The Indian Science Congress - 2003 in Bangalore saw the unveiling of Space Vision 2025. The vision document lays out the steps needed to take our space programme to new heights. The emphasis is on achieving self-reliance in launching capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign agencies. The vision also includes a moon mission. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the nodal agency and the Indian Space Program's flag bearer. In this article, we will discuss regarding Indian Space Vision 2025, including its features, benefits and overall status which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Indian Space Vision 2025 – Salient Features

• Satellite communication and navigation systems are used for rural connectivity, security, and mobile services.
• Improved imaging capability for natural resource management, weather forecasting, and climate change research.
• Missions to space to learn more about the solar system and the universe.
• Exploration of the solar system.
• Heavy lift launcher development.
• Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs) are technology demonstrator missions that lead to the Two Stage To Orbit (TSTO) mission.
• Human Space Flight

Indian Space Program – Objectives

• ISRO has also contributed to the advancement of science and science education in the country.
• The Department of Space manages a number of dedicated research centres and independent organisations for remote sensing, astronomy and astrophysics, atmospheric sciences, and general space sciences.
• The Indian Space Program's goals are twofold:
  • Space missions enable space exploration and discovery.
  • Promotion of space science research and education in the country. Tele-education in India, for example.
• Other functions of the Indian Space Programme include:
  • Mineral resources, agriculture, marine resources, and so on are examples of resource management.
  • Environmental protection.
  • Terrorism and internal security. For example, use of IRNSS for regional security.
  • Forecasting the weather.
  • Management of Disasters.

Major Developments in Space Sector After 2000

• The first development flight of the GSLV took place in 2001.
• In 2008, India launched Chandrayaan, the first mission to explore the solar system, with the goal of sending unmanned probes to the moon.
• ISRO's rockets have entered the lucrative business of launching foreign payloads from Indian soil.
• ISRO launched the following programmes after 2010 - The launch vehicle development programme includes missions for:
  • Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)
  • Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)
  • Next-generation GSLV Mark-III launch vehicle
• The Earth Observation programme includes cutting-edge Indian remote sensing (IRS) satellites like Resourcesat, Cartosat, Oceansat, Radar Imaging Satellite, Geo-Imaging Satellite, and weather/climate satellites like INSAT-3DR missions.
• The satellite navigation programme includes a constellation of seven Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) satellites and an associated ground segment designed to provide precise positional and timing information.
• Three Earth Observation Satellites (EOSs) - EOS-4 (Risat-1A) and EOS-6 (Oceansat-3) were launched in first quarter of 2022 with ISRO's workhorse PSLV, and EOS-2 (Microsat) with the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) in its first developmental flight.

Gaganyaan Mission

• Gaganyaan is an ISRO mission scheduled to launch in 2023. Three flights will be launched into orbit as part of this mission.
• Two unmanned flights and one human spaceflight are planned.
• The Orbital Module of the Gaganyaan system would house three Indian astronauts, one of whom would be a woman.
• It will circle the Earth in a low-Earth orbit at an altitude of 300-400 km for 5-7 days.
• In addition, ISRO will conduct two unmanned 'Abort Missions' in 2022 to ensure crew safety during the Gaganyaan mission.

Scramjet (Supersonic Combusting Ramjet) Engine

• ISRO successfully completed the Scramjet (Supersonic Combusting Ramjet) engine test in August 2016.
• The Scramjet engine runs on hydrogen as fuel and oxygen from the surrounding atmosphere as an oxidiser.
• This was ISRO's Scramjet engine's first short-duration experimental test, with a hypersonic flight at Mach 6.
• ISRO's Advanced Technology Vehicle (ATV), a futuristic-sounding rocket, served as the solid rocket booster for Scramjet engine supersonic testing.
• The new propulsion system will be used in conjunction with ISRO's reusable launch vehicle, which will have a longer flight duration.

Indian Space Association (ISpA)

• ISpA aspires to be the Indian space industry's unified voice. ISpA will be represented by leading domestic and international corporations with advanced space and satellite technologies.

Amazonia-1

• PSLV-C51's 53rd flight was the first dedicated mission for New Space India Ltd (NSIL), ISRO's commercial arm.
• Amazonia-1, an optical earth observation satellite developed by the National Institute for Space Research (INPE), would provide users with remote sensing data for monitoring deforestation in the Amazon region and analysing diverse agriculture across the Brazilian territory.

SDSAT

Satish Dhawan Satellite (SDSAT) is a nanosatellite designed to study radiation levels and space weather as well as demonstrate long-distance communication technologies.

Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs)

• NGEs will be permitted to conduct full-stack activities in the space sector, including the establishment and operation of space objects, ground-based assets, and related services such as communication, remote sensing, navigation, and so on.
• This would be subject to the IN-SPACe guidelines and regulations.

IN-SPACe

• IN-SPACe will be an autonomous government organisation tasked with promoting, guiding, and authorising space activities in the country.
• IN-SPACe will issue guidelines and procedures on a regular basis to promote ease of doing business, among other things.

New Space India Limited (NSIL)

NSIL, as the Public Sector Undertaking under DOS, shall:

• be in charge of commercialising space technologies and platforms developed with public funds.
• on sound commercial principles, manufacture, lease, or acquire space components, technologies, platforms, and other assets from the private or public sector.
• meet the space-based needs of users, whether government entities or non-government entities, using sound commercial principles.

Upcoming Missions

• Chandrayaan-3 Mission: Chandrayaan-3 is expected to launch in the third quarter of 2023.
• Shukrayaan Mission: The ISRO is also planning a Venus mission called Shukrayaan.
• Own Space Station: India intends to launch its own space station by 2030, joining the ranks of the United States, Russia, and China in an exclusive space club.
• XpoSat: It is a space observatory designed to study cosmic x-rays.
• Aditya L1 mission: An Indian spacecraft will travel 1.5 million kilometres to the L1 or Lagrangian point between the Sun and Earth.

Conclusion

Space Vision 2025 serves as a guiding framework for India's space exploration and research endeavors, aiming to propel the nation towards new frontiers of scientific discovery, technological innovation, and national development. By focusing on key areas, fostering collaborations, and addressing challenges, India can solidify its position as a global space power and contribute to the collective progress of humanity in the cosmos.

Updated: Indian Space Vision 2025

FAQs

MCQs

1. What is the primary focus of the Indian Space Vision 2025?

A) Establishment of new space stations

B) Advancing space technology and global collaborations

C) Building human colonies on Mars

D) Reducing space-related military activities

2. Which of the following is a key objective of Indian Space Vision 2025?

A) Reducing satellite costs

B) Launching a manned mission to Mars

C) Advancing space-based surveillance systems

D) Limiting the use of space technology for military purposes

3. Which agency is responsible for the implementation of Indian Space Vision 2025?

A) DRDO

B) ISRO

C) Indian Navy

D) Ministry of Earth Sciences

4. How does Indian Space Vision 2025 contribute to the socio-economic development of India?

A) By providing free internet for all

B) By improving communication, agriculture, and healthcare

C) By focusing on military satellite launches

D) By reducing the cost of rocket launches

5. What is the vision for India’s position in global space exploration by 2025?

A) India will remain a follower in space exploration

B) India aims to become a leader in space technology and exploration

C) India will focus only on space research for military purposes

D) India plans to build the first moon base

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the objectives and significance of Indian Space Vision 2025 for India’s future in space exploration.

Answer: Indian Space Vision 2025 outlines a strategic roadmap to elevate India’s space capabilities. The key objectives include strengthening satellite communication, advancing space exploration, developing launch vehicles, and promoting international collaborations. The vision’s significance lies in its potential to position India as a leader in global space technology, enhance national security, and foster socio-economic development. Vision 2025 aims to leverage space technology for improving agriculture, healthcare, education, and disaster management. Furthermore, it focuses on making India self-reliant in space capabilities, boosting economic growth, and increasing international partnerships in space exploration.

Q2: How does the Indian Space Vision 2025 align with India’s national security goals?

Answer: Indian Space Vision 2025 plays a crucial role in strengthening national security by advancing space-based surveillance, satellite communication, and defense applications. The vision aims to develop sophisticated satellite systems for real-time monitoring, border security, and disaster management. With an enhanced space infrastructure, India can improve its strategic defense capabilities, gather intelligence, and respond swiftly to natural or man-made crises. By incorporating space technology into defense strategies, India ensures its security while enhancing its position as a regional and global power.

Q3: What are the challenges India faces in achieving the goals set by Indian Space Vision 2025, and how can they be addressed?

Answer: India faces several challenges in achieving the ambitious goals set by Indian Space Vision 2025, including funding constraints, technological hurdles, and international competition. To overcome these challenges, India needs to increase investment in space research and development, collaborate more extensively with international space agencies, and ensure the development of advanced technologies in satellite systems, launch vehicles, and space exploration. Strengthening public-private partnerships, encouraging innovation, and enhancing educational programs in space technology will also play a key role in achieving these objectives.

Previous Year Questions on Space Technology and National Development

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:

Question: Which of the following is a key objective of India’s Space Vision 2025?

A) Enhancing national security through space-based systems
B) Establishing space colonies
C) Reducing space exploration missions
D) Limiting satellite launches

Answer: (A)

Explanation: The primary objective of India’s Space Vision 2025 is to enhance national security through advanced space-based systems for surveillance, defense communication, and real-time intelligence gathering.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019:

Question: Discuss the role of space technology in supporting India's socio-economic development.

Answer: Space technology is pivotal for India’s socio-economic development, facilitating better resource management, disaster monitoring, precision agriculture, and telemedicine. By improving satellite communications, weather forecasting, and navigation, space technology helps bridge gaps in education, healthcare, and rural development. Vision 2025 aims to further these applications to foster comprehensive national growth.