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🇮🇳 Indian Astronaut Returns to Space After 41 Years: Shubhanshu Shukla Aboard Axiom-4 Mission to ISS

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In a landmark moment for India's space ambitions, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has blasted off to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission , marking the country's return to human spaceflight after a 41-year hiatus . This historic launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida has not only reignited national pride but also officially kickstarted India’s human spaceflight programme . The mission, operated by Axiom Space , includes a four-member international crew that will spend 14 days in orbit , conducting scientific research, outreach programs, and various commercial activities. This momentous occasion places India among a select group of nations capable of sending humans into space and reflects the growing prowess of the Indian space sector . A New Chapter: Shubhanshu Shukla and India’s Astronautical Comeback The last Indian to go to space was Rakesh Sharma in 1984, aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11. Now, in 2025, Shubhanshu...

ISRO's Next-Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) Soorya: Pioneering India's Space Exploration

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ISRO's Next-Generation Launch Vehicle 
(NGLV) Soorya: Pioneering India's Space 
Exploration

 

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has embarked on an ambitious project to develop the Next-Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), aptly named "Soorya." This initiative aims to bolster India's capabilities in space exploration, satellite deployment, and interplanetary missions. The Soorya project signifies a monumental leap in aerospace technology, aligning with global trends toward reusable and sustainable launch systems.

1. Overview of the Soorya Project

  • Strategic Vision: The Soorya project is conceived to meet India's burgeoning demands for satellite launches, human spaceflight, and deep-space missions. It is envisioned to replace ISRO's current workhorse launch vehicles, offering enhanced payload capacities and reusability features.

    pib.gov.in

  • Project Timeline: The development phase is projected to span approximately seven years, with the inaugural flight anticipated in the early 2030s. This timeline underscores ISRO's commitment to expeditiously advancing its launch capabilities.

2. Technical Specifications

  • Three-Stage Configuration: Soorya is designed as a three-stage launch vehicle, incorporating a cluster of nine engines in the first stage and two engines in the second stage. This configuration aims to optimize thrust and efficiency during ascent.

  • Payload Capacity: The vehicle is engineered to deliver payloads of up to 30 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 10 tonnes to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO), significantly surpassing the capabilities of current ISRO launch vehicles.

  • Reusability: A pivotal feature of Soorya is the recoverable first stage, designed to perform vertical landings akin to SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. This reusability is expected to substantially reduce launch costs and enhance sustainability.

3. Propulsion Systems

  • Green Propulsion: Aligning with global sustainability trends, Soorya will incorporate modular green propulsion systems, minimizing environmental impact and promoting eco-friendly space exploration.

  • Engine Clustering: The first stage's nine-engine cluster and the second stage's dual-engine setup are designed to provide robust thrust and redundancy, enhancing mission reliability and performance.

4. Reusability and Cost Efficiency

  • First-Stage Recovery: The first stage of Soorya is designed for vertical landing and reuse, a strategy aimed at reducing operational costs and turnaround times between launches.

  • Cost-Effectiveness: Despite its enhanced payload capacity, Soorya is projected to increase launch costs by only 50% compared to current vehicles, offering a cost-effective solution for heavy-lift missions.

5. Mission Versatility

  • Satellite Deployment: Soorya's substantial payload capacity makes it ideal for deploying large constellations of communication and Earth observation satellites, catering to both commercial and governmental clients.

  • Human Spaceflight: The vehicle is being developed with human-rating considerations, supporting ISRO's aspirations for crewed missions, including potential lunar landings by 2040.

  • Interplanetary Missions: With its enhanced capabilities, Soorya is poised to facilitate ambitious interplanetary missions, including Mars exploration and asteroid missions, expanding India's footprint in deep-space exploration.

6. Technological Innovations

  • Advanced Materials: The development of Soorya involves the use of advanced materials and manufacturing techniques to ensure structural integrity while minimizing weight, thereby enhancing payload efficiency.

  • Avionics and Guidance: State-of-the-art avionics systems and precision guidance technologies are being integrated to ensure accurate payload delivery and mission success.

7. International Collaboration

  • Global Partnerships: ISRO is exploring collaborations with international space agencies and commercial partners to leverage expertise, share resources, and enhance the global competitiveness of the Soorya launch vehicle.

  • Commercial Launch Services: By offering competitive pricing and reliable launch services, Soorya aims to attract international clients, positioning India as a key player in the global space launch market.

8. Environmental Considerations

  • Eco-Friendly Propellants: The adoption of green propulsion systems reflects ISRO's commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of its launch activities, aligning with global sustainability goals.

  • Noise and Emission Reduction: Innovative design features are being incorporated to minimize acoustic impact and emissions during launch, contributing to environmental preservation.

9. Economic Impact

  • Boosting the Space Economy: The development and operationalization of Soorya are expected to stimulate growth in India's space economy, creating opportunities for ancillary industries and fostering technological innovation.

  • Job Creation: The project is anticipated to generate employment across various sectors, including engineering, manufacturing, research, and development, contributing to economic growth.


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