Essay – Indian Space Exploration
Indian Space Exploration Essay: India has established itself as a global leader in the space sector and has been successfully launching satellites of many types since 1975. ISRO was established in 1969 by the eminent Indian scientist Dr Vikram Sarabhai. Its headquarters are located in Bengaluru. India has launched many communication satellites, observation satellites, space science and exploration satellites, satellite for navigation services, Indian regional navigation satellite system (IRNSS) etc.
India’s space program includes research activities in areas like astronomy, astrophysics, planetary and earth sciences, atmospheric sciences etc. Astrosat was the first Indian astronomical mission. Its objective was to study celestial sources through electromagnetic waves. India also launched its prestigious Mars Orbiter Mission. It was the first in the planetary emission of ISRO and its primary technology objective was to have a spacecraft with capability to perform deep space mission planning and communication management. Till date we have 3 missions to the moon. Chandrayan 1 was a completely successful mission in which an orbiting spacecraft was placed on the moon’s orbit. Chandrayan 2 was partially successful and Chandrayaan 3 was a complete success. By Chandrayaan 3 India became the first country to land on the lunar South pole. It enabled India to have the chemical, mineralogical, and geological samples and mapping of the moon’s surface and atmosphere.
In 2021 the ‘humans in space policy’ was announced by the government of India under which it was aimed to have a sustainable human presence in space as an instrument for development, innovation, and strengthening collaborations while addressing the National National interests.
In aligning with this principle ISRO is set to launch its ambitious gaganyan mission. Under the Gaganyaan mission 3 flights will be sent into orbit. It will include two unmanned trial flights and one final human space flight. It will demonstrate India’s capability of having humans in space.
Gaganyan mission has multiple significant objectives in scientific, economic, strategic and social aspects. It will not only enable Indian astronauts to carry out deep space experiments but also enable them to have their own space station in future. It will boost employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in the private sector. It places India as one of the most scientifically advanced countries and shows the growing sophistication of India’s space program which translates into more international collaboration in the space research and innovation sector.
ISRO has also announced its mission to Venus in 2025 which is also called Venus orbiter mission or Shukrayaan. It will be the first ever Indian mission to Venus. The objective of the mission is to investigate the structure, composition and dynamics of Venus’ surface and atmosphere.
The prestigious history of Indian space and research organization and its future missions strengthens national research institutions, academic institutions, and other organizations. It not only demonstrates scientific research capability of Indian scientists but also prioritizes national interests. It aims for increasing human capabilities, encourages entrepreneurship and increases public involvement in human space programs through outreach activities.
Space industry is undergoing a period of transformation at both National and international level. It helps in strengthening national capabilities through infrastructure development, modernization of space assets, technology development and human resource development. It not only encourages new industries in the space sector but also creates high tech jobs, increases socio economic growth and further enhances India’s stature and role in space.