Daily Current Affairs : 26-October-2024

In a groundbreaking collaboration, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) have joined forces to develop bio-experiments for India’s planned indigenous space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS). This partnership aims to conduct vital research to support long-term space missions and contribute to India’s scientific and technological advancements.

Key Points of the ISRO-DBT Agreement

The primary goal of the ISRO-DBT agreement is to design and conduct biological experiments that will support the success of the BAS and the Gaganyaan mission. Some of the focus areas of this collaboration include:

  • Impact of Weightlessness on Muscle Health: Research on how space travel affects human health, particularly muscles, is crucial for astronaut well-being on long missions.
  • Algae Studies: These studies aim to find sustainable, nutrient-rich food sources and biofuels that can support long-term space missions.
  • Effects of Space Radiation: Space radiation poses a significant threat to astronaut health. Understanding these effects will help in developing better protection strategies.

The BioE3 Initiative

In alignment with the DBT’s policy to promote bio-manufacturing, the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) initiative plays a critical role in supporting India’s biotechnology sector. The policy covers a range of sectors, including:

  • High-Value Bio-Based Products: It encourages the production of bio-based chemicals, biopolymers, and enzymes.
  • Climate-Resilient Agriculture: The policy focuses on developing agricultural practices that can withstand climate change impacts while promoting carbon capture.
  • Healthcare and Nutrition: It aims to enhance healthcare through precision biotherapeutics, functional foods, and regenerative medicine.
  • Marine and Space Biotechnology: The policy supports innovation in marine and space research to expand biotechnology applications.

BAS: India’s Future Space Station

The Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) will be a significant milestone for India’s space program. Planned to orbit 400 km above Earth, the space station will be capable of hosting astronauts on 15–20 day missions. The BAS will be launched in phases, with the initial module expected to launch by 2028, and full expansion projected by 2035. Its design includes various modules such as a command module, habitat module, propulsion systems, and docking ports.

Important Points:

  • ISRO and DBT Collaboration: ISRO and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) are working together to develop bio-experiments for India’s upcoming space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).
  • Research Focus Areas:
    • Impact of weightlessness on astronaut muscle health.
    • Algae studies for sustainable, nutrient-rich food and biofuel.
    • Effects of space radiation on astronaut health.
  • BioE3 Initiative: The DBT’s BioE3 policy aims to promote biomanufacturing and biotechnology innovations in India, with a focus on:
    • High-value bio-based products (chemicals, biopolymers, enzymes).
    • Climate-resilient agriculture and carbon capture technologies.
    • Healthcare advancements, including precision biotherapeutics and regenerative medicine.
    • Marine and space biotechnology research.
  • BAS Overview:
    • The Bharatiya Antariksh Station will orbit 400 km above Earth.
    • Initial module launch by 2028, with full expansion by 2035.
    • It will support 15–20 day missions with a command module, habitat module, propulsion systems, and docking ports.
  • Economic and Employment Impact: The BioE3 policy aims to foster entrepreneurship, create jobs, and support green growth through biotechnology innovations.

Why In News

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) have joined forces to develop bio-experiments for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), India’s planned indigenous space station, marking a significant step toward advancing India’s capabilities in both space exploration and biotechnology research.

MCQs about ISRO-DBT Partnership for Space Biotechnology Research

  1. What is the primary goal of the ISRO-DBT collaboration?
    A. To build a new space shuttle for India.
    B. To develop bio-experiments for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).
    C. To launch satellites for weather forecasting.
    D. To explore Mars through robotic missions.
    Correct Answer: B. To develop bio-experiments for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).
    Explanation: The ISRO and DBT collaboration focuses on developing biological experiments for India’s upcoming space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), to support long-term space missions and astronaut health.
  2. Which of the following is NOT a focus area of the ISRO-DBT collaboration?
    A. The impact of weightlessness on astronaut muscle health.
    B. Algae studies for sustainable food and biofuel.
    C. Exploring the possibility of human colonies on Mars.
    D. Effects of space radiation on astronaut health.
    Correct Answer: C. Exploring the possibility of human colonies on Mars.
    Explanation: The focus of the ISRO-DBT collaboration includes weightlessness on muscles, algae studies for food and biofuel, and space radiation, but does not involve exploring human colonies on Mars.
  3. What is the objective of the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) policy?
    A. To promote bio-manufacturing and advance biotechnology in various sectors.
    B. To increase the production of artificial intelligence (AI) in biotechnology.
    C. To support traditional farming practices in India.
    D. To encourage the development of space stations for space tourism.
    Correct Answer: A. To promote bio-manufacturing and advance biotechnology in various sectors.
    Explanation: The BioE3 policy, led by DBT, focuses on enhancing biomanufacturing, supporting innovations in healthcare, agriculture, and climate resilience, and encouraging biotechnology advancements in India.
  4. When is the initial module of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) expected to be launched?
    A. 2025
    B. 2028
    C. 2030
    D. 2035
    Correct Answer: B. 2028
    Explanation: The initial module of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) is planned for launch by 2028, with the full expansion of the station expected to be completed by 2035.

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