Science and Technology: November 2024 UPSC Current Affairs | Science & Technology for UPSC CSE PDF Download

NISAR Satellite

Why in News?

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, a collaborative project between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is slated for launch in early 2025. This satellite will be the first of its kind to integrate two advanced radar systems: NASA's L-band radar and ISRO's S-band radar.

Key Takeaways

• The NISAR satellite is a product of a partnership signed in 2014 between the US and India.
• It will be launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre located in Andhra Pradesh, India.
• NISAR aims to map the entire planet every 12 days, providing vital data on various environmental and geological phenomena.

Additional Details

• Launch Vehicle: The satellite will be deployed into low Earth orbit using the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II.
• Objectives: NISAR will deliver consistent data on ecosystems, ice mass, vegetation, sea level rise, groundwater, and natural hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, and landslides.
• Key Components:
  • Radar Payload: The core instrument responsible for surface observation.
  • Spacecraft Bus: Provides essential services such as power, communications, navigation, and control for the satellite operations.
  • Antenna and Reflector: Features a 12-meter diameter drum-shaped wire-mesh reflector, the largest in space, which enhances radar signal focus and observation capabilities.
• Technological Advancements:
  • Dual Radar Systems: Combines NASA’s L-band radar and ISRO’s S-band radar for enhanced functionality.
  • L-band Radar: Effectively penetrates dense vegetation to measure ground motion, making it ideal for monitoring volcanic and seismic activities.
  • S-band Radar: Improves precision in surface monitoring, operating within a wavelength of 8-15 cm and a frequency range of 2-4 GHz.

3rd Indian Space Conclave and India’s First Analog Mission

Why in News?

The Indian Space Conclave held in New Delhi highlighted India's growing space capabilities, focusing on Satellite Communication (Satcom) and Indo-European Union space partnerships. Key discussions emphasized Satcom's crucial role in advancing Digital India and supporting India's ambitious space objectives. Additionally, India inaugurated its first Mars and Moon analog mission in Leh, Ladakh, led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), aimed at simulating extraterrestrial conditions for space habitat testing.

Key Takeaways

• Satellite Communication (Satcom): Essential for various sectors, including telecommunications, disaster management, agriculture, healthcare, and education.
• India's Rise as a Global Space Leader: Achievements like Chandrayaan-3 and upcoming Gaganyaan missions enhance India's role in space exploration.
• Indo-EU Space Collaboration: Joint initiatives planned for Earth observation, training, and space security.
• Space Startups: Over 300 startups are contributing to innovation and economic growth in the space sector.
• Ambitions of India’s Space Program: Plans for a human spaceflight mission by 2024 and an Indian space station by 2035.

Additional Details

• Satellite Communication (Satcom): The Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development discussed Satcom's transformative impact on Digital India, promoting innovation and public-private partnerships through the SatCom Reform 2022 policy.
• India’s First Mars and Moon Analog Mission: This mission simulates life in an interplanetary habitat to address challenges in establishing sustainable bases beyond Earth, focusing on sustainable living conditions.
• Ladakh's Unique Environment: The region’s high altitude, dry climate, and temperature fluctuations make it an ideal location for testing space habitat technologies, simulating extraterrestrial conditions.
• Technological Testing: Key technologies such as circadian lighting, hydroponics, and standalone solar power systems will be tested to support sustainable living in space.
• The Indian Space Conclave and the Mars and Moon analog mission represent significant steps in advancing India's space exploration goals, enhancing its position as a global leader in the space sector.

Mains Question

Q: How does India’s Mars and Moon analog mission contribute to the country’s space exploration goals?

RNA Editing

Why in News?

Recently, the biotechnology company Wave Life Sciences, based in the United States, made headlines by becoming the first organization to successfully treat a genetic disorder through RNA editing at the clinical level.

Key Takeaways

• RNA Editing: A process that modifies messenger RNA (mRNA) nucleotides after DNA has produced mRNA but before protein synthesis occurs.
• Clinical Application: Wave Life Sciences utilized RNA editing to address α-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) with a therapy named WVE-006.
• Potential Uses: RNA editing shows promise for various conditions, including Huntington's disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and several others.

Additional Details

• Definition and Structure of RNA: RNA is a nucleic acid found in all living cells, structurally similar to DNA but usually single-stranded. It consists of a backbone of alternating phosphate groups and ribose sugars, with bases adenine (A), uracil (U), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).
• Types of RNA:
  • Messenger RNA (mRNA): Carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis.
  • Ribosomal RNA (rRNA): Forms the core structure of ribosomes and facilitates protein synthesis.
  • Transfer RNA (tRNA): Delivers amino acids to ribosomes during the protein synthesis process.
  • Regulatory RNAs: Involved in the regulation of gene expression.
• Functional Significance: RNA is crucial for various cellular processes, including cell construction, immune responses, and amino acid transport.
• Role in Viruses: Some viruses utilize RNA as their genetic material.

Tardigrades Genes for Innovation

Why in News?

Researchers are currently investigating the remarkable characteristics of tardigrades to inspire breakthroughs in fields such as medicine, biotechnology, and space exploration.

Key Takeaways

• Tardigrades, also known as water bears or moss piglets, are microscopic, eight-legged creatures.
• They have the extraordinary ability to survive extreme conditions, including radiation and desiccation.
• The DODA1 gene in tardigrades plays a crucial role in synthesizing betalains, which protect cells from radiation damage.

Additional Details

• About Tardigrades: Tardigrades belong to the phylum Tardigrada. Fossils of these creatures date back as far as 90 million years, with molecular evidence suggesting they originated over 600 million years ago.
• Adaptations: They can withstand extreme environments, such as the Arctic, deep-sea floors, and even outer space due to their ability to enter a state called cryptobiosis.
• Cryptobiosis: This state allows tardigrades to halt biological activity to survive adverse conditions like dehydration and extreme temperatures.
• Potential Applications: The unique properties of tardigrades could lead to advancements in human health, including improved vaccine shelf life, enhanced cell preservation techniques, and better protective measures for humans and materials in space.

Biotechnology Experiments for India's Upcoming Space Station

Why in News?

Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) have signed a significant agreement aimed at designing and conducting experiments that will be integrated into the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS). This station is expected to be developed between 2028 and 2035.

Key Takeaways

• The collaboration addresses challenges in space missions, such as nutrient availability and health risks.
• Potential experiments include studying muscle loss in microgravity and exploring algae as food sources.

Additional Details

Collaboration Purpose:The partnership aims to tackle key challenges in space, including:

• Continuous availability of nutrients
• Food preservation
• Health hazards like cancers and muscle loss

Potential Experiments:The experiments may include:

• Investigating the effects of weightlessness on muscle loss in astronauts.
• Identifying specific algae species for nutrient use and food preservation.
• Exploring algae processing for jet fuel production.
• Assessing radiation impact on health for those aboard the station.

Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS):This is India's proposed indigenous space station designed for scientific research. Key features include:

• It will be constructed in three phases with five modules.
• The first module, known as BAS-1, is expected to launch in 2028, with the station fully operational by 2035.
• The station will orbit Earth at a height of approximately 400-450 kilometres.
• Expected to weigh around 52 tonnes and accommodate astronauts for 15-20 days.
• It will consist of a crew command module, habitat module, propulsion module, and docking ports.
• The BAS will focus on scientific research, microgravity experiments, earth observation, and fostering innovation.
• It aims to enhance international collaboration with other countries and space agencies.
• This collaboration between ISRO and DBT highlights India's commitment to advancing space research and biotechnology, paving the way for innovative solutions to challenges faced in space exploration.