Subject: Science & Technology

India's space journey has been marked by significant achievements in unmanned missions, yet the leap into human spaceflight presents unique challenges and opportunities that require careful examination.

Achievements in Unmanned Missions

• Chandrayaan Series: India's lunar exploration missions demonstrated technological prowess in deep space navigation, with Chandrayaan-3 achieving a historic soft landing on the Moon's south pole.

• Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM): Successfully placed India in an elite club of nations reaching Mars, showcasing capabilities in interplanetary mission planning and execution.

• Cost-effectiveness: These missions highlighted ISRO's ability to conduct space exploration at significantly lower costs compared to other space agencies.

Challenges in Manned Space Missions

Technological Challenges

• Development of Human-Rated Launch Vehicles (HRLV) that meet stringent safety requirements for human spaceflight.
• Creation of sophisticated life support systems to maintain Earth-like conditions in space.
• Implementation of reliable crew emergency escape systems for mission abort scenarios.

Logistical Challenges

• High costs associated with human spaceflight programs (Gaganyaan's budget increased to ₹20,193 crore from initial ₹10,000 crore).
• Need for extensive ground infrastructure and training facilities.
• Requirement of specialized medical support and recovery systems.

Current Progress and Future Prospects

• Gaganyaan Program: India's first human spaceflight mission includes:

  • Eight planned missions (2 crewed, 6 uncrewed) by 2028.
  • First crewed mission targeted for Q1 2027.
  • Successful qualification of rocket engines (February 2024).
  • Delivery of Orbiter Module Adaptor Assembly (December 2023).

• Collaborative Approach:

  • Partnerships with Indian industry and academia.
  • International cooperation for technology transfer and expertise sharing.

The journey towards human spaceflight represents India's next frontier in space exploration, with Gaganyaan marking a crucial step in establishing India's capabilities in human space transportation and expanding its space program's horizons.