Starship Flight 7 is planned for launch as early as Monday, January 13th 2025. This hugely awaited test flight will introduce dramatic mods to the starship system which in a way will help create higher standards in the reusability of spacecraft and satellites.

Innovative Payload Deployment

Now, for the first time, Starship will try to deliver payloads to space. The mission is to orbit 10 Starlink simulators- mock Starlink satellites essentially similar in size and mass to the new generation of Starlink satellites. This step brings a new capability to the Starship to carry and deliver payloads for civil and scientific missions. The simulators will mimic Starship's suborbital flight path, and its planned splash landing will be in the Indian Ocean.

Enhanced Booster and Reentry Testing

Flight 7 will also be examining SpaceX's capacity to return and catch the Super Heavy booster. With real flight hardware, a used Raptor engine and new chopsticks for landing on the launch tower, the booster will attempt to land. The booster is designed to return toward the intended heading and make a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico if conditions are unsuitable.

On the upper stage, Starship will be exposed to stress tests including re-entry experiments designed to stress areas with modified heat shield tiles. These tests are to ensure Starship's design is robust in situations that would require exposure to high heat and high stress.

Major System Upgrades

This mission includes enhancements like high propellant volume increase of 25%, new avionics and aerodynamics, and better propulsion. A new heat shield with extra layers and new radar sensors for booster catch show that SpaceX increases the company's reliability and safety.

A Transformational Year for SpaceX

With plans for 25 Starship launches in 2025, SpaceX aims to revolutionize space exploration. Flight 7 is a key step toward the company's vision of reusable spacecraft capable of carrying humans and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon and Mars.

AIFs Target Govt Funds to Boost Sunrise and Deep-Tech Startups

Alternate Investment Funds (AIFs) have requested the government to provide specific funds for investments in new-age, sunrise, and deep-tech startups to foster innovation. They also suggested extending the duration of the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) scheme and creating sector-specific funds. Established in 2016 with a corpus of Rs 10,000 crore, the FFS aims to boost venture capital investments. As of October 31, 2024, AIFs supported by FFS have invested Rs 20,572.14 crore in startups. The government's Startup India initiative, launched in 2016, has recognized over 1.5 lakh startups, providing financial support through various schemes.

ONGC Recruitment 2025: Apply Online for 108 Vacancies Now

ONGC is recruiting candidates for 108 vacancies in various Geoscience and Engineering positions, including Geologist, Geophysicist (Surface/Wells), AEE (Production) in Mechanical, Petroleum, and Chemical, AEE (Drilling) in Mechanical and Petroleum, and AEE (Mechanical) and AEE (Electrical). The selected candidates will receive a consolidated salary between Rs. 60,000 and Rs. 1,80,000. Applicants must appear for a Computer-Based Test (CBT), which will be followed by a Personal Interview. The final selection will be based on CBT score and interview performance. The application process has already begun, with specific fees for GEN/EWS/OBC candidates.