New Delhi: Last year, India achieved significant milestones in space exploration, with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducting nine launches in 2023. These launches included research-based and commercial satellite missions, showcasing ISRO’s prowess in the field. Rajarajan, the Director of Satish Dhawan Space Centre, reflected on the successes of the previous year and shared insights into ISRO’s ambitious plans for 2024.
GAGANYAAN MISSION PREPARATIONS
Looking ahead to this year, Rajarajan revealed ISRO-SHAR’s objective to surpass the launch count of 2023 and set a remarkable milestone of at least one rocket launch per month. While emphasizing the importance of research-oriented spacecraft launches catering to scientific exploration, Rajarajan also mentioned that four to five launches would be specifically connected to Gaganyaan, India’s manned space mission.
Undoubtedly, the Gaganyaan mission holds special significance in ISRO’s plans for 2024. Rajarajan highlighted the extensive preparations underway, which include a series of experiments and missions to tackle various challenges faced by the human crew during launch, recovery, and return. These preparations involve tests like TV-D1, TV-D2, and a ‘pad-abort’ test, along with integrated air drop tests to ensure the functionality of parachutes. Additionally, ISRO is set to collaborate with NASA on the NISAR satellite, adding to the excitement and scope of their space exploration efforts.
The Director emphasized the need for comprehensive evaluations and safety assessments, as the success of the Gaganyaan mission relies on meticulous planning and execution. While the manned crew tests are scheduled to commence in 2025, following the completion of all trials, Rajarajan reaffirmed the importance of thoroughly evaluating flight parameters and orbit conditions to ensure a successful mission.
With ISRO’s track record and the dedication of its scientists and engineers, the anticipation for India’s space exploration endeavors in 2024 is high. The year is expected to witness a flurry of launches, research-oriented missions, and significant progress toward the much-anticipated Gaganyaan mission. As India continues its pursuit of advancements in space, ISRO remains at the forefront, driving innovation and expanding the horizons of our understanding of the universe.
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