India’s New Horizons in Space: Key Missions and Developments

India’s New Horizons in Space: Key Missions and Developments

Sub: Sci

Sec: Space tech 

Why in News

India’s space program has recently made significant strides, marked by new project approvals, expanded missions, and the launch of international collaborations. With the Union Cabinet’s endorsement of multiple missions, including lunar and Venusian explorations, and the private sector’s active involvement, India is set to achieve critical milestones in space research and exploration. These developments signal the country’s rising ambitions in the space sector.

Recent Approvals and Financial Backing for New Missions:

Gaganyaan and Bharatiya Antariksh Station

The Union Cabinet approved four additional missions under the ‘Gaganyaan’ program, India’s first human spaceflight project, as well as four test missions for India’s planned space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station-1, set for 2028.

Gaganyaan is a mission by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

Under the Gaganyaan schedule:

• Three flights will be sent into orbit.
• There will be two unmanned flights and one human spaceflight.

The Gaganyaan system module, called the Orbital Module will have three Indian astronauts, including a woman.

It will circle Earth at a low-earth-orbit at an altitude of 300-400 km from earth for 5-7 days.

Payloads:

• Crew module –spacecraft carrying human beings.
• Service module –powered by two liquid propellant engines.
• It will be equipped with emergency escape and emergency mission abort.

GSLV Mk III, also called the LVM-3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3,)the three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle, will be used to launch Gaganyaan as it has the necessary payload capability.

Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS):

The BAS is expected to be operational between 2028 and 2035, marking India’s foray into establishing a permanent space station.

This project aims to advance India’s capabilities in space exploration and bio-science research.

Development of Next-Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV):

ISRO received clearance to develop a Next-Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) with an estimated budget of ₹8,240 crore, which covers the costs for the rocket’s first three development flights.

ISRO’s NGLV will be a three-stage reusable heavy-lift vehicle.

Pay load capacity will be around 10 tonnes to Geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) and twice the capacity to Low earth orbit(LEO).

NGLV will feature semi-cryogenic propulsion for the booster stages which is cheaper and efficient.

Potential applications will be in the areas of deep space missions, launching communication satellites, future human missions and cargo missions.

It allows bulk manufacturing and the turnaround time is minimal.

Till now, PSLV and GSLV are the major launch vehicles employed by the ISRO for satellite launches.

Commercialization of LVM-3 Rocket:

New Space India Ltd. (NSIL) is set to appoint a private entity to commercialize the LVM-3 rocket, marking another shift toward private participation in India’s space sector.

The LVM-3 has 3 stages:

The first stage is in the form of 2 S200 boosters straps to the sides of the rocket body; combust a solid fuel called hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene.

The second stage is powered by Vikas Engines (combust a liquid fuel) either nitrogen tetroxide or unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine.

The final stage is Powered by a cryogenic engine. It combusts liquified hydrogen with liquified oxygen.

Chandrayaan-4:

Scheduled for launch in 2027 with an estimated budget of ₹2,104 crore, Chandrayaan-4 will be a sample-return mission, aimed at bringing lunar soil and rock samples back to Earth.

LUPEX Collaboration:

A collaborative mission with Japan, LUPEX will include a new ISRO-designed lunar lander to be potentially used for future crewed lunar missions.

LUPEX is a collaborative mission between ISRO and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) aimed at exploring the lunar polar region.

Goals: To study the presence and distribution of water ice on the Moon’s surface, which is crucial for future lunar exploration and potential human habitation.

Mission Components: Includes an ISRO-developed lander and a JAXA-built rover equipped to operate in the extreme environment of the lunar poles.

Venus Orbiter Mission:

 The Venus Orbiter Mission, set for launch in March 2028 with a budget of ₹1,236 crore, aims to study Venus’ surface and atmosphere, helping scientists understand the evolutionary paths of planets in the solar system.

Objective: To explore the surface and sub-surface of Venus, its atmosphere and its interaction with the Sun.

Optimal Launch Window: Earth and Venus align for the shortest path every 19 months. The mission is expected to be accomplished on the opportunity available during March 2028.

Payload: Scientific payloads include a high-resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar, thermal cameras

Trajectory: Similar to previous Indian space missions, the satellite will gain speed in Earth’s orbit, will get sling-shot towards Venus, and then get captured in its orbit.

Travel Duration: Once launched, it will take about 140 days to reach Venus after exiting Earth’s orbit.

Space-Based Surveillance (SBS) Phase III:

The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the third phase of SBS on October 11, involving the construction of 52 satellites, with ISRO producing 21 and private companies 31, at a cost of ₹26,968 crore.

Objective: To strengthen India’s space surveillance capabilities, enhancing security and monitoring in space.

Historical Context: Builds on earlier phases, SBS-1 (2001) with 4 satellites and SBS-2 (2013) with 6 satellites.

Significance: Improves tracking of space assets, debris monitoring, and defense readiness, aligning with India’s growing focus on space security.

Axiom-4 Mission:

Axiom Mission 4 (or Ax-4) is a private spaceflight to the International Space Station which is operated by Axiom Space and uses a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.

Axiom-4 aims to facilitate commercial activities in space, including scientific research, technological development, and space tourism.

It is set to carry a diverse crew of astronauts from different countries, reflecting the growing international interest in space exploration.

Axiom-4 is expected to be a short-duration mission, lasting approximately 14 days.

Axiom Space’s long-term vision includes building the world’s first commercial space station.

NISAR Satellite:

A collaboration between NASA and ISRO, NISAR will be launched in early 2025 using the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle. Its radar antenna was modified for better heat resistance after testing in India.

Proba-3 Solar Observation Mission:

Europe’s Proba-3, scheduled for launch on November 29 via India’s PSLV-XL, will observe the Sun’s corona through dual satellite formation, one blocking the Sun’s core for detailed coronal study.

Objective: Proba-3 is a European Space Agency (ESA) mission focused on studying the Sun’s corona to understand solar dynamics and space weather.

Technology: Utilizes two satellites flying in precise formation; one satellite blocks the Sun, creating an artificial eclipse, allowing the other to observe the corona.

Significance: Provides critical data on solar activity, which impacts satellite operations and Earth’s electromagnetic environment.

India’s Role: This collaboration reflects India’s growing involvement in international space science initiatives, previously launching Proba-1 in 2001.

LEAP-3 Mission:

Manastu Space has partnered with Dhruva Space to test green propulsion technology for the LEAP-3 mission in 2025, marking a push for sustainable space exploration.

Green Propulsion Technology: Manastu’s propulsion system, powered by hydrogen peroxide, represents a cleaner alternative for satellite missions.

Project 200 and Private Industry Milestones:

Project 200 by Bellatrix Aerospace: This ultra-low earth orbit satellite prototype aims to operate at 200 km altitude, adding to India’s capabilities in the lower atmospheric layer.