The year 2023 has been particularly thrilling for the space sector, especially for India, as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved the first-ever soft landing on the Moon's south polar region. Here's an overview of this year's events. (PTI)
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NASA announces crew for Artemis II manned mission: On April 3, NASA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) revealed the four astronauts selected for the Artemis II mission, which aims to orbit the Moon. This mission, slated for launch next year, marks the first crewed lunar voyage in over 50 years. (REUTERS)
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SpaceX's Starship explodes shortly after launching: On April 20, the most powerful rocket ever constructed faced multiple engine failures and exploded within minutes of its launch from SpaceX's Starbase spaceport in Texas. (REUTERS)
Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic completes first manned mission to space: On June 29, British entrepreneur Richard Branson's space venture Virgin Galactic achieved its first manned mission to the edge of space. (AP)
5/11
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope marks its first anniversary: On July 12, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope celebrated its first anniversary, capturing stunning images of celestial phenomena. (NASA GSFC/CIL/Adriana Manrique Gutierrez)
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A damaged portion of Bilal Mosque is seen after it was hit by an Indian strike in Muzaffarabad. The selection of targets was done based on extensive intelligence, primarily due to Pakistan's changing strategies aimed at concealing terror camps.
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(From L to R) Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence, Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Prince George, Prince Louis, Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Princess Charlotte gathered on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on May 5, 2025. They stood united in tribute during the national anthem. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP)
