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Hans India
3 days ago
- 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
India.com
24-04-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Fortifying India's Borders: ISRO's Satellite Solution After Pahalgam
पहलगाम में 26 सैलानियों की निर्मम हत्या The recent announcement by ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan, who also serves as the Secretary of the Department of Space, about India's plan to launch 100–150 satellites over the next three years has sparked hope for a more secure nation. Speaking in the wake of the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, Narayanan underscored the inadequacy of India's current fleet of 55 satellites to monitor its vast borders and 7,500-kilometre coastline. His vision, bolstered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's space sector reforms, hinges on leveraging private sector participation to bolster India's surveillance capabilities. But can this ambitious satellite expansion truly prevent atrocities like the Pahalgam attack? The answer lies in the transformative potential of space technology and the challenges that lie ahead. The Pahalgam attack exposed the vulnerabilities in India's border security apparatus. Terrorist infiltrations across rugged terrains and porous borders remain a persistent threat, often exploiting gaps in real-time intelligence. Narayanan's proposed satellite surge aims to address this by creating a robust network of eyes in the sky. Satellites equipped with high-resolution cameras, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and infrared sensors can provide continuous monitoring of border regions, even in adverse weather or at night. For instance, SAR-enabled satellites, like those planned by private startups such as PierSight, can penetrate cloud cover and detect movements across vast areas. Such technology could have potentially identified suspicious activity near Pahalgam, enabling preemptive action by security forces. With 100–150 additional satellites, India could achieve near-constant surveillance, drastically reducing blind spots along the Line of Control (LoC) and coastal areas. Moreover, the involvement of private players, facilitated by Modi's reforms, is a game-changer. Companies like Ananth Technologies, which contributed to the PSLV-C60 mission, demonstrate the private sector's growing prowess in satellite manufacturing. By handholding these firms, ISRO can accelerate production and deployment, ensuring cost-effective and scalable solutions. This public-private synergy could lead to the development of small, agile satellites—similar to those used in the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX)—capable of rapid repositioning to track dynamic threats. In the context of Pahalgam, a constellation of such satellites could have relayed real-time data to ground stations, enabling swift coordination between the Army, paramilitary forces, and local police to thwart the attack. However, the road to preventing tragedies through satellite surveillance is not without hurdles. The sheer volume of data generated by 150 additional satellites demands advanced artificial intelligence (AI) for processing and analysis. Without robust AI systems, critical intelligence could be buried under a deluge of imagery. Narayanan's mention of the AI-powered O-ARM system at Kauvery Hospital hints at the growing role of AI in precision tasks, and ISRO must similarly invest in AI-driven analytics to filter actionable insights from satellite feeds. Additionally, the integration of satellite data with on-ground intelligence networks remains a challenge. The Pahalgam attack underscores the need for seamless coordination between space-based surveillance and field operations, which requires significant upgrades to India's command-and-control infrastructure. Narayanan's vision also extends beyond security, with plans for a climate change satellite for G20 nations. This dual focus—security and global cooperation—reflects India's aspiration to be a space superpower. Yet, the immediate priority must be operationalising the satellite network to prevent incidents like Pahalgam. By combining cutting-edge technology, private sector innovation, and AI-driven intelligence, India can transform its borders into impregnable fortresses. The SpaDeX mission's success, placing India among an elite group of nations capable of satellite docking, proves ISRO's technical mettle. Now, it must translate this expertise into a security paradigm that ensures no family in Kashmir—or anywhere else—endures the pain of another Pahalgam. The skies are watching; it's time for India to act. ( The author Girish Linganna of this article is an award-winning Science Writer and a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach him, at: girishlinganna@ )
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India to add 100-150 satellites to enhance safety, security in 3 yrs: ISRO Chief
Chennai: India would add another 100-150 satellites to cover the entire country over the next three years as part of enhancing border security and coastal surveillance, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said here on Wednesday. Currently, India operates about 55 satellites and for a country which has a vast border and 7,500 km of shoreline, it is not sufficient, he said. Narayanan, also the Secretary, Department of Space, said it was for these reasons Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced reforms in the Space Sector which allows participation of private players in building rockets and satellites. "We need a lot of satellites to protect our borders. We have 55 satellites working and it is not sufficient to monitor the border and coastal areas. For that we need more satellites. Through Space Sector reforms we can bring in private players to build satellites and we can handhold them. In three years, we will be adding another 100-150 satellites. With all those satellites we can monitor the country completely." he said at an event here. 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Sidi Bouzid: AI guru Andrew Ng recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Aroun... Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo He was responding to a query on what are the steps that can be taken by ISRO in the wake of the terrorist attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam in which 26 people lost their lives. Narayanan was here at the launch of the "AI powered Robotic Compatible O-ARM with Stealth Navigation System" introduced by city-based health care provider Kauvery Hospital. Live Events Detailing some of the projects undertaken by the space agency, he said ISRO successfully performed the second docking of satellites as part of its SpaDeX missions on Monday. India was one of the four nations to achieve it, he said. The others are the US, Russia and China. ISRO had launched the PSLV-C60/Space Docking Experiment mission on December 30, 2024. Thereafter, the satellites were successfully docked for the first time on January 16 and successfully undocked on March 13, he said. A second docking was done last week. Further, Narayanan said, scientists were engaged in developing a satellite to study about climate change that would primarily serve the G20 countries. "About 50 per cent of the payload would be built by India and the remaining would be contributed from the G20 Nations." he said without elaborating. Kauvery Hospital Co-founder Dr Aravindan Selvaraj, on introducing the AI powered robotic compatible technology treatment for advanced brain and spine surgeries, said, it was a cost-effective treatment. With the help of AI, details of patients can be stored and surgeries can be performed 'effectively.'
