Daily Current Affairs : 22-April-2024
NASA has exciting news! The space agency has confirmed that its Dragonfly rotorcraft mission to Titan, Saturn’s biggest moon, can be launched in 2028. This mission aims to discover one of the most intriguing locations in our solar system.
What is Dragonfly?
Dragonfly is a unique “dual-quadcopter.” This means it has four rotors, allowing it to fly like a drone while also moving across Titan’s surface. Here are a few key features of Dragonfly:
- Flight Capability: It can fly and land, which will help it journey quickly across Titan’s landscape.
- Surface Exploration: Dragonfly will study the rich organic compounds on Titan’s surface. These compounds are similar to those found on Earth and could provide clues about the building blocks of life.
How Does It Work?
Dragonfly will use its ability to fly to cover large distances on Titan. Because Titan has a thick atmosphere and low gravity, Dragonfly can travel tens of kilometers in under an hour. This is much faster than traditional landers that move slowly across the ground.
Key Features:
- Transportation: Dragonfly can fly from one scientific site to another, gathering data from multiple locations.
- Science Measurements: It will perform scientific tests and measurements while in the air, providing valuable information about Titan’s environment.
Powering the Mission
Dragonfly will be powered by a radioisotope power system. This system allows the craft to operate continuously, even in the extreme conditions of space. Here’s how it works:
- Daytime Operations: Dragonfly will conduct most of its activities during the day when it can gather sunlight and data.
- Nighttime Recharging: At night, it will recharge its systems, ensuring it is ready for the next day’s exploration.
Important Points:
- Mission Confirmation: NASA’s Dragonfly mission to Titan is scheduled for launch in 2028.
- What is Dragonfly?:
- A unique “dual-quadcopter” with four rotors.
- Capable of flying and moving across Titan’s surface.
- Key Features of Dragonfly:
- Flight Capability: Can cover large distances quickly across Titan’s landscape.
- Surface Exploration: Will study rich organic compounds on Titan’s surface, similar to those on Earth.
- Operational Mechanics:
- Utilizes flight to travel tens of kilometers in under an hour due to Titan’s thick atmosphere and low gravity.
- Key Features of Operation:
- Transportation: Flies between scientific sites to gather data.
- Science Measurements: Conducts tests and measurements while airborne.
- Power Source:
- Powered by a radioisotope power system for continuous operation.
- Operational Phases:
- Daytime Operations: Conducts activities during the day for data collection.
- Nighttime Recharging: Recharges systems at night for the next day’s exploration.
- Mission Goal: To uncover vital knowledge about Titan and its potential for life.
Why In News
NASA has confirmed that its Dragonfly rotorcraft mission to Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, is scheduled for launch in 2028, aiming to explore the moon’s intriguing surface and rich organic compounds.
MCQs about Dragonfly Mission to Titan
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What is the primary mission of NASA’s Dragonfly rotorcraft?
A. To land on Mars
B. To explore Titan’s surface
C. To orbit Saturn
D. To collect samples from the asteroid belt
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What type of vehicle is Dragonfly classified as?
A. A lander
B. A rover
C. A dual-quadcopter
D. A satellite
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How does Dragonfly power its operations?
A. Solar panels
B. Battery power
C. Radioisotope power system
D. Hydrogen fuel cells
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What advantage does Titan’s thick atmosphere and low gravity provide for Dragonfly?
A. It allows for longer flight times.
B. It increases the risk of landing failure.
C. It enables rapid travel over large distances.
D. It makes navigation more difficult.
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