Embarking on a celestial odyssey in November, Artemis II will see four astronauts orbit the moon, a daring feat not attempted since the space race. This mission, a prelude to Artemis III’s lunar landing in 2024, propels humanity back into the cosmic spotlight and we aim to land the first woman on the surface of moon, for the first tim
In 2024, Elon Musk owned SpaceX’s Starship, the veritable titan of rocketry, faces trials after two failed test launches in 2023.
With ambitions reaching Mars, Starship’s journey intertwines with NASA’s Artemis III, setting the stage for a space odyssey.
Starship is proposed to carry the astronauts from the Orion spacecraft as it orbits the moon and land them on the lunar surface.
But SpaceX needs to figure out
How to launch Starship safely and take it into orbit?
Land and reuse both the rocket booster and spacecraft though it has mastered that art in its falcon heavy rocket series.
How to refuel the colossal vehicle while it’s in orbit(this is the most challenging task at hand)
Launch dates– Not been released.
3. EUROPA UNVIELED
NASA’s Mission to Jupiter’s Enigmatic Moon- Europa
Journeying to Jupiter’s moon Europa in October, NASA’s Europa Clipper promises to unveil mysteries that could redefine our understanding of extraterrestrial life.
With high-tech instruments and a multitude of flybys, it’s a cosmic detective story in the making.
Launch dates- October 2024
4. LUNAR PIONEERS -THE ROBOTS
NASA’s Robotic Crusaders Explore the Moon
Besides having extensive programs in place for taking their citizens to the moon, NASA and other countries also have extensive plans for the robotic exploration of our moon.
2023 has seen several nations and companies race to soft-land a spacecraft on the moon.
So far, only India has succeeded.
China has also been succesful in that in the past. Russia failed in its attempt, and the United States hasn’t even tried till 2023.
NASA’s CLPS program was to unleash robotic explorers on lunar terrain in 2024, led by Astrobotic’s Peregrine lander. But sadly the mission ran into unforeseen issues and the lander was lost although the rocket (Vulcan Centaur) made by joint Boeing and Lockheed Martin venture called United Launch Alliance performed as expected.
So, the first space test of 2024 failed. Now that’s not the right way of starting a year, is it?
5. JAPAN’S MOON SNIPER
SLIM( Pic Source- Japan Aerospace Exploration agency)
Japan’s “Moon Sniper” Aims for Lunar Glory by Precision Landing
Japan’s SLIM ( Smart Lander for Investigating Moon) mission, aptly nicknamed the “Moon Sniper,” gears up for a precision landing on the lunar surface in January 2024, although it was launched in September 2023.
Armed with high-precision technology, it’s a daring pursuit of lunar glory, offering insights into the moon’s enigmatic landscape and thus paving the way for precise and safe landings for further missions to the moon and beyond.
6. CELESTIAL COLLISIONS
ESA’s Hera Mission Deciphers Asteroid Impact
Following NASA’s DART( Double Asteroid Redirection Test) mission in 2022 , European Space Agency’s Hera mission in October 2024 unravels the aftermath of a celestial collision, marking humanity’s first intentional shift of an asteroid’s trajectory.
A cosmic detective story unfolds, providing crucial data for planetary defense.
Launch date – October 2024
7. Beyond the Belt
Polaris Dawn’s Daring Venture into Deep Space
Billionaire Jared Isaacman sponsors Polaris Dawn, aiming for the first private spacewalk beyond the Van Allen radiation belt.
This daring venture promises unprecedented insights into the effects of space radiation, surpassing the boundaries set since the Apollo era.
As more companies jump into the hotting race of space tourism. Along with NASA, SpaceX the latest one is Houston based Axiom.
Axiom-3’s imminent space escapade, featuring only military professionals and government astronauts, adds a new chapter to space tourism. This cosmic sojourn promises a unique blend of military precision and celestial exploration on the International Space Station.
The usual players- Launch dates- Multiple.
The usual players like Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin will continue offering space ride seats to people who can afford them.
Simultaneously, Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser, a shuttle-like cargo ship, promises a visually stunning maiden flight, diversifying the future of space travel.
10. EARTH’S WATCHMEN
NASA’s Sentinel Missions Monitor Our Planet
In 2024, NASA’s PACE and NISAR(NASA & ISRO collaboration ) missions will be launched.
These sentinel missions will
Become Earth’s vigilant guardians.
Offer a crucial perspective on our planet’s health
a testament to space exploration’s role in understanding and addressing the climate crisis.
“IF YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN HATED BY YOUR CHILD, YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN A PARENT.”
— Bette Davis
In this intricate dance of life, parents often become architects, fashioning the blueprint of their children’s existence.
The quote by Bette Davis succinctly encapsulates this paradoxical essence of parenthood, reflecting the delicate balance between nurturing and letting go.
As parents, they bequeath life itself, yet as their offspring grow, the urge to impart their own lived experiences and aspirations can overshadow the individual journey each child is destined to traverse.
I know, I know, we all have felt this way. The burden of our unfulfilled dreams lies on our kids’ shoulders.
Super-parenting, an evolving concept, transcends the conventional boundaries of guardianship.
Imagine a world where parental encouragement isn’t shackled by predefined paths, but rather acts as a nurturing catalyst for their children’s dreams.
It’s envisioning a scenario where parenting becomes a gentle gust, steering aspirations, yet never imposing limits or fears. These narrative invites reflection upon the prospects of embracing a form of parenting that liberates potential and fosters genuine happiness.
Now to the 6 Steps of Super-Parenting.
Let’s Go!
LISTENING WITH EMPATHY & CURIOSITY
Super-parenting begins with active, empathetic listening.
Consider a scenario where a child expresses an interest in painting. Instead of immediately guiding them towards a more “practical” pursuit, actively engage with their enthusiasm.
Ask questions.
understand their passion.
And,
support their journey, even if it diverges from conventional norms.
Here are some practical methods to implement active listening with empathy and curiosity:
1. Scheduled “Chat” Sessions
Designate specific times during the week for uninterrupted conversations.
These sessions can be dedicated to discussing anything your child wants, encouraging them to open up about their thoughts, dreams, or even concerns without feeling judged or rushed.
A super-parent nurtures curiosity and exploration. Encourage your child’s diverse interests – whether it’s coding, dancing, or gardening. Provide avenues for growth, such as enrolling them in classes or simply offering time and resources to pursue these passions.
Here are some practical ways to encourage and support your child’s exploration of their interests:
1. Exposure to Varied Activities
Introduce your child to a diverse range of activities.
Visit museums, attend workshops, or explore different hobbies to expose them to various interests and talents.
2. Allow Freedom for Exploration
Create an environment where your child feels free to explore their interests without feeling pressured to excel immediately.
Encourage experimentation and learning through trial and error.
3. Provide Resources and Opportunities:
Invest in tools or resources related to their interests.
If they show an interest in painting, provide art supplies or enroll them in art classes to further develop their skills.
4. Celebrate Small Achievements
Acknowledge and celebrate their progress, no matter how small.
This positive reinforcement encourages them to continue exploring and honing their talents.
Dedicate one-on-one time with each child to understand their unique interests, strengths, and challenges.
Show them that their individuality is valued and respected.
“By respecting their autonomy and individuality,
you’re fostering a sense of self-worth and confidence in your child,
enabling them to navigate the world
with
a strong sense of identity and independence.”
TEACHING VALUES THROUGH MODELING
Children learn values not just through words but through observing behaviors.
Model kindness, honesty, responsibility, and gratitude in your own actions.
For instance, demonstrating gratitude by expressing thanks for small gestures can profoundly impact a child’s worldview.
Ways to instill values in your child through your own behavior:
1. Practice What You Preach
Be a role model by exhibiting the values you want your child to embrace
Demonstrate kindness, honesty, responsibility, and gratitude in your daily interactions.
2. Communication is Key
Explain the importance of values and how they shape one’s character. Talk!
Share your own stories (nothing inspires a child more!) or anecdotes that illustrate these values in action and their positive impact.
3. Involve Children in Decision-Making
Include your child in family decisions and demonstrate how values guide your choices.
Explain how certain decisions align with family values.
4. Acknowledge Mistakes
When you make a mistake, openly acknowledge it and discuss how you plan to rectify it.
This shows that MISTAKES ARE NORMAL! And everyone, including adults, is constantly learning and growing.
5. Volunteer Together
Engage in community service( Cleaning of a Community park, Serving at a food service) or volunteer work as a family(Donating to the orphanage/old age home)
Demonstrating kindness and empathy by helping others cultivates a sense of social responsibility.
6. Practice Gratitude
Establish a family routine of expressing gratitude
Share moments of thankfulness during meals or before bedtime, thanking for the love and abundance in your lives, highlighting things you appreciate.
Offer guidance without imposing your own preferences.
5. Encourage Independence
Allow them to make decisions and support their independence.
Offer guidance, but let them learn from their experiences and grow.
6. Be Their Safe Haven
Create an environment where your child feels safe to express their thoughts and feelings.
They should do so without fear of rejection or criticism.
7. Celebrate Their Uniqueness
Encourage and celebrate their individuality.
Embrace their strengths, weaknesses, and quirks, reinforcing that these traits make them special.
“By consistently showing
love, acceptance, and unwavering support,
you create a nurturing environment
where your child feels
valued, understood, and confident in pursuing their dreams and ambitions.”
“There is no such thing as being the perfect parent. So just be a real one.”
— Sue Atkins
It’s crucial to remember:
Being a stellar parent isn’t about attaining some unattainable perfection.
It’s about cherishing the simplicity of everyday moments and making the most of them.
.
The magic of super-parenting isn’t a lofty ambition; it’s woven into the fabric of our daily lives. It’s in the laughter-filled evenings, the heartfelt conversations, and the shared experiences that create lasting bonds.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all manual to being a super-parent. It’s about embracing the journey with enthusiasm and authenticity, knowing that every effort, no matter how small, counts.
It’s the little gestures of love, the moments of understanding, and the unwavering support that make a significant difference.
“It’s not about flawless execution but about heartfelt efforts.”
Being a super-parent is within reach for each one of us.
It’s about being there, loving unconditionally, and fostering an environment where our children can flourish.
Let’s take pride in this journey,
for it’s not about perfection but about the beautiful imperfections that make it uniquely ours.
2024 CAN be the most transitional year in the history of Mankind!
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If we look at the evolution of man and his cognitive development we will realize that the advancements in lifestyle and developments in his manufacturing processes did not follow a linear curve but a sort of a J-Curve or an exponential curve.
Development of a clan/society, development of tools, harnessing fire, harnessing other natural resources, harnessing technology and then came the use of all those in both positive and negative ways.
SO much so that today we live in a world where wars have ravaged for years and we all live in a constant state of questioning, ” is this the beginning of WW 3?” and that has continued in 2023.
Hopefully and expectedly 2024 will be a year of change that has waited to cross the threshold for eternity.
Hyperbole? You bet!
Here are my 1o expectations ( not predictions as only people with feeble mind make predictions and others with even more feeble minds trust those predictions) from 2024
1. A.I.. Oh yes! It will change our world in more ways than one!!
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This will be the paradigm shift we all have talked about for years. Musks and Bezos and other who’s-who have been investing and advocating( in favor or against) for its use in our daily lives but 2024 it will be all around you. Big Tech giants like HP, Intel are coming out with chips with AI built in. Is this the beginning of the end? It will be swift if it is. You will not feel a thing as we all don’t feel anything these days. Offer those prayers and hope AI goes the right way.
2. Quantum computers
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Quantum Computing will make super computers look like hand-held calculators.
If you think the Macs and Intels are fast wait till quantum computing hits the shelf. Then your 2023 model supercomputers will feel like $10 calculator.
4. Star Ship takes us into Orbit. Multiple times!
SpaceX
SpaceX has to be the one of the path breaking company and I will be wrong if I said , “We don’t want more Musks!” ( but not in the way Mr Musk is making them!) He is one of the most revered scientist the world over and we all believe if someone can do miracles with science its him! ]
So SpaceX will strengthen its foothold as the leading space company and will for sure place many Star Ships in orbit. A beginning of the journey towards the Red!
5. Fusion energy.
pixabay
Still a bit far in the future for a full scale commercially viable project but Fusion energy will dig deeper and technological milestones will simplify it further.
6. Transportation.
Drone liners are here.
We can expect boats that fly on water merely touching it!
Captain less ships fully equipped to take on storms.
Driverless cars that traverse the continents.
Electrification of commercial transport will rise( I never said it will become mainstream!)
7. The 4-day week/ 70 hour work week!
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Already happening around the world. though proponents in developing world are asking for a 70 hour work week. these two ideas might just coexist and might consume the either one. Though desired most of the people will end up working a lot on workdays and spending 3 day weekends all year long. Wait and see on which side the coin lands.
8. Degrees vs. Skills
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Emphasis from pieces of paper to actual deliverance will increase. especially in the tech world. Mediocrity will be thrown out of the window and excellence will be rewarded.
9. Climate Change
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Don’t believe any one who says you can save the planet. Well it seems that’s how evolution happens or ends. 5 mass extinctions later the earth is headed for the next churn.
Don’t worry it wont happen in 2024.
Temperatures will keep on rising.
People will become more aware of their nature and resources.
Inventions will try to reduce the impact of our centuries of wrong doing.
Carbon dioxide absorbers, Ocean cleaning machines, Smoke solidifying contraptions will increase and give us hope.
10. New world order
Photo by Karolina Grabowska:
East and the West will see a new world order either in military supremacy or intelligence supremacy.
Cold wars will continue and so will the wars going around the world.
As they say, “If you want peace go to war!”
Now its time to claim stake outside earth. Let the games begin!