National Space Day

"We are all born with a divine fire in us. Our efforts should be to give wings to this fire and fill the world with the glow of its goodness. May God bless you! This earth is His, to Him belong those vast and boundless skies; Both seas within Him rest, and yet in that small pool He lies" ... APJ Abdul Kalam.

National Space Day, Mufawad

The Intro

On August 23, 2024, India commemorated its first National Space Day, a momentous occasion dedicated to celebrating the remarkable achievements of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This day marks the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon, ‘a mission that has firmly established India as a leading force in global space exploration’. National Space Day is a testament to India's growing expertise in space technology and its commitment to advancing scientific knowledge for the benefit of all humankind.

The Genesis

India's foray into space began in the early 1960s with the formation of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) under the guidance of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, a visionary scientist who recognized the potential of space technology in national development. The launch of Aryabhata, India’s first satellite, on April 19, 1975, was ‘I believe’ a watershed moment for India. Though launched by the Soviet Union, Aryabhata symbolized India’s entry into the domain of space exploration, laying the foundation for future milestones.

The early days of ISRO

 

The subsequent decades saw ISRO’s exponential growth. Be it the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), first launched in 1993, which emerged as the backbone of India’s space program, renowned for its reliability and versatility or the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), launched in 2013, which was also a standout achievement for India as it became the first nation to reach Mars on its maiden attempt in 2014. Moreover, this mission was accomplished on a modest budget & it exemplified India's ability to achieve remarkable feats in space exploration cost-effectively.

The Milestones

India’s space program has been punctuated by a series of groundbreaking milestones. The Chandrayaan missions have been particularly noteworthy. Chandrayaan-1, launched in 2008, made a historic discovery by detecting water molecules on the lunar surface—an insight that revolutionized lunar science. Chandrayaan-2, launched in 2019, while unfortunately facing challenges with its lander, successfully placed an orbiter that continues to provide critical data.

The triumph of Chandrayaan-3 in 2024, which achieved a flawless soft landing on the Moon, is a crowning achievement for ISRO. This mission not only showcased India’s advanced technological capabilities but also positioned the country among an elite group of nations that have successfully landed on the lunar surface.

Chandriyaan 3 landing on the Moon

 

India's advancements are not confined to lunar explorations alone. The achievements range from Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), also known as Naavic, is a stellar example of India's progress towards achieving self-reliance in satellite navigation to the ambitious Gaganyaan mission, aimed at launching Indian astronauts into space, which would ‘ofcourse’ mark a new chapter in India’s space saga.

This year on February 27th, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the astronauts selected for this very historic mission: PB Nair, Ajit Krishnan, Angad Pratab, and Shubanshu Shukla. Their journey will be a significant stride forward in India's aspirations for human space exploration.

PB Nair, Ajit Krishnan, Angad Pratab, Shubanshu Shukla

 

The Pioneers

India's contributions to space are further exemplified by the achievements of Indian-origin space scientists and astronauts who have left an indelible mark on global space exploration. To name a few,

Dr. Vikram Sarabhai is often hailed as the father of India’s space program. He established the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962, which later evolved into ISRO. Dr. Sarabhai envisioned using space technology for societal benefits, particularly in communication, meteorology, and education. His efforts led to the launch of India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, in 1975.

Vikram Sarabhai

 

Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha was a key figure in India’s scientific community and played a crucial role in establishing the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and the Atomic Energy Commission. His contributions to nuclear science laid the groundwork for India’s early space capabilities.

Homi J Bhabha

 

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, known as the "Missile Man of India," significantly contributed to the development of India’s missile and space technologies. As the Director of DRDO and later the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister, Dr. Kalam was instrumental in the development of the Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III), which successfully deployed the Rohini satellite into orbit in 1980. His legacy extends to his role as the 11th President of India, where he inspired countless individuals with his vision for a developed India.

APJ Abdul Kalam

 

Dr. Satish Dhawan succeeded Dr. Sarabhai as Chairman of ISRO and is credited with overseeing the development of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). His leadership was pivotal in achieving several milestones, including the successful launch of the first Indian satellite into geostationary orbit.

Satish Dhawan

Rakesh Sharma made history in 1984 as the first Indian citizen to travel to space aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11. His famous remark, “Saare Jahaan Se Achha,” when asked about how India looked from space, became a source of immense national pride.

Rakesh Sharma (Centre)

 

Kalpana Chawla, the first woman of Indian descent in space, flew on two NASA missions. Tragically, her life was cut short during the STS-107 Columbia mission in 2003. Chawla’s legacy continues to inspire millions across the world, especially young women aspiring to careers in space and science.

Kalpana Chawla

 

Sunita Williams, another astronaut of Indian heritage, has set records for the longest spaceflight by a woman and for completing the most spacewalks by a woman. Her work aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and her leadership in space missions have solidified her place as a trailblazer in space exploration. Currently, she is stuck in the International space station as the Boeing Starliner spacecraft that carried her developed technical glitches.

Sunita Williams

 

Last but not least, I would love to mention Sirisha Bandla, who became the second Indian-born woman to venture into space, played a pivotal role in Virgin Galactic’s Unity 22 mission in July 2021. Her involvement in human-tended research during the suborbital spaceflight highlights the growing contributions of Indian-origin professionals in the burgeoning commercial space sector.

 

Shrishi Bandla

The National Space Day

National Space Day is more than just a celebration; it is a call to action for the nation’s youth, scientists, and innovators. The theme of the inaugural National Space Day, “Touching lives while touching the Moon,” underscores the role of space technology in driving societal progress, economic growth, and national development.

This day highlights the transformative potential of space exploration in addressing global challenges such as climate change, disaster management, and resource scarcity. It is also a reminder of the importance of fostering curiosity and innovation among the younger generation, encouraging them to dream big and contribute to India’s future as a spacefaring nation.

The Future

Looking ahead, India’s space program is poised for even greater achievements. ISRO’s ambitious roadmap includes the Shukrayaan mission to explore Venus, the Aditya-L1 mission, launched in September 2022 to study the Sun, and future lunar and Martian explorations. The development of reusable launch vehicles and advancements in space robotics promise to further reduce costs and enhance mission efficiency.

Aditiya L1

 

Moreover, the increasing collaboration between ISRO and the private sector is set to transform India’s space landscape. Recent policy changes encouraging private participation are expected to drive innovation, create new opportunities, and establish India as a global leader in space technology. Due to this policy change under Modi Government, more than 200 plus startups have popped up in Space sector such as Pixxel, Dhruva Space, Skyroot et. al.

India’s vision for the future also includes collaborating with other leading nations in international space missions and fostering global partnerships. India has been continuously cooperation with countries like Russia, France, USA et. al. for various missions. Highlights of few achievements that were realized via international cooperation include: Aryabattha (ISRO-ROSCOSMOS) Chandaryaan 1 (ISRO-NASA), Megha-Tropeques (India-France), Saral (India-France) etc.

The Conclusion

India’s National Space Day is a celebration of a nation’s extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to becoming a formidable force in space exploration. It is a tribute to the scientists, engineers, and visionaries who have propelled India to the forefront of space exploration. As the nation continues to expand its horizons, the future holds limitless possibilities. With unwavering determination and a commitment to innovation, India stands ready to explore the final frontier and contribute to the global quest for knowledge and discovery.