Content:
- ISRO’s 100th Launch Marks a Quantum Leap in India’s Space journey
- National Critical Mineral Mission
ISRO’s 100th Launch Marks a Quantum Leap in India’s Space journey
Background :
- 100th successful launch from Sriharikota: ISRO’s GSLV-F15/NVS-02 mission marks a historic milestone.
- Rapid infrastructure expansion: A third launch pad in Sriharikota and a new launch site in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin.
- Private sector boom: Growth from single-digit startups in 2021 to nearly 300 today.
- Economic impact: India’s space economy projected to reach $44 billion by 2035.
- Global leadership in satellite launches: ISRO handles 90% of foreign satellite launches.
Relevance : GS 3(Space)
ISRO’s Evolution: From Slow Beginnings to a Rapid Growth Phase
- Foundation (1969–1993):
- Established under Vikram Sarabhai’s leadership.
- Took over two decades for the first launch pad (1993).
- Gradual Expansion (1993–2014):
- Second launch pad established in 2004, a decade after the first.
- Transformational Growth (2014–2024):
- Accelerated infrastructure and investment.
- Upcoming third launch pad in Sriharikota.
- New spaceport in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu.
Implication: Faster development in the last decade indicates strong government push, policy reforms, and increased international collaborations.
Private Sector Revolution in Space
- 2014–2020:
- ISRO solely led India’s space advancements.
- Post-2020:
- Government reforms unlocked the space sector for private players.
- Number of space startups surged from single digits in 2021 to nearly 300 in 2025.
- Rs 1,000 crore investment in the sector in 2023 alone.
- International collaborations and private satellite launches increased significantly.
Significance: India is positioning itself as a major global hub for space entrepreneurship.
India’s Space Economy: A Growing Powerhouse
- Current valuation: $8 billion.
- Projected by 2035: $44 billion.
- Foreign satellite launches: ISRO now accounts for 90% of all global foreign satellite launches.
- India’s global positioning: Rising as a key player in commercial space launches and satellite-based services.
Economic Implication: Increased foreign investments, technology transfers, and global collaborations in the coming years.
Strategic Infrastructure Expansion
- Sriharikota Expansion: Third launch pad under development.
- New Launch Site in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu: Diversifying launch capabilities.
- Advantage of Tuticorin:
- Closer to the equator → More efficient satellite launches.
- Less congested air and sea routes compared to Sriharikota.
Strategic Benefit: Strengthens India’s launch capacity, reduces dependency on a single site, and enhances global competitiveness.
Global Leadership in Space Missions
- India’s Strengths:
- Cost-effective, reliable launch services.
- Track record of successful interplanetary missions (Mars, Moon).
- Expanding space applications (earth observation, navigation, communication).
- Future Prospects:
- Gaganyaan (Human Spaceflight).
- Chandrayaan-4, Mars Orbiter-2, Venus Mission (Shukrayaan-1).
- Strengthening collaborations with NASA, ESA, and emerging space nations.
Strategic Implication: Strengthens India’s geopolitical standing and economic influence in space technology.
Conclusion:
- Marks a transition from slow growth to rapid expansion.
- Private sector integration and policy reforms fueling innovation.
- India emerging as a dominant player in global space commerce.
- Infrastructure growth paving the way for deep-space missions and human spaceflight.
National Critical Mineral Mission
Context:
- The approval of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) is a significant step in India’s strategy to secure critical mineral resources essential for high-tech industries, green energy, and defense.
- Aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat, ensuring self-reliance in securing key minerals that are vital for electric vehicles (EVs), semiconductors, batteries, and renewable energy technologies.
- Given geopolitical vulnerabilities and supply chain disruptions, this initiative is crucial to reducing import dependence on countries like China for minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements.
Relevance : GS 3(Economic Developments ,Minerals )
Features of the Mission
Comprehensive Value Chain Approach
- Covers exploration, mining, beneficiation, processing, and recycling of critical minerals.
- Supports recovery of critical minerals from overburden and tailings (waste materials left after ore processing).
- Encourages stockpiling of critical minerals to manage supply fluctuations.
Boost to Domestic Exploration & Mining
- Fast-tracked regulatory approvals for mining projects.
- Strengthened role of Geological Survey of India (GSI), with 195 projects in FS 2024–25 and 227 planned for 2025-26.
- Auction of 24 strategic mineral blocks under the amended Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
Global Mineral Acquisition & Trade Diversification
- Indian PSUs and private firms encouraged to acquire mineral assets abroad.
- Example: KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Ltd.)’s lithium exploration project in Argentina (15,703 Ha in Catamarca province).
- Enhances critical mineral trade with resource-rich nations, reducing dependence on any single country.
Incentives & Infrastructure Development
- Financial incentives for mineral exploration.
- Establishment of mineral processing parks to encourage domestic refining capacity.
- Promotion of recycling technologies to enhance circular economy in the critical minerals sector.
R&D and Innovation
- Setting up of a Centre of Excellence on Critical Minerals.
- S&T PRISM Program (2023) to support startups & MSMEs in mineral research and technology commercialization.
Policy & Fiscal Support
- Customs duties on most critical minerals eliminated in Union Budget 2024-25, making mineral imports cheaper.
- Whole-of-Government approach ensuring coordination among ministries, research institutions, and industries.
Strategic Implications
Economic & Industrial Impact
- Strengthens domestic supply chains for EV batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, and semiconductors.
- Encourages private sector participation in mineral exploration and processing.
- Reduces trade deficits caused by high-value mineral imports.
Energy Security & Green Transition
- Ensures a steady supply of critical minerals needed for India’s renewable energy goals.
- Supports India’s net-zero emissions commitment by facilitating domestic clean technology manufacturing.
Geopolitical & Strategic Autonomy
- Reduces reliance on China, which dominates global rare earth and lithium markets.
- Strengthens India’s role in global mineral supply chains by collaborating with Australia, Argentina, and African nations.
- Enhances national security by securing minerals vital for defense and strategic technologies.
Challenges & Way Forward
Challenges
- Environmental concerns from large-scale mining.
- Regulatory hurdles & land acquisition issues.
- High capital investment needed for mineral processing and refining infrastructure.
- Technological dependency on foreign firms for processing rare earth elements.
Way Forward
- Strengthen partnerships with like-minded nations (e.g., Australia-India Critical Minerals Partnership).
- Encourage private investments in mineral processing through policy incentives.
- Develop domestic R&D capabilities for advanced mineral processing and recycling technologies.
- Ensure sustainable mining practices to balance economic growth with environmental protection.