By accomplishing a number of noteworthy milestones that highlight its expanding capabilities and aspirations, ISRO has designated 2024 as a turning point in its space exploration path. The following are the major advancements in next-generation launch vehicles, reusable rockets, and space exploration:
The PSLV-C58, carrying India’s second X-ray polarimetry mission, XPoSat, was launched by ISRO on January 1, 2024. With this satellite, India joins a select few countries that are able to conduct such missions, studying celestial phenomena such as neutron stars and black holes.
Aditya-L1, ISRO’s first solar mission, completed its assigned halo orbit around the L1 point on January 6, 2024. Studying solar activity and how it affects Earth’s climate depends on this mission.
ISRO successfully completed the RLV LEX-02 test in March 2024, showcasing the Pushpak vehicle’s capacity for autonomous landing. The June test of the RLV LEX-03, which demonstrated sophisticated navigation and control systems required for reusable spacecraft in the future, came next.
The third and last test in the RLV Landing Experiment series (RLV LEX-03) was successfully finished by ISRO on June 23. The Pushpak vehicle demonstrated ISRO’s proficiency in creating vital technologies for reusable spacecraft during this test by performing precise horizontal landings, cross-range corrective maneuvers, and simulations of the return and landing conditions of a spacefaring vehicle.
ISRO launched the Proba-3 mission for the European Space Agency (ESA) on December 5, 2024. This mission strengthens ISRO’s position in global space cooperation while concentrating on researching the Sun’s outer corona.
To replicate space conditions on Earth, ISRO launched India’s first analog space mission at Leh in November 2024. By exposing astronauts to both physical and psychological challenges, this mission aims to prepare them for future interplanetary trips.
The INSAT-3DS weather satellite was successfully launched by ISRO on the GSLV-MkII rocket on February 17. With a ten-year operational lifespan, the satellite improves India’s capacity for disaster assistance, oceanic observations, environmental monitoring, and weather forecasting. India’s third-generation geostationary satellites now include this important addition.
A new launch vehicle that can carry larger payloads than existing models is currently under development. Among the cutting-edge technology this vehicle will use are semi-cryogenic engines.
India’s first crewed spacecraft is currently being prepared with the goal of showcasing ISRO’s capacity to maintain human presence in space.
All things considered, ISRO’s standing as a major force in space exploration has been cemented in 2024 thanks to a number of accomplishments that not only strengthen India’s technological capabilities but also make a substantial contribution to global scientific initiatives.
