Science and Tech Updates: September 2015

NASA and USAID start SERVIR-Mekong project

NASA and US Agency for International Development (USAID) have started the SERVIR-Mekong project, to strengthen the environmental monitoring in Southeast Asia region. It will serve the 5 countries of the Mekong River Basin viz. Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

GSAT-6 communication satellite

ISRO has successfully positioned India’s GSAT-6 satellite into its orbital slot of 83 Degree east after carrying out four drift arresting manoeuvres. It has been collocated with other four communication satellites INSAT-4A, IRNSS1C, GSAT 12 and GSAT 10.

Homo naledi: new ancestral species in the human family

Scientists have discovered a new ancestral species in the human family tree dubbed as Homonaledi in Cradle of Humankind in South Africa.

China launches Long March-6

China has successfully launched a newly-developed smaller version of carrier rocket Long March-6 as part of the country’s space program.

India launches Astrosat, first dedicated satellite for astronomy research

India’s first dedicated satellite for astronomy research Astrosat has been successfully launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikotta with the help of PSLC-C30.