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ISRO planning to launch space station by 2028

The ISRO chairman further said that they have broadened the scope of the Gaganyaan Mission….reports Asian Lite News

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman S Somanath said on Wednesday that they are planning to launch the first module of Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS-1) by 2028.

Addressing reporters in the National Capital, S Somnath said, “Chandrayaaan 4 mission is primarily targeted to demonstrate the technology to go to the moon and then come back. The coming back is a highlight of it, landing there has already been demonstrated by Chandrayaan-3. If you have to send a man to space later in 2040, a vision by our PM, we need to have confidence in technology…”

He added, “For the Indian Space Station, yes, there is a timeline for that – the goal given by the Prime Minister is 2035. Our plan here is to launch the first module of Bharatiya Antariksh Station called BAS-1 by 2028…”

The ISRO chairman further said that they have broadened the scope of the Gaganyaan Mission.

“The Gaganyaan programme is underway, we have also given the schedule of our first mission with astronauts. Now, we have added the goal regarding Bharatiya Antariksh Station to this mission. Initially, this mission (Ganganyaan) had only one target, but now, it has five missions, so we have broadened the scope of it.”

Nod for Chandrayaan-4 mission

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved the mission to the moon, named Chandrayaan-4 to develop and demonstrate the technologies to return to Earth after successfully landing on the Moon and also collect moon samples and analyse them on Earth.

Addressing reporters in the natonal capital today, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “Chandrayaan-4 mission has been expanded to add more elements. The next step is to get the manned mission to the Moon. All preparatory steps towards this have been approved. Venus Orbiter Mission, Gaganyaan follow-on and Bharatiya Antariksh Station and Next Generation Launch Vehicle development also given approval.”

In a post on X, Modi said, “Great news for the space sector! The Union Cabinet has approved the first step towards the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), expanding the Gaganyaan programme! This landmark decision brings us closer to a self-sustained space station by 2035 and a crewed lunar mission by 2040!”

The Modi-led government has earmarked Rs 2,104 crore for the same. Further, a schedule of 36 months has been set for the mission completion.

The Chandrayaan-4 mission will achieve the foundational technologies and capabilities eventually for an Indian landing on the moon (planned by the year 2040) and return safely back to Earth. Major technologies that are required for docking/undocking, landing, safe return to earth and also accomplish lunar sample collection and analysis would be demonstrated.

The successful demonstration of the safe and soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 Lander on the Lunar Surface has established vital technologies and demonstrated capabilities that only a few other nations possess. A natural successor to the successful landing mission is the demonstration of the ability to collect Lunar Samples and return them safely back to Earth.

ISRO will be responsible for the development of spacecraft and launch. The Project will be effectively managed and monitored through the established practices prevailing at ISRO. The mission is expected to be completed within 36 months of approval with the participation of industry and academia.

All the critical technologies are envisaged to be indigenously developed. The realization of the mission is through various industries and it is envisaged that there would be high employment potential and technology spin-off to other sectors of the economy.

The total fund requirement for the technology demonstration mission “Chandrayaan-4” is Rs 2104.06 Crore. The cost includes spacecraft development and realization, two launch vehicle missions of LVM3, external deep space network support and conducting special tests for design validation, finally leading to the mission of landing on the moon’s surface and safe return to Earth along with the collected lunar sample.

The mission would enable India to be self-sufficient in critical foundational technologies for manned missions, lunar sample return and scientific analysis of Lunar samples. Towards realization, there would be a significant involvement of Indian Industry. A plan for associating the Indian academia through Chandrayaan-4 science meets workshops, is already in place. This mission will also ensure the establishment of facilities for the curation and analysis of the returned samples, which will be national assets. (ANI)

Cabinet nod for Rs 79 k cr tribal development plan

The Union Cabinet, in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, approved the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan with an outlay of Rs 79,156 crore to improve the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities.

This programme, aimed at 63,000 tribal-majority villages and aspirational districts, will benefit more than five crore tribal people across 549 districts and 2,740 blocks.

“India has an ST population of 10.45 crore as per the 2011 census and there are more than 705 tribal communities, spread across the country, living in remote and hard-to-reach areas,” the Cabinet stated.

The Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan envisions saturation of critical gaps in social infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood, through different schemes of the government of India by convergence and outreach and ensuring holistic and sustainable development of tribal areas and communities based on the learnings and success of PMJANMAN (Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan).

The program aims to ensure holistic and sustainable development in these areas, based on learnings from the successful Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PMJANMAN).

The mission comprises of 25 interventions, which will be implemented by 17 line ministries.

The mission has a special focus on 22 lakh FRA patta holders residing in forest areas and in convergence with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare (MoAFW), the Department of Animal Husbandry, the Department of Fisheries and Ministry of Panchayati Raj, the benefits of different schemes will be converged and provided.

Improving the infrastructure of government residential schools and hostels, the tribal residential schools and hostels target remote tribal areas and aim to develop local educational resources and promote enrolment and retention.

The Abhiyan aims to improve the infrastructure of Ashram schools/hostels/tribal schools/government residential schools for upgradation on the lines of PM-Shri Schools.

“The interventions are aimed to expedite the process of recognising and securing forest rights, empowering tribal communities to enable them for maintenance and conservation of forests, and also providing them sustainable livelihoods through the support of government schemes. The Abhiyan will also catalyse that the pending FRA claims are expedited and training of all stakeholders and officers at block, District and state level will be given by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Ministry of Panchayati Raj,” it added.

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ISRO to launch Earth Observation Satellite-8 on Aug 15

EOS-08 is ISRO’s latest Earth Observation Satellite, slated for launch by the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3….reports Asian Lite News

ISRO’s Earth Observation Satellite-8 (EOS-8) is expected to be launched by the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3 on August 15 from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.

EOS-08 is ISRO’s latest Earth Observation Satellite, slated for launch by the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3.

Taking to its official handle on microblogging site X, ISRO posted, “SSLV’s third and final flight will launch the EOS-08 microsatellite on August 15, 2024, at 9.27 IST from Sriharikota. It completes the SSLV Development Project and enables operational missions by Indian industry and NSIL.”

According to an official release from the space agency, “The primary objectives of the EOS-08 mission include designing and developing a microsatellite, creating payload instruments compatible with the microsatellite bus, and incorporating new technologies required for future operational satellites.”

Built on the Microsat/IMS-1 bus, the EOS-08 carries three payloads: the Electro Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR), the Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry Payload (GNSS-R), and the SiC UV Dosimeter.

The EOIR payload is designed to capture images in the Mid-Wave IR (MIR) and Long-Wave IR (LWIR) bands, both during the day and night, for applications such as satellite-based surveillance, disaster monitoring, environmental monitoring, fire detection, volcanic activity observation, and industrial and power plant disaster monitoring.

The GNSS-R payload demonstrates the capability of using GNSS-R-based remote sensing for applications such as ocean surface wind analysis, soil moisture assessment, cryosphere studies over the Himalayan region, flood detection, and inland waterbody detection.

Meanwhile, the SiC UV Dosimeter monitors UV irradiance at the viewport of the Crew Module in the Gaganyaan Mission and serves as a high-dose alarm sensor for gamma radiation.

The spacecraft is designed for a mission duration of one year. (ANI)

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Two ISRO astronauts to begin NASA training in August

An ISRO official mentioned that while the astronauts have received general spacefaring training in India, much of their focus has been on Gaganyaan-specific modules…reports Asian Lite News

Two Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) astronauts are set to begin their training for the Gaganyaan mission with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in August this year. The training will take place at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Texas and is a significant milestone in the collaboration between the two space agencies. These astronauts are part of a group of four designated test pilots from the Indian Air Force, selected for this mission.

An ISRO official mentioned that while the astronauts have received general spacefaring training in India, much of their focus has been on Gaganyaan-specific modules. To prepare for the upcoming mission, they will need to become familiar with the International Space Station (ISS) modules and protocols during their time at NASA.

After completing their training in Texas, one of these astronauts will join the upcoming Indo-US space mission to the ISS. This collaboration was highlighted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the US in June 2023, where President Joe Biden announced that NASA would train Indian astronauts for this mission.

The crewed Indo-US space mission is scheduled for launch by the end of 2024. Despite some reports suggesting potential delays, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti confirmed that the mission is set to proceed by the end of this year. The mission will utilize SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon capsule, with operations managed by Axiom Space. This mission, known as Axiom-4, is designed to transport Indian astronauts to the ISS for a 14-day stay and marks the fourth private astronaut mission conducted by NASA in collaboration with Axiom Space.

This mission is particularly significant for India as it marks the country’s return to crewed spaceflight since Rakesh Sharma’s historic journey aboard Soyuz T-11 to the Soviet Salyut-7 Space Station in April 1984. The training and the Indo-US mission are preparatory steps for India’s Gaganyaan space programme, which aims to launch a human-carrying spacecraft to Earth orbit and ensure its safe return. This mission will be India’s first indigenous crewed spaceflight.

However, India’s human spaceflight is expected to be delayed until at least 2025, as the initial unmanned mission is yet to commence. The manned mission will only proceed after the successful completion of two unmanned flights. Additionally, India’s GSLV Mk2 rocket is set to launch the Indo-US satellite NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) by late 2024 or early 2025. NISAR will play a crucial role in monitoring Earth’s vital signs, contributing to climate change research and natural disaster evaluations.

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India Takes Lead in Global Space Economy

The approach aims to position India as a significant player in future space exploration and capacity expansion….reports Asian Lite News

India’s space agency, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), is embarking on a transformative journey to revolutionise its space sector through two key strategies. Firstly, ISRO is enhancing collaborations and partnerships to advance space research and technology, driven by space diplomacy.

This approach aims to position India as a significant player in future space exploration and capacity expansion.

Secondly, ISRO is focusing on increasing efficiency and reducing costs by incorporating private sector involvement, a move facilitated by recent reforms in Indian Space Policy, The Times reported.

ISRO’s expanding international collaborations are a result of its long-standing expertise, efficiency, and the political will to boost the global space economy through effective diplomacy. Since its modest beginnings in 1969, ISRO’s remarkable journey has garnered international respect. Having proven its capabilities with numerous successful missions, ISRO’s global role is a natural progression.

ISRO set to transfer ‘Shwaas’ technology to industries

Currently, ISRO is working on notable projects such as the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR), a flagship collaboration with NASA. NISAR aims to map the Earth every 12 days, providing critical data on ecosystems, biomass, sea levels, groundwater, and natural hazards. Another significant project is the TRISHNA (Thermal Infra-Red Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural Resource Assessment) mission, a joint venture with France’s CNES. TRISHNA will monitor Earth’s surface temperature and other variables to address water and food security challenges and assess climate change impacts.

According to The Times reports, ISRO is also collaborating with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX), involving both rover and lander development. Additionally, ISRO has established cooperation mechanisms for earth observation, satellite navigation, and other space activities with various countries, including Australia and Israel.

India has agreed to expand space cooperation with Italy by tapping opportunities in earth observation, space science, robotic and human exploration, the state-run Indian space agency said on Thursday. (Twitter)

India’s open space economy policy, introduced through the Indian Space Policy 2023, allows private sector involvement in all aspects of space activities, including satellite communication and launches. This shift is expected to enhance production efficiency, reduce costs, and expand India’s space capabilities.

With over 230 agreements with more than 55 countries and multinational bodies, ISRO is not only advancing its space sector but also shaping global space policies. India aims to grow its space economy to $40 billion by 2040, with international observers suggesting a potential expansion to $100 billion in the next 15 years. Thus, ISRO and its partners are poised to make significant contributions to space exploration and policy development.

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India Aims For 10% Global Space Market Share

Space startups up 200X in just 2 years, India’s share in global space to rise 5X by 2030

The India government has privatised space launches and set an ambitious target to increase the country’s share in the global space sector five-fold by 2030, aiming to grow from the current 2 percent to 10 percent.

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, highlighted this goal during a recent meeting in New Delhi. He noted a dramatic rise in space startups, increasing from one in 2022 to nearly 200 in 2024. This surge is attributed to the government’s major policy decision to open up the space sector to private participation and foster public-private partnerships (PPP).

While chairing a high-level meeting with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman S. Somanath, Singh reviewed the Department of Space’s 100-day Action Plan and discussed future space missions. He emphasised the unprecedented growth in space startups and noted that in 2023 alone, nearly Rs 1,000 crore was invested in the sector, involving around 450 MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises).

Singh projected that India’s share in the global space economy will rise from 2 percent in 2021 to 8 percent by 2030 and further to 15 percent by 2047. Amid the increasing involvement of private players, India currently allows 100 percent foreign direct investment (FDI) in the space sector. Singh mentioned that the private sector could contribute to developing advanced small satellites, geospatial technologies, and orbital transfer vehicles.

According to the World Economic Forum, India hopes that liberalised rules for the space sector will attract interest from companies like Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin. The reform in FDI policy is expected to boost employment and allow companies to set up manufacturing facilities in India.

An article by EY suggests that opening up the Indian space economy to the private sector can bridge the digital divide, introduce innovative space-based services, and position India at the forefront of the spacetech race. The spacetech sector in India has grown significantly, with nearly 200 startups now contributing to the industry, up from just five in 2019.

Fintech company CredAble reports that India’s space-tech startup landscape has advanced considerably due to liberalised space economy rules and ISRO’s support. Previously, FDI in the space sector was only allowed through government approval, but the new rules have spurred innovative services and economic growth. The Indian space industry, currently valued at $8 billion, is poised to reach a projected $40 billion by 2040.

India has become a preferred destination for satellite launches, deploying 381 satellites for 34 countries over the past two decades and earning $279 million in revenues. ISRO’s notable missions have inspired a new generation of space enthusiasts and entrepreneurs. According to CredAble, recent technological advances have made space missions more accessible and affordable, and an investment of $22 billion over the next decade will be crucial to achieving the projected fivefold growth and strengthening India’s space economy.

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ISRO astronauts set for NASA training in Houston

NASA. (Photo: Twitter/@@NASA)

NASA will have a hand in training two Indian astronauts, one of whom will fly to the International Space Station (ISS) late this year. …reports Asian Lite News

Marking a significant milestone in the India-US space partnership and space exploration, the two countries concluded the Strategic Framework for Human Spaceflight Cooperation to deepen interoperability in space and are working toward commencing advanced training for ISRO astronauts at the NASA Johnson Space Center, the first-ever joint effort between NASA and ISRO astronauts at the International Space Station.

A fact sheet issued by the US and India on Monday after the iCET Dialogue between US National Security Adviser (NSA) Jake Sullivan and National Security Advisor Ajit read, “Celebrating the conclusion of a Strategic Framework for Human Spaceflight Cooperation to deepen interoperability in space and work toward commencing advanced training for ISRO astronauts at the NASA Johnson Space Center.”

NASA will have a hand in training two Indian astronauts, one of whom will fly to the International Space Station (ISS) late this year. ISRO chairman S Somanath had earlier said that ISRO will likely select four astronauts for training.

Notably, India’s planned space station is called the Bharatiya Antariksha Station. It will be built by India and operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The station is expected to be completed by 2035. NASA plans to decommission the ISS by 2031.

The Indian space station will be smaller than the International Space Station (ISS). It will have a mass of 20 tonnes (ISS – 450 tonnes and Chinese Tiangong Space Station – 100 tonnes) and will be used for microgravity experiments. It will orbit Earth at an altitude of around 400km.

Meanwhile, the fact sheet issued by the US and India after the iCET Dialogue said that the two sides are also exploring opportunities to participate in the Lunar Gateway Programme.

“Exploring opportunities for India’s participation in the Lunar Gateway Program, as well as joint avenues for collaboration in other space technologies,” read the fact sheet.

The Lunar Gateway represents a significant leap in human space exploration, offering a versatile platform for lunar surface missions, scientific research, and preparation for future deep-space endeavours spearheaded by US.

Artemis intends to establish a long-term base on the Moon (Artemis base), and the Lunar Gateway will serve as a multi-purpose outpost that orbits the Moon. The Gateway is a multinational project involving four of the International Space Station partner agencies: NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), Japan’s Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).

The Gateway Station is similar to the International Space Station currently in low Earth orbit, but the Gateway will orbit the Moon. Incidentally, the Gateway will be the first space station ever to exist outside of low Earth orbit or LEO.

The fact sheet also noted that the space agencies of the two countries are preparing for the launch of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar, a jointly developed satellite that will map the entirety of the Earth’s surface twice every 12 days as part of efforts to combat climate change and other global challenges together.

NISAR will be the first radar imaging satellite to use dual frequencies. The mission will survey all of Earth’s land and ice-covered surfaces every 12 days. It has a three-year duration. The main aim of the NISAR satellite is to observe the most complex natural processes of the planet, including ecosystem disturbances, ice-sheet collapse, as well as earthquakes, volcanoes and landslides.

The iCET talks also saw the launch of a new partnership between the US Space Force and the Indian startups — 114ai and 3rdiTech — including on advancing space situational awareness, data fusion technologies, and infra-red sensor semiconductor manufacturing.

“Launching a new partnership between the US Space Force and the Indian startups, 114ai and 3rdiTech, including on advancing space situational awareness, data fusion technologies, and infra-red sensor semiconductor manufacturing,” read the fact sheet.

The two sides welcomed India’s observation of the US Space Command’s Global Sentinel Exercise at Vandenburg Space Force Base in February and its return as a participant in the exercise in 2025. “Welcoming India’s observation of the U.S. Space Command’s Global Sentinel Exercise at Vandenburg Space Force Base in February and its return as a participant in the exercise in 2025.”

The key points that were highlighted in the fact sheet were Significant Funding Commitments, NASA-ISRO Collaboration, Defence Space Technology, Telecommunications Advances, Semiconductor Partnership, and Quantum and AI Cooperation amongst many.

“Strengthening defence space cooperation through the second Advanced Domains Defense Dialogue held at the Pentagon in May 2024, which featured an India-US space table-top exercise and included bilateral expert exchanges on emerging domains including artificial intelligence,” the fact sheet added. (ANI)

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India fired up for a busy slate of space missions in 2024

Taking forward the country’s “walk to space”, ISRO started 2024 with a big announcement as the space agency declared the names of four astronauts for its Gaganyaan mission, which is India’s first human space flight programme. Besides Gaganyaan-1 programme, the ISRO also unveiled a compelling line-up of several other ground-breaking missions in 2024 … writes Dr Satish Sharma

Indian space odyssey touched a new high in 2023 after it became the first country to successfully soft land an unmanned spacecraft on the moon’s south pole with its Chandrayaan-3 mission. 

India’s space research agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), also attracted international admiration after it successfully conducted the Aditya-L1 mission to observe the dynamics of the Sun’s chromosphere and corona last year.

India’s union cabinet recently passed a resolution on the success of the lunar mission, calling it a victory for the country as well as ISRO.

Chandrayaan-3 mission’s success also received appreciation from the global leaders.

Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Aditya-L1, India’s maiden solar mission, on board PSLV-C57 lifts off from the launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre. (Photo: IANS/R. Parthi bhan)

Taking forward the country’s “walk to space”, ISRO started 2024 with a big announcement as the space agency declared the names of four astronauts for its Gaganyaan mission, which is India’s first human space flight programme.

Besides Gaganyaan-1 programme, the ISRO also unveiled a compelling line-up of several other ground-breaking missions in 2024. 

India’s space research agency’s ventures — from probing the mysteries of cosmic X-rays to launching India’s first X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite — have promised to redefine the understanding of Earth, explore the depths of space, and set the stage for unprecedented human spaceflight.

PSLV-C58 with XPoSat

ISRO’s 2024 started with the successful launch of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C58) carrying XPoSat, the country’s first X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite.

The Indian space research agency lifted off PSLV-C58, which successfully launched XPoSat satellite into an Eastward low inclination orbit on January 01.

ISRO’s PSLV-C58 carrying an X-ray polarimeter satelite and 10 other satelites lifts off from the spaceposrt of Sriharikota. (IANS/ISRO)

According to ISRO, X-ray Polarimeter Satellite or XPoSat is the first dedicated scientific satellite from ISRO to carry out research in space-based polarisation measurements of X-ray emission from celestial sources. 

It carries two payloads namely POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays) and XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing), as per ISRO.

ISRO said the main objectives of this mission include measuring polarisation of X-rays in the energy band 8-30keV emanating from about 50 potential cosmic sources, carrying out long term spectral and temporal studies of cosmic X-ray sources in the energy band 0.8-15keV, and conducting polarisation and spectroscopic measurements of X-ray emissions from cosmic sources.

NISAR

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission represents a pathbreaking collaboration between India’s ISRO and the United States’ NASA. 

According to ISRO, NISAR is a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) observatory being jointly developed by the two leading space agencies. 

ISRO Chairman S. Somanath During A Press Conference After The Successful Soft Landing Of Chandrayaan-3

NISAR’s dual band (L and S) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) will map the entire globe in 12 days and provide spatially and temporally consistent data for understanding changes in Earth’s ecosystems, ice mass, vegetation biomass, sea level rise, ground water and natural hazards including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes and landslides, says ISRO.

The mission was scheduled to be launched in January this year, but some modifications to a large deployable antenna on the radar spacecraft will delay its launch, likely to the second half of the year, according to a Space News report.

GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS

The launch of the GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS mission was accomplished on February 17. 

According to ISRO, the GSLV, in its 16th mission, aims at deploying the INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). 

ISRO’s meteorological satellite INSAT-3DS aboard GSLV-F14 at the spaceport of Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. (Photo IANS@isro)

INSAT-3DS is a crucial communication satellite within the Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) series, and its primary mission is to monitor Earth’s surface, carry out Oceanic observations and its environment in various spectral channels of meteorological importance, provide the vertical profile of various meteorological parameters of the Atmosphere, provide the Data Collection and Data Dissemination capabilities from the Data Collection Platforms (DCPs), and provide Satellite Aided Search and Rescue services.

Gaganyaan 1

In a collaborative effort between ISRO and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), Gaganyaan-1 mission envisages demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching crew members to an orbit of 400 km for a three-day mission and bring them back safely to earth, by landing in Indian sea waters.

According to ISRO, the project is accomplished through an optimal strategy by considering inhouse expertise, experience of Indian industry, intellectual capabilities of Indian academia and research institutions along with cutting edge technologies available with international agencies.

Mangalyaan-2 (MOM 2)

ISRO’s ambitious sequel to its successful Mars mission, Mars Orbiter Mission 2 (MOM 2) — named Mangalyaan-2, is aimed at studying the surface, atmosphere, and climatic conditions of Mars.

This mission will equip the orbiter spacecraft with advanced scientific instruments, including a hyperspectral camera, magnetometer, and radar. 

According to ISRO, Mangalyaan-2 mission is a testament to India’s expanding prowess in planetary exploration.

X-ray Polarimeter Satellite

X-ray Polarimeter Satellite or XPoSat is the first dedicated polarimetry mission of India to study various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions. 

ISRO says the spacecraft will carry two scientific payloads in a low earth orbit. 

ISRO’s PSLV-C58 carrying an X-ray polarimeter satelite and 10 other satelites lifts off from the spaceposrt of Sriharikota on Jan. 1, 2024.(IANSXISRO)

According to the Indian space agency, the primary payload POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays) will measure the polarimetry parameters (degree and angle of polarization) in medium X-ray energy range of 8-30 keV photons of astronomical origin, while the XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing) payload will give spectroscopic information in the energy range of 0.8-15 keV.

Venus Orbiter Mission (Shukrayaan-1)

ISRO, under the Venus Orbiter Mission, plans to launch Shukrayaan-1, a spacecraft destined to orbit Venus for five years. 

According to ISRO sources, this venus orbiter mission, scheduled for December 2024 or early 2025, aims to study the atmosphere of Venus. 

This mission will be India’s first foray into exploring the mysteries of the second planet from the Sun, reports said.

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ISRO Unveils C-C Nozzle, Redefining Rocket Engineering

This innovation is set to dramatically enhance the performance and payload capacity of ISRO’s launch vehicles…reports Asian Lite News

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced a significant breakthrough in rocket technology with the development of a new lightweight Carbon-Carbon (C-C) nozzle. This innovation is set to dramatically enhance the performance and payload capacity of ISRO’s launch vehicles, marking a pivotal advancement in its space exploration capabilities.
 
The innovation originates from ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) located in Thiruvananthapuram. 
 
According to information provided by ISRO in a statement, the development involved the use of advanced Carbon-Carbon composites to create a nozzle divergent, distinguished by its exceptional mechanical properties at high temperatures. This new nozzle divergent is characterized by its low density, high specific strength, and excellent stiffness—attributes that are crucial for enhancing the efficiency of rocket engines.
 
The newly designed C-C nozzle is anticipated to significantly elevate vital parameters of rocket engines, such as thrust levels, specific impulse, and thrust-to-weight ratios. 
 
According to ISRO, the potential impact of this development is significant, particularly for its workhorse launcher, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The PS4, the fourth stage of the PSLV, currently employs twin engines with nozzles made from Columbium alloy. 
 
“However, by replacing these metallic divergent nozzles with C-C counterparts, a mass reduction of approximately 67% can be achieved. This substitution is projected to increase the payload capability of the PSLV by 15 kg, a notable enhancement for space missions,” ISRO said.
 
Durability and Resistance Features
 
One of the standout features of the C-C nozzle is its specialized anti-oxidation coating made of Silicon Carbide. This coating significantly extends the operational limits of the nozzle in oxidizing environments, a common challenge in rocket operations. It reduces thermally induced stresses and enhances corrosion resistance, which together allow for extended operational temperature limits. These enhancements ensure that the nozzle remains durable and effective in the hostile environments of space.
 
The efficacy and reliability of the new nozzle were rigorously tested at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) located in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The testing protocol included a 60-second hot test conducted on March 19, 2024, followed by a more extended 200-second hot test on April 2, 2024. These tests confirmed the nozzle’s performance and hardware integrity, with temperatures reaching up to 1216K, aligning with the predicted outcomes and demonstrating robust system capabilities.
 
The development of the new nozzle was a result of a collaborative effort across multiple ISRO centres. The Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) at Valiamala near Thiruvananthapuram played a critical role in designing and configuring the tests. Meanwhile, the IPRC was responsible for the instrumentation and execution of these tests at their High-Altitude Test (HAT) facility. This teamwork integrates ISRO’s technological advancements with its mission preparations.
 
This technological breakthrough significantly enhances the capabilities of ISRO’s workhorse launcher, the PSLV. It not only promises to support more ambitious space missions but also paves the way for advancements in other satellite launch vehicles. By increasing payload capacity, ISRO can undertake more complex and weightier missions, potentially including manned space flights and interplanetary explorations.
 
The successful development and testing of the Carbon-Carbon nozzle demonstrates ISRO’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in space technology. This breakthrough is expected to play a critical role in future explorations, contributing to ISRO’s growing reputation as a leader in global space research and exploration. (India News Network)

Indian space sector has endless potential: Capt. Gopichand

The Indian space sector, led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and other private players, has endless potential, and it’s time to take elephant steps to scale higher, said Captain Gopichand Thotakura on Monday.

“India has achieved something which other countries have not been able to achieve for decades. And to really defy landing on the South Pole, as the first country shows that the potential is absolutely endless,” Captain Gopichand, who is soon set to become the first Indian to become a space tourist, told IANS.

Captain Gopichand will soon be a part of the six-person crew flying on Blue Origin’s NS-25 mission to the edge of space.

He said that most of space travel is restricted by funding. But with the opening of the sector to public-private partnership “space is not the limit anymore, we can reach far beyond what any other country has already reached. And what you saw with Chandrayaan is just a small example”.

He said that India, which is the most populated country in the world, has a foot in almost every industry possible, but “we are yet to put a human in a rocket launched from Sriharikota”.

“The funding is what we’re missing,” which will now happen due to privatisation of the sector.

Lauding the efforts of ISRO, he said the funds which the ISRO spent on the Chandrayaan mission to the Moon are “unbelievable”.

In August 2023, the Chandrayaan-3 mission, led by scientists at ISRO, made history by becoming the first nation in the world to land near the south pole of the Moon. It has also become the fourth nation to make a soft landing on the Moon after the erstwhile USSR, the US, China.

“I think that the world is ready to be awakened with what ISRO can do,” he said while speaking about the Gaganyaan mission and more from ISRO. He, however, noted that “It’s not about baby steps anymore, we need to take elephant steps”.

The Gaganyaan mission aims to send a manned three-day mission to space, which will orbit 400 km above Earth and will return.

Four group captains from the Indian Air Force — Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Ajit Krishnan, and Angad Pratap, and wing commander Shubanshu Shukla — have been selected for the mission, slated for 2025.

Captain Gopichand, said to aspire for a day when a civilian, from a non-science background, from the Indian soil would fly to space, either as an astronaut or as a tourist.

“It is one of the things where I want to contribute. I don’t come from a military background. To be selected for such missions is to break the barrier, to put a civilian in space, to have our blood, who’s not from a military background. “

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ESA Chief Praises ISRO for ‘Astonishing’ Space Achievements

Josef Aschbacher said, “What India is accomplishing in space – especially in Lunar exploration – is astonishing.”

Director General of European Space Agency (ESA), Josef Aschbacher, heaped praise on the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for its recent successful launches and said that India’s accomplishments in space and especially in lunar exploration is ‘astonishing’.

Aschbacher posted an appreciation post on X, after ESA hosted its 323rd Council meeting in Paris which was attended by the ISRO Chairman, S Somanath.

ESA Member States met in Paris, France, for the 323rd session of the ESA Council on March 26 and 27, 2024.

The European scientist also underscored that the significance of strengthening ties and deepening cooperation with international partners cannot be underestimated.

“What India is accomplishing in space – especially in Lunar exploration – is astonishing. We hosted ISRO’s Chairman, Dr. S. Somanath at ESA Council today. It was a milestone occasion for Delegates to learn more about current and future plans for ESA-ISRO cooperation,” he posted on X.

“The strategic importance of strengthening ties and deepening cooperation with international partners cannot be underestimated,” he added.

Additionally, Astronaut Thomas Pesquet also shared about meeting with the ISRO chairman and the ESA Director and said that the they witnessed enthusiastic exchanges between the two leaders.

“Very proud to welcome ISRO chairman Shri. S. Somanath at ESA HQ in Paris yesterday, with our director Josef Aschbacher. Enthusiastic exchanges between the two men, and abounding cooperation opportunities between the two organisations. Let’s co-travel to space together!,” he posted on X.

In a stellar display of prowess, India soared to new heights in 2023 with the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the South Pole of the Moon and the launch of Aditya-L1, India’s first solar mission.

These milestones not only secured India’s standing in the global space economy but also fueled the engines for the private space sector in India.

On August 23, 2023, the Chandrayaan-3 mission created history with the successful soft landing on Moon’s surface.

India is now the first nation to reach near the Moon’s unexplored South Pole and ranks amongst the top four nations to carry out a soft landing on the lunar surface.

Chandrayaan-3 is India’s third lunar mission and the second attempt to land softly on the moon’s surface. It’s part of the Chandrayaan program, a series of missions developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to explore the moon. The mission consists of a Vikram lunar lander, a Pragyan lunar rover, and a propulsion module that carries the spacecraft from Earth orbit to lunar orbit.

Additionally, in a major milestone, India placed its first dedicated solar mission, the Aditya-L1 spacecraft, in the Halo orbit. The country went gaga over this historic achievement, especially since this mission came at the back of India’s moon landing, the Chandrayaan-3 mission.

Aditya-L1 reached Lagrange Point L1 which is about 1.5 million km from earth. The PSLV-C57.1 rocket carrying the Aditya-L1 orbiter lifted off successfully from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, in September. (ANI)

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Next generation rocket project report ready, says ISRO chief

The next stage is to approach the government for funds and also establish the mechanism for development along with the private industry….reports Asian Lite News

The project report for the next generation rocket has been submitted by the project team and the next stage is to seek government funds, said S. Somanath, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

He also said internal discussions are on about the next moon mission – Chandrayaan-4 as to what it should achieve differently that was not done by others.

Speaking to the reporters here after the successful orbiting of the country’s latest weather satellite INSAT-3DS Somanath said: “The project team of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) has submitted its report.”

The project team has also estimated the cost. The next stage is to approach the government for funds and also establish the mechanism for development along with the private industry.

The rocket design work is underway. The next generation rocket will be partially reusable and will have a carrying capacity of about 10 tonnes to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

Currently, ISRO’s heaviest rocket LVM3 has a carrying capacity of four tonne. Queried about the next Moon mission, Somanath said it has to achieve something new that was not done earlier by others, say “bringing a lunar sample back using a robot”.

“It will be a complex rocket and high-end technology is being developed. We are working on some novel design,” he said while underlining the requirement for funds. Somanath, however, ruled out categorically that India-US collaboration earth observation satellite NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) will be used for surveillance.

He said the NISAR will be used only for earth observation and focus will be on the Earth as a system. As to the status of other weather satellites like INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR, Somanath said the INSAT-3D launched in 2013 will be put to a different use.

On the status of the country’s human space mission, Somanath said 2024 will be the year of Gaganyaan for ISRO as it will be carrying out various tests and other activities to realise the country’s manned space mission in 2025.

Somanath said ISRO will be carrying out two more abort missions in 2024. Last year, the space agency carried out the first Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1) to demonstrate the crew escape system.

One test vehicle is ready. According to him, ISRO will carry out two unmanned missions, helicopter drop test, launchpad abort tests and several others.

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