Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has taken another significant step towards its dream of hoisting the tricolor in space with the Gaganyaan mission. ISRO successfully conducted the second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

The importance of this test is underscored by the fact that its success has ensured the safety of India's first human space mission. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh shared this proud achievement with the nation.

The complexity of this test can be gauged from the fact that a dummy crew module was dropped from several kilometers high. The most challenging part of the mission occurs when astronauts re-enter the Earth's atmosphere from 400 kilometers above. At that moment, the module's speed is so high that the parachute must deploy in the correct sequence to ensure a safe landing.

IADT-02 has proven that India's parachute system and recovery technology are completely accurate. Under the Gaganyaan mission, three Indian astronauts are to be sent to space for three days. The biggest challenge of this mission is to safely land them in the sea.

ISRO's success has ensured that there will be no mishap during landing. This mission is scheduled for next year and every success like this positions India among the few countries capable of sending humans into space.

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New Delhi, August 21: Riding high on the success of the International Space Station (ISS) mission, Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla expressed confidence that India will soon witness a spaceflight launched with its own capsule, rocket, and from its own soil. He shared his thoughts during a press conference on Thursday, reflecting on his recent experience aboard the ISS.

Shukla described the hands-on exposure during the Axiom-4 mission as invaluable and far more enriching than any classroom training or simulator session. He highlighted that although simulations help prepare an astronaut, the actual launch, the ignition of the rocket, and the subsequent journey into space bring an entirely unique and indescribable sensation. According to him, the feeling of being strapped into a rocket, experiencing lift-off, and finally returning to Earth with a sea landing is something words can hardly capture.

Drawing a parallel to India’s first astronaut Rakesh Sharma, who famously said in 1984 that "India looks best from space", Shukla echoed a similar sentiment, reaffirming that even today, “India still looks the most beautiful from space.”

Speaking about his Axiom-4 mission experience, Shukla emphasized that the knowledge and practical insights he gained during the mission will significantly benefit India’s upcoming human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan. He believes that the learning from his participation in the ISS will serve as a crucial input in enhancing India's preparedness for such ambitious projects.

As per agency report, the astronaut’s remarks reflect India’s growing confidence and readiness in the field of human spaceflight, as the country gears up to take a giant leap in space exploration through indigenous means.

Surat – A group of 28 tribal science stream students from 15 government schools in Tapi district has embarked on an educational tour to the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) satellite launching centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, from August 10 to 13.

The visit is part of the ‘Vigyan Setu – Tapi ke Taare’ project, an innovative initiative launched in the state especially for tribal children. It marks the first time such an opportunity has been provided under this programme.

State Minister for Forests and Environment Mukeshbhai Patel met the students on Sunday at the Surat Airport auditorium before their departure. He interacted with them on topics ranging from their first flight experience to career aspirations, encouraging them to “learn with enjoyment” and develop a scientific outlook.

As per agency report, the minister said the visit would provide the students with in-depth knowledge about space science and ISRO’s research activities, expanding their thinking and understanding. He urged them to draw inspiration from the life of the “Missile Man,” Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, to pursue higher education and bring pride to the nation.

Patel also suggested that the students share their experiences with the Prime Minister through letters and compile a souvenir booklet to commemorate the trip. He congratulated the large number of girls selected for the programme and encouraged them to continue progressing in their education.

The event was attended by Tapi district project administrator Jayantsinh Rathod, district development officer Ramniwas Bugalia, other administrative officials, and the students.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced a major advancement in the development of a high-thrust semi-cryogenic engine, marking a crucial step toward upgrading its heavy-lift launch vehicle, LVM3. As per agency report, the semi-cryogenic engine, capable of generating a thrust of 2,000 kilonewtons, is designed to replace the current core liquid stage (L110) of LVM3 and significantly enhance its payload capacity.

This engine, powered by a combination of liquid oxygen and kerosene, is part of ISRO’s plan to adopt cleaner and more efficient propellant systems. Unlike conventional hypergolic propellants, the semi-cryogenic system uses non-toxic and non-hazardous fuels, offering improved performance and reduced environmental impact.

The space agency reported its first major success in this programme on March 28, when it successfully conducted the inaugural hot test of the Engine Power Head Test Article (PHTA) at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The test demonstrated smooth ignition and stable operation in boost strap mode for a duration of 2.5 seconds.

The primary objective of this test was to validate the integrated functioning of critical subsystems such as the pre-burner, turbo pump, start system, and control components within a short hot-firing duration. According to ISRO, the engine operated as expected, with all performance parameters meeting the predicted values.

This successful test paves the way for a series of further evaluations on the PHTA, aimed at fine-tuning and validating the engine’s performance before assembling the fully integrated engine. The development of the semi-cryogenic engine and its associated stage (SC120) is being spearheaded by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC).

Once fully developed, the SE2000 engine will not only enhance the capability of LVM3 but will also serve as a power unit for the booster stages of future launch vehicles. ISRO's focus on this advanced propulsion technology reflects its commitment to pushing the boundaries of space transportation, enabling more ambitious missions in the years to come.

New Delhi, March 19 – India’s ambitious human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, is nearing its final preparations, with the last test flight scheduled to send a female humanoid robot, Vyommitra, into space by the end of this year. Union Minister Jitendra Singh provided this update in the Lok Sabha while responding to supplementary questions related to the country’s space program.

Singh, who serves as the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office and oversees the Department of Space, emphasized that the four astronauts selected for the Gaganyaan mission have been kept away from public attention to ensure their rigorous training remains uninterrupted. He stated that the last test mission, which will serve as a "dress rehearsal" for Gaganyaan, will see Vyommitra undertaking a journey into space and returning safely. Once all necessary procedures are completed, the final manned mission will proceed.

As per agency report, Singh acknowledged a coincidental connection between the parliamentary session and space developments, mentioning that Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams had returned to Earth earlier in the day. He also referred to a congratulatory message sent by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Williams, highlighting India’s continued engagement with global space advancements.

The minister clarified that keeping the selected Gaganyaan astronauts—Group Captain Prashant Balakrishnan Nair, Angad Pratap, Ajit Krishnan, and Shubhanshu Shukla—away from the media was a deliberate move to prevent distractions that could affect their intensive training. Among them, Shukla is expected to join an international team for a mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

Singh elaborated on India’s future space missions, revealing that Chandrayaan-4 will focus on collecting lunar samples while also providing critical experience for future deep-space explorations. The mission will test docking and undocking procedures, essential for upcoming interplanetary projects.

He outlined a roadmap for India’s space ambitions, announcing that the Chandrayaan-4 mission is scheduled for 2027, followed by the Venus mission in 2028. By 2035, India aims to establish its own space station, and by 2040, an Indian astronaut is expected to set foot on the Moon.

The minister also informed the Parliament that India is expanding its space launch infrastructure, with the country’s fourth launch pad being developed in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu. He recalled that India’s first launch pad was established in 1979, followed by the second at Sriharikota a decade later. Now, alongside the ongoing construction of a third launch pad at Sriharikota, the fourth site in Tamil Nadu will further enhance India’s space capabilities.

With these developments, India is positioning itself as a formidable player in the global space race, marking a significant step towards human space exploration and interplanetary missions.

Bengaluru, March 15 – The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced on Saturday that it has successfully conducted a flight acceptance hot test for the cryogenic engine of the LVM3-M6 launch vehicle. The test took place at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.

Flight acceptance tests are crucial for evaluating the quality and performance of an engine and its sub-systems before they are integrated into a mission. LVM3, also known as Launch Vehicle Mark-3, is a three-stage medium-lift launch vehicle developed by ISRO.

As per agency report, ISRO stated that each mission requires the cryogenic engine to undergo a hot test as part of the flight qualification process. Previously, these tests were conducted at the ISRO Propulsion Complex’s High Altitude Test (HAT) facility, where the maximum test duration was limited to 25 seconds.

In a major advancement, ISRO confirmed that for the first time, the cryogenic engine (CE20) underwent a prolonged 100-second test in non-vacuum conditions, utilizing an innovative nozzle protection system. The organization highlighted this as a significant step in enhancing the reliability of the LVM3-M6 mission.

This test marks a crucial milestone in India's space exploration journey, reinforcing the efficiency of its indigenous cryogenic technology. With the success of this test, ISRO moves one step closer to the upcoming LVM3-M6 mission, which is expected to further bolster India’s capabilities in heavy-lift space launches.

Bengaluru, January 17 – The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has released a video showcasing the successful docking of satellites as part of its groundbreaking Space Docking Experiment (Spadex). This marks a significant milestone in India's ambitious space exploration journey.

India Joins Elite Club with Successful Satellite Docking

On January 16, 2025, ISRO achieved a historic feat by successfully docking two satellites, Chaser and Target (SDX-01 and SDX-02). This accomplishment positions India as the fourth country in the world, after the United States, Russia, and China, to achieve satellite docking in space.

The docking process not only demonstrated the seamless attachment of the satellites but also established control over them as a unified entity. This technology is essential for future space missions requiring multiple rocket launches and inter-satellite cooperation.

A Major Step Towards Future Missions

The docking technology holds critical importance for India's future space endeavors, including:

• Chandrayaan-4 lunar missions
• Gaganyaan human spaceflight program
• Establishing an Indian Space Station
• Landing astronauts on the Moon

In October 2024, the Indian government announced its plan to establish the Indian Space Station by 2035, a move that will strengthen India's position in the global space community.

ISRO’s Leadership Speaks

ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan lauded the team behind the mission for their dedication and expertise, which has paved the way for India's advanced space capabilities.

ISRO’s Announcement on Social Media

In a video shared on its official ‘X’ account, ISRO showcased the precise docking process, captioning it, “On January 16, 2025, ISRO successfully completed the docking of two Spadex satellites (SDX-01 and SDX-02).”

This achievement will play a pivotal role in advancing India’s long-term space goals and demonstrates the nation’s growing expertise in cutting-edge space technologies.

Bengaluru – The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a historic milestone on Thursday by successfully docking two satellites under its Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX). Following the docking, ISRO also announced the successful establishment of control over the two satellites as a single entity, marking a significant technological leap for India.

Pioneering Achievement in Space Exploration

ISRO celebrated the success on social media platform X, stating, “India has etched its name in space history. Good morning, India! The SPADEX mission has achieved historic success in docking. Proud to witness this moment.”

With this achievement, India joins the ranks of the United States, Russia, and China as the fourth nation to demonstrate space docking technology.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated ISRO scientists and the space community on X, saying, “Congratulations to ISRO’s scientists and the entire space community for the successful demonstration of satellite docking in space. This is a vital step forward for India’s ambitious space missions in the years to come.”

Future Testing and Milestones

ISRO stated that after successfully docking the two satellites, the team is now set to conduct further tests, including "undocking" and "power transfer." Earlier on January 12, ISRO performed a prelude test by bringing two spacecraft within three meters of each other and then safely moving them apart.

The SPADEX mission was officially launched on December 30, 2024, with two small satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), aboard the PSLV-C60 rocket. The rocket lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, carrying 24 payloads, and deployed the 220-kilogram satellites into a circular orbit at an altitude of 475 kilometers.

Significance of Space Docking Technology

Space docking technology is critical for advanced space missions requiring multiple rocket launches to achieve objectives. These include lunar missions, sample retrieval from celestial bodies, and the construction and operation of India's upcoming space station (Bharatiya Antariksheya Station - BAS).

SPADEX demonstrates India's capability to develop cost-effective technologies for space docking, paving the way for future endeavors like lunar research, interplanetary missions, and building a sustainable human presence in space.

This milestone reinforces India’s growing prowess in space exploration and its vision to expand its capabilities for global collaboration in advanced space technologies.

Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh): Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S. Somanath announced on Thursday that ISRO is preparing a mission to demonstrate a "Space Docking" experiment called 'SPADEX' using its reliable Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The announcement was made at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.

Somanath revealed that the rocket is in its preparation stage, and ISRO scientists expect to launch the mission by the end of December.

During the day, the Secretary of the Department of Space thanked NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and European Space Agency (ESA) officials for the successful launch of the PSLV-C59/Proba-3 mission. He added, “Following this mission, the PSLV-C60 launch is scheduled for December, aimed at demonstrating the Space Docking experiment, named SPADEX.”

What is Space Docking?
Space Docking refers to the technology of connecting two spacecraft in orbit. It is a critical capability enabling astronauts to transfer between spacecraft or resupply space stations. This technology plays a pivotal role in the operation of space stations and future interplanetary missions.

Somanath emphasized that mastering this technology would significantly advance India's ability to build its own space station and contribute to projects like the proposed Chandrayaan-4.

Regarding the Proba-3 Mission, Somanath noted that it focuses on heliophysics, the study of the Sun and its planetary systems. He highlighted the collaboration between Indian and European scientists on this mission.

Earlier in the day, ISRO successfully launched two ESA satellites into orbit as part of a dedicated commercial mission using PSLV, marking another milestone for the space agency.

Bengaluru, 23 June (HS): ISRO, the space agency, said on Sunday that it had accomplished a third straight success in the Reusable Launch Vehicle Landing Experiment by showing the launch vehicle's autonomous landing capabilities under more extreme conditions.

This mission simulated the approach and landing interface, as well as high-speed landing conditions for a vehicle returning from space, reaffirming the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) expertise in acquiring the most critical technologies needed for the development of a Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV), according to the space agency. The third and final Landing Experiment (LEX-03) was carried out at 07:10 1ST at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga, Karnataka.

Following the success of the RLV LEX-01 and LEX-02 flights, ISRO stated in a statement that RLV LEX-03 proved the RLV's autonomous landing capabilities under more demanding release circumstances (cross range of 500 m vs. 150 m for LEX-02) and more strong winds.

The winged vehicle, designated 'Pushpak', was launched from an Indian Air Force Chinook Helicopter at a height of 4.5 km from a release point 4.5 kilometers from the runway. Pushpak completed cross-range corrective manoeuvres autonomously, approached the runway, and landed precisely on the runway centerline, according to the report. Because of the vehicle's low lift-to-drag ratio aerodynamic arrangement, the landing velocity approached 320 kmph, compared to 260 kmph for a commercial aircraft and 280 kmph for a conventional fighter aircraft, it noted.

According to ISRO, following impact, the vehicle's velocity was lowered to roughly 100 kmph using its brake parachute, and landing gear brakes were used to decelerate and halt on the runway. During the ground roll phase, Pushpak uses its rudder and nose wheel steering system to ensure a stable and accurate ground roll along the runway, the company stated.

According to the space agency, this mission mimicked the approach and landing interface, as well as high-speed landing circumstances for a spacecraft returning from space, demonstrating ISRO's experience in collecting the most crucial technologies necessary for the construction of a Reusable Launch spacecraft (RLV).

The space agency said that this mission confirmed the enhanced guiding algorithm for longitudinal and lateral plane error corrections, which is required for the forthcoming Orbital Re-entry Mission.

The RLV-LEX features multi-sensor fusion, comprising sensors such as the inertial sensor, radar altimeter, flush air data system, pseudolite system, and NavIC, it claimed. Notably, the RLV-LEX-03 mission reused the winged body and flight systems from the LEX-02 mission with no modifications, proving the durability of ISRO's design competence to reuse flight systems between missions.

The mission, directed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), was a joint effort of many ISRO centers, including Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Network (ISTRAC), and Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota.

The Indian Air Force, Aeronautical Development Establishment, Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Regional Centre for Military Airworthiness under the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification, National Aerospace Laboratories, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Indian aerospace industrial partners, Indian Oil Corporation of India, and Airport Authority of India all provided significant support for the mission.

S Somanath, Chairman, ISRO/Secretary, Department of Space, complimented the crew on their efforts to sustain a successful streak in such complicated missions. Dr. S Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of VSSC, stated that this repeated performance strengthens ISRO's confidence in the vital technologies required for future orbital re-entry missions. J Muthupandian is the expedition Director, while B Karthik is the Vehicle Director for this successful expedition.

Chitradurga, Karnataka - March 22nd: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone today with the successful landing of its indigenously developed Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV), named "Pushpak." This marks a major step forward in making space exploration more economical and sustainable.

The landing, which took place at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga, Karnataka, involved the RLVLEX-02 vehicle, a winged rocket roughly the size of an SUV. Nicknamed the "Indigenous Space Shuttle," Pushpak is designed for reusability, significantly reducing launch costs compared to traditional expendable rockets.

"This mission successfully simulated the approach and high-speed landing conditions of an RLV returning from space," ISRO said in a statement. "With this success, we have revalidated our technologies in navigation, control systems, landing gear, and deceleration systems, critical for autonomous landing of a spacefaring vehicle."

Released from an Air Force helicopter at an altitude of 4.5 kilometers, Pushpak demonstrated its ability to land precisely on the runway using a combination of a brake parachute, landing gear brakes, and a nose wheel steering system. The successful mission is a collaborative effort between Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC), Liquid Propulsion Systems Center (LPSC), and ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU).

ISRO Chairman S Somnath congratulated the team on their achievement, while Dr. S Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of VSSC, called it a crucial step towards future orbital re-entry missions. The Pushpak Viman Mission team was led by Sunil P, Program Director of the Advanced Technology and Systems Programme at VSSC.

New Delhi - Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram alongside Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Chairman S Somnath on Tuesday. 

The Prime Minister inaugurated three significant space infrastructure projects, collectively valued at approximately Rs 1800 crore. These projects include the SLV Integration Facility (PIF) at Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, the new 'Semi-Cryogenics Integrated Engine and Stage Test Facility' at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, and the 'Trisonic Wind Tunnel' at VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram.

Addressing the gathering, Modi emphasized India's expanding presence in the global space arena, noting the country's advancements in space technology. He urged everyone to focus on the tricolor, space, and the aspirations of India's 1.4 billion citizens.

The Prime Minister also reviewed the progress of the Gaganyaan mission and conferred 'astronaut wings' upon the four selected astronauts. The astronauts - Group Captain Prashant Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla - were hailed as the pioneers who will carry India's aspirations into space.

Highlighting the significance of the Gaganyaan mission, Modi likened the astronauts to the embodiment of India's ambitions in space exploration. He emphasized that India is poised to create history as it prepares to send an Indian into space after four decades, with the entire mission being indigenous.

Reflecting on India's recent achievements in space, Modi recalled the country's feat of planting its flag on the south pole of the Moon last year, making it the first nation to do so. He stated that India's space program, including the Gaganyaan mission, is a testament to the nation's growing prowess in space technology.

The Prime Minister expressed pride in the fact that much of the equipment used in the Gaganyaan mission is 'Made in India'. He noted that India's journey towards becoming one of the top three economies globally aligns with its aspirations to elevate its space sector to new heights.