Daily Current Affairs : 21-January-2025

India’s space industry is rapidly advancing, with startups playing a key role in pushing the boundaries of space technology. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Indian space startup, Digantara, for the success of its Mission SCOT (Space Camera for Object Tracking). This mission marks a significant milestone in the field of Space Situational Awareness (SSA).

What is Mission SCOT?

Mission SCOT is the world’s first commercial Space Situational Awareness (SSA) satellite. It was launched aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission, which is part of a rideshare program that offers cost-effective access to space for multiple customers in a single launch.

  • SSA Importance: SSA involves the tracking and monitoring of space objects and their orbits, which is crucial for the safety of satellites in orbit.
  • Tracking Small Objects: The SCOT satellite is capable of tracking Resident Space Objects (RSOs) as small as 5 cm in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This level of precision is vital for preventing collisions and ensuring space safety.
Backing and Support

Mission SCOT is supported by prominent Indian organizations. It is backed by Aditya Birla Ventures and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), showcasing strong financial support for the venture.

India’s Efforts in Space Situational Awareness

India has made notable strides in space safety and situational awareness. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plays an important role in these efforts.

  • Proximity Analyses and Collision Avoidance: ISRO conducts proximity analyses and Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres (CAM) to prevent satellite collisions in space.
  • Radar and Tracking Facilities: ISRO has a Multi Object Tracking Radar located at the Sriharikota range. However, its range is limited, which calls for advanced technology to improve monitoring capabilities.
  • IS4OM Project: ISRO’s System for Safe and Sustainable Operations Management (IS4OM) provides the annual Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR), offering valuable insights into the space environment.
The NETRA Project

To further enhance India’s space security, ISRO is working on the NETRA Project. Under the Network for Space Objects Tracking and Analysis (NETRA), ISRO is developing a Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) network. This network will include advanced radars and optical telescopes designed to improve threat analysis and safeguard India’s space assets.

Important Points:
  • Mission SCOT:
    • World’s first commercial Space Situational Awareness (SSA) satellite.
    • Launched aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission, part of SpaceX’s cost-effective rideshare program.
    • Tracks Resident Space Objects (RSOs) as small as 5 cm in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
  • Significance of SSA:
    • Involves tracking and monitoring space objects and their orbits to prevent collisions.
  • Backing of Mission SCOT:
    • Supported by Aditya Birla Ventures and Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
  • India’s Efforts in Space Situational Awareness:
    • ISRO’s Role:
      • Conducts proximity analyses and Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres (CAM) to prevent satellite collisions.
      • Operates a Multi Object Tracking Radar at the Sriharikota range with limited range.
    • IS4OM Project:
      • Provides the Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) annually for space environment insights.
  • NETRA Project:
    • Under the Network for Space Objects Tracking and Analysis (NETRA).
    • Aims to establish a Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) network with advanced radars and optical telescopes.
  • Overall Impact:
    • Mission SCOT and India’s space efforts show the growing role of private startups in space security.
    • Enhances India’s ability to ensure the safety and sustainability of its space operations.
Why In News

The Prime Minister of India lauded the Indian space startup Digantara for the remarkable success of Mission SCOT (Space Camera for Object Tracking), recognizing it as a significant achievement in advancing India’s space capabilities and positioning the country as a key player in space situational awareness.

MCQs about Mission SCOT
  1. What is the primary function of Mission SCOT?
    A. To develop new rockets for space travel
    B. To track and monitor space debris in Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
    C. To send astronauts to Mars
    D. To build advanced space telescopes
    Correct Answer: B. To track and monitor space debris in Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
    Explanation: Mission SCOT is designed to track Resident Space Objects (RSOs) as small as 5 cm in Low Earth Orbit, which is essential for space situational awareness and preventing satellite collisions.
  2. Which organization launched Mission SCOT into space?
    A. NASA
    B. ISRO
    C. SpaceX
    D. European Space Agency (ESA)
    Correct Answer: C. SpaceX
    Explanation: Mission SCOT was launched aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission, which is part of SpaceX’s rideshare program that offers cost-effective access to space for multiple customers.
  3. What does SSA (Space Situational Awareness) involve?
    A. Monitoring the health of astronauts
    B. Tracking and characterizing space objects and their orbits
    C. Sending probes to other planets
    D. Building new satellites for communication
    Correct Answer: B. Tracking and characterizing space objects and their orbits
    Explanation: SSA involves tracking and analyzing space objects and their orbits, which is critical for ensuring the safety of satellites and preventing collisions in space.
  4. Which project is ISRO working on to enhance space surveillance capabilities?
    A. Mangalyaan Project
    B. NETRA Project
    C. Gaganyaan Project
    D. Chandrayaan Project
    Correct Answer: B. NETRA Project
    Explanation: The NETRA Project, under the Network for Space Objects Tracking and Analysis, aims to establish a Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) network with advanced radars and optical telescopes to improve threat analysis and protect space assets.

Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading