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Indian Space Program
Context:
November 21, 2024, marked the 61st anniversary of the Indian space program.
The Indian Space Program refers to India’s ambitious and evolving space exploration and satellite technology efforts, spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Established in 1969, ISRO has achieved numerous milestones in space science, satellite communication, and space exploration.
History and Evolution:
- 1963: India’s space journey began with the launch of a Nike-Apache-sounding rocket from Thumba, Kerala. This was a key step in mastering solid propellant technology.
- 1969: ISRO was officially founded under the leadership of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai to harness space technology for national development.
- Over the decades, India made significant advancements, eventually becoming a global player in space exploration.
Key Achievements:
- Satellite Launches: India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, was launched in 1975 from the Soviet Union. The country has launched numerous satellites for communication, remote sensing, weather monitoring, and scientific research, including GSAT, INSAT, and IRNSS series.
- Launch Vehicles: ISRO developed the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), and the GSLV Mk III, which are capable of launching satellites into various orbits.
- Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan): In 2013, India became the first Asian country to reach Mars orbit and the fourth globally, with the successful launch of the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), showcasing its cost-effective space mission capabilities.
- Chandrayaan Missions: Chandrayaan-1 (2008) discovered water molecules on the Moon. Chandrayaan-2 (2019) aimed to land on the Moon’s south pole, but the lander failed during descent, although the orbiter continued to send data.
Recent Developments:
- ISRO and SpaceX Collaboration: GSAT-N2/GSAT-20 Satellite (4,700-kg) launched by NewSpace India Ltd. onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Florida.
- The GSAT-N2, a Ka-band high throughput communication satellite built by ISRO, will enhance broadband services in underserved regions of India, including the northeast, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep.
- It will also support services like in-flight internet and India’s Smart Cities Mission.
- Upcoming ISRO Launch (PSLV-C59): ISRO is preparing to launch its PSLV-C59 mission on December 4, 2024, with the European Proba-3 spacecraft to study the Sun.
Private Sector Initiatives:
- Pixxel (Indian-American): To launch its ‘Fireflies’ hyperspectral satellite constellation (6 satellites) early next year, capable of detecting crop diseases, water stress, deforestation, and ocean pollution.
- GalaxEye Space: Flying its “Tech Demo” on the PSLV’s Orbital Experimental Module (POEM), testing synthetic aperture radar (SAR) subsystems.
- PierSight Space: Flying its ‘Varuna’ mission on PSLV POEM to test deployable reflectarray antenna and SAR subsystems.
- HEX20: Launching ‘Nila’ satellite in February 2025 on SpaceX’s Transporter 13 mission, offering data-processing services.
- Catalyx Space: The SR-0 satellite, launched on the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle’s third flight, completed its objectives during its 3-month mission.
- AAKA Space Studio: Launched India’s first Space Analog Mission in Leh, Ladakh, to simulate space habitat conditions for research in collaboration with ISRO and IIT-Bombay.
- SatSure: Working with the Ministry of Electronics and IT on a large-scale project to map rural property using drone-captured satellite imagery.
Future Prospects:
- Bharatiya Antariksh Station: India’s upcoming space station will host astronauts and conduct scientific research in low Earth orbit.
- Gaganyaan Mission: India’s first crewed mission, set to launch in 2025, marks a major milestone in human spaceflight.
- Private Space Launches: The growing involvement of Indian private sector companies is expected to play a key role in satellite launches, data services, and space exploration.
