INDIAN SPACE RESEARCH ORGANISATION (ISRO)
1. Context
In June 2024, S. Somanath, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Secretary of the Department of Space, said ISRO’s launch vehicle capability was three-times the demand. Many experts in the spaceflight sector and beyond interpreted this to mean the space launch market was grim. Mr. Somanath also suggested strong demand was needed for launch vehicles from the domestic Indian market
2. ISRO Space Launch Vehicles
- India possesses four launch vehicles: the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), and the Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM-3).
- These rockets are capable of deploying satellites weighing up to four tonnes into geosynchronous orbit. For payloads heavier than four tonnes, India relies on foreign launch vehicles such as Europe’s Ariane V and SpaceX’s Falcon 9.
- India currently operates a diverse fleet of satellites used for telecommunications, remote sensing, positioning, navigation, meteorology, disaster management, space-based internet, scientific research, and experimental missions. Launch vehicles are crucial for upcoming space missions like Chandrayaan 3 and Aditya L1
- All these launch vehicles will require satellites for deployment. Larger vehicles can support national objectives such as lunar exploration and establishing a space station, while ISRO can utilize smaller satellites for technology demonstrations and capability showcases. However, these smaller satellite missions will constitute only a minority of launches.
- Satellites have finite mission durations. As they age, the need arises to replace them with newer models, thereby generating ongoing demand for launch services.
- However, operators prefer extending satellite lifespans through software and hardware upgrades, complicating predictions regarding the quantity and frequency of required launches.
- Launch vehicle technology is also advancing. For instance, the PSLV can deploy multiple satellites into diverse orbits in a single launch. Increasingly, rocket stages are being designed for reusability, lowering production costs and enhancing economic viability. ISRO is developing Reusable Launch Vehicle and vertical landing technologies to facilitate stage reusability.
- Additionally, efforts are underway to transition rocket engines from traditional toxic fuels to environmentally friendly alternatives
3. Demand-driven model of ISRO
- The Indian space program previously operated on a supply-driven model, where ISRO would develop and launch satellites first, then seek customers requiring satellite services. In 2019-2020, the Indian government reformed the space sector to adopt a demand-driven approach.
- Now, satellites are only built and launched if there is existing demand for their services. This shift may have contributed to the challenges highlighted by Mr. Somanath.
- This has created a dilemma where potential customers of satellite services must first recognize the need for these services. Once demand is established, it prompts the creation and launch of satellites, addressing the demand Mr. Somanath referenced.
- Consider the example of space-based internet services.
- For such services to succeed in a country already well-served by affordable fiber and mobile internet, companies must educate potential users about the benefits of space-based connectivity. This education process creates the demand that prompts companies to launch satellite constellations into orbit to provide these services.
- Without well-informed customers, ISRO's anticipated demand levels will not materialize. These customers include not only consumers of space-based internet but also businesses, government agencies, defense establishments, and everyday individuals such as farmers and bankers. Therefore, substantial efforts are needed to educate a wide range of stakeholders.
- Another area likely to drive future demand is human spaceflight, encompassing human-rated launch vehicles for transporting humans and supplies to orbital destinations like space stations or the moon. Additionally, there may eventually be demand for space tourism
4.Launch capability limitations
- India’s current launch vehicles lack the necessary power for certain missions, such as Chandrayaan 4. China successfully launched its Chang’e 4 and Chang’e 5 missions using the Long March 5, demonstrating its capability to handle such missions in a single launch. In contrast, India’s LVM-3 has less than one-third of the Long March 5’s capacity (specifically 28%) and would require two LVM-3 launches to deploy all components of Chandrayaan 4.
- To enhance capability, ISRO plans to upgrade the LVM-3 with a semi-cryogenic engine to increase its payload capacity to six tonnes for geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) missions. Additionally, ISRO envisions developing a new launch vehicle, known as the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) or Project Soorya, capable of lifting 10 tonnes to GTO. However, funding for this project remains in the proposal stage. Variants of this launch vehicle are anticipated to further augment its lifting capacity.
- Furthermore, India requires another successful launch of the SSLV to bolster confidence in its capability to launch smaller satellites, typically experimental or university-built. Success in this arena would encourage space companies to develop larger satellites, potentially increasing demand for launch services
5.Launch vehicle economics
- All these launch vehicles will require satellites for deployment. Larger vehicles can support national objectives such as lunar exploration and establishing a space station, while ISRO can utilize smaller satellites for technology demonstrations and capability showcases. However, these smaller satellite missions will constitute only a minority of launches.
- Satellites have finite mission durations. As they age, the need arises to replace them with newer models, thereby generating ongoing demand for launch services. However, operators prefer extending satellite lifespans through software and hardware upgrades, complicating predictions regarding the quantity and frequency of required launches.
- Launch vehicle technology is also advancing. For instance, the PSLV can deploy multiple satellites into diverse orbits in a single launch.
- Increasingly, rocket stages are being designed for reusability, lowering production costs and enhancing economic viability. ISRO is developing Reusable Launch Vehicle and vertical landing technologies to facilitate stage reusability.
- Additionally, efforts are underway to transition rocket engines from traditional toxic fuels to environmentally friendly alternatives
6. Private sector vs government
- The Indian government aims for the private sector to stimulate demand among customers and take charge of satellite development and launches.
- It encourages private companies to identify and offer services both domestically and internationally, while also generating revenue through its own launch services. Additionally, the government aims to enhance skills and create job opportunities for workers.
- However, private companies prefer the government to act as a customer rather than a direct competitor in the launch industry. They seek the government to establish reliable regulations and enforce the rule of law.
- Private players seek a steady revenue stream, which the Indian government can provide over the long term. There is discussion about the government serving as an 'anchor customer' to support companies in their early stages.
- The strategy involves the government eventually stepping back from the launch vehicle sector, leaving sufficient demand for launch services with private companies.
- This mirrors the approach in the U.S., where government agencies like NASA contract with SpaceX, Blue Origin, and others for satellite launches.
- Therefore, the Indian government plans to absorb the transition costs from a supply-driven to a demand-driven satellite and launch vehicle development model. However, it has yet to educate its own ministries and establish some of the foundational demand for satellites and launch vehicles
7. Way Forward
India's space program is navigating a transition from a supply-driven to a demand-driven model, marked by advancements in launch vehicle capabilities and satellite technology. The country's efforts include upgrading existing launch vehicles and developing new ones to meet evolving national and international needs, such as lunar exploration and satellite services. While challenges persist, particularly in balancing government involvement with private sector aspirations, initiatives like enhancing satellite lifespans, promoting reusability in launch vehicles, and fostering private sector participation are pivotal. Looking ahead, India's strategy aims to foster a robust space ecosystem that integrates technological innovation, economic viability, and global competitiveness, positioning itself as a significant player in the global space arena
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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
