Description

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Context

India's space program has traversed an extraordinary journey from launching its first Nike-Apache sounding rocket in 1963 at Thumba, Kerala to today's burgeoning private space sector. As the country marks over six decades of achievements its focus is shifting towards integrating private companies into the national space ecosystem to fuel innovation and global competitiveness.

Highlights of India's Space Journey

Read about Indian space sector in detail: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/indias-space-sector-22

Inception at Thumba

Nike-Apache sounding rocket on November 21, 1963.

Early experiments with sounding rockets laid the groundwork for India’s mastery of solid propellant technology which powers its modern launch vehicles like PSLV and LVM-3.

Notable Historical Achievements

Aryabhata (1975): India’s first satellite, marking the nation's entry into space technology.

SLV-3 (1980): First successful indigenous satellite launch vehicle mission.

Chandrayaan-3 (2023): Successful soft landing on the Moon's south pole.

Aditya-L1 (2023): India's first solar observatory mission.

Recent Developments

Launch of GSAT-N2, a Ka-band high-throughput communication satellite, onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 due to its weight exceeding India’s LVM-3 payload capacity.

Upcoming Proba-3 mission launch on December 4, 2024 using PSLV which will demonstrate precision formation flying to study the Sun’s corona.

Agreements between the Departments of Space and Biotechnology to conduct biological experiments aboard the forthcoming Bharatiya Antariksh Station.

Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO): India’s full membership in this global project to build the world’s most advanced radio telescope marks a significant stride in astronomical research.

Private Sector Momentum

Company	Project/Mission	Details	Objectives
Pixxel	FirefliesHyperspectral Satellites	First batch of 6 satellites (50 kg each). Scans 40-km swaths in 150+ spectral bands.	Detect crop diseases, water stress, deforestation, and pollution. Build a 24-satellite constellation.
GalaxEye Space	SAR Tech Demo on PSLV POEM	Subsystem testing for synthetic aperture radar (SAR).	Validate SAR capabilities for future missions.
PierSight Space	Varuna on PSLV POEM	Demonstrates deployable reflectarray antenna. Tests avionics for SAR and aeronautical information services.	Enable SAR and aeronautical services via new antenna technologies.
HEX20	Nila Cubesat	A 5-kg cubesat to fly on SpaceX Transporter-13 mission in Feb 2025.	Provide data-processing services and host various payloads.
Catalyx Space	SR-0 Satellite	Successfully completed its 3-month mission onboard Small Satellite Launch Vehicle.	Test satellite capabilities and achieve mission objectives within a short operational lifespan.
AAKA Space Studio	Space Analog Mission in Ladakh	Collaboration with ISRO, IIT-Bombay, and the University of Ladakh. Habitat testing in Mars-like conditions.	Evaluate habitat sustainability, life-support systems, and the psychological impact of isolation.
SatSure	Rural Property Mapping Program	Collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and IT. Uses drones and satellite data for mapping.	Map building footprints, roads, and water bodies for over two lakh villages under Svamvita Programme.

Enablers of Private Sector Growth

Reforms like the 2020 space policy enabling private entities to engage in satellite development, launch services, and data applications.

ISRO sharing facilities and resources with private firms to boost their capabilities.

India’s Space Strategy

Strategic Goals

Expand satellite services to underserved areas, enhance broadband and support national missions like Smart Cities.

Bolster space-based communication, navigation and disaster management systems.

Private Sector Integration

Create a thriving space economy through public-private partnerships.

Promote innovation in satellite manufacturing, data analytics and space exploration technologies.

Conclusion

India’s space sector is evolving from a government-led program into a vibrant ecosystem with active private participation. By fostering innovation and expanding global partnerships and harnessing the capabilities of private players India is poised to maintain its leadership in space science and technology.

Sources:

HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q:Critically evaluate India’s space strategy in enhancing its global competitiveness. How can the private sector contribute to achieving this goal? Discuss with examples. (250 Words)