Why in the News?

India has set ambitious objectives for its space programme over the next two decades, focusing on the development of powerful, reusable rockets like the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s upcoming Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV).

What are the recent achievements of India’s space program?

• Chandrayaan-3 Mission: India successfully achieved a soft landing near the lunar south pole with its Chandrayaan-3 mission, marking a historic milestone as the fourth country to do so. This mission demonstrated India’s growing technological capabilities in space exploration.
• Aditya L1 Mission: Launched as India’s first space-based solar observatory, Aditya L1 aims to study the outer atmosphere of the Sun, contributing valuable data to solar science.
• Gaganyaan Preparations: ISRO is actively working on the Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts into orbit by 2025. This includes extensive testing of human-rated launch vehicles and crew escape systems.
• Budget Increases: The Indian government allocated approximately $1.5 billion to the Department of Space for 2024-2025, reflecting a commitment to enhance space capabilities and infrastructure.

How is India planning to expand its human spaceflight and exploration capabilities?

• Gaganyaan Mission: This mission is pivotal for establishing India’s human spaceflight capabilities, with plans for multiple uncrewed test flights leading up to a manned mission. The first crewed flight is targeted for late 2024.
• Lunar Exploration Goals: India plans to achieve a crewed lunar landing by 2040 and establish a lunar space station to facilitate ongoing research and exploration efforts on the Moon.
• Bharatiya Antariksha Station: The establishment of India’s first space station in low Earth orbit is planned by 2035, serving as a platform for scientific research and technology testing.
• Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV): The development of the NGLV will enhance India’s heavy-lift capabilities, crucial for supporting human missions and larger payloads in future explorations.

What role does international collaboration play in India’s space ambitions?

• Commercial Partnerships: India has engaged in collaborations with international companies like SpaceX for satellite launches, showcasing an openness to leveraging foreign technology and expertise in its space endeavours.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Recent reforms have opened up India’s space sector to increased foreign investment, fostering partnerships that can enhance technological capabilities and innovation within the domestic industry.
• Collaborative Research and Development: By exploring foreign collaboration opportunities, Indian corporations can access advanced rocket technologies and expertise that may not currently exist within the country, accelerating development timelines for projects like reusable rockets.

Way forward: 

• Strengthen Private Sector Engagement: India should actively encourage partnerships with domestic and international private companies to accelerate the development of advanced space technologies, such as reusable rockets and heavy-lift vehicles, ensuring a competitive edge in global space exploration.
• Expand International Collaborations: India should deepen its space collaborations with countries and space agencies globally, particularly in research, technology sharing, and joint missions, to leverage global expertise and enhance its own space capabilities.

Mains PYQ:

Q India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space mission. What are the main obstacles to launching a manned space mission, both in terms of technology and logistics? Examine critically. (UPSC IAS/2017)

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