As India commemorates its 78th Independence Day in 2024, the achievement of landing a spacecraft on the Moon's south pole highlights the nation's exceptional scientific and engineering prowess. This historic feat, accomplished in 2023, signifies India’s significant advancement in space technology and its emerging role on the global stage of space exploration.
On August 23, 2023, India reached a historic milestone by becoming the fourth nation to successfully land a spacecraft on the Moon's south pole—a region previously unexplored by humanity. In a moment of profound national pride, Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an address to ISRO scientists and officials, said, "India is on the Moon! We have our national pride placed on the Moon! We have reached a place where no one has reached before! We have achieved a feat which no one has achieved before! This is today's India. Bold and brave."
National Space Day - 2024
— ISRO (@isro) July 22, 2024
The historic landing of #Chandrayaan3 on the Moon is celebrated as National Space Day every year on August 23.
Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman, ISRO, invites all citizens to participate in these activities and join the nationwide celebrations.#NSpD2024 pic.twitter.com/odtAfy1yTc
In his address, PM Modi declared August 23rd as National Space Day, commemorating the day when India "hoisted the flag on the Moon." Reflecting on India's progress, he noted, "There was a time when we were counted in the third row. Today, from trade to technology, India is counted among the countries standing in the first row. In this journey from 'third row' to 'first row,' institutions like our ISRO have played a crucial role."
As India commemorates its 78th Independence Day, let us reflect on the journey of India becoming a space power since independence, recognising how far we have come and the vast potential that lies ahead.
India's Journey to Becoming a Space Power Since Independence
The foundation of India's space program was laid in the early years of independence. Recognising the potential of space technology for national development, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, a visionary scientist, established the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in 1969. His emphasis on using space technology for practical applications like communication, meteorology, and agriculture set the tone for India's space endeavours.
The country proudly celebrates the birthday of Dr. Vikram A Sarabhai pic.twitter.com/4l8DLUtUc2
— ISRO (@isro) August 12, 2024
During the Nehru Science Centre’s lockdown lecture on 'Space - An Opportunity for India', Former Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, ISRO, Padma Shri A. S. Kiran Kumar explained how India made use of Space technology under Dr Vikram Sarabhai.
“It was Dr. Vikram Sarabhai who convinced the government, just after 10 years of independence, that Space Technology can be beneficial for the county. India which started its space journey with no infrastructure, has built a self-reliant infrastructure today,” A. S. Kiran Kumar said.
Here’s a look at the key milestones and achievements that have shaped India's journey to becoming a space power.
1950s-1960s: The Dawn of Space Ambitions
1947-1960: The Foundation
India's space journey began in an era of newfound independence and aspirations. The seeds of this journey were sown by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, who is often regarded as the father of the Indian space program. In the late 1940s and 1950s, space science was still in its infancy globally, and India's technological landscape was modest.
However, Dr. Sarabhai's vision was clear. He famously said, “There are some who question the relevance of space activities in a developing nation. To us, there is no ambiguity of purpose. We do not have the fantasy of competing with economically advanced nations in the exploration of the Moon or the planets or manned space flight. But we are convinced that if we are to play a meaningful role nationally and in the community of nations, we must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems of man and society.”
In 1962, this vision took its first tangible form with the establishment of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) under Dr. Sarabhai's leadership. The committee's primary focus was on the development of space technology and its applications for national development.
1960-1970: The First Steps
The 1960s marked India's initial foray into space research. One of the earliest milestones was the launch of the first sounding rocket from Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) in Kerala on November 21, 1963., marking the beginning of the Indian Space Programme The rocket, a Nike-Apache, was launched in collaboration with NASA, marking India's entry into the world of space research. The launch pad itself was set up in a converted church building, symbolizing India's humble beginnings in space exploration.
1970-1980: Laying the Groundwork
The 1970s were crucial for the consolidation of India's space capabilities. In 1969, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was formed, superseding INCOSPAR, and under Dr. Sarabhai's guidance, it set ambitious goals. The decade witnessed the launch of Aryabhata, India's first satellite, on April 19, 1975. Although launched by the Soviet Union, Aryabhata was a milestone for India, marking the country's first step in satellite technology. The satellite was named after the ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer, reflecting the country’s rich scientific heritage.
Following Aryabhata, India launched Bhaskara-I in 1979, a remote sensing satellite that provided valuable data for agricultural and land-use mapping. This was a clear indication of how India intended to use space technology for national development, in line with Dr. Sarabhai's vision.
1980-1990: The Decade of PSLV
The 1980s were marked by the development of India's indigenous launch capabilities. The Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV) program culminated in the successful launch of SLV-3 in 1980, which placed the Rohini satellite into orbit. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who was a key figure in this program, reflected on this success by stating, "Dream is not that which you see while sleeping; it is something that does not let you sleep." This quote captures the relentless drive that powered India's space ambitions.
The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) program was also initiated during this period, with its first successful launch in 1994. PSLV became the workhorse of India's space program, known for its reliability and versatility. It not only placed Indian satellites into orbit but also carried payloads for other countries, establishing ISRO as a reliable and cost-effective launch service provider.
Science Quiz On ISRO’s Aditya-L1 With Answers
1990-2000: Expanding Horizons
The 1990s and 2000s were periods of rapid expansion for India’s space program. One of the most notable achievements was the launch of the INSAT series of satellites, which revolutionized telecommunications, meteorology, and broadcasting in India. INSAT-1A, launched in 1982, marked the beginning of a new era of satellite communication in India.
The launch of GSAT-1 in 2001 further expanded India's communication satellite capabilities. During this period, India also made significant advancements in remote sensing with the launch of the IRS (Indian Remote Sensing) series. These satellites provided crucial data for resource management, urban planning, and disaster management.
2000-2010: The Moon and Mars
The new millennium brought with it bolder ambitions. In 2008, India launched its first mission to the Moon, Chandrayaan-1. This mission was a major milestone, as it was the first to discover the presence of water molecules on the Moon's surface. Dr Mylswamy Annadurai, the Project Director of Chandrayaan-1, reflected on the mission's success, stating, "Our findings on water on the Moon is one of the most significant discoveries in planetary exploration."
The findings of two other studies published in the journal Science also confirmed the reports from this lunar mission. Carle Pieters of Brown University along with colleagues reviewed the data and found that the water seems thicker closer to the poles. “When we say ‘water on the moon’, we are not talking about lakes, oceans or even puddles. Water on the Moon means molecules of water and hydroxyl (hydrogen and oxygen) that interact with molecules of rock and dust specifically in the top millimetres of the moon’s surface,” said Pieters in a statement.
Building on the success of Chandrayaan-1, ISRO set its sights on Mars. In 2013, India launched the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), also known as Mangalyaan, making India the first Asian country to reach Mars and the fourth in the world to do so. MOM was lauded globally not only for its success but also for its cost-effectiveness. With a budget of just $74 million, it was one of the most economical interplanetary missions ever. NASA's former administrator, Charles Bolden, praised the mission, saying, "Mangalyaan's success was a triumph for low-cost space exploration and demonstrated India's growing capabilities in space technology."
2010-2020: Strengthening Capabilities
The 2010s were marked by significant technological advancements and achievements for ISRO. The successful launch of the GSLV Mk III in 2014 was a major milestone, as it enabled India to launch heavier payloads and opened the doors to future manned missions. The same year saw the launch of GSAT-10, which further enhanced India's communication capabilities.
One of the most significant achievements of this decade was the launch of Chandrayaan-2 in 2019. Although the lander, Vikram, did not successfully land, the mission was still considered a success due to the valuable data gathered by the orbiter. Chandrayaan-2 reaffirmed India's commitment to lunar exploration and laid the groundwork for future missions.
2020-2023: The Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya L1 Success
Chandrayaan-3 Landing on South Pole of the Moon
In 2023, India achieved another major milestone with the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon's south pole on August 23, 2023. This mission not only placed India in an elite group of spacefaring nations but also demonstrated its growing expertise in complex space missions. The success of Chandrayaan-3 was celebrated not only in India but also globally, with scientists and space experts lauding ISRO's achievement.
Chandrayaan-3: Why is it important to land on the South Pole of the Moon?
Aditya-L1: India's First Solar Mission
Another significant milestone during this period was the launch of the Aditya-L1 mission, India's first dedicated solar observation mission. Aditya-L1, named after the Sun (Aditya in Sanskrit), was launched on September 2, 2023to study the outermost layer of the Sun, the corona, and its impact on the Earth's climate.
What is Aditya L1? All You Need To Know About India’s First Solar Mission
2024: Pioneering Space Exploration
XpoSat: ISRO’s First Polarimetry Mission
XpoSat, or the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite, is set to be launched in 2024. This mission is India’s first dedicated polarimetry mission designed to study cosmic X-rays. The satellite aims to measure the polarization of X-rays from sources such as neutron stars and black holes, providing insights into some of the universe’s most extreme and energetic phenomena.
What is XPoSat? ISRO’s First Polarimetry Mission
Gaganyaan: India’s First Manned Mission
In addition to XpoSat, 2024 will also see the launch of Gaganyaan, India’s first manned space mission. This ambitious mission aims to send Indian astronauts, known as Gagannauts, into low Earth orbit and return them safely. The Gaganyaan mission is a significant milestone in India’s space program, marking its entry into the realm of human spaceflight.
The main objective of the Gaganyaan mission is to take an Indian citizen to space on an Indian rocket from the Indian side; 2 to 3 astronauts travel to space & be in orbit of 400kms for 3 days to a week & safely land on Earth: Former ISRO Chairman Dr K Sivan pic.twitter.com/qjEs4xy9Nr
— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2022
The Road Ahead
India’s journey to becoming a space power since independence is a remarkable tale of vision and perseverance. From the nascent days of launching sounding rockets in the 1960s to achieving landmark milestones like the Chandrayaan-3 landing and the upcoming Gaganyaan mission, India has transformed into a global space leader. Through relentless innovation and strategic missions, India has not only expanded its scientific horizons but has also contributed significantly to global space exploration.
During the Nehru Science Centre’s lockdown lecture, A. S. Kiran Kumar further talked about various opportunities the space has to offer. He said, ‘Space economy is a 400 billion dollar market from launch vehicles, satellites, applications & services’. He cited that space traffic management and space debris monitoring, space mining, space tourism, and farming solar power are some areas with tremendous opportunities.
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