ISRO and KISR signed MoU on cooperation in space exploration

On 20 January 2016, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Kuwait Institute of Scientific Research (KISR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes.

Highlights:

Ø  It will allow use of data from Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites by KISR for initiating a few research and application projects.

Ø  It will also enable Training and Building and launching of remote sensing and communication satellites on commercial terms.

Ø  It will provide impetus to explore newer research activities and application possibilities in the field of remote sensing satellite communication satellite navigation and exploration of outer space.

Ø  It will lead to developing a joint activity in the field of application of space technology for the benefit of humanity.

Ø  It will lead to setting up of a Joint Working Group from ISRO and KISR which will work out the plan of action including the time frame and the means of implementing this MoU.

China launched Gaofen-4 dual-use Geostationary satellite

On 29 December 2015, China successfully launched Gaofen-4 Earth observation satellite toward a geostationary orbit from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in the south-western province of Sichuan. The satellite was launched aboard a Long March-3B carrier rocket. Launched as a part of the China High-resolution Earth Observation System (CHEOS), Gaofen-4 is located at the orbit 36000 kilometres away from the earth and moves synchronously with the earth.

Highlights:

Ø  It can see an oil tanker on the sea with a huge CMOS camera, reaching the best imaging level among global high-orbit remote sensing satellites.

Ø  It will be used for disaster prevention and relief, surveillance of geological disasters and forest disasters, and meteorologic forecast.

Ø  It will offer optical spatial resolution of better than 50 meters and infrared sensing capabilities from geostationary orbit.

Ø  It is designed to operate for eight years at an altitude of almost 36000 km above the Earth.

The satellite was launched as a part of Gaofen Project that aims to launch seven high-definition observation satellites before 2020. Gaofen-1, the first satellite of the project, was launched in April 2013.

Scientists of California spotted the potential Planet 9

Scientists spotted the potential planet by seeing the disturbances that it is causing in the gravitational field of the far solar system. There appears to be a great perturber upsetting the movement of other objects in that far away region. Konstantin Batygin and Micheal E. Brown, the researchers at the California Institute of Technology claimed it as a possible ninth planet and their research papers were published in The Astronomical Journalon 20 January 2016 with the title ‘Evidence for a distant Giant Planet in the Solar System.‘ As for their study, The Planet is surrounded by much brighter lights even the distant Pluto could be about 10000 times brighter. So, they opined that the planet might have made its way out to the edge of the solar system when it was thrown out there by the gravity of Jupiter or Saturn.

IUPAC announced addition of Four Elements to complete Seventh row of Periodic Table

On 30 December 2015, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) announced discovery and assignment of elements with atomic number 113, 115, 117 and 118. The decision was taken by the IUPAC as the four elements met the discovery of elements of IUPAP/IUPAC Transfer-mium working group (TWG) 1991 Discovery Criteria. All these four elements are synthetic in nature. They were discovered by scientists belonging to USA, Russian and Japan and complete 7^th row of the periodic table of the elements. Also these four elements are the first to be added to the table since2011, when elements 114 (Flerovium, FI) and 116 (Livermorium, LV) were added.

NHAI signed MoUwith ISRO and NECTAR to use spatial technology for monitoring National Highways

On 13 January 2016, National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) signed a memorandum of Understanding with National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) under Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and North East Centre for Technology Application and Research (NECTAR) to use spatial technology for monitoring and managing National Highways. NHAI will receive satellite data and geospatial technology acquired by both Indian and foreign satellite product companies from National Remote Sensing Centre under ISRO. It uses that data & technology to prepare Detailed Project Report (DRP), prefeasibility status in new alignment, upgrade or road widening, monitoring of road segments which provide inputs in highway and infrastructure projects. While, Aerial images for infrastructure planning which are acquired using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) by NECTAR will be used in monitoring the construction process, road asset management, feasibility report and DPR preparation, immediate assessment and remedy of problematic spots. NHAI will take up some pilot projects with both NRSC and NECTAR top identify and finalise actual use and benefits of both satellite data & geospatial technology and UAV technology in highway and infrastructure sector.

NASA launched SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with Jason-3 Ocean-monitoring satellite

On 17 January 2016, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California’s Vandenberg Air Force Base in the USA. The rocket carried the ocean monitoring satellite Jason -3 on board and successfully inserted it in the desired orbit. However, the rocket failed a return landing on drone platform in the Pacific Ocean. The Jason-3 satellite will examine the topography of the ocean floor to help study effects of climate change or human-induced changes on the ocean.

Features:

Ø  It is the fourth mission in U.S.-European series of satellite mission that measure the height of the ocean surface.

Ø  It is also expected to help the USA in better forecasting of hurricane and marine navigation.

Ø  It will extend the time series of ocean surface topography measurements (the hills and valleys of the ocean surface) begun by the TOPEX/Poseidon satellite mission in 1992 and continuing through the currently operating Jason-1 and Jason-2 missions.

Ø  The Jason-1 and OSTM/Jason-2 missions were launched in 2001 and 2008 respectively.

Ø  These measurements provide scientists with critical information about circulation patterns in the oceans and about both global and regional changes in the sea level and the climate implications of warming world.

First infected case of mosquito-borne Zika virus recorded in the US

A mosquito-borne virus called Zika was in news in the third week of January 2016. It was found that the virus is spreading rapidly through the American continent. The first case was confirmed in Texas, USA in January 2016 when a traveler returning from Latin America. The disease caused by this virus is not fatal and lasts up to a week, but it was identified that there is a possible link between the virus and a birth defect called microcephaly that causes babies to be born with abnormally small heads and potential development problems.

About Zika virus :

Ø  It is a virus that can make people sick with rash, fever, joint pain, and pinkeye, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Ø  It is related to other mosquito-borne illnesses including Dengue and Chikungunya that are considered rising threats as global travel increases their reach.

Ø  It can be transmitted when someone with the virus is bitten by a mosquito and then what mosquito bites another human.

Ø  The virus can move to new areas when mosquitoes hitch a ride on travelers or cargo, or when infected patients travel to new territory and are bitten by mosquitoes there.

Ø  The Zika virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947.