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General Studies 3 >> Science & Technology

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VIKRAM-1

VIKRAM-1

 
 
 
 
1. Context
 
Space-tech company Skyroot Aerospace has successfully test-fired the second stage of its rocket Vikram-1, the company said Thursday, a major landmark that pushes it closer to India’s first private orbital rocket launch in mid-2024.
 
 
2. About The Vikram-1 rocket

Vikram-1, named after the father of India's space program, Vikram Sarabhai, is a multi-stage launch vehicle designed to place around 300 kg of payloads in low-earth orbit. Developed by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace, a space startup, this innovative rocket boasts several key features:

  • All-Carbon-Fiber Body: The lightweight and potentially corrosion-resistant body contributes to the overall efficiency of the vehicle.
  • Multi-Satellite Deployment: Vikram-1 is capable of launching multiple satellites into orbit during a single mission, offering a cost-effective option for deploying constellations.
  • Solid Fuel and Simple Technologies: The use of solid fuel simplifies the launch process and potentially reduces infrastructure requirements.
  • Rapid Assembly and Launch: This launch vehicle is designed for quick turnaround times, with claims of assembly and launch within 24 hours from any launch site, enhancing its flexibility and portability.

With its focus on low-cost and efficient satellite deployment, Vikram-1 appears to be a promising addition to the launch vehicle landscape.

 

3. Prarambh Mission

The Prarambh mission is a significant milestone in India's space exploration endeavours, aiming to launch three payloads into space. Developed by a Hyderabad-based startup with substantial support from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre), this mission marks a collaborative effort to advance space technology and foster international cooperation.

  • One of the highlights of the Prarambh mission is the inclusion of a 2.5-kilogram payload developed by students from various countries. This demonstrates a commitment to nurturing talent and innovation in the field of space science and technology, providing students with a platform to contribute to space missions and gain hands-on experience.
  • The Prarambh mission utilizes the Vikram-S rocket, showcasing advancements in launch vehicle technology and capabilities. The Vikram-S rocket is likely designed to efficiently deliver the payloads into their designated orbits, highlighting India's growing expertise in rocketry and space launch systems.
  • The collaboration between the Hyderabad-based startup, ISRO, and IN-SPACe underscores the importance of partnerships in the space sector. By leveraging expertise, resources, and infrastructure, such collaborations accelerate technological advancements, reduce costs, and expand opportunities for space exploration and satellite deployment.
  • While specific details about the payloads and mission objectives may vary, the Prarambh mission aligns with broader goals of advancing space research, promoting innovation, and encouraging international collaboration in space endeavours. It also reflects India's commitment to nurturing talent and engaging the next generation of space scientists and engineers.

 

4. The Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

The Low Earth Orbit (LEO) refers to a region of space situated relatively close to the Earth's surface, characterized by altitudes typically ranging from about 160 kilometres (100 miles) to 2,000 kilometres (1,200 miles) above sea level. LEO is one of the most commonly utilized orbital regimes for various space missions and satellite deployments due to its proximity to Earth and favourable orbital characteristics.

Key features and characteristics of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) include

  • LEO orbits are situated at relatively low altitudes compared to other orbital regimes, such as Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) or Geostationary Orbit (GEO). Altitudes in LEO typically range from approximately 160 kilometres to 2,000 kilometres above the Earth's surface.
  • Many Earth observation satellites, communication satellites, scientific research satellites, and space stations, including the International Space Station (ISS), are placed in LEO. These satellites orbit the Earth at high speeds, completing multiple orbits each day.
  • Satellites in LEO have relatively short orbital periods due to their proximity to Earth. They complete orbits around the Earth in a matter of hours, typically ranging from about 90 minutes to 2 hours per orbit.
  • Satellites in LEO are often visible to observers on the ground, especially during dawn or dusk when sunlight reflects off their surfaces. This makes LEO satellites popular targets for amateur astronomers and skywatchers.
  • LEO offers several advantages for satellite missions, including lower launch costs compared to higher orbits, shorter communication delays (lower latency) for satellite-based services, and the ability to achieve high-resolution Earth imaging for remote sensing applications.
  • Despite its advantages, LEO also presents challenges, such as increased atmospheric drag that can cause orbital decay over time, requiring periodic adjustments or re-boost manoeuvres to maintain satellite orbits. Additionally, the dense concentration of satellites in LEO poses concerns about space debris and collision avoidance.
 
5. Cryogenic engine

A cryogenic engine is a type of rocket engine that uses cryogenic fuels or propellants, which are substances kept at extremely low temperatures to remain in a liquid state. These engines are highly efficient and are capable of producing high thrust levels compared to other types of rocket engines. Cryogenic engines are commonly used in space missions for launching heavy payloads and reaching higher orbits.

The key characteristics and features of cryogenic engines

  • Cryogenic Propellants typically use liquid hydrogen (LH2) as fuel and liquid oxygen (LOX) as an oxidizer. Both hydrogen and oxygen need to be stored at very low temperatures to remain in a liquid state, usually below -150°C (-238°F) for hydrogen and around -183°C (-297°F) for oxygen.
  • Cryogenic fuels offer a high energy density, which means they can provide more energy per unit mass compared to other conventional rocket fuels like kerosene or solid propellants. This high energy density contributes to the efficiency and performance of cryogenic engines.
  • Cryogenic engines are known for their high specific impulse (ISP), which measures the efficiency of a rocket engine in converting propellant mass into thrust. Higher ISP values indicate greater efficiency in achieving thrust for a given amount of propellant.
  • Cryogenic engines are more complex to design, build, and operate compared to other types of rocket engines due to the challenges associated with handling cryogenic fuels and maintaining low temperatures during storage and operation.
  • Cryogenic engines are commonly used in the upper stages of launch vehicles for sending payloads to geostationary orbits, interplanetary missions, and other high-energy trajectories. They are also utilized in space exploration missions for deep space probes and scientific missions requiring high velocities.

ISRO have cryogenic engines in its rocket propulsion systems. ISRO developed its own cryogenic engine technology, known as the CE (Cryogenic Engine) and CUS (Cryogenic Upper Stage), to power its GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) series of launch vehicles. The development of cryogenic technology by ISRO has been a significant achievement, enabling India to launch heavier payloads into space and enhancing the country's capabilities in space exploration and satellite deployment.

 

6. The Way Forward

By emphasizing collaboration, innovation, sustainability, and technological advancements, India's space sector can continue to thrive, contribute to scientific discoveries, expand commercial opportunities, and inspire future generations to explore the wonders of space.

 

For Prelims: Vikram-1, Low Earth Orbit, GSLV, ISRO, cryogenic engines, Skyroot Aerospace, IN-SPACe

For Mains: 
1. The growth of the private space sector raises ethical concerns regarding space debris and potential weaponization. Critically examine these concerns and suggest measures to ensure the responsible and sustainable use of space technologies. (250 Words)
2. Cryogenic engines are known for their high efficiency but pose complexities in handling propellants. Discuss the working principle of cryogenic engines and explain the challenges associated with their development and operation. How does ISRO's development of cryogenic engine technology contribute to India's spacefaring ambitions?  (250 Words)
3. Discuss the significance of the Prarambh mission. Elaborate on the importance of international cooperation in space exploration. Explain the benefits and challenges associated with such collaborations. (250 Words)
 
 
Previous Year Questions 
 
1. What is the purpose of the US Space Agency’s Themis Mission, which was recently in the news? (UPSC 2008)
A.  To study the possibility of life on Mars
B.  To study the satellites of Saturn
C.  To study the colorful display of high-latitude skies
D. To build a space laboratory to study the stellar explosions
 
 
2. Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched? (UPSC 2014)
               Spacecraft                                                         Purpose
1. Cassini-Huygens:                                 Orbiting Venus and transmitting data to theEarth   
2. Messenger:                                            Mapping and investigating the Mercury
3. Voyager 1 and 2:                                   Exploring the outer solar system
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 only           B. 2 and 3 only           C. 1 and 3 only                     D. 1, 2 and 3
 

3. Chandrayaan - 2 was launched from which of the following states by ISRO? (DSSSB LDC 2019) 

A. Maharashtra           B.  Rajasthan             C.  Kerala             D.  Andhra Pradesh

 

4. The phases of the moon as we see from the Earth are due to changing relative positions of the sun, the earth and the moon. Which of the following statements is true?  (CTET  2022)
 
A. on a full moon day, the earth comes between the sun and the moon
B. on a new moon day, the moon is in between the earth and the sun
C. on a full moon day, the moon is in between the earth and the sun
D. on a new moon day, the earth is between the sun and the moon.
E. on a new moon day, the sun is between the moon and the earth

 A. A, B          B.  B, C          C. C, D          D. A, E

 

5. ISRO is related to:  (SSC JE EE  2020) 

A. space research          B. agricultural research           C. seed research        D. marine research

6. “The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to (UPSC 2020) 

A. Voyager-2          B. New Horizons          C. LISA Pathfinder          D. Evolved LISA

 
7. With reference to India's satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018)
1. PSLVs launch satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
3. GSLV Mk III is a four- staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only       B. 2 and 3           C. 1 and 2            D. 3 only
 
 
8. ‘Black hole’ is a (NDA  2019) (UPPSC 2019)
A. huge black star which has zero acceleration due to gravity on its surface
B. star which has moderate acceleration due to gravity on its surface
C. star which has collapsed into itself and has large acceleration due to gravity on its surface
D. star which has collapsed into itself and has zero acceleration due to gravity on its surface 
 

9. Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched? (UPSC 2014)

Spacecraft                                 Purpose

  1. Cassini-Huygens              Orbiting the Venus and transmitting data to the Earth
  2. Messenger                        Mapping and investigating the Mercury
  3. Voyager 1 and 2               Exploring the outer solar system

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only       (b) 2 and 3 only            (c) 1 and 3 only           (d) 1, 2 and 3

 

10. Aditya L1 is a ______. (ISRO IPRC Technical Assistant Mechanical 2016) 
A. Long-range missile
B. Rocket to moon
C. Spacecraft project
D. Light combat aircraft
 
 
11. With reference to 'Astrosat', the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2016)
1. Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space.
2. Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A. 1 only           B.  2 only          C. Both 1 and 2         D. Neither 1 nor 2
 
 
12. If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth? (UPSC 2022)
1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
3. Power grids could be damaged.
4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1, 2, 4 and 5 only   
B. 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only   
C.  1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only   
D.  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
 
 
13. A spinning neutron star emits radio-wave and is called (Maha TAIT 2017)
A. Supernova        B. Pulsar            C. White dwarf          D. Protostar
 
 
14. Consider the following pairs:  (UPSC 2023)
Objects in space   Description
(1) Cepheids          Giant clouds of dust and gas in space
(2) Nebulae            Stars which brighten and dim periodically
(3) Pulsars            Neutron stars that are formed when massive stars run out of fuel and collapse
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
A. Only one             B. Only two          C. All three          D. None
 
15. A low earth orbit satellite can provide large signal strength at an earth station because: (ESE Electronics 2011)
A. Path loss is low
B. These orbits are immune to noise
C. Large solar power can be generated at these orbits
D. Lower microwave frequencies in s-band can be used
 
 
Answers: 1-C, 2-B, 3-D, 4-A, 5-A, 6-D, 7-A, 8-C, 9-B, 10-C, 11-D, 12-C, 13-B, 14-A, 15-A
 
Mains

1. India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space missions, both in terms of technology and logistics. Explain critically (UPSC 2017)

2. Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development? (UPSC 2016)
 
Source: The Indian Express
 
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