Context:
India’s space programme has evolved into a people-centric and globally collaborative mission, marked by major achievements such as Chandrayaan-3’s lunar south pole landing, growing participation in the International Space Station (ISS), and ambitious plans for a space station and human Moon landing. The programme reflects India’s technological rise and strategic aspirations in the space domain.
Key Highlights:
Major Milestones & Achievements
• In June 2025, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla displayed the Tricolour on the ISS, symbolizing India’s human spaceflight aspirations.
• Chandrayaan-3 (23 August 2023) made India the first nation to achieve a soft landing near the lunar south pole.
• Over 400 foreign satellites have been launched by India, enhancing its commercial credibility.
Budget & Space Economy Growth
• Space budget increased from ₹5,615 crore (2013-14) to ₹13,416 crore (2025-26).
• India’s space economy stands at $8 billion, projected to reach $44 billion in the coming years.
• Gaganyaan Mission approved with an outlay of over ₹20,000 crore, targeted for 2027.
Future Roadmap
• Continuation of Gaganyaan Programme
• Chandrayaan-4 & 5 missions
• Dedicated Venus Mission
• Establishment of Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035
• Indian Human Landing on Moon by 2040
Integration with Governance
• Disaster early warnings
• Fishermen navigation support
• Crop yield assessment
• Railway safety monitoring
• Geospatial backbone of PM Gati Shakti
Private Sector & Technological Innovations
• Over 350 startups active in satellites, launch vehicles, and ground systems.
• Development in semi-cryogenics, electric propulsion, quantum communication, and in-orbit servicing.
International Cooperation
• Announcement of a “G20 Satellite” for climate monitoring during India’s 2023 Presidency.
• Collaborative missions:
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NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR)
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Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX)
Conceptual Foundations
• Amrit Kaal – Vision period for India’s growth and technological leadership.
• PM Gati Shakti – Integrated infrastructure master plan.
• Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – “World is One Family”, guiding global cooperation.
Relevant Prelims Points:
• Chandrayaan Missions:
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Chandrayaan-1 – Confirmed presence of water molecules on Moon.
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Chandrayaan-2 – High-resolution lunar mapping.
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Chandrayaan-3 – First soft landing near south pole.
• Gaganyaan Mission:
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Human spaceflight mission.
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Indigenous crew module & launch vehicle (LVM3).
• NISAR Mission:
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Joint Earth observation satellite by NASA & ISRO.
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Uses Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology.
• LUPEX:
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India-Japan mission for lunar polar exploration.
• Semi-Cryogenic Engine:
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Uses liquid oxygen + refined kerosene.
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Improves payload capacity and efficiency.
• Quantum Communication:
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Secure communication using quantum entanglement principles.
Relevant Mains Points:
• Institutional Framework:
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ISRO under Department of Space.
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IN-SPACe – Regulatory body for private participation.
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NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) – Commercial arm.
• Strategic Importance:
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Space as a domain of national security (GS 3).
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Dual-use technology implications.
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Supports disaster management (NDMA integration).
• Economic Dimension:
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Expanding share in global space economy.
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Boost to Make in India & Startup India.
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Integration with logistics under PM Gati Shakti.
• Governance & International Relations:
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Leadership in Global South cooperation.
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Space diplomacy via G20 Satellite initiative.
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Embodiment of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam in technology sharing.
• Conceptual Keywords:
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Strategic Autonomy
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Commercialization of Space
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Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
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Space Security & Sustainability
• Way Forward:
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Strengthen regulatory clarity for private players.
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Enhance space situational awareness (SSA).
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Invest in advanced propulsion & deep-space exploration.
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Promote international norms for responsible space behavior.
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Expand outreach to make space truly a “People’s Programme”.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
• GS 3 – Science & Technology: Space missions, indigenous technology, space economy.
• GS 2 – Governance: Role of space tech in public service delivery.
• GS 2 – International Relations: Space diplomacy, global partnerships.
• GS 3 – Economy: Commercialization and startup ecosystem.
• Essay & Ethics: Technological leadership with global cooperation.
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