SPACE RESEARCH PROGRAMME, ORBITS AND LAUNCH

Space technology refers to the broad array of tools, equipment, techniques, and systems developed for space exploration, observation, communication, research, and utilization beyond Earth's atmosphere. It encompasses various technologies used for understanding, accessing, and utilizing space for scientific, commercial, and exploratory purposes. Here are some key aspects of space technology:

• Technologies developed for spacecraft, satellites, probes, and rovers used to explore celestial bodies such as planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.

• This includes various types of satellites used for communication, Earth observation, weather forecasting, navigation (GPS), remote sensing, and scientific research.

• Technologies related to the launching of spacecraft, including rockets, propulsion systems, and launch facilities.

• Instruments designed for observing celestial objects, galaxies, stars, and planets from space, offering a clear and unobstructed view without atmospheric interference.

• Technologies for building and maintaining space stations that serve as research laboratories, habitation modules, and platforms for scientific experiments.

• Technologies for transmitting data, images, and signals between spacecraft, satellites, ground stations, and various communication devices on Earth.

• Instruments and tools used for scientific research, including spectrometers, sensors, cameras, and detectors for studying space phenomena, celestial bodies, and cosmic radiation.

• Development of robotic systems and autonomous technologies for performing tasks in space, including exploration, maintenance, repairs, and assembly of structures.

• Technologies and research focused on understanding the effects of space travel on the human body and developing medical interventions for astronauts.

• Technologies supporting the commercial utilization of space resources, such as mining asteroids, manufacturing in space, and space tourism.

India's space research program, spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has been a significant player in space exploration, satellite technology, and scientific advancements. Here are some key aspects of India's space program:

Milestones and Achievements: ISRO has achieved several milestones, including the launch of satellites for communication, navigation (like the IRNSS/NavIC system), Earth observation (such as the Cartosat series), and scientific exploration (like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan missions).

Satellite Launches: India has developed cost-effective and reliable launch vehicles such as the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) to place satellites into various orbits. These launches have not only served Indian needs but have also been used for international customers.

Lunar Exploration: Chandrayaan-1 (2008) was India's first mission to the Moon, and Chandrayaan-2 (2019) aimed to explore the lunar surface further with an orbiter, lander, and rover, showcasing India's lunar exploration capabilities.

Mars Mission: Mangalyaan or the Mars Orbiter Mission (2013) was a significant achievement, making India the first Asian country to reach Martian orbit and the fourth space agency globally to do so.

Remote Sensing and Earth Observation: India has developed an extensive network of Earth observation satellites (like the IRS series and Cartosat satellites) aiding in various applications including agriculture, forestry, urban planning, disaster management, and environmental monitoring.

Space Applications: ISRO has been involved in diverse applications such as telemedicine, tele-education, weather forecasting, and communication services in remote areas through satellite technology.

International Collaborations: ISRO has collaborated with several space agencies worldwide and provided commercial satellite launch services, establishing its presence in the global space market

ISRO and ANTRIX

ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and ANTRIX Corporation are interlinked entities playing different roles within India's space program:

ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation): ISRO is India's national space agency responsible for space research, exploration, and satellite development. It designs, develops, and launches satellites for various purposes such as communication, Earth observation, navigation, and scientific research. ISRO conducts space missions, develops launch vehicles (like PSLV and GSLV), and oversees India's space program, contributing significantly to technological advancements and scientific research in space.

ANTRIX Corporation Limited: ANTRIX is the commercial arm of ISRO, established to market products and services derived from the Indian space program globally. It is responsible for commercializing space products, satellite launch services, and satellite transponder leasing to international customers. ANTRIX facilitates the commercial exploitation of ISRO's capabilities, including satellite launches for other countries, providing satellite data, and offering various space-related services to international clients.

Both ISRO and ANTRIX work together to leverage India's space capabilities for national development while also engaging in international collaborations and commercial ventures to generate revenue and promote India's space services and technologies on a global scale

Types of Orbits in the Space

In space, various types of orbits are used for satellites, spacecraft, and other celestial bodies. These orbits differ based on their altitude, shape, and orientation relative to Earth or other celestial bodies. Here are some common types:

• Low Earth Orbit (LEO): Located relatively close to Earth's surface, typically between 160 kilometers (100 miles) and 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) in altitude. LEO is often used for Earth observation, communication, and scientific satellites due to its relatively short orbital periods.
• Medium Earth Orbit (MEO): Positioned higher than LEO but lower than geostationary orbit, ranging roughly from 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) to 35,786 kilometers (22,236 miles) in altitude. MEO is utilized for navigation systems like GPS (Global Positioning System) and other satellite constellations.
• Geostationary Orbit (GEO): Positioned at an altitude of approximately 35,786 kilometers (22,236 miles) above Earth's equator. Satellites in GEO orbits rotate at the same speed as the Earth's rotation, appearing stationary relative to a fixed point on the ground. GEO orbits are commonly used for communication, weather monitoring, and broadcasting satellites.
• Polar Orbit: Passes nearly over the poles and covers the entire Earth's surface with each orbit. Satellites in polar orbits provide global coverage and are commonly used for Earth observation, environmental monitoring, and reconnaissance missions.
• Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO): A type of polar orbit that maintains a consistent angle relative to the Sun as the Earth revolves around it. Satellites in SSO provide consistent lighting conditions for Earth observation, making them useful for imaging and monitoring changes on the planet's surface over time.
• Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO): An orbit with a high degree of eccentricity, ranging from low altitudes to high altitudes during its trajectory. HEO is used for specific applications such as communication satellites that need prolonged coverage of high-latitude regions.
• Heliocentric Orbit: Orbits around the Sun rather than a specific celestial body. Planets, asteroids, and comets follow heliocentric orbits within the solar system.

These various orbits serve different purposes and are chosen based on specific mission requirements, such as coverage area, duration of visibility, and the nature of the mission objectives

Satellite Launching Systems

What is a Satellite Launching System?

A satellite launching system, also known as a launch vehicle or rocket, is a complex system designed to transport payloads such as satellites, spacecraft, probes, or scientific instruments from Earth's surface into space and place them into specific orbits around Earth or other celestial bodies.

Key components of a satellite launching system include:

Launch Vehicle: The rocket itself, consisting of various stages that provide the necessary thrust to propel the payload into space. These stages may include boosters, core stages, and upper stages, each with its own engines and fuel systems.

Payload Fairing: A protective structure that encapsulates the satellite or payload during the launch phase, shielding it from aerodynamic forces and the harsh conditions of ascent through the atmosphere.

Control and Guidance Systems: Onboard systems that control the trajectory and orientation of the rocket, ensuring it follows the planned flight path and reaches the intended orbit.

Propulsion Systems: Rocket engines and propulsion mechanisms that generate thrust to lift the launch vehicle off the ground and propel it into space. These engines may use liquid or solid fuels for propulsion.

Launch Pad and Ground Support Systems: Infrastructure on the ground including the launch pad, support towers, fueling systems, and control centers that facilitate the launch process and monitor the rocket's ascent.

The primary objective of a satellite launching system is to deliver the payload into its designated orbit with precision, ensuring that it achieves the required velocity and trajectory to remain in a stable orbit around Earth or reach its intended destination in space.

Launch vehicles come in various sizes and configurations, each designed to accommodate different payload capacities, orbit requirements, and mission objectives. They are crucial for space exploration, communication, Earth observation, scientific research, and a wide range of applications that rely on satellites and spacecraft in orbit around our planet

Launch Vehicles Used by ISRO

ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) has developed and utilized several launch vehicles to place satellites and missions into space. Some prominent ones include:

PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle): One of ISRO's most successful and versatile launch vehicles, capable of placing satellites in polar and sun-synchronous orbits. It has a proven track record and has been used for numerous missions, including launching Earth observation satellites, navigation satellites, and international customer satellites.

GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle): Designed to launch heavier payloads into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) and geostationary orbit (GEO). GSLV Mk II and Mk III versions have been used for various missions, including launching communication satellites like GSAT series and Chandrayaan-2, India's lunar mission.

GSLV Mk III (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III): The heaviest and most powerful launch vehicle developed by ISRO, capable of carrying heavier payloads to higher orbits. GSLV Mk III has been instrumental in missions such as Chandrayaan-2 and launching GSAT-29, a high-throughput communication satellite.

SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle): A small and cost-effective launch vehicle designed for launching small satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO). It's aimed at providing dedicated launch services for smaller payloads.

These launch vehicles cater to various payload capacities, orbital requirements, and mission objectives, allowing ISRO to undertake a wide range of missions, including Earth observation, communication, navigation, scientific research, and interplanetary exploration.

Terminologies Related to the Space Science

1. Orbit: The path followed by an object (like a satellite or a planet) as it revolves around another body in space due to gravitational attraction.

2. Satellite: An object placed into orbit around Earth or another celestial body, used for various purposes such as communication, Earth observation, navigation, and scientific research.

3. Astronomy: The study of celestial objects, such as stars, planets, galaxies, and cosmic phenomena, including their positions, motions, compositions, and evolution.

4. Astrophysics: The branch of astronomy that studies the physical properties, behaviour, and interactions of celestial objects and the forces acting upon them.

5. Cosmology: The study of the origin, evolution, structure, and eventual fate of the universe as a whole.

6. Exoplanet: A planet that orbits a star outside our solar system.

7. Black Hole: A region of space where gravity is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape from it.

8. Nebula: A cloud of gas and dust in space, often the birthplace of stars.

9. Constellation: A group of stars forming a recognizable pattern or shape as seen from Earth.

10. Telescope: An instrument used to observe distant objects in space by collecting and magnifying light.

11. Space Probe: An unmanned spacecraft designed to travel through space and gather information about celestial bodies.

12. Space Exploration: The investigation and study of outer space, involving the use of spacecraft, telescopes, and other technology to understand celestial objects and phenomena.

13. Space Station: A habitable artificial satellite in space, designed for long-term human occupation and scientific research.

14. Hubble Space Telescope: A space-based telescope launched by NASA that has provided stunning images and made numerous scientific discoveries about our universe.