Recent Defence and Space Innovations

• India’s First Hyperloop Test Track: The test track has been completed at IIT Madras, marking a significant milestone for India in transportation technology.
• Vega-C Rocket: An Italian launch vehicle designed for small to medium payloads.
• Sentinel-1 Series: A series of satellites for radar imaging that monitor environmental changes.
• New A(H5N1) Avian Flu Strain: The new strain shows an increase in airborne spread, raising concerns for global health.
• HESS (High Energy Stereoscopic System): An observatory in Namibia that focuses on detecting high-energy cosmic rays to enhance our understanding of cosmic phenomena.
• TakeMe2Space: A Hyderabad-based company will launch MOI-TD, India’s first AI lab in space, using ISRO’s PSLV C60 rocket to make space research more affordable and accessible.
• The Sabal 20: An electric unmanned helicopter developed by IIT Kanpur and EndureAir, a UAV technology firm.
• Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE): The MACE telescope opened in Hanle, Ladakh, on October 4, 2024, to study high-energy cosmic rays.
• Sonobuoys: Devices used in the ocean to detect submarines, playing a critical role in maritime defense.
• Indian Navy’s P8i Aircraft in France: The P8i Poseidon aircraft lands in France for the Varuna Exercise, designed for maritime patrol and reconnaissance missions.
• Nafithromycin: India launches its first locally developed antibiotic, Nafithromycin.
• Proba-3: The first mission to operate two satellites in parallel formation, launched by India’s PSLV rocket, with the primary goal of studying the solar corona.
• INDUS-X 2024: The third edition of the India-U.S. Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) to foster defense innovation.
• U.S. Navy’s AIM-174B Missile: The missile is deployed to enhance aerial capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China’s aerial advantage.
• DRDO’s Long-Range Glide Bomb (Gaurav): DRDO successfully carried out the first flight test of a long-range glide bomb named Gaurav.
• Parvat Prahaar Military Exercise: The Indian Army conducts the ‘Parvat Prahaar’ military exercise in Ladakh, focusing on high-altitude warfare.
• KHAAN QUEST 2024: The Indian Army sent a group to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to participate in the multinational military drill KHAAN QUEST 2024.