NASA offers $500,000 for tech to measure thermosphere conditions, save satellites
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Space technology (ISRO, missions)· Prelims·
Why in news
NASA launched the Orbital Clarity Challenge to incentivize technology that measures thermosphere conditions to mitigate satellite drag caused by solar activity.
Background
NASA's TechLeap Prize programme is offering up to $500,000 for scalable technologies to measure thermosphere atmospheric conditions. The initiative aims to advance up to four concepts with test flights by August 2027.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TThermosphere: The layer of the atmosphere above the mesosphere where satellites orbit.
- S&TSolar Activity: Increased solar activity leads to atmospheric expansion, increasing drag on low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
- FactNASA's Orbital Clarity Challenge offers a prize of up to $500,000 for atmospheric measurement tech.
- S&TTechLeap Prize: A NASA programme designed to foster innovation in space technology and orbital safety.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the challenges posed by space debris and atmospheric drag on satellite infrastructure and the role of international cooperation in ensuring orbital sustainability.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- orbital safety and debris management
- impact of solar activity on space assets
- public-private partnerships in space tech
Keywords: orbital drag · thermosphere · space sustainability · technological innovation · solar activity
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