#space and tech

[indiaandforeignaid]

India’s Space Technology to Assist Asia’s Developing Nations in Satellite Communications

India's advancements in space technology have transformed over the years making it into a key global player in space exploration, with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) leading the charge. However, India’s ambitions extend beyond self-improvement, as it is now leveraging its satellite capabilities to assist developing nations in Asia. The role of satellite communications in bridging the digital divide and empowering these countries is profound, and India’s contribution to this transformation deserves attention.

Developing nations across Asia face significant challenges such as poor infrastructure, limited internet access, and geographic obstacles that make traditional communication networks difficult or costly to implement. Satellite communication offers an effective solution, capable of reaching even the most remote regions which face network struggles. Countries like Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka have large rural populations that suffer from a critical digital gap, often unable to access modern communication tools due to rugged terrains and underdeveloped infrastructure. India’s satellite systems could potentially address these issues by offering high-speed internet, weather monitoring, disaster management, and broadcasting services.

With the present international relations scenario, India’s space achievements starting from its successful Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) to Chandrayaan-3, have rightfully captured global attention. However, its work in satellite technology has far-reaching implications for developing nations in Asia. ISRO operates a comprehensive satellite fleet that provides telecommunications, broadband services, and disaster management capabilities. A prime example is the South Asia Satellite (GSAT-9), launched in 2017, which was specifically designed to benefit countries within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). This satellite, offered as a gift to the region, highlights India’s commitment to using its space expertise for the shared prosperity of its neighbors. 

For countries struggling to afford their own space programs, India’s satellite services are invaluable and can be useful at the same time. Instead of relying on costly satellite services from global powers, developing nations can benefit from more affordable, regionally-sourced alternatives provided by India, making the economic chain more efficient and beneficial for developing countries. This partnership reduces their dependency on global satellite monopolies and offers a collaborative, cost-effective solution that is crucial for their development since most of the countries in South Asia products of colonization.

While India’s initiatives in space diplomacy are commendable, there is room for growth. First, India could expand its satellite programs beyond South Asia to benefit countries such as Cambodia, Laos, and Mongolia, where the need for improved communication infrastructure is equally pressing. By extending its satellite services to the broader Asian continent, India can solidify its role as a leader in space technology and development cooperation. Additionally, while India is launching satellites for its neighbors, there should be a greater emphasis on capacity building through training programs for engineers and scientists from developing nations. These initiatives would empower these countries to manage satellite systems independently, fostering a more sustainable model of growth.

Moreover, India’s private space sector, which has seen the rise of startups like Skyroot and Pixxel, could play a crucial role in these collaborative efforts. Leveraging private players for regional satellite missions could increase efficiency and introduce innovative solutions tailored to the needs of developing countries.

India’s space diplomacy also positions it as a significant diplomatic leader in Asia as well as countries in Africa. With its non-intrusive, cooperative approach, India provides an attractive alternative to the dominance of Western space powers and the expanding influence of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the region. For smaller nations, India’s offering of satellite support allows them to develop communication infrastructure without becoming overly reliant on external powers. This approach aligns with India’s broader vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” or self-reliant India, which advocates for India not only achieving self-sufficiency but also acting as a provider of solutions for other developing nations.

Looking ahead in my opinion, the applications of satellite communications in Asia’s developing nations are vast. From telemedicine services (as discussed before) that can reach remote communities to satellite-assisted agricultural monitoring and distance education, the potential for transformative impact is enormous. India’s ongoing efforts in satellite technology are setting the stage for these advancements, but the real challenge lies in maintaining collaboration, increasing investment, and ensuring that satellite communications become a tool for regional progress.

[familythings]

Discovery of Habitable Exoplanets in Proximity to Earth: A New Star System Unveiled

Astronomers have recently made an exhilarating discovery of a new star system that potentially harbor planets capable of sustaining life. This finding has ignited great enthusiasm within the scientific community, given the possibility of identifying extraterrestrial life. The newly discovered system is situated remarkably close to Earth, providing an excellent opportunity for extensive…

[nasa]

Our newest class of astronaut candidates graduated on March 5, 2024. This means they’re now eligible for spaceflight assignments to the International Space Station, the Moon, and beyond! In the next twelve posts, we’ll introduce these new astronauts.

Do you want to be a NASA astronaut? Applications are now open.

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space!

[notearsleftttocry]

[satellite62]

Grid globes

[elektrakute]

television graveyard (art by @cybervoidgirl on Twitter)

[bixels]

Just gonna have to wait and see, right? Just wait and see! Just gotta wait and see! Who knows, we'll just have to wait and see! It's anybody's guess, we'll just have to wait and see! The future is exciting, we just gotta wait and see!

[technological-existentialism]

Some photos I took of the Columbus Module at the National Space Centre

[insandriumheart]

༺2006༻

[declamationark]

DPXDC prompt: There’s an alien invasion incoming and the justice league are all up in arms to defeat them. Once they break into the mothership, however, they discover that the aliens were already beaten up and there’s this ghostly child cackling in the control room. It’s Danny and he is Obsession-drunk and having an absolute blast exploring every nook and cranny of the ship, dismantling it to see how the machines work, driving it around, chatting a hundred miles per hour to the definitely-concussed and groaning alien commander, and just zooming fro and fro with eyes dilated so hard there’s only a tiny ring of green in his eyes, lost in the feral serotonin sauce

Bonus points if the justice league calm Danny down by having him fanboy over Martian Manhunter, and then in the end, Danny goes “I’m gonna stick with you now! No takebacks!” and adopts J’onn into the Fenton family, now J’onn has two midwestern folks to hang out with for the holidays (the Kents from that Christmas special and now the Fentons)

[earlicking]

flickr founds

[hazieash]

Star Trek Lower Decks S4 Ep2 is iconic for many reasons and the workout attire is one them

[nasa]

One Giant Leap for Mankind

Millions of people around the globe will come together for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games later this month to witness a grand event—the culmination of years of training and preparation.

Fifty-five years ago this July, the world was watching as a different history-changing event was unfolding: the Apollo 11 mission was landing humans on the surface of another world for the first time. An estimated 650 million people watched on TV as Neil Armstrong reached the bottom of the ladder of the lunar module on July 20, 1969, and spoke the words, “That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.”

While the quest to land astronauts on the Moon was born from the space race with the Soviet Union during the Cold War, this moment was an achievement for the whole of humanity. To mark the world-embracing nature of the Moon landing, several tokens of world peace were left on the Moon during the astronauts’ moonwalk.

“We came in peace for all mankind”

These words, as well as drawings of Earth’s western and eastern hemispheres, are etched on a metal plaque affixed to a leg of the Apollo 11 lunar lander. Because the base of the lander remained on the Moon after the astronauts returned, it is still there today as a permanent memorial of the historic landing.

Microscopic messages from kings, queens, and presidents

Another artifact left on the Moon by the Apollo 11 astronauts is a small silicon disc etched with goodwill messages from leaders of 74 countries around the world. Each message was reduced to be smaller than the head of a pin and micro-etched on a disc roughly 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. Thailand’s message, translated into English, reads: "The Thai people rejoice in and support this historic achievement of Earth men, as a step towards Universal peace."

Curious to read what else was inscribed on the disk? Read the messages.

An ancient symbol

The olive branch, a symbol of peace and conciliation in ancient Greek mythology, also found its way to the Moon in July 1969. This small olive branch made of gold was left on the lunar surface during Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s 2.5-hour moonwalk. The olive branch also featured on the Apollo 11 mission patches sewed on the crew’s spacesuits. Designed in part by command module pilot Michael Collins, the insignia shows a bald eagle landing on the Moon holding an olive branch in its talons.

We go together

As NASA’s Artemis program prepares to again land astronauts on the Moon, including the first woman and the first person of color, this time we’re collaborating with commercial and international partners. Together we will make new scientific discoveries, establish the first long-term presence on the Moon, and inspire a new generation of explorers.

Is aerospace history your cup of tea? Be sure to check out more from NASA’s past at www.nasa.gov/history.

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space!

[humanoidhistory]

Engineer Karen Leadlay in a General Dynamics computer lab, 1964.

[ordheist]

tech priest commission

[alphagravy]