Question: Which of the following space agency launched the world’s first commercial fully re-programmable satellite Eutelsat Quantum?
a) ISRO
b) ESA
c) NASA
d) None of these
Answer: (b)
Related Facts:-
- On 30 July 2021; European Space Agency (ESA) launched, Eutelsat Quantum (EQ), the world’s first commercial fully re-programmable satellite.
- The satellite was placed in orbit some 36 minutes after the launch.
- Eutelsat Quantum lifted off from French Guiana on board an Ariane 5 rocket and with launch a new era begins in the field of more flexible communications.
- The European Space Agency (ESA) declared that the Eutelsat Quantum satellite is the first commercial fully flexible software-defined satellite in the world.
- EQ, which weighs 3.5-tonne, has been developed under an ESA partnership project with satellite operator Eutelsat and prime manufacturer Airbus.
- It can respond to changing demands for data transmission and secure communications during its 15-year lifetime because it can be reprogrammed in orbit.
- Its beams can be redirected to move in almost real-time to provide information to passengers onboard moving ships or planes.
- A fully re-programmable satellite:
- The Eutelsat Quantum has an advantage over the conventional satellites as it allows users to tailor the communications to their needs — almost in real-time.
- It should be known that conventional models that are designed and “hard-wired” on Earth and cannot be repurposed once in orbit.
- EQ can be reprogrammed while orbiting in a fixed position 35,000 kilometers (22,000 miles) above the Earth.
- According to the ESA it can respond to changing demands for data transmission and secure communications during its 15-year lifetime.
- communication beams for mobile coverage:
- EQ has eight communications beams, each of which can be modified to change its area of coverage and also the power of the telecommunications signal it emits.
- Using software made available to the customer, these changes can be made in a matter of minutes, according to Eutelsat.
Links:-
https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/worlds-first-commercial-fully-re-programmable-satellite-lifts-off-here-s-all-you-need-to-know-101627694453032.html
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/jul/31/eutelsat-quantum-breakthrough-reprogrammable-satellite-launches