Space | Re-usable Satellite Launch Vehicle and 'Sakaar'

Re-usable Satellite Launch Vehicle

Why in news?

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will flight test an indigenously developed re-usable satellite launch vehicle for the first time this September.

Details:

Under the project, a plane will be flown into outer space at five times the speed of sound, deliver the payload and then land back like an aircraft. The launch vehicle will be landing for the first time in the ocean and the ultimate attempt is to make it land at an airstrip at Sriharikota.

Source: Times of India

Advantages

1. It will be a major technology demonstration exercise 
2. Ultimate aim is at cutting down the cost of satellite launches to 1-10th the present rates
1. At present, the various stages in a satellite launch vehicle fall off in succession during launch and cannot be reused, making such launches expensive.

SAKAAR

• It is an Augmented Reality application launched by Minister of State in the Department of Atomic Energy. 
• Augmented Reality is a live direct view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented (or supplemented) by computer-generated 3D models, animations, videos etc. The technology enhances user’s current perception of reality.

• It is to highlight the achievements of the Department of Space during one year in office of the present Government.
• It consists of 3D models of  Mars Missions, various satellites, launch vehicles and other projects of ISRO.
• It will be distributing this in schools and other institutes for free so that students can get a better understanding of our space working

[Sources: The Hindu, Times of India, Wikipedia]