Why in News?
The Government highlighted India’s achievements under Space Vision 2047, focusing on self-reliance, commercialization, and human spaceflight.
Major Missions
- Chandrayaan-3 (2023): First soft landing near Moon’s south pole; confirmed sulphur.
- Chandrayaan-4 (2027): Lunar sample return mission.
- LUPEX (2027-28): ISRO-JAXA mission to explore lunar polar ice.
- Mangalyaan: First country to reach Mars on maiden attempt.
- Aditya-L1: India’s first solar observatory at Sun-Earth L1.
- Venus Orbiter Mission: Planned for 2028.
- Gaganyaan: India’s first human spaceflight programme.
- Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS): First module by 2028.
Space Technology
- SpaDeX (2025): India became 4th nation to achieve autonomous space docking.
- NavIC: Indigenous navigation system covering India and 1,500 km beyond.
- VIKRAM3201: First indigenous 32-bit space microprocessor.
- RLV-TD: Developing reusable launch vehicle technology.
Space Economy
- Space startups: 1 (2014) → 400+ (2026).
- Space economy: $8 billion, targeted to reach $40-45 billion by 2030.
- Major reforms: IN-SPACe, NSIL, Indian Space Policy 2023, Liberalised FDI.
Launch Infrastructure
- Operational launch vehicles: PSLV, GSLV, LVM3.
- NGLV under development (30-ton LEO capacity).
- Second spaceport: Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu.
- Third launch pad approved at Sriharikota.
International Cooperation
- NISAR: ISRO-NASA
- TRISHNA: ISRO-CNES
- LUPEX: ISRO-JAXA
- Human spaceflight cooperation with ESA and Russia.
Space Applications
- Disaster management, Telemedicine, PM e-VIDYA, India-WRIS, Potential Fishing Zone advisories, and Satellite Aided Search and Rescue (SASAR).