NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Telescope Launches on Falcon Heavy to L2, Aims to Study Dark Matter & Exoplanets

International Space Summit in Paris: 90 Countries, 50 Projects, IRIS² Programme, ISRO Participates

The two-day International Space Summit began in Paris on September 9, 2026, with French President Emmanuel Macron announcing participation of 90 countries and over 50 project signings. Key highlights include Europe's IRIS² satellite programme, Greece's first astronaut on a private ISS mission, and an ISRO-led Indian delegation. This is a high-yield current affairs topic linking space diplomacy, European strategic autonomy, and India's global space cooperation.

India's Space Launch Cost $13,302/kg in 2025 vs Global Avg $3,868; Only 5 Launches vs Target 30

India's space sector faces a critical challenge: high launch costs ($13,302/kg in 2025) and infrequent launches (5 vs target 30) undermine competitiveness against SpaceX and China. The editorial argues for a shift from romantic nationalism to a business-focused approach emphasizing reliability, cost reduction, and heavy-lift capacity to capture global market share.

ISRO Successfully Launches India's First Geosynchronous Imaging Satellite EOS-05 via GSLV-F17

ISRO achieves a milestone by launching EOS-05, India's first dedicated imaging satellite in geosynchronous orbit, capable of continuous real-time monitoring of the country. This success is crucial for ISRO's recovery after recent failures and strengthens India's space-based surveillance and disaster management capabilities.

India-Belgium Boost Defence Ties; SC Limits BCI Powers; WMO Warns Super El Niño; NASA Roman Telescope

Today's UPSC Key packs four high-yield stories: India-Belgium sign defence & semiconductor pacts, SC restricts Bar Council disciplinary powers to enrolled advocates only, WMO warns of a 'very strong' El Niño lasting till Feb 2027, and NASA’s Roman Telescope launched to study dark matter. Each has direct Prelims/Mains potential.

IN-SPACe Releases Planned Re-entry Guidelines: Safety Threshold 1 in 10,000, Mandates Third-Party Liability Insurance

IN-SPACe has released new guidelines for planned re-entry of space objects, establishing a safety threshold of 1 in 10,000 risk to humans and mandating third-party liability insurance for private operators. This is crucial for India's human spaceflight mission Gaganyaan and the growing private space sector.

NASA Invites ISRO to Join Moon Base Program Under Artemis Accords for Lunar South Pole Outpost

NASA has formally invited ISRO to join its ambitious Moon Base programme, aiming to build humanity's first lunar outpost near the South Pole. This invitation, extended during the 9th India-U.S. Civil Space Joint Working Group meeting in Bengaluru, deepens bilateral space collaboration under the Artemis Accords and the TRUST initiative. For UPSC aspirants, this is a crucial topic for Science & Tech and International Relations, with potential prelims questions on the Artemis Accords, CSJWG, and lunar South Pole.

NASA Invites ISRO to Join Moon Base Programme; India Signed Artemis Accords, Targets 2040 Human Moon Landing

NASA has invited ISRO to join its Moon Base programme, a major step in India-US space cooperation. India, a signatory to the Artemis Accords, aims to land humans on the Moon by 2040. This collaboration offers ISRO hands-on experience but raises concerns about technology dependency.

India's Space Launch Cost Highest at $13,302/kg; Study Cites ISRO's Small Rocket Fleet & Infrequent Launches

A peer-reviewed study published in Economics Letters reveals that India's per-kilogram cost to send payload to low-earth orbit is the highest among major spacefaring nations at $13,302, contradicting its reputation for low-cost launches. The high cost is attributed to ISRO's reliance on small rockets and insufficient launch frequency, preventing economies of scale.