×

UPSC Courses

DNA banner

DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS

  • 17 March, 2023

  • 3 Min Read

Megha-Tropiques-1 Satellite

Megha-Tropiques-1 Satellite

  • The Controlled Re-Entry Experiment for the decommissioned Megha-Tropiques-1 (MT-1) satellite was recently completed successfully by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
  • The Pacific Ocean's uninhabited region between latitudes 5°S and 14°S and 119°W and 100°W was chosen as the MT1 re-entry zone's target.

About Megha-Tropiques-1

  • An Indo-French Joint Satellite Mission called Megha-Tropiques was created to examine the water cycle and energy exchanges in the tropics.
  • Understanding the life cycle of convective systems, their impact on the energy and moisture budget of the atmosphere in tropical regions, and how they affect tropical weather and climate are the main goals of this study.
  • It includes information on condensed water in clouds, atmospheric water vapour, precipitation, and evaporation, as well as scientific data on the water cycle's impact on the tropical atmosphere.
  • The Megha-Tropiques is a unique satellite for climate research with a circular orbit inclined 20 degrees to the equator that should also help researchers working to improve forecasting models.

What does "Controlled Re-entry" Mean?

  • De-orbiting to extremely low altitudes is required for controlled re-entries to make sure the crash takes place within a predetermined safe zone.
  • To reduce the risk of ground casualties, large satellites or rocket bodies that are likely to survive aero-thermal fragmentation during re-entry undergo controlled re-entry.
  • Aero-Thermal Fragmentation is the process by which an item moving quickly through the Earth's atmosphere gets broken apart or fragmented by intense heat and pressure.
  • All of these satellites are made to perform a controlled re-entry at the end of their useful lives.

The Following Four Payloads are Carried by Megha-Tropiques

  • The Imaging Radiometer Microwave Analysis and Detection of Rain and Atmospheric Structures (MADRAS), created by CNES and ISRO, is a Sounder for Probing Vertical Profiles of Humidity (SAPHIR) from CNES.
  • From CNES, ScaRaB, a scanner for radiation budget.

ROSA, a radio occultation sensor for vertical temperature and humidity profiling, was imported from Italy.

Read Also: Space Related Facts and Data

Source: Indian Express


India–Azerbaijan

A year after tensions arising from Operation Sindoor, India and Azerbaijan have taken steps to restore and normalise bilateral relations. The 6th round of Foreign Office Consultations, held in Baku, marked the first such engagement since 2022, signaling renewed diplomatic momentum. Recent Diplomatic Engagement During the consultations, bo

India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreem

The India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement has completed four years since its signing. Both countries now aim to build on this progress through strengthened collaboration and ambitious targets, including reaching AUD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. What is the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Tra

ADR Report on Political Funding

A recent report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) analyses donations of ?20,000 or more declared to the Election Commission of India (ECI) by national political parties for FY 2024–25, highlighting transparency and accountability in political financing. Key Findings Massive Funding Surge Total donations to nationa

Maritime Chokepoints

Maritime chokepoints are narrow channels along global shipping routes where maritime traffic is concentrated. These points are geopolitically and economically critical, as they handle a large proportion of global trade, especially energy shipments. Current Relevance Over two-thirds of seaborne energy trade passes through a handful o

US-Israel-Iran War

Following the launch of Operation Epic Fury (U.S.) and Operation Roaring Lion (Israel), the geopolitical landscape has shifted fundamentally with the confirmed death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Iran retaliated through Operation True Promise 4, launching missile attacks against Israel and nearby Gulf states. The escala

DNA

05 Apr,2026

Toppers

Search By Date

Newsletter Subscription
SMS Alerts

Important Links

UPSC GS Mains Crash Course - RAW