Space
Exploration
Space exploration is the discovery and exploration of outer space by means of space technology. Physical exploration of space is conducted both by human spaceflights and by robotic spacecraft. While the observation of objects in space, known as astronomy, predates reliable recorded history, it was the development of large and relatively efficient rockets during the early 20th century that allowed physical space exploration to become a reality.
The early era of space exploration was started with the launch of the first man-made object to orbit the Earth, the USSR's Sputnik 1, on 4 October 1957, and the first Moon landing by the American Apollo 11 craft on 20 July 1969 are often taken as the boundaries for this initial period. The Soviet space program achieved many of the first milestones, including the first living being in orbit in 1957, the first human spaceflight(Yuri Gagarin aboard Vostok 1) in 1961, the first spacewalk (by Aleksei Leonov) in 1965, the first automatic landing on another celestial body in 1966, and the launch of the first space station (Salyut 1) in 1971.
After the first 20 years of exploration, focus shifted from one-off flights to renewable hardware, such as the Space Shuttle program, and from competition to cooperation as with the International Space Station (ISS).
First flight
The first successful orbital launch was of the Soviet unmanned Sputnik 1 ("Satellite 1") mission on 4 October 1957. The satellite weighed about 83 kg (184 pounds), and is believed to have orbited Earth at a height of about 250 km (160 mi)
First human flight
The first successful human spaceflight was Vostok 1 ("East 1"), carrying 27 year old Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin on 12 April 1961. The spacecraft completed one orbit around the globe, lasting about 1 hour and 48 minutes. Gagarin's flight resonated around the world
First planetary exploration
The first artificial object to reach another celestial body was Luna 2 in 1959. The first
Automatic landing on another celestial body was performed by Luna 9 in 1966. Luna 10 became the first artificial satellite of another celestial body.
Artificial satellites
As per the orbits on which the satellites are placed the artificial satellites are mainly divided into two categories they are ‘Equatorial satellites’ and ‘polar satellites’.
Equatorial satellites
The orbit parallel to the equatorial line is called equatorial orbit. This orbit at a height of 36,500 km from the earth. Equatorial satellites are revolving through the equatorial orbit in the same direction and with the same velocity of the earth’s spin. The rocket which launches equatorial satellites is called GSLV (Geostationary Satellite Launch vehicle). Equatorial satellites are used in broadcasting and telecommunication.
Polar Satellites
The orbit through the North Pole and South Pole of the earth at a height 200 km above is called polar orbit. Satellites which revolve through the polar orbits are called polar satellites. A polar satellite takes nearly two hours to revolve the earth. A polar satellite which is at a height 100 km and moving with a speed of 7.35 km/s takes one hour 48 minute 8 sec. for one complete revolution. The rocket which launches polar satellites is called PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle)
Space research in India
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO, is the primary space agency of the Indian government ISRO is among the six largest space research organisations in the world. Its primary objective is to advance space technology and use its applications for national benefit.
As stated by him:
“There
are some who question the relevance of space activities in developing nation. To us, there is no ambiguity of purpose. We do not have the fantasy of competing with the economically advanced nations in the exploration of the moon or the planets or manned space-flight. But we are convinced that if are to play a meaningful role nationally, and in the community of nations, we
must be second to none in the application of advanced
technologies to the
real problems of man and society.”
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Expedition to Moon
Started
revolving round the moon in a polar orbit of 100km height. On 14th
November it created history by separating the Moon Impact Probe (MIP) from the
mother vehicle and landing it near the South Pole on the surface of the moon.
Chandrayan I aims to study this neighbour of ours for the next two years by
remote sensing with the help of ten scientific equipments. The basic aim of
this project is to enhance our knowledge about the only natural satellite of
earth, the moon. Besides it also proposes to increase India’s technological
expertise in the field of space technology and to equip and enable the new
generation Indian scientists to face fresh challenges in inter planetary
researches. PSLV - 11The prime objective of ISRO is to develop space technology and its application to various national tasks. The Indian space program was driven by the vision of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, considered the father of Indian Space Programme.
As stated by him
“There are some who question the relevance of space activities in a developing nation. To us, there is no ambiguity of purpose. We do not have the fantasy of competing with the economically advanced nations in the exploration of the moon or the planets or manned space-flight. But we are convinced that if we are to play a meaningful role nationally, and in the community of nations, we must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems of man and society”
As also pointed out by
Dr A P J Abdul Kalam:
“Many individuals with myopic vision questioned the relevance of space activities in a newly independent nation, which was finding it difficult to feed its population. Their vision was clear if Indians were to play meaningful role in the community of nations, they must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to their real-life problems. They had no intention of using it as a means of displaying our might.”
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