As an eighth grader growing up in the far-flung Northeast, my source of information was limited to radio and the newspaper which would arrive late in the afternoon from Kolkata. With bated breath, I followed the journey of Apollo 11 to the moon and back. I recall listening to news of the successful return of the astronauts over radio and getting jolted by an earthquake at the same time. The night sky always fascinated me and the moon landing spurred my curiosity, perhaps shaping my eventual career path. Apollo 11 inspires me even now, every working day, as I go past the huge gantry at NASA Langley Research Center, which was the Lunar Landing Research Facility. This is where the astronauts practised the last 150 feet of descent and walking on the moon (famously, when Neil Armstrong was asked how it felt to be walking on the moon, he replied: “like Langley”!).
Jayanta Kar is a scientist at the NASA Langley Centre, Langley, Virginia. (HT Photo)
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
(Jayanta Kar is a scientist at the NASA Langley Centre, Langley, Virginia)
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.
Get Latest News, breaking headlines, and top India News, and today real-time updates from across the nation. Stay informed on politics, government policies, crime, Today Weather, and major developments on Hindustan Times
Get Latest News, breaking headlines, and top India News, and today real-time updates from across the nation. Stay informed on politics, government policies, crime, Today Weather, and major developments on Hindustan Times
