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New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has unveiled an ambitious and comprehensive launch schedule for the year 2024. The program includes a myriad of missions aimed at advancing India’s space exploration capabilities, from satellite deployments to significant milestones in the Gaganyaan programme. Laying the groundwork for future human spaceflight missions.
ISRO has planned six missions of PSLV, three GSLV launches and one commercial mission of Launch Vehicle Mark-3 in 2024, the central government informed the Rajya Sabha today.
The launch program revealed by Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, includes multiple missions using different launch vehicles for specific purposes. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) will be planned for six missions to contribute to a wide range of scientific and commercial endeavors. These missions include the deployment of one space science satellite, one Earth observation satellite, two technology demonstration missions and two commercial missions operated by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) is scheduled for three missions, each targeting different objectives. These include the deployment of a meteorological satellite, a navigation satellite and a joint NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite, highlighting ISRO’s dedication to advancing satellite-based meteorology, navigation and international space cooperation.
Apart from satellite launches, ISRO’s program also includes important unmanned missions integral to the Gaganyaan program. These missions are aimed at validating the human-rated launch vehicle and orbital module, which are critical to India’s aspirations in human space flight.
Several sub-orbital missions are also planned to rigorously test the Gaganyaan Crew Escape System under various abort conditions, reflecting ISRO’s careful approach to ensuring the safety and reliability of future crew missions.
The extensive launch schedule also includes the use of Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LMV-3) for a commercial mission, showcasing India’s capabilities in providing launch services for commercial entities. The schedule also outlines plans for autonomous runway landing experiments of the winged body reusable launch vehicle, a key area of technological development with potential implications for future space transportation systems.
Overall, ISRO’s planned missions for 2024 reflect a strategic mix of scientific exploration, technological advancement, commercial use and preparedness for human spaceflight. The scope of the proposed missions underlines India’s growing strength in space exploration and its commitment to leverage space technology for diverse social and economic benefits.
The declared program not only reflects ISRO’s continued momentum in space exploration, but also underscores its adaptability and responsiveness to emerging demands and opportunities in the field of space activities. With its various range of missions, ISRO is composed to make significant contributions to space science, satellite technology and human spaceflight capabilities, thereby strengthening India’s position in the global space arena.
