In 1997, a remarkable event unfolded in the field of space exploration when the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully shipped and launched the Rohini RH-300 Mk-II sounding rocket from Svalbard, Norway. This groundbreaking achievement marked a significant milestone for both India and Norway, as it showcased the adaptability of the Indian rocket in extreme arctic weather conditions. This essay explores the challenges faced during this expedition and highlights the accomplishments of the RH-300 Mk-II rocket, now known as Isbjorn-1 (Polar Bear-I).

The RH-300 Mk-II: A Solid Propellant-Powered Rocket
  • The RH-300 Mk-II was a solid propellant-powered rocket developed by ISRO.
  • ISRO’s successful qualification of the rocket for arctic weather conditions prompted its shipment to Norway.
  • The Norwegian Space Centre (NSC) renamed the rocket as Isbjorn-1, meaning ‘Polar Bear-I.’
Adapting to Harsh Weather Conditions
  • The Rohini rockets had previously been launched exclusively in the tropical hot and humid conditions of India.
  • Svalbard archipelago, located in the Arctic Ocean, posed extreme weather challenges with significantly low temperatures.
  • ISRO aimed to prove the rocket’s resilience by qualifying it for polar operations.
The Mission and Payload of Isbjorn-1
  • The primary objective of Isbjorn-1 was to launch a 70 kg payload to an altitude of 120 km.
  • The rocket carried a Langmuir Probe onboard, which facilitated Polar Ionospheric studies.
  • Polar Ionospheric studies are crucial for understanding the behavior of Earth’s upper atmosphere and its interactions with space weather.
Overcoming Challenges: A Shortfall in Altitude and Range
  • In 1997, Isbjorn-1 successfully soared into the skies but reached an altitude of only 71 km.
  • The rocket fell short of its intended range of 129 km by 35 km.
Lessons Learned and Scientific Insights
  • Despite the lower than expected altitude and range, the Isbjorn-1 mission provided valuable scientific data.
  • The rocket’s performance in arctic weather conditions provided insights into the adaptability of Indian rockets.
  • The mission highlighted the need for further improvements to enhance the performance of rockets in extreme environments.

Important Points:

  • The Rohini RH-300 Mk-II rocket was shipped from India to Svalbard, Norway by ISRO 🚀
  • The rocket was renamed Isbjorn-1 (Polar Bear-I) by the Norwegian Space Centre 🐻
  • ISRO qualified the rocket for arctic weather conditions ❄️
  • The rocket faced challenges due to extreme low temperatures in the Arctic Ocean 🌡️
  • Isbjorn-1 was designed to carry a 70 kg payload for Polar Ionospheric studies ⚛️
  • The rocket reached an altitude of only 71 km, falling short of the intended 120 km 📉
  • The range of Isbjorn-1 was 35 km less than the designed 129 km 📏
  • Despite the limitations, the mission provided valuable scientific insights 🌌
  • The adaptability of Indian rockets in extreme environments was demonstrated 🌍
  • The mission highlighted the need for further improvements in rocket technology 🔬
Why In News

In 1997, India marked a significant milestone in space exploration when it successfully launched a Rohini RH-300 Mk-II sounding rocket from Svalbard, Norway, showcasing its prowess in international collaboration. The rocket, meticulously transported and assembled by the Indian team, soared into the skies, leaving a lasting impression on the global scientific community.

MCQs about The Remarkable Journey of India’s Isbjorn-1 Rocket

  1. What was the primary objective of the Isbjorn-1 (Polar Bear-I) rocket launch?
    A. To study polar bears in their natural habitat
    B. To qualify the rocket for arctic weather conditions
    C. To investigate the behavior of Earth’s upper atmosphere
    D. To test the rocket’s performance in extreme heat conditions
    Correct Answer: C. To investigate the behavior of Earth’s upper atmosphere.
    Explanation: The Isbjorn-1 rocket was designed to carry a Langmuir Probe onboard for Polar Ionospheric studies, providing valuable insights into the behavior of Earth’s upper atmosphere and its interactions with space weather.
  2. Why was the Isbjorn-1 rocket shipped to Svalbard, Norway?
    A. To explore the Arctic Ocean for marine life
    B. To showcase India’s space exploration capabilities
    C. To study the effects of extreme low temperatures on rockets
    D. To participate in an international rocket competition
    Correct Answer: C. To study the effects of extreme low temperatures on rockets.
    Explanation: ISRO shipped the Isbjorn-1 rocket to Svalbard, Norway, to qualify it for arctic weather conditions, as the Svalbard archipelago experiences extremely low temperatures.
  3. How did the Isbjorn-1 rocket perform in terms of altitude and range?
    A. It reached an altitude of 120 km and exceeded the range of 129 km.
    B. It fell short of the intended altitude and range.
    C. It surpassed the expected altitude but fell short of the range.
    D. It achieved the exact altitude and range as designed.
    Correct Answer: B. It fell short of the intended altitude and range.
    Explanation: The Isbjorn-1 rocket reached an altitude of only 71 km, which was lower than the targeted 120 km. Additionally, its range was 35 km less than the designed 129 km.
  4. What did the Isbjorn-1 mission reveal about Indian rockets?
    A. Their inability to withstand extreme weather conditions
    B. Their adaptability to various environments
    C. Their limited payload capacity
    D. Their preference for tropical launch sites
    Correct Answer: B. Their adaptability to various environments.
    Explanation: The successful shipment and launch of the Isbjorn-1 rocket from Svalbard, Norway, showcased the adaptability of Indian rockets to extreme arctic weather conditions, highlighting their capability to operate in different environments beyond tropical launch sites.

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