On August 15,2018, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced an ambitious national mission to send an Indian vyomanaut to space on board an Indian spacecraft launched into orbit by using an Indian rocket lifting-off from Indian soil by the year 2022. If successful, the mission codenamed- ‘Gaganyaan-1’, will place India in the big-league of three other space superpowers- the USA, Russia and China which have the capability to launch such complex missions.
Path towards heavy-lift capability
While the history of the Indian space programme dates back to late 1960s, the country became an orbital launch capable nation on July 18, 1980 with the first successful launch of ‘Rohini RS-1’ satellite to Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) onboard an SLV-3 (Satellite Launch Vehicle-3) rocket which lifted-off from Sriharikota. ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) has come a long way since then. While SLV-3 was the first generation of Indian rockets capable of lifting very lightweight satellites weighing up to 40 kg to LEO, the much-improved ASLV (Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle) with a lift-off capacity of 150 kg to LEO replaced it as a more robust launcher by the late 1980s. But with the advent of newer platforms like the medium-lift capable PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) rocket during the 1990s and the medium-heavy lift GSLV Mark-1 launcher armed with a Russian made cryogenic upper stage engine during the early 2000s, the foundations were gradually laid towards development of a heavy lift capability.
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NEW MANTRA FOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION
AMIT COWSHISH explains why the Ministry of Defence (MOD), which is one of the biggest spenders, needs to watch out for the latest mediation rules.
NEW WAVE TERRORISM IN JAMMU & KASHMIR
KARAN KHARB argues that Pakistan's continued use of proxy war tactics against India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, poses a severe threat to national security. He advocates for a shift from a reactive to a proactive approach in counter-terrorism efforts, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of military strategies and a coordinated national policy to address both external and internal security challenges effectively.
INDIAN NAVY'S PROJECT-751 - GERMAN TKMS LEADS SPANISH NAVANTIA AFTER FIELD TRIALS FOR AIP-SUBMARINE DEAL
German submarine-builder ThyssenKrupp (TKMS) and India's Mazagaon Dockyard Limited (MDL) have emerged as leaders in the Indian Navy's Project-751, which aims to build six submarines with Fuel Cell Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) and Lithium-ion batteries. Following successful field trials, TKMS and MDL have gained an edge over competitors by demonstrating their proven AIP technology and advanced submarine design tailored to the Indian Navy's needs.
VIKSIT BHARAT FROM A DREAM TO REALITY
The article explores India's ascent as a global influencer, emphasising its strategic advancements in foreign policy, defence, and economic growth. It also highlights India's challenges in achieving sustainable development and strengthening internal security. Adopting a forward-looking approach, the article envisions India's rise as a major economic power and a key player in global stability, as outlined by LT. GEN. A.B. SHIVANE (RETD.).
WILL MODI APPLY THE LESSON LEARNT FROM KOREA IN UKRAINE?
Speculation around Prime Minister Narendra Modi's possible visit to Ukraine raises questions about India's role in mediating peace between Russia and Ukraine. Drawing from its experience during the Korean War, India may seek to leverage its strategic neutrality to foster dialogue in a conflict where China and Turkey have also shown interest, opines PRAKASH NANDA.
UGVS: THE NEXT DIMENSION OF WARFARE
With the rest of the world developing unmanned ground vehicles at a breakneck speed, it is time for India to join the bandwagon at the earliest.
SUPERSONIC DESTROYER
The BrahMos programme has filled a critical gap in the Indian armed forces' missile inventory and continues to attract strong export interest, writes ATUL CHANDRA.
POLICE MODERNISATION: AN URGENT NEED OF THE HOUR
India is facing many internal security threats, and it is time to reshape the strategic dynamics by modernising the police forces.
FUTURE FIGHTER
FIA 24 provided important insights into the Global Combat Air Programme, which will redefine the future of air combat, reports MIKE RAJKUMAR.
FILLING THE GAP
A new Medium Transport Aircraft is essential for the IAF, but it will have to compete with other pressing programmes fighting for limited budgetary resources, analyses ATUL CHANDRA.
