02-November-2024-Editorial

ISRO AND DBT COLLABORATION FOR SPACE EXPERIMENTS

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) recently signed an agreement to develop and conduct scientific experiments for the upcoming Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).

Planned for completion between 2028 and 2035, BAS will be India’s own space station, fostering advancements in space technology and biotechnology. This collaboration aims to tackle the unique challenges of long-term human space missions by leveraging biotechnology.

Reasons for ISRO and DBT Collaboration

• Nutrient Supply: Ensuring a steady, sustainable nutrient source for astronauts in space.
• Food Preservation: Developing methods for long-term food preservation in space.
• Microgravity & Radiation Challenges: Addressing the health impacts of space conditions, including microgravity and radiation exposure.
• Health Risks in Space: Working to mitigate potential health risks such as muscle and bone loss, cataracts, and cancer due to prolonged space exposure.

Potential Experiments

1. Muscle Loss in Zero Gravity: Studying the effects of weightlessness on muscle degradation among astronauts.
2. Algae as a Nutrient Source: Identifying algae species that may serve as nutritional supplements or aid in preserving food.
3. Algae-Based Fuel: Exploring algae processing methods that could potentially produce jet fuel.
4. Radiation Impact Studies: Assessing radiation’s effects on the human body to improve astronaut health and safety.

About Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS)

Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) is India’s proposed space station, designed to support scientific research and innovation in space. It will be built in phases, with the first module expected to launch in 2028 and full functionality anticipated by 2035.

• Orbit Altitude: Positioned between 400–450 km above Earth.
• Weight: Approximately 52 tonnes.
• Crew Duration: Astronauts can remain in orbit for 15–20 days per mission.
• Modules: Includes crew command, habitat, propulsion modules, and docking ports.
• Research Focus: Supports microgravity experiments, Earth observation, and technological innovations.
• International Collaboration: Aims to promote partnerships with other countries and space agencies.
• Program Leadership: ISRO will lead the program with contributions from academia, industry, and other national agencies.

Comparison with Other Space Stations

International Space Station (ISS):

• Operational since 1998 through cooperation among the US, Canada, Russia, Japan, and others.
• Expected to be decommissioned by 2030, as various countries seek alternatives.

China’s Tiangong Station:

• Fully operational since November 2022.
• Represents China’s independent advancement in space infrastructure.

Recent Developments in India’s Space Sector

Successful Space Missions:

• Aditya L1: India’s first solar observation mission.
• Chandrayaan-3: Successful lunar exploration mission.
• Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan): India’s first interplanetary mission.
• Gaganyaan Mission: India’s crewed space mission, aiming to send astronauts into orbit.

Advancements in Launch Technology:

• GSLV Mark III: High-capacity launch vehicle for heavier payloads.
• Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV): Cost-effective for smaller satellites.
• PSLV: Reliable launch vehicle for various national and international missions.

International Client Missions:

• TeLEOS-2 (2023): Singapore’s Earth observation satellite.
• PSLV-C51 (2021): Launched Brazil’s Amazonia-1 and 18 smaller satellites.

Other Key Developments:

• NavIC: India’s regional navigation satellite system.
• Bhuvan: A satellite-based mapping tool developed by ISRO for diverse applications.

Conclusion:

The ISRO-DBT partnership marks a significant step towards addressing the challenges of space exploration. Through BAS, India is advancing space research capabilities and solidifying its presence in the global space sector. This collaboration not only enhances India’s space capabilities but also positions the country as a future leader in international space research and biotechnology integration.