Lok Sabha Question No. 433 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-24
Subject: Space Exploration and Technology Development
Ministry: SPACE
Asked by: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## DEPARTMENT OF SPACE LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 433

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2024

## SPACE EXPLORATION AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

433. DR. PRADEEP KUMAR PANIGRAHY:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) the manner in which India is positioning itself globally in space exploration  and  technology  development  and  the  details  of innovative technologies which are being developed to enhance space capabilities?
- (b) the details of recent successes and milestones that have been achieved and the manner in which India will leverage them for further advancement;
- (c) the manner  in  which collaborations and partnerships are fostering space technology advancements and global contributions;
- (d) the  details  of  key  priorities  for  future  space  missions  aligned with long-term goals, addressing challenges for sustained growth and success;
- (e) the  manner  in  which  India  is  promoting  innovation  and  skill development in space technology among youth; and
- (f) the  details  of  vision  for  India's  role  in  shaping  the  future  of space technology with strategies in place to realize this vision?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH):

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- a) Indian  Space  Research  Organisation  (ISRO)  has  been  at  the forefront of space technology and exploration since its inception.  Over  the  years,  leveraging  its  key  resources,  the organisation  has  made  several  strides  in  space  technologies, making India a major player in the global space arena. Current areas of research and broad priority of Indian space programme includes  Stage  Recovery  &  Reuse,  LOX-Methane  Engine,  Air breathing/Hybrid Propulsion, Advanced Materials & Manufacturing, Advanced Inertial systems, Low Cost Spacecrafts, Inter-linking of satellite networks, On-Orbit Servicing, Docking, Lunar sample return, Quantum Communication, Electric Propulsion, Advanced Scientific Payloads,  Space  Based  Surveillance,  Atomic  Clock,  Travelling Wave Tube Amplifiers for communication payloads, Technologies for sustained Human space missions viz. Regenerative  Life  support  systems,  Rendezvous  &  Docking, Inflatable habitats, Human factor & Engineering studies etc.

Subsequent  to  the  opening  of  space  sector  i.e.  Space  Sector Entities (NGEs)  is  enhanced  significantly  and  some  of  the  start-up companies are actively ventured into in key space activities viz., launch vehicle building, satellite making, space applications and

Reforms 2020, participation of Non-Governmental space situational awareness.

- b) ISRO/ DOS has recently achieved significant milestones in space exploration, including  Chandrayaan-3  mission to the  moon, Aditya-L1  mission  to  study  the  sun,  Small  Satellite  Launch Vehicle (SSLV) which offers quick, cost-effective satellite launches,  Reusable  Launch  Vehicle-Landing  Experiments  (RLVLEX) for demonstrating reusable rocket technology, X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPOSAT)  for  studying cosmic  X-rays, Gaganyaan  Test  Vehicle  (TV)  which  is  a  step  towards  India's human  space  mission  etc.  Indian  space  start-ups  have  also progressed  significantly  and  achieved  remarkable  milestones viz., Vikram-S, the first-ever suborbital flight launch by an Indian private entity (M/s Skyroot) and Agniban, an advanced sub-orbital flight launch by M/s Agnikul.
- c) International cooperation has been part of Indian space programme since inception. Establishment of Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS), conduct of Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) and Satellite Telecommunication  Experiment  Project  (STEP), launches  of

Aryabhata,  Bhaskara,  Ariane  Passenger  Payload  Experiment (APPLE),  IRS-IA,  IRS-IB  satellites,  INSAT  series  of  satellites, Missions  to  Moon,  etc.,  have  the  components  of  international cooperation.

ISRO is pursuing bilateral and multilateral relations with space agencies and space related bodies with the aim of building and strengthening  existing  ties  between  countries;  taking  up  new scientific and technological challenges addressing global challenges  like  climate  change  and  disaster  management  and defining international frameworks for exploitation and utilization of outer space for peaceful purposes.

- d) Key  priorities  for  future  space  missions  include  developing human  spaceflight  capabilities,  advanced  missions  to  moon, establishing our own space station, interplanetary missions and enhancing satellite technology for communication, navigation & earth observation. Long-term goals focus on sustainable space infrastructure, space debris management, and fostering international  collaborations.  Challenges  include  ensuring  costeffective missions, protecting against space hazards, and developing cutting-edge technology. Addressing these challenges requires investment in research, strengthening public-private  partnerships,  and  international  cooperation  to share knowledge  and  resources for sustained growth and success in space exploration.
- e) India  is  promoting  innovation  and  skill  development  in  space technology  among  youth  through  various  initiatives.  ISRO/DOS conducts outreach programs like the Young Scientist Programme (YUVIKA) to inspire students with hands-on learning experiences. ISRO also collaborates with universities and educational institutions to integrate space  technology  into curricula and support student projects. Competitions and hackathons  are conducted  to encourage  creative  problemsolving.  Additionally,  incubation  centers  provide  support  for researchers, fostering a culture of innovation and nurturing the next generation of space scientists and engineers.

Indian  National  Space  Promotion  &  Authorization  Center  (INSPACe)  has  been  making  various  initiatives  with  an  aim  to inspire, educate and equip the next generation of space professionals with necessary skills & knowledge to excel in the space sector.

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), exclusive  Academic  wing  of  Department  of  Space  has  been offering high quality education in space science and technology to meet the demands of Indian Space Programme. The institute offers  undergraduate,  postgraduate,  doctoral  and  post-doctoral programmes  in  broad  areas  of  space  science,  technology  and applications.

- f) India's vision for shaping the future of space technology includes becoming  a  leading  player  in  global  space  exploration  and

leveraging  space  technology  for  socio-economic  benefits.  The nation has set the Space Vision 2047, which includes enhancing the  India's  share  in  the  global  space  economy  at  s  significant level,  Indian  Moon  landing  by  2040  and  establishing  Bharatiya Antariskha Station by 2035. Towards framing the decadal vision &  strategy,  a  document  on  'Decadal  Vision  for  Indian  space sector with a focus on space based economy and strategies to achieve the vison' has been generated.

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