Date : 28/08/2023

Relevance: GS Paper 3- Science & Technology - SpaceTechnology

Keywords: ISRO, Chandrayaan-3, Gaganyaan, LUPEX, Aditya L-1, NASA,

Context-

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) continues to make significant strides in space exploration, showcasing its prowess with achievements like the Chandrayaan-3 moon landing. As the fourth country to achieve a successful robotic moon landing and the first to do so in the south polar region, India's space agency is gaining international recognition.
• Beyond this historic moment, ISRO's endeavors span a range of ambitious projects, research, and partnerships that reflect its comprehensive approach to space exploration.

Diverse Focus Areas:

• ISRO's multifaceted activities encompass various domains such as research, satellite system development, rocket production, satellite tracking infrastructure, and orbital debris mitigation. These efforts are instrumental in bolstering India's capabilities in space technology.

ISRO's Lunar Pursuits Continue

• Significantly, ISRO's lunar exploration journey doesn't conclude with Chandrayaan-3. The organization is actively planning another lunar mission in collaboration with the Japanese space agency, JAXA, known as LUPEX (Lunar Polar Exploration).
• This forthcoming mission, anticipated around 2024-25, is designed to explore the Moon's permanently shaded polar region, presenting an additional layer of complexity. LUPEX's objective is to assess the viability of establishing a long-term station within this region, akin to the International Space Station but situated on the Moon. This advanced mission, often referred to as "Chandrayaan 4," involves a sophisticated lander and rover.
• For this mission, JAXA will contribute the launch vehicle and rover components, while ISRO will supply the lander module. Moreover, Chandrayaan-3 isn't projected to be the series' final installment. It emphasized that the Chandrayaan program will continue evolving, with Chandrayaan-3 serving as a stepping stone. Chandrayaan-3 would have been a sample return mission, showcasing the organization's advancement toward more intricate lunar objectives.
• A sample return mission, akin to China's Chang'e-5 mission in 2020, represents a more advanced endeavor. Such a mission necessitates a spacecraft not only successfully landing on the Moon but also returning to Earth, involving takeoff from the lunar surface.

The Quest for Manned Space Missions

• ISRO's ultimate aspiration in the near future is to conduct manned space missions, a significant advancement reflecting its growing capabilities. The Gaganyaan project epitomizes this ambition, aiming to demonstrate human spaceflight capability by sending a three-member crew to a 400 km orbit for a three-day mission, safely returning to Earth by landing in the Indian Ocean.
• To realize this goal, ISRO is developing the Human-rated LVM-3 (HLVM-3), a modified version of the Chandrayaan-3 rocket. This vehicle will be equipped with a Crew Escape System (CES) and the capacity to launch an orbital module to a Low Earth Orbit of 400 km.
• Preceding Gaganyaan, Indian astronauts are poised to journey to the International Space Station (ISS) in collaboration with NASA, marking a significant milestone in India's space exploration journey.

ISRO's Ambitious Solar Mission

• Amid its lunar undertakings, ISRO is directing its attention toward the Aditya-L1 mission, India's inaugural mission focused on studying the Sun. The spacecraft will be positioned in a halo orbit encircling the Lagrange point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system, situated approximately 1.5 million km from Earth. The Lagrange point's unique gravitational dynamics enable objects to maintain relatively stable positions without excessive fuel consumption.

• Placing Aditya-L1 in a halo orbit at the L1 point will enable uninterrupted solar observations. Outfitted with seven scientific payloads, the mission aims to investigate the Sun's corona, solar emissions, solar winds, flares, and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs).
• The spacecraft will facilitate continuous imaging of the star, enhancing our understanding of solar phenomena. The L1 point already hosts the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory Satellite (SOHO), a collaboration between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).

Upcoming Voyage to Venus

• ISRO's future plans extend to a mission to Venus, anticipated within the next few years. While specific details remain undisclosed, the proposed Venus mission will likely focus on scientific research and technological prowess. Venus, often considered Earth's sister planet, has posed challenges due to its extreme conditions, including intense heat, high pressure, and volcanic activity.
• While ISRO's initial Venus mission is likely an orbiter mission, the prospect of surface exploration remains to be seen. Previous attempts at landing on Venus have been met with limited success, given the harsh environment. The agency's emphasis on scientific research underscores its commitment to pushing boundaries and expanding knowledge in space exploration.

Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD):

• ISRO is working on a Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstrator, which employs a winged body design similar to the NASA Space Shuttle.
• This innovation allows for the launch of heavier payloads and more sophisticated missions. The RLV-TD's potential to lift up to 20,000 kg to low-earth orbit signifies a substantial leap in capabilities.

SCE-200 Engine:

• ISRO is testing the SCE-200 engine, which uses refined kerosene and liquid oxygen to power its rockets. This engine is expected to drive the next generation of ISRO rockets, enhancing their efficiency and performance.

Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV):

• The SSLV, a smaller rocket compared to the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), is being developed to cater to the growing demand for launching lightweight satellites into low-earth orbit. This project also emphasizes reducing the turnaround time between launches.

Commercial Launches and Technology Transfer:

• ISRO is engaged in commercial launches for other space agencies and companies, showcasing India's expertise and emerging as a reliable service provider. The organization also transfers technologies, particularly in telecommunications and electronics, to the private sector, promoting innovation and growth.

Other Major Missions:

• ISRO's launch manifest outlines several major missions, including the XPoSat satellite, designed for X-ray research in outer space. Notably, the NISAR satellite, a joint project with NASA, will study Earth's surface processes using radar technology.
• ISRO is continuously pushing the boundaries of technology. Researchers are developing methalox propellant, a more energy-efficient rocket fuel. Additionally, the agency is working on electric propulsion systems for satellites, enhancing their longevity and efficiency.

Conclusion:

• ISRO's journey beyond Chandrayaan-3 encompasses a broad spectrum of groundbreaking endeavors, from the Gaganyaan mission's human spaceflight to advanced lunar exploration and ambitious missions to Mars and Venus. The agency's commitment to innovation, research, and collaboration solidifies India's position in the global space arena. With achievements spanning from intricate rocket propulsion systems to interplanetary exploration, ISRO continues to make remarkable contributions to humanity's quest for space exploration and understanding.
• As ISRO propels India's presence in the global space landscape, its future promises new discoveries, scientific advancements, and milestones that will shape humanity's understanding of the cosmos.

Source : The Hindu