Subject: Space Technology

Why in the News?

space startups from Japan and India announced a joint agreement to explore the use of laser-equipped satellites for removing debris from orbit, addressing the growing issue of orbital congestion.

What is Space Debris? Space debris, often referred to as space junk, consists of non-functional spacecraft, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions or disintegration of satellites. These objects orbit the Earth at high speeds, posing significant risks to operational satellites and manned missions. What are laser-equipped satellites for removing debris from orbit? Laser-equipped satellites utilize focused laser beams to target and vaporize small parts of space debris, effectively stopping its rotation and making it easier for servicing spacecraft to rendezvous with and de-orbit defunct satellites. T Companies like Japan’s Orbital Lasers and India’s InspeCity are collaborating to explore business opportunities for these laser systems. They plan to demonstrate this technology in space, with potential deployment on satellites after meeting regulatory requirements in their respective countries, indicating a growing interest in international partnerships to tackle the issue of space debris.

What are the concerns related to space debris?

• Collision Risks: The increasing amount of space debris raises the likelihood of collisions with active satellites and spacecraft, which can lead to further debris generation in a cascading effect known as the Kessler Syndrome.
• Operational Challenges: Space debris complicates satellite operations and can disrupt services such as telecommunications, weather forecasting, and global positioning systems.
• Environmental Impact: The accumulation of debris in low Earth orbit (LEO) threatens the sustainability of space activities and could hinder future space exploration efforts.

What are the initiatives to tackle space debris globally?

• International Collaboration: Organizations like the United Nations have called for urgent action to track and manage space debris, emphasizing the need for global cooperation.
• Technological Innovations: Companies like Orbital Lasers are exploring innovative solutions such as using laser-equipped satellites to de-orbit defunct satellites and mitigate debris by vaporizing parts of their surfaces.
• Regulatory Frameworks: Various countries are developing regulations to ensure responsible satellite launches and operations, including guidelines for end-of-life satellite disposal to minimize future debris creation.

What are the measures should be taken by Satellite? (Way forward)

• Tracking and Monitoring: Satellites use onboard systems and ground-based tracking data to monitor the position of space debris and predict potential collision risks.
• Avoidance Maneuvers: Satellites perform preemptive orbital adjustments or “collision avoidance manoeuvres” to shift their trajectory away from debris.
• Shielding and Resilience: Some satellites are equipped with protective shielding to withstand minor debris impacts, minimizing potential damage in low-risk scenarios.

Mains PYQ:

Q What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? (UPSC IAS/2019)

Why in the News?

The European Union has signed a contract for IRIS², a network of 290 satellites aimed at improving resilience, connectivity, and security.

About IRIS²:

Details	IRIS² stands for Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite. It consists of a 290-satellite constellation, including 264 satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 18 in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). Collaboration between European Union and SpaceRISE. First satellite launch planned for 2029. Key Features of IRIS²: Deployment of 264 satellites in LEO and 18 in MEO. Provide secure, high-speed broadband connectivity, particularly in underserved regions. Focus on Europe for secure satellite internet services.
Project Funding and Implementation	12-year concession for IRIS² is funded by the EU, ESA, and private firms like SES, Eutelsat, and Airbus. Total cost: €10.6 billion (~$11 billion).
Applications of IRIS²	Governmental Use: Border surveillance, crisis management, infrastructure security, and defense. Civilian Use: Broadband access, smart energy, transportation, and remote healthcare.

 

World’s Largest Earth Observation Programs: Take a look Copernicus Program (EU): Launched in 2014, the Copernicus Program is a European Union initiative with satellites like Sentinel to monitor land, ocean, and atmosphere, enhancing environmental management and disaster response. NASA Earth Observing System (EOS): Initiated in 1997, NASA’s EOS provides comprehensive Earth observation data from satellites like Terra and Aqua, focused on understanding Earth’s environment, climate change, and atmospheric composition. Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS): Founded in 2005, GEOSS connects Earth observation systems globally to provide data on climate, water resources, biodiversity, and natural disasters, involving over 100 organizations. Landsat Program (USA): Launched in 1972 by NASA and USGS, Landsat is the longest-running satellite program offering continuous Earth surface monitoring, focusing on land cover, land use, and environmental changes. Note:  In September, 2024, ISRO launched the Earth Observation Satellite EOS-08 under the SSLV-D3/EOS-08 mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, with the satellite operating in a circular Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of 475 km and a mission life of 1 year.

Why in the News?

The 14th Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users’ Conference (AOMSUC-14) will take place from December 4-6, 2024, in New Delhi.

About AOMSUC:

	Details
What is it?	• It is a conference focused on the use of meteorological satellite data for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and disaster risk management. • First AOMSUC was held in Beijing, China in 2010. • Held annually across various locations in the Asia-Oceania region, becoming a significant event for meteorological satellite applications. • Participants: WMO, NASA, ESA, JAXA, and other leading space organizations.
Aims and Provisions	• Collaboration: Facilitate regional cooperation in the use of satellite data. • Weather & Climate Monitoring: Improve forecasting and monitoring of climate patterns. • Disaster Management: Enhance early warning systems for extreme weather events. • Capacity Building: Provide training, workshops, and knowledge-sharing opportunities for local meteorologists and satellite data users. • Data Sharing: Promote satellite data sharing across countries.
Significance	• Regional Cooperation: Promotes stronger collaboration between Asia-Oceania countries, helping to address shared meteorological challenges. • Improved Forecasting: Facilitates the improvement of satellite data usage for more accurate weather forecasts and better disaster risk reduction strategies.

Why in the News?

The world’s first wood-panelled satellite, LignoSat, was recently launched to test the use of timber as a renewable material for future space missions.

About LignoSat Satellite:

	Details
Purpose	To test the potential of wood as a renewable building material in space applications.
Developed By	Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry of Japan.
Launch Details	Launched on November 5 aboard a SpaceX Dragon cargo capsule.
Mission Duration	Spend a month at the International Space Station (ISS) before being deployed into Earth’s orbit for six months to test its performance.
Size and Weight	Measures 4 inches (10 cm) per side and weighs 900 grams.
Material	Built with magnolia wood panels, using a traditional Japanese technique that avoids screws and glue.
Construction	Combines wood-panel casings with aluminium structures and standard electronic components.
Durability Testing	Designed to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations in space, ranging from -100 to 100 degrees Celsius every 45 minutes.

LignoSat as a Renewable Solution for Space Construction

• Reduced Environmental Impact: Unlike conventional aluminium-based satellites, LignoSat reduces pollutants like aluminium oxides that damage the ozone layer upon re-entry.
• Sustainable Material: Wood is a renewable, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant material in space, as there is no water or oxygen to accelerate degradation.
• Long-Term Vision: The satellite could pave the way for sustainable space construction, with future plans to use wood in building structures on the Moon and Mars.
• Mitigating Orbital Congestion: As satellite constellations grow, sustainable materials like wood could help reduce space debris and pollution in Earth’s orbit.

PYQ: [2016] With reference to ‘AstroSat’, the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space. 2. AstroSat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Why in the News?

• India is set to launch the European Space Agency’s (ESA) PROBA-3 Mission in December from the Sriharikota spaceport.
  • The mission will use ISRO’s PSLV rocket to place two satellites in orbit, designed to study the Sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere.

About Proba-3 Mission:

	Details
Mission Name	PROBA-3 (Project for On-Board Autonomy-3)
Objective	Study the Sun’s corona by creating an artificial eclipse with precision formation flying of two satellites
Launch Date and Location	December 4, 2024, from Sriharikota spaceport, India, via ISRO’s PSLV-XL rocket
Orbit	Highly elliptical orbit, ranging from 600 km to 60,000 km, with a 19.7-hour orbital period
Satellites	Two satellites:  Coronagraph spacecraft (340 kg) and Occulter spacecraft (200 kg)
Alignment Precision	Millimeter-level alignment to block the Sun’s light and allow continuous corona observation
Key Scientific Goals	Observe solar phenomena, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections, to improve space weather forecasting
Unique Features	First ESA mission dedicated to precision formation flying, using smaller, agile satellites for cost-effective observation
International Collaboration	Jointly developed by ESA and ISRO, with contributions from France, Belgium, and the Netherlands
Communication Support	Managed via antenna in Santa Maria (Azores) and ground station in Redu (Belgium)
Significance	Advances solar research and international collaboration; enhances space weather insights, supporting infrastructure on Earth

 

PYQ: [2016] What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news? (a) Electric plane tested by NASA (b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan (c) Space observatory launched by China (d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO

Why in the News?

Indian astronomers at the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO) have achieved a groundbreaking feat by mapping, for the first time, the variation in the Sun’s rotation speed from its equator to its poles.

Sun’s Rotation: Key Facts

• Unlike a solid body, the Sun exhibits differential rotation, meaning different parts of the Sun rotate at different speeds.
• The rotation speed varies depending on latitude, with faster rotation near the equator and slower rotation toward the poles.
• This variation is primarily due to the Sun’s composition of gaseous plasma rather than solid material.

Rotation Period Variation by Latitude:

• Equatorial Regions: The rotation period at the equator is the fastest, around 24.47 days (sidereal rotation).
• Sunspot Zones (about 16 degrees latitude): Rotation slows slightly, with a period of about 27.3 days.
• Higher Latitudes (up to 75 degrees): Rotation slows significantly; for example, at 75 degrees latitude, the rotation period is about 33.4 days.
• Poles: The slowest rotation occurs at the poles, with a period around 31.1 days.

Sidereal vs. Synodic Rotation Periods:

• Sidereal Rotation Period: The time taken for the Sun to complete one full rotation relative to distant stars. It varies by latitude, from 24.47 days at the equator to around 33.4 days at higher latitudes.
• Synodic Rotation Period: This is the time for a fixed feature on the Sun to appear in the same position when observed from Earth. It is longer than the sidereal period due to Earth’s own movement around the Sun, averaging around 26.24 days.

Why Differential Rotation Occur?

• Gaseous Plasma Composition: The Sun is composed of plasma—a hot, ionized state of matter—which allows its different regions to rotate at different speeds.
• Convective Zone Dynamics: The outer convective layer of the Sun contributes to differential rotation. Plasma circulates, rising and sinking, which influences the rotational speed at different latitudes.

Scientific Implications

• Solar Dynamo Theory: The differential rotation of the Sun is central to theories about the solar dynamo—the process that generates the Sun’s magnetic field.
• Mystery of Differential Rotation: Despite extensive research, the exact mechanism behind the Sun’s differential rotation remains an active area of investigation in solar physics.

PYQ: [2013] Consider the following phenomena 1. Size of the sun at dusk 2. Colure of the sun at dawn 3. Moon being visible at dawn 4. Twinkle of stars in the sky 5. Polestar being visible in the sky Which of the above are optical illusions? (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 3, 4 and 5 (c) 1, 2 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 5

Why in the News?

Recent research has revealed a surprising finding about Betelgeuse (which was believed to explode): the star’s unusual brightening and dimming patterns may be influenced by an unseen companion star.

About Betelgeuse Betelgeuse is a red supergiant star in the Orion constellation, marking Orion’s left shoulder. It is among the brightest and largest stars visible in the night sky, located about 650 light-years from Earth. The star is nearing the end of its life, and when it dies, its explosion is expected to be visible during the day for several weeks. Betelgeuse is vast, measuring more than 700 million miles (1.2 billion kilometers) in diameter. Known for its periodic dimming and brightening, Betelgeuse has two distinct pulsation cycles: A short-term cycle of about one year. A longer six-year cycle called a long secondary period. Researchers believe this longer cycle may be caused by Betelbuddy (an unseen companion star) moving through the dust surrounding Betelgeuse.

Indicators and Scientific Evidence

• Betelgeuse’s cyclic dimming and brightening patterns indicate it is nearing the end of its life.
• Its massive size and expansion as a red supergiant suggest it is in a late stellar stage.
• Cooling surface temperature and mass loss through stellar winds signal increasing instability.
• Spectral analysis shows heavy elements in Betelgeuse’s layers, typical of late-stage fusion.
• An unseen companion star, or “Betelbuddy,” may be influencing its brightness and internal structure.

Potential Effects of Betelgeuse’s Supernova on Earth and Our Solar System

• Betelgeuse’s supernova will likely be visible in daylight for weeks and brighter than the Moon at night.
• At 650 light-years away, dangerous radiation would dissipate before reaching Earth, posing no harm.
• Space missions and satellites may experience minor interference from increased cosmic rays.
• The explosion will enrich the interstellar medium with heavy elements, contributing to new star formation.
• The supernova will provide valuable scientific insights into stellar life cycles and cosmic element formation.

PYQ: [2017] The terms ‘Event Horizon’, ‘Singularity’, ‘String Theory’ and ‘Standard Model’ are sometimes seen in the news in the context of: (a) Observation and understanding of the Universe (b) Study of the solar and the lunar eclipses (c) Placing satellites in the orbit of the Earth (d) Origin and evolution of living organisms on the Earth

Why in the News?

Expert astro-photographers and astronomers have gathered at the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve from for the second Star Party.

Star Party and Its Details The Star Party at the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve is a gathering of amateur astronomers and astro-photographers who travel to Hanle to observe and capture celestial phenomena. It was hosted by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) from and attended by over 45 astronomy enthusiasts from across India. Participants brought their own telescopes and cameras to capture unique celestial events, including faint galaxies, the Zodiacal Light, and the rare sight of Venus casting a shadow.

About Hanle Dark Sky Reserve (HDSR)

• The HDSR is a designated area in Changthang region of eastern Ladakh created to control man-made light pollution and protect the naturally dark night skies.
• It spans approximately 1,073 square kilometers and is home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory, operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA).
• Established to promote astronomy and astrophotography, it offers some of the darkest skies in India, ideal for astronomical research.
• Hanley is also the home to second-highest optical telescope in the world, established in 2001 by IIA.

Special Features of HDSR and the Surrounding Region

• High Altitude: Hanle is situated at a high altitude, providing clearer skies with minimal atmospheric interference.
• Minimal Light Pollution: The region has low light pollution, which makes it perfect for observing faint celestial objects.
• Dry Climate: The dry weather in the region contributes to excellent visibility, reducing the impact of humidity on astronomical observations.

Significance of HDSR

• Astrophotography and Research: The dark skies allow for detailed observation of celestial phenomena and astrophotography, attracting enthusiasts and researchers.
• Astro-Tourism: The reserve fosters astro-tourism, boosting the local economy by creating jobs for guides and supporting infrastructure.
• Preservation of Night Skies: It plays a crucial role in preserving the natural darkness of the sky, curbing light pollution in the region.
• International Attention: The reserve has attracted amateur and professional astronomers from across India and beyond, making it a hub for astronomical events.

PYQ: [2018] Consider the following phenomena: Light is affected by gravity. The Universe is constantly expanding. Matter warps its surrounding space-time. Which of the above is/are the prediction/predictions of Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, often discussed in media? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Why in the News?

• Scientists long believed that volcanic activity on the moon ceased about a billion years ago.
  • However, a study based on China’s Chang’e-5 mission samples has questioned this belief with evidence suggesting the moon had active volcanoes as recently as 120 million years ago.

Chang’e-5 Mission: Overview and Recent Findings Chang’e-5 is a mission launched in November 2020 as part of the Chang’e lunar exploration program. It was designed to: Collect samples from the moon’s surface and bring them back to Earth for analysis. Study the geology and mineral composition of the moon. It successfully landed on the “Mons Rumker region”, a volcanic complex in the Oceanus Procellarum (the ‘Ocean of Storms’) area on the moon’s near side, and returned about 1.7 kg of lunar material to Earth in December 2020. Recent Findings Based on Chang’e-5 Mission Recent studies of samples have revealed evidence of volcanic activity on the moon as recently as 116-135 million years ago. It challenges the previous belief that the moon’s volcanic activity ceased about a billion years ago. The analysis of lunar glass beads collected by Chang’e-5 has provided insights into both volcanic eruptions and asteroid impacts that shaped the moon’s surface.

What are the Beads on the Moon?

• Lunar glass beads are small, spherical or egg-shaped glass particles found on the moon’s surface.
• These beads are formed in two main ways:

• • Volcanic Activity: During volcanic eruptions, molten lava fragments are thrown into the air, where they cool rapidly and form glass beads.
  • Impact Events: When asteroids or meteorites hit the moon’s surface, the intense pressure and heat melt the surface material. The molten material cools quickly, forming glass beads as it lands back on the surface.

• These beads are important because they:

• • Provide clues about the moon’s geological history.
  • Help scientists determine the age of volcanic eruptions.
  • Offer insights into the formation of the moon’s surface and its volcanic and impact events.

Key characteristics of Lunar Glass Beads

• Composition: These beads are primarily made of silicon, magnesium, and iron, with trace amounts of other elements such as potassium, titanium, and uranium.
• Volcanic vs. Impact Beads: Volcanic glass beads tend to be more uniform, while impact beads may show fractures or deformations caused by high-energy impacts. Volcanic beads often contain more volatile elements like sulphur, which are released during eruptions.

PYQ: [2012] What do you understand by the term Aitken basin? (a) It is a desert in the southern Chile which is known to be the only location on earth where no rainfall takes place. (b) It is an impact crater on the far side of the Moon. (c) It is a Pacific coast basin, which is known to house large amounts of oil and gas. (d) It is a deep hyper saline anoxic basin where no aquatic animals are found.

Why in the News?

Starlink satellites, operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, are causing issues for astronomers by disrupting both optical and radio astronomy due to unintended electromagnetic radiation (UEMR).

What is a Starlink Satellite?

• Starlink satellites are part of a network created by Elon Musk’s SpaceX to provide high-speed internet to remote areas around the world.
• The network, known as a satellite constellation, currently includes more than 6,300 satellites orbiting Earth at around 550 km altitude.
• These satellites aim to offer internet connectivity to places that would otherwise lack access, especially in rural or underserved regions.

Why Radio Astronomy matters? Radio astronomy is a branch of astronomy that studies celestial objects using radio frequencies instead of visible light. Radio telescopes detect radio waves, which are longer than light waves, emitted by objects in space such as stars, galaxies, and even black holes. Radio astronomy is important because it helps scientists study the universe beyond what can be seen with optical telescopes. Radio noise from sources like satellites can interfere with these observations, making it difficult for astronomers to collect data, similar to how bright lights can obscure faint stars.

What Starlink does to Space Communications?

• Starlink satellites are designed to improve global internet access, especially in hard-to-reach places, by transmitting signals from space.
• However, these satellites also emit unintended electromagnetic radiation (UEMR), which causes radio noise that disrupts radio astronomy observations.
• The situation may worsen as more satellites are launched — some estimates suggest 100,000 satellites could be orbiting Earth by 2030.
• There are currently no regulations controlling how much radio pollution these satellites can emit, making it harder for astronomers to mitigate the impact on their work.

PYQ: [2011] A layer in the Earth s atmosphere called Ionosphere facilitates radio communication. Why? 1. The presence of ozone causes the reflection of radio waves to Earth. 2. Radio waves have a very long wavelength. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 Only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Why in the News?

The Square Kilometer Array (SKA), the world’s largest radio telescope, has carried out its first observations, marking a major milestone.

About Square Kilometer Array (SKA) Project:

	Details
Project Overview	SKA is a global project aimed at building the world’s largest radio telescope network to explore the universe, galaxies, dark matter, and extraterrestrial life.
Construction Phases	Two phases: SKA-Mid in South Africa operates in higher frequency ranges. SKA-Low in Australia operates in lower frequency ranges. Phase 1 (SKA- Mid) began in December 2022. Full operations expected by 2029.
Headquarters	Jodrell Bank Observatory, UK
Site Locations	Telescope arrays in Australia (low-frequency) and South Africa (mid-frequency).
Design and Features	197 parabolic radio antennae in South Africa 131,072 low-frequency antennae in Australia These are capable of detecting faint radio signals from vast distances.
Global Consortium	16 member countries, including Australia, South Africa, India, China, Japan, and several European nations.
India’s Role	India’s Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (NCRA, TIFR) is a key partner SKA India consortium (20+ institutions) involved in software, signal processing, and digital hardware development
Key Technologies	Advanced interferometer system using wave interference for data collection.
Scientific Objectives	Explore galaxies at the edge of the universe Study the ‘Dark Ages’ and phenomena like dark matter and dark energy Search for extraterrestrial life
Frequency Range	Operates between 50 MHz to 15.4 GHz
Global Collaboration	Key collaboration among India, Australia, South Africa, Italy, and other member nations for data generation, analysis, and installation of antennas.

 

PYQ: [2022] Launched on 25th December, 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race? [2015] In the context of modern scientific research, consider the following statements about ‘IceCube’, a particle detector located at South Pole, which was recently in the news: 1. It is the world’s largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice. 2. It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter 3. It is buried deep in the ice. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 only

Why in the News?

Philippe Baptiste, head of the French Space Agency, talked about the joint India-France “TRISHNA Mission.”

TRISHNA Mission:

	Details
Overview	A joint Indo-French Earth observation satellite project developed by ISRO and CNES (French Space Agency). Acronym for “Thermal infraRed Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural resource Assessment” (TRISHNA Mission)
Launch Year	Targeted for 2026.
Mission Lifespan	Designed for a 5-year operational life.
Primary Objectives	• Monitor water and energy budgets of the continental biosphere. • Assess evapotranspiration for efficient water management. • Improve agricultural water productivity and assist in irrigation water management. • Provide high-resolution observations of water quality in coastal and inland waters.  • Assess urban heat islands and detect heat anomalies.
Payloads	• Thermal Infrared (TIR) Payload: Provided by CNES, this sensor maps surface temperature and emissivity in high resolution. • Visible-Near Infrared-Short Wave Infrared (VNIR-SWIR) Payload: Developed by ISRO, this sensor uses seven spectral bands for detailed mapping of surface reflectance.
Orbit and Spatial Resolution	• TRISHNA will operate in a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 761 km. • Spatial resolution: 57 meters for land and coastal areas, 1 km for ocean and polar regions.
Application and Significance	• Supports water resource management, agriculture, and urban planning through precise data on water stress, crop productivity, and urban heat islands. • Enhances climate resilience by tracking droughts, evapotranspiration, and permafrost changes. • Contributes to global environmental initiatives like GEOGLAM and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing key agricultural and climate variables.

 

PYQ: [2016] Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology helped India in its socio-economic development? [2010] In the context of space technology, what is “Bhuvan”, recently in the news? (a) A mini satellite launched by ISRO for promoting the distance education in India (b) The name given to the next Moon Impact Probe, for Chandrayaan-II (c) A geoportal of ISRO with 3D imaging capabilities of India (d) A space telescope developed by India