Indian Air Force pilots to train at NASA for mission to Space Station (GS Paper 3, Science and Technology)
Why in news?
- Indian Air Force pilots are slated to undergo advanced training at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas for a mission to fly to the Space Station.
- This move comes as part of a collaborative effort between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) following a deal to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS) by the end of 2024.
Background:
- The training at NASA's premier facility marks a historic moment for India's space endeavors, occurring four decades after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian citizen to travel to space in 1984.
Key Highlights:
- The upcoming mission aims to provide practical experience for Indian astronauts and act as a stepping stone towards India's ambitious Gaganyaan mission, which seeks to send astronauts into space and return them safely to Earth.
- The collaboration with NASA will leverage the changed landscape of US human spaceflight, which now involves private firms carrying out launches to the ISS.
- The Indian astronaut will receive training at NASA's facility before embarking on the journey to the ISS aboard a privately launched spacecraft.
Gaganyaan Mission:
- As part of the preparations for the Gaganyaan mission, ISRO plans to conduct two unmanned missions in 2024, using a humanoid robot named 'Vyommitra' to simulate conditions within the crew-carrying capsule.
- Additionally, ISRO is set to perform various tests, including Crew Escape System trials and helicopter-drop tests, to ensure the safety and reliability of the mission.
India to launch GSAT 20 satellite on SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to space
(GS Paper 3, Science and Technology)
Why in news?
- NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), announced that it will use SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket for a mission launch later in 2024.
- The mission, GSAT-20 satellite launch, will be NSIL/ISRO's first with the Falcon 9 heavy lift launcher, and is slated for the second quarter of 2024.
Key Highlights:
- NSIL's second 'demand-driven' satellite mission, GSAT-20 (now renamed as GSAT-N2) is the ISRO arm's second such mission, the first being June 2022's GSAT-24.
- GSAT-20 seeks to provide cost-effective 'Ka-Ka band' HTS (High Throughput Satellite) capacity, primarily for broadband and cellular backhaul service demands.
- It will cover the entire country, going as far as both Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep.
- Weighing in at 4700 kg, the GSAT-20 is being developed through the expertise of the ISRO and will be launched aboard a Falcon-9 rocket as part of a launch service contract between NSIL and SpaceX.
About SpaceX Falcon 9:
- Falcon 9, the world's first 'orbital class reusable rocket,' is a two-stage launch vehicle designed for 'reliable and safe transport of people and payloads into Earth orbit and beyond.'
- Till now, it has undertaken 285 launches, 243 landings, and 217 re-flights.
Way Forward:
- This collaboration highlights the increasing global partnerships in the space industry and underscores the importance of international cooperation in advancing space technology.
- The GSAT-20 mission is particularly significant as it aims to meet the challenging service requirements of remote and previously unconnected regions, bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive growth.
Exercise Desert Cyclone
(GS Paper 3, Defence)
Why in news?
- The UAE Land Forces contingent comprising 45 personnel arrived in India to participate in the 1st edition of the India - UAE Joint Military Exercise ‘Desert Cyclone’.
Details:
- The Exercise is scheduled to be conducted in Mahajan, Rajasthan from 2nd to 15th January 2024.
- The UAE contingent is being represented by troops from the Zayed First Brigade.
- The Indian Army contingent comprising 45 personnel is being represented mainly by a Battalion from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment.
Aim:
- The aim of the Exercise is to enhance interoperability in Sub-conventional Operations including Fighting in Built-Up Area (FIBUA) in desert/ semi desert terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Peace Keeping Operations.
Key Highlights:
- The Exercise will enhance cooperation and interoperability between both the sides during Peace Keeping Operations.
- Drills planned to be rehearsed during Exercise ‘Desert Cyclone’ include Establishment of a Joint Surveillance Centre, Cordon and Search Operation, Domination of Built-Up Area and Heliborne Operations.
- The Exercise will also foster collaborative partnership and help in sharing best practices between the two sides.
Way Forward:
- Exercise ‘Desert Cyclone’ signifies further strengthening of bonds of friendship and trust between India and the UAE.
- The Exercise aims to achieve shared security objectives and foster bilateral relations between two friendly nations.
