ISRO’s PSLV-C60 Mission – Advancing Space Technology

India’s Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the PSLV-C60 mission on 30th December 2024. This mission is very important for India’s aspirations in human spaceflight and exploration. It will feature the SPADEX satellite, which plays important role in developing technologies for future space stations. The mission aligns with ISRO’s long-term goal of establishing the ‘Bharatiya Antariksh Station’ by 2035.

SPADEX and Space Station Development

The SPADEX satellite docking experiment is a foundational step towards assembling a space station. By 2028, ISRO plans to launch the first module of this station. Initially, it will be robotic, later accommodating astronauts. This phased approach allows for gradual technological development and testing.

Walking Robotic Arm

ISRO’s Thiruvananthapuram unit has developed a walking robotic arm. Unlike traditional robotic arms, this one moves like a worm in microgravity. It can attach and detach from various grappling points. This design aims to assist with repairs and operations inside and outside the space station, reducing the need for astronauts to perform risky spacewalks.

Debris Capture Robotic Manipulator

Developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, this manipulator aims to capture free-floating space debris. It will employ visual servoing techniques to guide its movements. The ability to capture debris is crucial for maintaining a safe operating environment in space. It can also facilitate satellite repairs and refuelling operations.

Lead Exempt Experimental System (LEXS)

ISRO’s VSSC has created a RoHS-compliant DC-DC converter. This system eliminates lead usage, addressing health and environmental concerns. Testing in microgravity will validate its reliability. Successful results could influence practices on Earth, promoting safer electronic manufacturing processes.

Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS)

CROPS aims to explore plant growth in space. This fully automated system will monitor the germination of cowpea seeds in microgravity. The experiment will assess how plants adapt without gravity. About space farming is essential for sustaining human life in future space missions.

Reaction Wheel Assembly (RWA)

The reaction wheel is vital for controlling satellite orientation. It stabilises the spacecraft without external thrusters. The RWA developed for this mission uses commercially available electronics, making it cost-effective. This innovation is beneficial for academic research and startups in the space sector.

Future Implications

These experiments collectively enhance ISRO’s capabilities in robotics, environmental sustainability, and space habitation. They contribute to India’s long-term vision of an operational space station and support future missions to the Moon and Mars.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the significance of robotics in modern space exploration with examples from ISRO’s recent projects.
2. Discuss in the light of international collaboration, the potential benefits of India’s planned ‘Bharatiya Antariksh Station’ for global space research.
3. Critically discuss the environmental implications of space debris and the methods to manage it effectively.
4. What are the challenges of sustaining human life in space? How can advancements in plant growth technology address these challenges?

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the significance of robotics in modern space exploration with examples from ISRO’s recent projects.

1. Robotics enhances efficiency in space missions, reducing the need for human intervention in risky environments.
2. ISRO’s walking robotic arm can perform repairs and operations in microgravity, minimizing astronaut spacewalks.
3. The debris capture manipulator demonstrates the ability to manage space debris, ensuring safer operational conditions.
4. Robotic systems like the Reaction Wheel Assembly optimize satellite orientation without external thrusters.
5. Overall, robotics in ISRO’s projects exemplifies innovation in automation and sustainability in space exploration.

2. Discuss in the light of international collaboration, the potential benefits of India’s planned ‘Bharatiya Antariksh Station’ for global space research.

1. The ‘Bharatiya Antariksh Station’ can serve as a hub for international scientific research and collaboration.
2. It provides a platform for joint experiments in microgravity, benefiting global scientific communities.
3. Partnerships can lead to shared resources, knowledge, and technology advancements in space exploration.
4. India’s efforts can enhance global space governance and contribute to sustainable practices in space activities.
5. The station may facilitate joint missions to the Moon and Mars, encouraging international cooperation in deep space exploration.

3. Critically discuss the environmental implications of space debris and the methods to manage it effectively.

1. Space debris poses collision risks to operational satellites and future missions, threatening space sustainability.
2. ISRO’s debris capture manipulator aims to actively remove debris, showcasing a proactive management approach.
3. Visual servoing technology can enhance the precision of debris capture and removal operations.
4. International agreements and policies are essential for regulating space activities and debris mitigation strategies.
5. Innovative solutions, including developing robotic systems for debris management, are crucial for long-term space safety.

4. What are the challenges of sustaining human life in space? How can advancements in plant growth technology address these challenges?

1. Challenges include limited resources, life support systems, and psychological effects of isolation in space.
2. Food sustainability is critical; advancements in plant growth technology can provide fresh food sources for astronauts.
3. ISRO’s CROPS experiment explores plant growth in microgravity, assessing adaptability and resource efficiency.
4. Successful plant cultivation can enhance life support systems by recycling air and water through biological processes.
5. Research in space farming is essential for long-duration missions, contributing to human health and well-being in space.