India’s ongoing space missions

Key Objectives

The ongoing space missions aim to achieve the following objectives:      

• Scientific Exploration: Enhancing our understanding of space, celestial bodies, and Earth’s environment.
• Technological Innovation: Developing and demonstrating cutting-edge space technologies.
• International Collaboration: Partnering with global space agencies for mutual benefits in space endeavors.

Major Ongoing Mission

Objective

Details

Gaganyaan Mission

To send Indian astronauts into space

The mission aims to carry three astronauts into low Earth orbit for 5-7 days.

It includes an uncrewed test flight before the manned mission to ensure safety and reliability.

Aditya-L1

To study the Sun

Positioned at the Lagrange point 1 (L1), about 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, Aditya-L1 will observe solar activities and their impact on space weather.

Key instruments include VELC and SUIT.

Chandrayaan-3 Follow-up

Continued lunar exploration

Building on the success of Chandrayaan-3, ISRO plans additional missions to further study the lunar surface, focusing on areas like the south pole for potential water ice and other resources.

Mangalyaan-2

Mars exploration

The mission will focus on further studying Mars' surface and atmosphere, following up on the findings of Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission), aiming to place a more advanced orbiter around Mars.

NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar)

Earth observation

A collaborative mission with NASA, NISAR will use advanced radar technology to provide detailed images of Earth’s surface, studying natural hazards, environmental changes, and Earth's crust dynamics.

Aditya L1

To study the Sun

Launched on September 2, 2023. It moved into an orbit around the Lagrange point 1 (L1) on January 6, 2024, and completed its first orbit around L1 on July 2, 2024. It studied a solar storm in May 2024.

Gaganyaan TV-D1

To test the Crew Escape System (CES)

A modified L-40 Vikas engine performed the first abort mission (TV-D1) on October 21, 2023.

Tested the CES's ability to separate from the Test Vehicle and decelerate before splashing down in the Bay of Bengal.

XPoSat

To study polarised radiation

Launched on January 1, 2024, as the second space-based observatory after NASA’s IPEX.

The two instruments onboard, XSPECT and POLIX, began operating after launch.

INSAT-3DS

To prove vehicle credibility

Launched on February 17, 2024, onboard a GSLV.

Significant for proving the GSLV's credibility before the critical NISAR mission, expected in the first quarter of 2025.

RLV-TD (Reusable Launch Vehicle)

To simulate landing conditions

Conducted two landing experiments (LEX-02 and LEX-03) on March 22 and June 7, 2024, using the Pushpak vehicle, dropped from a Chinook helicopter.

Success led to confidence for the Orbital Return Flight Experiment (OREX).

SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle)

Final development flight

Launched on August 16, 2024.

Successfully placed EOS-08 and SR-0 Demosat satellites in orbit, completing the SSLV’s development and transferring it to industry.

Next-Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV)

Advanced launch capabilities

ISRO planned the NGLV as a three-stage launch vehicle powered by semi-cryogenic, liquid, and cryogenic engines. The PSLV is already under private consortium production.

NSIL Missions

Commercial activities and collaborations

On May 1, 2024, ISRO transferred commercial activities to NSIL. NSIL signed an agreement with SpaceX to launch the GSAT-20/GSAT-N2 satellite and to produce LVM-3 through a public-private partnership.

Private Space Missions

Private sector engagement in space

Agnikul Cosmos launched SoRTeD-01 on March 21, 2024;

Skyroot Aerospace progresses with Vikram 1.

Dhruva Space and Bellatrix Aerospace conducted experiments on the PSLV-C58 mission.

IN-SPACe

Facilitating private participation in space

Released norms for space activity authorization, granted India's first satellite broadband license to Eutelsat OneWeb, and facilitated 100% FDI in space sectors, with specific ceilings in satellite manufacturing and launch infrastructure.

Challenges

Strategies

Technical Challenges

Rigorous testing, simulations, and phased mission planning to ensure precision and reliability of equipment in harsh space conditions.

Resource Management

Prioritizing missions based on scientific value and potential impact to efficiently allocate and utilize resources.

Global Competition

Developing innovation and collaboration to leverage global expertise and resources, ensuring India remains competitive with other spacefaring nations.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Which of the following statements regarding India's space program is/are correct?

1. Chandrayaan-1 was India’s first lunar mission and successfully discovered water molecules on the Moon.
2. The Gaganyaan mission aims to send Indian astronauts into space and includes a manned flight scheduled after an uncrewed test flight.
3. Mangalyaan-2 focuses on studying Jupiter and is designed to replace the findings of Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission).
4. Aditya-L1 is positioned at the Lagrange point 1 (L1) and studies the Sun’s impact on space weather.

Select the correct answer using the code below:

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2, 3, and 4 only

C) 1, 2, and 4 only

D) 1, 3, and 4 only

Answer: C