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India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, held in New Delhi, from 15 to 18 October 2024

The India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, concluded on 18 October 2024. The four-day event, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 October, brought together over 3,000 industry leaders, policymakers, and tech experts from more than 190 countries. On the final day, discussions focused on collaboration to drive digital transformation and innovation.

The 8th edition of IMC highlighted India’s innovation ecosystem, with advancements in 6G, quantum technology, the Internet of Things, semiconductors, cybersecurity, and green tech. The event featured 400 exhibitors, 900 startups, and over 900 technology use cases. It hosted 100 sessions, with more than 600 speakers. On the final day, discussions centered on AI governance and strategies for future regulation and policy.

SpaceX Starship Rocket Catches Reusable Booster

On 14 October 2024, SpaceX achieved a major milestone by catching the massive booster stage of its Starship rocket using robotic arms as it returned to the launchpad in southern Texas. After liftoff, the Super Heavy booster successfully returned, while the upper stage was scheduled to splash down in the Indian Ocean.

The Starship rocket, at 71 meters tall, is the largest and most powerful spacecraft ever built and is designed to be fully and rapidly reusable. This breakthrough is part of SpaceX’s goal to develop a reusable rocket system similar to airplanes, capable of landing, refueling, and launching again within hours. The success of this reusable system is crucial for reducing space travel costs and facilitating more frequent missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

NASA launches Europa Clipper to Jupiter’s moon Europa

On October 14, 2024, NASA launched the Europa Clipper, its largest spacecraft for a planetary mission. The mission’s goal is to explore Jupiter’s moon Europa, specifically to determine if its subsurface ocean, hidden beneath a thick layer of ice, could support life.

The solar-powered robotic probe will travel 2.9 billion kilometers over 5 years and 6 months, reaching Jupiter in 2030. Once there, it will operate in the intense radiation environment of Jupiter, the solar system’s largest planet, focusing on studying Europa’s potential habitability.

New Cancer Therapy Target Identified by IACS Scientists

Scientists from the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) in Kolkata have identified a potential new cancer therapy target by activating the DNA repair enzyme Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1).

Their study shows that cancer cells survive chemotherapy by using TDP1 to repair DNA damage caused by Topoisomerase 1 (Top1) inhibitors, such as Camptothecin. The enzyme Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) enhances this repair process by phosphorylating TDP1, which is crucial for cancer cell survival during treatment. The researchers propose that combining CDK1 inhibitors with Top1 inhibitors could overcome drug resistance, offering a more effective cancer treatment. Further studies are being conducted to validate this approach.

Source : https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2063775

NASA and SpaceX launched Crew-9 mission to bring back astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore

NASA and SpaceX launched the Crew-9 mission on September 28, 2024, from Cape Canaveral. The mission has two people on board and two empty seats to bring back astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) for months.

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore went to the ISS on Boeing’s Starliner, but it was found unsafe for humans. The Starliner returned to Earth safely, but the astronauts were left behind in space.

PM Modi launches three PARAM Rudra Supercomputers

The PARAM Rudra Supercomputers are a significant milestone in India’s technological advancements. Developed under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM), these supercomputers were dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 26 September 2024.

Key points about PARAM Rudra:

  1. Deployment Locations: The supercomputers have been installed in three major cities: Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata.
  2. Purpose: They are designed to support advanced scientific research across various fields, including physics, earth sciences, and cosmology.
  3. High-Performance Computing (HPC): Alongside PARAM Rudra, a specialized HPC system tailored for weather and climate research was also inaugurated.
  4. Self-Reliance: These supercomputers are a testament to India’s push towards self-reliance in technology and innovation.
  5. Cost: The project is valued at around ₹130 crore

India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, to be launched by the end of this year

ISRO Chairman S Somanath announced that India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, is on track to be launched by the end of this year. The Union Cabinet recently approved expanding the Gaganyaan program and constructing the first Indian Space Station.

Somanath also shared updates on the Chandrayaan-4 mission, which has completed its engineering phase. This mission, approved on 18 September, aims to develop technologies for a safe return to Earth after a lunar landing and collecting moon samples. It will help India achieve a lunar landing by 2040. The government plans to build the Indian Space Station by 2035.

Cabinet Approves Expansion of Gaganyaan Program: Focus on Bharatiya Antariksh Station

On 18 September 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the expansion of India’s Gaganyaan program. This includes developing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS-1) and new technologies for space missions.

The expanded program now aims to complete eight missions by December 2028, with the launch of BAS-1 as a key goal. The Gaganyaan program, initially approved in 2018, aims for human spaceflight to Low Earth Orbit and long-term space exploration. It plans to establish BAS by 2035 and a crewed lunar mission by 2040.

The program will collaborate with industry and academia, with a total budget of ₹20,193 crore, emphasizing technological growth and job creation in space exploration.

SpaceX Polaris Dawn Crew Returns to Earth After Commercial Spacewalk

A SpaceX Crew Polaris Dawn returned safely to Earth on 15 September 2024 after spending five days in space. The mission brought four astronauts back home after completing the world’s first commercial spacewalk. The Dragon capsule landed in the ocean near Florida.

During the mission, the astronauts aboard the International Space Station carried out many scientific experiments and technology tests.

NASA said the mission was a big step forward for the commercial space industry.

India Successfully Tests Ship-Based Missile System VL-SRSAM

On 12 September 2024, India successfully test-fired the indigenously developed Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, off the Odisha coast.

The test, conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy, was successful in meeting all performance criteria. The VL-SRSAM is a ship-based missile system designed to counter various aerial threats, including low-altitude sea-skimming targets, at close range.

Jared Isaacman and Sarah Gillis completed the first private spacewalk in orbit

On 12 September 2024, two astronauts, billionaire Jared Isaacman and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis, completed the first private spacewalk outside a SpaceX capsule. This spacewalk was part of the Polaris Dawn mission, with Isaacman and Gillis spending about 10 minutes each outside the Crew Dragon capsule while tethered. The mission, streamed live by SpaceX, tested new spacesuits and procedures to depressurize the capsule, advancing private spaceflight technology for future Mars missions. The spacewalk lasted 1 hour and 46 minutes at an altitude of 450 miles above Earth.

Isaacman, who funded the mission, exited the capsule first, followed by Gillis, while their crewmates, Scott Poteet and Anna Menon, monitored from inside. The mission focused on testing spacesuit flexibility and movements, with the astronauts providing feedback to ground control. This mission marked a significant step for commercial space exploration.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson praised the success as a major advancement for the space industry. SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule, developed with NASA’s support, is the only U.S. vehicle that has consistently sent people to orbit since its first launch.

First Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Governing Board Meeting chaired by PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need to find local solutions to global problems during the first Governing Board meeting of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) on 10 September 2024.

ANRF was established based on the recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020 and aims to foster a culture of research and innovation in universities, colleges, and research institutions. ANRF acts as an apex body providing high-level strategic direction for scientific research in India.

SpaceX set to launch private crew on breakthrough spacewalk mission

A crew of four private astronauts is preparing for a risky SpaceX mission that will attempt the first-ever private spacewalk using SpaceX’s new spacesuits and redesigned spacecraft. The mission, called Polaris Dawn, will be launched aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The crew includes billionaire Jared Isaacman, a retired military fighter pilot, and two SpaceX employees. Only government astronauts have previously conducted spacewalks; this is the first commercial spacewalk. Elon Musk described the mission as riskier than usual and emphasized crew safety.

The mission will last about five days in an orbit ranging from 190 km to 1,400 km, the farthest humans have traveled from Earth since Apollo. The spacewalk will occur on the third day at an altitude of 700 km and last around 20 minutes, with the entire cabin depressurized.

Jared Isaacman is funding the mission, which is part of his Polaris program, with future missions planned, including one on SpaceX’s Starship. The crew will participate in scientific experiments to study the effects of cosmic radiation and space vacuum on the human body.

Since the retirement of the Space Shuttle in 2011, SpaceX’s Crew Dragon has become NASA’s primary crewed spacecraft. Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, a potential competitor to Crew Dragon, has faced propulsion system issues during its NASA test mission.

Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile, Agni-4, successfully launched from Chandipur, Odisha

India successfully launched the Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile, Agni-4, from Chandipur, Odisha on 6 September 2024. The launch was conducted under the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), marking another milestone in India’s defence capabilities.

In April 2024, India successfully tested the nuclear-capable Agni-Prime ballistic missile from Abdul Kalam Island. The Agni missiles are long-range, nuclear weapons-capable surface-to-surface ballistic missiles developed by India. The Strategic Forces Command and DRDO were involved in both tests.

India launched its first reusable hybrid rocket ‘RHUMI-1’

RHUMI-1 Rocket Launch: India launched its first reusable hybrid rocket ‘RHUMI-1’ from Thiruvidandhai, Chennai, on 24th August 2024. The rocket was developed by Tamil Nadu-based Space Zone India in collaboration with the Martin Group. RHUMI-1 carried 3 Cube Satellites and 50 PICO Satellites to collect data on global warming and climate change.

Technology: RHUMI-1 is equipped with a generic-fuel hybrid motor and an electrically triggered parachute deployer. It is 100% pyrotechnic-free and contains no TNT. The rocket uses a combination of liquid and solid fuel propellant systems, enhancing efficiency and reducing operational costs.

Leadership: The mission was led by Anand Megalingam, founder of Space Zone, with mentorship from Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, former Director of ISRO Satellite Centre.

Space Zone India: SZI is an aero-technology company based in Chennai that provides low-cost, long-term space industry solutions and offers training in Aerodynamics, Satellite, Drone, and Rocket Technology.

Education Initiatives: SZI partners with private and government institutions to raise awareness about careers in the space industry and provides hands-on training. In 2023, SZI led the ‘Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Students Satellite Launch’ project, engaging over 2,500 students in the design and construction of a student satellite launch vehicle capable of carrying 150 PICO satellites.

Q.: Which organization developed India’s first reusable hybrid rocket ‘RHUMI-1’?

A) ISRO
B) DRDO
C) Space Zone India
D) NASA

Answer: C) Space Zone India
RHUMI-1 Rocket Launch: India launched its first reusable hybrid rocket ‘RHUMI-1’ from Thiruvidandhai, Chennai, on 24th August 2024. The rocket was developed by Tamil Nadu-based Space Zone India in collaboration with the Martin Group.

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore will return to Earth in February 2025 with SpaceX

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announces that astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore will return to Earth in February 2025 with SpaceX.

  • Initially, their mission was planned for eight days, but they have been in orbit for around eight months due to issues with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft.
  • The astronauts are aboard the International Space Station (ISS) longer than expected due to unforeseen circumstances, making the rescue mission critical.
  • SpaceX will send a specially modified Crew Dragon spacecraft to the ISS equipped with advanced life support systems and additional provisions for their safe return.

Q.: Which astronauts, stuck on the ISS due to a fault in the Boeing spacecraft, are set to return to Earth in February 2025 with SpaceX?

a) Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin
b) Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore
c) Chris Hadfield and Peggy Whitson
d) Mark Kelly and Scott Kelly

Answer: b) Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announces that astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore will return to Earth in February 2025 with SpaceX.

17th International Earth Sciences Olympiad held in Beijing from August 8th to 16th, 2024

A team of Indian students won three gold, two silver, and three bronze medals at the 17th International Earth Sciences Olympiad, held in Beijing, China, from August 8th to 16th, 2024. The four-member team, consisting of students from Gujarat, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan, competed in categories like the Earth System Project and International Team Field Investigation. Minister of State of Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh praised the team for their achievement. The Olympiad is a student-focused event organized under the Ministry of Earth Sciences’ REACHOUT scheme.

Q.: Where was the 17th International Earth Sciences Olympiad held from August 8th to 16th, 2024?

a) Tokyo, Japan
b) Beijing, China
c) New Delhi, India
d) Seoul, South Korea

Answer: b) Beijing, China
A team of Indian students won three gold, two silver, and three bronze medals at the 17th International Earth Sciences Olympiad, held in Beijing, China, from August 8th to 16th, 2024.

ISRO launches its latest earth observation satellite, SSLV D3

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the EOS-08 earth observation satellite on August 16, 2024, using its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV D3) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

Mission Details: The mission, named SSLV-D3/EOS-08, is the third and final developmental flight for the SSLV, after which the rocket will become fully operational.

SSLV Rocket: The SSLV rocket is shorter at 34 meters compared to the 44-meter tall PSLV rockets. It is designed to place mini, micro, or nano satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Payload: The satellites carried in the SSLV-D3-EOS-08 mission weigh 175.5 kg.

Key Features of SSLV: The SSLV provides low-cost access to space, offers low turn-around time, flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites, and requires minimal launch infrastructure. The SSLV missions are expected to be 20-30% cheaper than PSLV missions, which use bigger rockets designed for deep space missions.

Q.: What is the name of the earth observation satellite launched by ISRO on 16 August 2024, using its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV D3) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.?

a) EOS-08
b) SSLV-D1
c) PSLV-C50
d) EOS-03

Answer: a) EOS-08
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the EOS-08 earth observation satellite on August 16, 2024, using its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV D3) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

DRDO Successfully Tests Long Range Glide Bomb ‘GAURAV’ from Su-30 MK-I

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) named GAURAV on August 13, 2024. The test, carried out from the Su-30 MK-I platform of the Indian Air Force, took place off the coast of Odisha.

GAURAV, an indigenously developed air-launched glide bomb weighing one thousand kilograms, accurately hit a target on Long Wheeler’s Island. Designed by the Research Centre Imarat in Hyderabad, this successful test marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to enhance its indigenous defence capabilities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the achievement as a step forward in strengthening the Armed Forces.

Q: On August 13, 2024, DRDO successfully conducted the maiden flight test of which indigenously developed glide bomb?

A) SHAURYA
B) PRAHAR
C) GAURAV
D) NIRBHAY

Answer: C) GAURAV
DRDO conducted the maiden flight test of the Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) named GAURAV on August 13, 2024. The test, carried out from the Su-30 MK-I platform of the Indian Air Force, took place off the coast of Odisha.

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2024: Honoring Excellence in Science, Technology, and Innovation

The Government has announced the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2024, one of India’s highest recognitions in science, technology, and innovation. This award honors significant contributions by individuals or teams in these fields.

  • The ISRO-Chandrayaan 3 Team will receive the Vigyan Team Award for their work in space science.
  • Professor G. Padmanabhan, former Director of the Indian Institute of Science, will be awarded the Vigyan Ratna Award for his lifetime achievements in biological sciences.
  • The Vigyan Shri Award recipients include Anandharamakrishnan C, Umesh Varshney, Bhim Singh, Adimurthi Adi, Syed Wajh Ahmad Naqvi, Sanjay Behari, and Rahul Mukherjee.
  • The Vigyan Yuva Award nominees are Dr. Bappi Paul, Dr. Abhilash, Radha Krishnan Mahalakshmi, Purabi Saikia, Digendranath Swain, Prabhu Rajagopal, and Prashant Kumar.

Full List of Award winners : Download PDF

The awards ceremony will take place on the 23rd August on the National Space Day.

Q.: Who will receive the Vigyan Team Award on 23 August 2024?

a) The ISRO-Mangalyaan Team
b) The ISRO-Chandrayaan 3 Team
c) The DRDO Team
d) The Indian Institute of Science Team

Ans : b) The ISRO-Chandrayaan 3 Team
The ISRO-Chandrayaan 3 Team will receive the Vigyan Team Award for their work in space science.

Q.: Professor G. Padmanabhan will receive the Vigyan Ratna Award for his lifetime achievements in which field?

a) Physical Sciences
b) Chemical Sciences
c) Biological Sciences
d) Environmental Sciences

Ans : c) Biological Sciences
Professor G. Padmanabhan, former Director of the Indian Institute of Science, will be awarded the Vigyan Ratna Award for his lifetime achievements in biological sciences.

Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla selected as ‘Prime Astronaut’ for Indo-US Mission to Space Station

Indian Air Force Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla has been selected as the prime astronaut for the upcoming Indo-US mission to the International Space Station (ISS), announced by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

The National Mission Assignment Board recommended Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as the prime Mission Pilot and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair as the backup.

The selected Gaganyatris will begin training in the first week of August 2024. The mission involves scientific research, technology demonstrations, and space outreach activities, benefiting the Indian Human Space Program and strengthening ISRO-NASA cooperation.

This mission is part of a joint effort between ISRO and NASA, formalized during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the US in June 2023. ISRO’s Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) has signed a Space Flight Agreement (SFA) with Axiom Space Inc. for the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS.

Q.: Who has been selected as the prime astronaut for the upcoming Indo-US mission to the International Space Station ?

a) Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair
b) Group Captain Ajit Krishnan
c) Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla
d) Group Captain Angad Pratap

Answer: c) Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla
Indian Air Force Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla has been selected as the prime astronaut for the upcoming Indo-US mission to the International Space Station (ISS), announced by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

56th International Chemistry Olympiad : Indian Team Wins one Gold, Two Silver, and a Bronze

The 56th International Chemistry Olympiad was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from July 21st to 30th, 2024. The Indian team won one Gold, two Silver, and one Bronze medal.

  • Devesh Bhaiyya from Jalgaon, Maharashtra won the Gold medal.
  • Avanish Bansal from Mumbai and Harshin Posina from Hyderabad won Silver medals.
  • Kashyap Khandelwal from Mumbai won the Bronze medal.

Prof. Gulshanara Shaikh and Dr. Shraddha Tiwari guided the Indian team.

327 students from 94 countries participated in the Olympiad.

Q.: Who won the Gold medal for India at the 56th International Chemistry Olympiad held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from July 21st to 30th, 2024?

(A) Avanish Bansal
(B) Harshin Posina
(C) Kashyap Khandelwal
(D) Devesh Bhaiyya

Ans : (D) Devesh Bhaiyya
Devesh Bhaiyya from Jalgaon, Maharashtra won the Gold medal in the 56th International Chemistry Olympiad held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from July 21st to 30th, 2024

India won 2 gold and 3 silver medals at the 54th International Physics Olympiad 2024

The Indian delegation won 2 gold and 3 silver medals at the 54th International Physics Olympiad 2024, held from July 21 to July 29 in Isfahan, Iran

All five Indian participants bagged medals :

  • Rhythm Kedia from Chhattisgarh and Ved Lahoti from Madhya Pradesh bagged gold medals,
  • Akarsh Raj Sahay from Maharashtra, Bhavya Tiwari from Uttar Pradesh, and Jaiveer Singh from Rajasthan were honoured with silver medals.

India’s delegation was led by Prof. Deepak Garg (DAV College, Chandigarh) and Dr. Shirish Pathare (HBCSE, TIFR), with Prof. A. C. Biyani (Retd., Govt. Nagarjuna Post Graduate College of Science, Raipur) and Prof. Vivek Bhide (Gogate-Jogalekar College, Ratnagiri) serving as Scientific Observers.

A total of 193 students from 43 countries participated in the competition. In the country-wise medal tally, India was placed in the fourth position, jointly with Vietnam. China came at the top, followed by Russia and Romania at second and third position, respectively.

Q.: Which participants from India won gold medals at the 54th International Physics Olympiad 2024?

A) Akarsh Raj Sahay and Bhavya Tiwari
B) Ved Lahoti and Jaiveer Singh
C) Rhythm Kedia and Ved Lahoti
D) Rhythm Kedia and Akarsh Raj Sahay

Ans : C) Rhythm Kedia and Ved Lahoti
The Indian delegation won 2 gold and 3 silver medals at the 54th International Physics Olympiad 2024, held from July 21 to July 29 in Isfahan, Iran

Microsoft outage : Global tech failure caused by CrowdStrike software glitch

A global tech failure on 19 July 2024 disrupted operations across multiple industries, halting flights and forcing some broadcasters off-air, affecting banking and healthcare systems.

Cause: The issue was caused by CrowdStrike’s “Falcon Sensor” software update, which led to Microsoft Windows crashing and displaying the “Blue Screen of Death.”

Nature of the Issue: The glitch in CrowdStrike’s EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) product caused the problem, making remote updates impossible and necessitating manual fixes on each affected endpoint.

Reason for Widespread Impact: The widespread impact is due to the extensive use of cloud technology and the large market share of the affected software, running on millions of computers worldwide.

Questions: What caused the global tech failure on 19 July 2024?

  • A) A cyber attack
  • B) A software update of CrowdStrike’s EDR product
  • C) Hardware malfunctions
  • D) Natural disaster

Ans : B) A software update of CrowdStrike’s EDR product
The issue was caused by CrowdStrike’s “Falcon Sensor” software update, which led to Microsoft Windows crashing and displaying the “Blue Screen of Death.”

Aditya-L1 spacecraft, has completed its first halo orbit around the Sun-Earth L1 point

India’s first solar mission, the Aditya-L1 spacecraft, has completed its first halo orbit around the Sun-Earth L1 point. ISRO conducted a station-keeping maneuver on July 3, 2024, to ensure a smooth transition into the second halo orbit.

The Aditya-L1 mission is an Indian solar observatory positioned at Lagrangian point L1. It was launched on September 2, 2023, and successfully inserted into its targeted halo orbit on January 6, 2024.

The spacecraft takes 178 days to complete one revolution around the L1 point. During its orbit, the Aditya-L1 spacecraft faces various perturbing forces that affect its trajectory, as explained by ISRO.

Q: How long does it take for the Aditya-L1 spacecraft to complete one revolution around the L1 point?

a) 92 days
b) 178 days
c) 365 days
d) 730 days

Ans : b) 178 days
The Aditya-L1 mission is an Indian solar observatory positioned at Lagrangian point L1. It was launched on September 2, 2023. The spacecraft takes 178 days to complete one revolution around the L1 point.

DRDO handed over the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) to the Indian Navy

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) to the Indian Navy on 26 June 2024 in New Delhi.

The Microwave Obscurant Chaff is a niche technology developed by DRDO’s Defence Laboratory in Jodhpur. This technology obscures radar signals and creates a microwave shield around platforms and assets, reducing radar detection.

Special type of fibres have been assembled in the medium range chaff rocket. When fired, the rocket forms a microwave obscurant cloud in space, spreading over a sufficient area.

Q: What happens when the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) is fired?

a) It explodes on impact
b) It forms a microwave obscurant cloud in space
c) It releases flares
d) It emits a high-frequency sound

Ans : b) It forms a microwave obscurant cloud in space
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) to the Indian Navy on 26 June 2024 in New Delhi.

ISRO successfully conducted the third and final landing experiment of its Reusable Launch Vehicle ‘Pushpak’

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted the third and final landing experiment of its Reusable Launch Vehicle ‘Pushpak’ on June 23, 2024 at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga, Karnataka.

The experiment, named RLV LEX-03, demonstrated autonomous landing capability.

The Chinook helicopter released Pushpak from an altitude of 4.5 kilometers. Pushpak autonomously executed cross-range correction maneuvers and accomplished a precise horizontal landing at the runway center line, approaching with a speed of 320 kmph.

The experiment reaffirmed ISRO’s expertise in acquiring critical technologies for the development of a reusable launch vehicle, which will help reduce launch costs and advance space exploration.

Pushpak employed multi-sensory fusion including an inertial sensor, radar altimeter, flush air data system, Pseudolite system, and NavIC navigation system.

Q: Where was the third and final landing experiment of ISRO’s Reusable Launch Vehicle ‘Pushpak’ successfully conducted?

A) Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
B) Aeronautical Test Range, Chitradurga, Karnataka
C) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Kerala
D) Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore

Ans : B) Aeronautical Test Range, Chitradurga, Karnataka

Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore safely safely docked with the International Space Station (ISS)

Sunita Williams, a 58-year-old Indian-American astronaut, and Barry Wilmore, a NASA astronaut, launched aboard the Boeing Starliner from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on June 5. On June 7, 2024, they safely docked with the International Space Station (ISS).

  • The mission, Boeing Crew Flight Test (CFT), aims to certify the Starliner for regular crewed flights to the ISS under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
  • If successful, Starliner will become the second private spacecraft, after SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, to transport astronauts to and from the ISS.
  • The astronauts will spend about a week aboard the ISS, conducting tests and validating Starliner’s systems, before returning to Earth with a parachute-assisted landing in the western US.
  • The ISS is a collaborative project involving NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA, and CSA, serving as a microgravity laboratory and orbiting Earth at approximately 400 kilometers (250 miles). It has been continuously occupied since November 2000.

Q: What is the name of the mission in which Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore were safely safely docked with the International Space Station (ISS) on June 7, 2024?

A. Starliner Test Flight
B. NASA Crew Mission
C. Boeing Crew Flight Test (CFT)
D. SpaceX Crew Mission

Ans : C. Boeing Crew Flight Test (CFT)

Q: What is the International Space Station (ISS)?

A. A lunar base established by NASA
B. A collaborative spacecraft orbiting Earth, used for scientific research and international cooperation
C. A Mars rover developed by ESA
D. A space tourism station run by private companies

Ans : B. A collaborative spacecraft orbiting Earth, used for scientific research and international cooperation

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams becomes first woman to pilot new Spacecraft on maiden crewed test flight

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, along with Butch Wilmore, became the first to fly to space aboard the Boeing Starliner’s first-ever crewed mission. The 59-year-old Williams created history by becoming the first woman to fly on the maiden mission of a new human-rated spacecraft.

The crew was launched on 5 June 2024 aboard the United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This is the third attempt, with weather being 90% favorable for the launch. Butch, 61, is commanding the flight, and Williams is piloting it. The duo will stay at the International Space Station for about a week before returning to Earth aboard the reusable crew capsule.

The Starliner mission aims to carry astronauts and cargo for future NASA missions to low Earth orbit and beyond.

Q: Who became the first to fly to space aboard the Boeing Starliner’s first-ever crewed mission in June 2024?

a) Neil Armstrong and Sunita Williams
b) Buzz Aldrin and Rakesh Sharma
c) Chris Hadfield and Kaplana Chawala
d) Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore

Answer: d) Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore

China landed a spacecraft, Chang’e-6, on the far side of the moon in sample retrieval mission

China landed an uncrewed spacecraft, Chang’e-6, on the far side of the moon on June 2, 2024, aiming to retrieve the first rock and soil samples from this region.

This mission enhances China’s status in the global competition to exploit lunar minerals for sustaining long-term astronaut missions and moon bases, with similar interests from countries like the United States.

China’s lunar ambitions include a manned mission around 2030, with Russia as a partner. This follows their 2020 Chang’e-5 mission, which retrieved samples from the moon’s near side.

Q: What is the main objective of China’s Chang’e-6 mission?

A) To establish a moon base
B) To retrieve the world’s first rock and soil samples from the moon’s far side
C) To conduct a manned mission to the moon
D) To explore the moon’s surface for water

B) To retrieve the world’s first rock and soil samples from the moon’s far side

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