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United News of India
6 days ago
- Science
- United News of India
ISRO Chief gets Kalam award for success of Spadex, Axiom, NISAR missions and for critical space system support for successful Op Sindoor
Chennai, Aug 15 (UNI) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman and Secretary, Department of Space Dr V Narayanan was today presented the former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam award by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin for the successful Spadex and NISAR missions and for the critical space system support by ISRO for the recent successful 'Operation Sindoor', which was one of the major achievements under his able leadership. Dr. Narayanan, in his brief tenure as DOS Secretary, has proven his visionary leadership with several achievements. They included the 100th launch from SHAR Range the successful completion of Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) mission making India the fourth country in the world to achieve this, and the successful completion of Axiom mission wherein the second Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla travelled to International Space Station and brought back safely. Dr Narayanan led a high-level delegation which was instrumental in insisting and correcting the Liquid Oxygen leakage in the Falcon-9 vehicle and ensuring safety of the four astronauts onboard Axiom-4 mission including Shubhanshu Shukla from India which otherwise would have led to catastrophic failure. The award was also to hail the recent successful launch of the prestigious and technologically complex NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar Spacecraft using GSLV vehicle. The critical space system support by ISRO for the recent successful 'Operation Sindoor' by India was one of the major achievements under his able leadership, the Government said. He is also spearheading the complex cutting edge technology developments feeding to national missions like Gaganyaan programme, Chandrayaan-4 and 5, Venus Orbiter Mission, Bharathiya Anthariksh Station, Next Generation Launch Vehicle and many more including an Indian astronaut landing on the moon and returning safely. Dr. Narayanan, in his illustrious career, has been honoured with more than 35 most prestigious awards including Distinguished Alumni Award and Life Fellowship Award from IIT, Kharagpur, Gold Medal from Astronautical Society of India (ASI). He is a Member and Fellow of a large number of prestigious National and International Scientific and Technical forums. Born in a small village Melakattuvilai in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, Dr. Narayanan was a brilliant student throughout his academic career. He studied in Tamil Nadu Government School and completed Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Government. Polytechnic, Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu. Later, he obtained in Cryogenic Engineering with a silver medal and first rank and Ph.D. from IIT, Kharagpur. Dr. Narayanan was appointed as Secretary, DoS and Chairman, ISRO and Chairman, Space Commission in recognition of his distinguished career in ISRO spanning 41 years with multiple key leadership roles including the post of Director, Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre of ISRO for seven years. He pioneered in the propulsion systems of rockets and satellites for ISRO, working in critical and cutting edge technologies of propulsion systems, and realisation of large infrastructure. As a propulsion system technocrat, his professional career is studded with several major achievements like leading the Cryogenic propulsion realisation and stage development for India's self-reliance in launch vehicle technology making it one amongst the six countries having this technology. As a Project Director, instrumental in development of C25 Cryogenic Stage for LVM3 launch vehicle and obtained three world records. He was responsible for successful completion of development of Cryogenic Propulsion System from engine hot test to successful flight in 28 months with only 3 engines. Dr. Narayanan's key contributions to pan-ISRO activities include his leadership in development of propulsion systems for launch vehicles and spacecraft of Chandrayaan-2 and 3 missions including the development of throttleable propulsion system for soft landing of Lander and Rover of Chandrayaan-3. After the unsuccessful landing attempt of Chandrayaan-2, he was appointed as the Chairman of the National Level Expert Committee to analyse the reason for the setback. Under his Chairmanship, this committee made critical recommendations for improvement which resulted in the resounding success of Chandrayaan-3 mission. Similarly, he has played a major role in various other national missions like Aditya L1, One Web India missions, etc., and was instrumental in drafting the road maps of Space Transportation Systems of ISRO as the Chairman of Space Transportation System (STS) Programme Management Council. Dr. Narayanan is striving to provide techno-managerial leadership for achieving excellence in Space Transportation, Infrastructure and Space applications benefitting common citizens of our country as well as creating and nurturing a vibrant space eco-system in India. UNI GV 1425
New Indian Express
27-06-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
Axiom-4 takes India's space dreams higher
This January 16, Isro's Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) saw two unmanned spacecraft attaching with each other in space, making India only the fourth country to achieve such a feat after the US, Russia and China. SpaDex itself was part of Isro's fourth Orbital Experiment Module, which carried 24 payloads from the government's department of space and non-government entities such as academic institutions and startups. Payloads from startups were received through the National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre, the nodal agency promoting space-related activities in the country. That mission allowed the scientific community to carry out various in-orbit microgravity experiments that will help the missions planned for the future. On his 14-day Ax-4 mission, Shux will carry out seven experiments aboard the space station to study the impact of microgravity and space flight on the germination and growth of two strains of seeds, on the genetic activity of microalgae, on skeletal muscles, on computer screens' cognitive effects, and on tardigrades, the highly resilient micro animals. The momentum and range of India's space experiments—involving the government, private startups and the academia—have never looked more intense. That holds a lot of promise for a country planning to send its first human space flight under the Gaganyaan mission by 2027, set up the Bharatiya Antriksh Station by 2035, and send astronauts to the Moon by 2040. So far, India's space odyssey is on course.
Hans India
28-05-2025
- Science
- Hans India
Breaking Barriers: India's Bold Leap in Space Exploration
ISRO's amazing journey can be described by the expression "Sky is not the limit." Since its beginning the program has evolved to become one of the most innovative and economically efficient space ventures. Chandrayaan to Gaganyan Journey The Indian Space Research Organisation initiated the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission on December 30 with docking planned for January 9. The agency plans to send the navigation satellite NVS-02 to space aboard a GSLV rocket during this month. The Gaganyaan uncrewed module launch alongside the US commercial satellite launch using ISRO's Mark III vehicle are in preparation at Sriharikota. Water molecules discovered on the lunar surface have revolutionized our knowledge of the lunar geography. ISRO kept up the good work by launching Chandrayaan-2 in July of this year. The mission consisted of three major elements comprising an orbiter as well as an orbiter, the Vikram Lander and Pragyan rover. The lander was hit by a crash on its descent, however the orbiter continues to operate and transmits valuable data to Earth. The organization has had several great leaders in the past. Being a member of this organization feels like a tremendous stroke of fortune to me. ISRO has entered a successful period according to his statement. The PSLV-C61/EOS-09 mission failure was an exceptional event in ISRO's history according to Narayanan. India was joined by China, the US, Russia and China as the fourth country to achieve a lunar soft landing, and was the first country to make this happen in the moon's difficult south Polar region. The area hosts permanently shadowed craters which scientists believe could contain ice deposits making it a zone of major scientific interest. Gaganyaan: India's Human Spaceflight Mission Robotic missions, such as Chandrayaan or Mangalyaan (India's 2013. Mars spacecraft) have shown ISRO's technology capability, Gaganyaan represents a giant leap for India's Gaganyaan mission is aimed at launching Indian astronauts dubbed Vyomanauts into low Earth orbit with an in-house spacecraft. The mission represents India's debut into the exclusive circle of countries that conduct human spaceflight missions along with the United States, Russia, and China. ISRO has established the program as its top priority even after experiencing multiple delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and technical problems. By 2025 the Indian space program has achieved significant progress with the spacecraft design completed and both crew module and life-support systems tested through advanced trials alongside established plans for uncrewed test flights before the 2026 crewed mission. Through the Gaganyaan mission ISRO will showcase their human spaceflight abilities while establishing a foundation for future complex projects like space stations and human interplanetary exploration. Strategic and Commercial Implications India's space ambitions encompass more than scientific exploration as they hold important strategic and economic significance. National security requirements and weather forecasting along with agricultural planning and disaster management initiatives now increasingly depend on space technology within the country. India's affordable satellite launch capacity has turned it into the go-to option for deploying small and medium-sized satellites globally. The establishment of IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center) alongside the transformation of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) into ISRO's commercial division represents a strategic effort to bring private entities into the Indian space sector. Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos are building domestic launch vehicles which indicate a budding private space economy. India is becoming more active in participating in global space missions. The government has joined forces with NASA to support the NISAR mission which is a collaborative The Road Ahead India's space program is set for unprecedented advancements in the future. ISRO is preparing to send missions to Venus and extend its exploration efforts on Mars. India's strategic space roadmap now includes real plans for constructing a space station by the 2030s and making contributions to lunar bases and interplanetary travel. India demonstrates through successful space missions with reduced budgets that space exploration can be cost-effective. Frugal innovation stands as a national strength for India while simultaneously serving as a global example. Conclusion India's space journey stands out as a resilient and visionary pursuit that includes lunar exploration and human spaceflight planning. Under ISRO leadership and the growing participation of private industry India is moving beyond celestial ambitions to emerge as a key player in the field of space exploration.
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
ISRO performs space 'dogfight' with twin satellites 500 kilometres above Earth, showcasing advanced orbital control
Only weeks after the United States sounded the alarm over China's mock "dogfights" in space, India has quietly pulled off a historic space manoeuvre of its own—one that marries sophisticated scientific finesse with nuanced strategic signalling. On its SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment) mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation ( ISRO ) successfully executed a high-speed satellite rendezvous in space, showcasing not only technical capability but future preparedness in the new frontier of orbital defence . Operation Sindoor Three explosions rock Lahore, flight ops temporarily halted Before & after: Satellite images show damage to terror camps in Pak after Op Sindoor Operation Sindoor: 'India is going to ...', says Donald Trump's close ally Laura Loomer in viral post on Twitter ISRO turns SPADEX mission into space dogfight experiment The SPADEX mission was first initiated to develop autonomous docking and undocking of two satellites, SDX 01 and SDX 02, effectively making it possible for spacecraft to link and unlink automatically. Such autonomy is the backbone of long-duration space missions, space station activities, and servicing satellites. When the main mission was accomplished, ISRO engineers observed that the two satellites had almost 50% of fuel left, owing to accurate launch calibration and cautious fuel management. This created the possibility for an unintended but ambitious second phase: testing high-speed coordinated manoeuvres in orbit. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Invest $200 in Amazon without buying stocks to earn a second salary Marketsall Sign Up Undo India moves closer to space warfare readiness with dogfight drill In this makeshift extension of the mission, ISRO executed what looked like a space-based dogfight. The two satellites were manoeuvred into synchronised, high-speed contact at orbital speeds of 28,800 kmph—approximately 28 times the speed of a commercial airliner. Flying at such velocities, even the slightest miscalculation can result in disastrous consequences, and hence, this was an accomplishment of gigantic technical sophistication. Similar to fighter jets' aerial combat training, the satellites gradually closed in on each other under controlled conditions, pushing the boundaries of orbital control , real-time communication, and autonomous control systems. Although no weapons were used, the exercise replicates the manoeuvring accuracy that would be required in future space wars. ISRO's orbital test reflects India's rising role in space security ISRO has explained the procedure in purely scientific terms, but timing and capability displayed cannot be dismissed in a global perspective. As recently as a few months back, the US Space Force went on record denouncing China as carrying out provocative orbital manoeuvres and warning against potential militarisation of space. India's version, technologically identical, was implemented in a serene, controlled setting centred on experimentation. Nevertheless, the message is obvious: India has grown to a stage of orbital capability where it can maintain, navigate, and control satellites with tactical sophistication—abilities important for civilian and defence uses in space. ISRO's milestone strengthens India's position in the space race This manoeuvre represents a great landmark for India in the increasingly intensified global struggle to dominate space. Only a very few countries have been able to execute such near-proximity, autonomous satellite activities. India, with this move, has entered that high echelon of exclusive clubs. Further, it strengthens India's plans for deep-space explorations, satellite service technologies, and, in the longer term, its capability to protect its assets in space from the outside world—be they natural or hostile. Also Read | Astronomers discover giant star-forming cloud, 5,000 times larger than the Sun, near our solar system
News18
07-05-2025
- Science
- News18
'Dogfight' In Space At The Speed Of 29,000 kmph: ISRO Shows How It's Done
Last Updated: India's ISRO achieved a milestone with the SPADEX mission, simulating a space dogfight between satellites at 28,800 km/h, showcasing advanced space defense capabilities Just weeks after the United States accused China of simulating a high-stakes 'dogfight' in space, India has quietly pulled off a technological feat of its own, one that not only demonstrates scientific prowess but hints at strategic readiness for the future of orbital defence. Under the ambitious SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment) mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved what few nations dare to attempt: two Indian satellites—SDX 01 and SDX 02—were successfully manoeuvred to face one another in orbit, closing in at speeds nearing 29,000 km/h. What followed was nothing short of a simulated space confrontation, conducted with breath-taking precision. Initially launched to test autonomous docking and undocking capabilities, the SPADEX mission had already achieved its primary objectives. However, with nearly half of their onboard fuel reserves still available, ISRO scientists saw an opportunity to push the boundaries further. What they orchestrated next resembled an aerial dogfight, but in the vacuum of space. In an unprecedented move, both satellites were guided to approach each other head-on, mimicking high-speed combat manoeuvres akin to fighter jets locked in a mid-air drill. At an orbital velocity of 28,800 km/h, around 28 times faster than a commercial aircraft, the exercise was described by ISRO as 'technically complex and extraordinarily challenging". This demonstration is more than a marvel of scientific ingenuity; it hints at India's quiet preparation for the evolving domain of space security, often dubbed the next frontier of warfare. Earlier this year, the United States had raised alarm bells, accusing China of weaponising space by simulating dogfights with satellites, an act many viewed as a potential military provocation. In contrast, India's exercise, while echoing the technical nature of such manoeuvres, was conducted in a calm, deliberate, and scientific context. Yet the implications are clear: India now possesses the technological maturity to engage in high-precision orbital operations, asserting itself as a rising power in space defence capabilities. A Stark Contrast With Pakistan While India advances in orbital control and autonomous docking technology, Pakistan continues to rely on China and the United States for basic GPS functionality. Bereft of its own satellite docking infrastructure or deep-space R&D, Islamabad is nowhere near fielding a mission like SPADEX. This successful experiment not only marks a leap forward for India in terms of space exploration and satellite autonomy, it also sends an unmistakable message: India is preparing not just for terrestrial challenges, but for those in orbit as well. First Published: May 07, 2025, 15:08 IST
