Syllabus: GS-III: Space

Why in the News?

On September 10, 2025, India marked a historic milestone when ISRO, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), IN-SPACe, and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed a technology transfer agreement for the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). This was the 100th technology transfer facilitated by IN-SPACe and the first time India transferred complete rocket manufacturing to a private entity. The agreement signifies India’s transformation from a research-focused spacefaring nation into a commercial and industrial space power.

Evolution of India’s Space Programme

• 1960s: Started with sounding rockets from Thumba (Kerala) and collaborations with the U.S. and Russia.
• 1975: India’s first satellite Aryabhata launched with Soviet assistance.
• 1980: Rohini satellite launched by India’s own SLV-3, led by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
• 1990s–2000s: Development of PSLV and GSLV enabled commercial satellite launches and geo-capability.
• 2008: Chandrayaan-1 discovered water molecules on the Moon.
• 2013–14: Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission) placed India in the elite league; launched at just $74 million.
• 2019: Chandrayaan-2 (partial success), showcasing lunar landing attempt.
• 2023: Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed on the Moon’s south pole.
• 2024: Aditya-L1 launched for solar observation; India deepened planetary science.
• 2025: SSLV transfer marked a transition from state-led innovation to private industrialisation.
  

India’s Leap from Space Dreams to Space Power

1. Indigenous Capabilities

• Successful development of PSLV, GSLV, and LVM3, including indigenous cryogenic engine.
• Capability to launch from small to heavy payloads into multiple orbits.

2. Landmark Missions

• Mangalyaan (2013): World’s cheapest Mars mission.
• Chandrayaan-3 (2023): First landing near Moon’s south pole.
• Aditya-L1 (2023): First solar observatory mission.
• SSLV (2022 onwards): Cost-effective small satellite launcher.

3. Commercialisation of Space

• India’s space economy: $8.4 billion (2025), projected to reach $44 billion by 2033.
• NSIL commercialising satellites & launch services.
• HAL and private firms entering rocket manufacturing.

4. Private Sector Participation

• IN-SPACe created to regulate and enable startups.
• Over 150 space-tech startups working on satellites, propulsion, and AI applications.
• Technology transfers (100th SSLV transfer to HAL in 2025).
  

5. Cost-Effective Launches

• PSLV’s reputation as the “workhorse” of affordable launches.
• Record: 104 satellites in a single launch (2017).

6. Strategic Autonomy

• Reduced dependence on foreign suppliers for satellites, rockets, and applications.
• Strengthens defence, surveillance, and navigation (e.g., NAVIC).

7. Global Recognition

• Growing share in the global launch market (currently ~2%, aiming for 10%).
• Trusted partner for affordable launches compared to SpaceX or Rocket Lab.
• Expanding international cooperation (NASA, ESA, JAXA, Artemis Accords).

8. Future-Oriented Projects

• Gaganyaan (Human Spaceflight): Planned crewed mission in coming years.
• Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) under testing.
• Ambitions for Mars sample return, lunar base, and deep-space exploration.

Initiatives to Promote Space Sector in India

• Institutional & Policy Reforms
  • Creation of IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre) in 2020 to regulate, promote, and authorise private participation in space activities.
  • New Space Policy 2023: Liberalised framework giving private players end-to-end participation in space missions (satellite building, launches, data services).
  • Space Budget: Increased from Rs. 5,615 cr in 2013-14 to Rs. 13,416 cr in 2025-26.
• Commercialisation of Space Activities
  • NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) established in 2019 as ISRO’s commercial arm for satellite launches, technology transfers, and production.
  • Transfer of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) manufacturing rights to HAL in 2025—India’s first full rocket tech transfer.
• Private Sector Boost & Startup Ecosystem
  • Over 190 registered space startups (e.g., Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Pixxel)1000 cr venture capital funs.
  • FDI up to 100% allowed in satellite manufacturing (74% automatic route in 2024 reforms).
• International Cooperation
  Artemis Accords (2023): India joined U.S.-led lunar exploration initiative.
  • India-France space partnership on climate monitoring and Earth observation.
  • BRICS Remote Sensing Constellation for shared satellite data.
• Infrastructure Expansion
  • New spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam (Tamil Nadu) to boost small satellite launches.
    Expansion of ground stations and tracking networks for deep-space missions.
• Research & Innovation Promotion
  • Technology Development Fund and support through DRDO-ISRO collaborations.
  • Academic tie-ups: IITs, IISc, and private universities involved in space R&D.
• Space Sustainability & Regulation
  • Draft Indian Space Activities Bill (pending) to govern liability, insurance, and private launches.
  • Focus on space debris mitigation and green propellants (e.g., Chandrayaan-3 used eco-friendly fuels).
    

One-Line Wrap: India is pushing its space sector through policy reforms, private sector promotion, global partnerships, flagship missions, and infrastructure expansion, aiming to capture 10% of the global space economy by 2030.

Challenges in India’s Space Programme

• Funding Constraints
  • ISRO’s annual budget is around $2 billion, far smaller than NASA’s $25 billion or ESA’s budget.
  • Limits ability to fund multiple deep-space and commercial missions simultaneously.
• Delays in Missions
  • Projects like Gaganyaan (Human Spaceflight) and Aditya-L1 faced repeated postponements.
  • Infrastructure readiness (e.g., astronaut training facilities, re-entry systems) is still catching up.
• Limited Private Sector Participation
  • Despite post-2020 reforms and IN-SPACe, India’s private space ecosystem is still nascent.
  • Most firms remain dependent on ISRO rather than developing independent capabilities.
• Regulatory and Policy Hurdles
  • Lack of a comprehensive Space Law to regulate liability, insurance, and commercial rights.
  • Export-control restrictions and bureaucratic approvals deter private innovation.
• Infrastructure Limitations
  • Currently, India has only two major launch sites (Sriharikota & new Kulasekarapattinam under development).
  • Lack of large-scale spaceports limits capacity for higher launch frequencies.
• Shortage of Skilled Workforce
  • Global competition for space scientists, engineers, and AI experts creates brain drain.
  • Private startups often struggle to attract talent compared to ISRO or global companies.
• Global Competition
  • India faces strong competition from SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and Blue Origin, which have reusable rockets and aggressive pricing models.
  • Risk of losing market share in the small satellite launch sector.
• Space Sustainability Concerns
  • Increasing space debris threatens India’s satellites and navigation systems.
  • Lack of a robust space debris mitigation programme compared to developed space powers.
• Geopolitical Risks
  • Space race dominated by the U.S., China, EU, and Russia.
  • India must balance strategic cooperation (e.g., Artemis Accords, BRICS Space cooperation) with self-reliance in sensitive areas like navigation and defence.

India’s Launch Vehicles – Overview

• SLV-3 (1980s): India’s first experimental launch vehicle.
• ASLV (1987–94): Advanced Satellite Launch Vehicle, limited success.
• PSLV (1993–present): Workhorse, launched >300 satellites; famous for 104 satellites in one go (2017).
• GSLV (2001–present): Used for heavier payloads, including indigenous cryogenic engines.
• GSLV Mk III (LVM3): Heavy-lift, used for Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, Gaganyaan prep.
• SSLV (2022–present): Cost-effective, flexible small satellite launcher.
• Future: Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV), Human-rated LVM3 for Gaganyaan.
  

Way Forward

• Strengthen Private Sector Role: Encourage startups under IN-SPACe & liberalised FDI.
  Focus on Reusable Technologies: Compete with SpaceX’s reusability model.
• Expand International Partnerships: With U.S. (Artemis Accord), Japan (lunar missions), France (earth observation).
• Boost Funding & R&D: Target at least 0.1% of GDP for space activities.
• Sustainable Space Practices: Focus on green propellants, debris mitigation.
• Human Spaceflight & Beyond: Timely completion of Gaganyaan, followed by lunar & Mars crewed missions.
  

Conclusion

India’s space journey has evolved from launching sounding rockets to transferring full rocket manufacturing rights to private players. The SSLV technology transfer to HAL is more than a commercial deal—it marks India’s leap into industrial-scale space power. By combining affordability, reliability, and private sector dynamism, India is poised to expand its global footprint. With strategic focus on innovation, partnerships, and sustainability, India can transform from a space participant to a space leader in the coming decade.

Mains Question

1. India has moved from space research to becoming a space power with growing private participation. Critically analyse. (250 words)

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