Important space mission in news Flashcards
ARYABHATA (1975)
India’s first satellite, launched by ISRO using a Soviet Kosmos-3M rocket from Kapustin Yar, Russia. Conducted experiments in X-ray astronomy, aeronomics, and solar physics.
ASTROSAT (2015)
India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory, launched by PSLV-C30. Studies celestial sources in X-ray, optical, and UV bands.
TRISHNA Mission (Upcoming)
Joint ISRO & CNES (France) mission in Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO). Monitors energy and water budgets of the continental biosphere.
NICES Programme (2012)
ISRO & Dept. of Space initiative under the National Action Plan on Climate Change. Generates and distributes long-term climate data.
Juno Mission (2011)
NASA mission to study Jupiter’s origin, structure, and magnetic field. Investigates the existence of a solid planetary core.
PACE Mission (2024)
NASA’s Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, Ocean Ecosystem mission. Examines ocean-atmosphere carbon exchange and climate impact.
MAVEN Mission (2013)
NASA’s mission to study Mars’ upper atmosphere. Explores how atmospheric loss shaped Mars’ climate history.
Dragonfly Mission (2027 Planned)
NASA’s mission to explore Titan, Saturn’s moon, with a rotorcraft lander. Investigates Titan’s chemistry and habitability.
Europa Clipper (2024 Planned)
NASA’s largest planetary spacecraft to study Jupiter’s moon Europa. Aims to determine if Europa could support life.
EarthCARE Mission (2024 Planned)
ESA & JAXA’s Earth Cloud Aerosol and Radiation Explorer. Studies the impact of clouds and aerosols on Earth’s radiation balance.
RISE Mission (Upcoming)
ESA’s Remove Debris In-Orbit Servicing Mission. Focuses on satellite refueling, refurbishment, and orbital assembly.
LUPEX Mission (Upcoming)
ISRO & JAXA’s Lunar Polar Exploration mission. Investigates water quantity and quality in the Moon’s south pole region.
Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (2024)
DAE & BARC’s gamma-ray telescope in Ladakh. Studies cosmic phenomena like supernovae at high altitudes (~4,300m).
Square Kilometer Array (Ongoing)
Global project to build the world’s largest radio telescope (in South Africa & Australia). Studies the early universe and dark matter.
Tokyo Atacama Observatory (Ongoing)
University of Tokyo project in Chile’s Atacama Desert. World’s highest observatory, ideal for near-infrared studies.
RHUMI-1 (2024)
India’s first reusable hybrid rocket by Space Zone India & Martin Group. Carries Cube and Pico satellites for climate data collection.
LEAP-3 (2025)
Manastu Space & Dhruva Space mission. Tests hydrogen-peroxide-based green propulsion in orbit.
Project 200 (2024)
Bellatrix Aerospace’s satellite prototype for ultra-low Earth orbit (200 km). Aims to demonstrate sustained ultra-low orbit capabilities.
Ananth Technologies
First private Indian company to assemble and integrate ISRO docking satellites. Advances India’s in-space servicing capacity.
IRIS (2024)
ESA mission for secure connectivity and broadband in remote areas. Third major EU space infrastructure project after Galileo & Copernicus.
Moonlight Programme (2024)
ESA’s 5-satellite constellation to provide communication and navigation for 400+ planned Moon missions.
GSAT-N2 (2024)
NewSpace India Ltd. (NSIL) geostationary satellite. Enhances broadband services and in-flight connectivity over India.
Perseverance Rover (2020)
NASA’s Mars rover with a radioisotope power system (RPS). Collects rock and soil samples to search for ancient life.
Aditya-L1 Mission (2023)
India’s first solar observatory at Lagrange Point 1 (L1). Studies the Sun’s corona, solar flares, and space weather effects.
SPADEX (Upcoming)
ISRO’s space docking experiment to demonstrate autonomous rendezvous, docking, and fuel transfer between spacecraft.
Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV-LEX)
ISRO’s experimental winged vehicle designed for controlled descent and landing, crucial for future reusable spaceflight.
