The NASA Astrobiology Roadmap provides guidance for research and technology development across the
NASA enterprises that encompass the space, Earth, and biological sciences. The ongoing development of astrobiology
roadmaps embodies the contributions of diverse scientists and technologists from government, universities,
and private institutions. The Roadmap addresses three basic questions: how does life begin and evolve,
does life exist elsewhere in the universe, and what is the future of life on Earth and beyond? Seven Science
Goals outline the following key domains of investigation: understanding the nature and distribution of habitable
environments in the universe, exploring for habitable environments and life in our own Solar System, understanding
the emergence of life, determining how early life on Earth interacted and evolved with its changing
environment, understanding the evolutionary mechanisms and environmental limits of life, determining
the principles that will shape life in the future, and recognizing signatures of life on other worlds and on early
Earth.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Cubesats-Student sats in India "The current trend"
When ISRO launched the Chandrayaan-1 mission, it not only made it to the record books as the sixth country to go to the moon and the third to plant its flag, It also found a place in the hearts of many young Indians.
One of India's most successfull public enterprize, did what it actually wanted it. It generated enthusiasm in the society towards Science in general and Space in particular. This enthu is quite evident in the number of colleges coming forward to build, launch and operate their own satellites.
These satellites are Cubesats, meaning they conform to certain standards set . Most Cubesats are a couple of kilograms in weight and generally carry out one or two scientific studies.They are also the most low cost way to access space . Cubesats last only for about a few months in space. But they involve almost all functionalities which a heavier satellite needs.They require gyros for stabilization, solar panels and batteries for power, communication systems, data storage and a host of other ones. They also need not be launched into specific orbits. This probably is the best possible way to make students learn and also experience the art of making satellites.
Cubsats is a rather new developement . Only about 30+ are into space till now from all over the world. These are generally launched by universities and research instituitions. Indian Universities are not to be left behind. With active support from ISRO, many of them have planned to launch their own satellites.ISRO can easily accomidate them in any of the PSLVs scheduled to be launched.
The first university to launch a satellite in India was Anna University of Chennai with their satellite ANUSAT. A group of 7 colleges from Bangalore and Hyderabad are set to launch their satellite named STUDSAT in the next PSLV launch in March.( The picture above is that of studsat...notice the camera...it is supposed to be the most powerful in its category) IIT Kharagpur is ready with its JUGNU. This probably may be launched along with RESOURCESAT-2 launch in mid-2010. IIT Mumbai has planned a series of 5 satellites with the first one named PRATHAM. Two other universities in South India have announced plans for launching satellites to be named VITSAT-1 (Vellore Institute of Technology) and SRMSAT (SRM University). IIT Delhi has also proposed one.
Hope universities in India keep up this momentum and make it a regular affair. Any university in India, wishing to launch a satellite of its own, get in touch with ISRO and also get a feasibility study done.
Any University/Instituition outside India please contact ISRO through its commercial partner ANTRIX. You can also book slots on berths already given out to ISIS and UTIAS.
One of India's most successfull public enterprize, did what it actually wanted it. It generated enthusiasm in the society towards Science in general and Space in particular. This enthu is quite evident in the number of colleges coming forward to build, launch and operate their own satellites.
These satellites are Cubesats, meaning they conform to certain standards set . Most Cubesats are a couple of kilograms in weight and generally carry out one or two scientific studies.They are also the most low cost way to access space . Cubesats last only for about a few months in space. But they involve almost all functionalities which a heavier satellite needs.They require gyros for stabilization, solar panels and batteries for power, communication systems, data storage and a host of other ones. They also need not be launched into specific orbits. This probably is the best possible way to make students learn and also experience the art of making satellites.
Cubsats is a rather new developement . Only about 30+ are into space till now from all over the world. These are generally launched by universities and research instituitions. Indian Universities are not to be left behind. With active support from ISRO, many of them have planned to launch their own satellites.ISRO can easily accomidate them in any of the PSLVs scheduled to be launched.
The first university to launch a satellite in India was Anna University of Chennai with their satellite ANUSAT. A group of 7 colleges from Bangalore and Hyderabad are set to launch their satellite named STUDSAT in the next PSLV launch in March.( The picture above is that of studsat...notice the camera...it is supposed to be the most powerful in its category) IIT Kharagpur is ready with its JUGNU. This probably may be launched along with RESOURCESAT-2 launch in mid-2010. IIT Mumbai has planned a series of 5 satellites with the first one named PRATHAM. Two other universities in South India have announced plans for launching satellites to be named VITSAT-1 (Vellore Institute of Technology) and SRMSAT (SRM University). IIT Delhi has also proposed one.
Hope universities in India keep up this momentum and make it a regular affair. Any university in India, wishing to launch a satellite of its own, get in touch with ISRO and also get a feasibility study done.
Any University/Instituition outside India please contact ISRO through its commercial partner ANTRIX. You can also book slots on berths already given out to ISIS and UTIAS.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
SEDS
SEDS is an independent, student-based organization which promotes the exploration and development of space. SEDS pursues this mission by educating people about the benefits of space, by supporting a network of interested students, by providing an opportunity for members to develop their leadership skills, and by inspiring people through our involvement in space-related projects. SEDS believes in a space-faring civilization and that focusing the enthusiasm of young people is the key to our future in space.
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