India's footprint on space and beyond

-- Logamithra Kumar, IIK Young Contributor

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

In the heart of every Indian, there beats a rhythm that resonates with the spirit of unity, diversity, and freedom. Republic Day is not just a date on the calendar; it is a celebration of the beautiful spirit that weaves together the threads of patriotism. In this article, we will delve into India’s space exploration missions and achievements.

India's foray into space exploration has been nothing short of remarkable, transforming the nation into a prominent player in the global space arena. From humble beginnings with the launch of Aryabhata in 1975, India's space program has evolved exponentially, achieving significant milestones and contributing to the scientific understanding of space.

Early Milestones:

India's journey with space began with the establishment of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in 1969. The organization's early endeavors included the launch of Aryabhata, India's first satellite, marking the country's entry into space exploration.

Pioneering Mars Orbiter Mission:

In 2013, India made headlines with the successful launch of the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan). This mission not only placed India among the elite nations capable of interplanetary exploration but also earned it the distinction of being the first country to succeed in its Mars mission on its first attempt. The success of Mangalyaan showcased India's cost-effective approach to space exploration.

The Chandrayaan Missions:

Later, India turned its attention towards lunar missions. The Chandrayaan-1 mission in 2008 made history by confirming the presence of water molecules on the moon's surface, opening new possibilities for future lunar exploration. Subsequently, Chandrayaan-2, launched in 2019, aimed to explore the moon's south polar region and study its topography, mineral composition, and exosphere. Chandrayaan-3 was launched in 2023 for the exploration of lunar surface and for the collection of invaluable scientific data. India was also declared as the first country to land on the south pole of the moon.

India's space ambitions continue to soar with upcoming projects that promise to further expand its footprint in space. ISRO had launched the Aditya-L1 mission for the exploration of the solar surface and for the comprehensive study of sun which was a significant milestone.

Ambitious projects in the space:

ISRO also plans on launching the gangayaan mission in 2024. Gaganyaan project envisages the demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching crew of 3 members to an orbit of 400 km for a 3 days mission and bring them back safely to earth, by landing in Indian sea waters.

India's journey in space exploration has been characterised by determination, innovation, and significant achievements. From launching satellites for communication to exploring Mars and the Moon, India's footprint in space is expanding rapidly. With a focus on cost-effective technologies, international collaboration, and ambitious future projects, India is poised to play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the future of space exploration. As the nation continues to reach for the stars, its contributions to the global understanding of space are sure to leave an indelible mark on the history of human exploration beyond our planet. Jai Hind!