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MAINS PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) What are asteroids? How real is the threat of them causing extinction of life? What strategies have been developed to prevent such a catastrophe? (2024)

Introduction

Asteroids are rocky objects that orbit the Sun, mostly located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. They are remnants from the early solar system, providing valuable insights into its formation. While they are much smaller than planets, some can be substantial in size, and their potential to impact Earth has been a topic of scientific study.

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1. Nature of Asteroids

  • Asteroids are classified as small rocky or metallic bodies that vary in size from a few meters to several hundred kilometers in diameter. Unlike planets, they do not have atmospheres and typically orbit the Sun in a relatively stable path. Some of the most significant asteroids, like Ceres, have even been classified as dwarf planets due to their size and mass.

2. Threat of Extinction

  • The possibility of asteroids causing extinction is not mere speculation. The Earth has witnessed several significant asteroid impacts in its history, such as the one believed to have contributed to the extinction of the dinosaurs around 66 million years ago. This impact created massive environmental changes, including fires, tsunamis, and a “nuclear winter” effect, which led to the mass extinction of numerous species.
  • Although the likelihood of such an event occurring in the near future is low, large asteroids with the potential to cause significant damage do exist and are a cause for concern. The risk of an asteroid impact, particularly from those classified as “Near-Earth Objects” (NEOs), is continually monitored by space agencies worldwide.

3. Strategies for Prevention

To mitigate the threat posed by asteroids, several strategies have been proposed and are being actively researched. These include:

  • Impact Prediction and Monitoring: Space agencies like NASA and ESA monitor the trajectories of NEOs through telescopes and radar systems. Programs such as NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) aim to identify potentially hazardous asteroids (PHAs) and track their movement.
  • Deflection Techniques: Scientists are investigating methods to deflect an asteroid’s path to avoid collision with Earth. This includes:
    • Kinetic Impactor: The idea involves sending a spacecraft to collide with an asteroid at high speed to change its trajectory.
    • Gravity Tractor: A spacecraft could use its own gravitational field to gently pull an asteroid off its collision course over a long period.
  • Nuclear Detonation: In extreme cases, a nuclear device could be used to break up or deflect an asteroid. This strategy, while powerful, is still in the theoretical stage due to the risks involved.

4. International Cooperation

  • The prevention of an asteroid impact is not only a scientific endeavor but also requires global collaboration. The United Nations has established the Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) to promote international cooperation in space activities. Additionally, there are various multilateral efforts to develop planetary defense technologies and to share knowledge and resources for early warning systems.

Conclusion

While the threat of an asteroid causing extinction remains relatively low, it is not entirely out of the realm of possibility. Given the potential catastrophic consequences, it is crucial for scientific communities to continue monitoring and developing strategies to mitigate this risk. The collaborative efforts of international space agencies, coupled with ongoing research into asteroid deflection technologies, offer hope in preventing such a catastrophe. The issue of asteroid impacts underscores the importance of planetary defense as a key component of global security in the space age.

Q.2) What is India’s plan to have its own space station, and how will it benefit our space programme? (2019)

Introduction

India, through its premier space agency ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), has been steadily advancing in the field of space exploration. One of the significant milestones in this journey is India’s plan to establish its own space station, which aims to further strengthen its human spaceflight capabilities and contribute to scientific advancements. This initiative not only reflects India’s growing space ambitions but also highlights its evolving role in global space exploration.

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India’s Space Station Plan

In 2019, ISRO laid out plans to develop an indigenous space station, which will be known as the Bhartiya Antariksh Station (BAS). The proposed station will be designed to accommodate astronauts in low Earth orbit (LEO), serving as a platform for advanced research in various fields such as space science, human health, and materials science. This space station will be a crucial step in ISRO’s human spaceflight programme, following the successful Gagan Yaan mission, India’s first manned space mission scheduled for launch in 2024.

  • Timeline: The first module of the space station is expected to be launched by 2028, with full operational capacity by 2035.
  • Crew Capacity: The space station will initially support a crew of 3 to 4 astronauts, with plans for future expansion.
  • Purpose: The station will allow ISRO to undertake long-duration missions, offering a stable platform for conducting experiments in microgravity and space technology.

How Will It Benefit India’s Space Programme?

1. Advancement of Scientific Research

The Indian space station will provide a unique platform for research in microgravity, which is vital for conducting experiments that are not possible on Earth. These studies will contribute to a variety of fields, such as:

  • Human Health: Understanding the impact of long-duration space travel on human physiology, helping India prepare for future deep space missions, including those to the Moon and Mars.
  • Materials Science: Experimenting with new materials and processes that could be used in the development of advanced technologies both in space and on Earth.
  • Space Medicine: Enhancing knowledge of space medicine, which is critical for future space missions, by studying the effects of prolonged exposure to space environments on the human body.

2. Strengthening Human Spaceflight Capabilities

India’s space station will directly enhance its ability to undertake human space missions, beyond the Gagan Yaan mission. It will serve as an experimental platform to test and refine critical technologies for human spaceflight, such as:

  • Life Support Systems: Developing sustainable life support systems that are crucial for long-duration missions.
  • Spacecraft Docking and Rendezvous: The station will enable ISRO to demonstrate advanced spacecraft docking and rendezvous capabilities, which are vital for future deep space exploration missions.

3. Technological Innovation

The space station will help ISRO develop and refine key space technologies that will be essential for future missions:

  • Spacecraft Docking and Crew Operations: It will help test autonomous spacecraft operations, rendezvous, and docking technologies.
  • Energy Systems: India’s space station will also test solar energy systems and other power technologies necessary for future deep space missions.

4. International Collaboration

The establishment of India’s own space station will facilitate increased collaboration with other nations’ space agencies, such as NASA, ESA, and Roscosmos. Sharing knowledge and technologies with these space agencies will contribute to scientific progress and help India integrate into global space governance frameworks.

5. Economic and Strategic Advantages

  • Economic Growth: The space station will boost India’s space economy by creating jobs in space technology development, manufacturing, and operations.
  • Strategic Advantage: It will also provide India with strategic autonomy in space exploration and increase its capability to monitor and manage space activities, including surveillance and communication.

Conclusion

The development of India’s own space station is a transformative step for ISRO, marking the country’s ambition to establish itself as a leading spacefaring nation. It will provide crucial advancements in scientific research, space technology, and human spaceflight capabilities. With the Bhartiya Antariksh Station, India will not only enhance its own space capabilities but also contribute significantly to global space exploration. The space station will solidify India’s position as an emerging power in space technology, opening avenues for scientific, technological, and economic growth in the coming decades.

 

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