Daily Current Affairs : 24-August-2023
The vast expanse of space above our heads is not as empty as it seems. It’s littered with space debris – discarded rocket stages, defunct satellites, and fragments from previous missions. These celestial remnants pose a serious threat to operational satellites and spacecraft, not to mention the safety of astronauts. In response to this growing problem, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched the ClearSpace-1 mission, a pioneering endeavor in space debris removal. This essay delves into the mission’s key details, objectives, and the importance of cleaning up our orbital neighborhood.
ClearSpace-1 Mission Overview
The ClearSpace-1 mission is a groundbreaking effort by ESA to tackle the issue of space debris. At the heart of this mission lies a critical objective: to remove the Vega Secondary Payload Adapter (VESPA) from Earth’s orbit. VESPA is no ordinary piece of space junk; it’s a conical-shaped relic from a 2013 Vega rocket launch, responsible for sending a small fleet of satellites into orbit.
The Mission’s Core Objective: Removing VESPA
ClearSpace-1’s primary goal revolves around the safe and precise removal of VESPA from orbit. This seemingly mundane task carries immense significance in the realm of space debris management.
Rendezvous, Capture, and Deorbit Technologies
To achieve this, the mission employs cutting-edge technologies that encompass three crucial phases:
- Rendezvous: ClearSpace-1 must first locate and approach the target, demonstrating the ability to navigate through space with precision.
- Capture: Once in proximity to VESPA, the mission must securely grab hold of the object. This highlights the importance of developing reliable capture mechanisms.
- Deorbit: Finally, ClearSpace-1 aims to safely deorbit VESPA, guiding it towards a controlled reentry into Earth’s atmosphere. This is essential as it prevents both the captured satellite and ClearSpace-1 itself from becoming new pieces of space debris.
Why ClearSpace-1 Matters
The mission might seem like an elaborate cleanup operation in the cosmos, but its significance extends far beyond that:
- Reducing Collision Risks: Space debris is a moving hazard in the skies. By removing VESPA, ClearSpace-1 mitigates the risk of accidental collisions between operational satellites and this defunct object.
- A Safer Future for Space Exploration: As we venture deeper into space, ensuring safe passages for astronauts and spacecraft is paramount. ClearSpace-1 contributes to making space exploration safer for future generations.
- Environmental Responsibility: Just like cleaning up litter on Earth preserves the environment, space debris removal safeguards the celestial environment. It’s our responsibility to protect the space around our planet.
Important Points:
- The ClearSpace-1 mission is an initiative by the European Space Agency (ESA) aimed at removing space debris from Earth’s orbit.
- The primary objective of ClearSpace-1 is to remove the Vega Secondary Payload Adapter (VESPA), a piece of space debris left over from a 2013 Vega rocket launch.
- The mission involves demonstrating advanced technologies for rendezvous, capture, and deorbiting of space debris.
- Rendezvous involves precisely locating and approaching the target in orbit.
- Capture focuses on securely grabbing hold of the target, showcasing the importance of reliable capture mechanisms.
- Deorbiting ensures the safe reentry of the captured debris into Earth’s atmosphere, preventing it from becoming new space debris.
- ClearSpace-1 contributes to reducing the risk of accidental collisions between operational satellites and space debris, enhancing the safety of space activities.
- The mission promotes a safer environment for space exploration, benefiting future generations of astronauts and spacecraft.
- It exemplifies responsible environmental stewardship in space, akin to cleaning up litter on Earth.
- ClearSpace-1 is a significant step toward a cleaner and safer orbital environment, reflecting humanity’s commitment to managing space debris for a sustainable cosmic future.
Why In News
Clearspace-1, the pioneering spacecraft designed for the vital task of removing space debris from Earth’s orbit, encountered an unfortunate setback when it was unexpectedly hit by a piece of space debris. This incident underscores the urgency of our need to develop effective solutions for managing the growing threat of orbital debris.
MCQs about ClearSpace-1
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What is the primary objective of the ClearSpace-1 mission?
A. To send astronauts to Mars
B. To launch a fleet of new satellites
C. To demonstrate technologies for space debris removal
D. To study the surface of the Moon
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What are the three crucial phases of ClearSpace-1’s mission?
A. Landing, deployment, and capture
B. Rendezvous, capture, and deorbit
C. Observation, analysis, and cleanup
D. Launch, orbit, and retrieval
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What is the significance of ClearSpace-1’s mission in terms of space exploration?
A. It aims to create more space debris.
B. It reduces the risk of collisions in space.
C. It focuses on sending humans to other planets.
D. It is a scientific mission to study asteroids.
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How does ClearSpace-1 contribute to environmental responsibility in space?
A. By launching more satellites
B. By studying distant galaxies
C. By removing space debris
D. By creating new space debris
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