India plans Gaganyaan flight in 2027 as 746 people from 52 countries visited space
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Space technology (ISRO, missions)· Prelims + Mains·
Space governance and milestones: a relevant GS3 Science & Technology and International Relations topic.
Why in news
India plans its Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission for 2027 as the world observes World Space Week.
Background
At least 746 people from 52 countries have traveled to space. The Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1 sixty-nine years ago (relative to 2026), and the Outer Space Treaty entered into force on October 10, 1967.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TSputnik 1: The first satellite to orbit Earth, launched by the Soviet Union.
- Intl. orgOuter Space Treaty: Entered into force on October 10, 1967, establishing space as a peaceful domain.
- FactUS and China have sent 369 and 29 people to space respectively.
- S&TKarman line: Generally used by international bodies as the boundary of space at 100km above Earth.
- PostYuri Gagarin: First human in space, completed one orbit on Vostok 1 on April 12, 1961.
Prelims practice question
Which international agreement entered into force on October 10, 1967, to establish space as a peaceful domain?
- (a)Outer Space Treaty
- (b)Geneva Space Protocol
- (c)Antarctic Treaty
- (d)Moon Agreement
Show answer
Answer: (a) Outer Space Treaty — The Outer Space Treaty entered into force on October 10, 1967, establishing space as a peaceful domain.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the significance of the Outer Space Treaty in ensuring the peaceful use of outer space and the challenges of establishing a legal boundary for space.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Legal ambiguity: Lack of a universally binding definition for the start of space beyond the Karman line.
- Geopolitical friction: Balancing national space exploration ambitions with the non-appropriation principles of the Outer Space Treaty.
Keywords: Space Governance · Outer Space Treaty · Human Spaceflight · Sputnik · Karman Line · Space Exploration
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.