Science~10 min read
Space, nuclear, bio, ICT, nano
ISRO stack, orbits, agencies, dual-use tech.
- LEO ~200–2000 km (ISS, earth observation); MEO (NavIC, GPS); GEO ~36,000 km over equator (INSAT, GSAT).
- ISRO: PSLV (workhorse, polar), GSLV/LVM3 (heavier, GTO), SSLV. Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan (MOM), Aditya-L1, Gaganyaan (human).
- NavIC: Indian regional navigation; 7 satellites. IRNSS.
- Agencies: NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, CNSA, JAXA. Commercial: SpaceX, NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), IN-SPACe regulator.
- Nuclear: fission (PHWR — NPCIL; IAEA safeguards on civilian). Three-stage programme (Bhabha): PHWR → FBR → thorium. NDMA for disasters.
- Biotech: rDNA, mRNA vaccines, GM crops (Bt cotton). GEAC regulates.
- Nano: 1–100 nm; applications in drug delivery, materials. ICT: 5G, IPv6, cloud, AI — link to Digital India.
Video Lectures & Explanations
Curated educational video lectures explaining this topic for UPSC EPFO