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Future ISRO Missions & Indian Space Sector & Economy | UPSC Editorials
IMPORTANT LINKS
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Analysis Based On |
Article published in The Hindu highlighting future of India’s Space Sector |
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Topics for Prelims |
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Types of launch vehicles, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), Remote sensing satellites, Communication satellites, Navigation satellites (IRNSS/NavIC) |
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Topics for Mains |
India’s Space Program, India’s Space Policy and Private Sector Involvement, Global Space Economy and India’s Position, Challenges and Opportunities in India's Space Sector |
Future ISRO Mission and Current Major Developments in India’s Space Sector
Present Prime Minister of India has stressed on making India a hub of Space Economy and for this some major steps have been taken by the Department of Space. Government has allowed 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the space sector to attract potential investors in future ISRO missions and other Indian space companies. These are the following major developments in India’s Space sector:
- Advancements in Space Science Missions: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) continues to push scientific boundaries with missions such as the Aditya-L1 solar observatory, which has contributed to studies in solar storms and associated phenomena since its 2023 launch.
- XPoSat: ISRO recent mission like XPoSat has put ISRO among the elite space club of the world. Cosmic rays can be studied through this achievement.
- Gaganyaan Mission Progress: The most significant progress in the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program is the successful Abort test in 2023 with the help of space organizations of France and Russia and ongoing training of astronauts. The first uncrewed mission is planned for December 2024, with a crewed mission set for 2025.
- Major Push Towards Commercialisation and Engaging With Private Sectors: Organizations like New Space India Limited (NSIL) have taken over commercial activities for Indian Remote Sensing satellites as of May 2024. A private organization Agnikula Cosmos achieved a milestone with the SoRTeD-01 vehicle launch in March 2024.
- Next-Generation Launch Vehicle Development: Future ISRO missions include developing an advanced Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) to improve payload capacity which will ultimately reduce the financial burden of future ISRO missions.Also, a semi-cryogenic engine for the LVM-3 rocket is also in the pipeline and it has passed pre-burner ignition tests in May 2024.
Major Issues Related to Indian Space Sector
The path of becoming a space hub of the world and especially of the global south is not easy. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in particular and Indian Space Sector is grappling with some issues. These are some of the the major issues related to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Indian Space Sector:
- Lack of Private Sector Participation: Despite some major policy reforms and amendments such as allowing 100% FDI and establishing organizations like NSIL, private companies hold a small share of India's USD 78 billion space economy. Regulatory challenges and restricted access to ISRO facilities have kept the private sector at bay.
- Financial Constraints: ISRO's funding is significantly less than major space organizations of the world like NASA which has a budgetary allocation of USD 25.3 billion. This affects the development of ambitious projects and advanced technologies.
- Drain of Talented Resources: India and ISRO struggles to retain aerospace talent due to handsome perks and salaries offered abroad and lack of opportunities within the country, affecting its ability to attract and retain specialized professionals.
- Limited Market Access and Collaboration with International Players: Although India collaborates with more than 60 countries all over the world, its global space economy share still remains below 2% due to factors like geopolitical factors and regulatory challenges.
- Lack of Infrastructure: India has only one major launch site and also lacks a dedicated deep space network. This makes India incapable of launching complex missions.
Measures to Enhance Future ISRO Missions and Space Economy of India
These are some of the measures required to enhance future isro missions and make india global hub of space economy:
- Promote Private Sector Engagement: There is a dire need to engage more with the private sector to increase expertise and also lower the financial burden on ISRO.
- Talent Retention: Creation of innovators program along with learning from foreign space agencies will help India to retain some of the brightest minds in the country.
- Technology Leap-frog Strategy: It is required to launch a 'Next-Gen Space Tech Mission' with establishment of modern space centers that will focus on reusable launch vehicles, quantum communication, and Artificial Intelligence.
- Expand International Collaborations: Focussing more on joint mission with other agencies will help in sharing experience and expertise.
- Enhance Space Infrastructure and Facilities: Development of additional spaceports on the eastern coast will make the entire process of launching more flexible and will save both time and cost. Apart from that mini centers can be established as well for launch of small satellites like SSLVs. Creation of a Deep Space Network should be emphasized.
- Better Data Management: Developing a 'National Space Cloud' so that data can be managed efficiently.
- Vocal For Local: Imports of critical equipment and technologies should be substituted with indigenous ones so that the entire system doesn't depend upon the rapidly changing geopolitics. It will help to use the available resources judiciously.
- Streamlining the Regulatory Framework: Bureaucratic inertia should be done away with so that decision making becomes fast and efficient.
- Synergy Between Academia,Industry and Government: Incubation Center, Space challenges program should be organized to attract people and organization towards space related services.
Conclusion
India’s space sector has seen significant advancements, marked by some major milestones like the Chandrayaan-3 mission and the Aditya L1 launch. To achieve its full potential, ISRO and India must tackle key challenges like building a robust private space industry, collaborating more with international organizations and investing in critical emerging technologies. Addressing such issues will enable India to enhance its role in the global space economy and advance human knowledge and exploration.
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UPSC Previous Year Questions
Year
Question
2016
Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How has the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development?
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Year |
Question |
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2016 |
Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How has the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development? |
UPSC Practice Questions
Q1. "The rapid development and deployment of small satellite launch vehicles (SSLVs) can potentially transform the global space economy." Critically analyze this statement, highlighting the benefits and challenges associated with the increased use of SSLVs. Include recent advancements and data in your answer. (250 words)
Q2. Evaluate India's current space policy in the context of increasing private sector participation. What are the key government initiatives that promote privatization in the space sector, and what challenges do private players face in this domain? (250 words)