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In a remarkable display of space activity, six rockets were launched within 18 hours on April 28-29, 2025, setting a new record. Missions from the US, China, ESA, and private firms like SpaceX and Amazon, aimed to expand LEO broadband constellations and pursue scientific goals. While most launches boosted internet access, ESA's Biomass satellite focused on climate monitoring.

Amazon launched its first 27 Project Kuiper satellites on April 29, 2025, aboard a ULA Atlas V rocket, marking its entry into the satellite broadband market. This $10 billion venture aims to provide global high-speed internet, especially to underserved areas. Amazon plans to deploy 3,236 satellites, competing with SpaceX's Starlink and integrating with AWS and its consumer ecosystem.

SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket carrying multiple satellites. The Bandwagon-3 mission included a German re-entry capsule, a South Korean military satellite, and a US weather satellite. Phoenix 1 tested its heat shield. The mission highlights affordable access to space. It also shows international collaboration. This launch signals a future where space is more accessible.

Amazon has successfully launched its first batch of Kuiper internet satellites, marking its entry into the satellite internet market. This deployment positions Amazon as a direct competitor to SpaceX's Starlink, aiming to provide fast, affordable internet, especially in underserved regions. Amazon plans to meet the FCC deadline to deploy half of its satellite network by mid-2026.

Former ISRO chairman K. Kasturirangan, a distinguished scientist and administrator, passed away at 85 in Bengaluru on April 25, 2025, after a prolonged illness. He significantly contributed to India's space program, overseeing key satellite projects and launch vehicles like PSLV and GSLV. His expertise extended to astrophysics and education policy, leaving a lasting impact on India's scientific and technological landscape.

Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, the eminent scientist and former ISRO chairman, passed away at 84. He led ISRO through a period of unprecedented success, including the development of PSLV and groundwork for Chandrayaan-1. Post-ISRO, he contributed to the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement and chaired the National Education Policy committee, leaving a lasting impact on India's scientific and educational landscape.

Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, the former ISRO chairman and architect of the National Education Policy 2020, passed away at 84 in Bengaluru. He spearheaded significant ISRO missions, including the Chandrayaan planning, and later revolutionized India's education system.

SpaceX achieved a remarkable feat on April 21, launching two Falcon 9 rockets within hours. The evening launch of the Bandwagon-3 mission deployed multiple payloads, including a European reentry capsule and satellites for weather resilience and military surveillance. The booster successfully returned to Cape Canaveral, marking another milestone in SpaceX's rideshare program and increasing launch cadence.

Pakistan has access to China’s military space capabilities. Indian armed forces lack a dedicated satellite system. Pahalgam is a reminder that New Delhi must upgrade its satellite-based surveillance network

Isro has achieved a second successful docking of its SpaDeX satellites, marking a significant advancement in space technology. Chairman V Narayanan hailed the operation as smooth, emphasizing its importance for future missions. Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced the docking, following the initial docking on January 16 and subsequent undocking on March 13.

SpaceX achieved a milestone on April 24, 2025, with the successful Starlink 6-74 mission, launching 28 satellites into low Earth orbit. This launch, part of SpaceX's mission to provide global high-speed internet, marked the company's 47th Falcon 9 launch of the year. The mission also highlighted the reusability of the Falcon 9 booster, contributing to SpaceX's record-breaking launch pace.

ISRO and NASA are collaborating on the NISAR mission, set to launch in June 2025. This Earth observation satellite will monitor Earth's changing systems. The GSLV-F16 will launch from Sriharikota. ISRO is also engaging the private sector for commercial spin-offs. NISAR will monitor Earth every twelve days. ISRO has other missions planned, including EOS-09 and Gaganyaan.

Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, former ISRO chairman and a key figure in India's space program, passed away at 84. He played a vital role in advancing India's space capabilities, including the development of PSLV and GSLV launch vehicles. Beyond space, he significantly contributed to shaping India's education policy and served in prominent positions, leaving a lasting impact on national development.