scorecardresearch
Add as a preferred source on Google
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
TopicDepartment of Space

Topic: Department of Space

Mount Abu observatory is India’s eye on the sky. It’s hunting for Earth’s distant cousins

Mount Abu Infrared Observatory has already discovered 4 planets outside the solar system. Now it’s using cutting-edge PARAS-2 spectrograph to search for planets similar to Earth.

Alternative landing site for Chandrayaan-3 on Moon has potential for future lunar experiments

Researchers at Ahmedabad-based Physical Research Laboratory have published detailed analysis of geomorphology, composition, and temperatures of alternative site in Current Science.

Modi govt shouldn’t leave pvt sector to navigate outer space on its own. There is ISRO monopoly

Private sector would be interested in Low Earth Orbit satellites that have greater commercial utility value. But they will need to deal with UN office for outer space whose members are only govts.

‘Where’s the research?’ Why space institute IIST’s tailor-made graduates don’t stay at ISRO

Many IIST graduates who are contractually obligated to work with ISRO end up leaving midway by paying fees out of their own pocket, and enrolling for further studies.

India’s private space sector is rising, but wait for Bezos-like ‘joy rides’ will be longer

India's space sector, dominated by ISRO, has seen a boom in private companies in past 3 years. But there are still many challenges to overcome, including flawed policy-making.

Space Activities Bill, meant to boost private role, will create confusion instead

The draft Space Activities Bill, which might be presented in the winter session of Parliament, leaves crucial newspace facets unconsidered.

On Camera

Telangana spoke up for Muslim vendor who was attacked. South is different from the North

A poor Muslim man from Kurnool, selling khoya buns during the Medaram Jatara in Telangana, was harassed by some YouTubers and surrounded by a mob over allegations of 'food jihad'.

Venezuela crude returns to India’s oil basket. But only as ‘supplementary’ supply

Indian refiners are testing Venezuelan barrels again as Russian supply sinks, but analysts say volumes will remain limited due to refinery constraints & supply capacity.

US military commander, envoy Sergio Gor visit Indian Army Western Command, Bengaluru next

At the Western Army Command, the American delegation was briefed on the capabilities of the formation, past operations and the path ahead.

The new Great Game—Trump’s playing for time, China for leverage & India for wiggle room

This is the game every nation is now learning to play. Some are finding new allies or seeing value among nations where they’d seen marginal interest. The starkest example is India & Europe.