Syllabus
GS Paper 3 – Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
Context
Over the past year, ISRO has made significant strides with several key missions.
Source
The Hindu| Editorial dated 23rd August 2024
A look at ongoing Indian space missions
India’s space program has witnessed significant advancements over the past year, with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieving several milestones. Following the success of the Chandrayaan 3 mission, ISRO has launched ambitious projects like the Aditya-L1 solar mission, the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program, and various satellite missions, showcasing India’s growing prowess in space technology.
History of ISRO
India’s journey in space research began in the early 1960s, at a time when satellite technology was still emerging globally, including in the United States.
- Establishment of INCOSPAR:
- In 1962, the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) was set up under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) based on a proposal by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, a key figure in Indian space science.
- INCOSPAR played a crucial role in the development of the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) in Tamil Nadu.
- The station saw its first rocket launch on November 21, 1963, when a Nike-Apache sounding rocket from the USA was launched.
- Formation of ISRO:
- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was officially established on August 15, 1969, to expand upon the objectives of INCOSPAR with a more comprehensive focus on harnessing space technology.
- ISRO’s headquarters were set up in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- Objectives of ISRO:
- The primary aim of ISRO is to develop and utilize space technology to meet various national requirements.
- To achieve this, ISRO has created significant space systems for applications in communication, television broadcasting, and meteorology.
ISRO Sub-Centres
| ISRO Centre | Location | Primary Function |
| Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) | Thiruvananthapuram | Specializes in the development and production of launch vehicles. |
| U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) | Bengaluru | Focuses on the design and development of satellites. |
| Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) | Sriharikota | Responsible for the integration and launching of satellites. |
| Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) | Valiamala and Bengaluru | Engages in the development of liquid propulsion systems, including cryogenic stages. |
| Space Applications Centre (SAC) | Ahmedabad | Develops sensors and systems for communication and remote sensing satellites. |
| National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) | Hyderabad | Manages the reception, processing, and distribution of remote sensing satellite data. |
Ongoing missions of ISRO
- Aditya-L1 Solar Mission
- Launch and Objective: Launched on September 2, 2023, Aditya-L1 is India’s first solar mission aimed at studying solar activities.
- Orbit Achievements: The spacecraft reached its designated orbit around the first Earth-Sun Lagrange point (L1) on January 6, 2024, and completed its first orbit on July 2, 2024.
- Scientific Contribution: Aditya-L1 studied a solar storm in May 2024, collaborating with observatories on the ground and spacecraft in lunar orbit.
- Launch and Objective: Launched on September 2, 2023, Aditya-L1 is India’s first solar mission aimed at studying solar activities.
- Gaganyaan
- TV-D1 Abort Mission: ISRO launched the Gaganyaan Test Vehicle-D1 on October 21, 2023, to test the Crew Escape System (CES).
- Mission Outcome: The CES successfully separated from the Test Vehicle, bringing the crew module to safety before splashing down in the Bay of Bengal. The module was recovered by INS Shakthi.
- Gaganyaan Astronaut Training
- Astronaut Candidates: Four candidates were announced for the Gaganyaan mission, Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captains Prashanth Nair, Ajit Krishnan, and Angad Pratap.
- International Collaboration: Mr. Shukla and Mr. Nair underwent advanced training in the U.S. ahead of a mission to the International Space Station (ISS), scheduled for 2025.
- TV-D1 Abort Mission: ISRO launched the Gaganyaan Test Vehicle-D1 on October 21, 2023, to test the Crew Escape System (CES).
- XPoSat X-ray Polarimeter Satellite
- Launch Date: XPoSat was launched on January 1, 2024.
- Scientific Purpose: It is the second space-based observatory focused on studying the polarization of radiation from celestial objects.
- Operational Status: The instruments XSPECT and POLIX onboard began operations on January 5 and 10, 2024, respectively.
- Launch Date: XPoSat was launched on January 1, 2024.
- INSAT-3DS Meteorological Satellite
- Launch and Vehicle: Launched on February 17, 2024, using the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
- Significance: The mission tested the GSLV ahead of the critical NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission scheduled for early 2025.
- Launch and Vehicle: Launched on February 17, 2024, using the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
- Reusable Launch Vehicle Testing
- Pushpak Experiments: ISRO conducted two landing experiments with the Pushpak vehicle, a downscaled version of the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) , on March 22 and June 7, 2024.
- Experiment Outcomes: Both experiments simulated landing conditions and were successful, paving the way for the ‘Orbital Return Flight Experiment’.
- Pushpak Experiments: ISRO conducted two landing experiments with the Pushpak vehicle, a downscaled version of the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) , on March 22 and June 7, 2024.
- Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) Development
- Final Development Flight: The third and final development flight of SSLV took place on August 16, 2024.
- Mission Success: The vehicle successfully placed the EOS-08 and SR-0 Demosat satellites into orbit, completing the SSLV’s development phase and transitioning it to industry for operational use.
- Final Development Flight: The third and final development flight of SSLV took place on August 16, 2024.
- Development of Next-generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV)
- Launch Vehicle Evolution: The NGLV is designed to replace the GSLV, with a semi-cryogenic engine, a liquid engine, and a cryogenic engine for enhanced payload capabilities.
ISRO’s Long-term Roadmaps
- Gaganyaan Program: A 25-year roadmap was announced for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, including plans for a crewed lunar landing by 2040.
- Lunar Exploration: Future plans involve a sample-return mission, long-duration lunar surface missions, collaboration with NASA’s Lunar Gateway, and building moon habitats.
- Indian Space Station: Plans for the ‘Bharatiya Antariksh Station’ (BAS) , a dedicated Indian space station, are targeted for completion by 2035.
Growth of Private Space Missions in India
- Agnikul Cosmos: Successfully launched the SoRTeD-01 vehicle, the first semi-cryogenic engine-powered launch from Indian soil, on March 21, 2024.
- Skyroot Aerospace: Progressing towards the Vikram 1 rocket launch after successful solid-fuel engine tests and a previous Vikram S test flight.
- Other Ventures: Dhruva Space and Bellatrix Aerospace conducted experiments on the PSLV-C58 mission.
Policy Shift in India’s Space Programmes
- Commercial Transition: ISRO transferred all commercial activities related to Indian Remote Sensing satellite data and products to NewSpace India, Ltd. (NSIL) on May 1, 2024.
- Global Partnerships: NSIL signed agreements with SpaceX for launching the GSAT-20/GSAT-N2 satellite and with an Australian company for SSLV launches.
- New Policies: IN-SPACe released guidelines for space activities on May 3, 2024, and granted India’s first satellite broadband licence and ground station licence to private companies.
- FDI Policy Amendment: The Government of India allowed 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in most space segments, with some restrictions on satellite manufacturing and launch infrastructure.
Conclusion
India’s space program is on a remarkable trajectory, marked by innovative missions and strategic collaborations that aim to expand the country’s footprint in space exploration. The achievements of the past year highlight ISRO’s dedication to advancing space technology, not only for scientific discovery but also for enhancing national capabilities and fostering global partnerships.
References
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Related PYQ
India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space missions, both in terms of technology and logistics. Explain critically? [ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2017]
Practice Question
Discuss the recent developments in India’s space program and their significance for India’s position in the global space community?[150 words]