India's Footprints on Space and Beyond

-- Saima Mohammad Afzal , 7-C, Kuwait Indian school

Monday, January 15, 2024

India's journey with space came into being in 1975 with it's first satellite, Aryabhata, which was launched into space with the help of Soviet Union marking the magnificent journey of ISRO exploration. From Aryabhata in 1975 to Chandrayaan-3, India has left an incredible imprint on the cosmic canvas.

ISRO's Inception and Milestones.

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) was founded by Vikram sarabhai, a visionary physicist in 1969 recognizing the need for space research and contribute to the nation's development. In due course of time, The ISRO has achieved numerous achievements including the development of satellites, Mangalyaan:India's Mars Orbiter Mission, Chandrayaan-3, Venus orbiter mission,GSAT series. India's prowess entends beyond the earth with achievements like the launch of record breaking 104 satellite in a single mission in 2017. The cost effectiveness of Indias space missions has opened up chances for national collaboration, making India the preferred buddy in space exploration.

Aryabhata's spectacular launch

It was launched by India on 19th April 1975 from kapustin Yar, a Soviet Union rocket launch and development site. it was built by the ISRO.The launch was result of a collaboration between India and the Soviet Union.Aryabhata was built to experiment on the X-rays emitted by high-energy astrophysical sources such as black holes, neutron stars, aeronomic, and solar physics. The spacecraft was a 26-sided polyhedron 1.4 meters(4.6ft) in diameter. All faces except the top and bottom were covered with solar cells. On February 10th 1992 the spacecraft entered the Earth's atmosphere due to orbit decay

Mars orbiter mission (MOM)

Also know as Mangalyaan(from Sanskrit Mangla, Mars and Yana for craft ,vehicle)
Is a space craft orbiting Mars since 2014.
The probe was launched on November 5th 2013 by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) marking it as India's first interplanetary mission. India became the first Asian country to reach Martian orbit. Although Mangalyaan is still in mars orbit to this day. on October 3rd 2022, ISRO confirmed that Mars orbiter mission has reached the end of its life and was non-recoverable over a decade after it was launched.

PSlV's setting a new benchmark

Polar satellite launch vehicle (PSLV) is designed by the ISRO for launching EO satellites, polar sun synchronous(SSO) and remote sensing satellites. On 15th February the PSLV successfully carried and deployed a record breaking 104 satellites in one single mission. Breaking the record previously held by Russia for deploying 37 satellites.

Gaganyaan: human spaceflight mission

Gangayaan (from Sanskrit:gagana,"celestial" and "Yana, craft, vehicle) this spacecraft is planned to be an Indian crew spaceflight. It was designed by the ISRO to carry three people into space for up to seven days. The 5.3 metric ton capsule will orbit the earth at 400km with space grade food,crew healthcare, radiation measurement, parachutes for the save recovery of the crew members.
The first crewed mission was planned to be launched on December 2021 however it was halted due to issues with engine ignition.as of today it is expected to be launched by 2024.


International collaborations

India has collaborated with various countries in space exploration. One of the historic collaborations was with Russia for India's first satellite Aryabhata named after a famous Indian astronomer in 1975 the starting of a remarkable journey. India has also collaborated with the United States on various space missions and Germany for satellite technology and space research. Such collaborations not only showcase India's cost-effectiveness but also reliability, with the success of Chandrayaan-3, Mars orbiter mission, PSLV, GSAT series have earned global recognition. Fostering trust among countries for joint space missions.

In conclusion, India's footprint on space and beyond is a remarkable journey. With many successful missions like Chandrayaan-1,Mangalyaan, PSLV-C37, GSAT series has set ISRO with high expectations by the nation. With future missions and a space station in making, India's footprints on space and beyond is characterised by future trailblazer in the making.

Saima Mohammad Afzal , 7-C, Kuwait Indian school