Isro, the Indian Space Research Organisation, is making great strides in the field of space exploration and is set to achieve even greater heights. In a recent development, the organisation has announced its plans to build two new launchpads in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to support its growing space program. This is a significant step towards expanding India’s capabilities in space technology and strengthening its position as a global leader in the field.
The first of these launchpads, named the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, is being built in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. It will be India’s third launchpad and will primarily support the launch of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III). The second launchpad, known as the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, is being built in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu and will mainly support the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).
The construction of these launchpads is a testament to India’s growing space program and its commitment to exploring the unknown. With these new facilities, Isro will be able to increase its launch frequency and cater to the growing demand for satellite launches. This will also reduce the dependency on foreign launch facilities, making India self-reliant in the field of space technology.
One of the most exciting missions in Isro’s pipeline is the Chandrayaan-4, which is planned for 2028. This ambitious mission involves a lunar sample return, where a spacecraft will land on the moon, collect samples, and bring them back to Earth for analysis. This will be a significant achievement for India, as only a handful of countries have successfully conducted a lunar sample return mission. Isro’s previous Chandrayaan missions have already made significant discoveries and garnered international recognition. With Chandrayaan-4, Isro aims to further enhance our understanding of the moon and its resources.
Isro is also collaborating with NASA on the NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite, which is set to be launched in 2022. This satellite will be used for environmental monitoring and disaster management, providing valuable data for climate studies, agriculture, and forestry. This joint venture is a testament to the growing cooperation between India and the United States in the field of space technology.
In the past decade, Isro has launched 433 satellites for 34 nations, making it a reliable and cost-effective option for satellite launches. This has not only boosted India’s space program but has also strengthened its ties with other countries. Isro’s successful launch of 104 satellites in a single mission in 2017 is a testament to its capabilities and has put India on the global map as a leading player in the space industry.
Apart from satellite launches, Isro has also made significant progress in other areas of space technology. The development of the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV), which will significantly reduce the cost of access to space, is one such example. Isro has also successfully tested the Crew Escape System, which will be crucial for India’s first manned space mission, Gaganyaan, planned for 2022.
The growth of Isro’s space program has not only been limited to scientific advancements but also has a significant impact on the country’s economy. The space industry has opened up new avenues for job creation, skill development, and technological advancements. Isro’s efforts to involve the private sector in its projects have also given a boost to the Make in India initiative.
Isro’s achievements have not gone unnoticed, and the organisation has received numerous accolades and awards for its contributions to the field of space technology. The recent successful launch of the Chandrayaan-2 mission, which included the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover, has garnered international attention and admiration.
In conclusion, Isro’s plans to build two new launchpads and its upcoming missions showcase its determination to push the boundaries of space exploration. With its growing capabilities, Isro is poised to achieve even greater milestones in the future. The organisation’s collaborations with other countries and its efforts to involve the private sector will not only benefit India but also contribute to the advancement of space technology globally. Isro’s journey is an inspiration for the entire nation and a testament to the fact that with determination and perseverance, we can achieve the impossible.
