PM Modi spells out ISRO Goals: Space Station by 2035, Indian on Moon by 2040

India's space program has been making significant strides in recent years, with successful missions such as Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1. In a recent review meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi set forth new and ambitious goals for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The objectives include setting up the 'Bharatiya Antariksha Station' (Indian Space Station) by 2035 and sending the first Indian to the Moon by 2040. This article explores the details of these ambitious missions and the roadmap set by the government.

A Vision for the Future

During the review meeting, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the need to build on the success of previous space initiatives and push the boundaries of India's space exploration capabilities. The objectives set by the Prime Minister include the establishment of the Indian Space Station by 2035 and a manned mission to the Moon by 2040. These goals showcase India's commitment to becoming a key player in the global space arena.

Setting Up the Indian Space Station

The Indian Space Station, referred to as 'Bharatiya Antariksha Station,' is a major undertaking that aims to provide a permanent presence for India in space. The station will serve as a hub for scientific research, technological advancements, and international collaborations. It will also support future deep space missions and act as a stepping stone for India's endeavors beyond Earth's orbit.

The Department of Space, which oversees ISRO's operations, has been directed to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the establishment of the Indian Space Station. This includes the development of necessary infrastructure, human-centric laboratories, and associated technologies. The station will provide a platform for conducting experiments in microgravity, space medicine, astronomy, and Earth observation.

The Journey to the Moon

Sending a manned mission to the Moon is another key objective outlined by Prime Minister Modi. The mission, slated for 2040, aims to demonstrate India's technological prowess and ability to undertake complex space missions. The project will involve the development of critical technologies, such as a human-rated launch vehicle, life support systems, crew emergency escape provisions, and crew management aspects.

To pave the way for the final manned mission, ISRO will undertake a series of demonstrator missions. These missions include the integrated air drop test (IADT), pad abort test (PAT), and test vehicle (TV) flights. These tests will validate the technologies and systems required for crew safety, mission success, and the safe return of astronauts from space.

Roadmap for Future Moon Missions

In addition to the manned mission to the Moon, the Department of Space has been tasked with developing a roadmap for future Moon missions. This includes the development of a Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), capable of undertaking return missions from the Moon. The construction of a new launch pad will also be undertaken to support these missions.

The Moon missions will contribute to our understanding of lunar geology, resource utilization, and the potential for establishing a sustained human presence on the Moon. They will also provide valuable insights for future deep space exploration endeavors.

Interplanetary Missions: Venus Orbiter and Mars Lander

Prime Minister Modi has called upon Indian scientists to work towards interplanetary missions, including a Venus orbiter mission and a Mars lander. These missions will expand India's exploration capabilities beyond the Moon and contribute to our understanding of the solar system.

An orbit around Venus will provide valuable data about the planet's atmosphere, surface, and geological features. A Mars lander mission, on the other hand, will enable the study of Mars' surface composition, potential for life, and the possibility of future human missions to the Red Planet.

Gaganyaan Mission: A Step Towards Manned Spaceflight

The Gaganyaan mission is a significant milestone in India's space program and a precursor to the manned mission to the Moon. It aims to demonstrate India's capability to send humans to space and bring them back safely. The mission involves launching a crew of three into a 400km orbit for a three-day mission.

To achieve this ambitious goal, ISRO is developing critical technologies, including a human-rated launch vehicle, life support systems, crew emergency escape provisions, and crew management aspects. The Gaganyaan mission will also undergo a series of tests, including uncrewed missions of the Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3).

Test Vehicle Development Flight: A Crucial Test

A crucial test for the Gaganyaan mission is the Test Vehicle Development Flight (TV-D1), scheduled for October 21. This test flight aims to simulate the abort condition during the ascent trajectory, corresponding to a Mach number of 1.2 encountered in the Gaganyaan mission. It involves the separation of the Crew Escape Systems (CES) from the test vehicle and the safe touchdown of the Crew Module (CM) in the sea.

The TV-D1 test vehicle is a single-stage liquid rocket developed specifically for this abort mission. It will validate the performance of critical systems, including the fast-acting solid motors of the CES and the deployment of parachutes for a safe landing. The test will provide valuable data for further refinement of the Gaganyaan mission and ensure the safety of future astronauts.

Conclusion

Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's space program is reaching new heights. The objectives set for ISRO, including the establishment of the Indian Space Station by 2035 and a manned mission to the Moon by 2040, highlight India's ambition to become a prominent player in space exploration. With a roadmap for future Moon missions, interplanetary missions, and the Gaganyaan mission, India is poised to achieve significant milestones in the coming years. These endeavors will not only advance scientific knowledge but also inspire future generations and foster international collaborations in space exploration.