[🇮🇳] India's Space Program

[Krishna with Flute]

‘Strength Respects Strength’: ISRO Chief Explains Why Japan Approached India For Chandrayaan-5​

Story by Harish Upadhya
• 1h•
3 min read

ISRO chief V Narayanan also gave updates on Gaganyaan. (PTI File)© Copyright (C) new18.com. All Rights Reserved.
India’s space ambitions have soared to new heights with the recent approval of the Chandrayaan-5 mission, a collaborative lunar exploration mission between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). This marks growing international recognition of India’s space capabilities, particularly following the successful Chandrayaan-3.

Speaking exclusively to CNN-News18, ISRO chairman V Narayanan explained how the Japanese approached India for the mission and what’s in store.

“It is a joint mission. As you know, strength respects strength,” said ISRO Chairman V Narayanan. “When we successfully accomplished the Chandrayaan-3 mission and India became the only country that soft-landed near the south pole of the moon and the fourth country to soft-land on the moon, the JAXA team said they would like to have a collaboration. So, we are collaborating and accomplishing that mission. In fact, it is going to be launched by the Japanese rocket and the launch vehicle.”

WHAT IS CHANDRAYAAN-5?​

The Chandrayaan-5 mission will feature a significantly larger rover, weighing approximately 350 kg, compared to the 25 kg rover deployed during Chandrayaan-3.

“One comparison I can give is Chandrayaan-3, we had a rover, something around 25 kg… Here, the rover is going to be 350 kg,” Narayanan explained. “Our mission was only a 14-day mission, but here it is going to be a long-term mission.”


The mission will focus on the lunar polar region, aiming to further explore water availability and conduct a wide range of scientific investigations.

“Because of Chandrayaan-3, we had 14 days only, but we could collect the statistics. We had a lot of discoveries through our colleagues. We have discovered electron clouds, we have found seismic activity in some locations. We have discovered the thermal profile, mapped it, and like that, a lot of scientific discoveries were there. Here, it is going to be again a polar region mission to understand the water availability, and so many things, so many aspects are involved,” Narayanan said. He also mentioned that the scientific payloads are still being finalised.

GAGANYAAN MISSION PROGRESS UPDATE​

In addition to the Chandrayaan-5 announcement, Narayanan provided an update on the progress of India’s human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. “As you are aware, to accomplish the Gaganyaan mission, a lot of things have to be done,” he said.

He highlighted key milestones, including the completion of the human rating of the launch vehicle system and the near-finalisation of the integrated vehicle health monitoring system. “Then, of course, we need to develop the environmental control and safety system, which maintains the required pressure, temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide, the partial pressure level of oxygen, and everything it has to maintain, and those developments are in the advanced stage,” Narayanan said.


The Crew Escape System, designed to safeguard the astronauts in case of emergencies, has also undergone successful testing. “We went through a couple of tests, and recently, a year ago, we did one exclusive experiment by utilising a developed test vehicle exclusively for that purpose. It was a grand success and a satisfying thing,” Narayanan said. “Our Navy ship, picked up the module from the right spot. We were there to receive it and we were very happy.”

ISRO plans to conduct further tests and three uncrewed missions before the actual manned mission.

“The first uncrewed mission is getting ready. Once it is successful, we will go through the second and third missions, followed by the actual mission,” Narayanan said, adding that the ‘Gagan Yatris’ are currently undergoing rigorous training.

MSN

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Chandrayaan-4 to weigh 9,500kg, to be launched by 2 rockets​

Indian space agency ISRO is presently working on two Lunar missions - Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5. Both of them are robotic missions to explore the moon and map its resources. Such missions pave the way for an eventual Indian crewed moon landing in the coming decades. For more details on Chandrayaan-4 and its progress, WION's Principal Correspondent Sidharth.M.P spoke to ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan. See less
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MSN

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Isro successfully rolls SpaDeX satellites, pushes them to the limit​

Story by India Today Science Desk
• 3h•
2 min read

Isro successfully rolls SpaDeX satellites, pushes them to the limit
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved another milestone in its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission by successfully conducting the "rolling" or "rotating" experiment.

This test involved one satellite circumnavigating the other and returning to its original position while remaining in line of sight.

The experiment, completed last week, was confirmed by ISRO Chairman V Narayanan to Times of India, as he emphasized the importance of ground simulations to avoid errors and maximize data generation.

The rolling experiment is being compared to Chandrayaan-3's "hop" test on the Moon for its significance in advancing future space missions. It validates ISRO's ability to control satellite maneuvering from ground stations using advanced software, sensors, and positioning technologies.

This capability is crucial for future missions like Chandrayaan-4, human spaceflight programs under Gaganyaan, and satellite servicing projects.

SpaDeX involves two satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), launched together on December 30, 2024.

The mission aims to demonstrate technologies related to orbital rendezvous, docking, and proximity operations.

Earlier in January 2025, ISRO became the fourth country globally to achieve successful space docking using indigenous technology.


Related video: ISRO Successfully Docks SpaDex Satellites In Historic Space Achievement, PM Modi Congratulates (The Times of India)


https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/India/isro-successfully-rolls-spadex-satellites-pushes-them-to-the-limit/ar-AA1BP7Sm?ocid=BingNewsSerp

 

[Krishna with Flute]

We finally know how Isro is planning to land Mangalyaan-2 on Mars​

Story by India Today Science Desk
• 1h•
2 min read

In a major step forward for India's interplanetary ambitions, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has revealed detailed plans for its second Mars mission, Mangalyaan-2, which, unlike its predecessor, will include a lander for a direct touchdown on the Martian surface and a helicopter.

The details were shared by Isro chief Dr V Narayanan during an address at the Navaratna Conference.

Launched aboard the LVM3 rocket, the 4,500 kg spacecraft will initially be placed in an Earth orbit of 190 x 35,786 km.

Mars
From there, a composite module â consisting of a Cruise Stage and a Descent Stage â will set off on its months-long journey to the Red Planet.

The Cruise Stage will serve as the propulsion system to take the spacecraft from Earth's orbit to a capture orbit around Mars.

Once Mangalyaan-2 enters Martian proximity, the Descent Stage will detach from the Cruise Stage and make a direct entry into Mars' atmosphere â a bold move that skips the need for orbiting before landing.

Slowing down during this high-speed descent will be managed through a process called aerobraking, which uses the Martian atmosphere to reduce velocity.

To do this safely, ISRO will employ a heat-protective aeroshell and supersonic parachutes, helping the spacecraft withstand intense atmospheric friction and rapidly drop speed.

Descent Stage will detach from the Cruise Stage and make a direct entry. (Photo: ESA)
The final phase of the landing will begin when the Descent Stage is about 1.3 km above the Martian surface. At this point, the lander will engage its powered descent system â a set of onboard engines designed to guide and control a soft and precise touchdown.

If successful, Mangalyaan-2 will mark India's first attempt at landing on another planet, placing it in an elite group of nations to achieve such a feat. The mission's success would not only boost India's standing in space exploration but also provide invaluable data for future interplanetary missions.

While ISRO has yet to confirm a launch date, the planning reveals a bold and technically complex mission that could pave the way for deeper Martian exploration â and one more giant leap for India's space program.


Related video: It will be routine to go into space in the next two decades: Pawan Chandana (India Today)

https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/techandscience/we-finally-know-how-isro-is-planning-to-land-mangalyaan-2-on-mars/ar-AA1CJfNr?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=9fae7f40286743d98522425801285129&ei=8

 

[Krishna with Flute]

India leading most cost-effective, successful space programme in world: PM Narendra Modi​

22h•
5 min read

India leading most cost-effective, successful space programme in world: PM Narendra Modi
Noting that India has become a global space power, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the country is leading the most cost-effective but successful space programme in the entire world and is going to scale new heights in the future. Many youth are attaining new milestones in the field of space startups, Modi said, adding 10 years ago, there was only one company, but today there are more than 325 space startups working in the country.

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In his monthly radio broadcast 'Mann Ki Baat', he also paid tributes to former ISRO chief K Kasturirangan, who passed away last week.

"Two days ago we lost the country's great scientist Dr. K. Kasturirangan ji. Whenever I met Kasturirangan ji, we discussed topics like the talent of Indian youth, modern education, Space-Science. His contribution in lending newer heights to science, education and India's space programme shall always be remembered. ISRO attained a new identity under his leadership," he said.

The space programmes that moved forward under his guidance gave global recognition to India's efforts, Modi said.

Many of the satellites that India uses today were launched under the supervision of Dr. Kasturirangan, he said.

"There was one more special facet to his personality, which the younger generation can learn from. He always accorded importance to innovation. The vision of learning, knowing and doing something new is very inspiring," Modi said.


Related video: It will be routine to go into space in the next two decades: Pawan Chandana (India Today)
Good afternoon everyone.
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The prime minister said Kasturirangan also played a major role in formulating the new National Education Policy of the country.

Kasturirangan came up with the idea of ' ' forward looking" education according to the modern needs of the 21st century, Modi said.

"His selfless service to the country and contribution to nation building will always be remembered. Very humbly, I pay my tribute to Dr. K. Kasturirangan," he said.

Noting that April marks 50 years of the launch of the Aryabhata Satellite, Modi said, "Today, when we look back and remember this journey of 50 years, we realise how far we have come. This flight of India's dreams in space once commenced with just conviction. Some young scientists with the passion to do something for the nation - they neither had the modern resources like today, nor the access to world technology as such. If at all they had anything, it was talent, dedication, hard work and the passion to do something for the country."


"You must have seen pictures of our scientists carrying critical equipment themselves on bullock carts and bicycles. It is the result of that very dedication and spirit of service to the nation that so much has changed today," he said.

Modi pointed out that India has become a global space power, pointing "We have created a record by launching 104 satellites simultaneously. We have become the first country to reach the South Pole of the Moon. India has launched the Mars Orbiter Mission and we have reached pretty close to the Sun through the Aditya - L1 Mission," he said.

Today, India is leading the most cost-effective but successful space programme in the entire world, he pointed out.

Many countries of the world take help from ISRO for their satellites and space missions, Modi said.

"When we see a satellite launch by ISRO, we are filled with pride. I had a similar feeling when I witnessed the launch of PSLV-C-23 in 2014. I was also present at the ISRO Centre in Bengaluru during the landing of Chandrayaan-2 in 2019. At that time Chandrayaan failed to achieve the expected success, it was a very difficult time for the scientists. But I could see with my own eyes the patience of the scientists and their zeal to achieve something," he said.


And a few years later, the whole world too noticed how the same scientists made Chandrayaan-3 a success, the PM added.

Noting that India has opened her space sector for the private sector as well, Modi said today many youth are attaining new milestones in the field of space startups.

"The times to come are ushering in a lot of new possibilities in Space.India is going to scale new heights. The country is busy preparing for many important missions like Gaganyaan, SpaDeX and Chandrayaan-4. We are also working on the Venus Orbiter Mission and Mars Lander Mission," he said.

Indian space scientists are going to fill the people of the country with new pride through their innovations, Modi said.

Recalling the 'Champaran Satyagraha', Modi said it was the first big experiment by Bapu in India.

"The entire British rule was shaken by Bapu's Satyagraha. The British had to suspend the law that forced farmers to cultivate indigo. This was a victory that infused new confidence in the freedom struggle. All of you must be aware that another son of Bihar also contributed a lot to this Satyagraha, who became the first President of the country after Independence. The great personality was Dr. Rajendra Prasad. He also wrote a book on the 'Champaran Satyagraha'," Modi said.

Many more indelible chapters of the freedom struggle are associated with April itself, he said.

"Gandhiji's 'Dandi March' culminated on the 6th of April itself. This march which commenced on the 12th of March and continued for 24 days had shaken the British. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place in April itself. The marks of this blood stained history are still present on the soil of Punjab," Modi said.

He said that in a few days, on May 10, the anniversary of the first freedom struggle would also be there.

The spark that arose in that first battle for freedom, later became a torch for millions of freedom fighters, Modi said.

"On April 26, we observed the death anniversary of the great hero of the 1857 revolution, Babu Veer Kunwar Singh. The entire country derives inspiration from this great freedom fighter of Bihar. We have to keep alive the immortal inspirations of lakhs of such freedom fighters," he said.


The energy received from them provides renewed strength to our resolve of 'Amrit Kaal', Modi added.

He said the biggest strength of the country is our 140 crore citizens, their capability, their will power, and when crores of people join a campaign together, its impact is huge.

He cited the example of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign and pointed out that on the 5th of June, on 'World Environment Day', this campaign is completing one year.

"During this one year, under this campaign, more than 140 crore trees have been planted in the name of the mother across the country. Observing this initiative of India, people outside the country have also planted trees in the name of their mother," he said.

In his broadcast, Modi also lauded how in Wayanad, saffron is not being grown in any field or soil but with the help of aeroponics technique.
For more news like this visit The Economic Times.

MSN

 

[Saif]

Indian space agency’s satellite mission fails due to technical issue

The Indian space agency’s mission to launch into orbit a new Earth observation satellite failed after the launch vehicle encountered a technical issue, officials said Sunday.

www.newagebd.net

Indian space agency’s satellite mission fails due to technical issue
United News of Bangladesh/ AP. New Delhi 18 May, 2025, 17:01

View of PSLV-C61 launch vehicle of India. | ISRO X handle

The Indian space agency’s mission to launch into orbit a new Earth observation satellite failed after the launch vehicle encountered a technical issue, officials said Sunday.

The EOS-09 Earth observation satellite took off on board the PSLV-C61 launch vehicle from the Sriharikota space center in southern India on Sunday morning.

‘During the third stage ... there was a fall in the chamber pressure of the motor case, and the mission could not be accomplished,’ said V Narayanan, chief of the Indian Space Research Organisation.

Active in space research since the 1960s, India has launched satellites for itself and other countries, and successfully put one in orbit around Mars in 2014.

After a failed attempt to land on the moon in 2019, India became the first country to land a spacecraft near the moon’s south pole in 2023 in a historic voyage to uncharted territory that scientists believe could hold reserves of frozen water. The mission was dubbed as a technological triumph for the world’s most populous nation.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Indian space agency’s satellite mission fails due to technical issue

The Indian space agency’s mission to launch into orbit a new Earth observation satellite failed after the launch vehicle encountered a technical issue, officials said Sunday.

www.newagebd.net

Indian space agency’s satellite mission fails due to technical issue
United News of Bangladesh/ AP. New Delhi 18 May, 2025, 17:01

View attachment 17521
View of PSLV-C61 launch vehicle of India. | ISRO X handle

The Indian space agency’s mission to launch into orbit a new Earth observation satellite failed after the launch vehicle encountered a technical issue, officials said Sunday.

The EOS-09 Earth observation satellite took off on board the PSLV-C61 launch vehicle from the Sriharikota space center in southern India on Sunday morning.

‘During the third stage ... there was a fall in the chamber pressure of the motor case, and the mission could not be accomplished,’ said V Narayanan, chief of the Indian Space Research Organisation.

Active in space research since the 1960s, India has launched satellites for itself and other countries, and successfully put one in orbit around Mars in 2014.

After a failed attempt to land on the moon in 2019, India became the first country to land a spacecraft near the moon’s south pole in 2023 in a historic voyage to uncharted territory that scientists believe could hold reserves of frozen water. The mission was dubbed as a technological triumph for the world’s most populous nation.

Third failure of PSLV rocket todate.

 

[Saif]

Third failure of PSLV rocket todate.

What is the time frame for India to send astronaut to Moon?

 

[Krishna with Flute]

What is the time frame for India to send astronaut to Moon?

By 2030. It is not on our priority list. Reusable rockets are on priority. Scremjet engines are on priority list.

 

[Profpremrajp]

India’s push for home-grown satellite constellation gets 30 aspirants
REUTERS
Published :
Dec 24, 2024 21:39
Updated :
Dec 24, 2024 21:39

View attachment 12085
A satellite model is placed on a picture of Earth in this illustration taken November 25, 2024. Photo : REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/Files

Thirty Indian companies have answered the space regulator’s call to build and operate constellations of Earth observation (EO) satellites in a groundbreaking private-public partnership to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign data for defense, infrastructure management and other critical mapping needs.

“We have received 9 applications ... Each applicant represents a consortium, involving a total of 30 companies,” said Pawan Goenka, chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre, or IN-SPACe.

The regulator had sought “expressions of interest” (EoI) in July to build home-grown satellite constellations as part of a broader strategy to monetize the sector and ensure data sovereignty.

India is doubling down on its small satellite and data services market to carve out a leading role in the global commercialization of space. The market for such services, increasingly key for industries ranging from telecoms to climate monitoring, is projected to reach $45 billion by 2030, opens new tab.

The applicants for IN-SPACe’s latest effort in this regard include startups such as Google-backed Pixxel and Baring Private Equity-backed SatSure, as well as larger entities like Tata Group’s Tata Advanced Systems. The companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Goenka said he expects technical evaluations to be completed by the end of January, after which a tender will be floated to determine the winning bidder.

IN-SPACe’s eligibility criteria include applicants raising or investing at least 850 million rupees ($10 million) in space-related activities, having a valuation of 8.5 billion rupees, or a turnover of 2 billion rupees in the past three years.

They must also set up spacecraft control centres in India or partner with ground station service providers for operational needs.

The government plans to loan up to 3.5 billion to the winner, with private companies expected to cover the remaining costs, according to a source familiar with the matter.

Since opening the sector to private players in February, India has established a 10-billion-rupee venture fund to support space startups.

The country has also unveiled ambitious plans for crewed space exploration and a mission to Venus, but the primary focus remains on fostering commercial ventures and scaling up private sector participation.

India currently sources much of its EO data from foreign companies and agencies like the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

IIFCL Projects Ltd, an advisory arm under the Ministry of Finance, is overseeing the bidding process.​

Prof. Prem raj Pushpakaran writes -- 2025 marks the 50th year since the launch of Aryabhata, and let us celebrate the occasion!!! Prof Prem raj Pushpakaran Profile Page | World Architecture Community

 

[Profpremrajp]

Prof. Prem raj Pushpakaran writes -- 2025 marks the 50th year since the launch of Aryabhata, and let us celebrate the occasion!!! Prof Prem raj Pushpakaran Profile Page | World Architecture Community

 

[Vsdoc]

Space and Rocketeering.

This is possibly India's next "IT"

@Krishna with Flute @Lulldapull

And this is possibly what's going to save us till we hit critical mass @Sharma Ji

 

[Israel Person]

Prof. Prem raj Pushpakaran writes -- 2025 marks the 50th year since the launch of Aryabhata, and let us celebrate the occasion!!! Prof Prem raj Pushpakaran Profile Page | World Architecture Community

@Krishna with Flute @Sharma Ji @Lulldapull

 

[Sharma Ji]

Space and Rocketeering.

This is possibly India's next "IT"

@Krishna with Flute @Lulldapull

And this is possibly what's going to save us till we hit critical mass @Sharma Ji

yeap, we doing it on the cheap too, that's the USP ..

sasta and tikau jugaad for satellite sending

as with everything high tech, though, we laggards (can be excused, given our paucity of resources)

future looking good but, startups bhi aane shuru ho gae hain

long road ahead but:



jai hind, bharat mata ki jai !

 

[Krishna with Flute]

@Krishna with Flute @Sharma Ji @Lulldapull

In these 50 years, ISRO has emerged as a premier space agency surpassing many space agencies in the world. India holds 1st to 4th positions in different space applications. ISRO is cost leader in launching. Very sophisticated in earth observation and communication. Now ISRO has the plan to reduce the launch cost by 1/10th and improve weight carrying capabilities by 2 fold for each of its vehicle.