India sets sights on surge in civil and commercial launches

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), serving as the pivotal regulatory agency, released the comprehensive launch manifest on February 8th, delineating a strategic roadmap for India’s transformative journey in space exploration and commerce.

India’s space ambitions soar to new heights as plans for up to 30 launches over a 15-month period are unveiled, signaling a concerted push for a substantial increase in both civil and commercial launch endeavors.

This ambitious launch agenda encompasses a diverse array of missions spanning scientific exploration, commercial ventures, user-funded projects, and technology demonstrations slated across the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023-24 and fiscal year 2024-25. Of notable significance are the seven test launches earmarked for India’s prestigious Gaganyaan human spaceflight program, alongside nine missions orchestrated under the auspices of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

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A significant portion of this launch blitz, totaling 14 missions, is earmarked for India’s burgeoning commercial space sector, meticulously coordinated by the New Space India Limited (NSIL). Among these launches, seven will be executed utilizing the renowned Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), with an additional Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3) slated for deployment—an instrumental asset in accessing geostationary orbit. Furthermore, two launches will be facilitated by the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), underscoring India’s commitment to fostering innovation and accessibility within the space industry.

Integral to India’s burgeoning commercial space landscape are the plans laid out by private entities, exemplified by Agnikul Cosmos and Skyroot Aerospace. Agnikul Cosmos is poised to embark on suborbital and orbital launches with the Agnibaan SOrTeD (Suborbital Tech Demonstrator), while Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 project promises to further elevate India’s presence in the commercial space domain.

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), serving as the pivotal regulatory agency, released the comprehensive launch manifest on February 8th, delineating a strategic roadmap for India’s transformative journey in space exploration and commerce.

However, amidst the exuberance of India’s ambitious launch plans loom formidable challenges. With only one operational spaceport and a myriad of missions vying for launch opportunities—from human flights to military endeavors and private initiatives—logistical constraints threaten to impede the seamless execution of these aspirations. Moreover, supply chain disruptions and capacity limitations in manufacturing launchers and satellites pose additional hurdles, underscoring the need for concerted efforts to bolster industrial capabilities.

Of particular concern are the uncertainties surrounding the commercial ventures. Private players, engaged in developmental flights, grapple with the daunting task of meeting stringent schedules, exacerbating the unpredictability surrounding launch timelines. With confirmed payloads secured for only a fraction of the slated launches, doubts linger regarding the feasibility of meeting NSIL’s ambitious targets.

Despite these challenges, India’s resolute commitment to space exploration and commercialization remains unwavering, propelling the nation towards a future defined by innovation, opportunity, and boundless exploration.