The Indian Defence Forces are ramping up their efforts in space-based operations by expanding space infrastructure and strengthening key agencies such as ISRO and DRDO. A recent presentation by the Department of Military Affairs highlighted plans for launching 52 satellites for surveillance and communication purposes. This comes in the wake of government approval for a space-based surveillance project to monitor critical areas along the LAC with China and borders with Pakistan.
With the Gaganyaan mission quickly approaching, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has made significant progress in its preparations. All propulsion systems for the launch vehicle are ready, the crew escape system has been tested, and the crew and service modules are in the process of integration. According to the reply by Minister of State for Space Dr Jitendra Singh, the first uncrewed mission is targeted for the end of 2024, with a series of further missions set for 2025 and 2026. With all the ground infrastructure and support systems in place, India is gearing up for a historic first crewed mission in 2026.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone in global space collaboration as they successfully launched ESA's Proba-3 Sun observation mission via PSLV-C59 from Sriharikota. This marks the first mission to launch from India for ESA since 2001 and showcases ISRO's growing contributions to global space exploration. The Proba-3 mission aims to study the Sun's faint corona closer to the solar rim and is a testament to the strength of international partnerships and the engineering excellence of ISRO.
The ISRO-developed solar observation mission captured the CME using its Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), helping scientists predict the trajectory of these dangerous events, and protect critical infrastructure such as power grids and satellites. This milestone adds to India's recent achievements in space, including the successful mission to the Moon's south pole with Chandrayaan-3.
This one-of-a-kind project is a combined effort by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), AAKA Space Studio Pvt. Ltd, the University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, to provide solutions for human spaceflight missions. For 21 days, an analog astronaut will stay in a set-up that contains a fully automated life support system, along with other components like Extra-Vehicular Activities (EVA) zone, hydroponics, and environmental monitoring systems to study the feasibility of human settlement on different planets.
ISRO Chairman S Somanathan spoke at the 13th convocation ceremony of IIIT Delhi, highlighting the need for India to undergo a revolutionary change driven by technological advancements and product development. He praised Elon Musk for inspiring global efforts in the space sector and encouraged young engineers to be innovative. He also applauded the government's recent initiatives to open the space sector to private players, saying it will enhance the country's global competitiveness.
ISRO Chairman S. Somanathan, in his address at Delhi's IIIT convocation, emphasized the crucial role of technology and product development in propelling India's economic growth. He commended the efforts of Elon Musk and his contributions to the global space sector, stating that India should strive to develop its own expertise in fields such as propulsion and material sciences. He also lauded the government's move to involve private players in the space industry, seeing it as a means to fasten development and increase competitiveness. Somanathan encouraged young engineers and scientists to continue learning and adapting in the ever-changing landscape of technology.
Following the recent Total Solar Eclipse, ISRO and ESA are partnering to launch Proba-3 spacecraft, which will use precision formation flying to artificially create solar eclipses in space. This innovative mission will allow for closer study of the Sun's mysterious corona and provide valuable insights into space weather. With cutting-edge technologies and precise coordination, Proba-3 is set to launch via the PSLV from India's Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Once in orbit, the spacecraft will autonomously perform formation flying, enabling six hours of observation per orbit and bridging the observational gap between the low and high corona.
Senior scientists at ISRO recall their interactions with Prime Minister Modi during the Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 missions. They talk about his keen interest in space science since his days as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and how his visit to the Space Applications Centre inspired them. One scientist also shares her experience of being personally congratulated by the PM during the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3. "August 23 Declared National Space Day, Chandrayaan 2 landing site named 'Tiranga Point'" To celebrate the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on August 23, 2023, PM Narendra Modi declared the day as National Space Day and named the landing site as 'Shiva Shakti Point.' He also christened the Chandrayaan-2 landing site as 'Tiranga Point' in honor of India's tricolor flag. This achievement made India the fourth country to successfully land on the moon and the first to land near the southern polar region.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched its third developmental flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) on Friday, successfully placing Earth Observation Satellite EOS-08 in orbit. With this feat, ISRO has completed its SSLV Development Project. The mission's primary objectives include designing a microsatellite, developing compatible payload instruments, and incorporating new technologies for future operational satellites. The satellite also carries cutting-edge payloads for applications like satellite-based surveillance, environmental monitoring, and disaster monitoring. With the support of PM Narendra Modi, ISRO continues to achieve one success after the other.