Deepto Banerjee
Sep 17, 2024
India’s space journey began with Aryabhata, the country’s first satellite, launched on April 19, 1975. This mission marked India’s entry into space exploration. Although Aryabhata faced power failure issues, it provided valuable experience to Indian scientists in satellite technology and paved the way for future missions.
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In 1980, India launched its first satellite launch vehicle, SLV-3, which successfully placed the Rohini Satellite in orbit. This mission established India’s capability to launch satellites independently, reducing reliance on foreign space agencies and building the foundation for future launch vehicles like the PSLV and GSLV.
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Chandrayaan-1 was a landmark mission for India, launched in 2008. It aimed to study the moon and made a groundbreaking discovery of water molecules on the lunar surface. The success of Chandrayaan-1 positioned India as a significant player in lunar exploration and sparked global interest in India’s space capabilities.
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Mangalyaan, launched in 2013, was India’s first interplanetary mission to Mars. It made India the first Asian country to reach Mars and the only nation to succeed on its first attempt. The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) showcased India’s low-cost space exploration prowess and gathered valuable data on Martian atmosphere and surface conditions.
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Chandrayaan-2 was launched in 2019 with the goal of soft landing a rover on the Moon’s South Pole. Although the lander, Vikram, lost communication during its descent, the orbiter continues to function successfully, capturing high-resolution images of the lunar surface. The mission provided important data for future lunar exploration.
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Astrosat, launched in 2015, is India’s first dedicated space observatory. It aims to study celestial sources in X-ray, ultraviolet, and optical wavelengths simultaneously. Astrosat plays a key role in understanding high-energy processes in the universe, such as neutron stars, black holes, and active galactic nuclei.
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In 2017, ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C37) set a world record by launching 104 satellites in a single mission. This feat demonstrated India’s growing expertise in satellite deployment and commercial space missions, attracting numerous international clients to ISRO’s satellite launch services.
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Chandrayaan-3 is India’s follow-up mission to Chandrayaan-2, scheduled for launch in 2024. It aims to achieve a successful soft landing on the Moon. This mission will continue India’s exploration of the lunar surface, with a focus on enhancing the understanding of the Moon’s composition and geological activity.
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Spaceflight Mission (Planned for 2025)Gaganyaan is India’s ambitious plan to send astronauts into space by 2025. This mission will be India’s first manned spaceflight, with a crewed spacecraft set to orbit Earth. Gaganyaan represents a new chapter in India’s space exploration journey, focusing on human space exploration and advancing India’s position in the global space community.
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