The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aims to achieve 'debris-free' space missions by 2030. ISRO announced in late March that one of its satellite missions "practically left zero debris in orbit" after they lowered a spent rocket stage to burn up in Earth's atmosphere during re-entry.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aims to achieve 'debris-free' space missions by 2030. ISRO announced in late March that one of its satellite missions "practically left zero debris in orbit" after they lowered a spent rocket stage to burn up in Earth's atmosphere during re-entry. Chairman S Somnath said last week that they will use similar deorbiting techniques to make future missions "debris-free" by the end of this decade. In a session hosted by the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordinating Committee (IADC), Somnath said, "Over the years, sufficient skill has been developed within ISRO in dealing with topics related to debris management." He added, "We want to make sure that for all the spacecraft we are likely to launch in the future, we will be taking action to make sure that we deorbit and bring it to a safe location." IADC has 13 spacefaring member nations. Currently, India has 54 spacecraft in orbit, excluding non-functional satellites. Of these, 13 were deorbited for reentry into Earth's atmosphere last year. In February, ISRO lowered an Earth-observation satellite named Cartostat-2, launched in 2007, for a controlled atmospheric reentry over the Indian Ocean. As per predictions, all major parts of the satellite vapourised during the event. ALSO READ | Crater-filled Moon and faint Earth in the background: Chinese satellites beam eerie image from space However, this may not always be the case as it's tough to foretell whether a certain satellite will burn entirely during reentry. Scientists are realising that more entities endure the journey to the surface than previously thought, Space.com reported. Last month, a piece of debris from a pallet of used batteries thrown overboard from the International Space Station slammed into a home in Florida. This proved NASA's prediction wrong that it would burn up completely in space. Approximately 30,000 objects in low Earth orbit are larger than a softball, and millions of smaller objects are less than a centimetre in size. These objects can circle the Earth at speeds that can reach up to ten times that of a bullet. The primary source of space junk is owing to spent rocket stages, dead satellites, and malfunctioning satellites which have been abandoned in their orbits around Earth. These abandoned objects have caused collisions and accidental explosions which have prompted space agencies and private companies to intentionally lower their satellites for atmospheric reentries. (With inputs from agencies)

India eyes 'debris-free' space mission by the end of decade, says ISRO Chairman

In what can be regarded as a great leap for the Indian space sector, a private firm has inaugurated its own rocket launch pad and mission control centre. This latest development from Chennai-based rocket company Agnikul Cosmos will enable them to launch their own rockets into space. This private facility, also India’s first such, is located within India’s existing and lone spaceport, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota.&nbsp;

The new facility has been inaugurated on Monday, by the Chairman, of ISRO, Dr S. Somanath, senior officials from ISRO and the Agnikul team. It has been designed by Agnikul and executed with support from IN-SPACe (the government entity which supports and promotes private space firms in India). This facility comprises two sections - Agnikul Launchpad (ALP) and Agnikul Mission Control Centre(AMCC).&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/isro-conducts-200th-launch-of-rh-200-sounding-rocket-heres-all-you-need-to-know-536716">Also read |&nbsp;ISRO conducts 200th consecutive launch of 'RH-200' sounding rocket; here's all you need to know&nbsp;</a>

According to Agnikul, all critical systems connecting these two sections - which are 4 km away from each other are redundant to ensure 100 per cent&nbsp;operationality during the countdown. The Launchpad is built specifically keeping in mind the ability to support liquid-stage controlled launches, while also addressing the need for ISRO’s range operations team to monitor key flight safety parameters during launches. Additionally, it has the ability to, as necessary share data and other critical information with ISRO’s mission control centre.&nbsp;

Agnikul’s first launch will be a controlled &amp; guided mission having a vertical launch and&nbsp;will happen from this launchpad. The mission would be a technology demonstrator that will mirror Agnikul’s orbital launch but at a reduced scale. The company's&nbsp;Agnibaan rocket is a highly customisable, 2-stage launch vehicle, capable of taking up to 100 kg payload to orbits around 700 km high (low Earth orbits) and&nbsp;enables plug-and-play configuration. Agnilet is the world's first single-piece 3D printed engine fully designed and manufactured in India and was successfully test-fired in early 2021 &amp; became the first company in the country to test its engines at ISRO.

Speaking at the inauguration event,&nbsp;Secretary, Dept. of Space and Chairman, ISRO, Dr S Somanath&nbsp;said "The first exclusive launch pad for a private launch vehicle has come up at Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC). Now India can travel to space from one more space platform. Thanks to Agnikul."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-tests-parachute-system-thats-meant-to-land-indian-astronauts-safely-on-water-536002">Also read |&nbsp;ISRO tests parachute system that's meant to land Indian astronauts safely on water</a>

Commenting about their new facility,&nbsp;Srinath Ravichandran, Co-founder &amp; CEO, Agnikul&nbsp;said, "The ability to launch from our own launchpad while still working with ISRO’s launch operations teams is a privilege that we have been granted by ISRO &amp; IN-SPACe and I am deeply grateful to them for the same. It is dream come true for all of us at Agnikul to launch our vehicles from a facility we have designed and built ourselves."

Over the last 60 years, the most sophisticated aspects of India’s space programme (such as building and launching rockets, satellites, and operating support facilities) have been the monopoly of India’s Government-run space agency. However, the space sector reforms rolled out by the Indian Government in 2020, permitted private companies to delve into this niche sector and carry out business activities.&nbsp;

In line with this, India has witnessed a multiplication of start-ups in the space sector, recently India’s first privately built rocket was launched into the upper atmosphere, and satellites built by Indian firms were launched on India’s workhorse PSLV rocket (built and operated by the Government-run space agency).&nbsp;

The announcement from Agnikul takes this further, as it would be the fifth operational rocket Launchpad in India. ISRO operates two main launchpads in Sriharikota meant for its large orbital rockets and has a Sounding rocket complex for its smaller &amp; sub-orbital rockets. ISRO’s lead facility in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram also has a Launchpad for small-sounding (sub-orbital) rockets.&nbsp;In addition to this, the Indian Government is building another spaceport for small orbital rockets, closer to the tip of the Indian peninsula, at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu.

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In what can be regarded as a great leap for the Indian space sector, a private firm has inaugurated its own rocket launch pad and mission control centre. This latest development from Chennai-based rocket company Agnikul Cosmos will enable them to launch their own rockets into space.

In what can be regarded as a great leap for the Indian space sector, a private firm has inaugurated its own rocket launch pad and mission control centre. This latest development from Chennai-based rocket company Agnikul Cosmos will enable them to launch their own rockets into space. This private facility, also India’s first such, is located within India’s existing and lone spaceport, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota. The new facility has been inaugurated on Monday, by the Chairman, of ISRO, Dr S. Somanath, senior officials from ISRO and the Agnikul team. It has been designed by Agnikul and executed with support from IN-SPACe (the government entity which supports and promotes private space firms in India). This facility comprises two sections - Agnikul Launchpad (ALP) and Agnikul Mission Control Centre(AMCC). Also read | ISRO conducts 200th consecutive launch of 'RH-200' sounding rocket; here's all you need to know According to Agnikul, all critical systems connecting these two sections - which are 4 km away from each other are redundant to ensure 100 per cent operationality during the countdown. The Launchpad is built specifically keeping in mind the ability to support liquid-stage controlled launches, while also addressing the need for ISRO’s range operations team to monitor key flight safety parameters during launches. Additionally, it has the ability to, as necessary share data and other critical information with ISRO’s mission control centre. Agnikul’s first launch will be a controlled & guided mission having a vertical launch and will happen from this launchpad. The mission would be a technology demonstrator that will mirror Agnikul’s orbital launch but at a reduced scale. The company's Agnibaan rocket is a highly customisable, 2-stage launch vehicle, capable of taking up to 100 kg payload to orbits around 700 km high (low Earth orbits) and enables plug-and-play configuration. Agnilet is the world's first single-piece 3D printed engine fully designed and manufactured in India and was successfully test-fired in early 2021 & became the first company in the country to test its engines at ISRO. Speaking at the inauguration event, Secretary, Dept. of Space and Chairman, ISRO, Dr S Somanath said "The first exclusive launch pad for a private launch vehicle has come up at Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC). Now India can travel to space from one more space platform. Thanks to Agnikul." Also read | ISRO tests parachute system that's meant to land Indian astronauts safely on water Commenting about their new facility, Srinath Ravichandran, Co-founder & CEO, Agnikul said, "The ability to launch from our own launchpad while still working with ISRO’s launch operations teams is a privilege that we have been granted by ISRO & IN-SPACe and I am deeply grateful to them for the same. It is dream come true for all of us at Agnikul to launch our vehicles from a facility we have designed and built ourselves." Over the last 60 years, the most sophisticated aspects of India’s space programme (such as building and launching rockets, satellites, and operating support facilities) have been the monopoly of India’s Government-run space agency. However, the space sector reforms rolled out by the Indian Government in 2020, permitted private companies to delve into this niche sector and carry out business activities. In line with this, India has witnessed a multiplication of start-ups in the space sector, recently India’s first privately built rocket was launched into the upper atmosphere, and satellites built by Indian firms were launched on India’s workhorse PSLV rocket (built and operated by the Government-run space agency). The announcement from Agnikul takes this further, as it would be the fifth operational rocket Launchpad in India. ISRO operates two main launchpads in Sriharikota meant for its large orbital rockets and has a Sounding rocket complex for its smaller & sub-orbital rockets. ISRO’s lead facility in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram also has a Launchpad for small-sounding (sub-orbital) rockets. In addition to this, the Indian Government is building another spaceport for small orbital rockets, closer to the tip of the Indian peninsula, at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India gets its first private rocket launchpad and mission control centre

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully tested the country's existing CE-20 Cryogenic engine at a higher thrust level of 21.9 tonnes.&nbsp;

What does it mean for ISRO?

This successful test means that this engine is capable of generating more thrust and can lift much more payload mass to space. The CE-20 engine forms the uppermost (third and final) engine on the LVM3 rocket, which by far is India's heaviest launch vehicle.

In simple terms, a rocket's thrust is the force that moves the vehicle through the air and through space. Thrust is generated by a propulsion system (rocket engine) based on the application of Newton's Third law: "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction". The rocket engine generates thrust towards the ground and the rocket travels in the opposite direction (skywards).

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> announces successful test of the existing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indian</a> CE20 Cryogenic <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rocket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rocket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/engine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#engine</a> at higher-thrust of 21.8tons..This means, India's heaviest launcher LVM3 can lift more payload 
In a 1st, new Thrust Control Valve,3Dprinted parts used<a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Video?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Video</a> of recent CE20 test <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> <a href="https://t.co/bqJeKn1Zpg">pic.twitter.com/bqJeKn1Zpg</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1590596000334630913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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LVM3 rocket can now carry 450kg of additional payload

According to ISRO, the indigenously developed CE20 Cryogenic engine has been subjected to a successful hot test (firing) at an uprated thrust level of 21.8tonne for the first time, on November 9th, 2022. The space agency also added that the LVM3 rocket can carry 450kg of additional payload, because of this new development in terms of enhanced thrust. Correspondingly, the rocket would have to carry more Cryogenic fuel of Liquid Hydrogen(LH2) and Oxidizer Liquid Oxygen (LOX) to power the Engine for the higher thrust requirements.&nbsp;

"The major modifications carried out on this test article(engine) compared to previous engines was the introduction of a Thrust Control Valve (TCV) for thrust control. In addition to this 3D printed LOX and LH2 turbine exhaust casings were inducted in the engine for the first time" ISRO said.&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>

During the test firing, the engine was first fired at nearly 20 tons of thrust for the first 40 seconds and then the thrust was increased to 21.8 tons, by moving the thrust control valve.&nbsp;

The GSLV Mk3 rocket or LVM3 is a three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle developed by ISRO. The vehicle has two solid strap-on motors(burns solid fuel), a core-stage liquid booster (burns a combination of liquid fuels), and a 'C25' cryogenic upper stage(burns liquid hydrogen with liquid oxygen). LVM3 is designed to carry a 4-ton class of satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) or about 8 tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which is about twice the capability of its predecessor, the GSLV Mk II.

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully tested the country's existing CE-20 Cryogenic engine at a higher thrust level of 21.9 tonnes. What does it mean for ISRO?

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully tested the country's existing CE-20 Cryogenic engine at a higher thrust level of 21.9 tonnes. What does it mean for ISRO? This successful test means that this engine is capable of generating more thrust and can lift much more payload mass to space. The CE-20 engine forms the uppermost (third and final) engine on the LVM3 rocket, which by far is India's heaviest launch vehicle. In simple terms, a rocket's thrust is the force that moves the vehicle through the air and through space. Thrust is generated by a propulsion system (rocket engine) based on the application of Newton's Third law: "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction". The rocket engine generates thrust towards the ground and the rocket travels in the opposite direction (skywards). #ISRO announces successful test of the existing #indian CE20 Cryogenic #rocket #engine at higher-thrust of 21.8tons..This means, India's heaviest launcher LVM3 can lift more payload In a 1st, new Thrust Control Valve,3Dprinted parts used@isro #Video of recent CE20 test @isro pic.twitter.com/bqJeKn1Zpg — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) November 10, 2022 × LVM3 rocket can now carry 450kg of additional payload According to ISRO, the indigenously developed CE20 Cryogenic engine has been subjected to a successful hot test (firing) at an uprated thrust level of 21.8tonne for the first time, on November 9th, 2022. The space agency also added that the LVM3 rocket can carry 450kg of additional payload, because of this new development in terms of enhanced thrust. Correspondingly, the rocket would have to carry more Cryogenic fuel of Liquid Hydrogen(LH2) and Oxidizer Liquid Oxygen (LOX) to power the Engine for the higher thrust requirements. "The major modifications carried out on this test article(engine) compared to previous engines was the introduction of a Thrust Control Valve (TCV) for thrust control. In addition to this 3D printed LOX and LH2 turbine exhaust casings were inducted in the engine for the first time" ISRO said. ALSO READ | Explained: Why ISRO again test-fired its CE-20 Cryogenic Engine, ahead of next flight in 2023 During the test firing, the engine was first fired at nearly 20 tons of thrust for the first 40 seconds and then the thrust was increased to 21.8 tons, by moving the thrust control valve. The GSLV Mk3 rocket or LVM3 is a three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle developed by ISRO. The vehicle has two solid strap-on motors(burns solid fuel), a core-stage liquid booster (burns a combination of liquid fuels), and a 'C25' cryogenic upper stage(burns liquid hydrogen with liquid oxygen). LVM3 is designed to carry a 4-ton class of satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) or about 8 tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which is about twice the capability of its predecessor, the GSLV Mk II. 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.

ISRO successfully tests Cryogenic engine with higher thrust, will boost lift capacity of LVM3 rocket

ISRO has recently undertaken a mission to take start-ups in the space sector to a higher orbit with a string of initiatives to help them realise their business potential.

The Indian space agency is keen on formulating an exclusive space start-up programme -- "Space Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development (SEED)", Secretary in the Department of Space and Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) K Sivan said.

SEED is conceived as a competitive early stage encouragement programme for start-ups and MSMEs (Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises) keen on developing products/services in focus areas of interest to ISRO with the space agency helping them to use its facilities.

The Bengaluru--headquartered ISRO, under the Department of Space (DoS), has set up three space technology incubation centres -- at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Tiruchirappalli, Jalandhar and Agartala. Three more are in progress.

DoS has also collaborated with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), Niti Aayog, to launch three challenges in space domain -- 'ARISE' programme as a part of Aatmanirbhar Atal New India Challenges [ANIC] for promotion of applied research and innovation in small enterprises (MSMEs-Startups).

Under this initiative, 28 proposals have been received from 24 private entities and are under evaluation.

ISRO officials said various opportunities and provisions, including buy-back arrangements, are being created within the agency to encourage start-ups.

The primary objective of this workshop was to bring forth a greater synergy between the DoS and incubators/accelerators in India, showcasing intent of the Department to provide support and guidance to the start-ups working in the space sector.

Earlier this month, DoS entered into a Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with Skyroot Aerospace Pvt. Ltd., a private company based in Hyderabad building small satellite launch vehicles.

In December, the DoS had inked a similar pact with Agnikul Cosmos Pvt. Ltd, a Chennai based start-up company located in the National Centre for combustion R&amp;D, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, building private small satellite launch vehicle.

'Anand' remote sensing satellite built by Bengaluru-based start-up, Pixxel, is among the payloads to be launched by ISRO rocket PSLV-C51 on February 28.

(with inputs)

ISRO has recently undertaken a mission to take start-ups in the space sector to a higher orbit with a string of initiatives to help them realise their business potential.

ISRO has recently undertaken a mission to take start-ups in the space sector to a higher orbit with a string of initiatives to help them realise their business potential. The Indian space agency is keen on formulating an exclusive space start-up programme -- "Space Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development (SEED)", Secretary in the Department of Space and Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) K Sivan said. SEED is conceived as a competitive early stage encouragement programme for start-ups and MSMEs (Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises) keen on developing products/services in focus areas of interest to ISRO with the space agency helping them to use its facilities. The Bengaluru--headquartered ISRO, under the Department of Space (DoS), has set up three space technology incubation centres -- at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Tiruchirappalli, Jalandhar and Agartala. Three more are in progress. DoS has also collaborated with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), Niti Aayog, to launch three challenges in space domain -- 'ARISE' programme as a part of Aatmanirbhar Atal New India Challenges [ANIC] for promotion of applied research and innovation in small enterprises (MSMEs-Startups). Under this initiative, 28 proposals have been received from 24 private entities and are under evaluation. ISRO officials said various opportunities and provisions, including buy-back arrangements, are being created within the agency to encourage start-ups. The primary objective of this workshop was to bring forth a greater synergy between the DoS and incubators/accelerators in India, showcasing intent of the Department to provide support and guidance to the start-ups working in the space sector. Earlier this month, DoS entered into a Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with Skyroot Aerospace Pvt. Ltd., a private company based in Hyderabad building small satellite launch vehicles. In December, the DoS had inked a similar pact with Agnikul Cosmos Pvt. Ltd, a Chennai based start-up company located in the National Centre for combustion R&D, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, building private small satellite launch vehicle. 'Anand' remote sensing satellite built by Bengaluru-based start-up, Pixxel, is among the payloads to be launched by ISRO rocket PSLV-C51 on February 28. (with inputs)

ISRO on a mission to boost space start-ups, increase their business potential

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