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www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know News India Times (July 18, 2026 - July 24, 2026) July 24, 2026 4 US Affairs Indian American Astronaut Anil Menon, Crewmates Arrive At International Space Station N ASA astronaut Anil Menon, along with Roscosmos (Russian Federa- tion) cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina, arrived safely at the International Space Station Tuesday, July 14, 2026, bringing the orbit- ing laboratory’s crew to 10 for about the next two weeks. A July 14 press release from NASA noted that the trio of American and Russian astronauts launched aboard the Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft at 10:47 a.m. EDT (7:47 p.m. local time) from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. After a three-hour, two-orbit journey, the space- craft docked at 1:52 p.m. with the station’s Prichal module. The new arrivals were welcomed by the space station Expedition 74 crew: NASA astronauts Jessica Meir, Jack Hathaway, and ChrisWilliams; ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Sophie Adenot; and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud- Sverchkov, Sergei Mikaev, and Andrey Fedyaev. During his stay aboard the station, Menon will conduct scientific research and technology demonstrations aimed at advancing human space exploration and benefiting life on Earth, NASA said in the press release. He will continue research to refine in-space production of semiconductor crystals to enable the large-scale manu- facturing of components needed for high- performance computers, artificial intel- ligence, and improved medical devices. Menon also will perform ultrasound using augmented reality and artificial intelligence methods that could eliminate the need for medical support from Earth on future space missions. He will be a test subject helping researchers understand how blood flow is affected in space to protect future astronauts. He also will test bioprinting vascular constructs in microgravity to improve understanding of the aging process to advance therapeutic developments. Expedition 75 is scheduled to begin on Sunday, July 26, following the departure ofWilliams, Kud-Sverchkov, and Mikaev, as they conclude an eight-month science mission aboard the orbital outpost. By a StaffWriter PHOTO:NASA/BILL INGALLS PHOTO:GCTC The Soyuz rocket launches to the International Space Station with NASA astronaut Anil Menon and Roscosmos cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina onboard, Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA astronaut Anil Menon and Roscosmos cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina, Soyuz MS-29 prime crew members, pose for a portrait at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia. More Than Half-Way To Goal Of $65,000 Raised For Family In Skydiving Death Of Mani Chandra Teja Gaddam T he donation site gofundme.com has received more than $38,000 to date, from donors around the country to meet the needs of the family of Mani Chandra Teja Gaddam, a young (28) software engineer in Mas- sachusetts, after he was killed in a July 12, 2026 skydiving accident. Following the hashtag- “# In Loving Memory of Mani Chandra Teja Gaddam: Support for His Family” —more than 777 people have sent monies ranging in amount from $10 to $1,000, according to the account, https://www.gofundme . com/f/support-for-mani-chandra-tejas- family-y8ceu, set up by a cousin Naga Annam. “It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking loss of our beloved cousin, **Mani Chandra Teja Gaddam**, who tragically passed away on **July 12, 2026**, in a skydiving accident in Orange County, Boston, MA,” the site says. Gaddam was enrolled at Jumptown Skydiving at Orange Municipal Airport, Orange, Mass. According to the Northwestern District Attorney’s office, in a post on July 13: “On Sunday at approximately 4 p.m., first responders were dispatched to Jumptown Sky- diving in the town of Orange following a report of a serious skydiving accident. A preliminary investigation indicates that Mani Chandra Teja Gaddam, 28, of Boston, fell to the ground from a height of approximately 30 feet when a sudden and unexpected gust of wind interfered with his parachute. He was transported to Athol Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. The accident remains under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Northwestern District Attor- ney’s Office, the Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services Section, the Orange Police Department, and the Federal Aviation Administration. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death”. The story behind the young man is moving and representative of what fami- lies in India, and possibly other countries, go through and sacrifice, to see their chil- dren succeed and thrive in America. We learn from the account given on the gofundme site that “Chandra was an exceptionally bright, kind, and hardwork- ing young man with a passion for learning and embracing new challenges.” “His family made countless sacrifices throughout his life, moving fromVijay- awada to Hyderabad to support his edu- cation and investing their savings to help him achieve his dreams.” “Through his dedication and their unwavering support, he graduated from Northeastern University, MA and had recently begun his professional career.” Following his passions, Chandra or Mani as he is called by family members and friends, the young professional had recently earned his **A License** in skydiving “and was excited to continue exploring the sport he loved and the ad- ventures that lay ahead.” Chandra’s sudden death “has left his family devastated, both emotionally and financially. We are raising funds to help ease the financial burden during this incredibly difficult time, including funeral and related expenses,” the gofundme site says. “Every contribution, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful differ- ence and help support the family that gave everything to help him build a brighter future,” it adds. “If you’re unable to contribute, please consider sharing this fundraiser. Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and prayers as we remember and honor Mani Chandra Teja,” the family entreats. By a StaffWriter PHOTO:GOFUNDME.COM Mani Chandra Teja Gaddam, 28, of Boston.