MISSION SCOT

Indian space startup Digantara has successfully launched Mission SCOT, a Space Camera for Object Tracking satellite, marking a significant step in space surveillance. Launched on SpaceX's Transporter-12 mission, it tracks Resident Space Objects (RSOs) with higher accuracy and frequent revisit rates. SCOT is backed by Aditya Birla Ventures and SIDBI.

Last Updated on 21st January, 2025
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Description

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Picture Courtesy: https://news.satnews.com/2025/01/14/digantara-launches-indias-1st-homegrown-space-surveillance-mission-via-spacexs-transporter-12/

Context:

The Prime Minister praised Indian space startup Digantara for its success in Mission SCOT.

About the Mission SCOT

Mission SCOT (Space Camera for Object Tracking) is Digantara’s first mission dedicated to space surveillance.

It marks a significant step as one of the world’s first commercial Space Situational Awareness (SSA) satellites.

The SCOT satellite was launched on SpaceX's Transporter-12 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA, and is specifically designed to track Resident Space Objects (RSOs).

It monitors smaller RSOs with higher accuracy and more frequent revisit rates than current systems.

What makes SCOT different from traditional space surveillance systems?

It can track objects as small as 5 cm orbiting Earth, a capability not offered by traditional systems.

Traditional space surveillance sensors are limited by factors like field of view, weather conditions, and geographical restrictions. 

SCOT will be deployed in a sun-synchronous orbit, enhancing its efficiency in tracking objects in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which allows SCOT to offer more consistent and accurate space situational awareness, ensuring safer space operations.

Who is backing the SCOT mission?

The SCOT mission is backed by Aditya Birla Ventures and SIDBI to contribute to national security and enhance space operations, making it a valuable asset for the future of space surveillance in India.

How does SCOT contribute to space security?

The SCOTS technology enhances space security by improving object tracking, ensuring safer operations, and preventing collisions in congested environments, which is crucial for the growing number of satellites and missions, especially as space becomes more congested.

Advanced surveillance technology will improve debris management and contribute to the long-term sustainability of space activities.

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Source: 

PM INDIA

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.The “Mission SCOT” is frequently seen in the news, it is related to:

A) Clean up the oceans

B) Promote renewable energy

C) Explore the deepest parts of the ocean

D) Track Resident Space Objects

Answer: D

Explanation: 

Digantara, an Indian space startup, has launched the Space Camera for Object Tracking (SCOT) mission, one of the world's first commercial Space Situational Awareness satellites. It is designed to track Resident Space Objects (RSOs) with higher revisit rates and better tracking accuracy.

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