💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (August Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Subject: Space Technology

  • What is Starlink?

    Why in the News?

    Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, denied claims that militants in Manipur (India) were using his Starlink satellite internet technology after the Indian Army and police seized Starlink devices alongside weapons.

    Starlink’s involvement in Terrorism:

    • The Indian Army shared photos showing weapons and what seemed to be Starlink devices seized in Manipur. The equipment was marked with “RPF/PLA,” referring to a militant group.
    • This discovery raised concerns over the potential bypass of geographic restrictions by non-state actors.
    • Musk denied the allegations, explaining that Starlink services were not operational in India, despite the devices being found in the region.

    What is Starlink?

    • Starlink is a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, designed to provide broadband internet via a network of low Earth orbit satellites.
    • Satellites are launched ensuring low latency and high-speed connections compared to traditional satellite internet.
    • Starlink uses a large constellation of satellites, each equipped with phased array antennas and parabolic antennas to boost capacity.
    • SpaceX has plans to launch 42,000 satellites, which will create a mega-constellation to provide global coverage.

    Does Starlink have regulatory approval in India?

    • Starlink does not yet have regulatory approval in India.
    • India’s regulatory framework restricts the use of foreign satellite communication services, especially for non-commercial purposes.
    • Starlink is however operational in more than 60 countries, including neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Bhutan (where it plans to start operations in 2025).

    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?

  • Japan, India startups collaborate to tackle space debris

    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)

  • IRIS² Program

    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.

  • Firefly Sparkle Galaxy

    Why in the News?

    James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has identified a rare galaxy, Firefly Sparkle, offering a unique look into early galaxy formation.

    Firefly Sparkle Galaxy

    About Galaxy Firefly Sparkle:

    Details
    • Discovered by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), dating back to 600 million years after Big Bang.
      • It is one of the earliest low-mass galaxies discovered, providing rare insights into early galaxy formation.
    • It is named so because its star clusters shine brightly, resembling fireflies in JWST’s images.
    • It is part of a group of galaxies from the early universe, offering clues about how galaxies like the Milky Way may have formed.
    Features of the Galaxy
    • Mass equal to 10 million suns, making it a relatively low-mass galaxy.
    • Visible portion spans just 1,000 light-years, much smaller than the Milky Way’s 100,000 light-years.
    • Contains 10 distinct star clusters, each representing different stages of star formation.
      • Accompanied by 2 smaller galaxies, Firefly-Best Friend and Firefly-New Best Friend.
    • Elongated raindrop shape, indicating it is still forming.
    Observational Studies by JWST
    • Used gravitational lensing to magnify the galaxy’s light by 16-26 times, providing detailed observations.
    • JWST observed varied stages of star formation, with younger stars appearing blue and older stars red.
      • It is forming piece by piece, with each star cluster representing a phase of formation.
    • These observations help refine theories on galaxy formation and star cluster dynamics in the young universe.

     

    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?

    [2012] Which of the following is/are cited by the scientists as evidence/evidences for the continued expansion of universe?

    1. Detection of microwaves in space
    2. Observation of redshift phenomenon in space
    3. Movement of asteroids in space
    4. Occurrence of supernova explosions in space

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 and 2
    (b) 2 only
    (c) 1, 3 and 4
    (d) None of the above can be cited as evidence

  • The significance of ANI versus OpenAI

    Why in the News?

    The lawsuit against OpenAI in India is poised to establish key precedents for defining the legal accountability of AI developers regarding the content generated by their platforms within the country.

    What are the core allegations made by ANI against OpenAI?

    • Unauthorized Use of Copyrighted Content: ANI alleges that OpenAI used its copyrighted news content to train its language models without obtaining the necessary permissions, constituting copyright infringement.
    • Verbatim Reproduction: ANI claims that ChatGPT generates responses that are either verbatim or substantially similar to its original articles, which violates copyright protections. They argue that this reproduction occurs without authorization.
    • False Attribution and Fabricated Information: ANI highlights instances where ChatGPT has attributed false statements or fabricated interviews to the agency, which they argue damages their reputation and risks spreading misinformation.
    • Ineffectiveness of Opt-Out Policy: ANI contends that OpenAI’s opt-out policy is ineffective because their content is still accessible through third-party websites, allowing OpenAI’s crawlers to scrape it despite ANI’s attempts to block access.
    • Request for Legal Restraints: ANI is seeking an interim injunction to prevent OpenAI from storing, using, or reproducing its work, as well as prohibiting access to its content through any means.

    How does this case reflect broader issues in AI and copyright law?

    • Liability of AI Platforms: The case presents an unresolved legal question regarding whether AI platforms can be held liable for copyright infringement when they use publicly available content for training purposes. This issue is not only pertinent in India but also resonates globally, as similar lawsuits have emerged in other jurisdictions.
    • Fair Use and Exceptions: The interpretation of fair use and the applicability of exceptions such as text and data mining (TDM) in the context of AI training remain ambiguous under Indian law. The court’s decision will be crucial in determining whether existing copyright frameworks can accommodate the unique characteristics of AI technologies.
    • Territoriality in Data Storage: OpenAI’s defence centres on the argument that it operates outside India, complicating the application of Indian copyright law. This raises broader concerns about data sovereignty and how traditional legal concepts apply to cloud-based services and distributed AI models.

    What implications does this case have for the future of AI development and media partnerships?

    • Setting Legal Precedents: The case may establish important legal precedents regarding the responsibilities of AI companies toward content creators, influencing how future disputes are resolved in India and potentially beyond.
    • Impact on Licensing Agreements: As seen with other publishers entering licensing agreements with AI firms, this case could encourage more formalised partnerships where media organisations negotiate terms for their content’s use in AI training, ensuring they receive compensation for their intellectual property.
    • Regulatory Framework Development: The lawsuit may prompt Indian lawmakers to consider new regulations addressing the use of copyrighted material by AI platforms, potentially leading to clearer guidelines that balance innovation with the rights of content creators.
    • Challenges for Smaller Publishers: While larger media organisations may have the resources to negotiate favourable terms with AI companies, smaller publishers could face difficulties without similar leverage. This disparity could affect diversity in media representation and innovation within the industry.

    Way forward: 

    • Establish a Balanced Regulatory Framework: Policymakers should develop clear guidelines addressing the use of copyrighted material by AI platforms, incorporating provisions for text and data mining (TDM) and fair use exceptions.
    • Promote Collaborative Licensing Models: Media organisations and AI firms should work towards formalised licensing agreements that outline terms for the use of copyrighted content in AI training.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q “The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) hasinitiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • Deepening India’s steps as a key space-faring nation

    Why in the News?

    India has set ambitious objectives for its space programme over the next two decades, focusing on the development of powerful, reusable rockets like the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s upcoming Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV).

    What are the recent achievements of India’s space program?

    • Chandrayaan-3 Mission: India successfully achieved a soft landing near the lunar south pole with its Chandrayaan-3 mission, marking a historic milestone as the fourth country to do so. This mission demonstrated India’s growing technological capabilities in space exploration.
    • Aditya L1 Mission: Launched as India’s first space-based solar observatory, Aditya L1 aims to study the outer atmosphere of the Sun, contributing valuable data to solar science.
    • Gaganyaan Preparations: ISRO is actively working on the Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts into orbit by 2025. This includes extensive testing of human-rated launch vehicles and crew escape systems.
    • Budget Increases: The Indian government allocated approximately $1.5 billion to the Department of Space for 2024-2025, reflecting a commitment to enhance space capabilities and infrastructure.

    How is India planning to expand its human spaceflight and exploration capabilities?

    • Gaganyaan Mission: This mission is pivotal for establishing India’s human spaceflight capabilities, with plans for multiple uncrewed test flights leading up to a manned mission. The first crewed flight is targeted for late 2024.
    • Lunar Exploration Goals: India plans to achieve a crewed lunar landing by 2040 and establish a lunar space station to facilitate ongoing research and exploration efforts on the Moon.
    • Bharatiya Antariksha Station: The establishment of India’s first space station in low Earth orbit is planned by 2035, serving as a platform for scientific research and technology testing.
    • Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV): The development of the NGLV will enhance India’s heavy-lift capabilities, crucial for supporting human missions and larger payloads in future explorations.

    What role does international collaboration play in India’s space ambitions?

    • Commercial Partnerships: India has engaged in collaborations with international companies like SpaceX for satellite launches, showcasing an openness to leveraging foreign technology and expertise in its space endeavours.
    • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Recent reforms have opened up India’s space sector to increased foreign investment, fostering partnerships that can enhance technological capabilities and innovation within the domestic industry.
    • Collaborative Research and Development: By exploring foreign collaboration opportunities, Indian corporations can access advanced rocket technologies and expertise that may not currently exist within the country, accelerating development timelines for projects like reusable rockets.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Private Sector Engagement: India should actively encourage partnerships with domestic and international private companies to accelerate the development of advanced space technologies, such as reusable rockets and heavy-lift vehicles, ensuring a competitive edge in global space exploration.
    • Expand International Collaborations: India should deepen its space collaborations with countries and space agencies globally, particularly in research, technology sharing, and joint missions, to leverage global expertise and enhance its own space capabilities.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space mission. What are the main obstacles to launching a manned space mission, both in terms of technology and logistics? Examine critically. (UPSC IAS/2017)

  • [pib] Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users’ Conference (AOMSUC-14)

    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.

  • Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) Telescope

    Why in the News?

    The Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) telescope was inaugurated on October 4th in Hanle, Ladakh.

    About MACE Telescope:

    Details
    Details and Working • World’s highest imaging Cherenkov telescope, located in Hanle, Ladakh, at 4.3 km above sea level.
    • It has a 21-meter-wide mirror-dish, the largest in Asia.
    • Developed by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Electronics Corporation of India Ltd. (ECIL), and Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA).
    • Cherenkov radiation is captured using mirrors and analyzed with photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). Cherenkov radiation is the blue glow emitted when charged particles travel faster than light in a medium.
    • Equipped with a high-resolution camera and movable base.
    Aims and Objectives of MACE • Detects high-energy gamma rays (greater than 20 giga-electron volts) emitted by cosmic phenomena.
    • Detect Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) for dark matter research.
    • Contribute to multi-messenger astronomy by complementing data from other telescopes.
    How Do Gamma Rays Work in DNA Mutation? • Cause ionization, which can break chemical bonds in DNA, leading to mutations.
    • Mutations may result in cancers or genetic disorders if not repaired.
    • DNA damage from gamma rays can lead to chromosomal aberrations and contribute to carcinogenesis.

     

    PYQ:

    [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

  • New NASA-ISRO Satellite ‘NISAR’ to revolutionise Earth monitoring

    Why in the News?

    • The NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite is aimed at advancing our understanding of Earth’s natural processes and environmental changes.
      • Set to be launched into Low Earth Orbit (LEO), NISAR will act as a comprehensive Earth observation observatory.

    About NISAR Satellite:

    Details
    Collaboration • Joint mission between NASA (United States) and ISRO (India).
    Purpose • Designed to monitor Earth’s natural processes and environmental changes, contributing to disaster preparedness, climate research, and sustainable management.
    Launch Date • Planned for early 2025.
    Launch Location • Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Andhra Pradesh, India.
    Launch Vehicle • ISRO’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II (GSLV Mk II).
    Orbit • Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
    Dual-Band Radar System • L-band radar (provided by NASA): Penetrates dense vegetation and tracks ground motion.
    • S-band radar (provided by ISRO): Enhances precision for surface monitoring.
    Day and Night Functionality • Operates 24/7, unaffected by weather conditions.
    Large Antenna • Diameter: 12 meters.
    • Structure: 39-foot reflector made from gold-plated wire mesh to focus radar signals effectively.
    Features • Scans Earth’s entire surface every 12 days.

    • Measures surface changes with accuracy down to fractions of an inch.

    • Can penetrate vegetation and soil layers, providing 3D reconstructions of subsurface structures.
    Areas of Study • Ecosystems and Environmental Changes (forest biomass, deforestation, wetlands, agricultural lands, glaciers, and ice sheets).
    • Natural Disasters (seismic shifts, volcanic bulging, landslides, and tsunamis).
    Benefits and Applications • Disaster Preparedness: Early warning data for natural disasters.
    • Infrastructure Monitoring: Tracks structural changes in critical infrastructure.
    • Environmental and Climate Research: Studies carbon storage, vegetation dynamics, and climate change impacts.
    Unique Advantages • Largest collaboration between NASA and ISRO.
    • Successfully tested in thermal vacuum conditions in Bengaluru in 2023.

     

    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.

  • LignoSat: the First Wooden Satellite launched into space

    Lignosat: the First Wooden Satellite launched into space

    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