ISRO Conducts 29 Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres in 18 Months
India's space agency, ISRO, has actively protected its satellites from space debris and other objects, performing numerous manoeuvres recently.
Source: GNews ISRO SpaceThe Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) carried out 29 collision avoidance manoeuvres (CAMs) over the last 18 months. These manoeuvres were essential to protect Indian operational satellites from potential collisions with space debris and other active satellites. ISRO's System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations (IS4OM) facility in Bengaluru monitors space objects and predicts close approaches. The agency issues alerts and plans evasive actions when the probability of collision exceeds a certain threshold. This proactive approach ensures the safety and longevity of India's valuable space assets, which are crucial for communication, navigation, earth observation, and scientific research. ISRO continues to emphasize the importance of space situational awareness.
This news is important for competitive exams under Science & Technology (UPSC GS Paper III, SSC General Awareness). It highlights India's capabilities in space situational awareness and satellite management. Aspirants should understand the challenges of space debris, ISRO's role in mitigating risks, and the significance of facilities like IS4OM. It also connects to broader topics of sustainable space exploration and international cooperation in space.
- ISRO performed 29 collision avoidance manoeuvres in the last 18 months.
- These manoeuvres protected Indian operational satellites from space debris.
- The IS4OM facility in Bengaluru is responsible for monitoring space objects.
- IS4OM stands for System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations.
- India has a growing number of active satellites in various orbits.
- Space debris poses a significant threat to active satellites globally.
A planned orbital adjustment performed by a satellite to change its trajectory. This is done to prevent a potential collision with another space object, such as space debris or another satellite, ensuring the safety and continued operation of the spacecraft.
The Indian Space Research Organisation is the national space agency of India, headquartered in Bengaluru. Founded in 1969, it is responsible for space-based applications, space exploration, and the development of related technologies. ISRO operates under the Department of Space (DOS), which is directly overseen by the Prime Minister of India.
Any non-functional, human-made object in orbit around Earth. This includes defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, fragments from collisions, and other discarded materials. Space debris poses a significant threat to operational satellites and spacecraft due to the high velocities involved in orbital collisions.
ISRO's System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations is a dedicated facility in Bengaluru. It provides comprehensive space situational awareness (SSA) services, including tracking space objects, predicting close approaches, and issuing alerts for potential collisions to protect Indian space assets.
Exams frequently ask about ISRO's achievements, its facilities like IS4OM, and challenges in space like debris. Focus on the names of missions, key technologies, and the role of specific centres.
Remember 'CAM' for 'Collision Avoidance Manoeuvre' like a 'Camera' capturing danger, ISRO 'CAMs' to avoid it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of ISRO's collision avoidance manoeuvres?
ISRO's collision avoidance manoeuvres (CAMs) are primarily conducted to protect Indian operational satellites from potential collisions. These collisions could be with space debris, which are non-functional human-made objects, or with other active satellites, ensuring the continued functionality of India's space assets.
Which ISRO facility monitors space objects and predicts collisions?
The ISRO facility responsible for monitoring space objects and predicting potential collisions is the System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations (IS4OM). Located in Bengaluru, IS4OM provides crucial space situational awareness data and alerts to safeguard India's satellites.
Why is space debris a growing concern for space agencies like ISRO?
Space debris is a growing concern because it poses a significant threat to operational satellites and future space missions. Even small pieces of debris can cause catastrophic damage due to their extremely high orbital velocities. The increasing number of launches and satellite constellations further exacerbates this problem, making collision avoidance critical.