indian space program essay upsc

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India’s ongoing space missions

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• Following the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon, India's space program has continued to advance significantly, despite a period of relative quiet at the Sriharikota spaceport.
• India’s space program, led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has been at the forefront of technological advancements and exploration missions.
• Following the success of Chandrayaan-3, India continues to embark on various ambitious space missions, contributing to scientific research and enhancing its status as a space power.

Significance of Ongoing Missions:

• Scientific Breakthroughs: These missions contribute valuable data for global scientific research , enhancing our understanding of the universe and our place within it.
• Technological Development : ISRO’s continuous innovation fosters advancements in space technology, which can have applications in other fields such as telecommunications , navigation , and disaster management.
• International Standing : Successful missions boost India’s reputation as a key player in the global space arena, opening avenues for international collaboration and commercial opportunities .

Future Prospects

India's space program is on a path of continuous growth and innovation. Planned missions include:

• Venus Orbiter Mission : Set to explore Venus' atmosphere and surface.
• AstroSat-2: A follow-up to AstroSat, aimed at studying cosmic phenomena.
• Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV): To provide cost-effective access to space for small satellites.
• India’s ongoing space missions reflect the country's commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and technology.
• With a strategic focus on scientific discovery, technological advancement , and international collaboration, ISRO is set to achieve new milestones in the coming years.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/since-chandrayaan-3-what-has-the-indian-space-programme-been-up-to-explained/article68554417.ece

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Milestones in India’s Space Programme

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Indian Space Policy 2023 and its significance – Explained, pointwise

Current Affairs Classes Pre cum Mains 2025, Batch Starts: 11th September 2024 Click Here for more information

• 1 Introduction
• 2 What is the need for the Indian Space Policy 2023?
• 3 What are the key provisions of the Indian Space Policy 2023?
• 4 What are the advantages of the Indian Space Policy 2023?
• 5 What are the challenges in the implementing Indian Space Policy?
• 6 What should be done?

Introduction

The recently approved Indian Space Policy 2023 is a landmark development for India’s space program. This is welcomed by the industry as it offers an opportunity to build upon past achievements and harness the potential of the evolving space sector. However, to unlock its full potential, it requires supportive legislation and clear rules.

Thus, the significance of the Indian Space Policy extends beyond its immediate impact, offering a roadmap for India’s future in space exploration and technology. It set the stage for the country to reach new heights in the realm of space.  

What is the need for the Indian Space Policy 2023?

Unclear regulatory framework: Without a clear-cut space policy, it was challenging to regulate and supervise the activities of various stakeholders in the space sector. 

Untapped potential: The Indian space sector had previously been dominated by the government, with limited participation from private entities. The policy was needed to tap into the potential of the private sector and startups, which could contribute to technological advancements and economic growth.   

National security and growth: With the strategic and security importance of the space sector, there was a need for a policy that could ensure India’s interests while still allowing for innovation and progress. The 2023 policy addresses this need by establishing IN-SPACe as the authorizing body for all space activities.   

Increasing global competitiveness: In the global context, India’s share in the space market was relatively small. The policy was required to increase the competitiveness of Indian space companies on the global stage and position them as viable alternatives to existing players.   

Economic implications: The space sector is capital-intensive and comes with high economic risks. There was a need for a policy that could guide investments, ensure profitability, and manage the economic implications of space activities, all of which the Indian Space Policy 2023 addresses. 

What are the key provisions of the Indian Space Policy 2023?

What are the advantages of the Indian Space Policy 2023?

Provides clarity : The Indian Space Policy 2023 establishes a single regulatory body, IN- SPACe , to streamline the process and provide clarity to all involved parties.   

Fostering innovation: The Indian Space Policy 2023 encourages private sector participation, which brings new ideas, innovation, and competition into the Indian space sector. This could lead to the development of more advanced technologies and efficient processes, driving the overall growth of the sector.   

Economic growth and job creation: As the private sector and startups gain more share in the space sector, it’s expected to lead to economic growth and job creation. The policy could spur investments, create high-tech jobs, and contribute significantly to the Indian economy.  

Accessible and affordable space technology: With increased competition, space technology and services could become more accessible and affordable, benefiting various sectors like communication, navigation, earth observation, and more.   

Encouraging entrepreneurship: The policy creates an encouraging environment for space startups, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the country. It provides a clear path for entrepreneurs to enter the space sector, contributing to the startup ecosystem’s growth.   

Streamlining regulations: By creating a single-window clearance system, the policy streamlines the regulatory process for space activities. This makes it easier for businesses to navigate the regulatory landscape and encourages more entities to participate in space activities. 

What are the challenges in the implementing Indian Space Policy?

Balancing security and growth: Striking a balance between encouraging private sector involvement and ensuring national security is a significant challenge. 

Funding and investment: Attracting adequate funding and investment for private space ventures could be a challenge, particularly for capital-intensive projects that may not have immediate revenue generation potential. Investors might be hesitant to support projects with long gestation periods and uncertain returns.  

Competition from global players: Indian space startups and private companies will face intense competition from established global players like SpaceX and Blue Origin. Competing with these giants in terms of technology and resources could be a significant challenge for new entrants.   

Developing skilled workforce: The space sector requires highly skilled professionals with specialized expertise in various fields. Developing and retaining a skilled workforce could be a challenge, especially given the competition for talent from established global space companies.   

Regulatory challenges: Creating a comprehensive regulatory framework that is efficient, transparent, and accommodates the evolving needs of the space sector is a complex task. Streamlining regulations and ensuring a smooth clearance process could be challenging as the sector grows and diversifies.   

Infrastructure development: Developing the necessary infrastructure for private companies to operate, such as launch pads, ground stations, and testing facilities, requires significant investment and planning. Ensuring that these resources are readily available and accessible to private players is a challenge.   

Technology transfer: Establishing a smooth technology transfer process between ISRO and private entities could be challenging. The government must create an environment that encourages collaboration and sharing of resources, expertise, and technology while protecting intellectual property rights.   

International collaboration and compliance: Navigating international treaties, agreements, and regulations in the space sector can be challenging for private companies. Ensuring compliance with international norms and fostering collaboration with global partners will be crucial to India’s success in the space sector.   

What should be done?

Establish a robust regulatory framework: A clear, comprehensive, and efficient regulatory framework needs to be established. This will help streamline the approval process for private companies, encourage compliance, and ensure security concerns are adequately addressed.   

The government must ensure that sensitive information and technologies do not fall into the wrong hands while promoting innovation and growth.

Facilitate access to funding: The government should facilitate access to funding for private players in the space sector. This could involve setting up dedicated funds, tax incentives, or other financial support mechanisms.   

Cultivate a space ecosystem: Efforts should be made to cultivate a vibrant space ecosystem in India, encouraging the growth of startups and established companies alike. This could involve hosting space technology events, fostering mentorship programs, and encouraging collaboration between different players in the space sector.   

Invest in research and development: Increased investment in research and development is necessary for the growth of the space sector. This could involve providing grants for innovative research and encouraging private companies to invest in their own research and development initiatives.  

Public awareness and education: Increasing public awareness and education about the space sector can help foster a culture of innovation and interest in space activities. This could involve creating educational programs about space for schools, hosting public events, and promoting the achievements of Indian space companies and ISRO.  

Sources : The Hindu ( Article 1 and Article 2 ),  The Hindu Businessline ,  ISRO ,  Economic Times and  The Times of India

Syllabus : GS – 3: Science and Technology: Indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

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Indian Space Program Essay | Essay on Indian Space Program for Students and Children in English

February 14, 2024 by Prasanna

Indian Space Program Essay:  All Indian Space Programs are conducted under the authority of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). With the glorious motto of ‘Space technology in the service of humankind,’ ISRO was established on 15th August 1969.

The legacy of ISRO began from the year 1975 when they launched the satellite Aryabhata that is named after the famous Indian astronomer and inventor of zero. ISRO is one of the six government space organizations in the world that possess full launch capabilities, operate large fleets of artificial satellites, deploy cryogenic engines, and launch extraterrestrial missions.

You can also find more  Essay Writing  articles on events, persons, sports, technology and many more.

Long and Short Essays on Indian Space Program for Students and Kids in English

We are providing students with a long essay of 500 words and a short essay of 150 words on the topic Indian Space Program for reference.

Long Essay on Indian Space Program 500 Words in English

Long Essay on Indian Space Program is usually given to classes 7, 8, 9, and 10.

The dawn of the Indian Space Program began in 1962 with the establishment of INCOSPAR (Indian National Committee for Space Research). In 1972, the space program was formalized with the constitution of DOS (Department of Space) and the Space Commission. This was done to formulate and implement the policies related to space research and space technology in the country.

The nodal agency for coordinating Research and Development activities related to space science and technology is the Space Commission. And DOS is the executive wing of this Space Commission that operates through major national organizations like ISRO, NRSA, PRL, NMRF, NE-SAC, etc. DOS also helps educational institutions by sponsoring projects related to space research.

In 1969, the government of India, for the purpose of rapid development in the department of space technology and its application, established ISRO. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) was set up by Dr.Vikram Sarabhai at Ahmadabad as him in the chairman position, and the organization was headquartered in Bengaluru (then called Bangalore).

Dr.Vikram Sarabhai, as the chairman of the apex body, helped in forming guidelines, formulated policies, and monitored the implementation of all national space policies. ISRO has an objective directed towards the self-reliant use of space technology and data for the development of India.

ISRO has helped the nation in the fields of mass communication and education after successful satellite launches. ISRO also aims at monitoring the survey and management of national natural resources by using remote sensing technology, meteorological forecasting, and environmental monitoring. The Indian Space Programs included the development and launches of several indigenous satellites, launch vehicles, space orbiters, and rockets.

Other than ISRO, some Indian space research organizations are the following:

Space Applications Centre: SAC is the organization located in Ahmedabad that engages in the development of payloads for satellite communication, remote sensing, and meteorology. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre: VSSC is the head organization for the development and launch of various satellite and satellite vehicles and similarly related space technology. VSSC is located at Thiruvananthapuram of India. Liquid Propulsion System Centre: The lead organization in India for developing liquid and cryogenic propulsion for satellites and launch vehicles is the LPSC.

Besides the research and development sectors of the Indian Space Program, the company that looks over the commercial marketing of space-related products and services is called the Antrix Corporation. The Antrix Corporation is an entirely government-owned company that was established in 1992.

Some of the major achievements of Indian Space Programs are the successful launch and operation of several satellites and satellite vehicles, like the AstroSat, Mangalyaan, Chandrayaan 1 & 2, PSLV, GSLV, etc. It is good to see that the government has invested a lot in Indian Space Programs in the past two decades. The Indian Space Program has come a long way, and there are miles to go before it can establish India as the best in space science and technology in the whole world.

Short Essay on Indian Space Program 150 Words in English

Short Essay on Indian Space Program is usually given to classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

India has emerged to become a big name in the world regarding the fast progress in the fields of space-related research and development. The Indian Space Program encompasses research and development in astrophysics, atmospheric sciences, astronomy, theoretical physics, planetary and earth sciences, etc.

It can be said that the Indian Space program started its legacy with the launch of its first space satellite named Aryabhatta on 19th April 1975. Soon after the first satellite launch, India didn’t delay launching its second satellite named Bhaskara on 7th June of 1979. India has also left a landmark in the history of space science and technology by launching Chandrayaan for its moon mission.

All this progress in the field of space research began with the great visionary scientist Dr.Vikram Sarabhai. And this is why Dr.Sarabhai is called the Father of the Indian Space Program. Indian Space Programs aim to promote the development of space science applications and technology for the benefit of the country’s socio-economical conditions.

10 Lines on Indian Space Program in English

• Under the Department of Space Government of India, the space agency is the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
• ISRO has headquarters in the city of Bengaluru in Karnataka, India.
• Jawaharlal Nehru established the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1972 under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
• ISRO has a vision of harnessing space technology for the development of the country and pursuing space science research and planetary explorations.
• The founding Father of the Indian Space Program was Dr.Vikram Sarabhai, under who the space research activities were initiated during the 1960s.
• Under the leadership of Dr.Ramnathan and Dr.Sarabhai, the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) was initiated.
• The Indian National Satellite (INSAT) System, established in 1983, along with the commission of INSAT-1B, is one of the largest domestic communication satellite systems in the region of Asia-Pacific.
• The first lunar orbiter sent by ISRO on 22nd October of 2008 was the Chandrayaan-1.
• ISRO set a world record on 15th February of 2017, when they launched one hundred and four satellites in a single rocket named PSLV-C37.
• Future plans of the Indian Space Program include the development of a unified launch vehicle, reusable launch vehicle, small satellite launch vehicle, human spaceflight, solar spacecraft mission, etc.

FAQ’s on Indian Space Program Essay

Question 1.  Does ISRO have a marketing arm?

Answer:  The marketing arm of ISRO is the Antrix Corporation Limited (ACL) that is responsible for the promotion, transfer of technology, and commercial exploitation of space products and services.

Question 2.  What are the three distinct elements of the Indian Space Program?

Answer:  The Indian Space Program had three distinct elements since its inception, such as the space transportation system, satellites for communication and remote sensing, and application programs.

Question 3.  How do the data from the satellites launched by the ISRO helpful for the country?

Answer:  The data collected by the satellites help several sectors of the country like agriculture, disaster management, urban planning, rural development, water resources, mineral prospecting, etc.

Question 4.  What is some recent news regarding upcoming ISRO missions?

Answer:  The Indian government in 2018 had announced an allocation of 100 billion rupees for the first human-crewed space mission set to be launched by the year 2022. However, a test launch was scheduled to take place in December of 2020, which now may be delayed because of the global pandemic.

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Indian Space Program – UPSC IAS

In this article, You will read Indian Space Program – for UPSC IAS (Transport, Communication and Trade).

Guys, Try to link this topic with Human Geography’s concept.

Indian Space Program

Objectives of indian space program, communications satellites india, important milestones in indian space program, dateline of indian space program.

• Indian Space Program is guided by a possibilistic approach .
• Indian Space Program is the tool for regional development.
• Indian Space Program is based on the network of optical fibre and wireless communication-based systems.
• Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is the nodal agency and flag bearer in the Indian Space Program.
• ISRO performs a wide array of services apart from their main mission of building and launching space missions and their launch vehicles for a wide variety of objectives.
• ISRO has also contributed to science and science education in the country.
• Various dedicated research centres and autonomous institutions for remote sensing, astronomy and astrophysics, atmospheric sciences and space sciences in general functions under the aegis of The Department of Space.
• Space discovery and exploration through space missions
• Promotion of research and education related to space science in the country. E.g. Tele-education in remote areas in India.
• Resource management such as mineral resources, agriculture, marine resources etc.
• Environment conservation
• Internal security and terrorism. E.g. use of IRNSS for regional security
• Weather forecasting
• Disaster Management
• The Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system is one of the largest domestic communication satellite systems in the Asia-Pacific region with nine operational communication satellites placed in Geo-stationary orbit.
• INSAT System consists of 14 operational satellites, namely – INSAT-3A, 3C, 4A, 4B, 4CR, 3DR and GSAT-6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15 and 16.
• Educational TV Services
• Telemedicine Programme
• Satellite Aided Search and Rescue
• Disaster management
• Helps in Geopolitics like SAARC satellite.
• Helps in the commercialization of space programs, like launching the communication satellites of Russia USA, etc.
• Starting with IRS-1A in 1988, ISRO has launched many operational remote sensing satellites. Today, India has one of the largest constellations of remote sensing satellites in operation.
• IRS satellite consists of CARTOSAT, OCEANSAT & RISAT (Resource Sat) Satellites
• Disaster Management Support
• Bio Resources and Environment survey and mapping e.g. RESOURCESAT
• Cartography e.g. CARTOSAT
• Agriculture & Soil
• Rural and Urban Development e.g. National Drinking Water mission

Phase I: 1960-70 (Incipient Stage)

• Dr. Vikram Sarabhai was the founding father of the Indian space program and is considered not only a scientific visionary.
• After the launch of Sputnik in 1957, he recognized the potential that satellites provided. India’s first Prime Minister, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, who saw scientific development as an essential part of India’s future, placed space research under the jurisdiction of the Department of Atomic Evergy in 1961.
• The DAE Director Homi Bhabha, who is regarded as the father of India’s atomic program, then established the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) with Dr. Sarabhai as Chairman in 1962.
• From its establishment in 1962, the Indian space program began establishing itself with the launch of sounding rockets, which was complemented by India’s geographical proximity to the equator.
• Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) was built near Thiruvananthapuram in south Kerala.
• India developed an indigenous technology of sounding rockets called Rohini Family of sounding rockets.
• In 1969, the India Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was created and finally, the Department of Space was established in 1972.

Phase II: 1970-80

• Sarabhai had taken part in an early study with NASA regarding the feasibility of using satellites for applications as wide as direct television broadcasting.
• India began the development of satellite technology, anticipating the remote sensing and communication needs of the future.
• India’s first foray into space began with the launch of its satellite Aryabhata in 1975 by a Soviet booster.
• By 1979, the SLV was ready to be launched from a newly established second launch site, the Sriharikota Rocket Launching Station (SRLS).
• The first launch in 1979 was a failure, attributed to control failure in the second stage. By 1980, this problem had been worked out.
• The first indigenous satellite launched by India was called Rohini.

Phase III: 1980-90

• Following the success of the SLV, ISRO was keen to begin construction of a satellite launch vehicle that would be able to put the truly useful satellite into polar orbit
• The Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) was tested in 1987, but this launch was a failure. After minor corrections, another launch was attempted in 1988, and this launch again failed.

Phase IV: 1990-2000

• It was not until 1992 that the first successful launch of the ASLV took place.
• The first successful launch took place in 1994, and since then, the PSLV has become the workhorse launch vehicle, placing both remote sensing and communications satellites into orbit, creating the largest cluster in the world, and providing unique data to Indian industry and agriculture.

Developments after 2000

• In 2001, the first development flight of the GSLV took place.
• India is developing a project to send an unmanned probes to the moon in 2008, as the first attempt at an exploration of the solar system. This project is called Chandrayaan.
• ISRO has entered the lucrative market of launching payloads of other nations upon its rockets from Indian soil.
• Launch Vehicle development programme comprising of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), and next generation GSLV Mark-III launch vehicle missions.
• Earth Observation programme consisting of state-of-the-art Indian remote sensing (IRS) satellites viz. Resourcesat, Cartosat, Oceansat, Radar Imaging Satellite, Geo-Imaging Satellite and weather/climate satellites viz. INSAT-3DR missions.
• Satellite Navigation programme consisting of constellation of 7 Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) along with associated ground segment intended to provide accurate positional information and timing services.

Read Here in detail about ISRO and Science and Technology

Sir very good content and well described. But sir could you please add some significance about private sector contribution in India’s space mission from various prospective.Thank you sir..

thank u so much..

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Indian Space Research Organisation [ISRO Notes for UPSC]

ISRO is an important body in India and spearheads research in space science in India, also playing a huge role in the development of the country through educational, agricultural, communication, and defence sector projects. Hence, it is an important segment of  UPSC science and technology syllabus.

ISRO or Indian Space Research Organisation is India’s space agency founded in 1969 to help develop an indigenous Indian space program. It is one of the 6 largest space agencies in the world today. ISRO maintains one of the biggest fleets of remote sensing (IRS) and communication (INSAT) satellites catering to the needs of the nation through a network of centres, offices, and research institutes in different parts of the country. ISRO functions in the following areas: broadcasting, weather forecasting, disaster management, geographic information systems, navigation, cartography (maps), telemedicine, distance education satellites, etc.

ISRO – UPSC Notes:- Download PDF Here

ISRO is headquartered in Bengaluru.

ISRO Chairman: Dr K Sivan (who is also the Secretary of the Department of Space, GOI)

ISRO Latest News

The decommissioned weather satellite Megha-Tropiques-1 has been brought down by ISRO. Read more about this development here .

ISRO Formation

• The Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) was established by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1962 under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
• Eminent scientist Dr Vikram Sarabhai had a big role in this development. He understood the need for space research and was convinced of the role it can play in helping a nation develop.
• INCOSPAR set up the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) at Thumba, near Thiruvananthapuram at India’s southern tip. TERLS is a spaceport used to launch rockets.
• The INCOSPAR became ISRO in 1969.
• The Department of Space was created in 1972 and ISRO became a part of it and remains so till date. The Space Department reports directly to the Prime Minister of the country.
• During 1975-76, Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) was conducted. It was hailed as ‘the largest sociological experiment in the world’. It was followed by the ‘Kheda Communications Project (KCP)’, which worked as a field laboratory for need-based and locale-specific program transmission in the state of Gujarat State.
• During this phase, the first Indian spacecraft ‘Aryabhata’ was developed and was launched using a Soviet Launcher.
• Another major landmark was the development of the first launch vehicle SLV-3 with a capability to place 40 kg in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which had its first successful flight in 1980.
• ’80s was the experimental phase wherein, Bhaskara-I & II missions were pioneering steps in the remote sensing area whereas ‘Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment (APPLE)’ became the forerunner for the future communication satellite systems.
• Antrix Corporation Limited (ACL) is a Marketing arm of ISRO for promotion and commercial exploitation of space products, technical consultancy services and transfer of technologies developed by ISRO.

ISRO has many facilities each dedicated to a specialized field of study in space. A few of them are as follows:

• Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram – The space research activities were initiated in India under Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the founding father of the Indian space program, during 1960s.
• Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), Thiruvananthapuram
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota
• Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad
• National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad

ISRO Milestones

• The first Indian-made sounding rocket was the RH-75 (Rohini-75). It was launched from TERLS in 1967. It weighed just 32 kg. Series of Rohini Sounding Rockets were developed by ISRO for atmospheric and meteorological studies.
• ISRO built its first satellite in 1975 and named it Aryabhata. This was launched by the Soviet Union.
• The first Indian-built launch vehicle was SLV-3 and it was used to launch the Rohini satellite in 1980.
• ISRO launched its first INSAT satellite in 1982. It was a communication satellite. It was named as INSAT-1A, which failed in orbit. The next communication satellite INSAT-1B was launched in 1983.
• Established in 1983 with commissioning of INSAT-1B, the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system is one of the largest domestic communication satellite systems in the Asia-Pacific region with nine operational communication satellites placed in Geostationary orbit. Details regarding INSAT – 1B are available on the linked page. The INSAT system provides services to telecommunications, television broadcasting, satellite newsgathering, societal applications, weather forecasting, disaster warning and Search and Rescue operations. 
• ISRO also launched the first IRS (remote-sensing satellite) in 1988.
• ISRO has developed three types of launch vehicles (or rockets) namely, the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle), the GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mark III or LVM). Further details on GSLV MK III are available on the link provided here.
• ISRO launched its first lunar mission Chandrayaan I in 2008.
• It also launched the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) or the Mangalyaan in 2014. With this, India became the first country to achieve success in putting a satellite in the Mars orbit in its maiden attempt and the fourth space agency and the first space Asian agency to do so. Read the details on Mangalyaan Mission here.
• ISRO has launched many small satellites mainly for experimental purposes such as INS-1C, Aryabhatta, APPLE, Rohini Technology Payload, YOUTHSAT, etc. The experiment includes Remote Sensing, Atmospheric Studies, Payload Development, Orbit Controls, recovery technology and more.
• Scramjet (Supersonic Combustion Ramjet) engine – In August 2016, ISRO successfully conducted the Scramjet (Supersonic Combustion Ramjet) engine test. It uses Hydrogen as fuel and Oxygen from the atmospheric air as the oxidizer. ISRO’s Advanced Technology Vehicle (ATV), which is an advanced sounding rocket, was the solid rocket booster used for the test of Scramjet engines at supersonic conditions. This test was the maiden short duration experimental test of ISRO’s Scramjet engine with a hypersonic flight at Mach 6. The new propulsion system will complement ISRO’s reusable launch vehicle that would have a longer flight duration. Read in detail about the Advance Technology Vehicle of ISRO on the given link.
• In 2017, ISRO created another world record by launching 104 satellites in a single rocket. It launched its heaviest rocket yet, the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-Mark III and placed the GSAT 19 in orbit.
• India’s Manned Mission to Space also termed as Gaganyaan, this project is part of the government’s ambition to make India a global low-cost provider of services in space. The launch vehicle for this mission will carry heavy payloads into space. For this purpose, GSLV Mk-III is being developed with a cryogenic engine. ISRO has already tested the GSLV Mk-III with experimental crew module (Re-entry & Recovery technology) and Crew Escape System (CES). Detailed information on Gaganyaan Mission is available on the linked page.

Also read the List of Indian Satellite From 1975 to 2021 on the given link.

Candidates can go through a few more achievements of ISRO mentioned below –

• ISRO has launched many operational remote sensing satellites, starting with IRS-1A in 1988. Detailed information on IRS-1A – the first indigenous remote sensing satelite is available on the linked page. Today, India has one of the largest constellations of remote sensing satellites in operation. The data from these satellites are used for several applications covering agriculture, water resources, urban planning, rural development, mineral prospecting, environment, forestry, ocean resources and disaster management.
• Navigation services are necessary to meet the emerging demands of the Civil Aviation requirements and to meet the user requirements of the positioning, navigation and timing based on the independent satellite navigation system.  ISRO worked jointly with Airport Authority of India (AAI) in establishing the GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) system to meet the Civil Aviation requirements. Similarly, it established a regional satellite navigation system called the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) to meet the user requirements of the positioning, navigation and timing services. Know more on IRNSS-NAVIC on the linked page.
• ISRO has influenced educational institutions by its activities like making satellites for communication, remote sensing and astronomy. The launch of Chandrayaan-1 increased the interest of universities and institutions towards making experimental student satellites. Some important Academic Institute Satellite are – Kalamsat-V2, PRATHAM, SATHYABAMASAT, SWAYAM, Jugnu, etc.

Go through the information on Satellite Launch Vehicle Program on the linked page.

ISRO Vision & Objectives

ISRO’s vision is stated as “Harness space technology for national development while pursuing space science research and planetary exploration.”

ISRO Mission

• Design and development of launch vehicles and related technologies for providing access to space.
• Design and development of satellites and related technologies for earth observation, communication, navigation, meteorology and space science.
• Indian National Satellite (INSAT) programme for meeting telecommunication, television broadcasting and developmental applications.
• Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS) programme for management of natural resources and monitoring of environment using space-based imagery.
• Space-based Applications for Societal development.
• Research and Development in space science and planetary exploration.

FAQ about ISRO

Who is considered as the “founding father” of indian space programme, how the objectives od isro are met.

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Space Missions in 2024

Last updated on January 5, 2024 by ClearIAS Team

Space missions in 2024 are set to follow the record-setting trends from 2023 (212 launches) and 2022 (135 launches). The new missions target the moon and other planets and beyond. Read here to learn about the spaceflights in 2024.

2023 saw the launches of the European Space Agency (ESA) Jupiter Icy Moons (JUICE) mission, its Euclid mission, and NASA’s long-awaited mission to the metallic asteroid 16 Psyche.

OSIRIS-Rex also returned its sample of asteroid Bennu to Earth, and India made its first successful landing on the Moon with Chandrayaan 3.

Meanwhile, iSpace’s Hakuto-R and Russia’s Luna 25 crashed on their lunar landing attempts.

Table of Contents

Space Missions in 2023

Here’s a summary of some of the major events, including the much-awaited launch of SpaceX’s massive Starship Mars rocket and the successful landing of NASA’s first-ever clean asteroid sample on Earth.

JUICE (Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer)

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• JUICE will spend the next eight years traveling to the gas giant, completing several gravity-assist maneuvers around Earth and Venus during the interim years.
• Once JUICE arrives at Jupiter in July 2031, it will begin studying the big moons Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa, all of which are believed to contain liquid-water oceans beneath their icy, outer layers.

NASA’s Psyche probe

• Psyche is on a 2.2 billion-mile (3.5 billion kilometers) journey to an asteroid of the same name, which is composed primarily of nickel and iron.
• Scientists believe the asteroid 16 Psyche may be the remnant of an ancient protoplanetary core, and they hope its study will yield clues into the processes of planetary formation.
• The return capsule from NASA’s first mission to retrieve samples from an asteroid touched town in September of 2023.
• OSIRIS-REx launched in 2016 and spent two years traveling to its target asteroid, Bennu.
• After an extensive survey in orbit around the space rock, OSIRIS-REx maneuvered to the asteroid’s surface to collect its samples in October 2020.

Chandrayaan-3

• India became the fourth nation to successfully land on the moon’s southern hemisphere when its Chandrayaan-3 mission achieved the feat in August of 2023.
• Chandrayaan-3’s landing duo consisted of two vehicles, the Vikram lander and the Pragyan rover.
• The Chandrayaan-3 propulsion module remained in lunar orbit to perform its research.
• Following its scheduled launch on September 2, 2023, Aditya-L1 stayed Earth-bound orbits for 16 days, during which it underwent 5 maneuvres to gain the necessary velocity for its journey.
• Subsequently, Aditya-L1 underwent a Trans-Lagrangian1 insertion maneuver, marking the beginning of its 110-day trajectory to the destination around the L1 Lagrange point.

Luna-25 (Roscosmos)

• Luna-25, the first Soviet/Russian lunar mission in 47 years, launched from the Vostochny Cosmodrome, in Russia’s eastern Amur Region.
• Its mission was to land in the moon’s south polar region, near Boguslawsky Crater, but a malfunction during one of the spacecraft’s engine burns caused the probe to crash into the lunar surface.

Longest spaceflight

• International Space Station (ISS) Expedition 68/69 Flight Engineer Frank Rubio broke the U.S. single-space flight duration record last year.
• Rubio and his Russian cosmonaut crewmates, Sergey Prokopyev and Dmitri Petelin, launched to the ISS on Sept. 21, 2022, and were originally scheduled for a six-month stint aboard the orbital laboratory.
• In total, Rubio spent 371 continuous days in space, breaking the previous U.S. spaceflight record of 355 days, held by NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei.

Virgin Galactic commercial space flight

• The company’s first mission, Galactic 01 , took off in June 2023 and carried members of the Italian Air Force and Italy’s National Research Council on a research flight that provided the trio a few minutes of weightlessness at their trajectory’s apex.

Let’s see what’s lined up for 2024.

Space missions in 2024

2024 is shaping up to be another exciting year for space exploration with several new missions under NASA’s Artemis plan and Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative will target the moon.

• Artemis 2 will combine nearly all elements, including the Space Launch System rocket, the Orion capsule, and four crew.
• The mission will perform a lunar flyby, making the crew the first humans to leave low-Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in 1972.

Europa Clipper

• NASA’s interplanetary mission, Europa Clipper is due to launch on a Falcon Heavy rocket on October 10th, though it won’t reach Jupiter until 2030.
• Despite launching more than a year after ESA’s JUICE, Europa Clipper will beat that spacecraft to Jupiter due to its more efficient trajectory.

VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration) & Lunar Trailblazer

• VIPER is NASA’s first automated rover to the moon’s south pole.
• The mission is designed to search for volatiles, which are molecules that easily vaporize, like water and carbon dioxide, at lunar temperatures.
• This mission is tagged with another launch Lunar Trailblazer as a rideshare.
• While VIPER will land on the moon’s surface, studying a specific area near the south pole in detail, Lunar Trailblazer will orbit the moon, measuring the temperature of the surface and mapping out the locations of water molecules across the globe.

JAXA MMX mission

• MMX (Mars Moons Explorer) will head to Phobos and Deimos in September.
• The spacecraft carries a sample-return mission, which will collect a piece of Phobos.
• JAXA has proven its ability to carry out asteroid rendezvous missions with Hayabusa 1 and 2, and a first-ever dedicated mission to Phobos is a natural extension.
• A small rover (Idefix) is also launching with MMX.
• NASA’s Escapade is also due to launch in early August on Rocket Lab’s first-ever interplanetary mission.
• The mission consists of two orbiters that will monitor Martian space weather.

Hera Mission

• ESA’s Hera mission will return to the Didymos-Dimorphos asteroid system that NASA’s DART mission visited in 2022.
• Hera will launch in October 2024, making its way in late 2026 to Didymos and Dimorphos, where it will study the physical properties of the asteroids.

Active mission flybys in 2024

Beyond launches, there will also be plenty of rendezvous to anticipate this year as well.

• NASA’s Juno mission will complete the closest flyby of Jupiter’s moon Io on February 3rd, passing just 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) from the moon’s surface.
• That flyby will also tighten the spacecraft’s orbit. Juno’s mission has been extended until September 2025 and during this extended mission.

Lucky mission

• NASA’s Lucy mission will also make its second Earth flyby on December 13th as it continues en route to Jupiter’s Trojan asteroids.

BepiColomobo

• BepiColombo, ESA, and DLR’s mission to Mercury will complete the fourth and fifth flybys of its target planet this year, on September 5th and December 2nd, respectively.
• It won’t be inserted into Mercury orbit until December 2025.

Parker solar probe

• NASA’s Parker Solar Probe will complete its seventh Venus flyby on November 6th at just 317 kilometers (197 miles) distant before completing its 22nd and closest perihelion on December 24th.

Indian Space missions

India is part of NASA’s Artemis program as it was the 27th country to sign the Artemis Accords , which establish a practical set of principles to guide space exploration cooperation among nations participating in NASA’s Artemis program.

PSLV-C58 with XPoSat

• India’s first X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat), was launched in January 2023 aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C58).
• This mission investigates the polarization of intense X-ray sources in the universe, focusing on pulsars, black hole X-ray binaries, and other celestial objects.

Mars Orbiter Mission 2 (MOM 2)

• MOM 2 is ISRO’s ambitious sequel to its successful MOM 1 which ended in 2022.
• The mission is aimed at studying the surface, atmosphere, and climatic conditions of Mars
• It will equip the orbiter spacecraft with advanced scientific instruments, including a hyperspectral camera, magnetometer, and radar.
• The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) may complete the first uncrewed flight test of their Gaganyaan 1 space capsule in early 2024.
• If successful, India may move ahead with crewed flights, perhaps becoming the fourth nation to launch humans into space by the end of the year.
• Under the Venus Orbiter Mission, ISRO plans to launch Shukrayaan -1, a spacecraft destined to orbit Venus for five years.
• It aims to study the atmosphere of Venus, marking India’s first foray into exploring the mysteries of the second planet from the Sun.

Previous year questions

Q. What is the main task of India’s third mood mission that could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the subsystems in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the ‘Virtual Launch Control Centre’ at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from Sriharikota. (2023)

Q.  What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme?  (2019)

Q. Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology helped India in its socio-economic development?  (2016)

Related articles:

• Indian Space Programme
• Space Tourism
• Space Economy

-Article by Swathi Satish

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Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe)

Three private sector satellite makers are expected to send their earth observation satellites this fiscal, according to the sectoral regulator Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).

About indian national space promotion and authorisation centre (in-space):.

• It is a single-window , independent , nodal agency that functions as an autonomous agency in the Department of Space (DOS).
• It is formed following the Space sector reforms to enable and facilitate the participation of private players.
• building launch vehicles & satellites and providing space-based services ;
• sharing space infrastructure and premises under the control of DOS/ISRO ;
• and establishing of new space infrastructure and facilities;
• The agency acts as an interface between ISRO and Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) and assesses how to utilize India's space resources better and increase space-based activities.
• It also assesses the needs and demands of private players , including educational and research institutions, and explores ways to accommodate these requirements in consultation with ISRO.
• Headquarters: Bopal, Ahmedabad.

Q1)  What is an earth observation satellite?

An Earth observation satellite is a type of satellite that is specifically designed and equipped to monitor and gather information about the Earth's surface, atmosphere, oceans, and other environmental parameters from space. These satellites are essential tools for studying and understanding the Earth's natural processes, climate changes, weather patterns, and human activities on the planet.

Source:   Three Indian startups to send satellites in FY24: IN-SPACe

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Privatization Of Indian Space Sector – Potential, Status, and Challenges

Context: This article is based on an Editorial “ India’s space economy to soar to $40 billion by 2040: Union Minister ” Which was published in the Live Mint . As per Deloitte consultancy , private investments in the Indian Space sector increased by 77% between 2021 and 2022 with the Opening of 190 Indian space start-ups . It was twice as many as a year earlier.

What is the potential of the Indian space sector?

• Space Economy: At present, its value is around ₹6,700 crore ($8.4 billion).
• Revenue From Satellite Launch: The Indian SpaceTech sector has r eceived $62 million funding in 2023 , registering a 60% increase, compared to the last year, as per data research firm Tracxn.
• Future Prospect: As per IN-SPACe’s projection, India’s space economy has the potential to reach ₹35,200 crore ($44 billion) by 2033 with about 8% of the global share.
• Export Share: At present, the export market share is ₹2,400 crore ($0.3 billion).

Read more about the Privatisation Of Space Sector here.

What is the current status of the privatization of Indian space sector?

• The U.S. is on top spot housing 56.4% of all companies in the space-tech ecosystem. 
• As per Economic Survey of India, there have been over 100 active space companies since 2012. 

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What is the significance of private sector participation in the Indian space sector?

• Enhancing Foreign Direct Investment: The private sector participation will attract more foreign direct investment for space startups and related technology companies in India. 
• Realizing the Vision of ‘’Make in India”: The vision of “Make in India” call for a remodelling of the mostly government-led space sector of the country.
• The Indian Space Policy 2023 provides a framework that prioritizes private players’ involvement in the space sector. 

What challenges are associated with the privatization of Indian space sector?

• Access to Capital: Private capital is still not flowing freely and blindly through to space-based enterprises like it is with internet-, digital media- and hardware-related technology businesses. 
• Inability to Create Self-Sustaining Markets : As observed in the past, it puts into question the commercial viability of space-based enterprises. 
• Access to Insurance: There is also a lack of adequate and secured insurance, due to the inability of insurers to see and test the reliability of space-based technologies in the recent past.

Pros of Privatization of Space Exploration:

• Reduce Exploration Cost: With innovation and advanced technology, the space sector can reduce costs and time. Companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, etc., have made a revolution.
• Tourism: As proved by Blue Origin, passengers could take on trips beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
• Natural Resources: Countries are establishing a legal framework securing private rights over resources mined in space, such as Luxembourg, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates.

Cons of Privatization of Space Exploration:

• Regulation: The regulation of the private sector is not easy. The time taken for regulatory clearances and unstable political institutions can cause delays and hurdles.
• Spacecraft Emissions: Their participation has led to an enormous increase in the number of launches that will likely continue to grow in spacecraft emissions. 
• Growing Orbital Debris: NASA researchers suggested that the increased number of launches are leading to a growing number of collisions and consequently, orbital debris.

Way Forward:

• Demand-driven Approach : Optimizing the utilization of space assets such as satellites and launch capacity by determining accountability amongst various stakeholders. 
• India is already conducting ISRO Technical Training Programme (ITTP) at various National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) across the country for upskilling of ISRO human assets in four to five years in a phased manner.

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Conclusion:

The privatization of the Indian space sector holds immense potential, attracting investments and fostering innovation. Despite its potential, challenges like funding and regulatory issues need addressing. 

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Space Strategy for India

• 12 Feb 2022
• GS Paper - 2
• Government Policies & Interventions
• GS Paper - 3
• Scientific Innovations & Discoveries
• Growth & Development
• Space Technology

This editorial is based on “India Needs A Comprehensive Space Strategy” which was published in Hindustan Times on 12/02/2022. It talks about the steps that India shall take to become one of the major powers in the space sector.

For Prelims: Outer Space Treaty (OST), ISRO, Spacecom Policy 2020, Defence Space Agency (DSA), Defence Space Research Organisation (DSRO), Tiangong space station, Mission Shakti, Space Debris, Space Situational Awareness (SSA).

For Mains: India’s New Spacecom Policy 2020, Making India a major space power, Countering Chinese influence in space.

India’s ability to secure its use of outer space has played a major role in its growth and prosperity in the present era.

With the advent of the second space age, private NewSpace companies such as SpaceX are beginning to take the charge. However, as outlined in the Outer Space Treaty (OST) , the existing international laws hold nation-states responsible for the actions and consequences of their private space companies, citizens, and functionaries.

It is prudent for countries and alliances of nations to formulate strategic publications detailing the broad direction of their space programmes. Such an initiative will bolster inter-organisation coordination and help build investor confidence.

Space Strategy and The World

Why is space a part of the wider strategic context.

• Space is emerging as a potential fourth arm of India’s defence setup.
• With the US, Russia and China already in pursuit of becoming a Space power, India will need to equip itself appropriately to meet emerging security challenges.
• Singapore is offering itself as a hub for space entrepreneurship based on its legal environment, availability of skilled manpower and equatorial location.

What about India’s Space Strategy?

• In 2020, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released the draft of a new Spacecom Policy 2020 which was approved by the union government allowing private players' participation.
• India has recently set up its Defence Space Agency (DSA) supported by the Defence Space Research Organisation (DSRO) that has the mandate to create weapons to “degrade, disrupt, destroy or deceive an adversary’s space capability".
• DSA is looking to acquire technologies that can evaluate threats and maximise the effectiveness of Indian operations in space , land, sea and air domains.

Where do Different Countries Stand in Terms of a Space Strategy?

• The United Kingdom (UK), China and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries have published the latest iterations of their strategic publications focused on the use of space.
• India has not yet published a comprehensive space strategy. It may be wise for New Delhi to bring out its own strategic documents, outlining achievements, prospects and its broad approach to space.

How Influential is China in Space?

• India’s progress in space exploration has gained a lot of momentum in the last few years, but it is still behind China in ambition and execution.
• India’s budgetary allocations for space, execution of its projects and the dedication towards research & development are not sufficient to compete with China in space.
• Its latest white paper on space highlights Beijing’s willingness for international cooperation in monitoring and responding to near-earth objects.
• India does not have any plans for planetary defence on the horizon.

What Steps Can Be Taken?

• The NATO strategy’s reference to space being of relevance “across the spectrum of conflict” is a correct articulation of the idea.
• New Delhi’s strategy should indicate that it will not only be a participant but also a key stakeholder - it is imperative to put forward India’s concerns around ensuring unrestricted access to use of space by all nations.
• Transparent SSA should also be a priority for India’s strategic publication, as it augments India’s capabilities across the spectrum for defence and deterrence.
• New Delhi should express its resolve to hold its adversaries accountable with publicly available SSA data.
• India faced international criticism for its 2019 Mission Shakti , Direct Ascent Anti-Satellite test.
• It can also use a prospective strategic publication on its use of space to declare that mitigating space debris is a newfound focus.
• Technologies like self-eating rockets, self-vanishing satellites and robotic arms to catch space debris are an area of push for ISRO.
• It is of strategic and scientific significance for India to highlight the value of human space flight missions as well as sustained human presence in orbit and deep space exploration.
• India should take the initiative to cooperate with international bodies in the short term and plan for a planetary defence program in the long term.
• Without international cooperation, India is unlikely to catch up to China