11th December 2024 (11 Topics)
Deepening India’s steps as a key space-faring nation
Context
India’s space program is focused on ambitious goals for the coming decades, with key projects like the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission and an Indian space station by 2030. A critical component of these aspirations is the development of reusable, heavy-lift rockets, notably the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which has been approved for development. Additionally, India’s private sector involvement is seen as vital to meeting these goals and ensuring strategic autonomy in space access.
ISRO’s Road Map and Future Plans
- Gaganyaan Mission: ISRO aims to send its first crew into space under the Gaganyaan mission, marking India's entry into human spaceflight.
- Space Station Objective: By 2030, India plans to establish its own space station orbiting Earth, advancing its human-spaceflight capabilities.
- Moon and Mars Missions: India intends to expand its human-spaceflight missions to the moon and beyond, with ongoing lunar exploration missions as part of its roadmap.
NGLV Development and its Importance
- Heavy Lift Capability: The NGLV will significantly increase payload capacity compared to ISRO’s LVM3, enabling more complex and expansive space missions.
- Reusability Feature: Unlike current expendable rockets, the NGLV will feature reusability, which reduces cost and increases long-term operational viability.
- Strategic Impact: The development of NGLV is vital for India to reduce dependence on foreign rocket providers and to become more competitive in global space missions.
Leveraging Private Sector in Space Technology
- Private Sector Role: The Department of Space should encourage Indian private companies to develop their own reusable, heavy-lift rockets to complement ISRO’s efforts.
- Collaboration with Foreign Entities: Indian corporations lacking rocket technology can collaborate with foreign companies to acquire necessary expertise and components.
- Innovative Funding Models: A milestone-based funding system for private players can incentivize timely development while fostering technical innovation and reducing financial risks.
Practice Question:
Q. India's space ambitions in the next two decades hinge on the development of reusable, heavy-lift rockets like the NGLV. Discuss the role of ISRO's current roadmap and the importance of private sector involvement in ensuring India's strategic autonomy in space.
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