Class 10 Science 1 Chapter Notes Ch 10 Space Missions Chapter Notes
Notes on Space Missions
• The need for space missions: Space missions have transformed the world into a
global village, enabling instant communication and access to information worldwide.
They play a crucial role in disaster management by providing advance alerts,
facilitating weather prediction, and enabling the exploration of natural resources. The
use of satellites for communication, broadcasting, navigation, and military purposes
has made space technology essential for national development.
• What is an artificial satellite? An artificial satellite is a human-made object that
orbits the Earth or another planet in a fixed path. The first artificial satellite, Sputnik,
was launched by the Soviet Union in 1957, and currently, thousands of satellites are
circling our planet. These satellites are powered by solar energy using photovoltaic
panels. They carry instruments for transmitting and receiving signals, as well as other
specialized equipment based on their purpose.
• Types of satellites: Artificial satellites are categorized according to their functions.
o Weather satellites: These satellites help in weather forecasting and analysis.
India's INSAT and GSAT series, launched by GSLV, serve this purpose.
o Communication satellites: These satellites facilitate communication globally
using specific waves. INSAT and GSAT series, launched by GSLV, fulfill this role
for India.
o Broadcast satellites: Used for television program broadcasting, INSAT and
GSAT series, launched by GSLV, are used for this in India.
o Navigational satellites: These satellites help determine the precise location
of any place on Earth by providing latitude and longitude. India's IRNSS,
launched by PSLV, serves this purpose.
o Military satellites: Employed for gathering information related to security.
o Earth observation satellites: These satellites are used for studying forests,
deserts, oceans, and polar ice. They also play a crucial role in natural resource
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Class 10 Science 1 Chapter Notes Ch 10 Space Missions Chapter Notes
exploration, management, and disaster observation and guidance. India's IRS
series, launched by PSLV, is used for this.
• Orbits of artificial satellites:
o Geostationary satellites: These satellites revolve in high Earth orbits (HEO)
at an altitude of 35780 km above the Earth's surface, completing one
revolution in about 24 hours, synchronized with the Earth's rotation. This
makes them appear stationary relative to Earth, enabling continuous
observation of specific regions. They are primarily used for meteorology and
communication signal transmission.
o Medium Earth orbits (MEO): Satellites in MEO orbit between 2000 km and
35780 km above Earth. Polar orbits, used for studying polar regions, fall under
this category. These satellites complete one revolution in 2 to 24 hours. Global
positioning satellites typically use MEO.
o Low Earth orbits (LEO): LEO satellites orbit between 180 km and 2000 km
above the Earth. They are commonly used for scientific experiments,
atmospheric studies, and Earth observation. The International Space Station
and Hubble telescope are examples of satellites in LEO, with orbital periods
around 90 minutes.
• Critical velocity (vc): The specific velocity required for a satellite to maintain a
stable orbit at a particular height. It is the tangential velocity imparted to the satellite
during launch to keep it in orbit. The formula for vc is derived from the balance
between centripetal force due to the satellite's circular motion and gravitational force
between the Earth and the satellite.
• Satellite launch vehicles: These vehicles are used to place satellites in their
designated orbits. Their function is based on Newton's third law of motion, where the
thrust generated by expelling hot gases from burning fuel propels the vehicle upward.
Launch vehicle design depends on the satellite's weight, the desired orbit, and the fuel
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Class 10 Science 1 Chapter Notes Ch 10 Space Missions Chapter Notes
type. To minimize fuel weight, multi-stage launch vehicles are used, shedding stages
as fuel is consumed.
• Space missions beyond Earth: Besides deploying satellites around Earth, space
missions are conducted to explore objects in our solar system and beyond. These
missions involve sending spacecraft to study planets, asteroids, and comets. They
have provided valuable data for understanding the formation and evolution of our
solar system.
• Escape velocity (vesc): The minimum velocity needed for an object to escape the
gravitational pull of a planet. For Earth, the escape velocity is 11.2 km/s.
• Moon missions: Due to the moon's proximity to Earth, it was the target of the earliest
space missions. Countries like the US, USSR, European nations, China, Japan, and India
have sent spacecraft to study the moon. These missions have involved orbiting,
landing, and even collecting samples from the lunar surface.
• Mars missions: Mars has been another focal point of space exploration. While many
missions have been attempted, about half have failed due to the mission's complexity.
India's ISRO successfully launched the "Mangalyaan" spacecraft in 2013, which
entered Mars' orbit in 2014. It gathered crucial information about the Martian surface
and atmosphere.
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