CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25/11/2023

Contents

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25/11/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25/11/2023

Need for climate-smart agriculture in India

(General Studies- Paper I and III)

Source : TH

Climate change and food insecurity emerge as the two most critical challenges facing humanity in the 21st century.

The consequences of climate change, such as extreme weather events and disruptions to agriculture, exacerbate food shortages.
Increasing population and changing dietary habits further strain the demand for food, creating a complex scenario.

Key Highlights

Climate Change’s Impact on Agriculture
- The southern continents, in particular, face severe droughts due to climate change, negatively affecting agricultural production and farmers’ livelihoods.
- Traditional farming practices are becoming less productive, and farmers are forced to re-evaluate their methods in response to increased risks from climate-related challenges.
Farmers globally are adopting various adaptation measures to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture.
The need for a holistic strategy becomes evident as the challenges of both adaptation and mitigation intensify.
Agricultural production must increase by 60% by 2050 to meet rising food demand, emphasizing the urgency of finding sustainable solutions.
Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) as a Viable Option
- CSA emerges as a comprehensive framework to address the challenges posed by climate change.
- The Food and Agriculture Organization defines CSA as an approach to transform food and agriculture systems for sustainable development and food security.
- The three pillars of CSA include increasing productivity and incomes sustainably, building resilience to climate change, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Climate-smart practices encompass water-smart, weather-smart, energy-smart, and carbon-smart approaches.
- These practices aim to improve productivity, combat land degradation, and enhance soil health.
- The holistic nature of CSA positions it as a viable strategy to tackle the multifaceted issues arising from climate change in agriculture.
Future Impacts on Agricultural Productivity
- The potential decline in crop yields due to climate change, as seen in India’s case, underscores the urgency for reform in the agriculture industry.
- The prediction of a 9% decline in crop yield between 2010 and 2039 highlights the need for sustainable measures to boost agricultural output and revenue.
United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and National Initiatives
- The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals play a pivotal role in addressing hunger and promoting environmental management.
- CSA aligns with these goals, focusing on sustainable agriculture and rural development.
- In India, the National Action Plan on Climate Change emphasizes the importance of climate-resilient agriculture, with programs like the Soil Health Card Scheme implementing precision nutrient management to optimize agricultural methods.
Challenges and Opportunities in Precision Farming
- Precision farming, though a novel concept in India, holds promise in addressing climate-related challenges.
- While certain private companies offer services, the scope of these initiatives remains limited.
- Addressing challenges and expanding precision farming practices could contribute significantly to sustainable agricultural development.
Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) and Climate Change
- The global recognition of CSA’s value in mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change on agriculture is on the rise.
- Community-supported agriculture efforts are gaining momentum worldwide, aiming to establish resilient and environmentally friendly agricultural systems.
- Concrete Examples of CSA Implementation
  - CSA initiatives are manifested in practical measures such as improvements in agroforestry, sustainable water management, and precision agriculture.
  - These efforts, not confined to any specific country, aim to promote crop diversification, enhance water efficiency, and integrate drought-resistant crop varieties, mitigating the disruptive effects of climate change.
  - CSA’s significance lies in its ability to simultaneously increase agricultural output and maintain ecological stability.
  - This correlation is essential for long-term food security and sustainable resource utilization in the context of a warming planet.
  - By reducing exposure to climate-related risks, CSA enhances resilience against longer-term stressors like erratic weather patterns.
  - A notable outcome of CSA implementation is the increased economic autonomy of farmers, transforming the economic and social structure of farming communities.
  - As the climate changes, adopting climate-smart techniques through CSA becomes especially beneficial for farmers who are already disadvantaged.
  - The dissemination of information and access to climate-resilient methods contribute significantly to their well-being.
- CSA’s Role in Biodiversity Conservation
  - The growing popularity of CSA serves as a promising indicator for the future of biodiversity conservation.
  - CSA’s ecosystem-based approach, coupled with the cultivation of different crop varieties, facilitates the coexistence of cropland and wild regions.
  - This collaborative effort helps safeguard native plant species, stabilize pollinator populations, and mitigate the effects of habitat degradation.
- Mitigating Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Protecting Biodiversity
  - The agricultural sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 17% in 2018.
  - CSA implementation becomes crucial for lowering these emissions and protecting biodiversity.
  - It also contributes to enhancing farmland carbon storage.
- CSA, as a flexible concept with various potential applications, aligns with the goals of the Paris Agreement, aiming to limit global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Measures such as agroforestry and carbon sequestration within CSA can help countries like India meet international obligations and contribute to the global fight against climate change.
- Addressing global warming requires localized responses.
- Investing in capacity-building programs and providing practical tools and knowledge for CSA is crucial to adapting to climate change effectively.
- Given diminishing production resources and increasing demand for agricultural products, resource-efficient farming is essential to cope with climate variability.
CSA significantly contributes to climate adaptation, mitigation, and food security by improving agricultural production, sustainability, and reliability while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Studies from different climate-smart techniques in India showcase their positive impacts on agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.
Indian Agriculture and Climate Vulnerability
- The majority of Indian farmers fall into the small or marginal category, making their profitability a significant concern.
- The confluence of climate vulnerability and the crucial role of agriculture places India at a unique juncture where the adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) is not just desirable but deemed essential.
- Given the small-scale nature of most Indian farmers, CSA emerges as a pivotal strategy to help them increase profits.
Government Initiatives Supporting CSA Adoption
- India has taken substantial steps to promote CSA through various government initiatives.
- These include the National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change, National Innovation on Climate Resilient Agriculture, Soil Health Mission, Pradhan MantriKrishiSinchayeeYojana, ParamparagatKrishiVikasYojana, Biotech-KISAN, and Climate Smart Village.
- These programs reflect a concerted effort to integrate climate-smart practices into the agricultural landscape.
In addition to government initiatives, various public and private sector entities are actively involved in promoting CSA in India.
Farmer-producer organisations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders contribute to creating awareness and facilitating the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices.
The collaborative nature of CSA adoption in India involves a synergy between government programs, private sector entities, and grassroots organizations.
- This collaborative approach is essential for addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change in the agricultural sector.

About National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

Launched on June 30th, 2008, the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) is a comprehensive initiative aimed at addressing climate change in India.
It identifies measures that not only support development objectives but also yield co-benefits in effectively combating climate change.
As part of the Climate Change Action program, the NAPCC has been extended until 2025-26.
The NAPCC comprises eight “National Missions,” each focusing on specific aspects related to climate change.
These missions form the core of the plan, addressing issues such as understanding climate change, adaptation, mitigation, energy efficiency, and natural resource conservation.
Overview of the Eight National Missions
- National Solar Mission:
  - Aims to promote solar energy as a sustainable and clean source, contributing to India’s energy needs while reducing dependence on non-renewable resources.
- National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency:
  - Focuses on improving energy efficiency across sectors, emphasizing the reduction of energy consumption and promoting sustainable practices.
- National Mission on Sustainable Habitat:
  - Aims to develop urban areas with a focus on sustainability, incorporating environmentally friendly practices to mitigate the impact of urbanization on climate change.
- National Water Mission:
  - Addresses water-related challenges, emphasizing efficient water use, conservation, and management in the face of changing climate patterns.
- National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem:
  - Recognizes the vulnerability of the Himalayan region to climate change and aims to formulate strategies for sustainable development and conservation in this crucial ecosystem.
- National Mission for a Green India:
  - Focuses on afforestation, reforestation, and sustainable land management practices to enhance carbon sink capacity and biodiversity conservation.
- National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture:
  - Targets sustainable agricultural practices, promoting resilience and adaptation to climate change while ensuring food security.
- National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change:
  - Emphasizes the importance of research, knowledge dissemination, and capacity building to enhance the understanding of climate change and its impacts.

Centre exempts CERT-In from ambit of RTI Act

(General Studies- Paper II and III)

Source : TH

The Central government has issued an official order exempting the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) from the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

This decision was made through an amendment to Section 24 of the RTI Act, categorizing CERT-In under the list of organizations exempted from the transparency law.

Key Highlights

The Personnel Ministry has carried out the amendment to Section 24 of the RTI Act, explicitly including “Indian Computer Emergency Response Team” (CERT-In) in the list of organizations that are exempted from the purview of the RTI Act.
The exemption of CERT-In from the RTI Act implies that information related to CERT-In’s functioning, policies, and activities will not be subject to public scrutiny under the transparency law.

About the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In)

CERT-In, which stands for Computer Emergency Response Team-India, serves as the national nodal agency in India for responding to cybersecurity incidents.
It operates under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.
CERT-IN was formed in 2004 by the Government of India under Information Technology Act, 2000 Section (70B) under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.
CERT-In has been designated to serve as the national agency to perform the following functions in the area of cyber security:
- Collection, analysis and dissemination of information on cyber incidents.
- Forecast and alerts of cyber security incidents
- Emergency measures for handling cyber security incidents
- Coordination of cyber incident response activities.
- Issue guidelines, advisories, vulnerability notes and whitepapers relating to information security practices, procedures, prevention, response and reporting of cyber incidents.
- Such other functions relating to cyber security as may be prescribed.

Closely monitoring outbreak of avian influenza cases: govt.

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

The Indian Health Ministry has asserted that there is a low risk to India from both the reported avian influenza case in China and the clusters of respiratory illness.

Key Highlights

The Ministry is closely monitoring the reported outbreak of H9N2 cases and respiratory illness clusters in children in northern China.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also issued a statement regarding the clusters of respiratory illness.
The Ministry acknowledges the need for strengthening surveillance among human, animal husbandry, and wildlife sectors.
Increased Incidence:
- Reports indicate an increase in the incidence of respiratory diseases in China over the last few weeks.
- No identification of an unusual pathogen or unexpected clinical manifestations has been reported.

About Avian Influenza

Overview
- There are 4 types of influenza viruses, types A, B, C and D.
- Influenza A and B viruses circulate and cause seasonal epidemics of disease in humans although only type A viruses can cause global pandemics based on current knowledge and understanding.
- Influenza A viruses are established in many animal species.
- The emergence of an influenza A virus, with the ability to infect people and sustain human-to-human transmission, could cause an influenza pandemic.
- Influenza type A viruses are classified into subtypes according to the combinations of the proteins on the surface of the virus.
- When animal influenza viruses infect their host species, they are named according to the host – as avian influenza viruses, swine influenza viruses, equine influenza viruses, canine influenza viruses, etc.
- These animal influenza viruses are distinct from human influenza viruses and do not easily transmit to and among humans.
- Wild aquatic birds are the primary natural reservoir for most subtypes of influenza A viruses.
- Avian influenza outbreaks in poultry can have immediate and severe consequences for the agricultural sector.
Avian influenza is a contagious viral infection that primarily affects birds.
It can range from mild to severe, and some strains of the virus can be transmitted to humans.
Avian influenza is caused by influenza A viruses, which belong to the Orthomyxoviridae family.
Avian influenza viruses are classified based on their surface proteins, hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N).
- Examples include H5N1 and H7N9.
Some strains of avian influenza can infect humans through direct or indirect contact with infected birds, their saliva, nasal secretions, or feces.
In humans, symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include fever, cough, sore throat, and respiratory issues.
- Severe cases can lead to complications such as pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Prevention and Control:
- Vaccination: Vaccination is one preventive measure for poultry.
- Biosecurity Measures: Strict biosecurity measures are crucial to prevent the spread of the virus.
While human-to-human transmission is rare, certain strains, like H5N1, have shown limited instances of transmission among humans.

Generic drugs for 4rare diseases made available in India

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

The Union Health Ministry in India has introduced generic drugs to support the care and treatment of four rare diseases.

The identified rare diseases are Tyrosinemia-Type 1, Gauchers Disease, Wilson’s Disease, and the Dravet-Lennox Gastaut Syndrome.
The initiative aims to significantly reduce the cost of these drugs, slashing prices by 60 to 100 times of their current market value.

Key Highlights

Patients with these rare diseases will experience a substantial reduction in treatment costs, from crores annually to mere lakhs.
The Ministry is actively working on making drugs available for more rare diseases, including Phenylketonuria and Hyperammonemia, in the coming months.
A sickle cell disease drug formulation will be made available specifically for children.
Rare Diseases Overview:
- Rare diseases are health conditions with particularly low prevalence, affecting a small number of people.
- Collectively, these diseases afflict 6-8% of the population in any country, indicating a significant number of cases in India.
- Priority Diseases and Initiatives:
  - Thirteen rare diseases were prioritized for this initiative, involving discussions with academia, pharmaceutical industries, organizations, Drug Controller, and the Department of Pharmaceuticals.
  - The Health Ministry has actively worked on addressing sickle cell disease and developing a syrup for children who cannot be administered tablets.
- The initiative is described as a non-commercial venture, solely aimed at serving those in acute need.
- The Health Ministry, through various schemes, has been working to financially help patients, and this initiative is considered a more sustainable measure.
- The Health Minister emphasizes that the initiative is not only beneficial for patients in India but also has a global impact.
- The Ministry is engaging with companies selling patented rare disease drugs to explore how to best serve patients in urgent need.
- Several pharmaceutical companies, including Biophore India, Laurus Labs, AzicoBiophore, MSN Pharmaceuticals, Akums Drugs, and Pharmaceutical, have actively participated in the venture.

What is a rare disease?

A rare disease, also known as an orphan disease, is a health condition characterized by its particularly low prevalence in the general population.
In most countries, a disease is considered rare when it affects a small number of people, often defined as fewer than 1 in 2,000 individuals.
- The specific criteria for classifying a disease as rare can vary by region.
Key features of rare diseases include:
- Low Prevalence:
  - Rare diseases affect a small percentage of the population.
  - The exact threshold for defining a disease as rare may differ between countries.
- Heterogeneity:
  - Rare diseases are often diverse in terms of symptoms, causes, and clinical manifestations.
  - They can encompass a wide range of disorders.
- Genetic Basis:
  - A significant proportion of rare diseases are genetic in nature, resulting from mutations or abnormalities in an individual’s genes.
- Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment:
  - Due to their rarity, rare diseases may pose challenges in terms of accurate and timely diagnosis.
  - Additionally, treatment options may be limited, and patients may face difficulties accessing appropriate medical care.
- Significant Medical Needs:
  - Individuals with rare diseases often have unique medical needs, requiring specialized care and attention from healthcare professionals.
- Global Impact:
  - Although each rare disease affects a small number of individuals, collectively, rare diseases can impact a significant portion of the population.
  - Globally, there are thousands of known rare diseases.
Examples of rare diseases include Huntington’s disease, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, and certain types of cancers.

Understanding some rare diseases

Tyrosinemia-Type 1:
- Overview: Tyrosinemia-Type 1 is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the body’s inability to effectively break down the amino acid tyrosine.
- Cause: Caused by a deficiency of the enzyme fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH).
- Symptoms: Symptoms may include liver and kidney problems, failure to thrive, intellectual disability, and a cabbage-like odor.
- Treatment: Management involves a low-tyrosine diet, medication (nitisinone), and, in severe cases, liver transplantation.
Gaucher’s Disease:
- Overview: Gaucher’s disease is an inherited disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase, leading to the accumulation of certain fatty substances in organs.
- Types: There are three main types: Type 1 (non-neuronopathic), Type 2 (acute neuronopathic), and Type 3 (chronic neuronopathic).
- Symptoms: Symptoms may include an enlarged spleen and liver, anemia, bone pain, and, in neuronopathic forms, neurological complications.
- Treatment: Enzyme replacement therapy and substrate reduction therapy are common approaches to manage symptoms.
Wilson’s Disease:
- Overview: Wilson’s disease is a rare inherited disorder that causes copper to accumulate in various organs, primarily the liver and brain.
- Cause: Caused by mutations in the ATP7B gene, leading to impaired copper transport.
- Symptoms: Symptoms may include liver disease, neurological problems, and psychiatric symptoms.
- Treatment: Lifelong treatment involves medications to reduce copper accumulation (chelators) and zinc supplements.
Dravet-Lennox Gastaut Syndrome (Dravet Syndrome):
- Overview: Dravet Syndrome is a severe, rare form of epilepsy that begins in infancy.
- Cause: Often caused by mutations in the SCN1A gene, affecting sodium channels in the brain.
- Symptoms: Severe seizures, developmental delays, behavioral and cognitive impairment.
- Treatment: Management includes antiepileptic medications, specialized diets, and supportive therapies. It can be challenging to control seizures effectively.

Falling recovery rates and increase in resolution time dent IBC’s success, says CRISIL

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

CRISIL reports a decrease in recovery rates from 43% to 32% between March 2019 and September 2023.

The average resolution time has increased from 324 to 653 days, surpassing the stipulated 330 days.

Key Highlights

Reasons for Challenges:
- Limited judicial bench strength and delays in identifying and acknowledging defaults contribute to challenges.
- Significant delays in the pre-IBC admission stage, reaching 650 days in fiscal 2022 compared to 450 days in 2019, have impacted recovery rates.
Amendments to Improve Efficacy:
- Amendments in the past 12 months include approval for segregated sale of assets, increased National Company Law Tribunal benches to 16, and extended timelines for filing claims.
- Additional sector-specific amendments, provision for corporate debtor audits, and modifications in Form-G2 aim to enhance the process.
Impact of IBC Since Inception:
- IBC has positively impacted India’s credit culture by resolving stressed assets with better recovery rates compared to previous mechanisms.
- Large bad-loan cases are being resolved before reaching the IBC, indicating its deterrence effect.
- IBC has helped resolve ₹3.16 lakh crore of debt stuck in 808 cases over seven years.
- Creditors have realized 32% of admitted claims and 169% of the liquidation value, showcasing higher recovery compared to other mechanisms.

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) Overview

The IBC, introduced in 2016, addresses insolvency and bankruptcy concerns in India’s growing economy.
It aims to ensure a healthy credit flow, quick capital generation, and efficient resolution of insolvent businesses.
The IBC facilitates either the revival of a viable business under new ownership or the prompt liquidation of assets, minimizing value degeneration.
Background:
- Introduced amidst rising Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) and ineffective older recovery mechanisms.
- Overhauled the corporate distress resolution regime, favoring a creditor-in-control model.
Triggering Insolvency:
When a corporate debtor defaults, either the creditor or debtor can initiate Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP).
Minimum default amount raised to ₹1 crore amid the pandemic.
Insolvency Resolution Process:
- Adjudicating Authority (AA):
  - The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) serves as the AA.
  - 14-day window for AA to admit or reject the application.
- Resolution Timeline:
  - Once admitted, the CIRP begins, and the AA has a maximum of 330 days for the resolution process.
- Interim Resolution Professional (IRP):
  - AA appoints an IRP, registered with an insolvency professional agency, to take control of defaulter’s assets.
  - IRP gathers information about the company’s state and coordinates the formation of a Committee of Creditors (CoC).
- Committee of Creditors (CoC):
  - Comprising unrelated financial creditors, the CoC decides on the viability of restructuring or liquidation.
  - Approves resolution plans with a 66% majority vote; failure leads to liquidation.
- Insolvency Professional (IP):
  - Appointed by the CoC, the IP oversees company operations during CIRP.
  - Examines and submits eligible resolution plans to the CoC.
- Resolution Plan Approval:
  - CoC approval is required for a resolution plan; if rejected, the company proceeds to liquidation.
  - The approved plan is submitted to the Tribunal, which approves or rejects it.

About CRISIL

CRISIL Limited was established in 1987 and was initially promoted by financial institutions such as ICICI and UTI.
In 2005, it became a subsidiary of Standard & Poor’s (S&P) after being acquired by S&P Global.
Core Business Areas:
- CRISIL is renowned for its credit rating services, providing assessments of the creditworthiness of entities, including corporations and governments.
- The company offers comprehensive research and analysis across various industries and sectors, contributing valuable insights to financial decision-making.
- It also provides risk and policy advisory services, assisting businesses and financial institutions in navigating complex risk landscapes.

For sickle-cell anaemia, a new cure

(General studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

A groundbreaking gene-editing therapy, Casgevy, offers hope for sickle cell anaemia patients globally, including in India, where thousands are born with the disorder annually.

The UK recently approved Casgevy, utilizing CRISPR-Cas9, marking a significant advancement.

Key Highlights

Current Situation:
- Standard treatment involves chemotherapy and hydroxyurea, aiming to reduce complications in patients.
- Casgevy demonstrated a remarkable ability to eliminate painful inflammatory attacks in over 90% of trial participants, leading to UK regulatory approval.
- Potential approvals by the US FDA and other regulatory bodies are anticipated, with a decision from the FDA expected on December 8.
Sickle Cell Anaemia and Casgevy Mechanism:
- Sickle cell disease compromises the oxygen-carrying protein, haemoglobin, resulting in misshapen and sticky red blood cells.
- Casgevy, while not eliminating the disease’s mutation, revives fetal haemoglobin, countering the impact of compromised haemoglobin.
India’s Context:
- India has a significant burden of sickle cell disease, especially among tribal populations.
- The Union Budget 2023 introduced the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Programme, aiming to eliminate the disease by 2047.
- Casgevy’s current costs pose challenges for widespread adoption in the country.
Potential for Affordable Therapies:
- Research institutions in India are encouraged to explore gene editing possibilities to develop cost-effective therapies.
- While gene editing played a vital role in Covid management, cell editing therapy research is relatively nascent in India.
- The success of Casgevy should stimulate investments in gene editing research and development.

About sickle-cell anaemia

Sickle cell anaemia is a genetic blood disorder characterized by an abnormality in the haemoglobin, a protein responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells.
It is a type of sickle cell disease (SCD).
Genetic Basis:
- The disorder is caused by a mutation in the HBB gene, leading to the production of abnormal haemoglobin known as haemoglobin S (HbS).
- Individuals inherit one copy of the mutated gene from each parent, resulting in the homozygous state for the sickle cell gene.
Altered Blood Cells:
- Normally, red blood cells are round and flexible, allowing them to move easily through blood vessels.
- In sickle cell anaemia, the presence of HbS causes red blood cells to become rigid, sticky, and crescent-shaped when they lose oxygen.
Clinical Features:
- Sickle-shaped cells can block blood flow, leading to pain, organ damage, and increased susceptibility to infections.
- Chronic anaemia is a common feature due to the premature breakdown of sickle cells.
- Complications include stroke, acute chest syndrome, and damage to organs such as the spleen, kidneys, and liver.
Symptoms:
- Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include pain, fatigue, jaundice, and delayed growth in children.
- Individuals with sickle cell anaemia are prone to crises, episodes of severe pain, often requiring medical attention.
Diagnosis:
- Diagnosis is typically made through blood tests, including haemoglobin electrophoresis, which identifies the types of haemoglobin present.
Treatment:
- Management involves addressing symptoms and preventing complications.
- Hydroxyurea, pain management, blood transfusions, and bone marrow or stem cell transplantation are among the treatment options.

Why a NASA spacecraft fired a laser at Earth?

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

A spacecraft is enroute to a metal-rich asteroid located between Mars and Jupiter.

Scientists believe the asteroid represents the nickel-iron core of an early planet, offering insights into Earth’s impenetrable iron core.
This mission aims to unravel the mysteries of planetary formation and composition.
At the same time, scientists seek to overcome data rate limitations by exploring space laser communication

Key Highlights

Addressing Space Communication Challenges:
- The spacecraft simultaneously tackles challenges in space communication, particularly the data rate problem.
- Long-distance communication with spacecraft necessitates transmitting vast data over considerable distances.
- Current communication relies on radio waves, which, though reliable, have limitations in data transfer rates.
Space Laser Communication Solution:
- Traditional radio waves have limitations in bandwidth, prompting the exploration of higher frequencies for increased data transfer rates.
- Space lasers, utilizing shorter wavelengths, offer higher bandwidths and, consequently, the potential for faster data transmission.
- While radio waves excel in penetrating atmospheres and obstacles, space lasers can provide higher data rates.
- Shorter wavelengths in space lasers, though prone to scattering, offer advantages in terms of increased bandwidth and data-carrying capacity.
- The mission explores the feasibility and efficacy of employing space lasers for enhanced space communication.
Significance for Future Space Exploration:
- The success of space laser communication could revolutionize data transfer capabilities in future space exploration missions.
- Overcoming data rate challenges is crucial for real-time communication with distant spacecraft and enhancing the efficiency of space missions.
NASA’s Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) Experiment:
- DSOC pioneers the use of near-infrared laser signals for spacecraft communication, aiming to surpass the capabilities of traditional radio telecommunications systems.
- The Psyche spacecraft is the first to carry a DSOC transceiver, demonstrating high-bandwidth optical communications during its journey to the main asteroid belt.
- DSOC enables data rates at least 10 times higher than current state-of-the-art radio systems, akin to the shift from telephone lines to fiber optics on Earth.
- Higher data rates facilitate improved image resolution, increased science data volume, and the possibility of streaming video from space.
- DSOC relies on extremely precise pointing, necessitating isolation from spacecraft vibrations.
- Overcoming challenges involves compensating for the changing positions of Earth and the spacecraft, akin to hitting a dime from a mile away while in motion.
- Signal-processing techniques are employed to extract information from weak laser signals over vast space distances.
Building on Lunar Laser Communications Demonstration:
- DSOC builds on NASA’s prior success with the Lunar Laser Communications Demonstration in 2013, which achieved record-breaking data rates between Earth and the Moon.
- While the earlier demonstration focused on lunar communication, DSOC extends optical communications capabilities into deep space.
Significance for Future Space Exploration:
- DSOC’s advancements are crucial for future space travel, especially as humanity aims to explore destinations far beyond the Moon.
- Improved communication technology supports sending scientific information, high-definition imagery, and streaming video, aligning with ambitions for human missions to Mars.
- The DSOC tech demo achieved “first light,” marking a significant milestone in preparing for higher-data-rate communications.