PARLIAMENT QUESTION: INDIA’S SPACE LAUNCH PROGRAMME

Key Highlights:

• In the last 3 years (July 2023 to June 2026, as per the release), India successfully launched 12 vehicle missions, 11 national, and 9 international satellites.
• India became the first country to achieve a soft-landing near the Moon's south pole with Chandrayaan-3.
• The first solar observatory mission, Aditya-L1, was successfully launched on PSLV.
• India demonstrated docking/undocking in space through the SPADEX mission, becoming the 4th country to do so.
• Development of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) was completed, with technology transfer to Indian industry.
• A Third Launch Pad is approved for Sriharikota, and a second rocket launch site is being developed at Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu.
• India's space economy is targeted to reach USD 44 billion by 2033, as per IN-SPACe roadmap.

Detailed Insights:

• The period saw the milestone of 100 launches from India’s spaceport at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota.
• The joint NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission was successfully launched on India’s GSLV vehicle.
• LVM3 launched the heaviest satellite to GTO from Indian soil (CMS-03) and also the heaviest satellite ever from Indian soil for a US customer.
• India currently operates four launch vehicles: PSLV, GSLV, GSLV MkIII (LVM3), and SSLV, utilized for various satellite launches and commercial services.
• The new launch pads aim to enhance capacity for Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV) and cater to private space start-ups and non-governmental entities.
• Government measures permit Non-Government Entities (NGEs) to establish temporary test facilities within ISRO premises, reducing development time and cost.
• IN-SPACe has introduced policy reforms and incentive schemes, including financial support for startups and MSMEs, to foster a competitive space ecosystem.
• NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) generated ₹1,16,613.16 Lakhs from launch services in 2022-23, with projected revenues for 2023-24 and 2024-25.
• Advanced technologies under development include a 200t thrust Semi-cryogenic engine, Vertical Take-off & Vertical landing (VTVL) for reusability, and a partially reusable NGLV with LOX-Methane propulsion.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle): India's workhorse launch vehicle, primarily used for launching Earth Observation and remote sensing satellites.
• GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle): India's launch vehicle designed to place communication satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
• SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle): A new, cost-effective, and quick-turnaround launch vehicle designed to cater to the small satellite market.
• LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3): India's heaviest operational launch vehicle, capable of launching 4-ton class satellites to GTO.
• Semi-cryogenic engine: An engine that uses liquid oxygen (LOX) as oxidizer and refined kerosene (RP-1) as fuel, offering higher thrust.
• LOX-Methane engine: An engine using liquid oxygen and liquid methane as propellants, known for its high performance and reusability potential.
• Vertical Take-off & Vertical landing (VTVL): A technology enabling rockets to land vertically after launch, crucial for reusability and cost reduction.
• Orbital Re-entry Vehicle (ORV): A winged body designed to re-enter the atmosphere and land on a runway, part of reusable launch vehicle technology.