Daily News Analysis

A new high: On the Aditya-L1 mission and ISRO outreach

stylish_lining

Context: On January 6 Aditya-L1 reached its destination, around the L1 Lagrange point, from where it will have an unfettered view of the sun for its expected lifetime of five years.

Overview of ISRO:

  • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the space agency of the Government of India, established in 1969, with headquarters in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
  • It is recognized for its cost-effective and innovative approach to space missions, achieving milestones in space exploration and satellite technology.

Notable Achievements:

  • ISRO launched its first satellite, Aryabhata, in 1975.
  • Global recognition came with the successful launch of the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) in 2013, making India the first Asian nation to reach Martian orbit on its maiden attempt.

Diverse Portfolio:

  • ISRO's portfolio includes satellite communication, Earth observation, navigation, scientific research, and interplanetary exploration.
  • Key launch vehicles include Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).

Aditya-L1 Mission:

  • Aditya-L1 is an observatory-class solar mission focusing on studying the sun with seven instruments.
  • Instruments include VELC, SUIT, SoLEXS, HEL1OS, ASPEX, PAPA, and digital magnetometers.
  • Positioned at L1 Lagrange point, 1.5 million km from Earth, Aditya-L1 can stay there with minimal fuel consumption.

Historical Context:

  • Aditya-L1 builds upon India's history of solar observation, dating back to the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory in 1901.
  • The mission follows XPoSat and AstroSat, contributing to India's achievements in space observation.

Public Perception Challenges:

  • Public perception may not fully appreciate achievements like Aditya-L1 and AstroSat compared to telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
  • Expectations for hi-res photographs from Indian spacecraft may lead to disillusionment.

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST):

  • JWST is a collaborative project involving NASA, ESA, and CSA, designed for infrared astronomy.
  • Its high-resolution instruments allow observation of distant objects and detailed study of exoplanets' atmospheres.

Recommendations for ISRO:

  • ISRO could enhance public outreach efforts, organizing open days and regularly sharing science communication on mission results.
  • Encouragement for public celebration of achievements, considering public interest in mission components.

President's Rule

The extension of President’s Rule in Manipur has brought to the fore the historical and controversial use of Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, shedding light on how its imposition disr
Share It

Beggars' Homes in India

In M.S. Patter v. State of NCT of Delhi, the Supreme Court (SC) held that state-run beggars’ homes are not merely penal institutions or charitable endeavors but are instead constitutional tr
Share It

Public Distribution System (PDS)

India's Public Distribution System (PDS) has long been a cornerstone of food security, ensuring access to subsidised cereals for millions of people. However, a recent Crisil study using the &l
Share It

Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA)

The recent Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA) represents a major shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and South Asia, with significant implications for Indi
Share It

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement is facing significant challenges in adapting its controls to the rapid growth of cloud technology. This issue highlights the need to update its control lists and enforcem
Share It

National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report for 2023 highlights a 9.2% increase in crimes against children in India, with 177,335 cases registered in total. This reflects a concerning rise in
Share It

Doctrine of Contributory Negligence

The Andhra Pradesh High Court recently made an important ruling regarding the doctrine of contributory negligence in criminal law. The court clarified that contributory negligence does not apply t
Share It

Perpetual Bonds

The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA) recently raised ₹453 crore at an interest rate of 7.70% per annum through its second issue of Perpetual Bonds. This move is part of the
Share It

Fake News

The Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology in India has recently proposed several measures aimed at tackling the pervasive issue of fake news and misinformation, acknowled
Share It

Vembanad Lake

Vembanad Lake, the largest lake in Kerala, is facing significant ecological stress due to unchecked tourism, the proliferation of luxury houseboats, and decades of encroachment. About Vembanad
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS