Space_Exploration

Space Exploration Definition of Space: The term space is used to denote the entire universe – The Earth and its atmosphere, the Moon, the Sun and the rest of the Solar System with its other planets and their satellites including all the stars and galaxies spread over the infinite skies. Out spaces refer to the entire space except the Earth and its atmosphere. The outer space begins where the Earth atmosphere ends. Craze for Space Exploration: Space Exploration began with a launching of Russia’s Sputnik-I into the space on October 4, 1957. The U.S.A entered the space arena on January 31, 1958 with the launching of Explorer-I. History was created on July 21, 1969 when America’s mission to the Moon landed successfully ‘Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin’ on the Moon’s surface from Appollo-II with their four legged Lunar Produce. Space Exploration Agencies in India: The Indian space programme was launched in 1962 when the Indian National Committee for the space was formed. The primary goal of the programme was the self-reliant use of space technology for national development. The main thrusts of the programme are – (i) Satellite based communications for various applications, (ii) Satellite based resources, survey and management, environmental monitoring and meteorological applications and (iii) Development and operationalisation of satellite, launched vehicles and associated ground segment foe providing these space based services. ‘The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1969 and the Space Commission and Development of Space in 1972 were added to this programme. ISRO’s Role in Space Research: Now ISRO is responsible for the planning, execution and management of space research activities and space application programmes. The ISRO has its head-quarter in Bangalore. It provides rockets and laboratory facilities to scientists. ISRO’s Major Establishment: The major establishments of ISRO are: (i) The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), (ii) The ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC) at Banglore, (iii) The SHAR Centre at Shriharikota Island in Andra Pradesh, (iv) The Space Application Centre (SAC) at Ahmedabad, (v) The Auxiliary Propulsion System Unit (APSU) at Banglore and Thiruvananthpuram, (vi) The Developmental and Educational Communication Unit (DECU) at at Ahmedabad. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the founder chief of ISRO started ‘Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station’ at Thiruvananthpuram in 1962. India’s Place in Space Technology: Now India is one of the six countries in the world with its home-built satellites in orbit. The launch of INSAT-2E-fifth and last in line of India’s second generation satellites-will help the country to further its position a one of the leaders in the global sunrise markets of satellites and space technology. The spacecraft has on board 17 transponders, 11 of which will be leased to the Intelsat consortium of countries. This is an arrangement which should bring in over £ 10 millions every year by way of lease fees to the ISRO. IRS-P4: The Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS-P4) is the eighth in the series and the first one to be dedicated for the ocean studies. It was launches successfully by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) on Wednesday on May 26, 1999. The satellite placed in orbit on Wednesday weighs 1050 kgs. Its ocean colour monitor has eight bands. It will provide information on the chlorophy distribution to identify potential firing zones and study coastal areas. India’s Achievements in Space Research High-lighted: Addressing the nation from ISRO’s mission control room here, the previous Prime Minister Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee said, “India’s space programme had from the beginning been designed to solve the day-to-day problems of the people. The country’s space programme supported India’s development in whether forecasting, tele-communications and studying land and water resources. India’s achievement in space technology and research shows that our scientist and engineers are equal to those in advanced countries and whenever a challenge is thrown to them, they accepted it and solves the problem with Nation’s pride.