Space - General Knowledge Questions

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.

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.

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.

Correct Answer :   Two

* The Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station includes two Indian astronauts, Prime-Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Backup-Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, who have completed the initial phase of their training.

* This mission is part of a private initiative by Axiom Space, using the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, and focuses on commercial activities, international collaboration, and scientific research.

* By including Indian astronauts, the mission highlights India's growing role in global space exploration and its ability to contribute to cutting-edge research in microgravity environments.

Correct Answer :   Vega-C

* The Copernicus Sentinel-1C satellite, part of a mission to provide high-resolution radar images for monitoring Earth’s environment, was launched aboard the Vega-C rocket.

* The launch took place from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.

* This satellite enhances the Sentinel-1 series' capabilities, supporting scientific research, environmental monitoring, and maritime traffic tracking.

* The choice of Vega-C reflects its reliability and suitability for deploying advanced Earth observation satellites.

Correct Answer :   ESA

ISRO on Thursday (05 Dec 2024) commenced a revised 8.5 hour countdown for the launch of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Proba-3 mission.
 
* The Bengaluru-headquartered space agency had originally planned to launch European Space Agency's (ESA) Proba-3 at 4.08 pm on Wednesday (04 Dec 2024) from the spaceport here. However, minutes before the lift-off, following the request from the European Space Agency, ISRO rescheduled the launch of PSLV-C59/PROBA-3 to December 5, 4.04 pm.
 
* It was rescheduled following an anomaly detected in the satellite propulsion system.
 
* In an update on Thursday, ISRO said, "PSLV-C59/PROBA-3 Mission. Countdown commenced. Lift-off time 16.04 pm IST, 5th December 2024. Stay tuned as PSLV-C59 prepares to deploy ESA's Proba-3 satellites into orbit."

* NewSpace India Ltd, the commercial arm of ISRO has bagged the order from the ESA.

 
* The Proba-3 (Project for Onboard Anatomy) consists of two satellites -- Coronagraph (310kgs) and Occulter (240kgs) -- in which two spacecraft would fly together as one, maintaining precise formation down to a single millimetre to study the Corona, the Sun's outer atmosphere.

* The ESA said the Corona is much hotter than the Sun itself and it is where space weather originates. It is also a topic of widespread scientific and practical interest.
 
* For ISRO, besides providing its trusted workhorse PSLV vehicle for the launch, this mission would provide key insights on taking up scientific experiments on the Sun after its maiden mission--Aditya-L1 which was successfully launched in September 2023.

* Proba-3 is a technology demonstration mission funded via the General Support Technology Programme. The instruments onboard the satellites would travel closer to the solar rim for up to six hours at a time and each spacecraft would take up approximately a 19-hour orbit around the Earth.
 

* 'Probas' is a Latin word, meaning 'Let's try'.
 
* The mission objective is to demonstrate precise formation flying and the two spacecraft inside the satellites would be launched together in a stacked configuration after the desired orbit level is reached.
 
* PSLV-C59 is a 44.5 metre tall rocket and is on its 61st flight and the 26th with the PSLV-XL variant which is normally used to place heavy satellites.

* After the lift-off (4.04 pm) the two satellites (Coronagraph and Occulter) would undertake an 18-minute journey to reach the desired orbit.
 
* The two spacecraft after reaching the preparatory conditions, would fly 150 metres apart (as one large satellite structure) in tandem so that the 'Occulter' spacecraft would block out the solar disk of the Sun enabling 'Coronagraph' to study the corona of the Sun or the surrounding atmosphere, for scientific observation..

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   Venus

ISRO's Shukrayaan mission, set for launch in 2028, will focus on Venus, aiming to explore the planet's atmosphere and surface.

This mission is part of India's expanding space exploration efforts, which also include lunar and Mars missions.

Shukrayaan will significantly contribute to our understanding of Venus, marking a key milestone in India's interplanetary research initiatives.

The mission highlights ISRO's ambition to explore planets beyond Earth, with the approval from the Indian government further underlining its importance in India's space strategy.

Correct Answer :   TM2Space

TM2Space, a Hyderabad-based space technology company, is set to launch MOI-TD (My Orbital Infrastructure – Technology Demonstrator), India’s first AI laboratory in space, aboard ISRO’s PSLV C60 rocket in December 2024.

This initiative enables real-time in-orbit data processing, significantly reducing data transmission costs and latency.

TM2Space, recognized for its advancements in nano-satellites, is collaborating with IN-SPACe Technical Centre to facilitate development and testing, marking a milestone in India’s growing leadership in space innovation.

Correct Answer :   ESA

* The Proba-3 mission, set to launch on December 4, 2024, aboard a PSLV-XL rocket, is led by the European Space Agency (ESA) in collaboration with ISRO.

* This mission involves two precisely aligned small satellites to create an artificial eclipse, enabling a detailed study of the Sun's corona and solar phenomena.

* It highlights ESA's role in advancing solar observation and international partnerships in space exploration.

Correct Answer :   Australia

The Australian Space Agency (ASA) has entered into an agreement with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to collaborate on crew and module recovery for India's ambitious Gaganyaan mission.

This pact strengthens the ties between the two space agencies in human spaceflight activities, marking a significant milestone in their cooperation.