Pioneer in short
Artemis II in orbit on historic moon mission
The four astronauts aboard the Artemis II have reached orbit. They will circle the Earth for about 25 hours before catapulting toward the moon. The four astronauts embarked on the high-stakes flight around the moon Wednesday, humanity’s first lunar voyage in more than half a century and the thrilling lead-off in NASA’s push toward a landing in two years. Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman led the charge into space with “Let’s go to the moon!” accompanied by pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canada’s Jeremy Hansen. It was the most diverse lunar crew ever with the first woman, person of color and non-US citizen riding in NASA’s new Orion capsule. They’ll hurtle several thousand miles beyond the moon, hang a U-turn and then come straight back. No circling around the moon, no stopping for a moonwalk — just a quick out-and-back lasting less than 10 days. NASA promises more boot prints in the gray lunar dust, but not before a couple practice missions. Artemis II is the opening shot of NASA’s grand plans for a permanent moon base. The space programme is aiming for a moon landing near the lunar south pole in 2028.
60% flight seats offer put on hold
The Government on Thursday “put in abeyance” its earlier direction to airlines to offer at least 60 per cent of seats in a flight without levying any additional charge from April 20, according to sources. “The matter has been reviewed in light of representations received from the Federation of Indian Airlines and Akasa Air, highlighting operational and commercial implications of the above provision, including its potential impact on fare structures and consistency with the prevailing deregulated tariff regime. “In view of the above, and pending a comprehensive examination of the issue, it has been decided that the provision relating to offering at least 60 per cent of seats free of charge shall be kept in abeyance till further orders,” Civil Aviation Ministry said in a communication to the DGCA.
