Latest news with #Chandrayaan-3
NDTV
2 days ago
- Science
- NDTV
"Gaganyaan Just Beginning": Astronaut Angad Pratap On India's Space Future
New Delhi: As India embarks on its ambitious Gaganyaan program, the journey of its astronaut designates offers a glimpse into the nation's future in human spaceflight. Among them is Group Captain Angad Pratap, a fighter pilot and test pilot of the highest order, who shared his experiences and insights into the rigorous training and the promise of India's space endeavours. The journey began in January 2020 when Mr Pratap and three other astronaut designates were selected for the prestigious Gaganyaan program, which is scheduled for launch early in 2027. "It's been a long journey till now. It's been five years. We trained for approximately 14 months at Russia's Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, a place steeped in history and tradition. We were trained as cosmonauts in the Soyuz spacecraft and we had a bit of format training on the Russian segment of the International Space Station as well." After completing their training in Russia, the astronauts returned to India for another round of training at the astronaut training facility in Bangalore. "We have been trained on the human-rated launch vehicle, the basic theoretical subjects related to astronautics, as well as the Gaganyaan spacecraft," Me Pratap explained. "A portion of which is remaining, which we will restart closer to the mission." Reflecting on his experience at the Russian training school, Mr Pratap described it as "wonderful to begin with because that is a place with five decades of legacy". He noted the significance of training at a facility where astronauts from around the world have honed their skills. "From 2011 till about 2020, all astronauts of the world had to come to Moscow to train, since Soyuz was the only vehicle flying to space back then," he said. Standing beside a scale model of the crew module, Mr Pratap expressed confidence in the development of the actual spacecraft at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and the UR Rao Satellite Centre. "There is no denying the fact that not only me but all the other three astronauts as well-and I can say this for the entire space community-ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) has a very big name in the world of space," Mr Pratap added. He cited ISRO's achievements, including the Mars Orbiter Mission and Chandrayaan-3, as examples of the agency's credibility. "There has to be a great level of trust between a space traveller and his agency. Being a test pilot, I'm aware of the kind of testing protocols and how robust they are before a final product is cleared for spaceflight." The astronaut designates have visited major ISRO testing facilities, which Mr Pratap said has been a major confidence booster. "It's worked as a very big confidence-building measure and a boost to our trust in the vehicle." Mr Pratap also expressed satisfaction with the human-rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3, which is nearing completion. "I am more than happy. In aerospace, we don't go for big changes very soon. If a system is already proven and working, you don't change it just for comfort. Changes introduce new failure points." He emphasised that ISRO has wisely chosen to rely on its most robust and tested systems for the Gaganyaan mission. "And when it comes to the GSLV Mk3, or LVM-3, the whole world has immense trust in it. It has an enviable 100 per cent success record." Despite the long wait for a flight assignment, Mr Pratap remains grounded and patient. "Spaceflight takes time. We were awarded our space wings just last year. Globally, astronauts wait five to six years after that. Thomas Pesquet waited almost eight years," he noted. He added, "Anyone who wants to be an astronaut must accept that most of their 15-year astronaut career will be spent on Earth, working for science. It's not just about the flight. It's about patience, training, and character building." Mr Pratap and his fellow astronaut designates continue to keep their training sharp through regular technical meetings with ISRO and occasional flying stints with the Indian Air Force. "We go back to IAF once in a while and fly. Our engagement with ISRO includes regular interaction with designers and hardware developers. So both our piloting and test piloting skills are being maintained." Looking ahead, Mr Pratap is optimistic about India's broader space ambitions. "We need to think as Indians first and consider what we are about to achieve in the next two decades in spaceflight." He praised ISRO's parallel strategy in developing human spacecraft, docking systems, space station modules and lunar return capabilities. "ISRO is building all of this in parallel. The same capability that will bring back lunar samples will one day take humans to the moon and bring them back," he said. With government support and new funding, India is also developing a next-generation heavy-lift launch vehicle. "It's for building bigger space stations in the future. The human space program is expanding, and things are looking good for us." When asked if he might one day go to the moon. Mr Pratap smiled and said, "It's too early to say. But what matters is that the nation progresses. Whether it's me or someone else, we should all be proud." As for Gaganyaan, he remains excited but measured. "Of course, I'm excited. But I'm also controlling my excitement. Let it happen at the right pace. Even if it's delayed by a year or more, what matters is that we have a successful mission."
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Evening news wrap: PM Modi lauds Operation Sindoor; Sharmishtha Panoli arrested in Gurgaon; and more
NEW DELHI: PM Modi praised the courage of BSF women personnel for their frontline role in Operation Sindoor, India's largest counter-terrorism action, and reiterated a strong stance against terrorism. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, dismissed Pakistan's claims of shooting down six Indian jets and rejected Donald Trump's assertion that the conflict nearly reached nuclear levels. In other developments, Instagram influencer Sharmishtha Panoli was arrested in Gurgaon after posting a communal video targeting Bollywood's silence on Operation Sindoor. Indian metal exports worth $4.56 billion are also under threat as Donald Trump raised US steel and aluminium tariffs to 50%. In sports, England's Jacob Bethell starred with a match-winning 82 in an ODI against the West Indies, crediting his growth to observing Virat Kohli and intense net sessions. Here are the top five stories of the evening: PM Modi lauded the bravery of BSF women personnel during Operation Sindoor Speaking in Bhopal, he hailed 'brave daughters' of India for their frontline role in the country's biggest counter-terrorism operation, vowing strong retaliation against terrorism, including strikes inside enemy territory. PM Modi also highlighted the growing presence of women in India's armed forces and scientific missions like Chandrayaan-3. He also inaugurated the Indore Metro, new airports in Datia and Satna, and laid foundations for development projects. CDS General Anil Chauhan dismissed Pakistan's claims of downing six Indian warplanes Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Chauhan acknowledged tactical errors but stressed that India learned and swiftly corrected them. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He rejected US President Donald Trump's claim that India and Pakistan neared nuclear conflict, calling it 'far-fetched'. The General said communication with Pakistan remained open and stressed there was ample space below the nuclear threshold. Sharmishtha Panoli arrested in Gurgaon after allegedly inciting communal tension through Instagram post The video faced backlash, with users posting threats, prompting her to delete the video and apologise. Despite this, a complaint had already been filed in Kolkata. When legal notices went unanswered and her family was found to have vacated their residence, a court warrant was issued. She was arrested on Friday night and is currently in police custody, officials confirmed. Indian metal exports worth $4.56 billion set to be hit by steep US tariff hike on steel and aluminium The hike, effective June 4, was announced by Donald Trump under national security grounds. The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) warned that the move will hurt India's competitiveness, as the US remains a major market. The tariff, increasing from 25% to 50%, may drive US steel prices above $1,180/tonne, affecting key industries. India has approached the WTO over the hike. England all-rounder Jacob Bethell, fresh off an IPL stint, earned Player-of-the-Match honours Bethell said his IPL experience with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, though limited to two games, was valuable. He trained intensely, learning from world-class spinners and observing Virat Kohli up close. 'He's got aura,' Bethell noted, praising Kohli's on-field intensity and off-field calm. Bethell's rapid rise highlights the growing impact of franchise cricket on young international stars like him.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Two space cities may come up at Sriharikota, Lepakshi
Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh has began making decisive strides toward becoming a major player in India's expanding space sector. With chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu unveiling an ambitious plan to develop two world-class space cities—one near Sriharikota's Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR and another at Lepakshi, the state is clearly positioning itself to contribute meaningfully to India's space economy. To steer these efforts, the State recently appointed former Isro chairman Dr S Somanath as its honorary advisor on space technology. His experience is expected to shape a globally competitive space ecosystem in the state. The proposed space city near Sriharikota is particularly strategic. It aims to become a hub for satellite manufacturing and launch vehicle development, directly leveraging proximity to India's premiere spaceport. The second hub near Lepakshi is envisioned as a centre for space innovation and private industry collaboration. Together, they are designed to foster public-private partnerships, nurture R&D, and promote indigenous manufacturing capabilities. Proximity to SHAR offers immense logistical and operational advantages along with reduced transportation costs for high-risk materials like liquid oxygen and helium, faster turnaround for critical supplies, and greater responsiveness to mission timelines. Experts point out that locating satellite integration, testing, and calibration units in eastern Tirupati district can significantly enhance both Isro's mission-readiness and regional industrial growth. Several industries located in Sri City, just 40 km from Sriharikota, are already supporting Isro's launch vehicle programmes, strengthening the case for developing an aerospace cluster around this strategic location. With world-class infrastructure, multimodal connectivity, and a robust industrial ecosystem, Sri City is uniquely positioned for space manufacturing expansion. Among the contributors are VRV Asia Pacific (supplies India's first indigenous liquid hydrogen storage tank), Danieli India (manufactures large steel structure 'mobile launch pedestal' for transporting launch vehicles), Rotolok (provides rotary airlocks and valves for solid propellant systems), THK India (supplies linear motion guides used in Chandrayaan-3), Val-Met Engineering (processes aerospace-grade titanium, nickel, and aluminium alloys), NovaAir (supplies liquid oxygen for cryogenic stages), and Siddhartha Logistics (handles sensitive Isro payload logistics). Sri City's strong collaboration with Isro reinforces AP's aerospace ambitions. Notwithstanding the bold initiatives, the state is conspicuously missing from the national conversation around space manufacturing hubs. While IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre) has recognised Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Karnataka for focused roles in launch vehicles, satellites, and general manufacturing respectively, AP, which is home to the country's only operational spaceport, has not yet been included. Experts are of the view that these gap points to a pressing need for state govt to come up with a dedicated space policy. A formal policy would lend strategic direction to the state's efforts, define sector-specific incentives, enable institutional frameworks for collaboration, and strengthen its case for inclusion in national plans. It would signal readiness to partner with private players and central agencies like IN-SPACe on clear terms.
Mint
6 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Four stocks to watch as India's space economy eyes $44 billion by 2033
Space is the new frontier, not just for rockets, but for investment. On 17 April, Gujarat rolled out a space sector growth plan for 2025–2030. Within hours, Tamil Nadu responded with its own Tamil Nadu Space Industrial Policy. Why the rush? India's space economy is projected to skyrocket from $8.4 billion (bn) in 2024 to $44 bn by 2033, aiming for 8% of the global market, according to FICCI. As states compete to attract space-tech investments, some listed companies are already positioned to ride this wave. Also Read: Four fast-growing space stocks to add to your watchlist Here are a few stocks that could benefit from India's space boom. L&T Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is an Indian multinational company that has been involved in India's space programme for over 50 years. For the Chandrayaan-3 mission, L&T played a vital role by manufacturing essential equipment, including the Precision Monopulse Tracking Radar (PMTR), which is crucial for accurate tracking and communication with the spacecraft. According to a media report, L&T is scaling up launch vehicle and satellite manufacturing at its Coimbatore factory. This comes just weeks after India's space regulator launched a $58 million (mn) fund to allow the country's early-age space tech to go commercial and cut reliance on imports. Through these efforts, India wants to grab a piece of the global space market. Currently, L&T is assembling India's first privately made polar satellite launch vehicle (PSLV), in partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics. This rocket is a key part of the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) space missions. Additionally, L&T is producing equipment for deep-space exploration programmes. Going forward, the company hopes to scale up its space business amid India's privatisation push, which has eased foreign investment limits and allocated a larger share of procurement budgets away from state-run enterprises. Hindustan Aeronautics HAL is an Indian public-sector aerospace and defence company. It plays a pivotal role in the Indian space sector, collaborating closely with Isro to advance space exploration efforts. HAL's Aerospace Division manufactures satellite and rocket components using aluminium alloy structures. These include conical and cylindrical tankages, as well as detailed parts like sheets, rings, brackets, and bolts. Also Read: This luggage leader is staging a turnaround. But can it overcome its baggage? Among the critical assemblies it produces are heat shields, nose cones, and fuel tanks used in satellites and launch vehicles. In partnership with L&T, it's assembling India's first privately made polar satellite launch vehicle (PSLV). This rocket plays a crucial role in Isro's space missions and marks a significant step toward privatising India's space launch capabilities. Given its expertise in manufacturing critical satellite and launch vehicle components, HAL is well-positioned to benefit from India's growing space sector. Its role in assembling the country's first private PSLV further strengthens its foothold. Going forward, the company plans to expand its reach in aerospace. Walchandnagar Industries It has been a key player in India's space journey for over five decades. Its partnership with Isro began back in 1973 with the manufacturing of motor cases for the SLV-3 programme. The company has built components like booster motor casings and nozzles for space missions—from SLV-3 and ASLV to PSLV and GSLV Mk II and Mk III. WIL's engineering excellence has supported the successful launch of satellites like ROHINI, SROSS, IRS, and GSAT. The company also played a role in India's landmark space missions—Chandrayaan I and Mangalyaan—by supplying critical equipment. WIL also contributed vital components to the Chandrayaan-3 mission, including the S200 booster segments used in the LVM3 launch vehicle and subsystems like the flex nozzle control tankages. These were built and tested in-house at WIL's facilities, built to meet Isro's exacting standards. As India's spacetech ambitions grow, WIL stands to benefit from increased demand for high-precision aerospace components. Going forward, WIL plans to continue its involvement in future Isro missions. Data Patterns Data Patterns has quietly become one of the key behind-the-scenes players in India's space journey. From building parts to exact Isro standards at its approved facility, to designing specialised nano satellite buses for low-cost, quick-turnaround missions, the company is deeply embedded in the space tech ecosystem. Also Read: Metro Brands' FY25 is a tale of two halves. Can the recovery be sustained? It also develops ground stations that help relay mission data and has been supporting Isro for over two decades with automated test systems for launch vehicles like PSLV and GSLV. Data Patterns has also contributed to automating launch pads at SDSC-SHAR, proving just how broad and critical its role is in powering India's space ambitions. Given its expertise in satellite systems, launch pad automation, and Isro-grade manufacturing, Data Patterns is well-positioned to benefit from the projected $44 bn Indian space economy. As demand rises for nano-satellites, test systems, and ground support infrastructure, the company stands to see strong order inflows. Going forward, the company plans to enhance its products. Conclusion The opportunities are huge, from satellite services to ambitious plans for the discovery of data beaming data worldwide to deep space. In India, the momentum is clearly building. With supportive policy shifts, growing private sector involvement, and a push for global partnerships, under the Indian Space Policy 2023, the country is carving out its place in this high-growth industry. The most exciting frontiers Earth Overview (EO) and remote sensing, are already making a difference on the ground. According to the FICCI-Ey report, this section can contribute $8 bn to India's space economy by 2033 alone. As more Indian states launch their own space strategies and interest from investors is taking up speed, it's becoming a fertile land for companies that can tap into the influence of the real world of space-operated solutions at the forefront, which are among the largest beneficiaries. Investors should evaluate the company's fundamentals, corporate governance, and valuations of the stock as key factors when conducting due diligence before making investment decisions. Happy Investing. Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a stock recommendation and should not be treated as such. This article is syndicated from
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bollywood is quick to register titles but few get made into films
The Hindi film industry is no stranger to cashing in on topical events – be it a pandemic, demonetisation, a military operation, or a space mission. There's always a rush of filmmakers at the Indian Motion Pictures Producers' Association (IMPPA) office, scrambling to lock in a title. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The latest frenzy unfolded after the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor. Over 15 producers queued up to claim title rights inspired by the mission. 'We also received title requests for Pahalgam' 'Filmmakers often register three to four titles related to the trending name associated to an event to increase their chances of securing it. For instance, in the case of Operation Sindoor, we had to advise applicants to stop registering variations of the same title after over 30 applications had already been submitted,' a source from IMPPA shares, adding, 'The rush for registering a title like Operation Sindoor was clear – it captured the emotion of the moment. Whenever there is an incident, a current event, or an army operation, producers tend to register related titles in case they decide to make a film on it in the future. Before Operation Sindoor, we had also received a few title requests for Pahalgam.' A source from the Western India Film Producers Association (WIFPA), adds, 'Often, several variations are registered around a single keyword.' But whether all of these registered titles materialise into films is uncertain – as has been the case in the past. Afte the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 at the Moon's south pole, several film titles were registered. Following the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 at the Moon's south pole, Hindi filmmakers rushed to register titles inspired by the milestone mission. Mission Chandrayaan Hindustan ki Shaan Chandrayaan Chandrayaan ki Khoj Chandrayan Ki Yatra Covid-19 (2020) When the coronavirus spread in 2020, filmmakers rushed to get titles registered around the disease. But none of these titles materialised into films. Instead, Anubhav Sinha made Bheed (2023), focusing on the struggles of migrant workers, while Madhur Bhandarkar's India Lockdown (2022) depicted the hardships faced by people during the pandemic. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Deadly Corona Ishq Vishq Pyaar Corona Lockdown Mein Love Story Go Corona Go Corona Pyaar Hai Lockdown L Locha A still from the OTT series Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond, the only screen adaptation of the Balakot air strikes besides the 2024 film Operation Valentine. After the success of Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019), more than 35 titles were registered with the IMPPA following the Balakot air strikes – a retaliation to the Pulwama attack on February 14, 2019. However, only four titles were copyrighted, and none of them were developed into films . The Air Strike Abhinandan Josh Is High The Attacks of Pulwama Pulwama: The Deadly Attack Pulwama: The Surgical Strike War Room Hindustan Hamara Hai Pulwama Terror Attack Article 370 revoked in J&K (2019) Yami Gautam in the film Article 370. After the government announced the abrogation of Article 370 (which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir) in 2019, Bollywood producers registered film titles related to the decision Article 370 Kashmir Hamara Hai Article 35A Kashmir Mein Tiranga Article 370 Abolished 370 Article Article 370 Scrapped 26/11 Mumbai attack (2008) The first title, Mumbai Operation 26/11, was registered on November 28, 2008, when the army commandos were still fighting the armed terrorists at two Mumbai hotels. 'It always happens. People jump on every tragedy. It is like ambulance chasing,' BBC quoted documentary filmmaker Anand Patwardhan as saying in 2008. Taj Terror Operation Five Star Mumbai 26/11- Mumbai under Terror Shootout at Oberoi Registering a film title Film titles are registered with the Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC), Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA), Western India Film Producers Association (WIFPA) and The Producers Guild of India. To register a title, filmmakers either email the title registration office or fill out an application form and submit a hard copy. Who gets the title The title is given to the person who applies first All applicants can either remain on the waiting list or request a refund of their registration fee Urgent title registration charges: Rs 3,000 + GST Normal registration: Rs 300 + GST 'If not used, film titles open up for others after a certain period of time' A film producer can hold on to a registered title for only a year. They must either renew the registration or begin the film's production within that period. Film producer and trade expert, Girish Johar explains, 'There were some filmmakers who used to register film titles but would never make the films. Trading of titles used to happen and producers who really wanted to make these films, couldn't. Then the association has given the rules that if a particular title is not made into a film within a certain period, the title gets opened up for the next person in the line. Due diligence is going into that so that trading of titles does not happen. ' - Arushi Jain
