Daily Current Affairs : 23-January-2024

NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) recently made an exciting breakthrough by successfully communicating with India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission. This achievement involved sending a laser beam to the Vikram lander on the Moon and receiving it back, marking a significant moment in lunar exploration.

The Laser Communication Process

The communication between the LRO and the Vikram lander utilized a technique known as laser communication. Here’s how it works:

  • Transmission: The LRO sent out a laser beam.
  • Reflection: This beam hit a special device on the Vikram lander called a retroreflector.
  • Return Signal: The beam bounced back to the LRO, confirming the connection.

The retroreflector was developed through a collaboration between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It is now positioned near the Moon’s south pole, serving as a reference point for future missions.

Significance of This Achievement

This successful communication has far-reaching implications for lunar exploration:

  • Precision Location: The ability to ping the Vikram lander allows scientists to accurately locate targets on the Moon’s surface.
  • Future Missions: The technique using retroreflectors could be beneficial for upcoming lunar missions, enhancing navigation and communication.

Understanding Laser Communication

Laser communication, also known as optical communication, is a modern method for transmitting data. Unlike traditional radio signals, which use radio waves, this method relies on light waves. Here are some key points about laser communication:

  • Data Encoding: Information is encoded by changing the intensity of the laser beam.
  • Specialized Equipment: Specific devices are needed to send and receive these laser signals.
  • Advantages:
    • Higher Data Transfer Rates: Laser communication can send data faster than traditional methods.
    • Greater Bandwidth: More data can be transmitted at once.
    • Enhanced Security: Laser signals can be more secure against interception.

Important Points:

NASA’s Achievement: The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) successfully communicated with India’s Chandrayaan-3 Vikram lander using a laser beam.

Communication Process:

  • Transmission: LRO sent a laser beam.
  • Reflection: The beam hit the retroreflector on Vikram.
  • Return Signal: The beam bounced back to LRO.

Collaboration: The retroreflector was developed by NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Significance:

  • Precision Location: Enables accurate targeting on the Moon’s surface.
  • Future Missions: The technique can enhance navigation and communication for upcoming lunar missions.

Understanding Laser Communication:

  • Data Encoding: Information is encoded by modulating laser beam intensity.
  • Specialized Equipment: Requires specific devices for transmission and reception.

Advantages of Laser Communication:

  • Higher Data Transfer Rates: Faster data transmission than traditional methods.
  • Greater Bandwidth: Allows for more data to be sent simultaneously.
  • Enhanced Security: More secure against interception compared to radio signals.

Why In News

NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) has successfully pinged India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission’s Vikram lander on the Moon using a laser instrument, marking a significant milestone in international space collaboration and lunar exploration.

MCQs about India’s Chandrayaan-3

  1. What is the purpose of the Laser Retroreflector Array on the Vikram lander?
    A. To generate power for the lander
    B. To serve as a marker for precise lunar location
    C. To communicate with Earth
    D. To analyze lunar soil composition
    Correct Answer: B. To serve as a marker for precise lunar location
    Explanation: The Laser Retroreflector Array is designed to serve as a reference point on the Moon, enabling accurate localization of targets on the lunar surface.
  2. What advantage does laser communication have over traditional radio frequency signals?
    A. It uses less energy
    B. It offers higher data transfer rates
    C. It is simpler to implement
    D. It can only be used on the Moon
    Correct Answer: B. It offers higher data transfer rates
    Explanation: Laser communication utilizes light waves for data transmission, allowing for higher data transfer rates and greater bandwidth compared to traditional methods.
  3. Which organizations collaborated to develop the Laser Retroreflector Array for Chandrayaan-3’s lander?
    A. NASA and ESA
    B. ISRO and CNSA
    C. NASA and ISRO
    D. JAXA and NASA
    Correct Answer: C. NASA and ISRO
    Explanation: The development of the Laser Retroreflector Array was a collaboration between NASA and ISRO.
  4. What potential does the technique of using retroreflectors hold for future lunar missions?
    A. It can decrease the weight of spacecraft
    B. It can help in establishing a permanent lunar base
    C. It can enhance the precision of lunar surface targeting
    D. It can improve lunar soil analysis techniques
    Correct Answer: C. It can enhance the precision of lunar surface targeting
    Explanation: This technique allows for more precise localization of targets on the lunar surface, which is crucial for future missions.

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