Space Program Goals (2025)

Space Program Goals (2025): India’s space program is shifting into mission mode, with significant plans underway for Chandrayaan-4, Bharatiya Antariksh Station, and human spaceflight.

  • Key Highlights of Missions:

o PSLV-C60 Mission (Dec 30, 2024): Laid the foundation for Chandrayaan-4 & Bharatiya Antariksh Station.

o Deployed SpaDeX satellites into a 475-km circular orbit.

o On January 16, ISRO achieved successful in-orbit rendezvous and docking.

o Planned steps: power transfer between satellites, followed by undocking.

  • POEM4 (Post-PSLV-C60): Fourth stage of PSLV-C60 moved to 350-km orbit, carrying 24 payloads.

o Tests conducted with payloads like Relocatable Robotic Manipulator, Debris Capture Robotic Arm, and CROPS (plant studies).

Several private and academic payloads demonstrated successful tests, including Manastu Space’s propulsion, Bellatrix Aerospace’s RUDRA, and GalaxEye’s SAR imaging.
  • Transporter 12 Mission (Jan 15, 2025): Three Indian payloads launched on SpaceX's Falcon 9.

o Pixxel Space: Launched Firefly hyperspectral satellites.

o Digantara: Launched Space Camera for Object Tracking for space situational awareness.

o XDLINX Labs: Launched Elevation 1 miniaturised communications satellite.

  • ISRO Infrastructure: Third launch pad approved at SDSC Sriharikota to be built by 2029.
  • Vikas Engine Test: Successful restart test conducted at ISRO’s propulsion complex in Mahendragiri, enhancing atmospheric operation capability.