advances U.S. leadership in quantum space sensing and opens new pathways for climate science and resource monitoring.

With more than $20 million in contracted funding and a planned launch around 2030, the QGGPf mission is expected to revolutionize how scientists track climate change, groundwater depletion, ice sheet dynamics, and tectonic activity. It also positions the U.S. at the forefront of quantum-enabled Earth science and national security applications. 

5 Space Missions That Will Define 2026

The five biggest space missions of 2026 are: NASA’s Artemis II crewed lunar flyby, SpaceX’s Starship Mars test missions, ISRO’s Gaganyaan G1 human spaceflight test, ESA’s Solar Maximum studies, and China’s Chang’e 7 lunar south pole exploration.

🚀 Top 5 Space Missions of 2026

Mission	Agency	Objective	Significance
Artemis II	NASA	First crewed lunar flyby in decades; 4 astronauts on Orion spacecraft	Tests life-support, navigation, and deep-space systems before lunar landing
Starship Mars Missions	SpaceX	Cargo missions to Mars; testing atmospheric entry and landing	Paves way for future human Mars colonization
Gaganyaan G1	ISRO	Uncrewed test flight with humanoid robot Vyommitra	Validates systems for India’s first human spaceflight program
Solar Maximum / Aditya-L1	ESA & ISRO	Study solar activity during peak cycle	Critical for understanding solar storms and protecting satellites
Chang’e 7	CNSA (China)	Lunar south pole exploration with orbiter, lander, rover, and flying probe	Targets water ice and resources for long-term lunar presence

Brief Details of 2026’s Major Space Missions

Mission	Agency	Launch Window	Key Details	Significance
Artemis II	NASA	Feb–Apr 2026	First crewed mission of Artemis program; 4 astronauts on Orion spacecraft	Validates systems before lunar landing; first human lunar flyby in 50+ years
Starship Mars Missions	SpaceX	2026	Uncrewed cargo missions to Mars; testing entry and landing	Step toward crewed Mars flights; validates interplanetary logistics
Gaganyaan G1	ISRO	March 2026	Uncrewed orbital test with humanoid robot Vyommitra	Validates crew module and re‑entry systems; India’s first human spaceflight program
Aditya‑L1	ISRO	Peak in 2026	Solar observatory at L1 point studying Sun during solar maximum	Provides data on solar storms; protects satellites and power grids
Chang’e 7	CNSA (China)	Aug 2026	Orbiter, lander, rover, and hopping probe at lunar south pole	Targets water ice; tests technologies for sustainable lunar habitation

Why These Missions Matter

• Artemis II: Marks NASA’s return to crewed lunar missions after more than 50 years.
• Starship Mars Missions: Bold attempt to test interplanetary logistics, crucial for Mars colonization.
• Gaganyaan G1: India’s leap into human spaceflight, positioning ISRO among elite agencies.
• Solar Maximum / Aditya-L1: Studying solar activity helps safeguard Earth’s power grids and satellites.
• Chang’e 7: Could unlock lunar water ice, vital for sustaining human bases.

Challenges & Risks

• Technical hurdles: Artemis II must flawlessly validate Orion’s systems.
• Mars entry risks: Starship faces extreme challenges in atmospheric entry and landing.
• Human safety: Gaganyaan’s success is critical before India attempts crewed missions.
• Solar unpredictability: Solar Maximum studies depend on precise timing of solar cycles.
• Resource competition: Chang’e 7 raises geopolitical questions about space mining rights.

2026 is shaping up as a historic year in space exploration, with multiple nations pushing boundaries beyond Earth orbit. Each mission is not just a technical milestone but also a geopolitical statement of leadership in space.

Surya: NASA and IBM Release Largest Open-Source Heliophysics AI Model on Hugging Face

IBM and NASA have unveiled a groundbreaking open-source AI model called Surya, designed to predict solar weather and protect critical infrastructure from space-based disruptions. The powerful AI model is trained on 14 years of observations from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO).

Here's a breakdown of what makes this initiative so impactful:

What Is Surya?

• Name Origin: “Surya” is Sanskrit for “Sun,” reflecting its heliophysics focus.
• Purpose: Predict solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and other solar phenomena that can disrupt satellites, GPS, power grids, and telecommunications.
• Availability: Open-source and hosted on Hugging Face.

Technical Highlights

• Foundation Model: Trained on 14 years of high-resolution solar data from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO).
• Data Types: Includes solar coronal EUV images, magnetic field maps, and solar surface velocity data.
• Model Size: 366 million parameters—lightweight enough for broader deployment.

Capabilities & Performance

• Forecasting Power:
  • Predicts solar flares up to 2 hours in advance.
  • Achieved 16% improvement in flare classification accuracy over previous models.
• Use Cases:
  • Early warnings for satellite operators.
  • Infrastructure protection for energy grids and aviation.
  • Academic research in heliophysics and space weather.

Why It Matters

• Economic Risk: A major solar storm could cost the global economy up to $2.4 trillion over five years.
• Recent Events: Solar storms have already disrupted GPS, diverted flights, and damaged satellites.
• Future-Proofing: As humanity ventures deeper into space, accurate solar forecasting becomes essential for safety and continuity.

Open Science Impact

• SuryaBench Dataset: IBM and NASA also released the largest curated heliophysics dataset to support further research.
• Community Collaboration: Encourages scientists and developers to build on Surya for new applications in space weather prediction.

Summary Table

Feature	Details
Model Name	Surya
Developed By	IBM & NASA
Training Data	14 years of solar observations from NASA's SDO
Parameter Count	366 million
Forecast Window	Up to 2 hours before solar flare events
Accuracy Improvement	16% over prior models
Hosted On	Hugging Face

NASA Discovers Heart-Shaped Wonders on Mars

In a delightful twist to planetary science, NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has captured images of dozens of heart-shaped landforms sprinkled across the Martian surface—turning the cold, red expanse into a gallery of cosmic affection.

These curious shapes have appeared in various regions, from Arabia Terra to the southern highlands. While they might evoke sentiments of love and whimsy, scientists assure us they’re no extraterrestrial Valentine’s messages. Instead, they’re crafted by natural forces over millions of years.

How Does Mars Carve Out a Heart?

• Impact Craters: Small meteoroids collide with Mars, revealing lighter sediment underneath and sculpting crater patterns that coincidentally resemble hearts.
• Erosion & Volcanism: Mesas and depressions, shaped by erosion or volcanic activity, also contribute to heart-like silhouettes.
• Lighting & Shadows: Martian sunlight plays visual tricks—enhancing ridges and dips to accentuate these romantic outlines.

“It's one of those moments where science meets poetry,” remarked Dr. Alisha Grant, a planetary geologist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. “We're interpreting nature’s randomness as a symbol of something very human.”

Mars: The Solar System’s Secret Romantic?

NASA has been sharing these striking visuals each year around Valentine’s Day, fueling public fascination. One post even quipped, “Looks like Mars has been secretly playing Cupid all along.”

The trend has gained momentum online, with space enthusiasts tagging their favorite heart-shaped formations and debating whether the Red Planet deserves a new nickname: ‘The Loveliest Planet.’

What It Means for Science & Storytelling

While the formations are scientifically valuable—helping researchers analyze erosion patterns, geological layering, and ancient water flows—they also serve a purpose beyond data. They invite the public to engage with space exploration in a playful, emotional way.

After all, when a distant planet 225 million kilometers away starts resembling symbols of love, it’s hard not to feel a cosmic connection.

Ghost Waves Beneath the Ice: NASA's ANITA Hears What Shouldn't Exist

High above Antarctica, a NASA experiment called ANITA (Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna) detected radio waves coming from beneath the ice — at angles around 30° below the surface. That’s a big deal because, according to the Standard Model of particle physics, such signals should be absorbed by thousands of kilometers of rock before ever reaching the surface. Yet, somehow, they made it through.

Initially, scientists thought these might be caused by neutrinos, those ghostly subatomic particles that rarely interact with matter. But the angles and behavior of the signals don’t match what we’d expect from neutrinos. Researchers have ruled out known particle interactions, background noise, and even checked data from other observatories like Pierre Auger in Argentina — still no satisfying.

The unusual radio pulses were detected by the Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna (ANITA) experiment, a range of instruments flown on balloons high above Antarctica that are designed to detect radio waves from cosmic rays hitting the atmosphere. (Credit: Stephanie Wissel / Penn State creative commons)

Some theorists are now floating ideas that range from dark matter interactions to new physics beyond the Standard Model. Others suggest we might be seeing an unknown behavior of radio waves near ice or the horizon. A new balloon-based detector called PUEO is expected to launch soon to gather more data and hopefully crack the case.

ANITA was placed in Antarctica because there is little chance of interference from other signals. To capture the emission signals, the balloon-borne radio detector is sent to fly over stretches of ice, capturing what are called ice showers. Credit: Stephanie Wissel / Penn State.

After ANITA's balloon-borne detectors picked up those impossible upward-traveling radio pulses (in both 2006 and 2014), researchers ruled out neutrinos as the cause. The angles were just too steep — around 30° below the horizon — meaning any particle would’ve had to pass through nearly 3,000 km of solid Earth. That’s a feat no known particle can pull off.

To double-check, scientists turned to other observatories like IceCube in Antarctica and Pierre Auger in Argentina. Neither found matching events, reinforcing the anomaly. Theories now range from exotic particles to unknown radio propagation effects near ice or the horizon — but none fully explain the signals.

Enter PUEO — the Payload for Ultrahigh Energy Observations. It’s ANITA’s successor, slated to launch soon with five times the sensitivity. It’ll carry more antennas and upgraded electronics to hunt for similar signals and hopefully determine whether we’re seeing new physics or just misunderstood phenomena.

Stephanie Wissel, a lead physicist on the project, summed it up best:

It's one of those long-standing mysteries. We’ve ruled out what it’s not — now we’re trying to figure out what it is

It’s like the ice is whispering secrets from a realm we haven’t yet mapped. Want to dive deeper into the theories — dark matter, exotic particles, or even the more speculative ones? Follow IndianWeb2.com on X, LinkedIn or Facebook.

NASA Fast-Tracks Mars Missions, Puts Lunar Plans on Hold

NASA is considering launching missions to Mars as early as next year, marking a significant shift in priorities. This change comes after the U.S. administration released its proposed budget, which emphasizes landing a human on Mars and allocates an additional $1 billion for Mars-related projects.

SpaceX's Starship is expected to play a key role in these missions, given its capability to reach the Red Planet. The agency is evaluating launch windows in 2026 and 2028 to test technologies that will support human exploration on Mars. However, this shift may lead to tensions with lawmakers who have mandated NASA to focus on a long-term lunar presence.

With this NASA's shift toward Mars missions is causing major changes to its lunar exploration plans. The Artemis program, which was designed to establish a long-term human presence on the Moon, is facing significant cuts. The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion crew capsule—key components of Artemis—are set to be retired after Artemis 3, the first planned crewed Moon landing. Additionally, the lunar Gateway space station, which was meant to serve as a staging point for deep-space missions, is being canceled.

Despite these cuts, NASA is still allocating over $7 billion for lunar exploration. However, the agency is shifting toward commercial alternatives, such as SpaceX's Starship, to support future Moon missions. This move aligns with the administration’s goal of prioritizing Mars while maintaining a presence on the Moon.

Notably, NASA and ISRO's NISAR mission remains on track despite NASA's shift toward Mars. The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite is scheduled for launch in June 2025. This Earth observation mission will use dual-frequency radar (L-band and S-band) to monitor changes in landforms, ice sheets, and ecosystems every 12 days.

While NASA is prioritizing Mars, NISAR's funding and development remain intact, as it serves a different purpose—tracking environmental changes, disaster management, and infrastructure monitoring. The satellite is currently undergoing final integration at ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

So, while NASA's deep-space ambitions are shifting, its collaboration with ISRO on Earth science remains strong.

This shift of priorities from NASA is sparking concerns among lawmakers and international partners, as NASA had previously committed to a sustained lunar presence. What do you think, should NASA focus on Mars, or is the Moon still a crucial stepping stone? Do comment your opinion below...

50 Yrs of Climate Change: NASA Image Shows The 'Blue Planet' Has Turned Grey

Half a century ago, Earth was a shimmering marble in the void—a planet so vibrantly blue, its image from space became a symbol of purity, balance, and life. But in the last 50 years, that celestial blue has dimmed, clouded by the scars of human progress. Rising temperatures, poisoned oceans, and vanishing forests—our home has morphed into something unrecognizable.

The Apollo 8 images from 1968 captured Earth in its pristine glory, a vibrant blue sphere untouched by the extreme climate shifts we see today. Meanwhile, NASA's EPIC (Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera) images from 2025 provide a stark contrast, revealing the effects of rising temperatures, pollution, and deforestation.

1968: A pristine, thriving Blue Planet. The beginning of space exploration and hope.

Explore these images here:

• 1968 Apollo 8 Earth View: [See it here]
• 2025 NASA EPIC Earth View: [See it here]

Besides this 1968 photo, the original slide film of the famous 1972 Blue Marble photograph was taken by the Apollo 17 crew on December 7, 1972, during their journey to the Moon. This iconic image, officially designated AS17-148-22727, became one of the most widely distributed photographs in history, showcasing Earth in its full, illuminated glory.

This classic photograph of the Earth was taken on December 7, 1972. 

For a high-quality version of the original slide transparency, explore:

• NASA's archival records: [View here].
• Agent Gallery Chicago, which offers a large transparency slide of the image: [See details]

This image was groundbreaking because it was the first time astronauts could capture the entire Earth, including the South Pole, in a single frame. It remains a powerful reminder of our planet’s beauty and fragility.

The Warning We Ignored

The first murmurs of a climate crisis emerged in the 1970s, when scientists started linking fossil fuel emissions to global temperature rise. Fast forward to today, and their predictions have become stark reality. Glaciers retreat like beaten warriors, islands sink beneath rising tides, and entire species are disappearing before our eyes. The warnings were there, yet humanity plowed ahead, chasing industrial expansion and unchecked consumption.

Oceans: The Fading Blue

2025: A fading, wounded Earth. 50 years of climate change and the fight for survival. (NASA Image taken on 22 April 2025) 

Once a vast cradle of life, our oceans bear the deepest wounds. Nearly 30% more acidic than 50 years ago, their coral reefs bleach into graveyards, unable to withstand relentless temperature spikes. Polluted waters choke marine ecosystems, while plastic islands float aimlessly—monuments to our disregard for nature. What was once Earth's lifeblood has transformed into a struggling, poisoned entity.

Forests: The Vanishing Green

The lungs of our planet are collapsing. The Amazon, once infinite in its stretch, has lost millions of acres. Climate-triggered wildfires ravage Australia and California with apocalyptic force, leaving behind a scorched wasteland. Trees—nature’s most efficient carbon scrubbers—are being erased at an alarming rate, allowing carbon dioxide to fill the air like an invisible plague.

A dramatic comparison between 2000 and 2015 reveals vast areas of forest replaced by roads and plantations.

The Temperature Siege

We've surpassed tipping points once thought unimaginable. The last decade was the hottest in recorded history, with summers stretching longer and fiercer, and winters becoming erratic. As Arctic ice melts, new pathways open for geopolitical ambition, but at a devastating cost—the loss of an ancient ecosystem. Cities once considered safe from climate threats are now battling floods, heatwaves, and resource scarcity.

What Now?

Despite the bleak picture, all is not lost. Renewable energy innovations, ambitious climate agreements, and the relentless fight of environmental activists offer glimpses of hope. Nations are slowly shifting towards greener economies, corporations are being held accountable, and individuals are embracing sustainable habits. The Earth’s wounds are deep, but not irreparable—if we act, if we adapt, if we revolutionize.

The question remains: Will we restore the blue that made Earth the envy of the cosmos, or will we stand idly as it fades to gray?

Sunita Williams to Return Safely on March 19: Sr Scientist at NASA-JPL

• “Sunita Williams to return home safely on March 19”: Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay at ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025
• “There is no conspiracy theory here; Sunita Williams’ return was delayed due to a technical glitch,” said Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay
• “We have not found life outside Earth; not even a single cell,” said Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay

“There is no conspiracy theory here. NASA is not keeping Sunita Williams in space. Sunita Williams’ return was delayed due to a technical glitch, but on March 19, they will be safely back home. In fact, we are using this opportunity to explore space further,” Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay, Senior Scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Visiting Professor at Caltech said on NASA’s Sunita Williams stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) at ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025 in Mumbai, today.

Against the backdrop of India's growing leadership in space exploration, Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay, exploring humanity's latest discoveries in the quest to understand the universe, said, “Can life exist outside of Earth? The answer is yes. But we have not found life outside of Earth; not even a single cell. But with 400 billion stars and the majority having planets revolving around them, the probability of life existing beyond Earth is there. Our goal is to find a planet where life is sustainable.”

Speaking at the session ‘Adventures in Space – Our Place in the Universe,’ Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay, added, “We search for the unknown with the knowledge of the known. But we don’t even know what kind of life could start or where it may exist. That is what we are trying to figure out. The best place to live a happy life in this universe is our Earth. Why should we go live on Mars? We can send you there if you want, but it’s a one-way ticket.”

Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay also spoke on India’s unmatched potential in the global landscape, stating, “ISRO and NASA are collaborating on a project right now. ISRO is doing great and executing successful missions.”

Talking about how astronomy is different from astrology, Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay said, “Astronomy truly opens up your vision to the universe and it is a big mystery that we are trying to solve."

ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, centred on the theme ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier’, will bring together thought leaders and innovators to explore the challenges and opportunities in India’s ascendance in a rapidly changing world. In the face of climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and technological advancements such as AI, the summit delved into India’s role as both an ancient civilisation and a demographic powerhouse in shaping the future. The two-day summit brought together a confluence of ideas from global thought leaders, intellectuals, and change-makers, covering transformative possibilities in science, medicine, social contracts, and global leadership, with experts from diverse fields offering bold visions of a better, more sustainable world for all.

NASA Astronaut Captures Photos of Maha Kumbh at Night from The ISS

NASA astronaut Don Pettit, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), recently shared stunning photos of the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela from space. Captured at night, the images show the vast crowd illuminated under the night sky, highlighting the grandeur of the world's largest human gathering.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, held once every 144 years in Prayagraj, attracts millions of devotees who come to take a holy dip in the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Pettit's photos beautifully capture the enormity and vibrancy of this spiritual event from an unparalleled perspective.

2025 Maha Kumbh Mela Ganges River pilgrimage from the ISS at night. The largest human gathering in the world is well lit. pic.twitter.com/l9YD6o0Llo

— Don Pettit (@astro_Pettit) January 26, 2025

NASA astronaut Don Pettit, known for his passion for photography, has used a Telephoto lenses attached to an electronic still camera to capture the stunning images of the Maha Kumbh Mela from the International Space Station (ISS). Pettit has shared many breathtaking views of Earth from space during his missions.

Enlarged and enhances copy of photo taken by Astronaut Pettit (Click or tap to view) 

Pettit used high-resolution digital cameras, including models from Nikon and Canon, to capture his images.

He employed a range of lenses, including fisheye, wide-angle, and telephoto lenses, to get different perspectives and details.

The fisheye lens allowed him to capture wide panoramic views, which are especially useful for photographing large events. Telephoto lenses were used to zoom in on specific areas, providing detailed close-up shots of geographical features or events on Earth.

An innovative photographer, Pettit has used time exposure, multiple cameras, infrared, and other techniques to contribute breathtaking images of Earth and star trails from the space station’s unique viewpoint. These photos contribute to a database researchers use to understand Earth’s changing landscapes, and this imagery can inspire the public’s interest in human spaceflight. 

China Dam Slowing Down Earth's Rotation, Says NASA

The Three Gorges Dam in China had a measurable impact on Earth's rotation, says scientists from the US space agency NASA. The dam spans the Yangtze River in Hubei province, China. It is about 2,335 meters (7,660 feet) long and 185 meters (607 feet) high. The reservoir created by the dam is 600 kilometers (370 miles) long and can hold up to 39.3 cubic kilometers (9.43 cubic miles) of water.

The primary purpose of the dam is to generate electricity. It has an installed capacity of 22,500 megawatts, making it the largest hydroelectric power station in the world.

The massive weight of the water stored in the dam's reservoir has increased Earth's moment of inertia. This means that the distribution of Earth's mass has changed, causing a slight decrease in the speed of Earth's rotation.

As a result, the length of a day has increased by about 0.06 microseconds. While this change is incredibly small and not noticeable in daily life, it is scientifically significant.

 If filled, the dam would hold 40 cubic kilometers (10 trillion gallons) of water. That shift of mass would increase the length of day by only 0.06 microseconds and make the Earth only very slightly more round in the middle and flat on the top. It would shift the pole position by about two centimeters (0.8 inch).

Other Effects

Power Generation: The dam generates a massive amount of electricity, approximately 88.2 billion kWh annually, making it the world's largest hydroelectric power station.

Environmental Impact: The construction and operation of the dam have led to significant environmental changes, including the relocation of over 1.2 million people and the flooding of large.

Future Projects

China is planning to build an even larger dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, which could have even more pronounced effects on Earth's rotation and the environment.

It's fascinating how human engineering can have such a profound impact on our planet. 

History & Timeline of NISAR, the World’s Most Expensive Earth-Imaging Satellite

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite is a collaborative project between NASA and ISRO, aimed at providing advanced radar imaging for Earth observation.

NISAR is expected to be the world's most expensive Earth-imaging satellite, with a total cost estimated at US$1.5 billion. The data collected will be freely available to the scientific community and the public, aiding in understanding and managing Earth's natural resources and hazards.

Here's a brief history and timeline of the NISAR mission:

Conceptualization

2014: The partnership between NASA and ISRO was formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop and launch the NISAR satellite.

2016: Detailed design and development work began, with both agencies contributing their expertise and resources.

Artist Rendering of NISAR (Source: NASA/ JPl-Caltech) 

Development and Testing

2018-2020: The development of the satellite's components, including the L-band radar provided by NASA and the S-band radar provided by ISRO, was completed.

2020-2023: Integration and testing of the satellite and its instruments were conducted to ensure functionality and reliability.

Launch Preparation

2023: The satellite was transported to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh, India, for final preparations and integration with the launch vehicle.

2024: Final checks and rehearsals were conducted in preparation for the scheduled launch in early 2025.

NISAR's flight antenna system undergoes thermal vacuum testing at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Launch and Mission

March 2025 (Planned): The NISAR satellite is scheduled to be launched aboard ISRO's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II (GSLV Mk II) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

Mission Objectives

Earth Observation: NISAR will map the entire globe every 12 days, providing data on ecosystems, ice mass, vegetation, sea level rise, groundwater, and natural hazards like earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, and landslides.

Dual Radar Systems: The satellite will carry both L-band and S-band radars, allowing for comprehensive monitoring of Earth's surface movements and natural processes.

NISAR Launch and Deploy Animation Video 

How Do Astronauts Vote From Space?

Fascinating blend of technology and democracy are working together to ensure everyone's voice can be heard, even from outer space.

Astronauts have the unique opportunity to vote from space, thanks to a special process set up by NASA.

The First Vote from Outer Space

David Wolf, the first American to vote in space, relaxes in the Spacehab module while Space Shuttle Atlantis was docked to Mir (10/16/1997)

The very first vote from space was cast by NASA astronaut David Wolf in 1997 while he was aboard Russia's Mir Space Station. This historic event was made possible by legislation passed by the Texas Legislature, which allowed NASA astronauts to cast ballots from orbit. The process involved sending an encrypted electronic ballot to the astronaut, which was then transmitted back to Earth and delivered to the appropriate county clerk's office.

Why Astronauts have to Vote from the Space?

The ability for astronauts to vote from space ensures that they can participate in the democratic process, even while they are on extended missions. It's a testament to the importance of civic duty and the innovative ways technology can support it.

Astronauts vote from space primarily because they may be on extended missions during election periods and cannot return to Earth to cast their ballots. This process ensures that astronauts can still participate in the democratic process while fulfilling their duties aboard the International Space Station (ISS) or other space missions.

The Setup

NASA astronaut Kate Rubins points to the International Space Station’s “voting booth” where she cast her vote from space this month. Credit: NASA

Image Credits - NASA

1. Application for Absentee Ballot: Before their mission, astronauts fill out a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to request an absentee ballot.

2. Secure Transmission: NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston sends the encrypted electronic ballot to the astronaut via a secure communication system.

3. Voting from Space: The astronaut fills out the ballot on an onboard computer, which is equipped with unique credentials to ensure security.

4. Transmission Back to Earth: The completed ballot is then encrypted and transmitted back to Earth using NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS).

5. Final Delivery: The ballot is relayed to the county clerk's office responsible for casting the ballot.

This process ensures that astronauts can participate in the democratic process even while they are orbiting Earth