Welcome to the December 2024 edition of The Beyonder's Newsletter!
Firstly, Happy New Year 2025! 🥳🥳🥳
In the concluding month of 2024, we at the LIFE-To & Beyond Foundation® were engaged with Physical outreach across India. We have some NEW teammates. We learned many new things and networked a lot. Here are some exciting updates from our teammates and many upcoming opportunities for you to be a part of the Space sector.
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Grab your Opportunity in Space!
FEATURED OPPORTUNITY 1
We have shifted the SPACE ART WORKSHOP to Summer 2025 based on multiple requests worldwide! Do you want to capture the cosmos on your canvas?
We recently launched our Space Education Workshops! A part of our Astronaut McAuliffe Space Ed-Tech Initiative. The 1st in the series is on the fascinating field of Space Art.
A collaboration between, LIFE-To & Beyond Foundation🤝Canvas To Cosmos Studio. Our Expert Mentor: Nurul Syahirah Binti Nazarudin, Malaysia.
A 3-day, certified virtual training workshop uncovering:
• Essentials of Space Art, mediums and techniques of artwork & Career opportunities
• Hands-on Sketching and demonstrating the process of creating a Space Art
• Make your Space Art on your chosen subject and Q&A
New Dates: 25th - 27th, April 2025
Time: 7:30 PM IST - 9:00 PM IST/ 22:00 - 23:30 Malaysia Time/ 14:00 - 15:30 GMT
Registration fee:
- INR 999 only (for Indian citizens)
- 12 USD only (for International learners from Lower/Lower Middle-Income Nations)
- 50 USD only (for International learners from High/Upper Middle-Income Nations)
📅 Dates and Time: Jan 11 (11:15 AM- 12:50 PM) & Jan 12 (10:50 AM - 12:25 PM).
👩🎓 For Classes 11, 12 & undergraduates.
🎟 Only 30 seats are available per day!
𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘 (𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘) 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗕𝗘 𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗗: https://lnkd.in/gWH8SuhuExplore life in the universe through the study of astrobiology and understand Astronaut Health through space medicine Know about India's ambitious Gaganyaan Mission and Career prospects in these fields.
More Opportunities for Students:
Geta PhD on SETI and Technosignatures at University of Manchester. Be a part of a vibrant SETI research group focused on cutting-edge topics that push the boundaries of traditional SETI paradigms. As part of the University of Manchester's Bicentenary, a fully funded PhD Fellowship is available on this and many other topics. Fellowships are allocated after a successful interview on a first-come, first-served basis, so apply ASAP! For more info, see: manchester.ac.uk and FindaPhD.
Undergraduate, Post-Baccalaureate, Graduate, and Postdoctoral Opportunities at the SETI Institute- Internships, PhDs, and Fellowships. Learn more here.
Space Autonomy Research Lab summer 2025 in-person work opportunity at NASA GSFC- Building Extensible Autonomy Mission Architectures. Learn more and apply.
A Postdoctoral researcher or engineer to help develop the Agnostic Life Finder (ALF) instrument at Agnostic Life Finding Association, Inc.. If you are interested, please contact ALFA at info@alfamars.org . Learn more here.
Research Project on Hydrothermal Systems in Impact Craters: A Pathway to Habitability and the Origins of Life at the University of Edinburgh. Learn more.
Global Astrochemistry Lecture Series (GALS)- Summer Semester 2025- “Astrochemistry: From the Big Bang to Life”-Learn more and register
The ProtoSigns Lab in the School of Chemical Sciences at Dublin City University is seeking a motivated PhD student to explore novel biosignatures for microfossil interpretation as part of an ERC-funded project. Learn more here
The Geology and Planetary Mapping Winter School - Planetary surface processes and features of Venus, Mercury, the Moon, and Mars. February 10–14, 2025 (Online). Learn more
Please write to us at lifetoandbeyond@gmail.com if you or your organization wishes to share an opportunity!
Space is Open for Business!
Job/ Business Opportunities:
Become a Patron and receive JOB as well as BUSINESS opportunities in your email inbox! Please fill out this subscription form and choose the Patron option. Please write to us at lifetoandbeyond@gmail.com to know more.
Please let us know at lifetoandbeyond@gmail.com if you or your organization wishes to share an opportunity!
Experience Space from the comfort of Earth!
Astronomical events for January 2025-
January 3, 4 - Quadrantids Meteor Shower. The Quadrantids is an above-average shower, with up to 40 meteors per hour at its peak. It is thought to be produced by dust grains left behind by an extinct comet known as 2003 EH1, which was discovered in 2003. The shower runs annually from January 1-5. It peaks this year on the night of the 3rd and the morning of the 4th. The crescent moon will set early in the evening, leaving dark skies for what should be an excellent show. The best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Bootes, but can appear anywhere in the sky.
January 10 - Venus at Greatest Eastern Elongation. The planet Venus reaches its greatest eastern elongation of 47.2 degrees from the Sun. This is the best time to view Venus since it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look for the bright planet in the western sky after sunset.
January 13 - Full Moon. The Moon will be located on the opposite side of the Earth as the Sun and its face will be fully illuminated. This phase occurs at 22:28 UTC. This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Wolf Moon because this was the time of year when hungry wolf packs howled outside their camps. This moon has also been know as the Old Moon and the Moon After Yule.
January 16 - Mars at Opposition. The red planet will be at its closest approach to Earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the Sun. It will be brighter than any other time of the year and will be visible all night long. This is the best time to view and photograph Mars. A medium-sized telescope will allow you to see some of the dark details on the planet's orange surface.
January 29 - New Moon. The Moon will located on the same side of the Earth as the Sun and will not be visible in the night sky. This phase occurs at 12:37 UTC. This is the best time of the month to observe faint objects such as galaxies and star clusters because there is no moonlight to interfere.
Possible Rocket Launches & Space Events-
M2/Resilience - January 2025 - JAXA (Japan) Lunar Lander and Rover- Resilience (Mission 2) is a lunar lander and rover mission planned as a follow-on to the 2022 Mission 1. The mission is scheduled to launch in a 6-day window opening in mid-January, 2025, on a Falcon 9 booster from Cape Canaveral, along with the CLPS Blue Ghost mission. Resilience has three primary payloads: a water electrolyzer experiment, an algae-based food production module, and a deep space radiation monitor. Landing is planned for the Mare Frigoris region at approximately 60.5 N, 4.6 W. The Mission 2 lander is based on the 1000 kg (launch mass) Hakuto-R lander used on Mission 1 with some updates. Learn more
Blue Ghost 1 (Firefly) - Mid-January 2025 - Lunar Lander- Blue Ghost Mission 1 (TO 19D) is a lunar lander designed to deliver ten payloads to the lunar surface, with a launch scheduled for no earlier than a six-day launch window opening in mid-January 2025. The objectives of the mission are to investigate heat flow from the lunar interior, plume-surface interactions, and crustal electric and magnetic fields. It will also take X-ray images of the Earth's magnetosphere. Technology tests include regolith sampling, regolith adherence, Global Navigation Satellite System abilities, radiation tolerant computing, and dust mitigation using electrodynamic fields. Blue Ghost Mission 1 was selected through NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, in which NASA contracts with a commercial partner, in this case Firefly Aerospace, that provides the launch and lander. Learn more.
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Socialise in Space Events
January 2025 social events-
AIAA SciTech Forum (6-10 January) at Hyatt Regency Orlando, Florida, USA. It’s the world’s largest event for aerospace research, development, and technology, showcasing breakthrough science, revolutionary technologies, and generation-after-next capabilities.Learn more
INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF AVIATION AND SPACE MEDICINE (ICASM) Singapore- The dates of the Congress in Singapore next year are 27 to 30 October 2025. Abstract Submission and Registration opens on 1st February 2025. Abstract Submission closes on 30th April 2025. Learn more
Commercial Space Week (27-30 January) at Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida, USA. This special co-location of 3 events brings together leaders from the defense, commercial, and spaceport communities, providing an in-depth exploration of the challenges & opportunities both shared by and unique to, each sector. Participants will have unparalleled opportunities to collaborate, network, and forge strategic partnerships on the show floor and during networking events. Learn more
17th European Space Conference (28-29 January 2025) at SQUARE, Brussels. Building on the successes of the previous editions, this year’s European Space Conference will explore the current status of Europe’s space endeavours through a series of high-level dialogues and serve as a platform for in-depth, engaging, and forward-thinking discussions about the future direction of European space initiatives. Participate in the dialogue, collaborate with policymakers, visionary leaders, and key industry figures, and influence the trajectory of the European space sector. Learn more.
Please write to us at lifetoandbeyond@gmail.com if you or your organization wishes to organize Space outreach/social events or if you'd like to share event details!
A Star was Born!
A Giant Leap for India: Celebrating Rakesh Sharma
In April 1984, India made history when Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian to travel to space aboard the Soviet Soyuz T-11. This landmark mission, a collaboration between ISRO and the Soviet Intercosmos program, marked a significant milestone for India's space ambitions.
During his eight days on the Salyut 7 space station, Sharma conducted crucial scientific experiments in remote sensing, materials science, and biomedicine, contributing valuable data to these fields. But his mission was more than just scientific; it was a powerful symbol of national pride. His iconic response to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's question about India's appearance from space – "Saare Jahan Se Achha" (The best in the world) – became a patriotic anthem.
Rakesh Sharma's pioneering journey inspired a generation of Indians and showcased the nation's growing technological capabilities. His legacy continues to encourage young minds to pursue their dreams and explore the boundless possibilities of space.Learn more
Beyonder of the Month
Jyoti KC: Reaching for the Stars and Inspiring a Nation
Jyoti KC has etched her name in Nepali history by becoming the first Nepali woman to complete analog astronaut training. This remarkable achievement marks a significant step forward for Nepal in the field of space exploration and serves as a powerful inspiration for young women across the country.
KC's journey culminated in her certification as an analog astronaut at the Lunares Research Station in Poland. During her intensive training, she participated in simulations of space missions, experiencing the challenges and demands of life in space. This experience provided her with invaluable skills and knowledge in preparation for future space endeavors.
Beyond her personal achievement, KC's accomplishment holds immense symbolic value for Nepal. It demonstrates the nation's growing interest in space and its commitment to empowering women in STEM fields. Jyoti KC's pioneering spirit is sure to inspire a new generation of Nepali scientists, engineers, and astronauts to reach for the stars and pursue their dreams. Learn more
What's Up at LIFE-To & Beyond?
December 2024 Activities and Achievements:
Our Founder and Executive Director, Sibsankar Palit had his SciComm article published in BioChem News, the quarterly newsletter of the Society of Biological Chemists, Kolkata! In this piece, explore the biochemistry behind the tough and resilient nature of tardigrades, those remarkable extremophiles that have captured the attention of astrobiologists and space biologists.
At the AMS2024 a.k.a. Asian Microgravity Symposium 2024 at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, we got an opportunity to present one of our Space Medicine research works from the Tsiolkovsky Space Life Sciences Working Group. Sibsankar Palit gave an oral presentation on our latest work: "Microgravity-induced Alterations in Emulsion Characteristics", co-authored together with Co-Founder and Operations Director Subhajit Hazra and Teammate Mario Mollo.
At the Asian Microgravity Symposium (AMS) 2024 at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Sibsankar Palit met Dr. Thorben Könemann, from ZARM Drop Tower, Germany; Indian Astronaut candidate Group Captain Angad Pratap; jaya krishna from PRL and Dhaval Solanki from Nirma University.
Recently in the last 2 months of 2024, under the Outreach Sarabhai initiative, LIFE-To & Beyond Foundation® in collaboration with the Pratham Education Foundation, has engaged over 100 tribal and rural school students across North-West-and-Eastern India. Within the same initiative, on behalf of our organisation, Sibsankar Palit did the STEM and Space Outreach in Konta Chattisgarh on 8th and 9th Dec 2024. If you want to organize a tailored Outreach event at your organization, we are there for you, Contact: +91 9903753602 , Email: lifetoandbeyond@gmail.com
On December 15, 2024, the LIFE-To & Beyond Foundation® collaborated on a groundbreaking Underwater Analog Astronaut Simulation with the Planet Expedition Commander Academy- PECA from China. Kudos to Chris Yi Yuan and the team for the amazing efforts and we are happy to contribute more to space life sciences going forward. Participants from across the globe dove into a live broadcast featuring Chris in an Underwater Analog Astronaut Habitat and its significance in creating space for all worldwide. Checkout more here on YouTube.
We got published in the celebrated New Space Journal, International Space University, France. This journal is indexed in Scopus and Web of Science with an Impact Factor of 0.7. Authored by:- Sibsankar Palit (Founder and Executive Director)- Subhajit Hazra (Co-founder and Operations Director)- Rabeea Rasheed (Our collaborator from Blue Marble Space Institute of Science)- Darshan Deshpande (Finance Officer)- Pooja Satheesh (former Teammate). In this article, we explore how we as a human civilization collective can ensure a just and necessary sustainable future by harnessing the fullest potential of space education. Our paper also provides pivotal recommendations to further boost space education globally. 🔗 Read and download (with premium access/ request for full text) our paper HERE.
Our Teammate Narendra Singh attended the afternoon session of the workshop, "Scientific Entrepreneurship: The Lab to Market Journey" conducted by RISE Foundation, IISER Kolkata at the Bose Institute Unified Campus. The workshop was organized for students, research scholars and academic faculties. He attended on behalf of LIFE-To & Beyond Foundation®.
Narendra Singh represented Space & Astrobiology Club বাংলা - the regional initiative of LIFE-To & Beyond Foundation® in West Bengal & Bangladesh at the inaugural day meet of the "Lights of Cosmos" - the annual astrophotography exhibition organized by Astronomads বাংলা - a group of astrophotographers based in West Bengal. The meet was scheduled on 28th of December, 2024 at the M.P. Birla Planetarium, Kolkata. The exhibition is open till 5th of January 2025 from 2 PM - 7 PM IST for anyone in or around Kolkata. We look forward to more collaborative work together with Astronomads বাংলা on our upcoming Astrophotography & Space Education programs coming in future!
Sibsankar Palit became a Life Member of the Indian Society of Outer Space Utilization (ISOSU), Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.
We are OPEN to more collaborations. Please write to us at lifetoandbeyond@gmail.comif you or your organization wishes to organize Space outreach events!
That’s all for this month, Beyonders!
Please stay tuned for the next month as we feature more helpful and exciting information and things to do!
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Special thanks to Darshan Deshpande (Finance Officer and Newsletter Coordinator) and Sibsankar Palit (Founder, Executive Director, and Newsletter Editor) for their hard work in making this amazing content available. We also thank all the other Team members for reviewing the work and for sharing their valuable input and feedback.
