Daily Current Affairs Analysis

15 May 2024

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‘NISAR satellite will monitor tectonic movements to centimetre accuracy’

Satellite is likely to be launched later this year; it can fully map earth twice a month, measure water bodies, vegetation, snow cover, track agricultural changes, desertification, and aid in the study of climate-related issues, says ISRO chief; agency working on Gaganyaan-4 and space docking missions

 

Related Topic (as per UPSC Syllabus)

 

"‘NISAR satellite will monitor tectonic movements to centimetre accuracy’"

This headline indicates that the upcoming NISAR satellite, a joint project between NASA and ISRO, is designed to monitor Earth’s tectonic plate movements with high precision, up to centimetre accuracy. This ability is significant for geoscientific research, disaster preparedness, and environmental monitoring.

 

Relevance to UPSC Syllabus

• Topic: Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life

·       Subtopics:

·       Achievements of Indians in science & technology.

·       Indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

·       Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, biotechnology, and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

The news is relevant for:

• UPSC Prelims: Questions might focus on the technical aspects and capabilities of the NISAR satellite.
• UPSC Mains (GS Paper III): Questions could involve the application of satellite technology in disaster management, environmental monitoring, and policy-making.
• UPSC Interview: Potential discussion on how advancements in space technology can benefit India and its implications for international collaborations.

 

News Analysis

Introduction

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is poised for a series of ambitious space projects, including the launch of the NISAR satellite, space docking experiments, and the continuation of the Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan missions. These initiatives highlight ISRO's expanding capabilities in space technology and its collaborative efforts with international agencies such as NASA.

 

Key Projects and Their Significance

 

1.    NISAR Satellite:

·       Collaboration and Technology: The NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite is a joint venture between NASA and ISRO. It features advanced radar technology with S-band and L-band frequencies, where the S-band radar is developed by ISRO and the L-band by NASA.

·       Capabilities: NISAR is designed to monitor Earth's surface with high precision, capable of mapping the entire planet in 14 to 15 days. It will measure tectonic movements with centimeter-level accuracy and assess changes in vegetation, water bodies, and snow cover.

·       Benefits: The data collected will aid in studying climate change, agricultural patterns, and geological phenomena, benefiting both India and the U.S. by enhancing environmental monitoring and disaster management capabilities.

 

2.    Space Docking Experiment (Spadex):

·       Objective: The experiment involves two satellites docking in space, a critical technology for future missions, including space station maintenance and deep space exploration.

·       Progress: ISRO has completed the satellite assembly and ground-based docking tests, with a planned launch by the end of this year. This mission serves as a precursor to ISRO's ambition to build an Indian space station.

 

3.    Chandrayaan-4 Mission:

·       Mission Goals: Following the Chandrayaan-3 mission, Chandrayaan-4 aims to return samples from the moon, doubling the complexity of its predecessor.

·       Development Status: The mission is in the concept phase, with ISRO exploring new methods for sample collection and return, requiring government approval for further development.

 

4.    Gaganyaan Mission:

·       Preparation: The project is advancing with tests such as the helicopter air drop to demonstrate the parachute system of the crew module.

·       International Collaboration: An Indian astronaut is planned to be sent to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the training and preparation for the manned Gaganyaan mission.

 

5.    Future Projects and Technologies:

·       Sukhrayaan (Venus Mission): ISRO plans to send a probe to Venus, pending government approval.

·       Bharatiya Antariksha Station: Aiming for an initial launch by 2028, this project represents ISRO’s goal to establish an Indian space station.

·       New Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV): Named 'Surya', this new rocket is under development to support more complex missions.

·       Advanced Satellite Technologies: ISRO is working on cutting-edge technologies such as quantum key distribution satellites and software-defined radio satellites to enhance communication and monitoring capabilities.

 

Conclusion

ISRO's current slate of projects showcases its growing prowess in space technology and its commitment to contributing significantly to global space science and exploration. These missions not only reinforce ISRO's role in international collaborations but also pave the way for advanced research and technological innovations that can have wide-ranging applications, from climate studies to interplanetary exploration. As ISRO continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in space, it solidifies India's position as a leading space-faring nation.

 

Probable Mains Question

Evaluate the significance of the NISAR satellite for disaster management and environmental monitoring in India.

Model Answer (hints):

1.    Introduction

·       The NISAR satellite, a collaboration between NASA and ISRO, represents a significant leap in Earth observation technology, specifically designed to monitor environmental and geological changes including tectonic movements.

2.    Demand of the Question

·       Significance in Disaster Management: Accurate monitoring of tectonic movements can lead to improved earthquake preparedness and response strategies, potentially saving lives and reducing economic losses.

·       Environmental Monitoring: NISAR’s capabilities in assessing water stress, vegetation, and other environmental parameters are crucial for addressing climate change and sustainable development goals.

3.    Way Forward

·       Enhancing data integration into disaster management frameworks to improve response times and effectiveness.

·       Promoting international cooperation to utilize NISAR data for global environmental monitoring and policy-making.

 

MCQs for Prelims Practice