Indian space programme breaks into 2025 in ‘mission mode’

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)

Topic: GS3 – Science and Technology

Context

The news highlights India’s advancements in space exploration, including successful docking, private collaborations. It also highlights preparations for human spaceflight and advanced missions like Chandrayaan-4.

PSLV-C60 Mission and SpaDeX Experiment

• On December 30, 2024, the PSLV-C60 mission launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), carrying the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) satellites.
• Two satellites were deployed into a 475-km orbit and began preparations for docking, set for January 7, 2025.
• Initial attempts faced challenges, including unexpected drift between the satellites. ISRO adjusted inter-satellite distances multiple times.
• On January 16, 2025, the two satellites successfully docked, marking India’s first in-orbit rendezvous and docking achievement.
• This milestone is crucial for future lunar and space-station docking operations.

POEM4 Mission

• • After deploying SpaDeX, PSLV-C60’s fourth stage began the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM4) phase.
  • POEM4 carried 24 payloads, including experiments by ISRO, academia, and private companies.
  • The POEM4 mission uses the PSLV’s fourth stage as an experimental platform for scientific payloads. 

• It supports research in robotics, propulsion, and plant studies.

Leadership Transition at ISRO

On January 14, 2025, V. Narayanan took over as the new chairman of ISRO, succeeding S. Somanath. Narayanan, previously director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Center, Thiruvananthapuram, played a key role in cryogenic and semi-cryogenic engines. He also led the committee investigating the Chandrayaan-2 moon-landing failure. The leadership change marks a new phase for ISRO as it advances towards human spaceflight and its next-generation launch vehicle.

Leadership Transition at ISRO

• On January 14, 2025, V. Narayanan became ISRO’s new chairman, succeeding S. Somanath.
• Narayanan has expertise in cryogenic and semi-cryogenic engines and led investigations into Chandrayaan-2’s landing failure.

Indian Contributions on SpaceX’s Transporter 12 Mission

• On January 15, 2025, three Indian companies launched payloads aboard SpaceX’s Transporter 12 mission:
  • Pixxel Space: Launched three hyperspectral satellites as part of a private constellation.
  • Digantara: Deployed a satellite for space situational awareness.
  • XDLINX Labs: Deployed a miniaturised communications satellite for Almagest Space Corporation.

Infrastructure and Technological Advances

• The government approved ₹3,984.86 crore for a third launch pad at SDSC, expected by 2029.
• ISRO successfully tested the Vikas engine’s restart capability, essential for atmospheric operations.
• Data from the Aditya-L1 solar mission was released, showcasing India’s advancements in studying the sun.

Conclusion 

• These missions advance India’s goals in scientific research, technology development, and future space exploration initiatives.
• Collaborative efforts with private companies highlight the expanding role of India’s private space sector in achieving national objectives.

Practice Question:  Discuss the significance of India’s achievements in space exploration and their impact on technological innovation, global collaborations, and the nation’s strategic objectives. (250 Words /15 marks)

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