- Space missions are of two types: launching satellites around Earth and exploring space objects beyond Earth.
- Yuri Gagarin was the first human in space (1961), and Neil Armstrong was the first on the Moon (1969).
- Indian space explorers include Rakesh Sharma, Kalpana Chawla, and Sunita Williams.
- Space technology enables fast global communication, internet access, and early warning of natural disasters.
- Satellites support defence, surveillance, weather forecasting, and the location of natural resources, making space tech vital for national development.
Key Points
Key Points: Satellite Launch Vehicles
- Satellite launch vehicles work on Newton’s third law—expelling gas creates thrust to lift the rocket.
- Launch vehicles use multiple stages to reduce weight and increase speed as they rise.
- Fuel type and structure of launch vehicles depend on the satellite’s weight and target orbit.
- PSLV (by ISRO) is a multi-stage launch vehicle used to place satellites in orbit.
- Unlike rockets, reusable space shuttles (such as NASA's) can return and be reused.
Key Points: Space Missions
