This past Thursday, the Indian Space Research Organization performed a crucial pad-abort test on their crew capsule spacecraft, a successful crewed launch of which would make India only the fourth country ever to independently launch a human into space, after the (late) Soviet Union, United States, and China. The test was designed to simulate an abort procedure that would require the crew capsule to be launched to safety in the event of something going very wrong with the launch vehicle. These sorts of systems have been in place on nearly all crewed spacecraft, with a few exceptions—NASA’s Space Shuttles didn’t use such a system, due to its size, and U.S. Gemini and USSR Vostok capsules used ejector seats. Here’s what the test looked like: The system of four atmospheric guidance “grids” on the sides of the aerodynamic fairing over the capsule is quite similar to what the Soviet/Russian Soyuz spacecraft uses. Essentially, the ISRO system works … [Read more...] about India’s Closer To Putting A Person In Space
India launching satellite
Ather S340 & S450 launched; 10 things you don’t know about India’s MOST expensive electric scooters
Ather Energy launched the long-awaited S340 and S450 in India. The scooter has been in news for a long time and has been dubbed as the Tesla of the two-wheeler markets by many. Now that the Ather Energy has finally launched the S340 and the S450, what are the most intriguing things that you do not know about the scooter? Let’s find out. Waterproof battery When it comes to electric automobiles, most people stay sceptic because of the huge battery and how it may get affected if water or any other liquid enters it. To overcome that doubt, Ather Energy is using advanced IP67 rated batteries. Now such ratings are quite common in smartphones but it is the first time that a two-wheeler battery gets such high-standard ratings. The IP67 ratings mean that the battery is completely dustproof and waterproof. Lighting fast charging Ather offers fast charging solution as standard. They have set-up charging points in various places in Bengaluru with fast charging feature. It will be able to … [Read more...] about Ather S340 & S450 launched; 10 things you don’t know about India’s MOST expensive electric scooters
Kia Carnival under consideration for India
Kia will enter the Indian market in 2019 with the Kia SP Concept-based premium B-SUV (Hyundai Creta rival). For the eventual expansion of its lineup, the company is considering the Kia Carnival MPV among other models, as per a report from Autocar India. The Kia Carnival, also known as Kia Grand Carnival and Kia Sedona, is a minivan that competes with the likes of Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Pacifica, and Toyota Sienna. The third-generation model currently on sale arrived in early 2014 and received a facelift earlier this year. The Kia Carnival measures 5,115 mm in length, 1,985 mm in width and 1,740 mm in height. It has a 3,060 mm wheelbase. Kia offers this model in 7-seat, 8-seat, and 11-seat versions, although options may vary depending on the market. In South Korea, the company’s home market, customers get to choose between the 3.3L GDI V6 petrol engine (280 PS/336 Nm) and the R2.2 E-VGT CRDi diesel engine (202 PS/441 Nm). An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard. On the … [Read more...] about Kia Carnival under consideration for India
Ford EcoSport Titanium S will be launched in May
A report from Autocar India says that the market launch of the sporty Ford EcoSport Titanium S will follow in May. The Ford EcoSport Titanium S is distinguished by features like a darkened front grille and front skid plate, black headlamp bezels, gunmetal finish 17-inch exclusive alloy wheels, black roof, black roof rails and black rear spoiler. Interior changes include orange grab bar, orange accents on the centre console and door panels, seat covers with orange inserts, power moonroof, chrome rings around the speedometer and tachometer and a bigger, 4.2-inch MID. The SYNC3 infotainment system could feature satellite navigation as well. The Ford EcoSport Titanium S will feature a 6-speed manual transmission, unavailable on any of the configurations currently on sale. According to the report, the new 6-speed manual transmission will eventually replace the 5-speed manual transmission across the range. Also Read: Ford Freestyle launch postponed to April 26 The Ford EcoSport … [Read more...] about Ford EcoSport Titanium S will be launched in May
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque convertible launched in India at Rs 69.53lakh
After teasing the car at motor shows and on its website, Land Rover India has finally launched the Evoque Convertible. The idea of a convertible or an open-top SUV isn't alien - think Wrangler or the recently defunct Land Rovers from Dheradun. But the handsome Evoque with one of the largest fabric hats in the world, is certainly quite exclusive. The price for this exclusivity starts at Rs 69.53 lakh, slotting the Evoque Convertible between its 5-door sibling and the recently launched Range Rover Velar. The Evoque Convertible made available in India is powered by the familiar 2.0 four-cylinder petrol engine that is good for 240PS of power and 340Nm of torque. The slick nine-sped transmission that we love on the new Land Rovers does duty in here too and feeds the power and torque to a four-wheel drivetrain. The Evoque model line does have a fair bit of off-road capability, and the convertible variant too gets the acclaimed Terrain Response System to tackle varied landscapes. It also gets … [Read more...] about Land Rover Range Rover Evoque convertible launched in India at Rs 69.53lakh