Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Microsoft to launch Windows 9 as its next Windows OS


Microsoft, the maker of the Windows OS series will be launching its next Windows after Windows 8. However, the users will have to wait for a year or two before it is finally developed. The company will be talking more on this in their Build developer conference being held in San Francisco.

We have good news for all the users that rely on Windows Operating system. Be it Windows 98, XP, Vista, 7 or Windows 8, all these OS were successful in winning hearts of their users, however in varied ratios. After Windows 8, all of us may be eager to know what is coming next after the smart “8”. Well, the wait seems to be over! According to a report, Microsoft has already started thinking on their new OS project which is being expected to be named as 'Windows 9'. The same is being expected to be discussed by Microsoft in a conference to be held during 2nd April to 4th April, 2014 in San Francisco.

Microsoft to launch Windows 9 as its next Windows OS | (topicswhatsoever.blogspot.com)

Windows 9 code-named as Threshold


Presently, the developing "future OS" of Microsoft has been code-named as ‘Threshold’ which will be known as Windows 9 later.

As we all know, the introduction of new features in Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 have really brought the Windows series standards several steps ahead. Now, it will be a big challenge for Microsoft as well as the customers to see what new is going to be included the Windows 9. According to a source, the all new “Windows 9” will be on its way in the year 2015, however we do not have an official announce from Microsoft regarding the same. If we believe the source, means we will have to wait one more year for the smarter Windows.

Well, while it has time in its development and official launch, we all expect to be updated by Microsoft on the new feature to be introduced in Windows 9.

Saturday, January 11, 2014

ISRO’s GSLV-D5 and GSAT-14 Mission: What is that?

On 5th January, 2014, Indian Space Research Organisation or ISRO launched the GSLV-D5 with the indigenous cryogenic engine. The Indian rocket engine was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SriHarikota spaceport, Andhra Pradesh, to establish the communication satellite GSAT-14 in Earth’s orbit.

GSLV-D5 moving towards Launch Pad | Source: ISRO (topicswhatsoever.blogspot.com)

GLSV-D5 at a glance


The GSLV-D5 or Geostationary Launch Vehicle is a launch rocket with three different stages including the Cryogenic engine at its third stage, burning liquid oxygen-oxidised liquid hydrogen. The success of Geostationary Launch Vehicle – D5 with Indian-built cryogenic engine has played a major role by cutting the expenses of a satellite launch by half. As told by ISRO’s chairman K.Radhakrishnan to IANS, the country used to pay more than 500 crore Indian Rupee, that is, $90 million dollars per launch of a 3.5 tonne satellite excluding the price of satellite, while Indian GSLV costs 220 crore Indian Rupees (INR) only. ISRO as its next step expects to build their next Launch vehicle of GSLV series in the coming time which can send a load of 3 to 4 tonnes. Currently, ISRO can only send satellites the weigh around 2 tonnes or less.

GSLV-D5 at a glance | Source: ISRO (topicswhatsoever.blogspot.com)

The success of cryogenic engine has been seen only after several failed attempts by ISRO. Earlier, two such rockets of ISRO, GSLV D3 and GSLV F06 carrying loads of 2220 kg and 2130 kg respectively had failed to launch in year 2010. GSLV-D5 is the only successful launch vehicle after between years 2007 and 2014.

What is GSAT-14?


GSAT-14 is an Indian geostationary communication satellite constructed by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Before this, India has launched 22 other geostationary communication satellites to the planet’s orbit. As updated by ISRO, the 23rd satellite of India, GSAT-14 will have the following two objectives:
  1. To augment the In-orbit capacity of Extended C and Ku-band transponders.
  2. To provide a platform for new experiments.
Close up view of GSAT-14 in clean room | Source: ISRO (topicswhatsoever.blogspot.com)

The cuboid-shaped GSAT-14 has two solar arrays, each having two panels which will be able to generate 2600 watts power for the satellite.  The satellite is provided light-weight Lithium-Ion batteries to power the system during the eclipse period. The GSAT-14 has been built to provide services for about 12 years of time.

Payloads of GSLV-14


Payloads of GSAT-14 | Source: ISRO (topicswhatsoever.blogspot.com)

Experiments/Technologies

GSAT-14 has been introduced with the following new technologies by ISRO:

  • Fiber Optic Gyro (FOG)

A Fiber Optic Gyro or FOG is a gyroscope that is capable of providing an exact and accurate rotational rate information and higher resolutions than that of a ring laser gyroscope. Fiber Optic Gyroscope is also used in inertial navigation systems of various missiles and under water navigation.

  • Active Pixel Sun Sensor

Active Pixel Sensor or APS is an image sensor that consists of a MEMS or Micro Electro-Mechanical system, photo-detectors and active amplifiers. It forms the images as the Sun illuminates the pixel sensors. It has an array of pixel sensors contained by an integrated circuitry.

  • Ka band beacon propagation studies

To study the attenuation and sky noise caused by rain and water vapour to the signals and related issues with Ka band beacon propagation. It is noted that Ka band has the frequencies ranging from 26.5 to 40 GigaHertz.

  • Thermal control coating experiments

The same experiments/technologies were included in the GSAT-4 satellite program in year 2010, but the mission had met failure.


GSLVD5 lift off - View 6 | Source: ISRO (topicswhatsoever.blogspot.com)



Photos during the launch of GSLV-D5 rocket


GSLVD5 lift off - View 1 | Source: ISRO (topicswhatsoever.blogspot.com)

GSLVD5 lift off - View 2 | Source: ISRO (topicswhatsoever.blogspot.com)

More photos before the launch


Indigenous Cryogenic Engine photo | Source: ISRO (topicswhatsoever.blogspot.com)


Cryogenic Engine being tested at High Altitude Test (HAT) facility | Source: ISRO (topicswhatsoever.blogspot.com)

GSAT-14 undergoing Electro Magnetic Interference & Electro Magnetic Compatibility Test | Source: ISRO (topicswhatsoever.blogspot.com)

Indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage being lifted from its transporter at the Vehicle Assembly Building | Source: ISRO (topicswhatsoever.blogspot.com)