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GS3 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Unmanned Space Missions | Science & Technology for UPSC CSE PDF Download

India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space mission. What are the main obstacles to launching a manned space mission, both in terms of technology and logistics? Examine critically.  (UPSC GS3 Mains)

India has been able to carry out unmanned spaced mission but lacks the full fledged capabilities in manned space missions. Although some developments have taken place in terms of technology and logistics, India is still facing some hurdles in launching manned space missions.

Technology

  • India lacks the technology to carry heavy payloads into space.
  • Full capabilities in re-entry technologies are yet to be developed.
  • India could not get international cooperation in the field such as cryogenic technology at early stage.
  • ISRO is planning to launch manned space programme by 2021-24. Towards this end, it has unveiled a prototype of its first crew capsule (4 metre high module) designed to carry two people into low earth orbit.
  • India in 2017 launched the GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) Mark 3 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre. It carried a three ton payload, including “Crew Module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment (CARE)”. However the third stage of cryogenic technology in GSLV is still not fully developed. GSLV Mark 3 will also be upgraded and tested to carry payloads upto 8 tonnes.
  • India is also working on Space Capsule Recovery Experiment-2 (SRE-2) that will demonstrate critical technologies required for recoverable launch vehicles.

Logistics

  • India is depended mainly on single type of launch vehicle such as that of PSLV which hampers the capacity expansion of the programme.
  • India does not have its own global navigation system.
  • Funding and finance is essential to develop various equipments, technology  and new tools required in the coordination of a manned space programme. But ISRO is still waiting for the government approval and funding for a human space flight programme.
  • Some scientists hold the view that private players have much more flexibility, freedom and risk taking abilities than the state owned agencies. Thus there should be more participation of private players in space programmes. India must realize that China launched its manned space mission to space in 2016 and will establish its permanent space station by 2022. Therefore India should also increase its footprints in manned space mission capabilities at the earliest.
The document GS3 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Unmanned Space Missions | Science & Technology for UPSC CSE is a part of the UPSC Course Science & Technology for UPSC CSE.
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FAQs on GS3 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Unmanned Space Missions - Science & Technology for UPSC CSE

1. What are unmanned space missions?
Ans. Unmanned space missions refer to space exploration missions that do not involve human crew on board the spacecraft. These missions are typically conducted using robotic spacecraft controlled remotely from Earth.
2. How do unmanned space missions differ from manned missions?
Ans. Unmanned space missions are conducted without human crew on board, while manned missions involve astronauts physically present in the spacecraft. Unmanned missions are often used for scientific research, exploration, and data collection in harsh environments where it may be dangerous for humans to go.
3. What are the advantages of unmanned space missions?
Ans. Unmanned space missions are cost-effective, as they do not require life support systems for human crew. They can also be sent to more remote or hazardous locations in space where it may be impractical or unsafe to send humans. Additionally, unmanned missions can operate for longer durations than manned missions.
4. What are some examples of successful unmanned space missions?
Ans. Some successful unmanned space missions include the Voyager spacecraft, which have traveled beyond our solar system, the Mars rovers such as Curiosity and Perseverance, which have explored the surface of Mars, and the Hubble Space Telescope, which has provided valuable insights into our universe.
5. How are unmanned space missions controlled and monitored from Earth?
Ans. Unmanned space missions are controlled and monitored from Earth using ground stations that communicate with the spacecraft via radio signals. Mission controllers send commands to the spacecraft and receive data from its instruments to monitor its status and progress.
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