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Subject: Space Technology

  • Nearing the launch of Chandrayaan-3 Mission

    chandrayaan

    Central Idea

    • India’s upcoming moon exploration mission, Chandrayaan-3, is set to launch in mid-July.
    • In a significant decision, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to retain the names of the lander and rover from the previous mission, Chandrayaan-2.

    Chandrayaan-3 Mission

    • Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 to demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface.
    • It consists of Lander and Rover configuration. It will be launched by LVM3 from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota.
    • The propulsion module will carry the lander and rover configuration till 100 km lunar orbit.
    • The propulsion module has Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload to study the spectral and Polari metric measurements of Earth from the lunar orbit.

    Retaining the Names: A Tribute to Chandrayaan-2

    • ISRO Chairman confirmed that the names Vikram and Pragyan will be carried over to the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
    • This decision pays homage to the 2019 Chandrayaan-2 lunar adventure while symbolizing India’s commitment to its space exploration legacy.

    Overcoming Past Challenges: Learning from Chandrayaan-2:

    • The Chandrayaan-2 mission faced setbacks when the lander-rover configuration, along with the payloads, was lost during a failed soft landing attempt.
    • Undeterred by the previous mission’s outcome, ISRO announced its plans for Chandrayaan-3, aiming for a successful lunar landing.

    Mission Details: Exploring the Moon’s Surface and Atmosphere

    • Chandrayaan-3 will be launched aboard the LVM3 rocket from Sriharikota using a propulsion module.
    • The lander-rover configuration will be transported to a 100-km lunar orbit by the propulsion module.
    • The Vikram lander module will deploy Pragyan, which will conduct in-situ chemical analysis of the lunar surface.

    [A] Scientific Payloads: Unravelling Lunar Mysteries

    1. Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive Ionosphere and Atmosphere (RAMBHA): Studying the moon’s ionosphere and atmosphere.
    2. Chandra’s Surface Thermo physical Experiment (ChaSTE): Analyzing the thermal characteristics of the lunar surface.
    3. Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA): Investigating seismic activities on the moon.
    4. LASER Retroreflector Array (LRA): Enabling precise measurements of the lunar distance.

    [B] Rover Payloads

    1. Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS): Analyzing the elemental composition of the lunar surface.
    2. LASER Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS): Studying the elemental abundance and characteristics of lunar rocks.

    [C] Propulsion Module Payload:

    • Spectro-polarimetry of HAbitable Planet Earth (SHAPE): Collecting data related to Earth’s habitability.

    Conclusion

    • India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission signifies the nation’s determination to explore the moon further and overcome past challenges.
    • By retaining the names Vikram and Pragyan, ISRO honors its space program’s pioneers while embarking on a new lunar adventure.

     

  • Betelgeuse: The Red Giant Star on the Brink of Supernova

    Betelgeuse

    Central Idea: Recent research has shed light on the Betelgeuse’s current stage and its potential fate as it approaches the end of its lifecycle.

    Betelgeuse: The Bright Red Star in Orion

    • Easily visible in the constellation Orion, Betelgeuse is a bright red star known as “Thiruvathirai” or “Ardra” in Indian astronomy.
    • It is a massive star that undergoes the carbon-burning stage, leading to its eventual collapse into a supernova.

    How is it dying?

    • Massive stars like Betelgeuse exhaust their hydrogen fuel and transition to using helium to create carbon.
    • The energy released during helium fusion is lower than that of hydrogen, requiring the star to burn more helium to maintain stability.
    • Eventually, the helium is depleted, leading to the star’s progression through various burning stages, including carbon and silicon burning.

    Pulsation and Betelgeuse’s Death Throes

    • Researchers studying Betelgeuse have observed its pulsation, indicating its stage of evolution.
    • The observed pulsation aligns with theoretical estimates of the late carbon-burning stage, suggesting that Betelgeuse is in its death throes.
    • Astronomers detect the expansion and contraction of Betelgeuse by analyzing its pulsation and corresponding brightness variations.
    • Previous studies disagreed on which pulsation period is fundamental, with one team considering 417 days and another team proposing 2,190 days.
    • Researchers conclude that it is in the final stage of burning carbon, considering the 2,190-day pulse as fundamental.

     

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  • Shenzhou-16 successfully launches with 3 Astronauts to Space

    shenzhou

    Central Idea

    • China has achieved a successful launch of the Shenzhou-16 spacecraft carrying three astronauts to the Tiangong space station.

    What is Shenzhou-16?

    • Shenzhou-16 spacecraft is part of Chinese manned spaceflight missions and was designed to transport astronauts to the Tiangong space station.
    • This mission marks an important step in China’s space exploration efforts, with the crew set to conduct a range of tests and experiments during their five-month stay.
    • The Tiangong space station, operated by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), is an integral part of China’s ambitious space program and aims to be a hub for scientific research.

    Astronauts on Shenzhou-16

    • The crew of the Shenzhou-16 mission consists of three astronauts: Jing Haipeng as the leading commander, Zhu Yangzhu, and Gui Haichao.
    • Jing Haipeng is an experienced senior spacecraft pilot and one of China’s first batch of astronaut trainees.
    • Zhu Yangzhu, a postdoctoral fellow in aerodynamics and former university teacher, will serve as a spaceflight engineer.
    • Gui Haichao is the first Chinese civilian to travel to space and will be responsible for overseeing science experiments at the space station.

    Objectives of the Mission

    • The Shenzhou-16 crew will replace the previous crew from the Shenzhou-15 mission that has been aboard the Tiangong space station since November.
    • The new crew will carry out large-scale tests and experiments in various fields, including the study of quantum phenomena, high-precision space time-frequency systems, verification of general relativity, and the origin of life.
    • These scientific endeavors are expected to lead to significant achievements during the crew’s five-month stay.

    About the Tiangong Space Station

    • The Tiangong space station, operated by the CMSA, was developed by China after being barred from collaborating with NASA due to concerns of espionage.
    • The station’s first module entered orbit in 2021, with two more modules added subsequently.
    • China’s long-term plan is to expand the station, with the next module set to dock and create a cross-shaped structure.
    • The Tiangong space station aims to become a leading outpost for scientific research once the International Space Station’s operations conclude in 2030.

     

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  • ISRO successfully deploys NavIC NVS-1 Satellite

    isro

    Central Idea

    • The Indian Space Research Organisation has successfully launched its fifth satellite of 2023.
    • A 2,232-kilogram satellite named NVS-1 was launched into space as part of the NavIC

    What is NAVIC?

    • NavIC is a regional satellite navigation system consisting of seven satellites in orbit that provide positioning, navigation, and timing services to various sectors, including civil aviation and the military.

    (1) Origins and Motivation:

    • The idea of NAVIC emerged in the early 2000s as IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System) to address India’s need for an independent navigation system for strategic and civilian purposes.
    • The motivation behind NAVIC was to reduce dependence on foreign systems like GPS and enhance national security, sovereignty, and economic growth.

    (2) Satellite Deployment:

    • The NAVIC constellation consists of a total of 7* satellites.
    • The first satellite, IRNSS-1A, was launched in July 2013, followed by subsequent launches of IRNSS-1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, and IRNSS-1I.
    • Each satellite is placed in a geostationary orbit or an inclined geosynchronous orbit, providing continuous coverage over the Indian landmass and surrounding regions.

    (3) Renaming to NAVIC:

    • In 2016, the system was officially named NAVIC, which stands for Navigation with Indian Constellation.
    • The name change aimed to create a distinct brand identity for the Indian regional navigation system.

    Key Features and Technical Details

    (1) Coverage Area:

    • NAVIC provides coverage within India and extends up to 1,500 kilometres beyond its borders.
    • The system covers the Indian landmass, as well as the Indian Ocean region.

    (2) Satellite Configuration:

    • The NAVIC satellites are equipped with atomic clocks to provide accurate timing signals.
    • They transmit signals on different frequencies, including L5 and S bands, for enhanced accuracy and reliability.

    (3) Applications and Services:

    • NAVIC has a wide range of applications, including terrestrial, aerial, and marine navigation.
    • It is utilized in various sectors such as transportation, agriculture, disaster management, surveying, and geodetic applications.
    • The system supports position determination, velocity measurement, and time synchronization services.

    About NVS-1 Satellite

    • NVS-1 is part of the second-generation NavIC satellite series and ensures continuity of existing services while introducing new services in the Li band.
    • The satellite features two solar arrays generating up to 2.4 kW of power, a lithium-ion battery for eclipse support, and thermal management and propulsion systems.
    • Notably, NVS-1 includes a Rubidium atomic clock developed in-house by the Space Applications Centre, showcasing India’s technical expertise in this advanced technology.

    India’s launch capabilities and recent missions

    • The NVS-1 launch marks the second successful mission in a month and the fifth launch of the year for ISRO.
    • In April, ISRO completed the PSLV-C55 mission, deploying two satellites, including TeLEOS-2 with a synthetic aperture radar payload.
    • The PSLV-C55 mission highlighted collaboration between India and Singapore in space exploration and technology.

    *Note: The numbers of satellites in this constellation is disputed. It is given as 7 and 8 on different sources. Total Nine satellites were launched out of which the very first (IRNSS-1A) is partially failed because of some issue in its Atomic Clock. Another and the last satellite had a launch failure. Hence the number 7/8.

     

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  • XPoSat: India’s first Polarimetry Mission

    xposat

    Central Idea

    • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is partnering with the Raman Research Institute (RRI) in Bengaluru to develop the X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat), set to launch later this year.

    What is XPoSat?

    • XPoSat aims to study various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions.
    • It is India’s first polarimetry mission and the world’s second, with NASA’s Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) being the other major mission launched in 2021.
    • IXPE carries three state-of-the-art space telescopes to observe polarized X-rays from neutron stars and supermassive black holes, providing insights into the geometry and inner workings of the light source.

    XPoSat Payloads

    • XPoSat will carry two scientific payloads in a low Earth orbit.
    • The primary payload, POLIX, will measure the polarimetry parameters of X-rays, observing approximately 40 bright astronomical sources across different categories during the mission’s planned five-year lifetime.
    • The XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing) payload will provide spectroscopic information on how light is absorbed and emitted by objects, allowing observations of X-ray pulsars, black hole binaries, low-magnetic field neutron stars, and more.

    X-Rays in Space

    • X-rays in space have higher energy and shorter wavelengths, ranging from 0.03 to 3 nanometers.
    • X-rays are emitted by objects with temperatures in the millions of degrees Celsius, such as pulsars, galactic supernova remnants, and black holes.
    • Polarized light, consisting of organized moving electric and magnetic waves, plays a role in X-ray observations, and polarized lenses are used by fishermen to reduce glare from sunlight.

    Significance of Polarimetry

    • Polarimetry involves measuring the angle of rotation of the plane of polarized light as it passes through certain transparent materials.
    • XPoSat’s primary payload, POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays), developed by RRI and UR Rao Satellite Centre, will measure the degree and angle of polarization in X-rays from astronomical sources.
    • The emission mechanisms of various astronomical sources are complex, and understanding them poses challenges that polarimetry can help address.

     

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  • NASA develops Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor (EELS)

    eels

    NASA is developing a snake-like robot- Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor (EELS), which it says can boost space exploration through its diverse adaptability to various terrains.

    Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor (EELS)

    Details
    Purpose Designed to explore internal and enclosed dynamic terrain structures to assess evidence for life.
    Focus To explore ocean-world-inspired terrain, and besides Enceladus, it can explore Martian polar caps and descending crevasses in Earth’s ice sheets.
    Enceladus and EELS system Enceladus is a small and icy body, and the Cassini spacecraft dubbed it to be one of the most scientifically interesting destinations in the solar system.
    Scientific investigations Work is underway to identify high-priority and high-impact scientific investigations to show the capabilities of the snake-like robot.

     

    Features of EELS Robot

    Details
    Propulsion and gripping mechanism EELS robot has an actuation and propulsion mechanism, driven by power and communication electronics.

    It uses a rotating propulsion unit that acts as tracks, while the gripping mechanism and propeller unit help it to access a plume vent exit.
    Adaptability The robot’s adaptability to various terrains and its unique features make it capable of exploring areas that were once inaccessible.
    Enceladus Geyser-like jets spew water vapor and ice particles from an underground ocean beneath Enceladus’s icy crust, making it a promising lead for NASA in its search for life.

     

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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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  • 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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  • 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.

     

     

  • NISAR to map Himalayas’ Seismic Zones

    nisar

    Central idea

    • The ISRO and the NASA have jointly developed a forthcoming satellite called NISAR.
    • It will map the most earthquake-prone regions in the Himalaya.

    What is NISAR?

    • NISAR stands for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar.
    • The mission aims to provide global measurements of the causes and consequences of land surface changes using advanced radar imaging.
    • The satellite is equipped with two types of synthetic aperture radars (SAR): L-band and S-band, which will allow for high-resolution, all-weather imaging of the Earth’s surface.
    • The NISAR satellite is expected to be launched in January 2024.

    How it will be used for earthquake monitoring?

    • It will generate data that can potentially give advance warning of land subsidence and identify places that are at greatest risk from earthquakes.
    • The geoscience community can use this to determine how strain is building up in various parts of the Himalayas.
    • Strain refers to the deformation that occurs in rocks when it is under pressure from other rocks.
    • Movements of continental plates that are sliding, colliding, or subducting against each other cause strain.
    • With a frequency of 12 days and the ability to provide images even under cloudy conditions, NISAR would be a valuable tool to study deformation patterns, such as in Joshimath.

    Strain Map already in place

    • In 2021, scientists from the Geological Survey of India published a “strain map” of the Himalayas based on data from 1,252 GPS stations along the Himalayas.
    • It identified regions that had the greatest odds of generating earthquakes of magnitude above 8 and their extent.
    • However, these many stations are still too few, and there’s only one satellite (Sentinel) that we rely on.
    • With NISAR, the costliest space mission ever, we can have a game-changer in earth-science observation.

     

    Seismic Zones of India

    nisar

    India is divided by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) into 4 seismic zones based on the level of seismicity and the frequency of earthquakes that occur in that particular region.

    These zones are as follows:

    1.      Zone 2: This is a low seismic zone comprising of areas with the lowest risk of earthquakes. It includes regions like the northeastern states of India, parts of J&K, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

    2.      Zone 3: This is a moderate seismic zone comprising of areas that are at moderate risk of earthquakes. It includes regions like Gujarat, Haryana, Delhi, parts of UP, Bihar, West Bengal, and parts of Jharkhand.

    3.      Zone 4: This is a high seismic zone comprising of areas that are at high risk of earthquakes. It includes regions like the A&N Islands, parts of Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Uttarakhand, and the entire northeastern region.

    4.      Zone 5: This is a very high seismic zone comprising of areas that are at the highest risk of earthquakes. It includes regions like the entire state of J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, the entire northeastern region, parts of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and the A&N Islands.