For Preliminary Examination: Gaganyan, Chandrayan etc.

 

For Mains Examination: GS III - Science & technology, ISRO's all space missions

 

 

The Union Cabinet approved four big-ticket space projects, including the next mission to the moon, a mission to the planet Venus, follow-ups to the ongoing Ganganyaan mission and the setting up of an Indian Space Station. The approvals were in line with the Vision 2047 mapped by the space agency.

 

 

What are ISRO's Missions?

 

What is ISRO’s vision for 2047?

 

 

 

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been at the forefront of India's space exploration and technology development. Over the years, ISRO has launched numerous successful space missions, ranging from satellite launches to deep space exploration. Here are some key ISRO space missions:

Chandrayaan Missions:

• Chandrayaan-1 (2008): India's first lunar mission, which helped confirm the presence of water molecules on the Moon.
• Chandrayaan-2 (2019): A more advanced mission that aimed to land near the Moon's south pole. While the orbiter continues to function, the lander failed in its descent.
• Chandrayaan-3 (2023): Successfully landed a rover on the Moon, making India the first country to achieve a soft landing near the lunar south pole.

Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) (2013):

• India's first interplanetary mission and the first to reach Mars on its maiden attempt. It demonstrated ISRO’s capability in deep space missions at a low cost.

Gaganyaan Mission (Upcoming):

• Planned as India's first manned space mission, Gaganyaan aims to send Indian astronauts (Vyomanauts) into space. It will carry three crew members into a low Earth orbit for five to seven days, with an expected launch in the coming years.

Aditya-L1 Mission (Upcoming):

• India’s first solar mission to study the outermost layer of the Sun (the corona). It is designed to observe solar activities and their impact on space weather.

PSLV and GSLV Satellite Launch Programs:

• PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle): Known for its reliability, PSLV has launched numerous Indian and international satellites into polar orbits.
• GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle): Used for launching heavier payloads into geostationary orbits, including communication satellites and advanced missions like Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan.

Astrosat (2015):

• India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory, launched to study celestial sources in different wavelengths, including X-rays, optical, and UV.

 

 

ISRO's vision for 2047, the centenary year of India's independence, focuses on ambitious goals in space exploration, technology, and applications that align with India's growth as a global space power. Some key elements of ISRO's vision for 2047 include:

• Advanced Space Missions: ISRO plans to conduct advanced planetary exploration missions. These include potential crewed lunar and Mars missions, as well as missions to asteroids, Venus, and deeper into space, continuing its legacy of Chandrayaan, Mars Orbiter Mission, and other exploratory endeavors.

• Human Spaceflight Program: ISRO aims to establish long-term human presence in space. Following the success of Gaganyaan, its human spaceflight program, ISRO envisions building space habitats and participating in international space stations or space colonies.

• Space Transportation: Development of reusable launch vehicles (RLVs) and next-generation rockets like the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and heavy-lift rockets will ensure cost-effective, frequent, and reliable access to space, catering to the commercial space market as well.

• Space Technology Applications: ISRO aims to integrate space technology more deeply into India's socioeconomic fabric. This includes improved satellite services for communication, agriculture, disaster management, education, and environmental monitoring.

• International Collaboration: ISRO seeks to further enhance international cooperation and collaboration with other space agencies and private entities, working on joint missions, sharing data, and contributing to global space governance.

• Space Economy and Industry: By 2047, ISRO envisions India becoming a major hub in the global space economy, with a thriving private sector participating in satellite launches, space tourism, and space-based services. The promotion of startups and innovation in the Indian space ecosystem is key to this vision.

• Sustainability in Space: ISRO’s vision emphasizes sustainability in space exploration and operations. This includes efforts to mitigate space debris, promote the peaceful use of outer space, and use clean technologies in space activities.