The Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), India's planned space station, is proposed to orbit at what approximate altitude above the Earth's surface?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer
400-450 km
Explanation
The Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), planned by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is proposed to be established in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Its proposed altitude is approximately 400 to 450 kilometers above the Earth's surface.
Key Points
Objective: The primary objective of this station is long-term scientific research in space, microgravity experiments, and testing for future lunar and Martian missions.
Development: It will be a modular-design station built in phases. The goal is to launch the first module (Base Module) by 2028, with the station expected to be fully operational by 2035.
Why LEO? An altitude of 400-450 km is considered ideal for space stations because it is close enough to the Earth's surface to facilitate access for human missions, and the impact of radiation on astronauts remains relatively manageable.
Comparison: The International Space Station (ISS) and China's Tiangong space station also orbit the Earth at a similar altitude (approximately 400 km).
Important Questions and Answers
Question: When is the first module of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station planned to be launched?
Answer: The target is to launch the first module (Base Module) in the year 2028.
Question: What is 'Low Earth Orbit' (LEO)?
Answer: LEO is an orbit around the Earth that is typically between 160 km and 2,000 km above the Earth's surface. Most human spaceflights and satellites are located in this orbit.
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