From lunar triumph to sun-bound glory, India soars beyond boundaries. In a series of groundbreaking achievements, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has left an indelible mark on space exploration. From flawless lunar landings to venturing towards the sun, ISRO’s successes are reshaping the future of space science and technology, writes Kumar Chellappan
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is basking in the success of Chandrayaan-3, its lunar mission, which executed a flawless soft landing on the lunar surface. Adding to this triumph, ISRO has now accomplished a precision deployment of Aditya, India’s inaugural mission to the sun. This mission is slated to orbit the Lagrange-1 vantage point, providing unprecedented insights into the workings of the celestial furnace that fuels our universe.
What sets these missions apart is the remarkable feat of manoeuvering these spacecraft from millions of kilometres away on Earth. These feats were directed from the Master Control Room in Bengaluru, while other spacefaring nations, including the US, Russia, France, and China watched in awe. Notably, Russia’s lunar mission, a pioneer in planetary exploration, encountered complications moments before its intended lunar landing. Currently, India is deeply engaged in planning its next ventures: a manned space mission (Gagan Yaan) and missions to Venus (Shukrayaan), among others.
The surge in attendance at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota to witness live launches serves as a testament to the nation’s fervent interest in space programmes. These events have become a national spectacle, rivaling the excitement of an India-Pakistan cricket match.
Reflecting back to the late 1990s and early 2000s, when India embarked on its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle Missions and Geo-Synchronous Satellite Launching Vehicle (GSLV) programmes, only a handful of spectators from Sriharikotta and neighbouring areas attended the launches. Today, the crowds have swelled manifold, even though they view the spectacle from a gallery six kilometres away. As the mission director initiates the final countdown over the public address system, palpable anticipation fills the air. While many may not discern the technical nuances between PSLV and GSLV, the pride and joy derived from these space endeavors, conceived and executed by Indian scientists, is unmistakable.
The nation’s space programme is intricately woven into the fabric of everyday life. From mobile phone calls and Direct-To-Home television to critical weather forecasts that forewarn us of approaching cyclones and natural disasters, all owe their existence to ISRO’s constellation of communication and remote sensing satellites. This means that ISRO touches every facet of an average person’s life in some manner. Vikram Sarabhai, the visionary behind India’s space programme, envisioned space technology as a means to elevate the quality of life for every Indian, particularly those in need. Never did Sarabhai or his team envision vying for a space monopoly.
Sarabhai’s vision contrasted sharply with the approach of the USA and the now-defunct Communist USSR. For them, launch vehicle technology stemmed from World War II, where ballistic missiles were adapted into satellite launch vehicles. Applications followed satellites. In Sarabhai’s paradigm, applications took precedence, followed by satellites and launch vehicles. Recall how ISRO leveraged satellites for the nationwide school education programme SITE (Satellite Instructional Television Programme), using transponders from a US satellite. SITE was the world’s largest mass communication experiment at the time.
Following SITE, the Satellite Telecommunication Experimental Project (STEP) in 1977-79 illuminated the challenges of space and ground systems for communications, leading to the evolution of the Indian National Satellite System (INSAT). This system forms the backbone of India’s satellite communication network, contributing to India’s status as the country with the highest number of mobile phone users.
ISRO’s strides were not without challenges. One recalls the image of scientists ferrying a sounding rocket on a bicycle carrier to the launch pad at Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS). Another iconic image is that of APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment) being transported on a bullock cart for airlift to the European Space Agency’s launch pad in French Guiana. While ISRO excelled in fabricating satellites for various purposes, developing launch vehicles, especially Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicles, was a formidable task. Attempts, both internal and external, were made to thwart ISRO’s launch vehicle development missions.
The infamous spy case dealt a severe blow to cryogenic engine technology, causing a decades-long setback in India’s space programme. Spacefaring nations were apprehensive of India challenging their monopoly over the lucrative launch industry, worth hundreds of billions of dollars even in the 1990s.
India is still working towards perfecting the technology for the heavy lift launch vehicle (GSLV) capable of deploying heavy communication satellites in geostationary orbit, 36,000 km from Earth. While some GSLV launches have been successful, ISRO must ensure that the vehicle is reliable, safe, and secure for manned missions into outer space.
ISRO’s foremost goal should be to bypass mobile phone towers and enable handsets to receive data directly from communication satellites, thereby eliminating call rate drops. Telemedicine facilities should bring healthcare professionals to the doorstep of every home, and online education should become widespread, making learning more affordable.
Before sending humans into space, we must ensure that the vehicle is human-rated. While a manned mission to space is undoubtedly significant, it should not take precedence over other critical programmes. The fields of telemedicine and satellite-based education are currently in a state of stagnation.
Despite being over 75 years old, independent India lacks a national broadcast channel for Akashwani accessible across the entire country. All India Radio could collaborate with ISRO to utilise its network of FM stations to broadcast a national channel, offering a diverse array of programmes including news, radio newsreels, discussions, and a rich tapestry of music. This 24x7 radio network would be a boon for the public, rekindling interest in radio.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Communications should revitalise dormant landline connections. BSNL faces staffing shortages, and management often urges customers to switch to mobile phones. These are areas where ISRO can play a pivotal role. While interplanetary space exploration is a commendable pursuit, let us not forget that India has yet to develop a civilian aircraft of its own. It’s high time India introduces a homegrown counterpart to Boeing or Airbus, akin to the legendary Pushpak of antiquity.
(The writer is Chennai-based correspondent of the Pioneer)
