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Subject: Science and Technology

  • The Indian Space Policy 2023 and The Role of Private Sector

    Space Policy

    Central Idea

    • The Indian Space Policy 2023 has been approved by the Indian Cabinet Committee on Security. The policy has opened up the Indian space sector, facilitating an enhanced role for the private sector to augment the development and competitiveness of the Indian space program.

    All you need to know about Indian Space Policy 2023

    • Clear roles and responsibilities: The Indian Space Policy 2023 policy clarifies the roles and responsibilities of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), as well as that of the private players in the Indian space sector.
    • Opportunities for private sector players: One of the key aspects of the new policy is to open up the Indian space sector to provide opportunities for private sector players to play an active role in augmenting the development and competitiveness of the Indian space program. This will allow ISRO to focus on non-commercial missions, such as research and development of advanced space technologies and space exploration.
    • Enhance overall ISRO missions: The policy is expected to enhance overall ISRO missions with greater participation of non-government entities, including academia, the research community, startups, and industry.
    • Institutional setups: Strategic activities within the space sector will be handled by NSIL, an institutional set up within the Department of Space that will address these activities in a demand-driven mode. The other recent institutional set up that will be critical in coordination between the public sector and the private players is IN-SPACe.
    • Framework for use of ISRO facilities: The policy outlines a framework under which the private sector can use ISRO facilities for a small fee.
    • Making Indian space programme competitive: The private players are also expected to create new infrastructure in the space sector. This will be critical in ensuring that the Indian space program becomes more competitive and developed.
    • ISRO will focus on research and development: In a significant move, ISRO has stated that it will not do any operational and production work for the space sector and will instead focus its energies on developing new technologies, new systems, and research and development. This essentially means that the routine production and launches that the ISRO was involved in until now will be handled by the private sector completely.

    What is mean by Open Space Policy?

    • An Open Space Policy refers to a policy that allows for open and transparent participation in space activities.
    • It involves the collaboration between public and private entities in the exploration and use of space.
    • The goal of an open space policy is to promote innovation, competition, and the growth of the space industry while ensuring the safety and security of space activities.
    • This policy allows for the development of new technologies, research and development, and increased cooperation and collaboration between different countries and organizations.

    Space Policy

    Facts for prelims: Private space sector startups in India

    Company Name

    		 Area of Specialization

    Recent Developments
    Skyroot Aerospace, Hyderabad Launch Vehicles for Small Satellites Successfully launched their first indigenously designed and developed launch vehicle, Vikram I. Vikram S (Mission Prarambh) rocket recently launched as first privately built Indian rocket to make it to space
    Agnikul Cosmos, Chennai Launch Vehicles for Small Satellites Successfully tested their fully 3D printed rocket engine, the Agnilet, in January 2021.
    Bellatrix Aerospace, Bangalore Electric Propulsion Systems Signed an agreement with Skyroot Aerospace for the use of electric propulsion technology in their launch vehicles.
    Pixxel, Bangalore Earth Observation Satellites Launched their first satellite, Anand, in February 2021, and plans to launch a constellation of 30 satellites by 2023.
    Kawa Space, Mumbai Space-Related Technologies Developed a ground station in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, to track and receive data from satellites.
    Skylo, Bangalore Low-Cost Satellite-Connected Devices for IoT Raised $103 million in Series B funding round led by SoftBank Group Corp in August 2021.
    SatSure, Bangalore Data Analytics Services for Agriculture Industry Launched their new product, SatSure Agri, in May 2021 to provide crop yield forecasting services to farmers.
    Dhruva Space, Bangalore Satellite-Based Communication Solutions Signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ananth Technologies in October 2021 to provide satellite-based communication services to the aviation industry.

    Benefits of having an open space policy

    • Messaging tool: An open space policy can be used as a messaging tool, both for friends and potential foes. It can demonstrate India’s commitment to the peaceful use of outer space and build confidence among other nations.
    • Moderating fears and concerns: An open space policy can help to moderate fears and concerns about India’s space activities, by providing greater clarity on India’s space objectives and priorities.
    • Rebuilding confidence: An open space policy can help to rebuild confidence among other nations that India is committed to the peaceful use of outer space.
    • Outlining objectives: An open space policy can provide a clear outline of India’s short-term and long-term space objectives and priorities.
    • Better resource allocation: An open space policy can help to ensure better resource allocation for India’s space program, by providing a clear framework for decision-making and prioritization.

    Potential drawbacks of open space policy

    • Increased competition: An open space policy could lead to increased competition among countries and private entities to gain access to space and its resources. This could lead to a potential arms race in space and increased tensions between countries.
    • Security concerns: Open access to space could also create security concerns, as countries may develop space weapons or use space to conduct surveillance on other countries.
    • Environmental impact: An open space policy could also have environmental consequences, as increased space activity could lead to more space debris and pollution, potentially harming the Earth’s orbit and its environment.
    • Lack of regulation: Without proper regulation, an open space policy could lead to the exploitation of space resources, such as minerals and water, which could negatively impact the environment and lead to unfair distribution of resources.
    • Cost: Increased space activity and access could also lead to higher costs for countries and private entities, which may not be sustainable in the long run.

    Space Policy

    Conclusion

    • The new policy is expected to bring about significant changes in the Indian space ecosystem, including greater private sector participation, better resource allocation, and institutional clarity. This is an important step towards an open space policy that integrates both commercial and national security requirements in a balanced fashion.

    Mains Question

    Q. The Indian Space Policy 2023 has been approved by the Indian Cabinet Committee on Security. Note down some of its key aspects. What do you understand by mean open space policy? Discuss its advantages and potential drawbacks.

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  • Centre gives nod for National Quantum Mission (NQM)

    quantum

    Central idea: The Union Cabinet has approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) with a budget of ₹6,003 crore. The mission aims to fund research and development in quantum computing technology and associated applications.

    What is Quantum Computing?

    Explanation
    What is it? A type of computing that uses quantum-mechanical phenomena to perform operations on data.
    Qubits Quantum bits, which can be 0, 1, or both simultaneously (a superposition of 0 and 1).
    Computational speed It can perform certain calculations much faster than traditional computing, especially for complex algorithms and large amounts of data.
    Entanglement The use of entanglement allows quantum computing to process multiple pieces of data simultaneously, further increasing computational power.
    Research Governments, universities, and private companies around the world are researching quantum computing.
    Challenges Building practical quantum computers is a major challenge due to the fragility of qubits and the difficulty of controlling and measuring them accurately.
    Development stage Quantum computing is still in its early stages of development.

     

    National Quantum Mission (NQM)

    Mission duration 2023-2031
    Total cost Rs. 6,003.65 crore
    Leading Department Department of Science and Technology (DST)
    Supporting departments Other government departments
    Focus Development of physical qubit-based quantum computers
    Applications Healthcare and diagnostics, defense, energy, and data security
    India’s positioning Among the top six nations involved in quantum research and development

     

    Key focus areas

    (1) Thematic Hubs

    • The mission will be structured around four broad themes:
    1. Quantum Computing,
    2. Quantum Communication,
    3. Quantum Sensing and Metrology, and
    4. Quantum Material and Devices.
    • Thematic hubs will be established at research institutes and R&D centres already working in the field.
    • The effort is to create an ecosystem that favours quantum technology development in the country.

    (2) Satellite-based Communication

    • One of the key areas of focus for the NQM will be the development of satellite-based secure communication between ground stations and receivers located within a 3,000 km range over the first three years.
    • NQM will lay communication lines using Quantum Key Distribution over 2,000 km for satellite-based communication within Indian cities.
    • Tests will be conducted in the coming years for long-distance quantum communication, especially with other countries.

    (3) Quantum Computing

    • The mission will focus on developing quantum computers (qubit) with physical qubit capacities ranging between 50 – 1000 qubits, developed over the next eight years.
    • The development of computers up to 50 physical qubits will take three years.
    • 50 – 100 physical qubits will be developed in five years, and computers up to 1000 physical qubits will be developed in eight years.

    Applications

    • The mission would have a wide range of applications, including in healthcare and diagnostics, defense, energy, and data security.
    • Quantum technologies are expected to be far more powerful than traditional computing systems and capable of performing the most complex problems in a highly secure manner.

    Various challenges

    • Sub-zero temperatures: Current prototype systems require extremely cold (close to -273 C) conditions to work, along with developing the materials capable of such computations.
    • Still evolving: Quantum computers are still a work in progress globally, and no one has built a practical computer that can actually work and solve meaningful problems.
    • No global breakthrough: IBM, D-Wave of Canada or China’s Zuchongzhi 2.1, all of whom have prototype systems, have not built a quantum computer that can solve a problem that anybody cares about.

    Conclusion

    • The NQM represents a significant step forward for India’s research and development efforts in the quantum technology sector.
    • By focusing on the development of quantum computers and related technologies, the country is positioning itself as a key player in this field, with wide-ranging applications across multiple sectors.

     

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  • How Web3 differs from Web2?

    web

    Central idea: The article discusses the key features of Web3, including its decentralized nature, peer-to-peer transactions, and greater control over data and digital assets for users.

    What is Web3?

    • Web3, also known as Web 3.0, is the next generation of the World Wide Web that emphasizes decentralization, security, and user privacy.
    • It is essentially a vision of the internet where users have more control over their data, identities, and online interactions.
    • It is built on blockchain technology, which enables peer-to-peer transactions without the need for intermediaries such as banks, governments, or other third parties.
    • This decentralized approach to the web allows for greater transparency and trust, as well as more secure and private transactions.
    • Web3 technologies include blockchain platforms like Ethereum, IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) for distributed file storage, decentralized identity systems like uPort, and decentralized marketplaces like OpenBazaar.

    Features of Web 3

    Feature

    Web3

    Web2

    Centralisation

    		 Decentralised Centralised

    Intermediaries

    		 Peer-to-peer Rely on intermediaries

    Data ownership and control

    		 Users have control Large corporations have control

     

    Challenges for Web3:

    Challenge

    Scalability

    		 Current blockchain infrastructure can only handle a limited number of transactions per second.

    User Adoption

    		 Despite being around for over a decade, blockchain technology is still relatively unknown to the general public.

    Interoperability

    		 Web3 is being developed by different organisations, each with their own unique vision for the technology, leading to challenges in integration.

    Complexity

    		 Technical expertise is required to use and understand Web3, which may be a barrier for some users.

     

    Examples of Web3 use:

    Use

    Cryptocurrencies

    		 Built on blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies enable secure, decentralised transactions without the need for intermediaries.

    Decentralised Finance

    		 Aims to build a new financial system on top of blockchain technology. DeFi applications enable users to borrow, lend, and trade crypto.

    Decentralised storage

    		 Used to create decentralised social networks and develop decentralised identity verification systems.

     

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  • Repeating radio signal detected from nearby Exoplanet YZ Ceti b

    ceti

    Central idea: Astronomers have detected a repeating radio signal from the YZ Ceti exoplanet that suggests the presence of a magnetic field around it.

    What is YZ Ceti b?

    • YZ Ceti b is an earth-sized exoplanet (a planet that orbits a star other than our sun).
    • It is located barely 12 light-years from Earth, and it rotates around a small red dwarf star called YZ Ceti.

    How was the discovery made?

    • The researchers had to make multiple rounds of observations before they could detect the radio signals from the star YZ Ceti, which seemed to match the orbital period of the planet YZ Ceti b.
    • From this, they deduced that the signals were a result of the interaction between the planet’s magnetic field and the star.

    Why does the magnetic field matter?

    • Intense bursts of energy from the YZ Ceti star-exoplanet exchange produce spectacular auroral lights, similar to the energy surges from the sun that disrupt telecommunications on earth.
    • The radio waves confirmed the existence of an exoplanetary magnetic field.
    • This can only be produced if the exoplanet orbits very close to its parent star and has its own magnetic field to influence the stellar wind and generate the signals.

    What’s the implication for YZ Ceti b?

    • The small orbit of YZ Ceti b indicates that the planet takes just a couple of earth days to circle its star.
    • Nearly half of all the stars visible in the sky could potentially harbor rocky, earth-sized planets in habitable orbits around them.
    • Astronomers indicated that the possibility of the existence of a magnetic field on the Earth-like exoplanet, called YZ Ceti b, probably hints at the habitability of life on that planet.

    How common are such magnetic fields?

    • Planetary scientists have never been able to identify magnetic fields on smaller, rocky exoplanets until now.
    • The survival of a planet’s atmosphere may depend on its having, or not having, a strong magnetic field, since the field protects its atmosphere from being eroded by the charged particles blowing in from its star.

     

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  • Indian scientists identify and probe EMIC waves

    emic

    Central idea

    • Scientists working at the Indian Antarctic Station, Maitri, have identified and probed Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron (EMIC) waves to study their characteristics.
    • The study aims to understand the impact of energetic particles in the radiation belts on low orbiting satellites.

    About Indian Antarctic Station, Maitri

    Description
    Name Maitri Antarctic Station (Friendship Research Centre)
    Establishment 1984
    Location Schirmacher Oasis, East Antarctica
    Distance from other stations 5 km away from Novolazarevskaya Station
    Purpose Conducting scientific research as part of the Indian Antarctic Programme
    Features Second permanent research station of India in Antarctica
    Named by Then-PM Indira Gandhi
    First camp commander Squadron Leader D.P. Joshi
    First huts Completed in 1989 by the IV Antarctica Expedition

     

    What are EMIC Waves?

    • Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron (EMIC) waves are a type of plasma wave that occurs in the Earth’s magnetosphere.
    • They are caused by the interaction of energetic particles in the radiation belts with the Earth’s magnetic field.
    • These waves have frequencies in the range of a few hundred hertz to a few kilohertz and are known to play an important role in the acceleration and loss of energetic particles in the Earth’s magnetosphere.
    • The study of EMIC waves is important for understanding the effects of space weather on satellite communication and navigation systems.

    Identification and study of EMIC waves

    • A team of scientists from the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) analysed data collected between 2011 and 2017 by the Induction Coil Magnetometer.
    • The device was installed at the Indian Antarctic station Maitri to bring out several aspects of the ground observation of the EMIC waves.

    Significance of the study

    • This study is important to improve our understanding of EMIC wave modulation and how they interact with energetic particles that impact satellites and their communication.
    • It could help understand the impact of energetic particles in the radiation belts on low orbiting satellites and lead to improved satellite communication systems.

    Back2Basics:  Indian Antarctic Programme

    • It is a scientific program run by the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
    • It was launched in 1981 and since then India has been operating research stations in Antarctica.
    • It gained global acceptance with India’s signing of the Antarctic Treaty and subsequent construction of the Dakshin Gangotri Antarctic research base in 1983, superseded by the Maitri base from 1989.
    • The program conducts research in areas such as geology, oceanography, atmospheric sciences, and earth sciences.
    • India currently operates two permanent research stations in Antarctica – Maitri and Bharati.
    • The program also has plans to set up a third research station called ‘Siddhanta’ in the coming years.
    • Apart from conducting research, the program also engages in logistics support, environmental monitoring, and outreach activities.

     

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  • ISRO to launch TeLEOS-2 Satellite

    teleos

    The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch Singapore’s TeLEOS-2 satellite this week, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

    What is TeLEOS-2?

    • TeLEOS-2 is a Singaporean Earth Observation satellite built by ST Electronics (Satellite Systems).
    • It carries a made-in-Singapore Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) capable of providing 1 m resolution data.
    • It will be equipped with a 500 GB onboard recorder for recording the data captured and a high speed 800 Mbps downlink.
    • In 2015, ISRO launched TeLEOS-1, the first Singapore commercial Earth Observation Satellite, which was launched into a low Earth orbit for remote sensing applications.
    • ISRO has so far launched nine satellites belonging to Singapore.

    About the launch vehicle: PSLV-CA

    • The PSLV-CA was manufactured by ISRO with the first launch on 2007-04-23.
    • CA means “Core Alone”, model premiered on 23 April 2007.
    • PSLV-CA has 15 successful launches and 0 failed launches with a total of 15 launches.
    • The CA model does not include the six strap-on boosters used by the PSLV standard variant.
    • The fourth stage of the CA variant has 400 kg less propellant when compared to its standard version.
    • It currently has the capability to launch 1,100 kg to a 622 km Sun-synchronous orbit.

     

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  • Plant ‘cries’: Recalling Jagadish Chandra Bose

    bose

    Central idea

    • A recent discovery by researchers from Tel Aviv University in Israel, that plants make distinct sounds in the ultrasonic range when faced with stress, made headlines around the world.
    • However, Indians who had grown up hearing about Jagadish Chandra Bose’s work, more than a century ago, on plant physiology and their ability to feel pleasure and pain, were not surprised.

     

    Details
    Who was JC Bose? – Born in 1858 in Mymensingh, Bengal.

    – A polymath who made significant contributions to physics, biophysics, and plant physiology

    – Graduated from Calcutta University with honors in physics and studied in London and Cambridge.
    Notable works – Developed sensitive instruments for wireless telegraphy and demonstrated the first-ever wireless transmission of microwaves in 1895.

    – Showed that plants produce electrical signals in response to stimuli and made significant contributions to biophysics.
    Recognition & Controversy – Despite his contributions, he was not awarded a Nobel Prize, which many believe he deserved.

    – Refused to obtain patents for his work and rejected the idea of making money from science.

    – Claimed that even inanimate inorganic matter could respond to stimulus and regarded plants as intermediates in a continuum between animals and non-living materials, which was not easily accepted by his contemporaries.
    Legacy and Significance – Founded the Bose Institute, a premier research institute in India.

    – The crater Bose on the Moon is named after him.

    – Regarded as one of India’s greatest scientists, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of scientists.
    Significance – Bose’s work on plant physiology and biophysics was ahead of his time and not fully understood by his contemporaries.

    – However, over the years, much of his work has been confirmed.

     

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  • What is Polar Crown Prominence (PCP)?

    crown

    Central idea: The article talks about an astrophotographer named Andrew McCarthy capturing an image of a plasma waterfall on the sun. The phenomenon is called Polar Crown Prominence (PCP).

    Polar Crown Prominence (PCP)

    • PCP is a solar phenomenon that occurs on the sun’s Polar Regions.
    • It is a type of solar prominence, which is a large, bright, gaseous feature that extends out from the sun’s surface.
    • A solar prominence is a large, bright, gaseous feature that extends out from the sun’s surface.
    • It is made up of ionized gas (plasma) that is held in place by magnetic fields.
    • Prominences are visible during total solar eclipses and can also be observed using specialized telescopes.
    • PCPs are often associated with sunspots, which are dark regions on the sun’s surface that are caused by magnetic activity.

    How are PCPs Formed?

    • PCPs are formed by the interaction of magnetic fields on the sun’s surface.
    • Magnetic fields are created by the movement of charged particles (plasma) in the sun’s interior.
    • When these magnetic fields interact, they can create regions of intense magnetic activity, such as sunspots.
    • PCPs are often associated with these regions of magnetic activity.

    Why are PCPs Important?

    • PCPs are important because they provide clues about the sun’s magnetic activity and how it affects the Earth’s environment.
    • Solar activity, including PCPs, can cause disturbances in the Earth’s magnetic field, which can lead to auroras and disruptions in communication systems.

     

     

  • SpaceX Starship: World’s biggest rocket set for first test flight

    starship

    SpaceX is preparing for the first test flight of Starship, which is the most powerful rocket ever built.

    About SpaceX Starship

    • Starship is a fully reusable spacecraft designed and built by SpaceX with the primary goal of sending humans to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

    Key objectives

    • SpaceX aims to use Starship to establish a self-sustaining human settlement on Mars.
    • The ultimate goal is to enable humans to become a multi-planetary species.
    • It also aims to make Starship reusable, reducing the cost of spaceflight and bringing down the price to a few million dollars per flight.
    • In the long run, the company aims to achieve full and rapid reusability of the spacecraft.

     

    Features

    Details
    Design and configuration
    • Made up of two parts: a 50-meter tall spacecraft and a 70-meter tall Super Heavy rocket booster.
    • Spacecraft has six Raptor engines; Super Heavy Booster has 28 Raptor engines.
    • Payload capacity of up to 100 metric tons and features a large heat shield.
    • Interior can be configured for up to 100 passengers or cargo.
    Manoeuvrability
    • Designed to be fully reusable, with vertical take-off and landing on Earth, Moon, and Mars.
    • Can be refuelled in orbit for deeper space travel and for establishing a human settlement on Mars.
    Construction and materials
    • Built using durable and cost-effective stainless steel material.
    • Stainless steel also provides heat protection during re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere.
    Power and thrust
    • Powered by methane and liquid oxygen fueled Raptor engines.
    • Generates 17 million pounds of thrust more than twice that of the Saturn V rockets used for the Apollo missions.

     

  • Omicron evolved strategies to evade T Cell Immunity

    t cell

    Central idea: The SARS-CoV-2 virus has the ability to evade CD8 T cells, which are important in reducing the viral load and clearing the infection by detecting and killing infected cells.

    What is the news?

    • A recent study has revealed that the SARS-CoV-2 virus has the ability to modulate MHC I expression in host cells.
    • MHC I is crucial in alerting the immune system to virally infected cells.
    • The virus has evolved multiple strategies to inhibit MHC I expression, which is not seen in the case of the influenza virus.

    What is T Cell Immunity?

    • Like B cells, which produce antibodies, T cells are central players in the immune response to viral infection.
    • For your immune system to fight off any kind of invader, such as a virus, you need a kind of white blood cell called a B cell, which makes antibodies, and a similar-looking white blood cell called a T cell.
    • T cells can play different roles altogether.
    • They can act as “killer cells”, attacking cells which have been infected with a virus or another kind of pathogen, or they can act as “helper cells” by supporting B cells to produce antibodies.

    How do they function?

    • Alongside antibodies, the immune system produces a battalion of T cells that can target viruses.
    • Some of these, known as killer T cells (or CD8+T cells), seek out and destroy cells that are infected with the virus.
    • Others, called helper T cells (or CD4+T cells) are important for various immune functions, including stimulating the production of antibodies and killer T cells.
    • T cells do not prevent infection, because they kick into action only after a virus has infiltrated the body. But they are important for clearing an infection that has already started.
    • In the case of COVID-19, killer T cells could mean the difference between a mild infection and a severe one that requires hospital treatment.