A look at ongoing Indian space missions

Topic: GS3 – Science and Technology

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10

Context

●  Over the past year, ISRO has achieved notable milestones, enhancing its capabilities and expanding its role in space exploration. ● The organisation has been focused on developing new technologies, improving its launch systems, and fostering collaborations with private sector partners to advance India’s space program.

 

Aditya L1:

• Launched on September 2, 2023, Aditya L1 is India’s solar science mission aimed at studying the Sun from the Earth-Sun Lagrange point (L1).
• After launch aboard ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), it reached L1 on January 6, 2024.
• It observed a solar storm in May 2024 and began its first L1 orbit on July 2, 2024.
• The mission focuses on understanding solar activities and their impact on space weather.

Gaganyaan:

• On October 21, 2023, ISRO conducted its first abort mission for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program using a modified L-40 Vikas engine.
• This test demonstrated the Crew Escape System’s ability to safely detach and descend, ensuring astronaut safety.
• The crew module was successfully recovered by the INS Shakthi.

XPoSat:

• Launched on January 1, 2024, XPoSat is India’s X-ray Polarimeter Satellite.
• It aims to study the polarisation of X-ray radiation from celestial objects.
• The satellite, equipped with XSPECT and POLIX instruments, began operations on January 5 and 10, respectively, to enhance our understanding of cosmic phenomena.

INSAT-3DS:

• Launched on February 17, 2024, INSAT-3DS is a meteorological satellite carried by a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
• It is critical for validating the GSLV’s performance before the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission.
• INSAT-3DS aims to enhance weather forecasting and climate monitoring.

The Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD):

• The Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) conducted landing experiments LEX-02 and LEX-03 on March 22 and June 7, 2024.
• These tests, simulating space re-entry, used the Pushpak vehicle to evaluate landing dynamics. Success in these tests supports ISRO’s plans for a reusable space vehicle.

Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV):

• On August 16, 2023, ISRO launched its third Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) flight, placing EOS-08 and SR-0 Demosat satellites into orbit.
• This successful mission confirmed the SSLV’s readiness for commercial use, marking a key development in ISRO’s small satellite launch capabilities.

NewSpace India Ltd. (NSIL) Missions:

• NewSpace India Ltd. (NSIL) handles commercial satellite launches and activities.
• Notable recent missions include a SpaceX launch for GSAT-20/GSAT-N2 and a partnership with Australian private space companies for SSLV launches.
• NSIL also transferred remote sensing satellite data activities from ISRO and is involved in public-private partnerships.