Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Expansion of Space Assets
The Indian space sector has significantly expanded, currently operating 55 active space assets. This includes 18 communication satellites, nine navigation satellites, five scientific satellites, three meteorological satellites, and 20 Earth observation satellites.
New Launch Vehicles
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has enhanced its launch capabilities with the addition of two new vehicles: the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) and the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), complementing the existing Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
Recent Space Missions
Notable missions include the Mars Orbiter Mission (2014), ASTROSAT (2015), Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter (2019), Chandrayaan-3 landing on the Moon (2023), and the Aditya-L1 mission (2023). These missions reflect India’s growing expertise in space exploration.
NavIC Constellation
The indigenous satellite navigation constellation, NavIC, was completed and operationalized in 2016, providing critical navigation support.
Commercial Launch Success
New Space India Limited (NSIL) has successfully launched 72 OneWeb satellites into low Earth orbit using LVM3, establishing it as a reliable option in the global commercial launch market.
Technological Development Gaps
Key areas for improvement include the development of indigenous carbon fiber capabilities, dedicated semiconductor fabs for space applications, and the availability of major alloying elements.
Challenges in Commercialization
Issues affecting commercialization include a niche market, pricing constraints, limited demand, and uncertainty in long-term demand.
Private Sector Initiatives
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) was established in June 2022 to facilitate private sector involvement in space activities. As of January 2024, IN-SPACe has processed 440 applications from over 300 entities.
Private Sector Achievements
Significant private sector developments include the successful launch of the Vikram-S (Prarambh mission) by Skyroot Aerospace, the establishment of the first private launchpad and mission control center by Agnikul Cosmos, and the collaboration between HAL and L&T for PSLV production. The transfer of small satellite launch vehicle technology is also underway.
