The next era of lunar exploration could see NASA and ISRO working more closely as the United States looks to expand its presence on the Moon.

NASA wants future lunar exploration to become bigger, faster and more cost-efficient, with ambitious plans for a sustained human presence and a potential base on the Moon. India’s space agency ISRO could play an important role in this new phase of lunar exploration.

India has already demonstrated its growing capabilities in lunar missions, making ISRO an increasingly important partner in international space exploration.

From cost-effective technology to successful lunar missions, India’s space programme has attracted global attention. The potential NASA-ISRO partnership could open a new chapter in the race to establish a long-term human presence on the Moon.

Cheap, Fast, Successful: Why NASA Wants Isro on the Moon  | GRAVITAS 

For several years, India’s space programme has been known for doing the improbable on a modest budget. The Mars mission that cost less than many Hollywood productions, the moon landing that etched India’s name in history books and the satellites launched for countries – the world has seen India’s reliable and affordable technology. However, Gaganyaan comes with different challenges.India is preparing to launch its first human spaceflight that could place India among a select group of nations that have independently sent humans into space. So far, only the United States, Russia and China have achieved that milestone.While a rocket carrying a satellite only needs to protect a machine, a spacecraft carrying astronauts has to ensure human lives remain safe. Having a significance far beyond the launch pad, Gaganyaan is a test of whether India can move from mastering robotic missions to building the much more demanding ecosystem required to keep humans alive beyond Earth.The mission, approved by the Union Cabinet in 2018 with an initial budget of ₹9,023 crore, aims to send Indian astronauts into a low Earth orbit of around 400 kilometres and bring them back safely. The spacecraft will be launched using India’s heaviest operational rocket, the human-rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), after extensive testing and validation.Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-will-e20-fuel-affect-your-car-here-s-what-science-says-1783249256370"> Will E20 fuel affect your car? Here's what science says</a><h2>From satellites to astronauts: India’s biggest space test yet</h2>India has spent decades building expertise in launch vehicles and satellite technology. But human spaceflight belongs to a different league. This requires a spacecraft that can handle emergencies, systems that can sustain astronauts in orbit and technology that can safely bring them back through Earth’s atmosphere.The achievement would not just add another milestone to India’s space record; it would signal that the country has developed capabilities that few nations possess.Human spaceflight requires an ecosystem. It needs companies that can manufacture precision components, develop electronics, build specialised materials and create technologies capable of operating in extreme conditions.The mission could also encourage greater investment in India’s space start-up ecosystem, which has seen rapid growth in recent years.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-global-supply-chains-shift-can-india-become-the-next-manufacturing-hub-1783159714059">As global supply chains shift, can India become the next manufacturing hub?</a><h2>A new race beyond Earth</h2>Gaganyaan comes at a time when the global space industry is moving beyond traditional satellite launches. The United States is preparing for future Moon missions under NASA’s Artemis programme, China is operating its Tiangong space station, and private companies are developing commercial orbital platforms. The focus is shifting towards sustained human activity in space.For India, developing human spaceflight capability is an important step towards its own long-term plans, including the proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station and future exploration missions. The ability to send humans into orbit is not just a technological achievement; it is also a measure of a country’s scientific and industrial strength.<h2>More than a one-time mission</h2>The success of Gaganyaan will ultimately be judged by more than the launch day photographs or the astronauts’ return to Earth. The larger question is what India builds around it. A successful mission could create demand for new technologies, strengthen private participation and give Indian companies experience in one of the most advanced areas of aerospace.India has already proved it can reach space efficiently. With Gaganyaan, it is attempting to prove it can operate there with humans on board.Watch | ISRO genius preparing India's future minds | Vijay govt's big move<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/isro-genius-preparing-india-s-future-minds-vijay-govt-s-big-move-1782928647168/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/isro-genius-preparing-india-s-future-minds-vijay-govt-s-big-move-1782928647168/embed</a>&nbsp;

Gaganyaan could reshape India’s role in the global space industry by proving human spaceflight capability, boosting private space companies, driving innovation and opening new opportunities in the commercial space economy.

For several years, India’s space programme has been known for doing the improbable on a modest budget. The Mars mission that cost less than many Hollywood productions, the moon landing that etched India’s name in history books and the satellites launched for countries – the world has seen India’s reliable and affordable technology. However, Gaganyaan comes with different challenges. India is preparing to launch its first human spaceflight that could place India among a select group of nations that have independently sent humans into space. So far, only the United States, Russia and China have achieved that milestone. While a rocket carrying a satellite only needs to protect a machine, a spacecraft carrying astronauts has to ensure human lives remain safe. Having a significance far beyond the launch pad, Gaganyaan is a test of whether India can move from mastering robotic missions to building the much more demanding ecosystem required to keep humans alive beyond Earth. The mission, approved by the Union Cabinet in 2018 with an initial budget of ₹9,023 crore, aims to send Indian astronauts into a low Earth orbit of around 400 kilometres and bring them back safely. The spacecraft will be launched using India’s heaviest operational rocket, the human-rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), after extensive testing and validation. Also read | Will E20 fuel affect your car? Here's what science says From satellites to astronauts: India’s biggest space test yet India has spent decades building expertise in launch vehicles and satellite technology. But human spaceflight belongs to a different league. This requires a spacecraft that can handle emergencies, systems that can sustain astronauts in orbit and technology that can safely bring them back through Earth’s atmosphere. The achievement would not just add another milestone to India’s space record; it would signal that the country has developed capabilities that few nations possess. Human spaceflight requires an ecosystem. It needs companies that can manufacture precision components, develop electronics, build specialised materials and create technologies capable of operating in extreme conditions. The mission could also encourage greater investment in India’s space start-up ecosystem, which has seen rapid growth in recent years. Also read | As global supply chains shift, can India become the next manufacturing hub? A new race beyond Earth Gaganyaan comes at a time when the global space industry is moving beyond traditional satellite launches. The United States is preparing for future Moon missions under NASA’s Artemis programme, China is operating its Tiangong space station, and private companies are developing commercial orbital platforms. The focus is shifting towards sustained human activity in space. For India, developing human spaceflight capability is an important step towards its own long-term plans, including the proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station and future exploration missions. The ability to send humans into orbit is not just a technological achievement; it is also a measure of a country’s scientific and industrial strength. More than a one-time mission The success of Gaganyaan will ultimately be judged by more than the launch day photographs or the astronauts’ return to Earth. The larger question is what India builds around it. A successful mission could create demand for new technologies, strengthen private participation and give Indian companies experience in one of the most advanced areas of aerospace. India has already proved it can reach space efficiently. With Gaganyaan, it is attempting to prove it can operate there with humans on board. Watch | ISRO genius preparing India's future minds | Vijay govt's big move https://www.wionews.com/videos/isro-genius-preparing-india-s-future-minds-vijay-govt-s-big-move-1782928647168/embed

Gaganyaan could reshape India’s role in the global space industry by proving human spaceflight capability, boosting private space companies, driving innovation and opening new opportunities in the commercial space economy.

Gaganyaan: The mission that could change how the world sees India’s space ambitions

The story of how these paths diverged is also a story of governance, vision, and priorities, one that underscores how national choices made after independence have shaped their place among the stars.

India’s 79th Independence Day 2025: How India surpassed Pakistan in the space race

The Indian space agency has successfully conducted a hot test of its CE-20 Cryogenic Engine for the soon-to-be third mission to Moon, Chandrayaan-3. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is in the midst of carrying out some of the most crucial tests for the upcoming lunar mission. &nbsp;

What happened during the recent test?

The hot test for the CE-20 Cryogenic Engine which will power the Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) of the LVM3 launch vehicle during the Chandrayaan-3 mission was successfully conducted at the space agency’s Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, said ISRO.&nbsp;

The “hot test” on February 24 was done for a planned duration of 25 seconds at the High Altitude Test Facility. A hot test is an assessment of an engine’s performance under conditions which are similar to when it is running in a real vehicle and checks all the parameters to ensure that the engine is working properly.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cryogenic-engine-for-isros-third-lunar-mission-568969">Cryogenic engine for ISRO's third lunar mission</a>

“All the propulsion parameters during the test were found satisfactory and closely matched with predictions,” said ISRO. The cryogenic engine will be further integrated with the propellant tanks, stage structures and associated fluid lines to realise the fully integrated flight cryogenic stage.&nbsp;

What is a cryogenic engine/cryogenic stage?

Cryogenics refers to the study of the change in chemical properties and behaviour of materials at very low temperatures of at least -150 degree Celsius. The engines created using this technology are among some of the most powerful ones. The cryogenic stage is a very complex system, but is more efficient and provides more thrust for every kilogram of propellant it burns compared to solid and earth-storable liquid propellant rocket stages.&nbsp;

Cryogenic engines carry liquid propellants at extremely low temperatures and typically make use of liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2). While the former liquefies at -183 degrees Celsius, the latter liquifies at -253 degree Celsius. ISRO’s cryogenic stage is powered by a CE-20 engine which works with the LOX-LH2 propellants combination.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-successfully-test-fires-cryogenic-engine-that-will-help-chandryaan-3-begin-journey-to-moon-566703">ISRO successfully test fires cryogenic engine that will help Chandryaan-3 begin journey to Moon</a>

It is designed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Center, in collaboration with Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, ISRO Propulsion Complex and Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The tanks can carry over 27,000 kg of fuel and fire for at least 720 seconds.&nbsp;

Cryogenic engines are highly efficient rocket propulsion systems and suitable for the upper stages of a rocket since they have a higher specific impulse (a measure of the efficiency or thrust) which enhances its payload capacity.&nbsp;

Major components of a cryogenic rocket engine include an igniter, combustion chamber (thrust chamber), fuel cryo pumps, fuel injector, oxidiser cryo pumps, gas turbine, cryo valves, regulators, fuel tanks and a rocket engine nozzle.

How does it work?

The cryogenic stage is the last stage of the launch of a space vehicle where the fuel LOX and LH2 stored using cryogenics is released from their respective tanks and are fed by individual booster pumps to the main turbopump to ensure a high flow rate of propellants into the combustion chamber.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-why-isro-again-test-fired-its-ce-20-cryogenic-engine-ahead-of-next-flight-in-2023-529783">Explained: Why ISRO again test-fired its CE-20 Cryogenic Engine, ahead of next flight in 2023</a>

While the LH2 acts as the fuel, the LOX acts as the oxidiser which explosively reacts with the hydrogen.

In simple terms, since there is no air in space, it is impossible to burn anything. Therefore, rockets carry their own oxidiser, which when mixed with fuel, burns and produces thrust (the force which moves a rocket through the air).

Cryogenic engines: India’s ordeal and success story

Today, India is one of the only six countries including the US, France (European Space Agency), Russia, China, and Japan which have developed their own cryogenic engines.

However, the Indian journey to become a part of this exclusive group was marked by global politics and decades of hard work spearheaded by ISRO.&nbsp;

In the early 1990s, the erstwhile Soviet Union Space Agency had agreed to transfer the cryogenic technology held by the five aforementioned countries except for India.

But the US, Japan, Europe and China were against it. It was seen as an aspect of Cold War politics prevalent at the time.

Eventually, the move was blocked by the US by invoking the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) (an association to stop the proliferation of missiles that could be used for mass destruction) and imposed sanctions on both India and the Soviet Union space agencies.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-isros-chandrayaan-3-successfully-undergoes-key-test-ensuring-it-can-function-in-space-563692">India: ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 successfully undergoes key test ensuring it can function in space</a>

This came after the Soviet Union had reportedly said that it considered India an exception and both countries assured that the technology would not be used for the military but only for communication and weather satellites.

Years later, the then US President Bill Clinton and his Russian (since the Soviet Union had disintegrated) counterpart Boris Yeltsin came to a decision about Moscow selling seven cryogenic engines to India but not transferring the technology. &nbsp;

When ISRO was founded in 1969, it undertook the task of developing cryogenic engines.

Decades later, the Indian space agency successfully conducted its first cryogenic engine test in 2003.

However, the first successful flight was not until 2014 when the Indian space agency launched the GSLV-DF rocket powered by its indigenous-produced cryogenic engine from Sriharikota, an island off the Bay of Bengal coast and dubbed as the spaceport of the country.&nbsp; 
 
About Chandrayaan-3&nbsp;

The Chandrayaan-3 mission will follow Chandrayaan-2 and demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface, the Indian space agency had said previously. It will comprise a lander and rover configuration and will be launched by GSLV MkIII from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-third-lunar-mission-chandrayaan-3-almost-ready-launch-in-june-july-isro-chairman-549705">India's third Lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 almost ready, launch in June-July: ISRO Chairman</a>

The propulsion module will carry the lander and rover configuration to 100 km of the Moon’s orbit and will also study the spectral and polarimetric measurements of Earth from there with the help of Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload. However, the final launch date of the mission is yet to be announced but is said to be towards the second or third quarter of this year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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The Indian space agency has successfully conducted a hot test of its CE-20 Cryogenic Engine for the soon-to-be third mission to Moon, Chandrayaan-3. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is in the midst of carrying out some of the most crucial tests for the upcoming lunar mission.

The Indian space agency has successfully conducted a hot test of its CE-20 Cryogenic Engine for the soon-to-be third mission to Moon, Chandrayaan-3. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is in the midst of carrying out some of the most crucial tests for the upcoming lunar mission. What happened during the recent test? The hot test for the CE-20 Cryogenic Engine which will power the Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) of the LVM3 launch vehicle during the Chandrayaan-3 mission was successfully conducted at the space agency’s Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, said ISRO. The “hot test” on February 24 was done for a planned duration of 25 seconds at the High Altitude Test Facility. A hot test is an assessment of an engine’s performance under conditions which are similar to when it is running in a real vehicle and checks all the parameters to ensure that the engine is working properly. ALSO WATCH | Cryogenic engine for ISRO's third lunar mission “All the propulsion parameters during the test were found satisfactory and closely matched with predictions,” said ISRO. The cryogenic engine will be further integrated with the propellant tanks, stage structures and associated fluid lines to realise the fully integrated flight cryogenic stage. What is a cryogenic engine/cryogenic stage? Cryogenics refers to the study of the change in chemical properties and behaviour of materials at very low temperatures of at least -150 degree Celsius. The engines created using this technology are among some of the most powerful ones. The cryogenic stage is a very complex system, but is more efficient and provides more thrust for every kilogram of propellant it burns compared to solid and earth-storable liquid propellant rocket stages. Cryogenic engines carry liquid propellants at extremely low temperatures and typically make use of liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2). While the former liquefies at -183 degrees Celsius, the latter liquifies at -253 degree Celsius. ISRO’s cryogenic stage is powered by a CE-20 engine which works with the LOX-LH2 propellants combination. ALSO READ | ISRO successfully test fires cryogenic engine that will help Chandryaan-3 begin journey to Moon It is designed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Center, in collaboration with Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, ISRO Propulsion Complex and Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The tanks can carry over 27,000 kg of fuel and fire for at least 720 seconds. Cryogenic engines are highly efficient rocket propulsion systems and suitable for the upper stages of a rocket since they have a higher specific impulse (a measure of the efficiency or thrust) which enhances its payload capacity. Major components of a cryogenic rocket engine include an igniter, combustion chamber (thrust chamber), fuel cryo pumps, fuel injector, oxidiser cryo pumps, gas turbine, cryo valves, regulators, fuel tanks and a rocket engine nozzle. How does it work? The cryogenic stage is the last stage of the launch of a space vehicle where the fuel LOX and LH2 stored using cryogenics is released from their respective tanks and are fed by individual booster pumps to the main turbopump to ensure a high flow rate of propellants into the combustion chamber. ALSO READ | Explained: Why ISRO again test-fired its CE-20 Cryogenic Engine, ahead of next flight in 2023 While the LH2 acts as the fuel, the LOX acts as the oxidiser which explosively reacts with the hydrogen. In simple terms, since there is no air in space, it is impossible to burn anything. Therefore, rockets carry their own oxidiser, which when mixed with fuel, burns and produces thrust (the force which moves a rocket through the air). Cryogenic engines: India’s ordeal and success story Today, India is one of the only six countries including the US, France (European Space Agency), Russia, China, and Japan which have developed their own cryogenic engines. However, the Indian journey to become a part of this exclusive group was marked by global politics and decades of hard work spearheaded by ISRO. In the early 1990s, the erstwhile Soviet Union Space Agency had agreed to transfer the cryogenic technology held by the five aforementioned countries except for India. But the US, Japan, Europe and China were against it. It was seen as an aspect of Cold War politics prevalent at the time. Eventually, the move was blocked by the US by invoking the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) (an association to stop the proliferation of missiles that could be used for mass destruction) and imposed sanctions on both India and the Soviet Union space agencies. ALSO READ | India: ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 successfully undergoes key test ensuring it can function in space This came after the Soviet Union had reportedly said that it considered India an exception and both countries assured that the technology would not be used for the military but only for communication and weather satellites. Years later, the then US President Bill Clinton and his Russian (since the Soviet Union had disintegrated) counterpart Boris Yeltsin came to a decision about Moscow selling seven cryogenic engines to India but not transferring the technology. When ISRO was founded in 1969, it undertook the task of developing cryogenic engines. Decades later, the Indian space agency successfully conducted its first cryogenic engine test in 2003. However, the first successful flight was not until 2014 when the Indian space agency launched the GSLV-DF rocket powered by its indigenous-produced cryogenic engine from Sriharikota, an island off the Bay of Bengal coast and dubbed as the spaceport of the country. About Chandrayaan-3 The Chandrayaan-3 mission will follow Chandrayaan-2 and demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface, the Indian space agency had said previously. It will comprise a lander and rover configuration and will be launched by GSLV MkIII from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. ALSO READ | India's third Lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 almost ready, launch in June-July: ISRO Chairman The propulsion module will carry the lander and rover configuration to 100 km of the Moon’s orbit and will also study the spectral and polarimetric measurements of Earth from there with the help of Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload. However, the final launch date of the mission is yet to be announced but is said to be towards the second or third quarter of this year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | India: ISRO tests cryogenic engine for Chandrayaan-3. Significance and tech

From working for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to building a private rocket that is about to be launched, it has been a remarkable journey for Pawan Chandana and Bharath Daka, co-Founders of Skyroot Aerospace. The rocket firm will be the first-ever in the country to launch a privately designed and developed launch vehicle. The launch is scheduled between November 12-16 from India's lone spaceport in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The ongoing northeast monsoon and related weather conditions will determine the final launch time.&nbsp;

Named 'Vikram-S', the rocket built by Skyroot is meant to lift three payloads belonging to their customers in a sub-orbital flight (roughly 80 kilometres above sea level). Generally, anything lifted above the 'Karman Line' (100 kilometres above sea level) is considered a foray into space and those below the Karman Line are known as sub-orbital flights for upper-atmospheric experiments.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-isro-rocket-launch-36-satellites-on-board-lifts-off-527768">WATCH |&nbsp;India: ISRO Rocket Launch | 36 satellites on board lifts off</a>

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This launch gains significance because it would offer an opportunity for Skyroot to test its flight hardware and systems, thus helping validate its work so far. The company is working on three orbital-class rockets in the Vikram series. The Vikram series of rockets are named after Indian physicist and astronomer Dr Vikram A Sarabhai, who founded the Indian Space Programme and laid down the ambitious vision for India to use space technology to benefit the common man.&nbsp;

"We could build and get our 'Vikram-S' rocket mission-ready in such a short time only because of the invaluable support we received from ISRO and IN-SPACe, and the technology talent that we inherently possess. We are proud to announce our pathbreaking mission 'Prarambh' (the beginning) dedicated to the Indian private space sector, which has hugely benefitted from the reforms that were guided by the Government of India and its vision," said Pawan Chandana, co-Founder and CEO, Skyroot Aerospace.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/private-consortiums-to-build-gslv-sslv-rockets-in-addition-to-pslv-says-isro-chief-515739">Read more:&nbsp;'Private consortiums to build GSLV &amp; SSLV rockets, in addition to PSLV', says ISRO chief</a>

Pawan told WION that 'Vikram-S' would be a single-stage rocket that is powered by solid fuel. It will be burning a combination of aluminium and ammonium perchlorate, with hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene acting as a binder. This is a tried and tested solid fuel and is also the same fuel that is used in the solid stages of India's PSLV and GSLV rockets.&nbsp;

ISRO (then known as INCOSPAR) began experimenting with small rockets in the early 1960s, marking the beginning of India's space programme. The launch of a private rocket from India will kick-start a new era for the private space sector in India.

India's space sector has been dominated by the state-run space agency ISRO and a few industries that make components for the premier space agecy. However, from 2020 onwards the Indian Government began the rollout of space sector reforms. These reforms are meant to enable private firms in building their own rockets, satellites, related ground equipment etc. This was done to ensure that more firms in India can capitalize on the booming global space economy, which is estimated at around $450 billion.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isros-risat-2-satellite-bows-out-after-13-years-of-service-makes-atmospheric-re-entry-531294">Read more:&nbsp;ISRO's RISAT-2 satellite bows out after 13 years of service; makes atmospheric re-entry</a>

Though India has end-to-end indigenous capability in designing, building and launching rockets, orbiting satellites and using the data for civilian strategic purposes, India is a small player in the global market. While India does launch satellites for foreign nations, India's share remains around 1.6-2 per cent of the $450 billion global market. Private sector players with their innovative ideas and competitive pricing are expected to gradually push the share further and create an aerospace ecosystem in India.

IN-SPACe, under the Government of India, is meant to develop the Indian space ecosystem, accelerate the space economy in India and nurture private firms to accomplish their ventures in the space sector. 
 
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From working for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to building a private rocket that is about to be launched, it has been a remarkable journey for Pawan Chandana and Bharath Daka, co-Founders of Skyroot Aerospace.

From working for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to building a private rocket that is about to be launched, it has been a remarkable journey for Pawan Chandana and Bharath Daka, co-Founders of Skyroot Aerospace. The rocket firm will be the first-ever in the country to launch a privately designed and developed launch vehicle. The launch is scheduled between November 12-16 from India's lone spaceport in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The ongoing northeast monsoon and related weather conditions will determine the final launch time. Named 'Vikram-S', the rocket built by Skyroot is meant to lift three payloads belonging to their customers in a sub-orbital flight (roughly 80 kilometres above sea level). Generally, anything lifted above the 'Karman Line' (100 kilometres above sea level) is considered a foray into space and those below the Karman Line are known as sub-orbital flights for upper-atmospheric experiments. WATCH | India: ISRO Rocket Launch | 36 satellites on board lifts off × This launch gains significance because it would offer an opportunity for Skyroot to test its flight hardware and systems, thus helping validate its work so far. The company is working on three orbital-class rockets in the Vikram series. The Vikram series of rockets are named after Indian physicist and astronomer Dr Vikram A Sarabhai, who founded the Indian Space Programme and laid down the ambitious vision for India to use space technology to benefit the common man. "We could build and get our 'Vikram-S' rocket mission-ready in such a short time only because of the invaluable support we received from ISRO and IN-SPACe, and the technology talent that we inherently possess. We are proud to announce our pathbreaking mission 'Prarambh' (the beginning) dedicated to the Indian private space sector, which has hugely benefitted from the reforms that were guided by the Government of India and its vision," said Pawan Chandana, co-Founder and CEO, Skyroot Aerospace. Read more: 'Private consortiums to build GSLV & SSLV rockets, in addition to PSLV', says ISRO chief Pawan told WION that 'Vikram-S' would be a single-stage rocket that is powered by solid fuel. It will be burning a combination of aluminium and ammonium perchlorate, with hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene acting as a binder. This is a tried and tested solid fuel and is also the same fuel that is used in the solid stages of India's PSLV and GSLV rockets. ISRO (then known as INCOSPAR) began experimenting with small rockets in the early 1960s, marking the beginning of India's space programme. The launch of a private rocket from India will kick-start a new era for the private space sector in India. India's space sector has been dominated by the state-run space agency ISRO and a few industries that make components for the premier space agecy. However, from 2020 onwards the Indian Government began the rollout of space sector reforms. These reforms are meant to enable private firms in building their own rockets, satellites, related ground equipment etc. This was done to ensure that more firms in India can capitalize on the booming global space economy, which is estimated at around $450 billion. Read more: ISRO's RISAT-2 satellite bows out after 13 years of service; makes atmospheric re-entry Though India has end-to-end indigenous capability in designing, building and launching rockets, orbiting satellites and using the data for civilian strategic purposes, India is a small player in the global market. While India does launch satellites for foreign nations, India's share remains around 1.6-2 per cent of the $450 billion global market. Private sector players with their innovative ideas and competitive pricing are expected to gradually push the share further and create an aerospace ecosystem in India. IN-SPACe, under the Government of India, is meant to develop the Indian space ecosystem, accelerate the space economy in India and nurture private firms to accomplish their ventures in the space sector. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

First private rocket launch from India. Here's all you need to know

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) recently announced the successful test of a supersonic 'Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator' (IAD). The IAD was indigenously designed by ISRO's lead facility, the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre(VSSC), and was realised by the Indian industry. WION spoke to Dr S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, VSSC, regarding the significance of this test; what went into the making, and the potential this technology holds.

Traditionally, rocket scientists think of ways and means to have their rockets travel faster and do so more efficiently. However, when it comes to performing interplanetary missions and recovering spent rocket stages(re-usability), it is crucial to slow down a rocket/spacecraft. The rocket stages that are re-entering earth's atmosphere travel at supersonic speeds and spacecraft entering other planets travel at hypersonic speeds.

The commonly used technology to slow down a descending spacecraft/rocket is the firing of a retro-rocket. Simply put, when a rocket is on the ground its engines are fired to lift it off and it functions like a typical rocket. In the case of re-entry, the rocket is travelling at high speeds owing to the energy added by its propulsion system and gravitational pull on its mass.&nbsp;

So, the same engines used for lift-off are fired again to slow it down to a suitable speed for landing. The IAD aims to do something similar without firing rocket engines. It just uses friction or aerodynamic drag.

"IAD is an inflatable structure made of kevlar fabric, coated with Polychloroprene. As the IAD is made of fabric, it can be packed into a small volume of 15litres and can be packed into the nosecone of RH300 rocket (which was used for the test). Once the test rocket reaches an altitude of about 84kilometre, the IAD is deployed and begins to slow down the rocket body(the component known as the payload part) as it undergoes atmospheric re-entry and finally splashes down in the sea" explained Dr Nair.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-pslv-to-be-entirely-made-by-industry-513462">ISRO PSLV to be entirely made by industry</a>

He added that the inflation of the IAD was carried out by compressed nitrogen gas stored in a gas bottle. Once the IAD falls into the sea, it is deflated by firing a pyro valve to prevent it from floating and thereby causing any harm to sea vehicles.&nbsp;

Notably, this is the first time that an IAD is designed specifically for spent stage recovery. The IAD has huge potential in a variety of space applications like recovery of spent stages of the rocket, landing payloads on Mars or Venus, and making space habitats for human space flight missions.

"This demonstration opens a gateway for cost effective spent stage recovery using the IAD technology. This technology can also be used in ISRO's future missions to Venus and Mars" said Dr S Somanath, Chairman ISRO, and Secretary DOS, who witnessed the successful launch.

Read more<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/emirates-mars-mission-discovers-new-patchy-proton-aurora-on-red-planet-512368">:&nbsp;Emirates Mars Mission discovers new 'patchy' Proton Aurora on the red planet</a>

Queried about the scalability of the IAD and the possibility of guided landings, Dr Nair said that it can be scaled up to recover even a spent rocket stage.&nbsp;

"It can be used to systematically decelerate a re-entering vehicle by gradually inflating the decelerator. As such, the IAD is not guided. For sea landing precise guidance is not a must. By suitably sizing the IAD, the need for a retro rocket can be avoided for spent stages of vehicle first stage, where energy of spent stage is comparatively less." said Dr Nair before adding that we are yet to do a scaled-up design.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp; 
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The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) recently announced the successful test of a supersonic 'Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator' (IAD). The IAD was indigenously designed by ISRO's lead facility, the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre(VSSC), and was realised by the Indian industry.

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) recently announced the successful test of a supersonic 'Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator' (IAD). The IAD was indigenously designed by ISRO's lead facility, the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre(VSSC), and was realised by the Indian industry. WION spoke to Dr S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, VSSC, regarding the significance of this test; what went into the making, and the potential this technology holds. Traditionally, rocket scientists think of ways and means to have their rockets travel faster and do so more efficiently. However, when it comes to performing interplanetary missions and recovering spent rocket stages(re-usability), it is crucial to slow down a rocket/spacecraft. The rocket stages that are re-entering earth's atmosphere travel at supersonic speeds and spacecraft entering other planets travel at hypersonic speeds. The commonly used technology to slow down a descending spacecraft/rocket is the firing of a retro-rocket. Simply put, when a rocket is on the ground its engines are fired to lift it off and it functions like a typical rocket. In the case of re-entry, the rocket is travelling at high speeds owing to the energy added by its propulsion system and gravitational pull on its mass. So, the same engines used for lift-off are fired again to slow it down to a suitable speed for landing. The IAD aims to do something similar without firing rocket engines. It just uses friction or aerodynamic drag. "IAD is an inflatable structure made of kevlar fabric, coated with Polychloroprene. As the IAD is made of fabric, it can be packed into a small volume of 15litres and can be packed into the nosecone of RH300 rocket (which was used for the test). Once the test rocket reaches an altitude of about 84kilometre, the IAD is deployed and begins to slow down the rocket body(the component known as the payload part) as it undergoes atmospheric re-entry and finally splashes down in the sea" explained Dr Nair. Read more: ISRO PSLV to be entirely made by industry He added that the inflation of the IAD was carried out by compressed nitrogen gas stored in a gas bottle. Once the IAD falls into the sea, it is deflated by firing a pyro valve to prevent it from floating and thereby causing any harm to sea vehicles. Notably, this is the first time that an IAD is designed specifically for spent stage recovery. The IAD has huge potential in a variety of space applications like recovery of spent stages of the rocket, landing payloads on Mars or Venus, and making space habitats for human space flight missions. "This demonstration opens a gateway for cost effective spent stage recovery using the IAD technology. This technology can also be used in ISRO's future missions to Venus and Mars" said Dr S Somanath, Chairman ISRO, and Secretary DOS, who witnessed the successful launch. Read more: Emirates Mars Mission discovers new 'patchy' Proton Aurora on the red planet Queried about the scalability of the IAD and the possibility of guided landings, Dr Nair said that it can be scaled up to recover even a spent rocket stage. "It can be used to systematically decelerate a re-entering vehicle by gradually inflating the decelerator. As such, the IAD is not guided. For sea landing precise guidance is not a must. By suitably sizing the IAD, the need for a retro rocket can be avoided for spent stages of vehicle first stage, where energy of spent stage is comparatively less." said Dr Nair before adding that we are yet to do a scaled-up design. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

ISRO: Indigenously designed and developed supersonic decelerator test successful

As India completes 75&nbsp;years of its independence, it is time to introspect the country’s space programme that has grown and evolved significantly in the last decades.

The programme originally focused on developing space assets that provided direct developmental benefits, for example, telecommunications and remote sensing satellites that helped both in improving communication facilities and giving direct assistance to India’s farmers.

But over time, India has shifted a part of its focus towards space exploration and other high-profile missions. This includes, for example, India’s Mars and Moon exploratory missions.

Overall, India has been fairly successful in these efforts and its space&nbsp;programme&nbsp;has become a comprehensive one that includes not only a robust launch capacity and very large remote sensing satellite systems, but also a very well-rounded scientific and deep space exploratory programme.

Genesis

The space research activities were initiated in India during the early 1960s, when applications using satellites were in experimental stages even in the United States. With the live transmission of Tokyo Olympic Games across the Pacific by the American Satellite ‘Syncom-3’ demonstrating the power of communication satellites, Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the founding father of Indian space programme, quickly recognised the benefits of space technologies for India.

As a first step, the Department of Atomic Energy formed the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) under the leadership of Dr Sarabhai and Dr Ramanathan in 1962. Later, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was formed on August 15, 1969. The prime objective of ISRO is to develop space technology and its application to various national needs.&nbsp;

It is one of the six largest space agencies in the world today. The Department of Space (DOS) and the Space Commission were set up in 1972 and ISRO was brought under DOS on June 1, 1972.

In 1984, air force pilot Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian to go into space, riding in a Soviet spacecraft.&nbsp;

Since its inception, the Indian space programme has been orchestrated well and had three distinct elements: satellites for communication and remote sensing, space transportation system and application programmes. Two major operational systems have been established – the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) for telecommunication, television broadcasting, and meteorological services and the Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS) for monitoring and management of natural resources and Disaster Management Support.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced that India will allow the involvement of private companies in its space exploration and satellite launch programmes.

Both industries are currently predominantly operated by ISRO.

Planning manned space flights and a space station

India wants to launch its first manned space mission in 2022, to mark the 75th anniversary of the nation’s independence. Codenamed Gaganyaan,&nbsp;a space vehicle in Sanskrit,&nbsp;the project has a budget of almost $1.5 billion.

Gaganyaan will have a crew of two or three people and spend around seven days in low Earth orbit. ISRO says the mission is the first step towards building India’s own space station, which it plans to do in five to seven years.

Months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s election in 2014, India became the first Asian nation to reach Mars when its first mission to the red planet entered orbit, at a cost of $74 million, or less than the budget of the Hollywood space blockbuster “Gravity”.

The country is planning to launch another space probe to Mars along with its first manned space mission by 2022. It has also approved a project to study the sun late next year, and ISRO chairman Dr K Sivan has reportedly said that he wants to reach Venus in 2023.

India is planning these ambitious missions on the back of its development of a range of increasingly large launch rockets, culminating in the GSLV Mk III, which is as powerful as the Saturn V, the rocket that launched the Apollo moon missions”.

National security&nbsp;

India’s already robust space programme has also acquired national security implications&nbsp;over the last decade. This is partly driven by India’s growing technological capacity. But an important reason for this change is the evolving security threats that India faced, especially in relation with Pakistan and China. The perceived need to keep pace with the expansion of Pakistan’s ballistic missile capabilities has become stronger over the years, making India much more willing to consider the utility of such weapon systems. In addition, China’s first successful anti-satellite (ASAT) test in January 2007 suddenly made India’s space-based assets vulnerable. India thus had to consider developing its own ASAT capability, at least as a deterrent to anybody else using ASATs against Indian assets in space.

China’s achievements in space led not only to India’s own ASAT programme, but also to other elements that enhanced the security component of India’s space programme.

As the military characteristics of its space programme are becoming more evident, India is also moving away from its traditional position of non-weaponisation of space to a more nuanced approach to its national space policy. While the official policy itself has not changed, India is beginning to have a much more determined approach to how it wants to protect its assets in outer space as well as its ground infrastructure and the services linked to space.&nbsp;

One of the biggest shifts evident in the last decade is the development of India’s military space capabilities and the establishment of the institutional architecture that supports the new functions and roles for space in India’s national security calculations.&nbsp;

In particular, India established a Defence Space Agency (DSA) in April 2019, which is expected to be the forerunner for a full-fledged aerospace command. It is also establishing a Defence Space Research Organisation (DSRO), which is meant to undertake research and development on the capability mix that is required as per the strategy and policy developed by the DSA.

In a first, India conducted a space security table-top war game called “IndSpaceEx” in late July 2019, which involved all the different stakeholders such as the military and the scientific establishment.&nbsp;

This is another reflection of the growing synergistic approach between space and the military. The Indian space programme, thus, is being carried along not only because of its developmental needs, but also because of larger international political factors, such as the heightening international tension, great power competition and the lack of sufficient safeguards, international norms and institutions to protect the non-weaponisation of outer space.

A leader in satellite launches for other nations

There are more than 2,000 working satellites orbiting the earth. Almost half of them belong to US-based organisations, 300 originate from China and roughly half that number is from Russia.

The market for commercial space launches is crowded and competitive, with Russia’s Soyuz and Vega launchers competing with those of the European Space Agency and the reusable rockets flown by US entrepreneur Elon Musk’s SpaceX corporation.

Commercial satellites now heavily outnumber those used by the military.&nbsp;

Clearly, India is a leader in this segment. For the nation,&nbsp; as far as space is concerned, sky is not the limit.

As India completes 75 years of its independence, it is time to introspect the country’s space programme that has grown and evolved significantly in the last decades.

As India completes 75 years of its independence, it is time to introspect the country’s space programme that has grown and evolved significantly in the last decades. The programme originally focused on developing space assets that provided direct developmental benefits, for example, telecommunications and remote sensing satellites that helped both in improving communication facilities and giving direct assistance to India’s farmers. But over time, India has shifted a part of its focus towards space exploration and other high-profile missions. This includes, for example, India’s Mars and Moon exploratory missions. Overall, India has been fairly successful in these efforts and its space programme has become a comprehensive one that includes not only a robust launch capacity and very large remote sensing satellite systems, but also a very well-rounded scientific and deep space exploratory programme. Genesis The space research activities were initiated in India during the early 1960s, when applications using satellites were in experimental stages even in the United States. With the live transmission of Tokyo Olympic Games across the Pacific by the American Satellite ‘Syncom-3’ demonstrating the power of communication satellites, Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the founding father of Indian space programme, quickly recognised the benefits of space technologies for India. As a first step, the Department of Atomic Energy formed the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) under the leadership of Dr Sarabhai and Dr Ramanathan in 1962. Later, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was formed on August 15, 1969. The prime objective of ISRO is to develop space technology and its application to various national needs. It is one of the six largest space agencies in the world today. The Department of Space (DOS) and the Space Commission were set up in 1972 and ISRO was brought under DOS on June 1, 1972. In 1984, air force pilot Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian to go into space, riding in a Soviet spacecraft. Since its inception, the Indian space programme has been orchestrated well and had three distinct elements: satellites for communication and remote sensing, space transportation system and application programmes. Two major operational systems have been established – the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) for telecommunication, television broadcasting, and meteorological services and the Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS) for monitoring and management of natural resources and Disaster Management Support. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced that India will allow the involvement of private companies in its space exploration and satellite launch programmes. Both industries are currently predominantly operated by ISRO. Planning manned space flights and a space station India wants to launch its first manned space mission in 2022, to mark the 75th anniversary of the nation’s independence. Codenamed Gaganyaan, a space vehicle in Sanskrit, the project has a budget of almost $1.5 billion. Gaganyaan will have a crew of two or three people and spend around seven days in low Earth orbit. ISRO says the mission is the first step towards building India’s own space station, which it plans to do in five to seven years. Months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s election in 2014, India became the first Asian nation to reach Mars when its first mission to the red planet entered orbit, at a cost of $74 million, or less than the budget of the Hollywood space blockbuster “Gravity”. The country is planning to launch another space probe to Mars along with its first manned space mission by 2022. It has also approved a project to study the sun late next year, and ISRO chairman Dr K Sivan has reportedly said that he wants to reach Venus in 2023. India is planning these ambitious missions on the back of its development of a range of increasingly large launch rockets, culminating in the GSLV Mk III, which is as powerful as the Saturn V, the rocket that launched the Apollo moon missions”. National security India’s already robust space programme has also acquired national security implications over the last decade. This is partly driven by India’s growing technological capacity. But an important reason for this change is the evolving security threats that India faced, especially in relation with Pakistan and China. The perceived need to keep pace with the expansion of Pakistan’s ballistic missile capabilities has become stronger over the years, making India much more willing to consider the utility of such weapon systems. In addition, China’s first successful anti-satellite (ASAT) test in January 2007 suddenly made India’s space-based assets vulnerable. India thus had to consider developing its own ASAT capability, at least as a deterrent to anybody else using ASATs against Indian assets in space. China’s achievements in space led not only to India’s own ASAT programme, but also to other elements that enhanced the security component of India’s space programme. As the military characteristics of its space programme are becoming more evident, India is also moving away from its traditional position of non-weaponisation of space to a more nuanced approach to its national space policy. While the official policy itself has not changed, India is beginning to have a much more determined approach to how it wants to protect its assets in outer space as well as its ground infrastructure and the services linked to space. One of the biggest shifts evident in the last decade is the development of India’s military space capabilities and the establishment of the institutional architecture that supports the new functions and roles for space in India’s national security calculations. In particular, India established a Defence Space Agency (DSA) in April 2019, which is expected to be the forerunner for a full-fledged aerospace command. It is also establishing a Defence Space Research Organisation (DSRO), which is meant to undertake research and development on the capability mix that is required as per the strategy and policy developed by the DSA. In a first, India conducted a space security table-top war game called “IndSpaceEx” in late July 2019, which involved all the different stakeholders such as the military and the scientific establishment. This is another reflection of the growing synergistic approach between space and the military. The Indian space programme, thus, is being carried along not only because of its developmental needs, but also because of larger international political factors, such as the heightening international tension, great power competition and the lack of sufficient safeguards, international norms and institutions to protect the non-weaponisation of outer space. A leader in satellite launches for other nations There are more than 2,000 working satellites orbiting the earth. Almost half of them belong to US-based organisations, 300 originate from China and roughly half that number is from Russia. The market for commercial space launches is crowded and competitive, with Russia’s Soyuz and Vega launchers competing with those of the European Space Agency and the reusable rockets flown by US entrepreneur Elon Musk’s SpaceX corporation. Commercial satellites now heavily outnumber those used by the military. Clearly, India is a leader in this segment. For the nation, as far as space is concerned, sky is not the limit.

India Independence: The rise of a space power