SpaceX Launches World's First Commercial Nuclear-Powered Satellite (BOHR) with Betavoltaic Technology

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

NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope launched on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy to the Sun-Earth L2 point, 1.6 million km from Earth. It will conduct wide-field surveys to study dark energy, dark matter, and directly image exoplanets. This is a major space science mission that complements Hubble and Webb, expected to begin science operations in early 2027.

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.

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 EOS-05, India's First Geo-Orbit Imaging Satellite (2367 kg) via GSLV-F17

ISRO has successfully launched the EOS-05 satellite, India's first imaging satellite from geosynchronous orbit, using GSLV-F17. This marks a comeback after launch failures in 2025-26 and replaces the failed EOS-03 mission. The satellite will provide real-time strategic imagery for national activities.

ISRO Launches EOS-05: India's First Geo-Imaging Satellite in Geosynchronous Orbit; SC Invokes Article 142 to Quash CJP Protest Cases

A day of high exam relevance: ISRO successfully launched EOS-05, India’s first dedicated geo-imaging satellite in geosynchronous orbit, breaking a failure streak. The Supreme Court used its extraordinary power under Article 142 to close cases linked to CJP protests, raising important constitutional questions. Other key updates include OpenAI’s new autonomous AI model, Manipur’s NRC-first demand for Census deferral, mistrust in GDP data, and Tata Chemicals’ Kenya dispute.

ISRO Launches EOS-05: India's First Geosynchronous Earth-Imaging Satellite for Strategic & Disaster Monitoring

ISRO has successfully launched EOS-05, India's first earth-imaging satellite placed in geosynchronous orbit. Unlike polar-orbiting satellites, it can continuously observe the same area, making it invaluable for real-time disaster response (floods, cyclones, forest fires), agricultural monitoring, and strategic security applications. This marks a significant leap in India's space-based surveillance capabilities.

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.