Take-off Point – Launch of new rocket by ISRO and possible new possibilities for private sector | 11th February 2023 | UPSC Daily Editorial Analysis

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What's the article about?

  • It talks about the launch of a new rocket, Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D2), of ISRO and thus opening new possibilities for the private sector.

Relevance:

  • GS3: Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology; Awareness in the fields of Space;
  • Prelims

Context:

  • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its second developmental flight of a Small Satellite Launch Vehicle — SSLV-D2 — and placed three satellites in precise orbit recently.
  • The three satellites are ISRO’s Earth Observation Satellite EOS 07, U.S.-based firm Antaris’ Janus-1 and Chennai-based space start-up SpaceKidz’s AzaadiSAT-2.
  • Last August, the rocket’s maiden flight was a partial failure because it could not place the satellites it was carrying in their intended orbits. The glitch has been rectified in this flight.

What is a Small Satellite Launch Vehicle?

  • Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is a three stage Launch Vehicle configured with three Solid Propulsion Stages and a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as a terminal stage.
  • SSLV is 2m in diameter and 34m in length with a lift-off weight of around 120 tonnes.
  • SSLV is capable of launching 500kg satellites in 500km planar orbit from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC).

Importance of the SSLV:

  • The present era is the era of small satellites.
  • The demand for the launch of small satellites has increased at a rapid pace in the last eight to ten years, due to the ever-growing need for space-based data, communication, surveillance, and commerce.
  • It has a relatively lower cost.
  • Development of the private space sector in India, as ISRO has planned to transfer the SSLV technology to private players.

Analysis:

  • The global nature of space economy:
    • The three passengers on the rocket’s successful foray are testimony to the global space economy’s scope and potential.
    • One of them was developed by schoolchildren across India, another belonged to the USA, and the last one was developed by ISRO.
  • Growth and the miniaturisation of satellites:
    • Space industry observers believe that the sector is poised for a three-fold expansion in the next two decades, propelled by the miniaturisation of satellites and the growing presence of a range of private players.
    • Small satellites have utility in fields as diverse as education, defence, earth sciences, emergency-related data services and smart power grids.
    • In most parts of the world, these satellites hitch onto conventional rockets.
    • With its PSLV (polar satellite launch vehicle), ISRO carved a niche for itself in the traditional launch segment. But in its 44-year history, the space research agency has averaged less than five launches a year.
    • Today’s data-driven world requires more frequent rocket launches. Private players, especially in China and the US, are stepping up to this challenge.
  • ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV):
    • The ISRO plans to transfer the SSLV technology to private players.
      In 2020, the government set up the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to enhance the diffusion of ISRO’s research.
    • The launch of India’s first private sector-developed rocket last year is an early indication of the initiative’s success.

Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe):

  • The Government of India has initiated space sector reforms, to promote, enable, authorize and supervise private enterprises and start-ups to undertake space activities.
  • An independent nodal agency under the Department of Space – the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) was announced on June 24, 2020.
  • This will enhance the diffusion of space technology and boost the space economy within the country, for a resurgent, Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
  • This far-reaching space reforms initiative, promulgated by the Government of India in June 2020, will give a major fillip to the private sector space industry, including start-ups.
  • IN-SPACe will be the cornerstone of space reforms in the country.

Way Forward:

  • The presence of more than 100 start-ups testifies to the appetite of private players for the space sector. However, the country has a long way to go to become a significant player in the small satellite-driven space economy — its share is about 2 per cent.



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