PSLV C-17 launched GSAT-12 satellite

PSLV-C17 launched GSAT-12 satellite

  Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully launched Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C17) carrying GSAT- 12 communication satellite from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota. T.K. Anuradha is the project directior of this PSLV mission. PSLV-C17 & GSAT-12 was designed and developed at ISRO Satellite centre in Bangalore at a cost of 200 crore. ISRO successfully launched PSLV-C16 in April, 2011.    Quiz question: Who is the first woman to head a space mission in ISRO history. Ans: T.K. Anuradha (Bangalore).  Total number of ISRO transponders: 187. GSAT-10 with 30 transponders will be launched in April, 2012.  ISRO so far used PSLVs 19 times even though debut launch in 1993 was a failure. This is 18th succeessful launch using PSLV.  GSAT-12 Satellite information:   Weight of GSAT-12 satellite: 1410 kg  Gsat is carrying 12 expanded C-Band transponders. C-Band spectrum is used to lauch high speed broadband services.  Words of the day:   Perigee: Nearest point of Satellite to earth) & Apogee: Farthest point of Satellite from the earth. GSAT-12 Satellite perigee is 282-km and apogee is 21,000 km.  PSLV: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle & GSLV: Geo-Synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle.  ISRO will launch next moon mission (Chandrayaan) in 2014 at a cost of 425 crore.  ISRO Chief K. Radhakrishnan and other scientists expressed happiness after launching GSAT-12 successfully. When will ISRO achieve this kind of success with … [Read more...]

Solar Tsunami: FAQs

Solar Tsunami

  Solar Tsunami: Frequently asked questions:  What is Solar Tsunami?  Technical name is “Fast-mode Magnetohydrodynamic wave (MHD wave).” During Solar Tsunami (Coronal mass ejection), hot plasma and magnetism erupt in a giant wave format. During this Tsunami, millions of tons of gas will be sent into space at a speed of 250 kmph to a height of even 1 lakh kilometres with high energy.   Image: Solar storm on earth (NASA) When was Solar Tsunami first observed?  Solar Tsunami was first spotted in 1997 by NASA’s Solar and Heliospheric Observatory. But, this Tsunami was observed by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory.  What will be the speed of coronary emission?  Maximum speed of this Tsunami is mind-blowing. It can even attain a speed of 15 lakh kilometres per hour and can reach earth from Sun in just 4 days.  What will happen?  On August 4, solar magnetic eruption may enter into earth’s magnetic field. Due to collision with nitrogen and Oxygen atoms, a magnetic storm will be formed over earth. People in some countries (Canada & North US) can observe wonderful scenes in the dark sky.  What is the duration of solar magnetic cycle?  11 years  Any threat to us?  Solar Tsunami will not cause any deaths on earth. Britain may face communication and power problems. Other countries may need to prepare for short term communication problems.  Note: Registration for Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC4) was started. Lakhs of people already registered their names through SMS and phone call.      … [Read more...]