Daily Current Affairs : 9-September-2024

Planetary protection is an essential principle in space exploration that aims to prevent contamination of both Earth’s biosphere and other celestial bodies, including the Moon and Mars. The goal is to ensure that space missions do not introduce harmful microbial life to other planets or bring back harmful elements to Earth. This principle plays a key role in safeguarding both our planet and the environments of other worlds as we explore space.

The Outer Space Treaty and Planetary Protection

The basis of planetary protection is established under Article IX of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. This treaty obliges countries to prevent harmful contamination of space and celestial bodies. To comply with these policies, spacecraft must be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized before launch. This ensures that no Earth-originating microbes or pollutants are carried to other planets.

For example, China’s Tianwen-3 Mars mission, scheduled for 2028, will follow these planetary protection protocols to avoid contaminating Mars.

India’s Commitment to Planetary Protection

India, through its space agency ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), is dedicated to upholding planetary protection standards. India’s involvement includes several key measures:

  • Mars Missions: India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), launched in 2014, was designed with strict planetary protection measures to ensure Mars remained uncontaminated.
  • Policy Adherence: As a signatory to the Outer Space Treaty, India follows the established planetary protection guidelines, ensuring that its space missions prevent contamination of other planetary bodies.
  • Spacecraft Cleaning: ISRO implements stringent sterilization procedures on its spacecraft to comply with international standards for planetary protection.
  • International Collaboration: India actively collaborates with global space agencies to exchange best practices and improve planetary protection efforts.

India’s Role in Global Space Treaties

India ratified the Outer Space Treaty in March 1967, shortly after the treaty was signed by the United States, the Soviet Union, and other nations. Apart from the Outer Space Treaty, India is also a signatory to several other international agreements related to space exploration, including:

  • The Rescue Agreement (1968)
  • The Liability Convention (1972)
  • The Registration Convention (1976)
  • The Moon Agreement (1979)

These treaties collectively guide India’s approach to peaceful and responsible space exploration.

Important Points:

  • Planetary Protection: Ensures space missions do not contaminate Earth’s biosphere or other celestial bodies like Mars and the Moon.
  • Outer Space Treaty (1967): Article IX requires countries to prevent harmful contamination of space, requiring spacecraft to be cleaned and sterilized before launch.
  • China’s Tianwen-3 Mars Mission (2028): Will adhere to planetary protection protocols to avoid contaminating Mars.
India’s Commitment to Planetary Protection:
  • Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan): Launched in 2014 with strict planetary protection measures to prevent contamination of Mars.
  • Policy Adherence: India follows the planetary protection guidelines outlined in the Outer Space Treaty.
  • Spacecraft Cleaning: ISRO applies stringent sterilization procedures to ensure spacecraft meet planetary protection standards.
  • International Collaboration: India works with global space agencies to share best practices and improve planetary protection efforts.
India’s Role in Global Space Treaties:
  • Outer Space Treaty (1967): India ratified the treaty in March 1967, committing to peaceful and responsible space exploration.
  • Other Treaties India is a Signatory To:
    • The Rescue Agreement (1968)
    • The Liability Convention (1972)
    • The Registration Convention (1976)
    • The Moon Agreement (1979)

Why In News

Planetary protection aims to prevent the contamination of Earth’s biosphere and other planetary bodies by alien microbial life during space missions. By adhering to strict sterilization protocols, it ensures that missions to the Moon, Mars, and other celestial bodies do not disrupt their ecosystems or introduce harmful elements, thus preserving the integrity of these environments for future exploration and scientific study.

MCQs about India’s Role in Planetary Protection

  1. What is the primary goal of planetary protection?
    A. To explore new planets for resources
    B. To prevent the contamination of Earth and other planetary bodies by microbial life
    C. To ensure space missions are cost-effective
    D. To establish human colonies on other planets
    Correct Answer: B. To prevent the contamination of Earth and other planetary bodies by microbial life
    Explanation: The main goal of planetary protection is to avoid the introduction of harmful microbes or pollutants to other planets, like Mars or the Moon, as well as protecting Earth from potential contamination. This ensures the preservation of these environments for future scientific study and exploration.
  2. Which article of the Outer Space Treaty establishes planetary protection guidelines?
    A. Article IV
    B. Article IX
    C. Article VII
    D. Article II
    Correct Answer: B. Article IX
    Explanation: Article IX of the Outer Space Treaty (1967) outlines the guidelines for planetary protection, requiring spacefaring nations to prevent harmful contamination of space and celestial bodies during exploration missions.
  3. Which of the following is a key element of India’s involvement in planetary protection?
    A. Ignoring international guidelines for space missions
    B. Implementing spacecraft sterilization processes
    C. Focusing only on Earth’s biosphere
    D. Avoiding any collaboration with other space agencies
    Correct Answer: B. Implementing spacecraft sterilization processes
    Explanation: India, through ISRO, implements strict spacecraft sterilization procedures to ensure compliance with planetary protection standards. This helps to prevent contamination of other planetary bodies, such as Mars, during space missions.
  4. Which of the following treaties did India ratify to promote peaceful space exploration?
    A. The Moon Agreement (1979)
    B. The Antarctic Treaty (1959)
    C. The Paris Agreement (2015)
    D. The Geneva Conventions (1949)
    Correct Answer: A. The Moon Agreement (1979)
    Explanation: In addition to the Outer Space Treaty (1967), India is a signatory to several other international agreements, including The Moon Agreement (1979), which guides the peaceful exploration and use of the Moon and other celestial bodies.

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