Karman Line

Why in news?

• As commercial spaceflight and space tourism develop, the Karman line has gained relevance as it represents a goal for many suborbital space tourism missions.

About Karman Line

• Karman line is an imaginary boundary in Earth’s atmosphere that defines the edge of space. It is located at an altitude of approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) above sea level. This line is often considered the boundary where space begins, and it’s used as a reference for distinguishing between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space.
• Although not all scientists and spacefarers accept it, a majority of countries and space organizations recognize it as a boundary. Any individual who crosses this line qualifies as an astronaut.
• The Karman line is named after Theodore von Kármán, a Hungarian-American aerospace engineer who was a key figure in the development of modern aerodynamics and rocketry. He proposed this boundary as a practical demarcation for the beginning of space in 1957.
• It is widely recognized internationally as the boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and space. It is used by various organizations, including the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), which governs world records in aviation and space activities.
• The Karman line is defined as the point where the atmospheric pressure is so low that it becomes insufficient to support aerodynamic lift for a conventional aircraft. Beyond this point, spacecraft must rely on rocket propulsion to maintain their trajectory.
• While the Karman line serves as a useful boundary for distinguishing between Earth’s atmosphere and space, it’s important to note that the exact altitude where this boundary occurs can vary slightly due to factors like solar activity and the composition of the atmosphere.
• The Karman line is not only of scientific interest but also has regulatory implications for space-related activities. For instance, it plays a role in defining when a flight is considered a spaceflight, subject to specific regulations and requirements.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Karman Line, often seen in news, is related to:

(a) National maritime boundaries

(b) Space exploration

(c) Human anatomy

(d) Mineral extraction

Answer