Astronomers and Stargazers who are fervent about the deep space and the universe have always been haunted and left-curious with this question, that, “Are we alone in the Universe? Can there be ‘Aliens’ living outside within in other worlds just like ours or different?”
But, something changed in this last millennia, and more specifically in the last century, after the advent of “Edwin Hubble”, we have come to an evidentiary conclusion that our universe is nearly infinite as it’s continuously expanding in all directions, with galaxies moving farther all in time. Now, a universe that is continuously expanding, it raises a strong likelihood for the existence of civilizations just like ours.
At first, the astronomers and physicists, are fond to use mathematical or physically theorized tools for developing their hypothesis, before starting to test or give any verifiable proofs, that becomes a law or their corroboration later, supporting their version of the story or simply called a “Theory” in their scientific terms.
Similarly, in the fall of 1961, after three decades of Hubble’s observation of expansion of the universe, an American astronomer “Frank Drake” came forward with an equation, called the “Drake Equation”. Now, it has become one of the most famous equations, found in many astronomy textbooks. Waging numerous ventures of finding extraterrestrial beings, it is aroused as one of the spellbinding, profound, and substantial questions of science. The scientists have been scratching their heads for decades to find signals or pieces of evidence of “Aliens” in outer, deeper, and farther in the space.
The “Drake’s Equation”, consists of an argument enclosing seven different variables, multiplied together and giving a probabilistic or prospective answer for “Estimated Number of Technologically Advanced Civilization in Our Milky Way Galaxy, or giving us “the possibility that humankind might hear from an intelligent civilization in future”.
Seven Known Variables in the Equation
● R* = The rate of star formation that is suiting for the evolution of intelligent life.
● Fp = Fraction of stars having a planetary system (For example; our own “Solar System”)
● Ne = Number of planets per solar system that have an environment habitable for life to evolve.
● Fl = Fraction of suitable to planets on which life actually can be found.
● Fi = Fraction of life-hosting planets on which intelligent civilization appears.
● Fc = Fraction of intelligent life that creates technological probes that can release detectable signals proving their existence into space.
● L = The time duration in which civilizations release detectable signals into space.
Earth’s location in the Milky Way. Credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech/R.Hurt (SSC/Caltech)
Although, the Drake’s equation proposed by Frank doesn’t give any specified or accurate number of the intelligent civilizations in our galaxy. But, gradually with time, “it has become a generally accepted scientific apparatus for the astronomers all over the world to examine and contemplate these all factors” says theSearch for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute.
There have been hundreds of attempts by the scientists to calculate solutions the equations all leading toward very different conclusions. However, the highest estimations can be as huge as 100 million intelligent civilizations existing per galaxy, while sceptical and lowest calling for only three civilizations to be found in 10,000 Milky Way-like galaxies. Needless to mention that our milky way is 100,000 light-years across and approximately has 250 billion stars – give or take 100 billion with at least 100 billion planets.
The numbers or answers of the question vastly depend on the level of optimism and pessimism of the scientists, but the fire set-off by Drake’s equation resulted in the formation of numerous projects, institutions and an overall-ambitious race among the astronomers worldworld, which is amplifying and far-reaching for the scientific quest of finding of alien’s civilizations or beings out there in the vastness and deepness of space and time.
With time, being as accurate as we can in determining the variables of the equation, the nearer-we will be to discover the greater truth, if there is another civilization out there, the answer of both probabilities is yes or no? Both are equally terrifying and of gravitating importance.
Astronomy and related fields like Astrophysics and Space Sciences have been at the pole position of science and technology from the beginning of a new era. In today’s world, where hunger and poverty are the immediate problems, Astronomical Sciences are equally important to a civilized society. The pursuit of exploring the universe must be justified by the answers with fundamental research. The research in these sciences is not as easy as it seems in other natural sciences.
Though all these sciences are breaking records with each day passed, from establishing the distances for discovering new planets. It is hard to investigate and analyze the facts about the universe. The use of cutting-edge technology and longer time scale methods through their extensive application have appeared as game-changer in Astronomy. Dave Finley, the public information officer at National Radio Astronomy Observatory Socorro, New Mexico, well summarized the future aspects of astronomical sciences in defense of radio astronomy as:
“Astronomy offers mankind a fundamental sense of earth in an unimaginably vast and exciting universe. Though it has been a foundation stone of technological progress all through history, it has much to contribute in the future”.
Astronomy
Astronomy involves the study of stars and other heavenly bodies. According to NASA, it is the study of planets, stars, and space. It is an umbrella under which many terms are used with little differences such as Astrophysics. Astronomy not only involves the medical and technological applications but also contributes to the discovery of the universe to extend our horizons. From predicting the threats to our planet, and potential space to prolonging the survival of our species, all these discoveries are miracles of astronomy.
Current Scenario and Need for Innovations in Astronomy
Astronomy involves examining the space and celestial objects through powerful telescopes. Through these telescopes, Astronomers observe and reveal the secrets of the Universe. They also capture different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum of the light coming from distant stars and galaxies.
Till now, there has been a substantial technical advancement to capture more light from the skies, and see deeper in the universe through huge and highly advanced telescopes. Still, there is a need for innovations for bigger and better telescopes through collaboration across nations worldwide.
Major Innovations Across the Globe
Land-Based Telescopes
Extremely Large Telescope – the ELT
Currently, this telescope is under construction. By the end of 2020, it will be fully functional. It will be the world’s largest and most powerful visible and infrared light telescope having size twice the length of the cricket pitch. The technicians and engineers all around the world are building it under ESO (European Southern Observatory) in Northern Chile. This teamwork allows ELT to deliver cutting-edge science. Once it is completely designed and constructed, it will be able to observe the formation of distant galaxies and portray the planets around stars very precisely.
This artistic bird’s-eye view shows the dome of the ESO European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT) Credit: ESO
The world’s largest radio telescopes will be operated at the end of 2020. It consists of hundreds of radio telescopes, dishes, and thousands of antennas across two continents of South Africa and Western Australia. It is constructed in phases with phase 1 completed providing 200 dishes in South Africa and 130,000 Antennas in Australia.
This largest Radio telescope will allow us to study invisible celestial objects in space that emit radio waves, which would otherwise be not possible. The astronomers will be able to study the cold universe at its earliest stages through this largest telescope. This telescope is an international effort comprising 1000 scientists and engineers from 20 countries under IGA (Intergovernmental organization).
SKA dishes on the South African SKA site.
Square Kilometre Array at night. SKA Organization
Space-Based Telescope
JWST – the James Webb Space Telescope
The “James Webb Space Telescope” will be the first world largest space telescope ever built. It will be able to get a clearer view of distant galaxies, stars, and the planet as its light will not be distorted by the earth’s atmosphere. Its main sun shield is about twice the size of a tennis court. It is an infrared specialist that allows astronomers to explore the universe and see the evolution of planets, stars, and galaxies. It is because infrared is invisible to our eyes but this space telescope help astronomers to look closely at the distant stars and galaxies through murky clouds.
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. In future, it will investigate our solar system. Credits: Northrup Grumman
NASA engineers and technicians inspect one of the James Webb Space Telescope’s mirror segments. Credit: Chris Gunn / NASA GSFC
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center has played a pivotal role in developing the James Webb Space Telescope. Photo Credit: NASA
The James Webb telescope is constructed by scientists, technicians, and engineers from 14 different countries in partnership with NASA. It is supposed to be operational in early 2020 but NASA has delayed its launch date till 31st October 2021. It will orbit in deep space 1.5 km away from earth, for at least a five-year mission. The main mirror of the JWST sunshield is coated with gold to reflect the infrared light efficiently.
These are just the three examples in which scientists and engineers from all over the world work in collaboration to truly push the frontiers of astronomy and space sciences. These innovations will provide a breakthrough in the future and no doubt it will indirectly increase the sustainability of the earth.
Astrophysics
Astrophysics is the branch of space science that involves the study of physical laws that explain the origin of stars, planets, and other objects in the universe. NASA describes astrophysics as a goal to observe and explore the universe and its evolution for the search of the existence of life on other planets. Astrophysics allows scientists to deduce theories for explaining the mechanism of radiation emitted by universe objects and extract important information in it. NASA focuses on the Physics of the cosmos, cosmic origins, exoplanet exploration, astrophysics explorer programs, and research in the field of astrophysics.
Current Scenario and Need for Innovations in Astrophysics
For Astrophysical research, NASA focuses on operational great observational tools that comprise Hubble Space Telescope, the Chandra X-ray Observatory, and the Spitzer Space Telescope. Other observational missions are Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, NuSTAR, and TESS missions. Some complementary missions are in the process such as NICER and SOFIA. NASA also funded the development of astrophysics instruments for the observations and data analysis for their missions.
Most of the mission mentioned have achieved their initial goals, but they are prolonged to produce breathtaking results. All of these missions will work together for much of the human piled knowledge of the universe, and use this knowledge for humanity to touch new horizons. NASA also collaborates with international space platforms across the globe for astrophysics instrumentation development such as ESA’s XMM-Newton.
Despite the above currently operated missions, there is still a need for innovations in the field of Astrophysics. For example, the nature of dark matter can only be understood by a model of the microstructure of space. Astrophysicists assume that it involves a great phenomenon of physics called “Planck Length”. It is the greatest challenge to the present universe.
Future of Astrophysics
NASA proposed four future missions under Astrophysics space divisions to the American Astronomical Society (AAS). Once they get approved, NASA will start working on it. Each of these missions comprises
a space telescope primarily designed to study stars, galaxies, black holes, alien planets, and objects within Earth’s solar system. Only one of these four missions will be selected till mid-2030. Once the mission gets selected, the cost can rise above 1 billion dollars.
Large UV Optical Infrared Surveyor – LUVOIR
This candidate mission will be the larger and more sophisticated version of the Hubble Space Telescope to observe the universe in ultraviolet, infrared, and visible wavelengths of light. The space telescope will be designed in two different sizes such as larger and smaller depending on budget.
LUVOIR- observatory concept
LUVOIR 16-meter size telescope Credit NASA.
It will help astrophysicists to deal with various future astronomical research projects like the study of habitable exoplanets; study of formation and evolution of stars and galaxies; mapping of dark matter all around the universe; and imaging objects in the solar system, like planets, comets, and asteroids.
Habitable Exoplanet Observatory – HabEx
As the name indicates, this space telescope will observe the potentially habitable exoplanets around sun-like stars.
Representation of the Telescope Concept
If it is approved, it will become the first telescope to trace biosignatures like water and methane and image the Earth-like exoplanets where life will be possible. Habex would also be able to observe and map stars and galaxies, study the expansion of the universe, and investigate the dark matter by conducting ultraviolet and infrared observations.
Lynx X-Ray Observatory
The space telescope would be the upgraded form of Chandra X-Ray Observatory. Lynx would be powerful enough to reveal the invisible universe through very high energy X-ray radiations. The birth and death of stars, the perfect maps of exploding stars, the invisible supernovas, and black holes would only be seen because of Lynx.
Space telescope would be the upgraded form of Chandra X-Ray Observatory
A closer look of Lynx X-Ray Observatory concept
Origins Space Telescope
The next-generation version of the Herschel Space Observatory, the Origins Space Telescope would solve the mysteries of life in-universe. The questions like how habitable planets are formed will be easily get answered by this infrared surveyor telescope. It will be consisting of a cryocooler cooling system that would increase its sensitivity to about 1000 times. It will involve in keeping the track of the earliest stages of stars and other planets to check the ingredients of life.
Concept of Origin space Telescope
Model of Origin Space Telescope
All of these future astrophysics’ missions have their importance. They will readily revolutionize the concept of life in the universe.
The world’s largest gravitational wave observatory is not like a traditional telescope. It does not work by using light. Instead of light, it uses the ripples in space-time called gravitational waves. These waves are produced by big events that affect space-time such as mergers of pairs of neutron stars, black holes, and supernovae.
An aerial view of the Virgo interferometer near Pisa, Italy. Credit: The Virgo collaboration/CCO 1.0
An upgrade to the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory
It is an outstanding physics experiment on the scale and complexity of some of the world’s giant particle accelerators and nuclear physics laboratories. It consists of two enormous laser interferometers located 3000 kilometers apart, and two widely separated detectors in Washington State and Louisiana, USA.
It is aided by the Virgo detector in Italy and the GEO 600 instrument in Germany. Since LIGO is upgrading in series form, which is supported by 92 collaborating institutions, it is still expanding with a third detector site being established in India.
LIGO and Virgo operate together as a collaboration and will soon be joined by the KAGRA detector in Japan. The Collaborative operation allows examination of gravitational waves simultaneously produced by the same event to determine what is the origin and nature of signals. This collaboration addition of telescopes is introducing a whole new exciting field within multi-messenger astronomy.
By working in collaboration, these telescopes not only drive ahead in astronomical exploration but also the data obtained from the experiment will be used to improve our lives on earth in the future.
Gaia
Gaia is a telescope designed to make the largest 3D map of our galaxy, the Milky Way. Its mission is to provide unprecedented positional and radial velocity measurements with the accuracies needed to produce a stereoscopic and kinematic census of about one billion stars in our Galaxy.
It will observe each star 70 times in planned 5 years. It is not only able to observe stars, but it is also able to detect a large no. of asteroids and comets, along with potential exoplanets and supernova explosions.
The Gaia Telescope. Credit: ESA/ATG medialab
Space Science
Space Science is the study of space exploration. Many interdisciplinary fields come under this term, for example, Stellar, Solar, Galactic and Extragalactic Astronomy, Planetary Science and Physical Cosmology, Astrobiology, Astrochemistry, Astrophysics, Space Plasma Physics, Orbital Mechanics/ Astrodynamics, Atmospheric/ Environmental Science, Satellite and Space Communications, Space Systems, Space Environment, and Space Medicine. Space science subjects are rapidly growing at present. But the main subjects which come significantly under space sciences are Remote Sensing, Satellite Applications, Astrophysics, Astrodynamics, Atmospheric Science. It involves the usage of highly advanced space technology to analyze and interpret space information for a better understanding of Earth and its systems in the cosmos.
Space science has emphasized the improvement of life quality on earth by designing space satellites to study the space environment and test satellites their capabilities. This leads to the development of telecommunication satellites, global positioning, and advancement in weather forecasting.
Current Scenario and Need for Innovations in Space Science
Space exploration has delivered a lot of innovations in technology in diverse aspects of everyday life; starting from solar panels to implantable heart monitors, from cancer therapy to light‐weight materials, and from water‐purification systems to improved computing systems and a global search‐and‐rescue system. It has proposed new perspectives for every individual on earth. It has sparked new scientific and technological knowledge to mankind. Ultimately, it has initiated the development of the space economy.
Future of Space Science
The future space exploration goals involve sending humans and robots beyond Earth orbit and establish sustained access to places like Moon, Mars, and asteroids in the universe. The complementary capabilities of humans and robots will immediately benefit back to earth in areas of materials, power generation and energy, storage, recycling and waste management, advanced robotics, health and medicine, transportation, engineering, computing, and software.
Space science proposes a unique and evolving perspective to fulfill people’s curiosity by providing fresh data about the solar system. Therefore, international collaborations and partnerships are required not only to prevent Earth from catastrophic events but also to address global challenges.
The precise nature of future benefits from space science and its exploration is unpredictable. But the latest trends suggest that considerable benefits would be generated in significant areas of life.
Conclusion
The developed nations have a quite stronghold on astronomy and space science projects in the present and future. These countries have been collaborating with international space platforms like NASA for many years. It is saddening that most of the developing countries could not focus on astronomy and other projects because they are struggling with their basic issues. Now countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Taiwan, where basic technological and industrial basis exists, have started taking an active part to build space crafts and satellites. These nations have also collaborated with the UN and NASA and other countries like Denmark, France, Italy, and China for various future projects. Arab and other Muslim countries like Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Libya, and UAE have also taken initiative to build Gulf observatory, joint observatory, and UAE center for Astronomy and Space Sciences. India is also going ahead in Astronomy research with the help of ground-based, balloon-borne, and satellite facilities.
The last decade is considered the “Golden Age” for Astronomy and Science with unique and great opportunities for earth people. The availability of existing and future datasets from space by ground-based or space-based observatories has given a global opportunity to make mind-blowing advancements in astronomy, astrophysics, and space science. Only a few space projects can be planned in astronomical sciences near future due to the size, complexity, and budget issues. These surmountable challenges can be tackled by multi-lateral cooperation and international collaboration.
The cooperative global action is the only solution to ensure a positive perspective in future space research. So, the negative trend can be corrected, and the “Dark Age” of Astronomy can be avoided.
Over the years, many sci-fi thrillers have tried to add human elements in generic stories, but they usually end up provoking emptiness and are devoid of any real emotions. But James Gray’s Ad Astra is different; it centers around the intimate human experiences and feelings.
The story is set near future and revolves around Roy McBride (played by Brad Pitt), an emotionally unavailable astronaut. He receives a mission to Mars and tries to communicate with his famous father, who Roy initially thought was dead. But there is more to the premise. The actual problem is that his father is thought to be responsible for the power surges that are threatening human existence. This is the reason why Roy is selected for the top-secret mission. So, it is not just because of his poised personality but because of his dad, Clifford McBride, who started a mission three decades ago.
To get specific about this movie’s genre, it may be described as a ruminating sci-fi thriller. Although this movie has some very intense scenes that will have your heart racing, it also tends to carry the heavy theme of the lead character’s emotional journey. Ad Astra cannot be considered as a fun sci-fi adventure movie; rather, its action sequences depict the chaos that we as humans are responsible for.
Brad Pitt portrays an emotionally unavailable astronaut in Ad Astra. Picture Credits: 20th Century Fox/YouTube
One can also consider Ad Astra as a meditating piece. It is an exploration of the eternal search for meaning, capturing, and illustrating the human experience of loneliness and escapism. It is about building walls within ourselves, an emotional feature that we all are capable of having. It tells the story about our nature, who we are as beings, and what we feel at the moments when we are most vulnerable and still carry on with all that weight. This movie is about us as individuals instilling meaning in other things or other people or in the search itself. And it is also about our transformation to the nature that our parents had, as we grow older.
Speaking about the lead character, Brad Pitt’s performance as Roy is easily one of his career’s best performances. One can easily tell there is so much going on under the surface, and when he does hit those emotional moments, they definitely yield energy and are incredibly powerful. It seems as if you are experiencing the moment with the character. But there is also not much exploration of other characters, and they are not highlighted much. So, it is basically Brad Pitt all over, and we tag along with him on the emotional journey. Supporting characters included the brilliant veteran actor Tommy Lee Jones, Donald Sutherland, Ruth Negga, and Liv Tyler.
It would also be fair to mention that Ad Astra is not for everyone. It is the kind of film that if you are on the same wavelength or the themes strike a chord with you; then you will most likely enjoy and love it. However, if the things this film contemplates are not the things that you are into contemplating, then most likely will not like or enjoy it.
Overall, the movie was a spellbinding piece. It has a bit of that cold classic sci-fi quality to it, which is really lovely and sticks out to those who are avid film enthusiasts. It also goes along with gorgeous cinematography by Hoyte van Hoytema, who also did masterpieces like Nolan’s Interstellar, Dunkirk, and many other famous projects. The shots are very realistic and show the less amount of CGI used, a rarity these days. They also did a great job of showing the future technology, which almost looked realistic.
All in all, it is a beautiful film that stays with you for a while after you are done watching it. If you are into space and sci-fi movies, it connects you at a personal level and is introspective. A must-watch!
Globally, water resources face threats to the growing population, increase in urbanization, rapid industrialization, and an increase in food production. As a result, this whole scenario displaying a global threat to human health and the ecosystem.
In Pakistan, especially Balochistan’s vulnerability to natural disasters, climate changes, and external and internal migration due to human-made conflicts often affect thousands of people who need emergency water and sanitation support. This situation imposes sustainable access to water, sanitation, and hygiene issues in the primary health units.
The UNICEF section on WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) explained the current status that although Pakistan has achieved significant progress in improving sanitation access, 25 million people still practice open defecation, resulting in adverse health children. In Pakistan, approx 53,000 children under age five die annually from diarrhea due to insufficient water and sanitation. Similarly, about 70 % of peoples are forced to drink bacterial water.
Contrary, the dawn report 2019, investigated that about 9,247 government-run schools in Balochistan don’t have drinking water; 9,838 schools have no toilets, which sows a bleak picture of WASH facilities at the provincial level.
Although a global issue these days, Balochistan is facing a scarcity of water for a long time. The majority of people don’t have access to safe drinking & water for domestic use.
The provincial government has declared a water emergency in most districts. But they are reluctant to admit it that they don’t have a future roadmap for water scarcity. Most of the local tube wells are dysfunctional due to the unavailability of water and funds. More than 2500 government & private tube wells are functional in the city, and similarly, the daily water consumption is 94%. Contrary, the underground water level is going down, an alarming situation for the provincial govt.
There is a dire need for sustainable improvement in the natural resource management (NRM) and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) sectors of Balochistan.
Natural Resource Management (NRM) Sector
To protect natural resources (ecosystem, water, land, forest wildlife, etc.) and promote sustainable utilization, specifically water management and conservation for the community needs in the local context.
To support and educate communities for knowledge and behavior change about better water consumption and generating economic benefits from natural resources.
Providing access to safe drinking water & Irrigation facilitates
BRSP, under its “Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM)” project, has been working on water conservation & management since 2016 via harnessing people’s potential for uplifting their economic and social services in the local context.
BRSP, under its IWRM project, has reached a total of 39,919 householdsand constructed 732 Irrigation Schemes including (Spate irrigation, Solar pump, storage pond, irrigational channel, and pipeline) which benefited 34,461 householdsat targeted districts (Qilli Abdullah & Pishin) of the province. Similarly, 141 Karezes improved for drinking and irrigation purposes, which helped 3500 houses. Moreover, 57 Check Dams constructed in rural districts, benefited 1300 households. Besides, 1,058 homes got Solar Electrification facilities at their localities. On the other hand, around 50,000 plants were planted in different rural areas.
Educating Communities for Behavior Change & Economic Opportunities
For behavior change and generating economic opportunities, manager NRM & WASH section added that BRSP introduced 6 High Irrigation systems with low delta plants and installed 65 Poly Tunnels to generate economic earrings. In general, 94,165 households benefited via different CPIs interventions and awareness sessions delivered in the province’s rural districts. Overall, 94,900 trained on NRM (including IWRM and Water management)including (70 individuals trained on O&Mof Solar lightening; 1,000 community memberstrained on IWRM (Integrated Water Resource Management), and 150 government officialstrained on service delivery.
BRSP’s WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) Sector
BRSP’s aim in the WASH sector is; to reduce poverty & vulnerability by improving the population’s health facilities by ensuring better access to clean drinking water facilities, improved sanitation systems, and hygiene practices.
Providing Access to Clean Drinking Water Facility
BRSP has been working in the WASH sector for the last two decades and completed various projects during this period. From 2009 to 2014, BRSP implemented a project titled, “Improved access to and demand for quality water, sanitation & hygiene services in Quetta, Pishin and Qilla Saifullah, Balochistan” the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany through KFW Development Bank. This project was completed in three phases. BRSP, under this project, came into partnership with the government of Balochistan titled “government –civil society-community.” In which,government department called PHED (Public Health Engineering Department) and BRSP implemented a community sustainable ownership project by strengthening the allocation of land for source development under different water systems. It constructed 1,240 Small and Large Scale Drinking Water Schemes under various projects, which benefited more than 1 million people(male and female) across Balochistan.
Provision of Safe Sanitation facilities
For Safe Sanitation facilities, BRSP constructed 22,749 toilets, which benefited 138,159 people (including emergency shelters toilets and PWDs toilets). Under community development schemes, the organization provided sewerage and street pavement to 48 villages of Nohisar at district Quetta. Moreover, BRSP rehabilitated/installed WASH facilities in 561 Schools, which benefited 171,605 students and teachers. Similarly, 5 Menstruation Hygiene Management (MHM) washrooms were constructed in Girls Schools. Contrary, the organization repaired & provided necessary WASH facilities to 464 (16) Basic Health Centers.
Educating Communities on WASH Facilities
For Behavior Communication Change (BCC), a total of 34167 students & teachers received School Sanitation and Health Education (SSHE) knowledge on healthy and hygienic behaviors and ended open defecation. Similarly, 444 Wash committees and 257 WASH Clubs formed in government schools. On the other hand, 5000 girlsschool students sensitized Menstruation Hygiene Management (MHM) and provided 60 MHM Kits. Moreover, 24,500 hygiene kits were distributed to government schools of district Quetta. Besides, about 318,512 community members were sensitized on health and hygiene. In general, a total of 321 villages was certified as ODF.
Contributing to the Government’s Sanitation Policy
BRSP is also contributing to the government of Balochistan Sanitation Policy via striving & supporting an environmentally friendly open defecation free toilet, solid & liquid waste management, and sustainable sanitation systems that promote healthy and hygienic practices of WASH in the province. Under its GIZ S4M (Sanitation for Million) project, the organization provides access to essential sanitation services, including the promotion & construction of latrine in (household & schools) at the province’s rural and urban communities.
BRSP is also promoting an integrated and total sanitation approach called Pakistan Approach to Total Sanitation (PATS) in communities and schools. Moreover, the organization is also educating communities & stakeholders on sanitation (WASH) to bring behavior change among them.
Currently, BRSP implements the S4M (Sanitation for Millions) project in the province’s targeted government schools. The project aims to improve sanitation & health facilities, including menstrual hygiene management and friendly toilet facilities in government girls.
This includes the construction of decentralizing wastewater treatment & irrigation systems in the province. And overall rehabilitation and improvement of sanitary and hygiene facilities.
The organization recently inaugurated DEWATS (decentralized wastewater treatment system) at BUITMS, Quetta. The project was designed explicitly for wastewater management to reuse it for irrigation & plantation purposes. This is a process of reusing wastewater for irrigation or other drives in Baluchistan.
Though BRSP’s contributions & interventions contribute to the NRM & WASH sectors of the province, the hour’s need is to bring sustainable improvement. Balochistan is going the worst water crisis ever, and the natural resources are also depleting due to overpopulation and climate change. This is the right time that the government takes strenuous efforts with the NGO partnership because if we didn’t implement it today, our province would face severe consequences of climate change shortly.
Find daily water intake calculator by Fitness Volt:
The space industry is on the edge of a widespread transformation; it’s absolutely a viable industry to invest in. Just like software, as the last decade has seen several budding companies like SpaceX and Virgin Galactic begin to seek to profit in an area where most of the money was made from military contracts or expensive communications satellites.
There are three types of space companies in the market: Public companies that are purely space-focused, public companies with exposure through a significant space subsidiary, and private companies that soon may either go public or spin-off divisions.
Pakistan’s first private space company, The Rocket & Satellite Company Limited, registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Government of Pakistan, in December 2019. Due to COVID19 and the Global economic recession, the space missions are on halt worldwide that affected the pre-planned route of TRSC, but it would be functional soon. The company announced that it will offer low-cost solutions in three main areas. Our Chief Editor, Saadeqa Khan, had a brief conversation with Mr. Sami Ullah Khan, CEO of The Rocket and Satellite Company Limited. Below are some excerpts from this interview.
Sami Ullah Khan, CEO of The Rocket and Satellite Company Limited
Saadeqa: Let us know about your early life and education? What can you tell us about your struggles in getting in there?
Sami Ullah: First of all, I am thankful to you guys for having me on Pakistan’s leading Science Magazine; it’s an honor for me.
Well, my domain is computer Science. I started my career in 1999 with Pakistan’s leading software development company with cream people in the IT industry. I have worked with local and international companies in Pakistan and outside the country.
Computer science is an engaging domain, and you have to keep dating yourself about the new enhancement in this technology.
Saadeqa: What led you to develop an interest in the field of space sciences?
Sami Ullah: I learned about space tech during my education and job. Later on, I got a chance to research one of the space-based projects that attracted me, but space tech is a much expensive domain, so I guessed that it could make a bit easier, simpler, and cheaper for the space companies and its users, and planned to offer them low-cost solutions. From there, I kick-started my space tech journey. Later, I followed different international Space related groups and associations.
Practically, we are willing to provide a manageable and straightforward solution to all facing challenges as a tech-related professional. As I mentioned, if one is from the IT field, he has to keep updated himself more than other fields because of rapid changes in this domain that dragged me towards the idea of integrating computers with Space Tech and making it easier and cheaper.
Saadeqa: What do you think about the importance of space sciences for Pakistani youngsters?
Sami Ullah: There are many opportunities in the Space domain in Pakistan as worldwide; most industries are associated with Space Tech, only through GPS. There are many areas where space Tech plays a vital role like Agriculture, remote sensing, insurance, and more.
There is no scarcity of talent in Pakistan for space sciences. I believe that if opportunities are provided and guided in the same direction, they can do fantastic work.
Saadeqa: You recently made an announcement for the launch of Pakistan’s First Private Space Company. When this launch is expected, and what are your newly established Rocket and space satellite company’s main objectives?
Sami Ullah: Actually, we already registered The Rocket & Satellite Company with SECP, back in December 2019, and have many plans to initiate the ideas, but due to the Covid 19 worldwide pandemic business went down in slow mode, that halted space missions also.
As mentioned, TRSC aims to offer low-cost quality services, solutions, and products under the one roof, making the work of Space companies and users a bit easier by providing the practical and professional environment to the scientists, engineers, professionals, and students.
Saadeqa: As per the announcement, Your Space Company will offer low-cost solutions in three main areas: space launch systems, satellite manufacturing, and ground segment as a service. Let us know about these in detail?
Sami Ullah: There are three primary and key areas of space tech;
Ground segment
This is the section that receives the data from satellites orbiting in space.
2. The Satellite
There are many applications or roles of a satellite like weather tracking, remote sensing, communication, and broadcasting. The artificial satellites take the signal from one part of Earth and transmit to another region. It serves in different orbits like LEO, MEO, and GEO, depending on requirements.
3- Satellite Transportation
To transport the Satellite from Earth to Space, we need a space launch system or rockets.
Saadeqa: Would you like to brief us about the Rocket & Satellite Company Limited’s space debris solution?
Sami Ullah: Space debris is very much dangerous for spacecraft and satellite and flight crew. Now space industry is growing, especially some space companies are going to offer the Space tourism projects. The satellites and launch vehicles are costly hardware that can face problems with space debris.
Our company TRSC will address this critical issue with a 2 layer solution; one is tracking by using Artificial intelligence AI and to fix the Space debris. Right now, this solution is in the research phase.
Saadeqa: How will your newly established space company help to increase the lifespan of satellites in Space?
Sami Ullah: As I already mentioned, the Satellite is an expensive machine, sometimes it needs more investment to build it due to requirements and application. Furthermore, the launching of Satellite makes it more extensive, it has some kind of expiry time frame as well, so if we calculate the investment to build and launching of Satellite to the working time frame of a satellite, it shows the investment is much higher and the active life if short. So automatically, the outcome of a satellite to the end user comes costly. We intend to address this issue with a technical system that will entirely perform in Space (orbit) and will result in an increase in the life span of a satellite.
Saadeqa: In 2019, I happened to talk with Dr. Yarjan Abdul Samad, the first Pakistani space scientist at Cambridge University, for Dawn. He briefed me about his future endeavors for the promotion of space sciences in Pakistan. Do you have plans to coordinate with him?
Sami Ullah: Well, in space tech, for supporting the world and humanity definitely, the cooperation is going on between professionals and space companies. So, we are also open to every individual or space company for constructive and meaningful discussions and collaboration, including Dr. Yarjan Baloch, a great inspiration for our youth in space sciences.
Saadeqa: You aim to provide a platform for Pakistani scientists and engineers. Let us know what you have planned to achieve your goals?
Sami Ullah: Yes, I want to see our youngsters perform at an international level in Space tech. The TRSC platform is open for all to learn and serve in the Space industry and Pakistan. Also, we are working on some collaboration with Pakistani Universities that will execute in the second phase.
Saadeqa: Behind every space mission, there is a huge team of researchers, scientists, and engineers to make discoveries happen. Do you think we can make our first crewed mission a reality?
Sami Ullah: Actually, it depends. A small number of smart professionals can produce incredible output. Yes, we can; I am indeed confident that we will send crewed mission InshaAlllah.
Saadeqa: What challenges are you facing daily for the launch of your Rocket and Space Satellite company? What is next for you?
Sami Ullah: I believe that if you have a passion and a good plan, you can easily manage all related challenges. Space tech is an expansive domain, and the big challenge is investment and finance to cover the development cost. I have some plans and very hopeful that I will manage it easily.
After our first launch, as announced, in 2025, we will focus on the moon and beyond.
Nearly 50 years ago, humankind first stepped on another planetary body on mission Apollo 11 with Commander Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. The entire world was watching and the Americans were celebrating their victory over the Soviet Union in a fascinating race to space. After the success of Apollo 11, the political will to explore deep space plummeted, and contrary to public inclination towards continued space exploration, no significant steps were taken. However, since 2012 remarkable initiatives have taken place, and the world has seen new game-changing aerospace company SpaceX battling with the giants of the industry.
SpaceX, Space Exploration Technologies and Corporation, was founded by the owner and founder of Paypal, Elon Musk, in 2002. SpaceX has had a bumpy ride since its creation, but in 2019 it did the unexpected and reached new heights of innovation and technology in the space industry.
Boeing has a history of working with NASA on its major space programs and has also played a significant role in the aerospace industry for around 100 years. Boeing uses conventional methods that align with the expectations of NASA; hence, NASA trusted Boeing for the next human flight. The officials at NASA thought that there shouldn’t be any discussion, and the contract should be given to Boeing. SpaceX was not even considered a possible fit for designing and manufacturing rockets for this space exploration program. A former deputy NASA administrator, Levi Garver, who pushed the organization to outsource human spaceflight to the private sector, said, “One industry veteran told me, ‘You know their rockets are put together with rubber bands and sealing wax,’ ‘it’s not real, it won’t fly.’”
On 20 December 2019, Boeing was tasked with sending an uncrewed cargo spacecraft to dock the International Space Station (ISS). Boeing spacecraft Starliner CST-100 was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, with high hopes to demonstrate Boeing’s ability to cater to a human flight in summer 2020. Still, Starliner failed to stay in the correct orbit and landed back after two days in New Mexico’s White Sands Missile Range. United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket delivered Starliner into the appropriate orbit. Still, after 15 minutes of flight, the spacecraft’s clock went 11 hours off, making the spacecraft believe it was in a different part of the mission. The backup command would have been able to maneuver the spacecraft, but there was a communication error as the Starliner was between NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System satellites. Few things went really wrong, but in defense, Boeing officials said that “a lot of things did go right” and claimed that these are the reasons why we carry out test flights.
Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner after integration with its Atlas 5 rocket. Credit: Boeing
After NASA’s thorough investigation Kathy Lueders, Associate Administrator of NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, came up with a list of 80 recommendations to fix Starliner’s glaring problems. She said, “Perhaps we didn’t have as many people embedded in that process as we should have,” and further explained, “the strategy was because we’re buying a service, NASA did not have a requirement to have a systems engineering management plan,” and “If we had understood what that structure was, we would have been better able to plug into the decision-making process. In particular, how they were integrating software and hardware pieces together. We thought we understood it, but over time we realized it had changed.”
Because NASA’s approach was more “traditional,” it focused more on the programming techniques of SpaceX, “When one provider has a newer approach than the other, it’s natural for human beings to focus more on that one,” Steve Stich, Manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program said.
In this intriguing race of technology, time, and money, SpaceX’s role was more like a rebellious teenager while Boeing was a very fatherly figure. But the winds were with the new comer’s unconventional techniques, which astonished every spectator. SpaceX has been delivering cargo in space since 2012 and was well experienced in the field by the time NASA decided to send humans to ISS for further experiments and exploration. It had the edge over its competitors in terms of innovative technology, the fascinating one being autonomous docking to ISS, and being cost-effective. According to NASA’s management of crew transportation of the international space station audit carried out in Nov 2019, SpaceX’s average cost per crew was $55 million compared to $90 million of Boeing.
A comparison of SpaceX and Boeing. Credit: NASA OIG analysis of Agency Information
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 was also better suited for the mission because of NASA’s strict limitations of the “firm-fixed-price” contract, which didn’t allow contractors to spend on technology without being economical. It has been SpaceX’s trademark that it reuses its rockets along with other equipment. This was a significant reason why Elon Musk’s inchoate aerospace startup was able to take its place in the market amongst heavily funded and experienced companies. As per sources, a 125,000-gallon liquid nitrogen tank found in a scrap was also made to use by the engineers at this organization. In an interview, Musk said, “We had to be super scrappy,” Musk once told The Washington Post. “If we did it the standard way, we would have run out of money. For many years, we were week to week on cash flow, within weeks of running out of money. It definitely creates a mind-set of smart spending. Be scrappy or die: Those were our two options. Buy scrap components, fix them up, and make them work.”
During this endeavor, SpaceX lost two Falcon 9 rockets and also struggled with its parachute system for the safe landing of the spacecraft. The Dragon capsule was also completely destroyed during emergency abort system testing.
But SpaceX analyzed its mistakes and fixed them, because of which it was able to gain confidence from NASA and successfully receive 2.6 billion dollars to provide with six operational missions to and from space stations. Boeing also received 4.2 billion dollars but is yet to demonstrate an uncrewed flight to ISS). The discrepancy in amounts assigned to both the companies fueled outrage to which Elon Musk said, “It doesn’t seem right,” he also added, “not fair that Boeing gets so much more for the same thing.” However, Boeing responded that they are offering flexibility and carry cargo equivalent to 5th passenger on its spacecraft; therefore, the overall package seems to be costly.
NASA astronauts Robert Behnken, left, and Douglas Hurley participated in mission Demo-2. Photo credit: SpaceX
Even with differences in funding, NASA’s claimed that SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft is one of the “safest and most reliable spacecraft ever built.” On 30th May, on mission Demo-2, SpaceX launched two astronauts, Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley, in SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft at 3:22 pm EDT. The Falcon 9 rocket took off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.
After successful completion of Mission Demo-2, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program will officially certify Crew Dragon for operational, long-duration missions to the space station. This mission will act as a test for all aspects of human space flights ranging from launch pad 39A to spacesuits.
This expedition is known as the “The New Beginning” by many. This event marks the history of not only space exploration but is also an epitome of the advancement of the human race concerning intelligence and innovation. This is a significant step towards the Artemis program, where extensive research experiments will be conducted on the moon, which will prepare us for future expeditions to Mars. This event also holds a geopolitical significance because, previously, NASA sent American astronauts on Russian rockets, which jeopardized the security of the USA. Still, now private companies being a part of space exploration indicates that this is not a race between two nations but a healthy technological competition with an element of economic interest.
Amputated flatworms, ant farms, and talking zucchini sounds fanatical, right? Such unrealistic creatures were created and rigorously tested at the International Space Station (ISS), under highly controlled experiments to see the viability of such creations in unusual conditions present in the lower earth orbit.
International Space Station is a satellite designed in a way that is habitable by humans even in un-habitable situations. One might see it as a white spot on the sky that flashes across our vision without changing direction. Under the supervision and collaboration of five main agencies named NASA, JAXA (Japan aerospace exploration agency), Roscosmos (Russia), ESA (European space agency), and CSA (Canadian space agency), the International space station is a hub of genius brains that are open to unique experimentations, innovations, and ideas.
A question that pops up in mind is: What is the real motivation behind such experimentation? The main aim is to observe the influence of microgravity on physiological processes to further expand our knowledge about biology.
International Space Station conducts experiments related to diverse fields such as space sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, and many more. The article below primarily sheds light on the eccentric yet amazing biological experiments conducted at ISS.
Headless Flatworms
Researchers at Allen Discovery Centre at Tufts University sent planarian flatworms to ISS to observe the effect of microgravity and micro geomagnetic field on the growth and regeneration of these worms. The purpose was to determine if earth induced changes persist in these worms once they would be back to earth from space. Cleaved and fragmented flatworms were sent into space in half-filled water tubes. After a period of 20 months, these worms were sent back to earth. The most surprising aspect that was found: one of the flatworms with cleaved head regenerated a rare double head. This was rather an astounding occurrence, never found before. Furthermore, when researchers abscised the heads of the space sent worms on earth, the middle headless region regenerated into a double-headed worm. Another significant change observed by scientists at Tufts was that the non-amputated flatworms sent to space experienced spontaneous fission (splitting) unlike the worms sent back to earth.
Researchers at Allen Discovery Centre at Tufts University sent planarian flatworms to ISS
One of the flatworms with cleaved head regenerated a rare double head
In response to these variances, scientist started drawing possible explanations to justify this behavior. Temperature change and light intensity were thought to be responsible for observed variations. Further experiments were conducted to determine the effect of both of these factors on different species of flatworms.
Ant Farm
Ant-stronauts farm or ant farm was an experiment conducted under the supervision of Ecologist, Deborah Gordan back in 2014 with the motive of observing the response of ants while solving a collective search problem. It was pivotal to get an insight into how ant colonies adapt as a group in extreme conditions (microgravity) to figure out various algorithms they employ to do so. The advantage of this experiment was two folds: Questing for new algorithms and using those algorithms for application in robotics.
Ant farm was an experiment conducted under the supervision of Ecologist, Deborah Gordan back in 2014
The experimental design included the use of pavement ants or Tetramorium caespitum. Eight ant groups each with 100 individuals were sent to ISS. A control experiment using a similar number and types of ants was set up back at earth to compare the results. Cameras were installed and software was used to monitor ant movements and their interactions, hence determining the influence of microgravity on their motion. The group density of ants in an area is needed in many instances such as food search. The density of ants is inversely related to the area of ground they cover. Higher density in a given area causes them to move in a circular motion in the same area. Lower ant density at a respective area favors their movement in a roughly straight path hence covering more land area. In an interview with a BBC reporter, Gordon said, “The idea is to ask the ants to search a small space- and then provide more space and see what will happen when the same number of ants have to use a larger space.”
In a TED talk, Gordon commented “The idea here is that the ants are working so hard to hang on to the wall or the floor or whatever you call it, that they are less likely to interact and so the relationship of how crowded they are and how often they meet would change.”
Tissue chips
Funded by the NCATS (National Centre for Advancing Translational Sciences) program and NIBIB (National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering), the tissue and organ on chip research experiment laid its roots in ISS to get in-depth knowledge of human physiology and diseases. This will enable scientists to get clarity on the tissue functions and potential treatments of human diseases in unconventional conditions. The invention of such chips in outer space encompassed many scientists and researchers like those associated with genomics, pharmacology, pathology, disease biology, and many more.
Tissue and organ on chip research experiment laid its roots in ISS to get in depth knowledge of human physiology and diseases
This experiment comprised of two phases. In the first phase, researches developed and tested tissue chips at ISS science labs, under the influence of microgravity. The second phase shed light on the potential use of these tissue chips before clinical trials took place. This aimed to ensure efficient functionality and a better understanding of the work.
The tissue chips experiment comprised of two phases
The first NIH-supported tissue chip was launched into space on December 2018 as reported by NCATS. In May 2019, four more NCATS-funded tissue chips reached ISS. These four chips were analogous to lung and bone marrow, bone and cartilage, kidney and blood-brain barrier that protects our brain. Added to this, a third chip was launched in March 2020 that focused on cardiac and intestinal tissues. These experiments are set on the road of progress to open up new opportunities and endless world of possibilities to produce something beneficial to humanity even in unique conditions such as those found in lower earth orbit.
Talking Zucchini
Ever heard the term Talking Zucchini? Don Pettit coined this term, in his blog “Diary of a Space Zucchini”, to narrate the story of Talking Zucchini where he personifies zucchini. This story is the life experience of a four-leafed zucchini’s sprout grown in space. Just like any other biological experiment conducted in outer space, the aim of performing this experiment was to learn the impact of microgravity on the growth of a plant.
Talking zucchini is the story of the life experience of a four-leafed zucchini’s sprout grown in space
The experimental design includes the aeroponic method of growing plants where the plant is enclosed in an air-filled bag with a small amount of water placed primarily at the corners of the bag. Water is pulled up via capillary forces in weightlessness to ensure the supply of nutrients needed for its growth. Pettit, as the plant itself, mentioned in the blog, “These 16 short periods of day and night every 24 hours are making me jet-lagged. My photosynthesis activity just gets going and then abruptly shuts down. Repeating this cycle is putting me into a dither. My leaves do not sing as loud.“
The experimental design includes the aeroponic method of growing plants
Zucchini was not the only plant that was tested; sunflower and broccoli also became part of this experimentation. Sunflower stood upright, whereas broccoli didn’t grow so lively. It’s week and small sprouts are revealing its story.
This is not the end though. The experiments described above are just a few of many that are constantly being performed in outer space that includes space squids and space mice. In near future, there may be an in-depth study of one of these experiments that could trigger the development of essential tool for human well being. Numerous other experiments are yet to be seen, more unusual and more complex areas of studies are yet to be revealed. The more we explore, the more we enlighten our minds with untapped theories and un-explored scientific knowledge.
As Brian Cox said:
–“There are billions of places out there that we know nothing about. The fact that we know nothing about them excites me, and I want to go and find about them- And that’s what science is”.
The collection of data from a distance by means of satellite or aircraft called remote sensing. Let’s dive into this exciting process and see what we have achieved until now and what we can hope to do in the future!
History of Remote Sensing
The term Remote Sensing was first used in the 1960s. The historical backdrop of Remote sensing starts with photography. During the American civil war, the photographs taken from air balloons were primarily used for military purposes. The beginning of different sorts of Remote sensing detection was started back in World War II. After the end of World War l, Aerial photography was being used for meteorological and agricultural purposes, and by the time it grew with the improvement of radar, sonar, and warm infrared location frameworks. Since the 1960s, sensors have been intended to work in essentially the entirety of the electromagnetic range. Today a wide assortment of far off detecting instruments are accessible for use in hydrological examines.
How it works?
Remote sensing devices have a sensor to collect data, sensors are mounted remote sensing devices, so they can collect reflected radiations from Earth. For example, airplanes, satellites.
There are two types of sensors: Active sensors and Passive sensors.
Active Sensors: Active sensors have their own source of energy i.e. they have such devices, which emit radiations to the particular area of examine.
Passive Sensors: The passive sensors depend on Sun for radiation emission.
Active sensor-based remote sensing work can be carried out at any time while Passive sensor-based remote sensing can only be carried out in the presence of bright daylight.
Remote sensing devices have a sensor to collect data
Pakistan in the field of Remote Sensing
The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) leads space research in Pakistan. Suparco’s projects comprise of the starting of sounding rockets and satellite applications, particularly far off detecting and interchanges. Its drawn-out objectives are to create interchanges and distant detecting satellites and to dispatch lightweight logical satellites in close Earth circles.
Pakistan’s Early Space Flights
Badr 1:
It was one of the very first satellites of Pakistan that was launched in 1990 by SUPARCO. It was launched into a low Earth orbit through a Chinese rocket carrier.
This launch helped Pakistan in progressing in the field of military, technological, and scientific developments and also provided data on radio-signal distribution in the ionosphere (the upper most layer in space).
With the successful development and launch of the Badr-1, Pakistan became the first Muslim country and second South Asian country after India, to place a satellite in orbit. The satellite provided Pakistani scientists an academic, scientific, and amateur community experience in telemetry, tracking, and control and data communications as the satellite successfully completed store and dump message tests for 5 weeks.
Badr-1 was one of the very first satellites of Pakistan that was launched in 1990 by SUPARCO
This was the first and major step towards the development in the field of Remote sensing in Pakistan.
Badar-B:
After that, Badar-1 the satellite that has launched by Pakistan is Badar-B. The Badar-B was more advanced than Badar-l, with a CCD camera for pictures of Earth and a framework that permitted ground stations to alter the satellite’s position in space.
Satellites launched by Pakistan
Pakistan has almost five satellites in space. Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite (PRSS-1) was the first dual-purpose, i.e. optical and earth observational, remote sensing satellite. It was launched by the collaboration of China from China’s Jiuquan Satellite Centreon 9th July 2018. One of the primary purposes of this satellite was to monitor progress as they build the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Pakistan Technology Evaluation Satellite-1A (PakTES-1A), which was originally planned and created by Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) engineers, has additionally been co-propelled with PRSS-1 by a similar vehicle.
PAKTES-1A
These launches were held in china because Pakistan is still lacking in the field of launching.
Impacts of recently launched satellite
According to officials, it would help country in commercial satellites for collecting information related to:
Meteorology.
In better land management, and disaster management.
Urban planning, mineral exploration.
Crop yield forecasting, water management.
Both civilian and military applications.
One of the major Impacts can be seen in the position of Pakistan in the world space race.
It also helps to spread general awareness for the study of Space Science
Plus it flourishes Pak-China Friendship that leads to the development of Pakistan’s economy especially in the field of Education and Job.
Remote Sensing as a part of course curriculum in Pakistan
Two meetings of the National Curriculum Revision Committee (NCRC) for Remote Sensing (RS) & Geographical Information System (GIS) were held at HEC Regional center in Karachi (14-16th March 2005) and Lahore (16- 18th May 2005). Realizing the importance of RS & GIS in the developed world area as well as in developing countries such as India, these meetings were organized by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. The focus was given to develop international standard curricula and launch 4 years BS and 2 years MS degree programs for both public and private sector degree-awarding institutions and universities of Pakistan. Various Remote Sensing, GIS, Information Technology professionals, Geographers, and educationists from all over Pakistan attended these meetings.
Future of Pakistan in Space Science
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Fawad Chaudhry, unveiled some plans last year for the promotion and development of space science.
“Proud to announce that selection process for the first Pakistani to be sent to Space shall begin from Feb 2020, fifty people will be shortlisted — list will then come down to 25 and in 2022 we will send our first person to space,” Chaudhry said. This will be the biggest space event of our history, he added.
Chaudhry said the Pakistani Air Force will play a lead role in the selection process of the astronaut for the space mission.
“The Air force will be the custodian of the selection process. Globally pilots are selected for space missions,” he was quoted as saying by the Dawn News website. “Ten pilots will be trained and eventually one pilot will be sent to space,” he said.
When you look up at the skies, you may have asked yourself a question. What lies beyond these skies? The question followed by many other questions, and when you can answer one question, many other arguments pop up in your mind seeking their answers. The magical Universe holds infinite mysteries and anomalies that are beyond human understanding, no matter how advanced technologies we have. The human race has to learn more and more about the Universe each passing day. The science of space is fascinating but complicated at the same time.
Once upon a time, human expeditions were constrained to our planet Earth or just observing the glowing icons on the night sky, but with the technology we possess now, we have traveled beyond our solar system, we can look beyond our galaxy, and are able to decipher the greatest mysteries of space-time, and unlock new limits of the Universe. We developed Astrobiology to study the composition of exoplanets and their moons in search of new life possibilities. We established Astrochemistry to study about the formation & anatomy of stars and heavens. We progressed with Astrophysics to learn about the rhythms and patterns of the heavenly objects and everything in the cosmos. We keep progressing by decrypting depths and enigmas of our Universe with the help of studying them through these fields and with a lot more, including Physical Cosmology, Extragalactic Astronomy, Galactic Astronomy, Steller astronomy, Solar Astronomy, Planetary Sciences, etc. The question is how much we know about ourselves, about this Earth we call home, about the Solar System that has a life-supporting planet, about the galaxy whom our Sun is a part of, and everything within this Universe.
We are in the Golden Age of Exploration but are still unaware of our past, and neither can we predict our future. We know so little about the Universe. We haven’t even the mere insight of the first page of “History of Universe and Its Future.” There was a time when skies were a threshold for the human race, and many dedicated and lost their entire lives for this cause until the Wright Brothers succeeded in achieving the milestone at the beginning of the 20th century. After that, humanity started looking beyond the skies, and space became their new threshold until they grew their capabilities well enough to step in outer space and land on the Moon in the Mid-20th Century. Since then, the human race has achieved many milestones by sending space missions to other planets and outer space in search of knowledge and extra-terrestrial life. With the advancement of technology, we developed to capacitate ourselves by developing telescopes and looking beyond the skies. Through them, we can unveil many hidden mysteries and secrets of the heavens. Now we know that there are around three and a half billion to five billion stars only in our Milky way galaxy. With the help of these high-resolution telescopes, we know that there are possibly trillions of galaxies in our universe roaming in massive space. We know how stars are formed, how they live their lives, and how they possibly end with a supernova or a neutron star or a black hole.
Close inspection of images taken with the Hubble Space Telescope shows that Pismis 24-1 derives its brilliant luminosity not from a single star but from three at least. Component stars would still remain near 100 solar masses, making them among the more massive stars currently on record. Picture Courtesy: Davide De Martin (ESA/Hubble)
We can predict the life of the Universe and its vastness through our knowledge of science and mathematics and can also estimate the movements of all heavenly bodies and answer many questions from quarks to quasars. We know that the Universe is expanding, and its expansion is accelerating with time. We know everything in the Universe has a life span, and when it dies, it becomes responsible for giving birth and life to something else. We know the chemical compositions of stars, elements they inherit, and the light they produce. We know that the clouds of gas and dust, which we call nebulae, are formed after the death of a single star, which gives birth to several other stars. We know about the wonders of comets, asteroids, and hundreds of thousands of others such objects that exist in our Universe.
The human quest for the understanding of the Universe has never stopped. We evolve with the technology opening new gateways of space explorations and finding new horizons beyond our skies. We are looking into new ideas that were long beyond the reach of human imaginations in past centuries. We are trying to connect to other worlds that support life and give us an opportunity to evolve in a better way. We have developed applied sciences to craft incredible space technologies in terms of communications, observation of the Earth, global positioning services through satellites, and giving a boom to space manufacturing and industrialization with the construction of the International Space Station (ISS).
Until now, there have been more than 135 flights of the Space Shuttle with the launch of more than 8,000 space objects, including satellites, space probes, rovers for the Moon & Mars, and dozens of exploratory missions throughout the Solar System. Space agencies throughout the world are now looking back to the Moon, and they have a plan to colonize the Moon before colonizing Mars because they know setting foot on Mars will never be easy until they learn to understand the way of survival at Moon first. There are now more than 2000 private companies working on space activities within different capacities. The government space agencies are also collaborating in this quest for space exploration. The eyes are set on orbital habitats, space manufacturing platforms, space greenhouses, harnessing asteroids, and advanced satellite technologies. The space industry is expected to contribute trillions of dollars to the global economy in the coming years.
The future of Space Science holds a technological revolution. There will be more advanced orbiting scientific spacecraft, missions to other planets, and to their moons, as well as surface rovers and robotic geologist providing us with the profound details about the surface and atmosphere of Mars. In the coming years, we can expect state-of-the-art sensors, equipment, orbiters, hot air balloons, penetrators, landers, satellites, and so on to help us discover the riddles of new worlds.
Space telescopes operating at different wavelengths across the electromagnetic spectrum to unfold mysteries.
The advancement has surprised us by the knowledge that we gained by analyzing the data collected in all those years of research and observation. We know the ways have observatories and laboratories throughout the world, collecting data and turning this data into useful information that helps us gaining knowledge about the evolution of the Universe. We are now able to understand more deeply than ever about the black holes, neutron stars, exoplanets, binary star system, nebulas, comets, asteroids, gravitational waves, dark matter, dark energy, cold spots, cold ions, subatomic particles, anti-particles, space-time expansion and many other mysteries that were never even identified some decades back. The knowledge about them is very little, but we have the direction. We know now more than ever from where to begin our quest, and we know one thing that the human mind holds as many wonders as the Universe itself. The curiosity of the human mind will lead him to watch the conundrums with an insight to develop its capabilities to avoid and major catastrophic impact.
With the help of our time machines in the form of telescopes like Hubble, Spitzer, and Chandra, we look back in time into the miracles of nature and broadening the dimensions of our visualizations. We weren’t able to imagine things that we have the ability to envision now. In the future, with the space telescopes like James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), Herschel, NuSTAR, Planck, GLAST, Con-X, LISA, JDEM, we will be able to widen our prospects of imagination even more. They will help us see back in time, at the early stages of the Universe, and identifying the secrets lying behind the curtains of its development. Within the next decade, we will be able to decode many other hidden treasures of the cosmos and the breathing life. For we can hope that human understanding of the science of strange cosmos envision us to live with its true purpose.
In his second book, The Fabric of the Cosmos, popular string theorist Brian Greene deals with some of the most intriguing concepts within the realm of physics, and in turn, our universe. One by one, he presents a grand mystery and then gives the prominent hypotheses and theories set forth to demystify each mystery. He does this by building a narrative and using analogies (lots of them) to describe every concept’s qualitative features. Throughout the book, Greene does not employ any mathematics in explaining these concepts. But for the curious readers with some understanding, he gives some mathematical equations in the notes. From the nature of space to the abstract nature of time to the big bang, he enthusiastically guides the reader through centuries of ideas and conclusions in an ambitious journey spanning the entire universe.
Brian Randolph Greene is an American theoretical physicist, mathematician, and string theorist.
Going through the theories
Looking back, according to Isaac Newton, space and time were separate, absolute entities, and all motion was relative to only this absolute space. A German polymath, Gottfried Wilhelm, claimed that space and time were mere words to describe where and when an event occurred. To Albert Einstein, space and time were relativistic on their own but absolute together as “spacetime.” Quantum mechanics, as it is known to do, once again challenged our intuition by going against the notion of space being empty. Brain Greene objectively goes through each of these theories, along with other ones. Every idea is explained effortlessly no matter what the complexity is.
Another major section of the book is dedicated to time. Does time flow, and does it have a direction? Greene poses these questions and goes on to discuss them. For the first question, he concludes that it is we who experience time flow. The past, present, and future are all equally real. What is truly baffling is that time does not seem to have an arrow. Newtonian physics, the theories of relativity, quantum mechanics, the laws of thermodynamics (even entropy), or any other renowned laws and theories do not distinguish between time moving into the future or time going backwards.
Digging Deep
Professor Greene then ventures into the cosmos to take on symmetry and its relationship with temperature leading to the unification of the force fields. The Higgs ocean and Higgs field, essential to the universe as they are the source of objects having mass, are introduced. Nowadays, hardly any Physics book leaves out the infamous ”Big Bang,” and this book is no different. He also tries to shed some light on the mysterious dark matter and dark energy that constitute 95 percent of the universe.
As the journey ends, Brain Greene starts on it again, but this time he takes it through the lens of ”String Theory” and its successor’ M Theory.” This elegant yet purely theoretical framework does what no other theory has done yet. It includes gravity in its unification! String theory in itself transitions to extra dimensions, multi-universes, and super-symmetry. In the last section, he discusses the experiments undertaken to prove or disprove the theories in the book from LIGO to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). He also dedicates a whole chapter to the possibility of time travel and teleportation in our universe.
The floor for exploration
Brian Greene’s excitement about the different topics seeps through every line, which is quite contagious. Every now and then, you grin or smirk at what you read. This is mostly due to the absurdity in the matters of the universe described but sometimes because of his quirky analogies and comments. In the ”Fabric of The Cosmos,” Greene acts as an essential middle man between the cosmos and the reader. He gracefully presents the vast, sophisticated physics describing the universe, without drawing any conclusions. That is left to the reader.
