Daily Current Affairs : 21-September-2024

Bengaluru-based startup, Bellatrix Aerospace, has unveiled an exciting new project called “Project 200.” This innovative satellite is designed to operate at Ultra-Low Earth Orbit (LEO), specifically between 180 and 250 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. The announcement was made during the Bengaluru Space Expo 2024 and has garnered significant attention for its potential to revolutionize satellite technology.

Ultra-Low Earth Orbit: A Game Changer

The primary innovation of Project 200 is its ability to operate in an Ultra-Low Earth Orbit (ULEO). Traditional satellites typically operate at higher altitudes, often ranging from 500 to 2,000 kilometers. However, by lowering the satellite’s orbit to between 180 and 250 km, Bellatrix Aerospace aims to:

  • Improve Earth Observation: This lower orbit allows for higher-resolution images, which can be used for more detailed Earth monitoring, disaster management, and environmental research.
  • Enhance Telecommunications: Satellites in ULEO can provide better communication services, with reduced latency, improving internet and communication speed.

Overcoming Atmospheric Challenges

Satellites at such a low altitude face significant challenges due to atmospheric drag. However, Bellatrix Aerospace has developed a breakthrough propulsion technology that can counteract this drag. This technology enables the satellites to remain in orbit for extended periods, overcoming one of the major hurdles in satellite operations at low altitudes.

Major Benefits of Project 200

The new technology behind Project 200 brings several significant advantages, including:

  • Reduced Communication Latency: By operating at a lower altitude, the satellite can reduce signal travel time, halving communication latency.
  • Improved Image Resolution: The satellite’s proximity to Earth allows for images with three times the resolution of traditional satellites.
  • Lower Costs: Operating at a lower altitude reduces the cost of launching and maintaining the satellite, making satellite services more affordable.

Important Points:

  • Bellatrix Aerospace’s “Project 200”: A new satellite designed to operate at Ultra-Low Earth Orbit (180-250 km).
  • Key Innovations:
    • Ultra-Low Earth Orbit (ULEO): Satellites at lower altitudes (180-250 km) for better performance.
    • Breakthrough Propulsion Technology: Allows satellites to stay in orbit for years despite atmospheric drag.
  • Potential Benefits:
    • Improved Earth Observation: Higher-resolution images for better monitoring of the Earth, including disaster management and environmental studies.
    • Enhanced Telecommunications: Reduced communication latency, leading to faster internet and improved communication systems.
  • Advantages of Project 200:
    • Half the Communication Latency: Lower altitude reduces signal travel time.
    • Three Times Better Image Resolution: Provides clearer, more detailed images compared to traditional satellites.
    • Lower Satellite Costs: Reduced launch and maintenance costs, making satellite services more affordable.
  • Major Impact: Project 200 could revolutionize satellite operations, leading to advancements in scientific research, telecommunications, and commercial satellite applications.

Why In News

Bengaluru-based startup Bellatrix Aerospace unveiled “Project 200,” an innovative satellite designed to operate at Ultra-Low Earth Orbit (180-250 km), marking a significant milestone in space technology, during the Bengaluru Space Expo 2024. This breakthrough is expected to redefine the way satellites are used for Earth observation and telecommunications, offering new opportunities for industries worldwide.

MCQs about Project 200

  1. What is the primary innovation of Bellatrix Aerospace’s “Project 200”?
    A. The satellite uses solar power to operate.
    B. The satellite is designed to operate in Ultra-Low Earth Orbit (180-250 km).
    C. The satellite uses nuclear propulsion technology.
    D. The satellite will be launched from Mars.
    Correct Answer: B. The satellite is designed to operate in Ultra-Low Earth Orbit (180-250 km).
    Explanation: The primary innovation of “Project 200” is that it is designed to operate at Ultra-Low Earth Orbit (ULEO), specifically between 180-250 kilometers, which is significantly lower than the orbits of traditional satellites.
  2. What major challenge does the satellite in Project 200 overcome?
    A. Extreme solar radiation.
    B. Atmospheric drag at lower altitudes.
    C. Lack of power supply in space.
    D. Lack of communication capabilities.
    Correct Answer: B. Atmospheric drag at lower altitudes.
    Explanation: One of the key challenges for satellites at lower altitudes is atmospheric drag. Bellatrix Aerospace has developed a breakthrough propulsion technology that allows the satellite to remain in orbit for extended periods despite this drag.
  3. Which of the following is NOT a benefit of operating satellites in Ultra-Low Earth Orbit (ULEO) as demonstrated by Project 200?
    A. Reduced communication latency.
    B. Three times better image resolution.
    C. Longer operational lifespan due to reduced drag.
    D. Higher satellite costs for launch and maintenance.
    Correct Answer: D. Higher satellite costs for launch and maintenance.
    Explanation: One of the major advantages of Project 200 is the reduced cost of launching and maintaining the satellite. The low-altitude orbit leads to lower operational costs compared to traditional satellite missions, which is the opposite of what option D suggests.
  4. What is the significance of Project 200’s ability to halve communication latency?
    A. It reduces the number of satellites required for global coverage.
    B. It increases the speed of internet and communication services.
    C. It allows for the use of higher frequency signals.
    D. It enables satellite communications on other planets.
    Correct Answer: B. It increases the speed of internet and communication services.
    Explanation: By operating at a lower altitude, Project 200 reduces the travel time of signals, halving communication latency. This improvement results in faster internet speeds and more efficient communication, making it highly beneficial for telecommunications.

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