April 2018 Science and Technology
Sakshi Education
- Light Combat Aircraft Tejas successfully fires air-to-air beyond visual range missile
In a major milestone, indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft Tejas has successfully fired an air-to-air beyond visual range (BVR) missile.
With this, Aircraft Tejas has demonstrated its overall capability as an effective combat jet, and inched closer to receive final operational clearance. The test firing of the missile from a Aircraft Tejas jet was carried out off the Goa coast and it met all operational requirements.
This will expedite issuance of the Final Operational Clearance to the aircraft developed by state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, HAL and Defence Research and Development Organisation, DRDO.
Earlier, Aircraft Tejas was given clearance for deployment of armaments and other missiles. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman complimented the DRDO and other agencies involved in making Tejas a world-class aircraft.
- ISRO launches navigation satellite IRNSS-1I from Sriharikota
The Indian Space Research Organisation launched the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-1I navigation satellite, the eighth such satellite to be a part of a constellation, from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh on 12th April
The satellite has been successfully placed in the designated orbit. IRNSS-1I is expected to replace IRNSS-1A, the first of the seven navigation satellites that was rendered ineffective after its three rubidium atomic clocks failed.
The seven satellites are part of the NavIC navigation satellite constellation. The launch is ISRO's second attempt at sending a replacement satellite. The previous mission of a PSLV carrying IRNSS-1H in August last year failed after the heat shield covering the satellite failed to separate.
The IRNSS-1I mission takes place two weeks after the space agency launched GSAT-6A on board GSLV Mk-II. Though the rocket placed GSAT-6A in orbit, the ISRO lost communication with the satellite within two days.
- ISRO making relentless effort to establish contact with GSAT-6A Communication Satellite
ISRO is making relentless effort to establish contact with GSAT-6A communication satellite after the Master Control facility in Hassan lost contact with it since 1st April. The organisation is yet to ascertain the reason for the failure to communicate with the satellite.
It is said that both the orbit raising manoeuvres were precise but the satellite suddenly stopped communication. GSAT-6A satellite was successfully launched by GSLV-F08 launch vehicle 29th March from Sriharikota.
Published date : 23 Apr 2018 01:35PM