Know, why is helium necessary for rockets?
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Context
NASA and Boeing have been dealing with recurring issues related to helium leaks in space missions. This has affected operations of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft and delayed SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission.
Helium, a gas needed to pressurize rocket fuel tanks, has proven both valuable and problematic due to frequent leak incidents.
Why in the news?
Two NASA astronauts aboard Boeing's Starliner will remain on the International Space Station (ISS) for several months due to propulsion system problems, including a helium leak. Meanwhile, SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission has been delayed due to helium-related issues on ground equipment.
Background
Helium leaks are not a new problem in space exploration. Similar problems have occurred in previous missions such as ISRO's Chandrayaan 2 and ESA's Ariane 5.
Although helium is widely used in space missions, its tendency to leak from small gaps has become a growing concern across the industry.
Why only helium as fuel in rockets?
Helium is not used directly as a fuel for rockets but plays a vital role in pressurizing rocket fuel tanks and ensuring the smooth flow of fuel.
It is ideal for space missions because it is inert, meaning it does not react with other substances, making it a safe choice in the highly volatile environment of rocket propulsion systems.
Why is helium the preferred fuel?
While other gasses such as argon and nitrogen have been used in rocket systems, helium remains the preferred choice due to its unique properties.
Helium's low boiling point allows it to remain gaseous in extremely cold environments, which is important for cryogenic fuels often used in space missions.
Importance of Helium
Helium is primarily used to pressurize rocket fuel tanks and cooling systems. As fuel is consumed during flight, helium fills the empty space in the tanks, maintaining a constant pressure.
This ensures that the rocket's engine receives an uninterrupted flow of fuel. Its non-reactive nature also makes it safe for use in such high-risk operations.
Benefits of Helium
The major advantages of helium include its inertness, which prevents dangerous chemical reactions and its ability to remain gaseous at very low temperatures. Its low density also makes it lighter, reducing the overall weight on the rocket, which is important in optimizing fuel efficiency.
Helium Leaks - A Growing Problem
One of the major disadvantages of using helium is that it tends to escape through small gaps or seals, causing leaks.
These leaks, though often detected early, can disrupt mission timelines and raise safety concerns. Such problems were seen in NASA's Starliner mission, in which the leak was detected both before and after the spacecraft's launch.
Helium Leak Disposal
Helium leaks can be resolved by adopting the following measures. Such as:-
- Addressing helium leaks requires improving valve designs and fittings in the rocket system.
- Engineers have suggested tighter seals and more rigorous testing to reduce the likelihood of leaks.
- Some missions have explored alternative pressurization systems but these have faced their own challenges.
Conclusion
Helium remains a critical element in space missions due to its unique properties.
However, the growing issue of helium leaks has prompted the space industry to reconsider the design and reliability of their systems. These recurring problems highlight the need for innovation and strict quality control in space technology.
The way forward
The space industry should focus on advancing valve technology and exploring alternative pressurization systems to minimize the impact of helium leaks.
While helium will likely remain central to rocket technology, improvements in sealing mechanisms and leak detection systems are essential to ensure mission success and safety.
Are Turkish companies facing closures amid economic downturn?
Context
Turkey's garment industry, once a major player in global fashion supply chains, is now facing a severe economic downturn.
Rising costs, a devalued lira and policy changes aimed at controlling inflation have put businesses under stress, leading to mass closures and layoffs.
Why in the news?
The challenges facing Turkey's garment industry are emblematic of the broader economic problems gripping the country. Many businesses, including crucial sectors such as textiles, are struggling to stay afloat amid rising inflation, rising energy costs and dwindling export orders. A wave of bankruptcies and factory closures across the country highlights the dire economic situation.
Background
For several years, Turkey's economic policy, led by President Tayyip Erdogan, focused on monetary easing to boost growth. However, this led to uncontrollable inflation and a series of currency depreciations.
In response, the central bank has been implementing aggressive policy measures, including sharp interest rate hikes, to rein in inflation. These efforts have had a mixed effect, reducing inflation but making loans more expensive and leaving many businesses in financial trouble.
What is an economic recession?
An economic recession occurs when a country's economy contracts for a prolonged period of time, typically resulting in a drop in GDP, a rise in unemployment, and a reduction in industrial production.
This often leads to a decrease in consumer spending, a decline in business investment, and widespread financial instability. Turkey is on the verge of recession, with inflation and policy changes hampering business growth and leading to a sharp increase in bankruptcies.
Rising costs and declining competition
The garment industry, a major export sector for Turkey, has been particularly hit hard. Businesses like Dogan Duman's factory, which supplies global brands like Zara, are facing declining orders due to a lack of competition.
Inflation that reached above 75% earlier this year, along with a surge in energy prices and a weakening lira, have made it difficult for Turkish businesses to compete with manufacturers from countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh.
Turkey's industries and the gloomy outlook
With nearly 15,000 businesses expected to close in the first seven months of 2024, the prospects for Turkey's industries appear bleak.
Factory closures, job losses and rising production costs have pushed many companies toward bankruptcy. Textiles and construction firms are particularly vulnerable, with many seeking court protection to delay loan payments and continue operating.
Conclusion
Turkey's aggressive efforts to control inflation through interest rate hikes have cooled the economy but come at a significant cost to businesses.
The country's garment industry, once a vital sector, is now struggling with declining competition, rising costs and declining orders. Many companies are on the verge of collapse, and economic uncertainty has cast a shadow over the future of Turkey's industries.
The Way Forward
Turkey may need to take a more balanced approach to economic policy to stabilize the economy and protect key industries.
This could include measures to ease the burden on businesses, such as targeted financial support, tax breaks or incentives to boost exports. Additionally, the government could focus on increasing the competitiveness of domestic industries by reducing energy costs and investing in workforce development.
Defamation case
Context
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor recently approached the Supreme Court seeking reversal of the Delhi High Court's decision that refused to quash defamation proceedings against him.
The case stems from his remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in which he compared him to a "scorpion sitting on a Shivling".
Why in the news?
Tharoor's legal team has urged the Supreme Court for an urgent hearing on the matter. The plea was mentioned before Chief Justice DY Chandrachud when the bench was concluding its work for the day.
Background
The defamation case against Tharoor was filed following his controversial remarks during an event in 2018, in which he used the metaphor of a "scorpion sitting on a Shivling" to describe Modi.
This comment was considered offensive by some, which led to legal action under defamation laws.
What is defamation?
Defamation is the act of harming someone's reputation through false statements, whether written (slander) or oral (slander). In India, defamation can be both a civil and criminal offence and is dealt with under sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
When is a defamation case filed?
A defamation case is filed when a person believes that his or her reputation has been harmed by false statements made by another party.
In criminal cases, this involves proving that there was an intent to cause harm, while in civil cases, the plaintiff seeks monetary compensation for the damages suffered.
Factors considered while deciding a defamation case -
Judges consider several factors before passing a judgment on defamation cases. Such as:-
- The truthfulness of the statement
- The intention and whether the statement was made in good faith
- Public interest and freedom of expression are also weighed, especially when political figures or public officials are involved
What is the procedure for pleading a defamation case?
- In criminal defamation cases, the complainant files a petition in the magistrate's court and the accused is summoned.
- Evidence is presented and witnesses may be called.
- The defence may argue that the statement was true, made in the public interest or was not intended to cause harm.
When can defamation proceedings be dismissed?
A defamation case can be dismissed if the court finds that the statements made were true or fall within the category of fair comment, made in the public interest without malicious intent.
It can also be dismissed if there is not enough evidence to pursue the case.
Conclusion
Tharoor's petition draws attention to the ongoing debate about defamation laws in India, particularly when they involve public figures. The Supreme Court's decision on this matter could set an important precedent.
Way Forward
This case highlights the need for clear guidelines on defamation, particularly in relation to political speech and public interest. In a democracy, a balance must be struck between protecting reputation and ensuring freedom of expression.
