PIB Summaries 17 January 2025

Content:

1. SpaDeX Mission: Revolutionising Space Exploration
2. Cabinet approves the establishment of “Third Launch Pad”

SpaDeX Mission: Revolutionising Space Exploration

Context : Achievement Milestone:

• India’s Fourth Nation Status: With the successful execution of the SpaDeX mission, India joins the elite group of countries capable of space docking operations.
  • Launch Details:
    • Mission initiated on 30th December 2024.
    • Spacecraft launched via PSLV-C60 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
  • Docking Success: Completed on 16th January 2025.

Relevance : GS 3(Space )

Technological Significance:

• SpaDeX demonstrates rendezvous, docking, and undocking capabilities essential for:
  • Satellite Servicing.
  • Space Station Operations.
  • Interplanetary Exploration.

Mission Objectives:

• Develop and validate docking mechanisms.
  • Establish control over docked satellites as a single entity.
  • Demonstrate life-extension capabilities for satellites.
  • Conduct power transfer between docked spacecraft.

Mission Features:

• Two satellites: SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), each weighing ~220 kg.
  • Equipped with:
    • Solar panels and lithium-ion batteries.
    • Advanced Attitude and Orbit Control System (AOCS).
  • Indigenous innovations include:
    • Bharatiya Docking System.
    • GNSS-based Relative Orbit Determination.
    • Inter-Satellite Communication Link (ISL).

Applications and Future Goals:

• High-resolution imaging and resourcemonitoring.
  • Preparation for ambitious missions like:
    • Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).
    • Chandrayaan-4.
    • Gaganyaan.
  • Collaboration with the Department of Biotechnology to explore space biology applications.

Global and Strategic Importance:

• Strengthens India’s leadership in autonomous space technology.
  • Supports India’s strategic goals in space exploration, enhancing global partnerships.
  • Lays groundwork for lunar sample returns and manned space missions.

Analytical Perspective:

Technological Leap:

• Marks a pivotal step in India’s transition from satellite launches to advancedspaceoperations.
  • Positions ISRO for competitive participation in global space programs.

Strategic Autonomy:

• Indigenous developments reduce dependence on foreign technologies, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Broader Implications:

• Enhances India’s capacity for space diplomacy.
  • Opens avenues for commercial utilization of space technologies.

Way Forward:

• Ensure successful undocking and validate power transfer mechanisms.
• Leverage SpaDeX outcomes for operationalizing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
• Strengthen global collaboration in space exploration and technology sharing.

SpaDeX underscores India’s emergence as a leader in space innovation, setting the stage for a new era of scientific and strategic advancements.

Cabinet approves the establishment of “Third Launch Pad”

Context : Approval and Objectives:

• The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of the Third Launch Pad (TLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
  • Objective:
    • To accommodate Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV).
    • Act as a standby for the Second Launch Pad (SLP).
    • Support Indian human spaceflight missions and enhanced space exploration capacity.

Relevance : GS 3(Space )

Features and Implementation:

• The TLP will be designed with universal adaptability to support multiple vehicle configurations:
  • NGLV.
  • LVM3 vehicles with semi-cryogenic stages.
  • Scaled-up configurations of NGLV.
  • Realization within 48 months (4 years).
  • Emphasis on industry participation and leveraging ISRO’s prior experience.

Expenditure:

• Total estimated cost: ₹3984.86 crore, covering the launch pad and associated facilities.

Impact on Space Ecosystem:

• Boosts India’s space ecosystem by enabling:
  • Increased launch frequency.
  • Support for human spaceflight and space exploration.
  • Development of heavy-lift capabilities.

Background:

Existing Launch Infrastructure:

• Current reliance on:
  • First Launch Pad (FLP): Operational for 30 years, primarily supports PSLV and SSLV missions.
  • Second Launch Pad (SLP): Operational for 20 years, designed for GSLV and LVM3. It also supports PSLV missions and commercial launches.

Need for a Third Launch Pad:

• Increasing demands of the Amrit Kaal vision:
  • Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035.
  • Indian crewed lunar landing by 2040.
  • Requirement for new-generation, heavier launch vehicles with advanced propulsion systems.

TLP Justification:

• Current launch pads are insufficient to cater to:
  • Upcoming heavier-class launch vehicles.
  • Increased launch frequencies for national and commercial missions.
  • TLP is critical to support space transportation needs for the next 25-30 years.

Analytical Perspective:

Strategic Importance:

• Enhances national space capabilities to compete globally.
  • Critical for missions like Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan, and interplanetary exploration.
  • Reduces dependency on aging infrastructure, ensuring redundancy.

Economic and Industrial Implications:

• Promotes private sector participation in the space sector, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat.
  • Strengthens India’s position as a commercial space hub, boosting exports and collaborations.

Technological Advancements:

• Supports development of semi-cryogenic engines and heavier payload capabilities.
  • Enables human-rated launches and next-gen propulsion systems.

Way Forward:

• Timely execution of the TLP project to meet evolving space demands.
• Integration with future projects like NGLV, Bharatiya Antariksh Station, and Indian lunar missions.
• Strengthening private-public partnerships for innovative and cost-effective solutions.

The Third Launch Pad represents a significant step toward realizing India’s ambitious space vision, reinforcing its leadership in the global space arena.