Tag: ISRO

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653:INDIAN SPACE PROGRAM’S HISTORIC LEAP: GROUP CAPTAIN SHUBHANSHU SHUKLA SET TO EMBARK ON A LANDMARK JOURNEY TO THE SPACE STATION

 

My Article published on The EuraisianTimes website on 19 Apr 25.

 

Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will become the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission, launching no earlier than May 29, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair is his backup. Shukla, a test pilot and Gaganyaan mission astronaut-designate, will serve as the mission pilot for the 14–21-day mission, commanded by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, with mission specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary).

Shukla will conduct seven scientific experiments, including studies on muscle loss, microgravity screen time effects, and bio-farming, supporting ISRO’s Gaganyaan research. He will also promote Indian culture by carrying artefacts and practising yoga on the ISS. The Ax-4 mission, a collaboration between NASA, Axiom Space, and ISRO, includes 60 experiments from 31 countries. This historic mission, India’s first astronaut trip to the ISS and the second Indian in space since Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 Soyuz mission, highlights India’s rising prominence in global space exploration.

Established in 1969, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has transformed India into a global space powerhouse. From humble beginnings with sounding rockets to executing complex interplanetary missions, ISRO’s journey reflects a blend of scientific excellence, frugal engineering, and ambitious vision.

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The Indian Space Program: A Journey of Innovation and Ambition

Origins and Early Development. India’s space program began under the visionary leadership of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, who recognised space technology’s potential to address national challenges like communication, education, and resource management. The Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), formed in 1962, laid the groundwork for ISRO. The first significant milestone was the launch of the Nike-Apache sounding rocket from Thumba in 1963, marking India’s entry into space research. ISRO’s early focus was on developing indigenous satellite and launch vehicle technologies. The launch of Aryabhata, India’s first satellite, in 1975 aboard a Soviet rocket, was a pivotal moment. By 1980, ISRO achieved a breakthrough with successfully launching the Rohini satellite using the Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-3), making India the sixth nation capable of independently launching satellites.

Building Capabilities. In the 1980s, ISRO developed the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), a versatile rocket that became the backbone of India’s space program. The PSLV’s first successful launch in 1994 enabled India to place satellites in polar and geosynchronous orbits, supporting applications like remote sensing and communication. The INSAT series, starting with INSAT-1A in 1982, revolutionised telecommunications, television broadcasting, and weather forecasting, bridging India’s rural-urban divide.  In the 1990s, ISRO expanded its Earth observation capabilities with the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite series. These satellites provided critical agriculture, disaster management, and urban planning data. The program’s emphasis on self-reliance led to developing the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), designed to carry heavier payloads into geostationary orbits. Despite initial setbacks, the GSLV’s success in the 2000s bolstered India’s space ambitions.

Breakthroughs in the 21st Century. The 21st century marked a turning point for ISRO, with missions that showcased its technological prowess and global competitiveness. The Chandrayaan-1 mission, launched in 2008, was India’s first lunar probe. It made headlines with the discovery of water molecules on the Moon’s surface, a finding confirmed by its Moon Impact Probe. This mission, costing just $80 million, exemplified ISRO’s cost-effective approach, earning global acclaim. In 2013, ISRO achieved another milestone with the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), making India the first Asian nation to reach Martian orbit and the first globally to succeed on its maiden attempt. Mangalyaan, developed at a modest $74 million, demonstrated ISRO’s ability to deliver high-impact science on a lean budget. The mission’s longevity, with the orbiter still operational in 2025, underscores ISRO’s engineering excellence. ISRO’s Chandrayaan-2 mission 2019 aimed to soft-land a rover on the Moon’s South Pole. Although the Vikram lander crashed, the orbiter continues to provide valuable lunar data. The mission showcased India’s growing ambition to tackle complex challenges. In 2023, Chandrayaan-3 achieved a historic soft landing near the lunar South Pole, making India the fourth nation to land on the Moon and the first to explore this region. The Pragyan rover’s findings on lunar soil composition have added to global lunar science.

 

Societal Impact and Applications

ISRO’s space program extends beyond scientific exploration, delivering tangible benefits to Indian society. The INSAT and GSAT series have enabled tele-education and telemedicine, reaching remote areas with limited infrastructure. The Navic navigation system, operational since 2018, provides precise positioning services, enhancing transportation, agriculture, and defence sectors.

ISRO’s remote sensing satellites support disaster management by monitoring cyclones, floods, and droughts. The Cartosat and Resourcesat series aid in urban planning, water resource management, and crop forecasting, contributing to food security. ISRO’s data-sharing initiatives with global agencies also strengthen international cooperation in climate monitoring and disaster response.

The space program has spurred economic growth by fostering a domestic space industry. Companies like Antrix Corporation, ISRO’s commercial arm, and private startups like Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos are expanding India’s space ecosystem. ISRO’s technology transfers have enabled healthcare and renewable energy innovations, amplifying its socioeconomic impact.

 

Challenges

Despite its Successes, ISRO faces challenges. Limited funding, with a 2024-25 budget of approximately $1.6 billion, constrains its ability to scale ambitious projects compared to NASA ($25 billion) or China’s space program. Human spaceflight, a key frontier, has progressed slowly. The Gaganyaan mission, aiming to send Indian astronauts to low Earth orbit, faced delays due to technical complexities and the COVID-19 pandemic but is now targeted for 2026.

ISRO’s reliance on government funding limits its agility in a rapidly commercialising global space sector. While private sector participation grows, regulatory hurdles and bureaucratic processes hinder faster integration. Critics also point to occasional mission failures, like the GSLV’s early setbacks or Chandrayaan-2’s partial success, as areas needing improvement. However, ISRO’s ability to learn from failures and deliver subsequent successes reflects its resilience.

 

Future Prospects

ISRO’s roadmap is ambitious, with plans to solidify India’s position in global space exploration. The Gaganyaan mission will mark India’s entry into human spaceflight, with four astronauts training in collaboration with international partners. The Aditya-L1 solar observatory, launched in 2023, is studying the Sun’s corona, contributing to space weather forecasting. Chandrayaan-4, planned for 2028, aims to retrieve lunar samples, while a Venus orbiter mission is under development.

ISRO is also advancing its launch capabilities. The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) targets the growing demand for small satellite launches, while the Next-Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) will support heavier payloads, including space station modules. ISRO’s proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station (Indian Space Station) by 2035 aligns with global trends in space infrastructure.

International collaboration is a priority, with ISRO partnering with NASA, ESA, and JAXA on missions like NISAR, a joint Earth-observation satellite. ISRO’s cost-effective model positions it as a preferred partner for emerging space nations and commercial entities. To stay competitive, the organisation also explores reusable launch vehicles and space robotics.

 

Conclusion

The Indian space program, driven by ISRO’s ingenuity and vision, has evolved from a nascent initiative to a global partner in space exploration. Its achievements, from lunar landings to interplanetary missions, reflect a commitment to scientific discovery and societal progress. While challenges like funding and commercialisation persist, ISRO’s track record of overcoming obstacles bodes well for its future.

As India aims for human spaceflight, a space station, and deeper planetary exploration, ISRO’s frugal yet impactful approach will continue to inspire. The program advances India’s technological capabilities and positions it as a key player in shaping the future of global space exploration, proving that ambition and innovation can transcend resource constraints.

 

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From Nike-Apache To Space Station – Indian Astronaut’s Landmark ISS Visit In May-End Another Big Feat For ISRO

 

References and credits

To all the online sites and channels.

Pics Courtesy: Internet

Disclaimer:

Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.

 

 

References:-

  1. Times Now. (2025, April 18). Who Is Shubhanshu Shukla? Indian Astronaut-designate Group Captain to Fly to International Space Station In May.
  1. ET Now. (2025, April 18). This is a major step for India’s space journey! Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will travel to space next month, the Modi government confirmed.
  1. NDTV. (2025, April 18). Indian Astronaut-Designate Shubhanshu Shukla To Fly To Space Station in May.
  1. The Times of India. (2025, April 18). An international space mission carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is set to fly in May.
  1. India Today. (2025, April 11). India’s Shubhanshu Shukla will study how screen time affects the human brain in space.
  1. Republic World. (2025, April 2). IAF’s Shubhanshu Shukla to Become First Indian Astronaut Aboard SpaceX Dragon.
  1. Chandrayaan Mission Pages: Detailed mission objectives, payloads, and outcomes for Chandrayaan-1, -2, and -3. Accessible via ISRO’s mission-specific portals: Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3.
  1. Mishra, S. K. (2020): Indian Space Program: Evolution, Achievements, and Challenges. Journal of Space Exploration, 9(2), 45-56. A peer-reviewed article analysing ISRO’s growth and cost-effective strategies.
  1. Narayanan, N. (2017): The Making of ISRO: Vikram Sarabhai’s Vision. HarperCollins India. A comprehensive book on the origins of ISRO and Sarabhai’s contributions.
  1. The Hindu (August 24, 2023): “India Becomes First Nation to Land Near Lunar South Pole with Chandrayaan-3.” News article covering the historic Chandrayaan-3 landing.
  1. Lele, A. (2014): Mission Mars: India’s Quest for the Red Planet. Springer. A detailed account of the Mars Orbiter Mission’s development and significance.
  1. SpaceNews (March 15, 2025): “India Approves Chandrayaan-5 and LUPEX Mission with JAXA.” Reports on recent mission approvals and international collaborations.
  1. ISRO Annual Report 2024-25: Outlines budget, ongoing projects, and commercial activities of Antrix Corporation. Available at: ISRO Annual Reports.
  1. Bagla, P., & Menon, V. (2019): Reach for the Stars: The Evolution of India’s Space Programme. Bloomsbury India. A book detailing ISRO’s societal impacts and technological milestones.
  1. NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) Mission: Information on ISRO’s collaboration with NASA. Available at: nisar.jpl.nasa.gov.
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552: FORMATION FLYING IN SPACE

 

Pic Courtesy Net

 

My Article published on the EurasianTimes Website on 08 Dec 24

 

On 05 Dec 24, India’s PSLV-C59 successfully launched the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 mission. This marked a significant milestone in international space collaboration. The Proba-3 mission consists of two satellites, the Coronagraph Spacecraft (CSC) and the Occulter Spacecraft (OSC), deployed into a highly elliptical orbit. Proba-3 is designed to demonstrate precision formation flying, with the two satellites maintaining a separation of about 150 meters with millimeter accuracy. Together, they will create an artificial solar eclipse, a unique event in space science, to study the Sun’s corona for extended periods—far exceeding the brief duration of natural eclipses. This is expected to advance understanding of phenomena such as the Sun’s corona’s high temperatures and the acceleration of the solar wind. The mission was managed by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), with the launch conducted from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. It demonstrates the growing role of India’s space program in facilitating advanced scientific research.

 

PSLV-C59 Rocket

 

The PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) is one of India’s most reliable and versatile rockets, developed by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). It can launch satellites into polar and geostationary orbits and is known for its cost-efficiency and successful track record.

 

PSLV is a four-stage rocket, with the first three stages powered by solid and liquid propulsion systems and the fourth stage a liquid engine. It is equipped with a strap-on motor that increases its lift capacity. The PSLV can carry a variety of payloads, from small satellites to heavier, larger payloads, and has been used for missions ranging from Earth observation to interplanetary exploration.

 

PSLV has been ISRO’s workhorse. It is responsible for successfully launching many important missions, such as the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) and the Chandrayaan-2 mission to the Moon. Over the years, it has gained a reputation for its high reliability.

 

PSLV-C59 again showcased ISRO’s impressive capabilities, contributing to India’s space ambitions and international collaborations like ESA’s Proba-3 mission. The PSLV-C59 launch carried the Proba-3 satellites into a Sun-synchronous orbit, which is ideal for Earth observation satellites as it ensures consistent lighting conditions for imaging. The satellites were launched from India’s Sriharikota Spaceport (ISRO’s primary launch site), further highlighting India’s significant role in global space missions.

 

Proba-3

 

Proba-3 is the first mission designed to demonstrate precision formation flying in space. Formation flying is a technique where multiple spacecraft maintain a specific relative position to each other while flying in precise, coordinated orbits. In the case of Proba-3, the two spacecraft will need to stay in formation at around 150 meters. This high precision is achieved through advanced onboard sensors and algorithms that allow them to maintain the required relative positions. Both satellites maintain their formation using advanced control systems and GPS receivers. They will perform autonomous manoeuvres based on real-time sensor data, making the mission’s operation more efficient and reliable.

 

The mission’s goal, which is of utmost importance, is to observe the Sun’s corona using a coronagraph, a device that blocks out the Sun’s bright surface (photosphere) to reveal the much fainter outer layers of the Sun. This is crucial for studying solar, wind, and space weather phenomena, which can affect Earth’s communications, satellites, and even power grids. In addition to exploring the Sun, Proba-3 will provide valuable data on space weather dynamics, which is essential for protecting satellite systems from solar radiation and space debris. It will also help improve technologies for future missions that rely on formation flying, such as space telescopes or planetary exploration missions.

 

Formation Flying in Space

 

Formation Types. There are two types of formations. In the Fixed Formation, the spacecraft maintain a fixed distance and orientation relative to each other, as in the case of Proba-3’s dual spacecraft for solar observation. In Dynamic Formation, the spacecraft may change their relative positions, such as in missions where spacecraft need to move between different regions of space.

 

Technologies and Techniques. Formation flying involves multiple spacecraft that fly in precise, coordinated orbits and maintain a specific relative position to each other. Achieving this high precision requires advanced technologies and techniques.

 

    • Onboard Sensors. Formation flying spacecraft typically use a combination of star trackers, gyroscopes, and GPS to measure their relative position. These sensors provide highly accurate data about their orientation and location in space.

 

    • Inter-spacecraft Communication. The spacecraft in formation exchange information about their position and velocity, which helps each spacecraft adjust its trajectory to stay in formation.

 

    • Autonomous Control Systems. Spacecraft are often equipped with autonomous guidance systems, which allow them to make real-time adjustments based on data from onboard sensors. This reduces the need for ground-based intervention, making the formation’s operation more efficient.

 

    • Manoeuvre Algorithms. Specialised algorithms calculate the required adjustments to keep the spacecraft in precise formation using sensor data and communication systems. These algorithms consider factors like gravitational forces, drag, and orbital perturbations.

 

    • Orbit Determination. For formations to remain stable, the spacecraft must be placed in carefully calculated orbits. These orbits are often designed to minimise fuel consumption while maintaining relative positions. Minor, controlled burns of the spacecraft’s thrusters are used to maintain formation over time.

 

Applications of Formation Flying

 

Space Telescopes. Formation flying enables the creation of large, virtual telescopes. Multiple satellites flying in formation can work together to create a larger aperture, effectively improving the resolution and sensitivity of observations. ESA’s LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) mission is an example of using formation flying for gravitational wave detection. Three spacecraft will maintain precise formation to measure tiny changes in distances between them caused by gravitational waves.

 

Earth Observation. Formation flying can be used for Earth monitoring. Multiple satellites fly in formation to observe the same area from different angles or across different wavelengths. This can improve data acquisition for environmental monitoring, disaster response, and scientific studies.

 

Space Weather Monitoring. Missions like Proba-3 that study the Sun and its effects on space weather benefit from formation flying because it allows precise control over the position of the instruments. This capability can lead to better observations of phenomena such as the solar wind and solar flares, helping to improve space weather forecasting.

 

Planetary and Deep Space Missions. Formation flying could be essential for missions to distant planets, moons, or asteroids. Multiple spacecraft in formation could study the same target from different perspectives or work together to analyse a single object more comprehensively.

 

ISRO: A Glimpse into the Future

 

Chandrayaan-3. After the success of Chandrayaan-1 and the recent Chandrayaan-2 mission, ISRO is preparing for Chandrayaan-3, aiming for a soft landing on the Moon. The mission will demonstrate ISRO’s capability to execute a precise lunar landing and continue studying the Moon’s surface.

 

Gaganyaan. ISRO’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, is under development. It will carry Indian astronauts (called Gagannauts) into space aboard a crewed spacecraft. The mission is part of India’s ambition to become a major player in human space exploration, and it will lay the groundwork for future deep-space missions.

 

Aditya-L1. Aditya-L1 is ISRO’s first mission to study the Sun. It will be placed in the L1 Lagrangian point, where it can continuously observe the Sun without interruptions from Earth’s shadow. The mission will help study solar activities and space weather.

 

Mangalyaan-2. After the success of the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan-1), ISRO plans to launch Mangalyaan-2, which could be an orbiter or a lander/rover mission to Mars. This will build on ISRO’s expertise in interplanetary exploration.

 

NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar). This joint mission between NASA and ISRO will launch a radar imaging satellite to study Earth’s surface. The satellite will provide high-resolution Earth imagery to help with disaster management, agriculture, and climate monitoring. The radar data will also help detect changes in Earth’s surface, such as those caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.

 

Space-Based Solar Power. Looking further ahead, ISRO has expressed interest in harnessing space-based solar power. This would involve satellites with solar panels collecting solar energy in space and beaming it to Earth as microwaves or laser beams.

 

Formation flying is a fascinating and rapidly developing field in space exploration. Its ability to create more powerful observational platforms and facilitate coordinated scientific missions will be increasingly important in future space endeavours. ISRO, with its proven expertise and ambitious missions, is sure to remain a key player in the growing global space community.

 

Your valuable comments are most welcome.

 

Link to the article on the website:

https://www.eurasiantimes.com/isro-launches-esas-proba-3-mission-to-study-suns/

 

 

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References and credits

To all the online sites and channels.

References:

  1. European Space Agency (ESA). “Proba-3: A World First in Formation Flying.”
  1. Wertz, J. R., Everett, D. F., & Puschell, J. J. (Eds.). Space Mission Engineering: The New SMAD. Microcosm Press, 2011.
  1. Leonard, C. L., Hollister, W. M., & Jacobson, D. H. (1985). “Formation-Keeping for a Pair of Satellites in a Circular Orbit.” Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, 8(3), 235-242.
  1. Wertz, J. R. (1999). “Autonomous Spacecraft Navigation Using Formation Flying.” Acta Astronautica, 45(4-9), 505-512.
  1. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). “PSLV-C59/Proba-3 Mission.” A detailed account of the Proba-3 mission objectives and its demonstration of formation flying is available on NSIL’s website.
  1. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Future Missions Overview. Available at ISRO’s official website.
  1. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). Advancing India’s Space Ventures. Accessible on NSIL’s page.
  1. Singh, Rajeshwari P. (2024). “India’s Space Odyssey: ISRO’s Vision for 2040.” Space Policy Journal.
  1. The Economic Times. “ISRO’s Ambitious Gaganyaan Mission and Beyond.” A report.
  1. Press Information Bureau (PIB). India’s Space Roadmap: Highlights from ISRO. Available at PIB’s official website.
  1. European Space Agency (ESA). “Collaborating with ISRO on Future Space Technologies.” ESA official site.
  1. The Hindu. “ISRO 2030: What Lies Ahead?” Analysis of ISRO’s evolving role in global space exploration.

Disclaimer:

Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.

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