2023 will be remembered as a landmark year for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), marked by groundbreaking achievements and a reinvigorated vision for space exploration. From the triumphant landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon to the successful deployment of the Aditya L1 satellite, ISRO has not only etched India’s name in the annals of space history but has also become a source of immense national pride for 1.4 billion Indians.
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Chandrayaan-3: A Lunar Odyssey
The crowning achievement of ISRO this year was undoubtedly the Chandrayaan-3 mission. On August 23, 2023, India became only the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the Moon, and uniquely, near its South Pole. This feat was not just a technical marvel but a testament to the resilience and expertise of ISRO, especially following the heartbreak of Chandrayaan-2 in 2019. The successful deployment of the Vikram lander and the Pragyan rover, which transmitted the first-ever ‘selfie’ of the Indian flag on the lunar surface, was a moment of unparalleled jubilation across the country.
The Sun Beckons: Aditya L1 Mission
Continuing its celestial journey, ISRO launched its first solar mission, Aditya L1, further expanding India’s footprint in space. This mission promises to revolutionise our understanding of the sun and protect India’s ₹ 50,000 crores worth of space assets, making it a significant stride in space weather studies.
Commercial Success and Global Recognition
2023 also marked ISRO’s robust entry into the global commercial space market. The successful launch of 72 satellites for the OneWeb constellation aboard India’s heaviest rocket, the Launch Vehicle Mark 3, showcased ISRO’s ability to compete with global giants like SpaceX. This year also brought ISRO international acclaim with the prestigious Leif Erikson Lunar Prize, recognising its indomitable spirit in lunar exploration.
Pioneering the Future: ISRO’s Vision 2040
Under the dynamic leadership of Mr S Somanath, ISRO has charted an ambitious course for the future. The roadmap includes sending India’s first astronaut from Sriharikota into space by 2024-2025, establishing an Indian space station by 2035, and the lofty goal of sending an Indian to the moon by 2040. These goals reflect India’s space aspirations and its commitment to becoming an essential player in the global space arena.
The Rising Tide of Private Participation
A significant development in 2023 was the rise of private enterprises in India’s space sector. Skyroot Aerospace’s successful sub-orbital flight paved the way for a thriving private space industry. Over a hundred startups are racing to harness India’s frugal engineering capabilities, with sophisticated satellites already launched as experimental ventures.
Policy and Progress: Shaping the Future
The unveiling of the Indian Space Policy-2023 is a step toward a more inclusive and commercially viable space sector. The policy aims to augment space capabilities and encourage the commercial presence in space, aligning with global trends. However, a comprehensive space law and a liability regime for space activities remain a priority to ensure sustainable growth.
Gaganyaan Mission: A Dream in the Making
The Gaganyaan Mission, ISRO’s flagship enterprise, is set to send up to three astronauts into space, marking India’s foray into human spaceflight. With rigorous testing underway and an ambitious timeline set, the mission underlines India’s rising capabilities and aspirations in space exploration.
As ISRO gears up for future challenges and milestones, including the launch of XpoSat and the NISAR Satellite, its journey symbolises India’s scientific prowess and its undeterred spirit of exploration. The successes of 2023 have not only brought joy and pride to Indians but firmly placed ISRO on the global space map, reaching for the stars with home-grown technology and an unyielding ambition.
