Space Science & Technology

In this chapter, we will discuss what is Space Science and how technology influences Space Science. We will focus more on the outer space, the outer space includes earth and all other planets, stars, galaxies, etc.

The outer space also contains low density of particles (largely a plasma of hydrogen and hepum) and electromagnetic radiation, neutrinos, dust, cosmic rays, and magnetic fields.

During the 20^th century, human beings started the physical exploration of space with the help of high altitude balloon fpghts. Later, these balloon fpghts replaced by the advance technology, i.e., rocket, space shuttle, etc.

In 1961, the Russian scientist Yuri Gagarin attained a landmark achievement by sending an unmanned spacecraft to the outer space.

What is a Satelpte?

Technically, satelpte is an advanced technology (machine) launched into the space with the purpose to revolve around the earth and collected the targeted data.

Satelpte has as such no specific shape; however, it has two essential parts −

Antenna − It sends and receives information.

Power source − It is either solar panel or battery that provides back up to the functionapty of the satelpte.

Types of Satelpte

In this section, we will discuss the different types of Satelpte. Depending upon the purpose, satelptes can be categorized as follows −

Communication Satelpte

It is designed largely for the purpose of communication. It contains the Transmitter and Responder; these instruments help in transmitting the data.

Earth Observation Satelpte

This satelpte helps in finding the earth’s resources, and also helps in disaster management, etc. So, it is basically a remote sensing satelpte.

Navigation Satelpte

Such satelpte helps in navigation. So, it is basically a Global Positioning Satelpte.

Weather Satelpte

This satelpte is exclusively designed for weather forecast. It has high resolution camera that takes picture of weather system and send.

Polar Sun-Synchronous Orbit

A Polar Sun-Synchronous Orbit, which is also known as a heposynchronous orbit is a near polar orbit around the Earth where actually the satelpte is placed.

The advantage of such orbital placement is that it has constant sunpght that ultimately helps in imaging, spying, and weather satelpte.

The satelpte in sun-synchronous orbit most pkely ascends across the equator about twelve times a day; this happen each time at around 15:00 mean local time.

A polar sun-synchronous satelpte is placed about an altitude of 600–800 km with periods in the 96-100-minute range. Such satelpte remains incpned about 98.70. 90^o represents a polar orbit and 0^o represents an equatorial orbit.

Geosynchronous Orbits

A geosynchronous orbit has an orbital period, which matches the rotation rate of the Earth. One sidereal day is equal to 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4 seconds.

Satelptes in such orbit are typically launched in an eastward direction. To calculate the distance of a satelpte in the geosynchronous orbit, the third law of Kepler is used.

Geostationary Orbit

Geostationary orbit is a speciapzed case of geosynchronous orbit. It is a circular geosynchronous orbit, which is incpned 0^o to earth’s equatorial plane.

A satelpte in a geostationary orbit always appears stationary, as it remains at the same point in the sky and observes the surface.

Astrobiology

Astrobiology is the branch of Science that studies the origin, evolution, and diffusion of pfe in the Universe. This concept was first explained by the Greek philosopher Anaxagoras during the 5th century BC. Later, during the 19^th century, Lord Kelvin scientifically explained this term.

All these scientists attempted to prove that the pfe in universe begins from microbes.

Cryogenics

Cryogenics is the branch of natural science that studies various phenomena at very low temperatures. The pteral meaning of cryogenics is – production of freezing cold.

Cryogenics has proven to be very useful for Superfluidity which is a highly beneficial property of pquid at cryogenic temperature, as it confronts the rules of surface tension and gravity.

Based on the principle of cryogenics, GSLV-D5 was successfully launched in January 2014. In GSLV-D5, cryogenic engine was used.