Indian private space-tech company Pixxel launched India’s first private satellite constellation

Indian private space-tech company Pixxel has launched India’s first private satellite constellation, "Firefly." The first three satellites of the Firefly constellation were successfully deployed aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

Firefly is Pixxel's flagship hyperspectral imaging (HSI) satellite constellation, consisting of six of the highest-resolution commercial hyperspectral satellites to date.

About Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) Satellites: HSI satellites capture a broad spectrum of light, rather than simply assigning primary colors (red, green, blue) to each pixel. This allows for a more detailed spectral “fingerprint” of the Earth. HSI satellites provide deeper insights into the imaged area. For example, while a standard satellite might identify a forest, an HSI satellite can distinguish between different tree species and assess the health of each individual tree.

About Satellite Constellations: A satellite constellation is a network of identical satellites that share a common purpose and control, working together as a system. These satellites communicate with global ground stations and, in some cases, interconnect to enhance each other’s functionality. Starlink, with 2,146 active satellites, is the largest satellite constellation in operation.

Types of Satellite Orbits:

• Geostationary Orbit (GEO): Positioned at an altitude of 36,000 km, these satellites synchronize with Earth's rotation.
• Medium Earth Orbit (MEO): Located between 5,000 to 20,000 km, MEO satellites are typically used for navigation.
• Low Earth Orbit (LEO): Operating at altitudes between 500 to 1,200 km, LEO satellites are primarily used for research, telecommunications, and Earth observation.

Hollywood Mourns David Lynch: A Tremendous Loss of a Distinctive and One-of-a-Kind Voice

The death of filmmaker David Lynch, confirmed by his family on Thursday at the age of 78, has sent shockwaves through Hollywood. Esteemed figures like Steven Spielberg, Nicolas Cage, and Hugh Jackman have paid heartfelt tributes, calling his passing a "massive loss" to the film industry.

Steven Spielberg shared a touching tribute, highlighting Lynch's remarkable body of work: "I loved David’s films. ‘Blue Velvet,’ ‘Mulholland Drive,’ and ‘Elephant Man’ established him as a unique, visionary dreamer who crafted films with a deeply personal touch. I had the privilege of working with David when he portrayed John Ford in ‘The Fabelmans.’ It was surreal to see one of my heroes, David Lynch, playing another of my heroes. It felt like a scene from one of David’s own films. The world will miss such an original and exceptional voice. His films have already withstood the test of time, and they will continue to do so."

"Weather update for January 16, 2025: Cloudy skies and cold temperatures in Delhi. What’s the forecast for states like UP and Bihar? Get the latest weather details here."

 Weather Update for January 16, 2025:

The weather in Delhi took a noticeable turn early this morning. Before most people were awake, Delhi and surrounding NCR areas experienced significant rainfall. The Meteorological Department had already predicted this rain, and it was followed by a cold wind period. Although the chances of more rain have reduced, a fog alert has been issued for today. Additionally, rain alerts have been issued for UP and Rajasthan. The cold wave continues in the hilly regions. Here’s a look at the weather across the country today:

Delhi Weather Update:

The rain this morning in Delhi has once again shifted the weather patterns. The capital and surrounding areas experienced prolonged light rain. According to the Meteorological Department, light rain is expected intermittently in the morning. The maximum temperature is likely to reach 17°C, while the minimum may drop to 10°C. Moderate fog is expected on January 17 and 18, with dense fog in some areas. The maximum temperature will range between 19°C, and the minimum will range between 7 to 8°C.

On January 19 and 20, mild fog is anticipated. The maximum temperature may rise to 20-21°C, with a minimum ranging from 6 to 10°C. Light rain may occur at night on January 21, with a maximum temperature of 22°C and a minimum of 9°C.

Weather in Punjab and Haryana: