India’s Space Planning
Kartavya Desk Staff
Syllabus: Science and Technology
Source: TH
Context: India’s space program, led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is expanding its horizons with a series of ambitious missions, new technologies, and partnerships, signaling a new phase in space exploration.
India’s Space Planning highlights:
• Gaganyaan Missions: Four human spaceflight missions and one uncrewed flight are part of the Gaganyaan program, progressing towards India’s human spaceflight capability.
• Bharatiya Antariksh Station: Four test missions are planned, aiming for India’s first space station launch, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, by 2028.
• Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV): Approved for ₹8,240 crore, the NGLV will be developed in partnership with the private sector, enabling it to handle operational flights.
• Venus Orbiter Mission: Scheduled for 2028, this ₹1,236 crore mission aims to study Venus’s atmospheric and surface conditions.
• Chandrayaan-4 (2027): A moon sample-return mission, valued at ₹2,104 crore, with plans to collect lunar soil for Earth analysis.
• LUPEX with Japan: Collaborative Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX) will involve a new lander designed for potential crewed missions in the future.
• Space-Based Surveillance (SBS-3): A comprehensive satellite network (21 by ISRO and 31 by private firms) for advanced surveillance capabilities at ₹26,968 crore.
• NISAR & Proba-3 Satellites: NISAR will focus on Earth observation (launch by early 2025), while Proba-3 will study the Sun’s corona, scheduled for launch in November 2024.
• Private Sector Involvement: Initiatives include green propulsion systems by Manastu Space, low-orbit satellites by Bellatrix Aerospace, and satellite assembly by Ananth Technologies.
Challenges in India’s Space Planning:
• Commercial market access: India’s limited share (2.6%) in the global space economy restricts its commercial space ventures, including satellite manufacturing and high-altitude platforms.
• Technological dependency: Ranking 7th globally in satellite count, India still relies on imports for advanced launch vehicle components, affecting self-sufficiency in critical technologies.
• Policy and legal gaps: The absence of a comprehensive space policy delays regulatory developments, hindering structured growth and commercial engagement in the sector.
• Budget constraints: With only 0.05% of GDP allocated to space, India’s budget is modest compared to countries like the US (0.25%), limiting its scope for high-cost missions.
• Geopolitical considerations: Collaborations, like the Artemis Accords, require diplomatic balancing, particularly amid geopolitical tensions involving China and other spacefaring natio
Way forward:
• Boost private sector engagement: Involving private companies in satellite production and other space ventures aligns with global trends and enhances India’s commercial capabilities.
• Strengthen human spaceflight program: Investing in astronaut training and infrastructure can prepare India for crewed missions, marking a milestone in indigenous human spaceflight.
• Increase budget allocation: Moving from cost-effective approaches to substantial investments will support India’s ambitious space goals and complex missions.
• Legal and policy framework development: Creating clear, forward-looking policies will ensure safe and sustainable space expansion, addressing both commercial and security needs.
• Expand international partnerships: Strengthening cooperation with global space agencies supports India’s goals while promoting peaceful and inclusive space exploration.
Insta Links:
• ISRO-DBT agreement
• ISRO-third-launch-pad
• What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? (UPSC-2019)
• What is the main task of India’s third mood mission which 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. (UPSC- 2023)