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GS Paper: GS3-16.Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology

  • ISRO’s plans to venture into planetary defence 

    Why in the news? 

    Last week, ISRO Chairman S Somanath expressed the possibility of engaging with the asteroid Apophis during its close approach to Earth at a distance of 32,000 km in 2029. However, the specific manner of ISRO’s involvement has not yet been determined.

    Space objects: 


    The asteroid Apophis may pose a threat:

    • Initial Concerns: Discovered in 2004, Apophis initially posed a 2.7% chance of colliding with Earth, raising alarms due to its size (about 450 m wide).
    • Revised Risk: Subsequent observations ruled out immediate collision risks in 2029, 2036, and 2068, but it will pass close to Earth in 2029 at 32,000 km.
    • Potential Impact: Its size could cause significant damage if it were to collide with Earth, though recent observations suggest no imminent danger.

    Other possible incoming threats from space:

    • Daily Encounters: Thousands of asteroids enter Earth’s atmosphere daily, most burning up due to friction, causing phenomena like fireballs.
    • Russian Example: In 2013, a 20-meter asteroid exploded above Russia, releasing significant energy and causing damage and injuries.
    • Detection Challenges: Some asteroids are detected only upon entering the atmosphere, especially those coming from the direction of the Sun, which can obscure detection.

    ISRO’s plan: From sci-fi to reality:

    • Planetary Defense Initiative: ISRO aims to develop capabilities in planetary defense, potentially participating in missions to study and potentially deflect asteroids.
    • Collaboration: Considering sending its own spacecraft or collaborating with other space agencies, like NASA, which has already redirected a spacecraft to study Apophis in 2029.
    • Evolution of ISRO: Reflects ISRO’s evolution as a space agency, transitioning from aspirations to reality in tackling global space objectives, demonstrating growing confidence and capabilities.

    Way forward: 

    • Form Partnerships: ISRO should actively seek partnerships with leading space agencies like NASA, ESA (European Space Agency), and others involved in asteroid detection and planetary defense.
    • Joint Missions: Collaborate on joint missions to study and potentially mitigate asteroid threats. This could include sharing resources, technology, and expertise to maximize effectiveness and minimize costs.

    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)

  • Scientists find proof that Pain-Sensing Cells are either Male or Female

    Why in the News?

    Recent research has uncovered significant differences in how male and female nociceptors (pain receptors) are activated, paving the way for more precise, sex-specific pain management therapies. 

    About Pain and Differences in Perception:

    • The International Association for the Study of Pain defines it as “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage.”
    • Subjectivity: Pain perception is highly personal and varies among individuals.
    • Scientific Findings: Recent research by the University of Arizona Health Sciences demonstrated functional sexual dimorphism in nociceptors, the nerve cells responsible for perceiving pain

    Why do we perceive Pain?

    • Role of Nociceptors: Nociceptors are nerve cells with bare endings found throughout the body. They detect extreme pressure, temperature, and chemical signals, converting them into electrical signals sent to the brain via the spinal cord.
    • Activation Mechanism: Nociceptors in both men and women produce similar pain perceptions but are activated differently. 
      • Normally, they respond to high-intensity stimuli, but their activation threshold can decrease under certain conditions, causing low-intensity stimuli to trigger pain.

    Nociceptor Response Threshold

    • Gender Differences: Females generally have a lower nociceptor response threshold than males.
    • Peripheral Nociceptor Sensitisation: External factors can lower the pain threshold, causing nociceptors to react to stimuli they would normally ignore.

    The Old Vs New Study

    • Previous research showed that the hormone prolactin increases pain responses in female rodents, while the neurotransmitter orexin B sensitized male rodents to pain.
    • According to the New study, the Prolactin hormone increased nociceptor activation in female mice, while orexin-B had a similar effect in male mice. These findings were consistent across monkeys and humans.
    • Nociceptors in males and females can be differentially sensitized, leading to varying pain thresholds.

    Significance of this Pain Research

    • Sex-Specific Pain Treatment: Current pain management often overlooks the patient’s sex, despite differences in pain conditions between men and women.
      • Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, and painful bladder syndrome are more common in women, while cluster headaches and gout are more frequent in men.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society?

     

  • Nuclear Study provides major update on Plutonium Isotope Fission

    Why in the News?

    Recently a study was conducted on Prompt Fission Neutron Spectrum (PFNS) by the US. This study holds significance for design updates in India’s second stage of its nuclear power programme.

    India’s Progress in Nuclear Energy

    On March 4, India advanced to the second stage of its nuclear power programme by beginning the core-loading process of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at the Madras Atomic Power Station in Kalpakkam. 

    India’s 3-stage Nuclear Power Program:

    Description Timeline
    Stage 1 Relies on pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs) using natural uranium as fuel. Initiated in the 1950s;

    Operational since the 1960s
    Stage 2 Focuses on developing fast breeder reactors (FBRs) using plutonium-239 produced in Stage 1. Initiated in the 1970s;

    Development phase
    Stage 3 Involves the development of thorium-based reactors utilizing India’s significant thorium reserves. Initiated in the late 1980s/early 1990s;

    Research & Development phase

    What is Prompt Fission Neutron Spectrum (PFNS)?

    • Definition: PFNS refers to neutrons emitted right after a Pu-240 nucleus captures a neutron but before it reaches a stable state.
    • Previous Studies: To date, only one study has investigated PFNS for Pu-240-induced fission at 0.85 mega-electron-volt (MeV). Recently, researchers in the U.S. conducted a second study with neutrons of higher energy than 0.85 MeV.
    • New Findings: The findings reveal significant differences between predicted and measured PFNS, aiding reactor designers and nuclear medicine practitioners.

    About Plutonium-240 and its Fission

    • Neutron Capture: When a Pu-239 nucleus captures a neutron, it can either undergo fission or become Pu-240.
      • Pu-240 is common in nuclear reactors and nuclear weapon test fallout.
    • Pu-240 Behavior: Pu-240 capturing a neutron typically turns into Pu-241.
      • If Pu-240 undergoes fission, there’s uncertainty about the energy of its fission products.
      • Current models use complex calculations to estimate this output.

    Do you know?

    • Plutonium is created from Uranium-238 in nuclear reactors.
    • Plutonium-239 is a weapon-grade fissile material (i.e. used to make nuclear weapons).
      • Pu-239 and Pu-240 are by-products of nuclear reactor operations and nuclear bomb explosions.

    Relevance of PFNS Study to India’s PFBR

    • PFBR Use: The PFBR uses plutonium from CANDU (Canada Deuterium Uranium) reactor spent fuel, which contains Pu-240. Reprocessed PFBR spent fuel will also contain Pu-240.
    • Importance of New Data: New data on Pu-240 behaviour is essential for improving reactor efficiency and safety.

    Production and Characteristics of Pu-240

    • Creation of Pu-239: Pu-239 is created when U-238 is exposed to neutrons in a reactor. As Pu-239 captures neutrons, it turns into Pu-240, which builds up over time.
    • Spontaneous Fission: Pu-240 undergoes spontaneous fission, emitting alpha particles, and is considered a contaminant in weapons-grade plutonium, where its composition is kept below 7%.
    • Reactor-Grade Plutonium: Plutonium with more than 19% Pu-240 is classified as reactor-grade.

    Experimental Findings on PFNS

    • Research at LANSCE: Researchers at Los Alamos Neutron Science Centre (LANSCE) conducted tests by bombarding a pure Pu-240 sample with neutrons of 0.01-800 MeV energy.
    • Detection Setup: The setup included liquid scintillators to detect emitted particles, using a small Pu-240 sample to minimize alpha particle emission.
    • Measurement Focus: They measured the energies of neutrons and other fission products, focusing on neutron-induced fission data.

    PYQ:

    [2023] Consider the following statements:

    • Statement-I: India, despite having uranium deposits, depends on coal for most its electricity production.
    • Statement-II: Uranium, enriched to the extent at of least 60%, is required for the production of electricity.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

    (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-1

    (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

    (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

  • Lal Crater on Mars

    Why in the News?

    Back2Basics: International Astronomical Union (IAU)

    • The IAU was founded on July 28, 1919, during the Constitutive Assembly held in Brussels, Belgium.
    • Its creation was prompted by the need for international collaboration in astronomy, especially after the devastation caused by World War I.
    • It aims to promote and safeguard astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation.
    • IAU is now headquartered in Paris, France.

    Major Activities and Initiatives

    • General Assembly: The IAU holds a general assembly every three years in varying parts of the world at which professional astronomers meet to discuss research, new cooperative ventures, and similar matters of professional interest.
    • Astronomical Nomenclature: IAU standardises the nomenclature of celestial bodies, features, and phenomena. It maintains several working groups dedicated to naming conventions for stars, planets, asteroids, and other objects.
    • Research and Collaboration: It promotes international cooperation in astronomical research and supports initiatives such as observational campaigns, data sharing, and joint projects.
    • Education and Outreach: It is actively involved in promoting astronomy education and public outreach efforts worldwide. It supports educational programs, workshops, and resources for students, teachers, and the general public.

    Membership

    1. IAU membership spans 92 countries. Out of those countries, 85 are National Members.
    2. India is represented by the Astronomical Society of India (ASI).
    3. Its members are professional astronomers from all over the world, at the D. level and beyond, who are active in professional research, education, and outreach in astronomy.

    Crater Names and Significance

    • Lal Crater: Named after Prof. Devendra Lal, former director of PRL, this 65 km wide crater is positioned at -20.98° and 209.34°.
    • Mursan Crater: Named after a town in Uttar Pradesh, India, this ~10 km wide crater is situated on the eastern side of the Lal crater’s rim.
    • Hilsa Crater: Named after a town in Bihar, India, this ~10 km wide crater is positioned on the western side of the Lal crater’s rim.

    Scientific Importance of Lal Crater

    • Lava Coverage: The entire Lal crater area, located in the Tharsis volcanic region on Mars, is covered with lava.
    • Evidence of Water: Geophysical evidence, including a 45-meter thick sedimentary deposit, suggests the presence of water in the subsurface of the Lal crater. This finding supports the theory that Mars once had water flowing on its surface.
    • Infilling Process: Mursan and Hilsa craters, positioned on either side of the Lal crater, offer insights into the infilling process of the Lal crater. Their presence indicates that infilling occurred episodically over time.

    India’s 2nd Quest for Mars

    • The ISRO is expected to launch Mangalyaan-2, or Mars Orbiter Mission 2 (MOM 2), in 2025.
    • The mission will last one year and is aimed at studying the Red Planet.
    • The successor to Mangalyaan-1, or Mars Orbiter Mission 1 (MOM 1), Mangalyaan-2 will consist of only one orbiter and will be launched atop a GSLV Mark III rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

    Other missions to Mars

    • ExoMars rover (2022): European Space Agency’s mission to explore Mars.
    • Tianwen-1 (2021): China’s Mars Mission aims to explore and study the Martian surface.
    • UAE’s Hope Mars Mission (2021): UAE’s first interplanetary mission focused on studying the Martian atmosphere.
    • NASA’s Mars Insight (2018): A lander designed to study the interior of Mars.
    • NASA’s Curiosity (2012) and Perseverance (2020): Rovers exploring the Martian surface.
    • NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (2005), Mars Odyssey (2001), and MAVEN (2013): Orbiters studying Mars from space.
    • Mars 2 and Mars 3 (1971): Soviet Union’s missions to Mars, which included orbiter and lander components.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO

    1. is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission.
    2. made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
    3. made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit Mars in its very first attempt.

    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

  • Portable Optical Atomic Clock for accurate timekeeping at Sea

    Why in the News?

    • Atomic clocks power GPS systems, guiding us in navigation, emergencies, and military operations.
      • Scientists are developing optical atomic clocks to enhance timekeeping accuracy for Navies.

    What are Atomic Clocks?

    • Atomic clocks are accurate timekeeping devices that use the vibrations of atoms as a precise measure of time.
    • They rely on the natural oscillations of atoms, usually Caesium or Rubidium atoms, which are extremely stable and predictable.
    • This stability allows atomic clocks to keep time with extraordinary accuracy, often losing or gaining less than a second over millions of years.
      • However they are big, need a lot of power, and are expensive, so they’re mostly used in big research places.

    Working Principle:

    • Use of Stable Atoms: Atomic clocks use stable atoms like Cs-133 to keep time really accurate.
    • Atom Energy Levels: Atoms have energy levels like steps on a ladder, and they move between these levels when they’re excited.
    • Creating Resonance: Cesium atomic clocks make caesium atoms vibrate by using microwave radiation at a certain frequency.
    • Defining Time: One second is how long it takes for caesium atoms to vibrate a certain number of times, which sets the standard for time.
    • Accuracy Control: Atomic clocks keep themselves accurate by constantly adjusting to make sure they’re vibrating at the right rate.

    Portable Optical Atomic Clocks for Maritime Use

    • New portable optical atomic clocks for ships are more accurate and durable, making them suitable for use at sea.
    • These clocks are the best at sea, which is a big deal for keeping time on ships.

    How Optical Atomic Clocks Are Different?

    • Use of Laser: Optical atomic clocks are even more accurate because they use lasers instead of microwaves.
    • Operating Frequency: They work at higher frequencies, which means they can measure smaller time intervals more precisely.
    • Narrow Linewidths: Optical atomic clocks are really stable because they have a narrow range of frequencies, which helps them stay accurate.

    Testing and Applications of Portable Optical Atomic Clocks

    • Initial Testing: Scientists tested the new clocks and found they were really stable and accurate, which is a big deal for keeping time.
    • Comparative Performance: These new clocks worked better than old ones, showing they could change how we keep time.
    • Sea Trials: Tests at sea showed the clocks worked well even on a moving ship, proving they could be used for navigation and other important tasks.

    Do you know?

    • Three rubidium atomic clocks and six hydrogen maser clocks onboard the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) had failed.
    • The failed satellite, IRNSS-1A, is still being used for messaging activities, and the data from other operational satellites will be used to maintain the system’s functionality.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation?

    [2018] With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements:

    1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits.
    2. IRNSS covers entire India and about 5500 sq. km beyond its borders.
    3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 1 and 2 only
    (c) 2 and 3 only
    (d) None

  • What are Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)?

    Why in the News?

    • India’s solar mission Aditya-L1 recently captured images of the Sun and it’s Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) during a solar storm in May.
      • The Active region AR13664 on the Sun erupted several X-class and M-class flares, which were associated with Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs).

    Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)

    • CMEs were discovered in 1971 and established their importance in solar-terrestrial relations later in the 1980s.
    • It consists of massive clouds of solar plasma and magnetic field lines.
    • It typically accompanies solar flares and filament eruptions.
    • The frequency of CMEs varies with the 11-year solar cycle, with about one a week observed during solar minimum and an average of two to three CMEs per day observed near solar maximum
    • They travel at thousands of km per hour.
    • They can lead to geomagnetic storms, aurorae, and in extreme cases, damage to electrical power grids.
    • Not all CMEs interact with Earth, but those that do can cause disruptions to satellite communications and power grids.
    • Halo CMEs are Earth-directed CMEs visible as rings in white-light coronagraph observations.

    About Aditya-L1:

    • Aditya-L1 mission is India’s first space mission to observe the Sun.
    • It is ISRO’s 2nd space-based astronomy mission after AstroSat, which was launched in 2015.
    • It was launched on September 2nd 2023 to observe the Sun and the solar corona.
    • The L1 point is a location in space where the gravitational forces of two massive objects, such as the Earth and the Sun, balance each other out, allowing a spacecraft to “hover” in a stable orbit.

    Launch Details: 

    • Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) with 7 payloads (instruments) on board.

    The 7 payloads include: 

      1. Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC): Images of the solar corona in visible light to study its structure and dynamics.
      2. Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT): Images the solar chromosphere and transition region in ultraviolet light to understand heating and dynamics.
      3. Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS): Measures solar X-ray spectrum to study solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
      4. High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS): Measures high-energy solar X-rays to understand particle acceleration.
      5. Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya (PAPA): Measures solar wind plasma properties to study its interaction with Earth’s magnetosphere.
      6. Aditya Solar Wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX): Measures energetic particle properties in the solar wind to study their effects on Earth’s atmosphere.
    • Solar Irradiance Monitor (SIM): Measures solar irradiance variations and their impact on Earth’s climate.

    Objectives:

    • Aditya L1 will study the coronal heating, solar wind acceleration, coronal magnetometry, origin and monitoring of near-UV solar radiation and continuously observe the photosphere, chromosphere and corona, solar energetic particles and the magnetic field of the Sun.

    Location:

    • Aditya is placed in L1 Halo orbit which is about 1.5 million km from the Earth. The orbit allows the mission to look at the Sun continuously.
    • L1 refers to Lagrangian/Lagrange Point 1, one of 5 points in the orbital plane of the Earth-Sun system.
    • Lagrange Points are positions in space where the gravitational forces of a two-body system like the Sun and Earth produce enhanced regions of attraction and repulsion.

    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 lunar eclipses

    (c) Placing satellites in the orbit of the Earth

    (d) Origin and evolution of living organisms on the Earth

     

    https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isro-releases-images-of-sun-captured-by-aditya-l1-during-may-solar-storm/article68273124.ece

  • PraVaHa tool for Aerodynamic Design and Analysis

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software named Parallel RANS Solver for Aerospace Vehicle Aero-thermo-dynamic Analysis (PraVaHa).

    About PraVaHa

    • PraVaHa was developed at ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), showcasing India’s prowess in aerospace technology.
    • It can simulate both external and internal flows on various aerospace vehicles, including launch vehicles, and winged, and non-winged re-entry vehicles.
    • It facilitates initial aerodynamic design studies by evaluating numerous configurations, crucial for optimizing vehicle performance and safety.

    Role of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

    • CFD predicts aerodynamic and aerothermal loads by solving governing equations. It has matured to offer high accuracy and fast simulations, addressing aerospace challenges like high pressure and intense heat flux.

    Integration in Gaganyaan Program

    • Key Applications: PraVaHa plays a pivotal role in the Gaganyaan program, facilitating aerodynamic analysis of human-rated launch vehicles such as HLVM3, Crew Escape System (CES), and Crew Module (CM).
    • Scalability and Collaboration: Designed to leverage both CPU and GPU architectures, PraVaHa ensures compatibility with existing and future supercomputing facilities, fostering collaboration with academic and government institutions.

    PYQ:

    [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.

  • Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD)

    Why in the News?

    Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited, a space start-up from Chennai, made history by launching the world’s first rocket with a single-piece 3D-printed engine, named Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD), from Sriharikota.

    About 3D Printed PS4 Engine

    • The PS4 engine, which forms the uppermost stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), comprises two Earth-storable liquid engines.
    • It uses a bipropellant combination of nitrogen tetroxide as the oxidizer and monomethyl hydrazine as the fuel, both developed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.
    • This same engine is employed in the Reaction Control System (RCS) of the first stage (PS1) of PSLV.
    • ISRO redesigned the PS4 engine for production using 3D printing technology.
    • The technology helped ISRO bring down the number of parts in the engine from 14 to a single piece.
    • ISRO was able to eliminate 19 weld joints and saved 97% of raw material.
    • It also reduced the overall production time by 60%.

    What is Agnibaan SOrTeD (Suborbital Tech Demonstrator)?

    • Agnibaan SOrTeD is a single-stage launch vehicle powered by Agnikul’s patented Agnilet semi-cryogenic engine.
    • In contrast to traditional sounding rockets, Agnibaan SOrTeD’s vertical take-off and precise trajectory enable orchestrated manoeuvres during flight.

    PYQ:

    [2018] With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:

    1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
    2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
    3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 and 3
    (c) 1 and 2
    (d) 3 only

  • NISAR Satellite will be able to monitor Tectonic Movements: ISRO chief

    Why in the News?

    The ISRO Chief has confirmed that the NISAR Satellite would be able to monitor the Tectonic Movements of Earth with high precision with a centimeter accuracy.

    • Originally planned for July, the NISAR launch may be delayed to October-November due to issues on the U.S. spacecraft side.

    About NISAR Satellite:

    • NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is a joint satellite mission between NASA and ISRO.
    • It would be a Low Earth Orbit observatory.
    • This mission is aimed at enhancing our understanding of Earth’s natural processes and environmental changes.

    Features of NISAR Satellite:

    • L-band and S-band Radar Frequencies:
        • NASA is responsible for the L-band radar, while ISRO provides the S-band radar.
        • This dual-band capability allows the satellite to monitor and measure Earth’s surface with high precision in all weather conditions and throughout both day and night.
    • Large Deployable Antenna: 
        • It is equipped with a large deployable antenna that measures 12 meters in diameter.
        • This large antenna enhances the satellite’s ability to capture detailed radar images with high resolution.
        • It will have a 39-foot stationary antenna reflector, made of a gold-plated wire mesh to focus radar signals emitted and received by the upward-facing feed on the instrument structure.
    • Rapid Coverage: 
        • NISAR is designed to scan the entire Earth every 12 days.
        • This rapid revisiting is crucial for observing and understanding temporal changes in the environment, such as shifting vegetation patterns, ice dynamics, and other critical parameters.
    • Versatile Monitoring Capabilities: 
      • It will monitor Earth’s ecosystems and dynamics, including forest biomass, ice sheet collapses, and natural hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.
      • Its radar system can penetrate vegetation and soil to provide three-dimensional reconstructions of structures and changes.

    PYQ:

    [2015] The term ‘IndARC’ sometimes seen in the news, is the name of?

    (a) An indigenously developed radar system inducted into Indian Defence.

    (b) India’s satellite to provide services to the countries of Indian Ocean Rim.

    (c) A scientific establishment set up by India in Antarctic region.

    (d) India’s underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region.

  • What is 3D Printing and How does it Work?

    Why in the news?

    • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully tested a liquid rocket engine made with the help of additive manufacturing technology — commonly known as 3D printing.

    3D Printed PS4 Engine

    • The technology helped ISRO bring down the number of parts in the engine from 14 to a single piece.
    • ISRO was able to eliminate 19 weld joints and saved 97% of raw material.
    • It also reduced the overall production time by 60%.

    What is 3D printing?

    • 3D printing is a process that uses computer-created design to make three-dimensional objects layer by layer.
    • It is an additive process, in which layers of a material like plastic, composites or bio-materials are built up to construct objects that range in shape, size, rigidity, and colour.
    • Common 3D Printing materials include Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Carbon Fiber Filaments, Conductive Filaments, Metal Filaments etc.

    How is 3D printing done?

    • To carry out 3D printing, one needs a personal computer connected to a 3D printer.
    • All they need to do is design a 3D model of the required object on computer-aid design (CAD) software and press ‘print’.
    • The 3D printer does the rest of the job.
    • 3D printers construct the desired object by using a layering method, which is the complete opposite of the subtractive manufacturing processes.

    Benefits offered:

    3D printing offers several key advantages over traditional manufacturing, including:

    • Complexity without Extra Cost: Allows for intricate designs without increasing production costs.
    • Rapid Prototyping: Speeds up the development process by quickly producing prototypes from digital designs.
    • Customization: Ideal for producing customized or bespoke items in small quantities.
    • Reduced Waste: Generates minimal waste compared to traditional subtractive methods, making it more sustainable.
    • Cost-Effective for Low Volumes: Avoids the need for expensive tooling and molds, beneficial for small production runs.

    PYQ:

    [2018] “3D printing” has applications in which of the following?

    1. Preparation of confectionery items
    2. Manufacture of bionic ears
    3. Automotive industry
    4. Reconstructive surgeries
    5. Data processing technologies

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (b) 2, 3 and 5 only

    (c) 1 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5