Which African country is going to launch its first operational Earth observation satellite 'Taifa-1' by April 11, 2023?

Kenya

Namibia

Zimbabwe

Morocco

Correct Answer : Kenya

On April 11 2023, Kenya’s 3U Earth observation satellite, the Taifa-1, designed and developed by SayariLabs and EnduroSat, will launch aboard SpaceX‘s Falcon-9 Rocket at the Vandenberg Base, California.

* In addition, a delegation team, led by the Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru from Kenya, will travel to the USA to witness the launch of the Taifa-1.

* The satellite mission was established to leverage its hyperspectral camera to enable the availability of accurate and timely Earth observation data for relevant stakeholders in a wide range of sectors to make strategic developmental decisions in the country.

* In addition, satellite data from Taifa-1 will enable authorities to support the agricultural industry, alleviate food insecurity, ensure efficiently managed natural resources, and enable proper environmental observations, among other benefits..

Source : Africa News

Published On : April 5, 2023

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.