India’s 1st private satellite constellation ‘Firefly’

Context:

Indian private space-tech firm Pixxel has successfully launched ‘Firefly’, marking the nation’s first private satellite constellation.

Firefly Constellation:

• First three satellites of the Firefly constellation were successfully launched.
• Launch was aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission.
• The launch site was Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
• Pixxel’s flagship Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) satellite constellation.
• Features six high-resolution commercial hyperspectral satellites.

Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) Satellites:

• HSI analyzes a wide spectrum of light, not just primary colors (red, green, blue).
• This process effectively spectrally fingerprints the Earth.
• HSI provides detailed information on imaged objects.
• Typical satellites can identify a forest, but HSI can distinguish between different tree types and assess the health of individual trees.
• Diverse Applications:
  • Waste sorting and recycling
  • Agriculture and vegetation monitoring
  • Mineral exploration
  • Food quality and safety
  • Environmental monitoring

Satellite Constellation:

• Network of Identical Satellites:
  • Designed to work as a system with shared control and purpose.
  • Communicate with global ground stations and interconnect to complement functions.
• Largest Constellation:
  • Starlink: Largest with 2,146 active satellites.
• Types Based on Orbital Altitude:
  • Geostationary Orbit (GEO):
    • Altitude: 36,000 km.
    • Synchronizes with Earth’s rotation.
  • Medium Earth Orbit (MEO):
    • Altitude: 5,000 to 20,000 km.
    • Traditionally serves navigation purposes.
  • Low Earth Orbit (LEO):
    • Altitude: 500 to 1,200 km.
    • Supports research, telecommunication, and Earth observation.

Read more about types of orbits

Source: FE

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Previous Year Question

“The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to

[UPSC CSE – 2020 Prelims]

(a) Voyager-2
(b) New horizons
(c) Lisa Pathfinder
(d) Evolved LISA

Answer: (d)

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