Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, Nano-technology, biotechnology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
4. Throw light on the different types of orbits for satellites launched from the earth. Examine the threats associated with the uncontrolled re-entries of rockets into the earth’s orbit. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
More than 140 experts and dignitaries have signed an open letter published by the Outer Space Institute (OSI) calling for both national and multilateral efforts to restrict uncontrolled re-entries — the phenomenon of rocket parts falling back to earth in unguided fashion once their missions are complete. Among others, the letter is addressed to S. Somanath, chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Key Demand of the question:
To write about various types of orbits and issues associated with uncontrolled re-entry of rockets
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining an orbit.
Body:
First, write about different types of orbit for satellite launches from earth and their functions. Draw a small representative diagram of the same – Geostationary orbit (GEO), Low Earth orbit (LEO), Medium Earth orbit (MEO), Polar orbit and Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), Transfer orbits and geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) and Lagrange points (L-points)
Next, in detail, write about the uncontrolled re-entries of rockets into the earth’s orbit and issues associated with it.
Next, write about the measures needed to overcome the above issues.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
