Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been actively advancing India’s space capabilities through a series of landmark missions. Over the past year, significant strides have been made with missions like Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, and the upcoming Gaganyaan mission. 

• These missions not only enhance India’s scientific and technological prowess but also position India as a key player in the global space arena. 

• This editorial analysis focuses on the ongoing Indian space missions, highlighting their importance, technological advancements, and implications for India’s strategic interests.

Major missions and achievements in the recent past

• Aditya-L1 Mission – Launched with the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), the Aditya-L1 spacecraft is studying solar radiation from the Earth-Sun Lagrange point (L1). It reached its orbit around L1 by January 6, 2024, and completed its first orbit on July 2, 2024. In May 2024, it tracked a solar storm in collaboration with ground observatories and lunar spacecraft.

• Gaganyaan TV-D1 Test Flight – This mission used a modified L-40 Vikas engine to test the Crew Escape System (CES). The test successfully separated the crew module from the Test Vehicle (TV), ensuring it safely descended and was recovered by the Indian Navy vessel INS Shakthi. This test is a key part of ISRO’s human spaceflight program.

• XPoSat Launch- It studies the polarization of radiation from celestial objects and follows NASA’s IPEX mission. Equipped with XSPECT and POLIX instruments, XPoSat started its operations on January 5 and 10.

• INSAT-3DS Satellite– The INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite was launched on February 17, 2024, using a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). This mission tested the GSLV’s performance before the upcoming NISAR mission in early 2025.

• RLV-TD Tests- ISRO tested its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV), Pushpak, with landing experiments that mimicked conditions from space. These successful tests provided key data and set the stage for the upcoming Orbital Return Flight Experiment.

• SSLV Development- ISRO successfully completed the final test flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), deploying the EOS-08 and SR-0 Demosat satellites. This milestone confirms the SSLV’s readiness for commercial use. The payloads included earth observation tools and an ultraviolet dosimeter for the Gaganyaan mission.

• NSIL Missions NewSpace India Ltd. (NSIL)– NSIL now manages commercial activities like Indian Remote Sensing satellite data. On May 1, 2024, NSIL signed a launch deal with SpaceX for the GSAT-20/GSAT-N2 satellite. It also sought qualifications for LVM-3 production and signed a launch agreement with an Australian company for the SSLV.

• Private Sector Contributions – Private space companies are progressing with their missions: Agnikul Cosmos launched its SoRTeD-01 vehicle on March 21, 2024, Skyroot Aerospace is developing the Vikram 1 rocket, and Dhruva Space and Bellatrix Aerospace contributed to the PSLV-C58 mission on January 1, 2024.

Regulatory Developments 

• India’s space regulator, IN-SPACe, has updated its policies and issued new licenses, including the first satellite broadband license to Eutelsat OneWeb and the first ground station license to Dhruva Space.

• The government has amended its foreign direct investment (FDI) policy to allow 100% FDI in most space sectors, with some limits on satellite manufacturing (74%) and launch infrastructure (49%).

ISRO’s Long-term Roadmaps

• Gaganyaan Program: A 25-year roadmap was announced for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, including plans for a crewed lunar landing by 2040.

• Lunar Exploration: Future plans involve a sample-return mission, long-duration lunar surface missions, collaboration with NASA’s Lunar Gateway, and building moon habitats.

• Indian Space Station: Plans for the  ‘Bharatiya Antariksh Station’ (BAS) , a dedicated Indian space station, are targeted for completion by 2035.

Growth of Private Space Missions in India

• Agnikul Cosmos: Successfully launched the SoRTeD-01 vehicle, the first semi-cryogenic engine-powered launch from Indian soil, on March 21, 2024.

• Skyroot Aerospace: Progressing towards the Vikram 1 rocket launch after successful solid-fuel engine tests and a previous Vikram S test flight.

• Other Ventures: Dhruva Space and Bellatrix Aerospace conducted experiments on the PSLV-C58 mission.

Policy Shift in India’s Space Programmes

• Commercial Transition: ISRO transferred all commercial activities related to Indian Remote Sensing satellite data and products to  NewSpace India, Ltd. (NSIL) on May 1, 2024.

• Global Partnerships: NSIL signed agreements with SpaceX for launching the GSAT-20/GSAT-N2 satellite and with an Australian company for SSLV launches.

• New Policies: IN-SPACe released guidelines for space activities on May 3, 2024, and granted India’s first satellite broadband licence and ground station licence to private companies.

• FDI Policy Amendment: The Government of India allowed 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)   in most space segments, with some restrictions on satellite manufacturing and launch infrastructure.

Conclusion

• India’s space program is on a remarkable trajectory, marked by innovative missions and strategic collaborations that aim to expand the country’s footprint in space exploration. The achievements of the past year highlight ISRO’s dedication to advancing space technology, not only for scientific discovery but also for enhancing national capabilities and fostering global partnerships.