Sri Lanka launches first satellite ‘Ravana-1’

Sri Lanka successfully launches its first satellite 'Ravana- .. 1' into orbit 

Sri Lanka’s first satellite ‘Ravana-1’, designed and developed by two local engineers, was successfully launched into orbit this week from the International Space Station along with two other BIRDS 3 satellites from Japan and Nepal.

Raavana 1, the cube satellite measuring 11.3 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm, and weighing around 1.05 kg, was launched into orbit at 3:45 pm (Sri Lanka time) on Monday, the Colombo Page reported.

The satellite was designed and developed by two Sri Lankan engineers - Tharindu Dayaratne and Dulani Chamika - studying space engineering at Japan's Kyushu Institute of Technology. It will have a minimum lifespan of one-and-a-half years but was expected to be active for up to five years. PTI

Gun ‘that ended Van Gogh’s life’ auctioned

PARIS: The revolver with which Vincent van Gogh is believed to have shot himself goes under the hammer at a Paris auction house on Wednesday. Billed as “the most famous weapon in the history of art”, the 7mm Lefaucheux revolver is expected to fetch up to 60,000 euros ($67,000). The troubled Dutch painter died in July 1890 and experts believe he shot himself with the revolver in field near Auvers-sur-Oise, a village north of Paris.