Current Affairs - Technology

IIT Ropar has made a significant breakthrough in knee rehabilitation technology by developing a patented, mechanical Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) machine. This innovative device operates using a piston-pulley system, eliminating the need for electricity and making it portable, cost-effective, and ideal for rural areas. Unlike traditional motorized CPM machines, this mechanical device offers an affordable off-grid solution for post-surgical therapy, enhancing accessibility and convenience for patients undergoing knee rehabilitation. This technological advancement has the potential to transform rehabilitation practices, especially in resource-constrained settings.

The Aditya-L1 mission is India's pioneering venture to study the Sun from a unique vantage point about 1.5 million kilometres from Earth. The Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) is the primary payload of this mission, designed to observe the Sun's outer atmosphere or corona. By integrating multiple components, including a coronagraph, spectrograph, and polarimetry module, VELC enables unprecedented clarity and detail in imaging the solar corona. This mission aims to analyze various aspects of the solar corona, study solar phenomena, and understand space weather's impact on Earth, marking a significant milestone in India's space exploration endeavours.

The European Space Agency (ESA) spearheads the Proba-3 mission, a pioneering venture in precision formation flying and solar observation. This mission consists of two small satellites, the Coronagraph Spacecraft and Occulter Spacecraft, working together to image the Sun's corona. By creating an artificial eclipse, Proba-3 enables extended observations of the solar corona in various light spectrums. India's role in launching the mission from Sriharikota highlights international cooperation in space exploration, demonstrating collaborative efforts to advance scientific knowledge and understanding of the universe.

LignoSat, the world's first wooden satellite, represents a groundbreaking collaboration between Japan's Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry. Launched via a SpaceX mission to the International Space Station, LignoSat aims to test the resilience of honoki wood, a Japanese magnolia species, in extreme space conditions. This innovative project explores the potential of timber for future space habitation and structures, aligning with Japan's focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly space exploration goals. By using traditional Japanese craftsmanship and durable materials, LignoSat paves the way for renewable resources in long-term human space settlements.

Zimbabwe launched its second satellite, ZIMSAT-2, from Russia's Vostochny Cosmodrome, marking a significant milestone in the country's growing space programme. This launch was a joint effort between Zimbabwe's National Geo-Spatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA) and Southwest State University in Russia. The satellite is equipped with a high-resolution multispectral camera to aid in agriculture, resource exploration, environmental monitoring, and disaster management. Zimbabwean engineers, including PhD students from Russia, played a crucial role in the satellite's design and construction, highlighting the collaborative efforts between the two nations.