Syllabus
GS Paper 3 – Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology.
Context
Space startups are poised to be a gamechanger in India’s space sector
Source
The Hindu | Editorial dated 1st June 2024
Splash back
Agnikul Cosmos, an Indian start-up, successfully conducted the first test flight of its rocket ‘Agnibaan’, ‘Suborbital Tech Demonstrator’ (SOrTeD). This milestone marks a significant step forward in India’s commercial space sector, showcasing the capabilities of indigenous private space technology.
Agnibaan Rocket
- Design: A two-stage, 14-tonne launch vehicle designed to lift small satellites to low-earth orbits.
- Engines: Powered by bespoke semi-cryogenic engines in both stages.
- Test Flight: Flew a ‘minimal’ version with one engine (or stage).
- 3D printed components: Many components, including engines, are 3D-printed.
Measures adopted to encourage space startups
- IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre): An autonomous, single-window nodal agency to promote, authorise, monitor, and supervise space activities of Non-Governmental Private Entities (NGPEs) in India.
- NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL):
- To transfer matured technologies developed by ISRO to Indian industries.
- Strategy Shift was seen with transition from a supply-based model to a demand-driven model where NSIL acts as an aggregator of user requirements and secures commitments.
- Regulatory Regime changes:
- The SpaceCom and SpaceRS policies were the first to be updated.
- These updates further liberalized the Satellite Communication and Remote Sensing sectors, enabling entrepreneurs and industries to undertake end-to-end activities in these domains.
- 100% FDI in space sector to attract foreign investors.
- Since its formation, over 100 companies have entered the sector, raising $110 million in 2022.
As per DPIIT Start-Up India Portal, the number of Space Start-Ups have increased from just 1 in 2014 to 189 in 2023.
Significance of Space startups in India
- Socio-economic impact:
- Space startups are tackling challenges faced by everyday Indians by developing solutions in areas like agriculture, disaster management, and communication.
- For instance, companies like Pixxel are using satellite imagery to improve crop yield prediction .
- Investment and job creation:
- The space sector in India is attracting significant investment, with funding for startups growing rapidly.
- This translates to more jobs and a growing economy.
- Technological advancements:
- Space startups are known for their agility and willingness to experiment.
- This leads to cutting-edge technologies in areas like launch vehicles, satellites, and space materials. This benefits ISRO’s space programs as well.
- Global competitiveness:
- A thriving space startup ecosystem will position India as a major player in the global space economy, estimated to be worth $44 billion by 2033.
- This can lead to collaboration and partnerships with other spacefaring nations.
Conclusion
The successful test flight of Agnikul Cosmos’s ‘Agnibaan’ and similar achievements by other startups like Skyroot’s ‘Vikram’ signify a promising future for India’s private space sector. These developments, supported by ISRO’s technical expertise and a conducive regulatory environment, have the potential to accelerate innovation and expand India’s presence in the global space market.
Related Topic
Cryogenic Engine
A cryogenic engine, or cryogenic stage, is the final stage of a space launch vehicle that uses cryogenics.
- Uses propellants at extremely low temperatures, making it more complex than solid or liquid propellant stages.
- Propellants: Utilizes Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) which liquefy at -183°C and -253°C respectively.
Advantages of Cryogenic Engine
- High Energy per Unit Mass: Liquid propellants provide high energy per unit mass, reducing the amount of fuel needed.
- Carries Higher Payload:Specific impulse is higher with cryogenic propellants, providing a substantial payload advantage.
- Fuel Density:Higher density of liquid fuel stored at low temperatures allows for more fuel storage.
- Cooling:Engine cooling is achieved using the fuel, eliminating the need for additional cooling circuits.
- Clean Fuels: Hydrogen and oxygen are clean fuels, producing only water as a byproduct.
- Economical: Hydrogen and oxygen as propellants are economical. Produces more force per kilogram (higher thrust), making it more economical compared to other propellants.
References
Related PYQ
What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme?[ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2019]
Practice Question
Discuss the significance of private sector participation in India’s space exploration initiatives. [150 words]