Science And Technology

Question 1

GAGANYAAN MISSION

Answer 1

ISRO will be sending its first human spaceflight mission into the space by 2022

Mission 1st endorsed in 2014

ISRO successfully demonstrated some technology required

• Space Capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE-2007)
• Crew module Atmospheric Reentry Experiment (CARE-2014)
• GSLV Mk-III (2014)
• Reusable Launch Vehicle- Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD)
• Crew Escape System (July 2018)
• Pad Abort Test (2018)

ISRO - unveiled a space capsule (crew module) and Space suit prototype

ISRO - finalized the layout and design of Environmental Control & Life Support System (ECLSS) -

1. to maintain steady Cabin Pressure and air composition
2. Removes CO2 and other harmful gases
3. Control temperature and humidity
4. Manages parameters like fire detection and suppression
5. Food & water management
6. Emergency support

Need for Ganganyaan
1. Potential experiments - effects of microgravity and cosmic radiation
# multiple technologies ranging from weather research to disaster management to ballpoint pens
2. Massive advances in medical technology
# microgravity can lead to a debilitating loss of muscle and bone density
# treatment of osteoporosis and maintaining muscle mass - developed technologies and fitness mechanisms
3. present technologies were result of space research
# Telemedicine, including miniaturized ultrasound units and remote monitoring systems
# laser surgery and robotic surgery
4. Application of space technologies in various areas
# Agriculture, Railways, Human Resource Development and Road, Transport & Highways, etc. for ease of living
# Water purification and sewage recycling
# ethylene removal system called Advanced Astroculture (ADVASC) - prolong the shelf life of fruit and vegetables and in winemaking
# Silica Aerogel developed by ISRO - utility in other fields like agriculture
5. Manned space research is a much larger employment generator than unmanned missions
6. Enhance national pride
# USA, Russia and China have launched human spaceflight missions

Challenges
1. Biosciences
# Creating habitable space ecospheres also requires a host of technologies, including the development of exotic materials and first class recycling systems
2. Cost
3. Moving to a manned programme will involve research and development of a whole new range of technologies and precision
4. Training of astronauts

Question 2

DRONE REGULATIONS IN INDIA

Answer 2

Ministry of Civil Aviation (DGCA) - has released a set of rules for civil use of drones - effective 1. Dec. 2018e

Drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) -
Powered, aerial vehicles that do not carry a human operator, use aerodynamic forces to provide vehicle lift, can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely, can be expendable or recoverable, and can carry a lethal or nonlethal payload

Application UAVs

1. Damage assessment
2. Security function
3. Surveillance and Crowd Management
4. Monitoring of wildlife
5. Agriculture: SENSAGRI (SENsor based Smart AGRIculture) # hyperspectral remote sensing (HRS) sensor
6. Mode of Delivery
7. Other uses - surveys, infrastructure monitoring, commercial photography, aerial mapping

Concerns

1. Potential threat # security threat, invading privacy
2. threat for air collisions and accidents
3. Drones as weapons
4. Drone traffic management
5. misuse - by terrorists, criminals, drug cartels and other antisocial groups

Current 
# Indian drone market - USD 885.7 million by 2021 ; global market size - USD 21.47 billion
# International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) - global drone governance efforts - not come up with comprehensive guidelines

Regulations for Civil Use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS)

# Digital Sky Platform is - national unmanned traffic management (UTM) platform - “no permission, no takeoff” (NPNT)
#required to do a one-time registration of their drones, pilots and owners. All civil RPA - to obtain Unique Identification Number (UIN) from DGCA

5 categories of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS)

1. Nano (Less than or equal to 250 grams)
2. Micro (250 grams to 2kg)
3. Small (2kg-25kg)
4. Medium (25kg-150kg)
5. Large (Greater than 150kg)