Daily Current Affairs : 24-August-2023
As the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) marks another significant achievement, it’s worth reflecting on its remarkable journey by examining the notable milestones that have shaped India’s space exploration efforts.
ISRO’s Satellite Programs: Pioneering Discoveries
- Aryabhatta Satellite: A Journey to Space Dawn
- In 1975, ISRO launched the Aryabhata satellite, signifying India’s entry into space exploration.
- This 360 kg spacecraft was built for X-ray astronomy, aeronomics, and solar physics experiments.
- Named after the legendary mathematician and astronomer Aryabhata, it took off from the Soviet Union on Kosmas 3M rocket.
- Though it initially worked for about five days, communication was lost due to power failure.
- Bhaskar Satellites: Laying Foundations for Remote Sensing
- Bhaskar-1 (1979) and Bhaskar-2 (1981) pioneered Earth observation satellites.
- These laid the groundwork for the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) Satellite system, enabling diverse applications.
- IRS-1A marked a significant step in 1988, providing vital data for various sectors including agriculture, forestry, and disaster management.
- Apple Spacecraft: Inspiring Communication Revolution
- The experimental communication satellite APPLE (1981) inspired the Indian National Satellite System (INSAT).
- INSAT, a series of geostationary satellites, revolutionized telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology, and more.
- INSAT-2 marked a transition to indigenously-built satellites, enhancing India’s technological self-reliance.
- NAVIC/IRNSS: Navigating with Precision
- The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), known as NavIC, started in 2013.
- Seven dedicated navigation satellites enable terrestrial, aerial, marine navigation, and various other applications.
Launch Vehicle Programs: Propelling India’s Ascent to Space
- US Nike Apache Launch: A Modest Start
- In 1963, India launched the US Nike Apache sounding rocket, exploring the upper atmosphere.
- Carried to the launch site on a bullock cart, these rockets facilitated experimental studies.
- Evolution of Launch Vehicles: Climbing Higher
- The SVL-3 (1980) marked India’s early step in launch vehicle development, with payloads like Rohini 1.
- The Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) enhanced payload capacity.
- The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) emerged in 1994, enabling missions like Chandrayaan-1 (2008) and Mangalyaan (2013).
- GSLV: Addressing Limitations
- Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) emerged to overcome PSLV’s payload constraints.
- GSLV’s cryogenic engines, developed indigenously, boosted capabilities.
- Launch Vehicle Mark-3: A Giant Leap
- Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3) with an indigenous cryogenic engine was a major success in 2014.
- Carrying payloads up to 4,000 kg to geostationary orbits, LVM-3 expanded India’s launch capabilities.
Planetary Exploration: Unveiling the Cosmic Mysteries
- Chandrayaan-1: Lunar Exploration and Water Discovery
- Launched in 2008, Chandrayaan-1 marked India’s lunar exploration journey.
- The Moon Impact Probe left India’s imprint on the lunar surface, and Chandrayaan-1’s orbiter detected lunar water.
- Mangalyaan: India’s Martian Triumph
- In 2013, Mangalyaan showcased ISRO’s interplanetary prowess.
- Becoming the fourth agency to reach Mars’ orbit, it tested technologies crucial for interplanetary missions.
- Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3: Perseverance and Success
- Chandrayaan-2’s orbiter continued research despite the lander’s challenges, providing valuable insights.
- Chandrayaan-3’s success in 2023 underscored India’s determination and scientific progress.
Important Points:
ISRO’s Satellite Programs:
- Aryabhata satellite (1975): India’s space entry; X-ray astronomy, solar physics.
- Bhaskar satellites (1979, 1981): Foundation for Earth observation.
- INSAT: Communication revolution; nationwide connectivity, broadcasting, meteorology.
- NAVIC/IRNSS: Precision navigation; terrestrial, aerial, marine, and research applications.
Launch Vehicle Programs:
- SVL-3 (1980): Early launch vehicle; led by A P J Abdul Kalam.
- PSLV (1994): Big Rockets league; enabled Chandrayaan-1 (2008) and Mangalyaan (2013).
- GSLV: Overcame payload constraints; used cryogenic engines.
- LVM-3 (2014): Heaviest launch vehicle; expanded payload capacity.
Planetary Exploration:
- Chandrayaan-1 (2008): Lunar exploration; discovered lunar water.
- Mangalyaan (2013): Interplanetary success; tested Mars mission technologies.
- Chandrayaan-2: Orbiter continued research despite lander challenges.
- Chandrayaan-3 (2023): Successful lunar mission; showcased India’s determination.
Why In News
As India rejoices in the latest triumph of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), let’s take a moment to reflect on the remarkable milestones that have paved the way for this historic achievement. From launching its first satellite in 1975 to successfully sending a mission to Mars in 2013, ISRO’s journey has been marked by extraordinary accomplishments.
MCQs about ISRO’s Milestones: India’s Remarkable Space Odyssey
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What was the primary objective of the Aryabhata satellite launched in 1975 by ISRO?
A. Earth observation
B. X-ray astronomy, aeronomics, and solar physics experiments
C. Telecommunications
D. Weather forecasting
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Which launch vehicle enabled India’s entry into the “Big Rockets league” and carried missions like Chandrayaan-1 and Mangalyaan?
A. SVL-3
B. GSLV
C. ASLV
D. PSLV
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What was the key achievement of Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3)?
A. It carried the GSAT-19 satellite
B. It explored the Moon’s surface
C. It was the first Indian launch vehicle
D. It carried payloads up to 4,000 kg to geostationary orbits
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What notable discovery was made by Chandrayaan-1, India’s lunar mission launched in 2008?
A. Evidence of water on the Moon
B. Evidence of extraterrestrial life
C. Evidence of underground caves on the Moon
D. Evidence of magnetic anomalies on the Moon
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