SPACE

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Context

• The Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE) was recently inaugurated by the Secretary, of the Department of Defence (R&D), and the Chairman of DRDO.

SPACE details:

Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE) is a premier testing hub for sonar systems for the Indian Navy.

Purpose and Scope:

• SPACE serves as a premier testing and evaluation hub for sonar systems destined for the Indian Navy.
• It is established by the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory of DRDO.

Components of SPACE:

• SPACE comprises two main components: a floating platform on the water surface and a submersible platform capable of descending up to 100 meters using winch systems.
• The submersible platform can be winched up and docked with the floating platform after operations.

Functionality and Capabilities:

• The facility enables the evaluation of complete sonar systems, facilitating quick deployment and recovery of scientific packages like sensors and transducers.
• It is equipped for surveying, sampling, and collecting data on various parameters, including air, surface, mid-water, and reservoir floor, using modern scientific instrumentation.

Research and Development Opportunities:

• SPACE houses well-equipped scientific laboratories for data processing and sample analysis.
• It heralds a new era of Anti-Submarine Warfare research capabilities, catering to the needs of the Indian Navy.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2018127

PRACTICE QUESTION Q) Which of the following statements regarding the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) test conducted by DRDO is correct? A) The missile is a supersonic cruise missile designed to hit targets with precision. B) It was tested at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. C) The test signifies a setback in India's efforts to develop indigenous defense capabilities. D) The missile travels at speeds slower than the speed of sound. Answer: D) Explanation: The statement D is correct: "The missile travels at speeds slower than the speed of sound" is correct. Subsonic cruise missiles travel at speeds slower than the speed of sound (343 meters per second). The other statements are incorrect. The missile is subsonic, not supersonic, and the test was conducted at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, not Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The successful test signifies progress in India's efforts to develop indigenous defense capabilities, not a setback.