September 19, 2013 (Current Affairs)

Justice Nagappan and Justice S.K. Singh sworn in Supreme Court Judges

With the Appointment of Justice Nagappan and Justice S.K. Singh as Supreme Court Judges, the strength of the Apex Court Judges has moved to 30. Before this, Justice Nagappan was Chief Justice of Orissa and Justice S.K. Singh was Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court.

Antares rocket lifted off from the state-owned Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport on Wallops Island in Virginia

Orbital Sciences Corporation, one of the world’s leading space technology companies, announced successful launch of  its Antares rocket carrying the company’s Cygnus cargo logistics spacecraft into its intended orbit. The successful launch marked the beginning of a four-day in-orbit capabilities demonstration mission that will culminate in rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station (ISS) on September 22. Cygnus will deliver approximately 1,500 lbs. of cargo and remain attached to the ISS for 30 days before departing with up to 1,750 lbs. of disposal cargo.

Antares
The Antares is a medium-class launch vehicle and Antares rocket can launch spacecraft weighing up to 14,000 lbs. into low-Earth orbit, as well as lighter-weight payloads into higher-energy orbits.

Cygnus
Orbital has developed the Cygnus cargo spacecraft.