Which country successfully launched (23 Sept 2024) the Smart Dragon-3 rocket carrying eight satellites?

Japan

China

Russia

United States

Correct Answer : China

One of the country's Jielong-3 rockets (also known as Smart Dragon-3) lifted off from a floating platform off the coast of eastern China on Monday (23 Sept 2024) at 10:31 p.m. EDT (0231 GMT on 24 Sept 2024).

The Smart Dragon-3 carried eight remote-sensing satellites to sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) — a polar path that allows spacecraft to observe patches of Earth under consistent lighting conditions — according to SpaceNews.

The liftoff was the fourth overall for the Smart Dragon-3, SpaceNews reported. The four-stage, 102-foot-tall (31 meters) rocket is capable of delivering about 3,300 pounds (1,500 kilograms) of payload to a 310-mile-high (500 kilometers) SSO.

Smart Dragon-3 was developed by the state-owned China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, but it's operated by China Rocket, a commercial spinoff of that enterprise..

Source : Space

Published On : September 28, 2024

Recent Updates in Space - General Knowledge Questions

Q .

What is the name of the ISRO mission launched to test docking and undocking between two spacecraft in low-Earth orbit?

Gaganyaan Mission

AstroDock Mission

SpaDeX Mission

Chandrayaan-4 Mission

Correct Answer : SpaDeX Mission

The SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) Mission, launched by ISRO using PSLV-C60, aims to test crucial technologies like docking, undocking, and rendezvous between two spacecraft, SDX01 and SDX02, in low-Earth orbit.

These capabilities are essential for advanced space missions, including lunar missions like Chandrayaan-4.

The mission incorporates innovative GNSS-based systems and RODP processors for accurate positioning and velocity measurements, showcasing ISRO's technological advancements in orbital mechanics and spacecraft operations.

Published On : December 30, 2024

Category : Space

Q .

Which organization is launching the SpaDeX mission to demonstrate in-space docking technology?

ISRO

ESA

NASA

Roscosmos

Correct Answer : ISRO

* ISRO is set to launch the SpaDeX mission in December 2024 aboard PSLV-C60, aiming to demonstrate in-space docking technology using two small spacecraft, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target).

* This achievement will position India as the fourth nation to master space docking, a critical capability for advanced space missions.

* The mission’s objectives include demonstrating autonomous rendezvous, docking, and undocking technologies, as well as power transfer and payload operations.

* SpaDeX will play a vital role in advancing ISRO’s future endeavours, including the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS) and satellite servicing missions.

Published On : December 24, 2024

Category : Space

Q .

What was the flight number of PSLV during the launch of the European Space Agency's PROBA-3 mission?

62nd

61st

60th

59th

Correct Answer : 59th

* The European Space Agency's PROBA-3 mission was launched aboard PSLV-C59, marking the 61st flight of the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle).

* This mission demonstrated ISRO's proficiency in satellite deployment and highlighted its collaboration with the European Space Agency and NewSpace India Limited.

* The PSLV has been a reliable workhorse for ISRO, and this launch utilized the PSLV-XL configuration, a variation optimized for specific missions.

* This milestone underlines ISRO’s sustained excellence in space exploration and international cooperation.