17th APRIL 2024 ENGLISH TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS PDF TNPSC SHOUTERS
Space, the premier test and evaluation center set up by DRDO for IndianNavy's sonar systems, has been launched in Kerala
- The state-of-the-art Submersible Platform (SPACE) at Kulamau Underwater Sound Research Facility in Idukki, Kerala was inaugurated on April 17, 2024 by Dr Sameer V Kamath, Secretary of Defense and Chairman, Defense Research and Development Organisation.
- The space, set up by DRDO's Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory, is designed to be the premier test and evaluation center for Indian Navy's sonar systems on various platforms including ships, submarines, helicopters.
- Space marks a milestone in naval technological advancement. It will consist of two distinct structures, a platform that floats on the surface of the water and a submersible platform that can be lowered to any depth up to 100 meters using winch systems. This allows the submersible platform to be lifted up and attached to the floating platform after operations are completed.
- ISRO is continuously carrying out new research and techniques in space exploration activities. Along these lines, the Vikram Sarabhai Space Research Center in Thiruvananthapuram designed a new state-of-the-art structure in rocket engine technology.
- A structure known as a nozzle is used extensively to chemically transform the propellants of rockets and inject them into space. The fourth stage (PS4) of the PSLV type rocket currently uses two engines with nozzles made of molecular columbium alloy.
- An alternative has been found in the carbon-carbon molecular technique, which is much lighter in weight. This will improve the rocket's propulsion efficiency, energy efficiency and reduce the weight of the nacelle structure by approximately 67 percent. With this, probes weighing 15 kg more than the current ones can be launched through the BS-4 stage.
- The tests were conducted on March 19 and April 2 at the research center in Mahendragiri, Tirunelveli district. It has been reported that the structure has achieved the planned targets and its effectiveness has been confirmed.
