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Gaganyaan Mission: India’s First Human Space Flight Mission

Gaganyaan Mission: India’s First Human Space Flight Mission

Context

This editorial is based on the news “What the success of Gaganyaan could mean for Indian science which was published in the Indian Express. India revealed the names of the four Air Force officers selected for the Gaganyaan Mission, the country’s maiden attempt at sending humans into Space.

Relevancy for Prelims: Gaganyaan Mission, ISRO Conducts Test Flight (TV-D1) For The Gaganyaan, Vyommitra: A Humanoid Robot For Gaganyaan, Environmental Control and Life Support System For Gaganyaan, and CE20 Cryogenic Engine.

Relevancy for Mains: Significance of Gaganyaan Mission, Need for India to have stake in Space Technologies

Gaganyaan Mission: India’s First-ever Human Space Flight Mission

  • First Manned Spaceflight in 40 Years: Gaganyaan Mission to launch in the coming year, this mission would mark the first time in 40 years that Indian astronauts embark on a journey into space and the first ones to go on an Indian spacecraft. 
  • Pioneering Nations in Manned Space Exploration: To date, only three nations – the United States, Russia, and China – have conducted manned space missions.

Gaganyaan Mission

Why Does India Want to Have a Stake in Space Technologies?

  • More than 600 people from ~50 countries have travelled to space.
  • Executing a human spaceflight mission is still a novelty for countries.
  • Rush in human spaceflight missions expected in coming decades.
  • Ensure access to rights, resources, novel technologies.
  • Gain expertise for early adoption of new space technologies.
  • Build control over technologies critical for future economic growth.
  • Space programs drive spin-off technologies (ex: MRI, heart implants)
  • Sustain science & tech ecosystem to avoid future tech denial.

India’s Past Struggles with Technology Denial

  • 1990s: US denied India cryogenic rocket technology, slowing space program
  • 1998: Economic sanctions after nuclear tests, denied basic tech components
  • COVID-19: Requests for PPE kits and medicines from abroad denied
    • All these factors drove the push for tech independence, domestic manufacturing in strategic sectors.

New Indian Science & Technology Initiatives

Reception and Path Forward

  • Need for Structural Reforms: Scientific community is generally welcoming of new initiatives. However, structural reforms still needed to significantly boost research.
  • Sustained Engagement: It is required to address science education and research issues.
  • Long Term Vision and Investment: Current human and capital resources may not be adequate. Becoming a tech powerhouse will require long-term vision and Investment.
Also Read: Privatisation Of Space Sector

 

Prelims PYQ (2018):

With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: 

1. PSLVs launch the satellite useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites. 

2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location in Earth. 

3. GSLV Mk III is a fourstaged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only 

(b) 2 and 3 

(c) 1 and 2 

(d) 3 only

Ans: (a)

 

Mains Question: What is the importance of Gaganyaan mission to India? Discuss various challenges related to the mission. (250 words, 15 Marks)

 

Must Read
NCERT Notes For UPSC UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Blogs UPSC Daily Editorials
Daily Current Affairs Quiz Daily Main Answer Writing
UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers UPSC Test Series 2024

 

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Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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