Science Wrap: New Chandrayaan updates and Titanic submersible investigation

This week in science saw updates around India's moon-related space programs, NASA's plans to inhabit Mars and the ongoing investigation around the infamous OceanGate Titanic submersible.

1. Four astronauts have started living on Mars (almost)

Much like Matt Damon in The Martian, four humans have finally started living on the Red Planet (well, a simulation of it on Earth). 

Their new Martian home is on Earth as they embark on a year-long expedition to discover what it takes to survive and prosper on Mars. The science expedition is part of a larger effort to comprehend the complications of transporting humans to Mars, as governments around the world collaborate to make the human species interplanetary.

Flight engineer Ross Brockwell, medical officer Nathan Jones, and science officer Anca Selariu entered the 3D-printed, 1,700-square-foot habitat at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, led by commander Kelly Haston.

According to NASA's mission description, the key crew activities during the analog may include simulated spacewalks, virtual reality, communications, crop growing, meal preparation and consumption, exercise, hygiene activities, maintenance work, personal time, science work, and sleep.

2. India signs Artemis Accords with US. What does this mean for moon research?

The Artemis Accords, a US-led plan to return humans to the moon by 2025, with the ultimate goal of expanding space exploration to Mars and beyond, have been signed by India. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has welcomed India as the 27th member to the Artemis Accords.The Artemis Accords are part of NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon.

Over half a century after the Apollo missions concluded, the initiative intends to establish a permanent presence in lunar orbit and on the surface.

The Accords are a collection of rules that regulate international space exploration cooperation. The multinational agreement intends to eventually turn humans into an interplanetary species as they go to Mars.

The agreement means that India and the United States will share data, technology, and resources, as well as collaborate to assure the safety and long-term viability of lunar exploration.

3. The cause of Titan's catastrophic implosion still under investigation 

Last week, the final dive of the Titanic-bound submarine, Titan, was declared destroyed due to an implosion. Following this, authorities involved in the search for the vessel said that the probe into the cause of destruction will continue.

ALSO READ: What is a catastrophic implosion that killed 5 people onboard Titanic submersible?

The US Coast Guard late Thursday evening said that the submersible, which went missing with all passengers onboard earlier this week, suffered a "catastrophic implosion", ending the five-day saga that included an urgent around-the-clock search for the crew onboard the Titan.

The Titanic submersible saga is now an investigation that will take an undetermined amount of time, according to officials. According to Rear Admiral John Mauger of the First Coast Guard District, the investigation into what happened was already underway and would continue in the area around Titanic where debris from the submarine was discovered. Every shred of hope was rejected.

ALSO READ: James Cameron was also aboard an unauthorised experimental submersible in 2012. But how did he survive? 

"I understand there are many questions about how, why, and when this occurred. Those are the questions about which we will gather as much information as possible right now," Mauger said, adding that it was a "complex case" that occurred in a remote section of the ocean and involving people from multiple nations.

ALSO READ: James Cameron was underwater in a Titanic submersible when 9/11 happened

4. We finally have a launch date for Chandrayaan-3

According to ISRO Chief S Somnath, the Chandrayaan-3 mission to the moon is ready for launch and will take off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota between July 12 and 19. According to PTI news agency, which cited officials, the launch will take place on July 13, although the ISRO Chief said the precise date will be disclosed once all testing are done.

The Chandrayaan-3 mission will be launched using India's biggest rocket to the moon, the Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle Mark-III.

Somnath previously stated that the timeframe from July 12 to July 19 is ideal for launch since the orbital dynamics will assure little fuel and increased efficiency in the route to the Moon.