INDIAN SPACE MISSIONS
1. Context
Over the past year, ISRO has made significant strides with several key missions; the Aditya L1 spacecraft began studying solar radiation from the earth-Sun Lagrange point, while the Gaganyaan TV-D1 mission successfully demonstrated crew safety systems
2. Important Missions of ISRO
- Aditya L1: Following the success of its lunar mission, India launched its solar science mission, Aditya-L1, on September 2, 2023. The initial launch phase, facilitated by ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), was the simplest part of the mission. On January 6, 2024, the spacecraft executed several maneuvers to reach an orbit around the first Earth-Sun Lagrange point (L1). By July 2, 2024, Aditya-L1 completed its first orbit around L1 and, in collaboration with ground-based observatories and lunar orbit spacecraft, studied a solar storm in May 2024.
- Gaganyaan TV-D1: As part of the ‘Gaganyaan’ human spaceflight program, ISRO conducted its first abort mission using a modified L-40 Vikas engine to build the Test Vehicle (TV). The test took place on October 21, 2023, and successfully demonstrated the Crew Escape System (CES)'s ability to detach from the TV, transport the crew module to safety, and decelerate before landing in the Bay of Bengal. The crew module was subsequently recovered by the Indian Navy's INS Shakthi.
- XPoSat: ISRO marked the beginning of 2024 with the launch of the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) on January 1. This satellite aims to study the polarization of radiation from various celestial bodies and is only the second such observatory in space, following NASA's Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IPEX), launched in 2021. The onboard instruments, named XSPECT and POLIX, started operations on January 5 and January 10, respectively.
- INSAT-3DS: The meteorological satellite INSAT-3DS was launched by ISRO on February 17 using a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). This mission was crucial for demonstrating the GSLV's reliability before the upcoming NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission, set to launch in early 2025. This GSLV model had previously successfully launched the NVS-01 satellite in 2023.
- RLV-TD: Using a scaled-down version of the Reusable Launch Vehicle named Pushpak, ISRO carried out two landing experiments—LEX-02 and LEX-03—on March 22 and June 7 at its Aeronautical Testing Range in Challakere, Karnataka. These experiments simulated landing conditions by dropping the Pushpak vehicle from a Chinook helicopter: LEX-02 tested along its planned landing path, while LEX-03 deviated 500 meters to the side. These successful tests have paved the way for the ‘Orbital Return Flight Experiment’.
- SSLV: On August 16, ISRO conducted the third and final development flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), successfully placing the EOS-08 and SR-0 Demosat satellites into orbit. With two consecutive successful test flights, ISRO concluded the SSLV’s development phase and approved its transfer to the industry. The EOS-08 satellite carried three payloads: one for infrared earth observation, one to test global satellite navigation system reflections for earth observation, and an ultraviolet dosimeter and alarm system intended for use in the Gaganyaan crew module
3. Gaganyan Mission
The Gaganyaan Mission is India’s ambitious human spaceflight program spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The mission aims to send Indian astronauts, known as Gaganyatris, into space, marking India's entry into the league of nations capable of human space exploration
Key takeaways:
- The primary goal is to demonstrate ISRO’s capability to send humans into low Earth orbit and bring them back safely
- Ensuring the safety of the crew is paramount, which includes a robust Crew Escape System (CES) for emergency situations
- The mission will advance India’s expertise in space technology, including life support systems, crew modules, and mission control operations
- The spacecraft will house up to three astronauts and is designed to support life in space, including a heat shield to protect the crew during re-entry into Earth's atmosphere
- The mission will use a GSLV Mk III rocket, a heavy-lift launch vehicle capable of carrying the crew module into space
- The selected astronauts are undergoing rigorous training, including survival training, spacewalking, and other mission-specific preparations, both in India and abroad
- ISRO is collaborating with international agencies like NASA and the Russian space agency for training and technology exchange
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One of ISRO's recent key priorities has been training its astronaut candidates, known as Gaganyatris, for space missions.
On February 27, Prime Minister Modi announced the names of the candidates: Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla, along with Group Captains Prashanth Nair, Ajit Krishnan, and Angad Pratap.
Earlier this month, Shukla and Nair traveled to the United States for advanced training in preparation for a flight to the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla is expected to be the primary astronaut for this mission, with Nair serving as his backup. The mission will be conducted by the private company Axiom Space, with support from NASA and using SpaceX's launch vehicle and crew capsule. This flight is planned for 2025.
ISRO has also scheduled at least four additional abort tests using its Test Vehicle before the first crewed flight. The initial uncrewed Gaganyaan mission is anticipated to take place in late 2024
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4. Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV)
The Next-generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) is a new development initiative by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aimed at creating a more efficient and versatile launch system for future space missions. This vehicle is designed to replace the current fleet of launch vehicles, such as the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), and to meet the growing demands of India’s space program
Key Features and Objectives:
- The NGLV is expected to have a significantly higher payload capacity than its predecessors. It will be capable of carrying heavier payloads to a variety of orbits, including low Earth orbit (LEO), geostationary transfer orbit (GTO), and beyond.
- It aims to carry payloads of approximately 10-20 tons to LEO and 4-10 tons to GTO, making it suitable for a wide range of missions
- One of the critical features of the NGLV is its potential for reusability. ISRO is focusing on developing reusable components, such as the first stage booster, to reduce launch costs and improve turnaround times.
- This aligns with global trends where reusable rockets, like SpaceX’s Falcon 9, have demonstrated significant cost savings and operational efficiency
- The NGLV will feature a modular design, allowing it to be customized for different types of missions. This flexibility will enable the vehicle to support a variety of payloads, including satellites, space probes, and human missions.
- The modularity also simplifies the integration of new technologies and upgrades, ensuring the NGLV remains relevant for future needs
- ISRO plans to equip the NGLV with advanced propulsion systems, potentially using a combination of cryogenic, semi-cryogenic, and solid rocket engines.
- This approach will enhance efficiency and reliability, providing greater thrust and reducing the environmental impact of launches
- The NGLV will incorporate the latest advancements in avionics, guidance systems, and materials science to improve reliability and safety
5.NSIL missions
NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) is a public sector enterprise under the Department of Space (DoS) and the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Established in 2019, NSIL is responsible for promoting and commercially exploiting space products, technical consultancy services, and transfer of technologies developed by ISRO. The company plays a key role in harnessing India's space capabilities for commercial use, engaging with industries and international partners for various missions
Key Objectives of NSIL:
- NSIL manages and coordinates the launch of commercial satellites using ISRO’s launch vehicles, such as the PSLV, GSLV, and the upcoming Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).
- The company offers launch services to domestic and international customers, focusing on small and medium-sized satellite deployments
- NSIL is involved in manufacturing, assembling, and delivering satellites to various customers. It leverages ISRO’s expertise and infrastructure to produce satellites for different applications, including communication, earth observation, and navigation
- The company provides satellite-based services, including transponder leasing, satellite communication, and broadband services. These services cater to various sectors, including telecommunications, broadcasting, and disaster management
- NSIL facilitates the transfer of ISRO-developed technologies to Indian industries, promoting indigenous development of space technology.
- The company offers technical consultancy and support services to help industries and organizations develop space-related capabilities.
- NSIL promotes the use of space-based applications, such as remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS), for agriculture, forestry, urban planning, and environmental monitoring
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Missions
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6.IN-SPACe
IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center) is a newly established autonomous agency under the Department of Space (DoS) in India. Launched in 2020, IN-SPACe aims to facilitate and promote private sector participation in India’s space activities. It serves as a regulatory and facilitative body, ensuring that private entities can operate within the Indian space sector, thereby fostering innovation, commercialization, and growth
Key Objectives of IN-SPACe:
- IN-SPACe is designed to open up the Indian space sector to private companies, startups, and academia, enabling them to participate in space missions, satellite launches, and the development of space-related technologies.
- It encourages private investment in space infrastructure and services, aiming to build a robust space ecosystem in India.
- The agency acts as a regulatory authority, providing necessary approvals and authorizations for private entities to undertake space activities. This includes satellite launches, building and operating ground stations, and providing satellite-based services.
- IN-SPACe ensures compliance with national and international space laws, safety standards, and protocols.
- IN-SPACe serves as a bridge between ISRO and private industry, facilitating access to ISRO’s facilities, expertise, and infrastructure. This includes access to testing facilities, launch pads, and technical support.
- The agency promotes collaborative projects, joint missions, and technology development initiatives between ISRO and private players
- IN-SPACe works to simplify the regulatory framework and reduce entry barriers for private companies. It aims to create a conducive environment for private sector growth by streamlining procedures and providing clear guidelines for space activities
- IN-SPACe is responsible for granting licenses and authorizations for various space-related activities, including satellite launches, ground station operations, and space-based services
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For Prelims: PSLV, GSLV, GSLV Mk-III, SSLV
For Mains: GS III- Science & Technology- Satellite Applications, Challenges and Solutions
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Previous Year Questions
1. With reference to India's satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018)
1. PSLVs launch satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
3. GSLV Mk III is a four- staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3
C. 1 and 2
D. 3 only
Answer: A
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Source: The Hindu
