The Government of India plans to kick off month-long celebrations for the country’s first ‘National Space Day’ on 23rd August 2024. ‘National Space Day’ has been officially designated to celebrate the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram Lander at the ‘Shiv Shakti’ point on 23rd August, a year ago.
The day is intended to acknowledge major achievements in space exploration, showcase advancements in space technology, and spark students’ interest in space science. It also aims to heighten public awareness of the advantages of space exploration, besides fostering national pride and unity.
This special day will celebrate India’s remarkable space missions and inspire young people with the theme ‘Touching Lives while Touching the Moon: India’s Space Saga’. This theme highlights how India’s space missions not only reach the Moon but also improve the everyday lives of its people.
India’s advancements in space technology have profoundly impacted daily life, making a tangible difference for every one of its citizens. These achievements have enriched many aspects—from improving communication and weather forecasting to enhancing navigation and disaster management.
To delve deeper into this impact, we will explore how satellites provide critical data for agriculture, support communication, advance medicine, and ensure reliable connectivity across many areas in the country.
1. Enhanced Communication
Space technology has significantly impacted communication. Satellites, initially developed for exploration, are now key to global systems:
- Long-distance communication: Enables calls, broadcasting, and internet connectivity.
- GPS: Transformed navigation; aids in driving directions and fitness tracking.
- Transportation support: Assists air traffic control, maritime navigation, and ground travel, ensuring safety and efficiency.
2. Forecasting the Weather
In India, satellites play a vital role in weather forecasting through the Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) series. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) utilises this technology to collect data on cloud motion, cloud top temperature, and water vapour content, aiding in rainfall estimation, weather prediction, and cyclone tracking.
Landslides, such as the recent incident at Wayanad, pose challenges due to factors like soil, vegetation, and local terrain variability. Detecting landslides early is complex, as satellites may not capture rapid local changes, and extreme rainfall can overwhelm warning systems.
To prevent incidents like the Wayanad landslide, the following steps should be taken:
- Enhance local weather monitoring.
- Integrate detailed weather forecasts.
- Develop landslide risk maps.
Implementing these measures can enhance early detection capabilities and significantly improve disaster preparedness.
3. Helping Domestic Agriculture
Agriculture has been greatly impacted by space technology. Satellites observe crop health, predict the weather, and monitor soil moisture, aiding farmers in making better decisions.
- Farmers can now make informed choices, boosting crop yields and ensuring food security.
- New agricultural methods have emerged due to space technology. Drones, inspired by space innovations, are now used for crop care and monitoring, enhancing efficiency and reducing the environmental footprint in farming.
- Space technology also helps in managing natural resources, keeping track of deforestation, and monitoring changes in land use. These efforts promote sustainable practices and support environmental research, policy-making, and conservation work.
4. Creating New Energy Sources
Space technology has played a role in creating new energy sources. Research on the Sun and other space elements has boosted solar energy technology.
- Satellites help track Earth’s climate and forecast weather patterns, vital for advancing renewable energy. Accurate weather predictions aid in scheduling daily tasks, farming activities, and disaster preparedness.
- Satellites offer essential information for monitoring natural calamities like hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires. Quick-response teams utilise this data for evaluating disasters, planning interventions, and providing relief.
5. Enhancing India’s Healthcare
Space science and technology have greatly impacted healthcare, particularly in medical imaging. Innovations such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) owe their progress to space technology, aiding in the diagnosis of various illnesses.
- Space advancements have spurred the creation of new medical treatments. Targeted drug delivery systems—delivering drugs directly to affected areas—have been profoundly shaped by space technology. This breakthrough has transformed cancer care, enhancing patient outcomes.
- Everyday consumer gadgets, such as cordless tools, water purifiers, and memory foam, have origins in space research. These innovations also influence our mental health and overall well-being.
Author
Girish Linganna is a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. He can be reached at: girishlinganna@gmail.com
