ISRO-Norwegian Space Agency Framework Agreement
1 May 2026National
The Nordic Summit welcomed a Framework Agreement between ISRO and the Norwegian Space Agency on space cooperation, expanding India's international space partnerships.
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IKerala's HEX20 Launches KOYO Satellite aboard SpaceX Transporter-17Kerala-based spacetech startup HEX20 successfully launched its second satellite KOYO (Kinetic Optical Yaw Observer) aboard SpaceX's Transporter-17 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. Carrying 81 payloads, KOYO entered orbit as a multi-payload test platform for in-orbit technology validation. KOYO carries payloads from international partners (Aegiverse and National Central University of Taiwan, Amplified Space of USA, and ET Space Power) and validated HEX20's AX CubeSat platform. It builds on NILA (2025), India's first private-sector rideshare satellite and Kerala's first privately built satellite.17 Jul 2026IISRO Successfully Conducts Three Major Gaganyaan Crew Module TestsIn July 2026, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted three critical tests of the Gaganyaan Crew Module (CM) systems. The tests were: the Float inflation test for the Crew Module Up-Righting System (CMUS); Umbilical Separation Testing of the Connect-Disconnect System (CS-CDS); and the crew module structure qualification test for Apex Cover separation loads. Together they validate splashdown recovery, module separation and parachute deployment ahead of India first crewed orbital mission.16 Jul 2026IJapan Conducts First Lift-off and Landing Test of RV-X Reusable RocketThe Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully conducted the first lift-off and landing test of its RV-X reusable rocket prototype at the Noshiro Testing Center, Akita Prefecture. The rocket rose to about 10 metres, flew for around 40 seconds and landed safely, demonstrating vertical take-off and vertical landing (VTVL) technology. Jointly developed with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the RV-X supports reusable successors to the single-use H3 launch vehicle.14 Jul 2026IShubhanshu Shukla Launches Debut Book 'The Second Orbit'IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla launched his debut book 'The Second Orbit: Belief of a Man… Dreams of 1.4 Billion Hearts' in Bengaluru, published by Penguin Random House India, with former ISRO chiefs A.S. Kiran Kumar and S. Somanath present. The book chronicles his Axiom Mission 4 experience — 18 days aboard the ISS — and pays tribute to Rakesh Sharma, India's first astronaut (1984).14 Jul 2026