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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.
Read about Indian space sector in detail: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/indias-space-sector-22
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.
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.
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.
Company |
Project/Mission |
Details |
Objectives |
Pixxel |
FirefliesHyperspectral Satellites |
First batch of 6 satellites (50 kg each). |
Detect crop diseases, water stress, deforestation, and pollution. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
Map building footprints, roads, and water bodies for over two lakh villages under Svamvita Programme. |
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.
Expand satellite services to underserved areas, enhance broadband and support national missions like Smart Cities.
Bolster space-based communication, navigation and disaster management systems.
Create a thriving space economy through public-private partnerships.
Promote innovation in satellite manufacturing, data analytics and space exploration technologies.
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:
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) |
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