Daily Current Affairs : 29-November-2023
NASA, the United States’ space agency, has embarked on a collaborative effort with India’s ISRO to train an Indian astronaut for a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) by the end of 2024. This partnership signifies a significant step in international space exploration.
Key Highlights of the Training Collaboration:
- NASA’s commitment to assist in the training of an Indian astronaut selected by ISRO.
- The slated ISS mission by 2024, with the selection process to be managed by ISRO.
- Potential candidates emerging from foundational space astronaut training for the Gaganyaan mission.
Joint Working Group and Collaborative Areas:
- Establishment of a joint working group to explore collaborative ventures.
- Collaborative areas include radiation impact studies, micro-meteorite investigations, orbital debris shield studies, and aspects related to space health and medicine.
Future of the ISS:
- NASA’s plans to decommission the ISS by 2031.
- Anticipation of commercial replacement facilities for a continual human presence in low-Earth orbit.
India’s Endeavor: Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS) and Lunar Aspirations
Characteristics of BAS:
- Smaller scale compared to the ISS, with a mass of 20 tonnes.
- Primary purpose: Facilitate microgravity experiments.
- Planned orbit: Around 400 km above Earth’s surface.
Challenges and Technological Upgrades:
- Construction and maintenance challenges, including life support systems and radiation protection.
- Need for substantial technological advancements.
International Collaborations and Funding:
- Exploration of international collaborations and involvement of the private sector for funding.
- Emphasis on human spaceflight programs, astronaut training, and essential infrastructure for crewed missions.
NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR): Advancing Earth Observation
Collaborative Effort:
- NISAR, a joint venture between NASA and ISRO.
Innovative Technology:
- First radar imaging satellite to use dual frequencies, marking a technological advancement.
Comprehensive Earth Survey:
- Primary mission objective: Survey all of Earth’s land and ice-covered surfaces every 12 days.
- Mission duration: Three years.
Observing Complex Natural Processes:
- Aim to observe intricate natural processes, including ecosystem disturbances, ice-sheet collapse, earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides.
Functional Capabilities:
- Positioned in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for meticulous measurement of Earth’s dynamic surfaces.
- Information gathering spans biomass, natural hazards, sea level rise, and groundwater.
- Dual radar frequencies (L-band and S-band) for precise measurements down to less than a centimeter.
Important Points:
NASA’s Collaboration with ISRO: Training an Indian Astronaut for ISS Mission
- Collaborative effort between NASA and ISRO to train an Indian astronaut for an ISS mission by 2024.
- NASA’s commitment to assist in astronaut training and ISRO’s responsibility for the selection process.
- Joint working group established for collaborative ventures, including radiation studies and space health.
Future of the ISS:
- NASA’s plan to decommission the ISS by 2031.
- Anticipation of commercial replacement facilities for continual human presence in low-Earth orbit.
India’s Endeavor: Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS) and Lunar Aspirations
- Characteristics of BAS: smaller scale, 20-tonne mass, primary purpose for microgravity experiments.
- Challenges in construction and maintenance, requiring technological advancements.
- Emphasis on international collaborations and private sector involvement for funding.
- Focus on human spaceflight programs, astronaut training, and essential infrastructure.
NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR): Advancing Earth Observation
- NISAR, a joint venture for radar imaging between NASA and ISRO.
- Technological advancement with dual-frequency radar imaging.
- Mission objective: Survey Earth’s land and ice-covered surfaces every 12 days for three years.
- Observing natural processes such as ecosystem disturbances, ice-sheet collapse, earthquakes, and more.
- Functional capabilities in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for precise measurements, including biomass and natural hazards, using dual radar frequencies (L-band and S-band).
Why In News
The US space agency NASA has announced plans to train an Indian astronaut for a mission to the International Space Station by the end of 2024, marking a collaborative effort between the two nations to advance space exploration and foster international cooperation in the realm of space science.
MCQs about Interstellar Pioneering: NASA-ISRO Astronaut Training, ISS Evolution, and NISAR’s Earth Surveillance
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What is the primary objective of NASA’s collaboration with ISRO for training an Indian astronaut?
A. Conducting space health experiments
B. Selecting candidates for ISS missions
C. Decommissioning the ISS by 2024
D. Establishing commercial replacement facilities
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When does NASA plan to decommission the International Space Station (ISS)?
A. 2024
B. 2031
C. 2040
D. 2050
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What is the primary purpose of the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS), India’s planned space station?
A. Conducting lunar missions
B. Facilitating microgravity experiments
C. Hosting international astronauts
D. Developing space health technologies
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What distinguishes NISAR, the joint venture between NASA and ISRO, in terms of technology?
A. Dual frequencies for radar imaging
B. Infrared imaging capabilities
C. Solar-powered satellite
D. Geostationary orbit positioning
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