Current Affairs - Technology

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is partnering with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to develop the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite. Scheduled to launch in 2025, NISAR will utilize dual-frequency radar to monitor the Earth's surface, providing valuable insights into ecosystems, ice masses, and natural hazards. NASA's contributions include the L-band radar and payload data subsystem, while ISRO is providing the S-band radar and GSLV launch system. This collaborative effort demonstrates the potential for international cooperation in advancing space research and Earth observation.

SoftBank Corp has collaborated with Nvidia to unveil the groundbreaking 5G AI-RAN network, integrating AI and 5G capabilities. This innovation enables concurrent AI and 5G workloads, transforming traditional base stations into revenue-generating AI computing hubs. The partnership has successfully trialled the technology in Kanagawa, Japan, and plans to deploy Nvidia's Grace Blackwell chips in Japan's upcoming AI supercomputer. SoftBank also aims to create an AI marketplace using Nvidia's AI Enterprise software, focusing on secure and localized AI computing for various sectors in Japan.

Researchers at IIT Indore, under the guidance of Dr. Swaminathan R, are pioneering the development of intelligent receivers to bolster 6G and military communication security. This cutting-edge technology enables the detection and decoding of modulation, coding, and interleaving methods, ensuring seamless communication even in challenging noise and interference conditions. By reducing the need for multiple receivers, this innovation simplifies communication systems and holds significant potential for advancing wireless communication capabilities. IIT Indore's research efforts underscore India's growing presence in the global 6G development landscape.

The successful launch of Koreasat 6A communications satellite was made possible by SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. This launch demonstrates SpaceX's capabilities in providing reliable and efficient launch services for satellite deployment. As a leading player in private space exploration, SpaceX continues to play a crucial role in advancing global satellite communications. The Falcon 9 rocket's geostationary orbit insertion capabilities ensured Koreasat 6A reached its designated position at 116° East, enabling South Korea's satellite communications operator to provide enhanced fixed and broadcast services.

IIT Madras has partnered with ISRO to create a cutting-edge research centre focused on 'Fluid and Thermal Sciences', receiving Rs 1.84 Crore in seed funding. This collaboration aims to advance research in critical areas for space exploration, including thermal management, combustion instability, and cryo-tank thermodynamics. The Centre of Excellence will facilitate industry-academia interaction, fostering innovation between ISRO scientists and IIT Madras faculty. By addressing spacecraft and launch vehicle thermal challenges, this partnership will significantly contribute to India's space research and development endeavours, enhancing the country's position in the global space landscape.