The recent space sector reforms fostering private sector growth: ISRO Chief S. Somanath

By R Anil Kumar

Bengaluru, November 20. ISRO Chairman said the recent space sector reforms is fostering private sector growth and praised the 2020 space sector reforms and the Space Policy of 2023 for creating an ecosystem conducive to the private sector growth.

He was Delivering his address at the Bengaluru Tech Summit-2024, on November 20.

“There is a lot of interest in the sector. I hear from many aspiring to build the next SpaceX in India,” he added.

Highlighting progress, Somanath mentioned that five companies are currently building satellites, with many enhancing their capacity to develop subsystems for rockets and satellites. However, he identified a lack of major players and insufficient investment in upstream space capabilities as key challenges.

“To address this, we are focusing on developing downstream capabilities, which can generate demand and eventually attract upstream investments. I believe this model will work well for the nation,” he explained.

Somanath also stressed the role of technology transfer in enabling private sector participation, saying, “Many technologies developed within ISRO are now accessible to industries for further development into products, services, or software.”

On the Gaganyaan programme, Somanath said that ISRO will carry out three un-crewed missions and one crewed mission. The first un-crewed mission is scheduled to take place in 2024-25, and the first crewed mission is scheduled in 2025-27. “We are hoping to make a human space flight mission by 2026.

S. Somanath revealed the new schedule for upcoming missions.

ISRO’s goal is to increase India’s contribution to the global space economy.

New timeline for Gaganyaan aligns with ISRO’s meticulous approach to space exploration.

India’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission, the country’s first crewed spaceflight program, will not launch in 2025 as previously planned.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S. Somanath announced a revised timeline, pushing the launch to 2026.

Somanath said this delay reflects ISRO’s commitment to ensuring the safety and success of the mission, with the space agency taking a cautious approach to human spaceflight.

Meanwhile, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, one of the four astronauts selected for the Gaganyaan mission is training with Axiom Space for launching to Space Station. He will launch with three other astronauts on a scientific trip to the flying laboratory aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, Somanath stated.

Alongside the Gaganyaan update, Somanath outlined timelines for other key ISRO projects:

• Gaganyaan: Manned space mission now slated for 2026
• Chandrayaan-4: Sample return mission scheduled for 2028
• Nisar: India-US joint mission set for launch in 2025

The ISRO chief also announced plans for Chandrayaan-5, a collaborative moon-landing mission with Japan’s space agency JAXA. While no specific launch date was provided, it is expected to take place after 2028.

Somanath emphasised ISRO’s goal to increase India’s contribution to the global space economy from the current 2% to at least 10% within the next two decades. This ambitious target underscores the nation’s commitment to becoming a major player in the international space arena.

As India continues to make strides in space technology, the Gaganyaan mission remains a cornerstone of its future aspirations. With these new timelines, ISRO aims to balance innovation with caution, setting the stage for a successful and safe human spaceflight programme.

India is set to embark on its first mission to Venus, named Shukrayaan-1, with a launch scheduled for March 29, 2028. This mission follows India’s successful Mars Orbiter Mission in 2013 and marks a significant step in the country’s interplanetary exploration efforts.

The mission will be launched using the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3), which will place the spacecraft into an elliptical parking orbit before it embarks on its journey to Venus.

The spacecraft is expected to take approximately 112 days to reach Venus, arriving on July 19, 2028, Somanath said.

Speaking about the primary goals of Shukrayaan-1, he said this includes:

Atmospheric Composition and Dynamics: Investigate the composition of Venus’s atmosphere, including the presence of dust and gases, and study atmospheric processes and dynamics.

Surface and Subsurface Studies: Map the surface topography of Venus in high resolution to analyse geological features, including potential volcanic activity and the planet’s resurfacing processes. This includes searching for recent volcanic hotspots and characterizing impact craters.

Ionospheric Research: Examine the ionosphere and its interactions with solar radiation, including the effects of solar wind on Venus’s upper atmosphere.

Solar Interaction Studies: Analyse how solar radiation and solar energetic particles interact with Venus’s atmosphere, contributing to our understanding of atmospheric loss mechanisms.

Volcanic Activity Investigation: Assess potential ongoing volcanic or seismic activity on Venus, which may provide insights into the planet’s geological history.

Technology Demonstration: Test new technologies such as aerobraking techniques and thermal management systems that are crucial for future interplanetary missions.

The mission will utilize a suite of advanced instruments, including synthetic aperture radar, infrared cameras, and various sensors to achieve these objectives, contributing significantly to planetary science and comparative planetology between Earth and its “sister planet,” Venus.

The mission will carry 19 payloads, with 16 being developed in India. These instruments will include synthetic aperture radar, infrared cameras, and other sensors designed to gather data on various aspects of Venus’s environment. The Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM), scheduled for launch in 2028, will utilise a variety of sophisticated instruments to study Venus’s atmosphere.

Shukrayaan-1 will also mark India’s first attempt at aero-braking, a technique that uses atmospheric drag to slow down the spacecraft as it approaches Venus. This method will help the orbiter transition from a high elliptical orbit to a lower operational orbit suitable for scientific observations.

The mission has a budget of approximately Rs. 1,236 crore (about $150 million), reflecting India’s commitment to advancing its space exploration capabilities. It involves collaboration with international partners, including contributions from countries like Sweden and France for specific scientific instruments.

This ambitious project not only aims to enhance our understanding of Venus but also positions India among the leading nations in planetary science, Somanath added.