Comprehensive Remote Sensing Observation on Crop Progress (CROP)

Source:  TH Context: ISRO’s satellites, under the CROP framework, have forecasted India’s wheat production at 122.724 million tonnes across eight major wheat-growing States for the Rabi season 2024-25. About Comprehensive Remote Sensing Observation on Crop Progress (CROP): What it is? A semi-automated, scalable remote sensing framework developed to monitor crop sowing, growth, and harvesting stages …

Indigenous Stellite Nozzle Divergent for PSLV

Source:  News on Air Context: ISRO has successfully tested an indigenous Stellite (KC20WN) alloy nozzle divergent for the PSLV’s fourth stage, replacing imported Columbium (C103) and achieving a 90% cost reduction. About Indigenous Stellite Nozzle Divergent for PSLV: What is a Divergent Nozzle? The divergent nozzle is the flared section of a rocket engine that …

Technology Adoption Fund (TAF)

Source:  TOI Context:  IN-SPACe, India’s space regulator, launched the Technology Adoption Fund (TAF) to accelerate the growth of space startups and MSMEs by providing financial support for the commercialization of early-stage space technologies. About Technology Adoption Fund (TAF): What is TAF? A financial initiative by IN-SPACe to support the transition of early-stage space technologies into …

Vertical Planetary Mixer

Source: BT Context: ISRO successfully developed a 10-tonne vertical planetary mixer, the largest solid propellant mixing equipment globally, in collaboration with CMTI, Bengaluru. About Vertical Planetary Mixer: What is a Vertical Planetary Mixer? A high-capacity mixing system designed for processing solid propellants used in rocket motors. Ensures precise blending of hazardous and sensitive ingredients, crucial …

Despite having multiple launch vehicles, ISRO faces constraints in launching heavy payloads and scientific missions. Analyze the deficiencies in India’s launch vehicle ecosystem and suggest measures to enhance India’s competitiveness in the global space market.

Topic: indigenization of technology and developing new technology. Q5. Despite having multiple launch vehicles, ISRO faces constraints in launching heavy payloads and scientific missions. Analyze the deficiencies in India’s launch vehicle ecosystem and suggest measures to enhance India’s competitiveness in the global space market. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the question India’s …

Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX)

Source: TH Context: India achieved a significant milestone in space technology with the successful execution of ISRO’s Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) on January 16, 2025. About ISRO’s Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX): What it is: SpaDeX is a mission to demonstrate satellite docking technology, a critical capability for advanced space missions like space station operations, interplanetary …

Lobia Seeds Germination in Space

Source: IE Context: Recently, ISRO achieved a significant milestone by successfully germinating lobia (black-eyed pea) seeds in microgravity aboard its Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS). About Lobia Seeds Germination in Space: What it is: ISRO’s experiment involved germinating lobia seeds aboard the CROPS module to study plant growth under microgravity conditions. The …

SpaDeX Mission

Source:  TH Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to conclude 2024 with the PSLV-C60/SpaDeX mission, scheduled for launch on December 30, 2024. About SpaDeX Mission: Launch Vehicle: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C60) in its core-alone configuration. Aim: Primary: Demonstrate rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two spacecraft. Secondary: Transfer electric power between docked spacecraft for future …

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 November 2024

  UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 November 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles   InstaLinks :  Insta Links help you think beyond the  current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. …

Tracking Stubble Burning

Source:  TH Context: Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana heavily pollutes NCR air. While satellites monitor fires, farmers burning outside detection windows raise concerns about tracking methods and government measures. About Satellites Used to Track Stubble Burning: NASA Satellites: Aqua (2002) and Suomi-NPP (2011) with MODIS and VIIRS instruments detect fires via visible and infrared …

Proba-3 Space Satellite

Source:  PIB Context: India, in collaboration with the European Union, is set to launch the Proba-3 Space Satellite, a solar observatory mission, in December 2024. About Proba-3 Space Satellite: Objective: Solar observation, specifically focusing on the dynamics of the Sun’s corona. Collaboration: Joint mission by the European Union and India, highlighting international cooperation in scientific …

Analog Space Mission

Source: DD News Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched India’s first analog space mission in Leh, Ladakh. About Analog Space Mission: Objective: Simulate interplanetary habitat conditions to assess the feasibility of a sustainable extraterrestrial base. Significance of location: Ladakh’s isolation, dry climate, and high-altitude, barren terrain provide Mars- and Moon-like conditions, making …

Electric Propulsion Satellite

Source:  TOI Context: To make its satellites lighter in future, ISRO is going to launch its first home-grown electric propulsion-led spacecraft, Technology Demonstrator Satellite (TDS-1) in December. This technology shift aims to reduce the weight of satellites by substituting chemical fuel with electric propulsion, allowing for a more efficient journey to geostationary orbit. About Electric …

India’s Space Planning

Syllabus: Science and Technology Source: TH Context: India’s space program, led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is expanding its horizons with a series of ambitious missions, new technologies, and partnerships, signaling a new phase in space exploration. India’s Space Planning highlights: Gaganyaan Missions: Four human spaceflight missions and one uncrewed flight are part …

ISRO and Chandrayaan-3 mission

GS Paper 3  Syllabus: Science and Technology: Space Science   Source: IE, IE, TOI  Context: The Chandrayaan-3 mission’s successful soft landing on the Moon marks India’s significant achievement, becoming the fourth nation in history to reach the lunar surface.   Historical overview of ISRO’s major programs – satellites, launch vehicles, and planetary exploration. Challenges of …