Daily Current Affairs : 18-October-2023

In a groundbreaking announcement that has captured the world’s attention, the Prime Minister of India has issued a directive that has set the nation’s space aspirations soaring. India is now gearing up to establish its own space station, the ‘Bharatiya Antariksha Station’ (Indian Space Station), by the year 2035. Additionally, the country aims to achieve another milestone by sending its first astronaut to the Moon by 2040. This ambitious endeavor marks a significant leap for India’s space program, showcasing the nation’s determination to explore the uncharted territories of the cosmos.

India’s Membership in the Artemis Program

One of the cornerstones of India’s lunar exploration efforts is its participation in the Artemis program. This international initiative, led by NASA, aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable presence there. India’s involvement in this program not only solidifies its position as a key player in the global space community but also opens the door to collaborative ventures with other spacefaring nations.

Chandrayaan-3: Pioneering Lunar Exploration

India’s space journey gained remarkable momentum with the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission. India made history by becoming the first country to achieve a soft landing of a spacecraft near the unexplored south pole of the Moon. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the challenges faced by a similar Russian mission that ended in failure. India’s triumph has not only bolstered national pride but has also elevated the country’s status in the realm of lunar exploration.

Aditya L-1: Probing the Sun’s Mysteries

India’s space endeavors extend beyond lunar exploration. The nation launched the Aditya L-1 mission, aimed at studying the Sun in unprecedented detail. As part of its crewed space mission preparations, India is scheduled to conduct a crucial test. This mission not only advances our understanding of the Sun’s behavior but also plays a vital role in shaping India’s future crewed space missions.

Crew Module (CM) System: Ensuring Astronaut Safety

Central to India’s crewed space missions is the advanced Crew Module system. Designed to house astronauts in a pressurized environment akin to Earth’s atmosphere, this module ensures the safety and well-being of India’s space explorers. The successful integration and testing of the unpressurized version of the Crew Module for the Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1) signify India’s readiness to take on the challenges of crewed space missions.

Shukrayaan-1 Mission: Unraveling Venus’ Secrets

Looking beyond the Moon, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for the Shukrayaan-1 mission, a bold venture to explore Venus, our fiery sister planet. This mission holds the promise of unraveling the mysteries of Venus and shedding light on its potential habitability. India’s foray into Venusian exploration is a testament to its scientific prowess and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of space research.

Important Points:

  • India’s Prime Minister has directed the establishment of the ‘Bharatiya Antariksha Station’ (Indian Space Station) by 2035 and sending the first Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040.
  • India’s participation in the Artemis program, an international initiative aiming to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable lunar presence.
  • Successful Chandrayaan-3 mission, marking India as the first country to achieve a soft landing near the unexplored south pole of the Moon.
  • Aditya L-1 mission to study the Sun in detail and its role in India’s future crewed space missions.
  • Advanced Crew Module (CM) system to ensure astronaut safety during space missions.
  • The upcoming Shukrayaan-1 mission, an exploration of Venus, to unveil its mysteries and investigate potential habitability.
  • India’s increasing status as a significant player in the global space community and its determination to explore uncharted territories in space.
Why In News

The Prime Minister of India has issued a directive to the Department of Space, instructing them to focus their efforts on establishing the ‘Bharatiya Antariksha Station’ (Indian Space Station) by 2035 and ensuring that the first Indian astronaut lands on the Moon by 2040, marking a significant milestone in India’s space exploration journey and inspiring future generations of scientists and engineers.

MCQs about India’s Stellar Ascent: Charting New Horizons in Space Exploration

  1. What is the primary goal of India’s space program?
    A. Establishing a lunar base on the Moon
    B. Setting up ‘Bharatiya Antariksha Station’ (Indian Space Station) by 2035 and sending the first Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040
    C. Exploring Mars for potential colonization
    D. Launching a series of satellites for global communication
  2. What role does India play in the Artemis program?
    A. Leading the international initiative
    B. Providing financial support
    C. Participating as a key member in the effort to return humans to the Moon
    D. Observing the Moon from Earth
  3. Which planet is the focus of India’s upcoming space mission?
    A. Mars
    B. Venus
    C. Jupiter
    D. Saturn
  4. What significant achievement did India accomplish with the Chandrayaan-3 mission?
    A. Successful landing on Mars
    B. Soft landing near the unexplored south pole of the Moon
    C. Establishing communication with extraterrestrial life
    D. Discovering a new exoplanet

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