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<ul class="summary-list"><li>This year, the world made several major achievements in the race to space. </li><li>They included SpaceX sending its most powerful rocket to space and India reaching the moon. </li></ul>Every year, space agencies and private companies move closer to making us a multi-planetary species, breaking barriers along the way.This year was no exception. 2023 saw groundbreaking rocket launches, unprecedented lunar missions, and remarkable scientific discoveries.Ahead of the new year, here's everything you need to know to catch up.<h2>1. SpaceX's Starship soared toward space twice – and blew up both times</h2><div type="image" title="starship rocket launching" height="1596" width="2842" msid="106403268" hostid="261" sizebytes="146050"></div>One of the most long-awaited spaceflight events of the decade took place in 2023, after SpaceX launched its gargantuan Starship mega-rocket in its fully-stacked form for the first time.Starship is the most powerful rocket ever built. Standing at almost 400ft, it is designed to be a workhorse to ferry humans and cargo to and from Mars. It could also play a crucial role in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-spacex-starship-launch-crucial-nasa-moon-return-sls-2023-3">NASA's return to the moon</a>.Elon Musk's SpaceX had previously shown it could fly the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/watch-spacex-starship-rocket-exploded-five-times-2023-4">Starship spaceship</a> on its own. But the company had never attempted to launch it on top of its Super Heavy booster — a necessary step to bring the spaceship to outer space.That seal was broken this year, twice. The fully stacked mega-rocket took its maiden flight on April 21.The flight, in some measure, was a success. The rocket cleared the launchpad and flew for a few minutes. But it eventually burst into flames after tumbling out of control. It later came to light that Starship's powerful engines had also <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-starship-rocket-crater-concrete-launchpad-upon-liftoff-2023-4">blown a crater</a> in its concrete launchpad.Undeterred, SpaceX modified the rocket and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-starship-launch-rocket-blows-up-explosion-elon-musk-mars-2023-11?r=US&amp;IR=T">flew again</a> on November 18. This time, the spacecraft successfully separated and flew into space, though it burst again within <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-starship-launch-rocket-blows-up-explosion-elon-musk-mars-2023-11?r=US&amp;IR=T">seconds of reaching its apex</a>.<h2>2. Private space companies made waves</h2><div type="image" title="A photomontage shows Terran 1 ready to launch on its launchpad next to a picture of the rocket's trajectory after launch." height="1000" width="2000" msid="106403270" hostid="261" sizebytes="73662"></div>It was a big year for other spaceflight companies as well.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/relativity-space-3d-printed-rocket-mars-musk-spacex-bezos-launch-2023-3?r=US&amp;IR=T">Relativity Space</a> showed the capability of its monstrous 3D printers by launching and flying a rocket that was made of 85% printed materials. Terran 1 successfully separated from its first stage but didn't quite make it to orbit.The company now aims to develop an even bigger rocket, called Terran R, in a bid to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.relativityspace.com/press-release/2022/7/19/impulse-space-and-relativity-space-announce-first-commercial-mission-to-mars">beat Musk to Mars</a>. While Relativity will keep pushing its rocket development, its main purpose is to demonstrate the power of its 3D printers, which could one day be used to create custom equipment for Martian settlers, the company CEO Tim Ellis previously told Business Insider.Meanwhile, Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin got a much-needed vote of confidence from NASA. In May, it became the second private company, after SpaceX, to land the agency's coveted contract to develop tech to land astronauts on the moon. The company was awarded $3.4 billion.The firm was also awarded the Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (ESCAPADE) NASA contract, which means New Glenn, a heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle in development by Blue Origin, could fly a research payload to Mars on its first flight.SpaceX also beat a record that it had set only last year.By October, the company had launched 74 orbital missions, up from its previous record of 62 in 2022.The firm aims to launch 100 flights by the end of 2023, Bill Gerstenmaier, a senior SpaceX official, said on October 18 during a hearing of the U.S. Senate's Subcommittee on Space and Science, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.space.com/spacex-launch-144-missions-2024">per Space.com.</a>He added that next year it would aim for 12 flights per month, or a mission every three days or less, per Space.com.<h2>3. China got serious about the moon</h2>China once again demonstrated its precise spaceflight engineering capabilities, reporting it had reached orbit with a rocket fueled<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-beats-spacex-blue-origin-orbit-methane-rocket-2023-7?r=US&amp;IR=T"> with methalox,</a> a composite liquid fuel of methane and oxygen, in July.In doing so, the country beat several US companies trying to get methalox-fueled rockets to orbit, including SpaceX and Blue Origin.<div type="image" title="Chinese LandSpace's Zhuque-2 rocket is seen on its launchpad at night" height="1290" width="2000" msid="106403271" hostid="261" sizebytes="104158"></div>The country this year continued to set aggressive timelines for its space program, announcing it could <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-to-build-moon-station-five-years-lunar-soil-bricks-2023-4?r=US&amp;IR=T">build a space station</a> on the moon within five years, and put boots on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-moon-mission-astronauts-by-2030-2023-5?r=US&amp;IR=T">lunar soil by 2030.</a><h2>4. Russia fell behind on its lunar ambitions</h2>Meanwhile, Russia's lunar aspirations were dealt a blow this year.Roscosmos attempted to beat nations like China, the USA, Japan, and India by aiming to be the first to land a robotic mission near the south pole of the moon, a strategically important site for upcoming lunar missions.The nation was attempting to revive its long-dormant lunar program, which hadn't landed on the moon <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-russia-falling-behind-us-china-in-moon-space-race-2023-9?r=US&amp;IR=T">since the collapse of the Soviet Union</a>.But after a successful launch in August, Roscosmos's Luna-25 probe broke contact with Earth and spun out of control before <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-attempt-land-moon-ends-in-disaster-luna-25-2023-8?r=US&amp;IR=T">crashing into the moon.</a><h2>5. Where Russia failed, India thrived — a step that puts them in pole position in the space race</h2>India surprised the world in August when it became <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/watch-india-attempt-first-ever-moon-landing-2023-8?r=US&amp;IR=T">the first nation</a> to land a spacecraft near the south pole of the moon, and only the fourth country to ever land on the moon.Chandrayaan-3's dog-sized rover, released by the spacecraft a few days after it landed, collected crucial information about the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-vikram-lunar-lander-moon-discoveries-2023-9?r=US&amp;IR=T">lunar soil</a> before shutting down in September.<div type="image" title="image of the lander on the moon" height="1024" width="1024" msid="106403273" hostid="261" sizebytes="123486"></div>"It definitely puts them on the international stage as an emerging space power," Robert Braun, head of space exploration at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, previously told Business Insider.<h2>6. Europe tried to catch up</h2>The UK attempted the first launch from British soil from its new <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/virgin-orbit-uk-space-launch-fail-rocket-mission-spaceport-photos-2023-1">Spaceport Cornwall</a> in Newquay in January. But celebrations were cut short when Virgin Orbit's rocket failed to reach orbit. This was a blow to the spaceport as Virgin Orbit, its only listed customer, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/virgin-orbit-bankruptcy-protection-richard-branson-space-launch-funding-2023-4">closed down shortly after.</a>This misfire is a symptom of a bigger issue at stake. The European Space Agency's (ESA's) independent access to space has been <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ft.com/content/14b060df-4cfc-4494-a3d2-2af57dc6fa2a">shrinking steadily</a>.ESA has been facing fire for the delay in its heavy-lift <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ft.com/content/55619674-9ca3-478f-9c5a-d3a7525ccac7">Ariane 6 development</a> and the recent failures of its newest rocket, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.space.com/vega-c-failure-rocket-nozzle-flaw-investigation-report">Vega-C</a>. This has left the European agency in an "acute launcher crisis" after the retirement of Ariane 5 in July, ESA head Josef Aschbacher <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/holistic-approach-launchers-exploration-europe-josef-aschbacher/">said</a>.The UK's newly-developed spaceports are part of a bigger push to expand commercial launching capability in the area. European countries have been investing in building continental spaceports to complement ESA's launchpad in French Guiana. The first EU mainland spaceport was inaugurated in Sweden's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.space.com/first-european-mainland-orbital-spaceport-swedish-rocket-range">Arctic Circle</a> in January. An orbital spaceport was opened in <a target="_blank" href="https://spacenews.com/norway-opens-andoya-spaceport/">Andøya, Norway</a>, in November.In announcing the Swedish spaceport, EU president <a target="_blank" href="https://www.pressclub.be/press-releases/speech-by-president-von-der-leyen-at-the-inauguration-of-the-esrange-spaceport/">Ursula van der Leyen</a> foreshadowed a "change to the way we 'do space' in Europe," promising more support for small space firms and private investors.Europe's private spaceflight ambitions did get a welcome boost in October when the bloc's first fully private rocket, a single-stage rocket called Miura-1 designed by Spanish firm PLDSpace, took its first flight.The rocket failed to reach orbit but provided precious data that the firm hopes will help them push the development of its two-stage reusable rocket Muira-5, which could launch as early as 2025, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.space.com/pld-space-first-launch-miura-1-rocket">Space.com reported.</a>

From Elon Musk's giant Starship rocket to India's spectacular moon landing, 2023 was an epic year in space

<ul class="summary-list"><li>NASA's TIMED satellite narrowly avoided colliding with Russia's dead Cosmos 2221 spacecraft this week.</li><li>In the worst-case scenario, the collision would have ejected 7,500 bits of debris into low-Earth orbit.</li></ul>Two satellites nearly collided in space on Wednesday in a harrowing encounter that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-boeing-space-startups-satellite-orbit-stock-companies-to-watch-2021-6">LeoLabs</a>, a satellite tracking company, called "too close for comfort."NASA's Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) satellite passed by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russian-satellite-breaks-up-orbit-space-debris-could-last-century-2023-2">Russia's</a> inoperative Cosmos 2221 spacecraft at a distance of less than 65 feet. That's shorter than the length of a tennis court.Both of these satellites are non-maneuverable, meaning neither the US or Russia have control over where they go.If they had collided, it could have decimated both satellites, blasting 2,500 to 7,500 fragments of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/rocket-satellite-metals-polluting-earth-stratosphere-2023-10">space junk</a> into Earth's orbit that would now be zooming around our planet at thousands of miles per hour, faster than bullets.The fragments wouldn't have posed a danger to life on Earth, as any that penetrated our atmosphere would have burned up during free fall.But it would have threatened <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/hypersonic-plane-startups-pulling-millions-from-vcs-venture-capital-2022-6">future spaceflight</a> and astronaut lives since the resulting debris could have made navigating low-Earth orbit far more treacherous."There are 'bad neighborhoods' where these massive derelicts are accumulating preferentially," LeoLabs' Senior Technical Fellow Darren McKnight told Business Insider in an email.Avoiding collisions in these congested areas is becoming increasingly difficult as the amount of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/manmade-object-satellite-outshines-nearly-every-star-night-sky-space-2023-10">objects in Earth's orbit</a> grows each year.<h2>Earth's orbit is getting overcrowded</h2><div type="image" title="Graph of spatial density of non-operational objects in low-Earth orbit." height="949" width="1049" msid="108147879" hostid="261" sizebytes="28668"></div>Near-collisions between large space objects like this are rare, but it only takes one to completely change the landscape of Earth's orbit and endanger countless other satellites, space telescopes, and even the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nasa-unknown-orbital-debris-narrowly-missed-striking-iss-avoidance-maneuver-2020-9">International Space Station</a>.For example, two satellite collisions that occurred in 2007 and 2009, respectively, increased the amount of large debris in low-Earth orbit by roughly 70%.And with the advent of mega-constellations of internet satellites, such as <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-spacex-trying-to-stop-russia-using-starlink-2024-2">SpaceX's Starlink</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-launches-deal-project-kuiper-satellites-blue-origin-ula-arianespace-2022-4">Amazon's Kuiper</a>, the number of objects in low-Earth orbit is growing more and more each year, increasing the risk of collisions.<div type="image" title="side-by-side images of objects in LEO" height="751" width="1433" msid="108147880" hostid="261" sizebytes="148278"></div>In 2007, scientists estimated about 10,000 low-Earth objects. By 2021, that number had doubled. And most of it isn't even useful — it's space junk.Roughly 70% is debris from damaged or defunct rockets, satellites, and nonoperational payloads, according to LeoLabs.That's just what's cataloged, though.The European Space Agency <a target="_blank" href="https://www.esa.int/Space_Safety/Space_Debris/Space_debris_by_the_numbers">estimates</a> that nearly 1 million bits of debris between 1 cm-10 cm are circling Earth, with another 130 million bits even smaller than that.Space junk is so pervasive the International Space Station sometimes has to navigate around it.<div type="image" title="hole in Endeavor space shuttle caused by debris" height="358" width="480" msid="108147881" hostid="261" sizebytes="34636"></div>In March 2023, the ISS dodged objects twice in one month, once to avoid a collision with a satellite and then again to maneuver around debris just a few days later.Even the tiniest debris can damage the space station and endanger astronauts, though no astronaut has lost their life due to space debris (yet).<h2>The race to clean up space</h2>The consequences of space debris are very real, so much so, that the worst-case scenario has a name: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/space-junk-kessler-syndrome-chain-reaction-prevention-2018-3">Kessler syndrome</a>.In this scenario, a collision sets off a chain reaction, generating a catastrophic domino effect that produces so much space debris, no spacecraft can safely leave Earth for hundreds or even thousands of years.<div type="image" title="Illustration of space junk floating around Earth" height="1299" width="2309" msid="108147883" hostid="261" sizebytes="181986"></div>However, preventing collisions today can offset a possible Kessler syndrome scenario in the future. And some governments and private companies have begun to address the problem.New space-industry norms and even <a target="_blank" href="https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/topics/space-debris/compendium.html">policies</a> in some countries are prompting satellite operators to design their spacecraft to self-destruct when they die, by pushing themselves into a free fall that causes them to burn up in the atmosphere.Last year the Federal Communications Commission — the US agency that regulates most communications satellites — took its first-ever enforcement action related to space debris when it fined Dish Network $150,000 for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/dish-network-fined-first-ever-fcc-enforcement-against-space-junk-2023-10">failing to properly dispose of a retired satellite</a>.Some governments seem less concerned. Both <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-missile-shoots-down-satellite-space-debris-junk-risk-2019-3">India</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-condemns-irresponsible-russian-anti-satellite-test-threatening-space-station-2021-11">Russia</a> have tested anti-satellite missiles by destroying their own satellites in orbit, creating new clouds of debris.As for old, inoperable spacecraft that are roaming loose in orbit, like Cosmos 2221, NASA is outsourcing research and development to private companies to collect them.In September 2023, the space agency <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/transastra-wins-nasa-contract-pick-up-space-trash-with-bags-2023-9">awarded $850,000 to TransAstra</a> for their concept of "Flytrap" space debris capture bags — basically, giant high-tech trash bags that would scoop up a lot of space junk.<div type="image" title="TransAstra space debris capture tech" height="731" width="1300" msid="108147884" hostid="261" sizebytes="33344"></div>Outside of the US, other companies are coming up with their own innovative disposal solutions. The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/astroscale-mission-to-clean-up-space-junk-magnets-2021-3">Japanese company Astroscale</a> designed a spacecraft with a magnetic plate that can attach to dead satellites and pull them into a free fall.But these space clean-up technologies are still in testing. The European Space Agency plans to be the first to remove a piece of debris from Earth's orbit with its Clearspace-1 mission, scheduled to launch in 2026.Meanwhile, LeoLabs hopes that its precision data on objects in orbit will help satellite operators foresee and avoid near-collisions like the one that happened Wednesday.

A dead Russian spacecraft almost collided with a NASA satellite. The crash could have sent 7,500 bits of debris rocketing around Earth.

The <keyword id="517746" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-space-agency" source="Orion">Indian space agency</keyword> on Saturday at 12.07 a.m. began the 24-hour countdown for the launch of its heavy-lift rocket GSLV Mk III - renamed for this mission as LVM3 M2 - carrying 36 'OneWeb' satellites. The 43.5 metre tall and weighing 644 ton LVM3 M2 rocket is scheduled to blast off from the first second pad at India's rocket port in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh at 12.07 a.m. on Sunday. "The countdown is in progress smoothly. The gas charging and propellant filling operations of L110 stage are progressing," an Indian Space Research Organisation (<keyword id="6358064" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro" source="Orion">ISRO</keyword>) official told IANS. During the countdown, the rocket and satellite systems will be checked. The fuel for the rocket will also be filled. Normally the <keyword id="517231" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="GSLV-rocket" source="Orion">GSLV rocket</keyword> is used for launching India's geostationary communication satellites. And hence it was named as GeoSynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). The GSLV MkIII refers to the third generation rocket. As the rocket that will fly on Sunday morning will be orbiting the OneWeb satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the ISRO has renamed GSLV MkIII as LVM3 (Launch Vehicle MkIII). The rocket, just over 19 minutes into its flight, will sling the 36 small broadband communication satellites of Network Access Associated Ltd (OneWeb) in LEO. OneWeb, is a joint venture between India Bharti Global and the UK government. The satellite company plans to have a constellation of about 650 satellites in low earth orbit (LEO) to offer communication services. The LVM3 M2 is a three stage rocket with the first stage fired with liquid fuel, the two strap on motors powered by solid fuel, the second by liquid fuel and the third is the cryogenic engine. The ISRO's heavy lift rocket has a carrying capacity of 10 ton to the LEO and four ton to the Geo Transfer Orbit (GTO). "The total launch mass of OneWeb satellites will be 5,796 kg," said ISRO. The 36 satellites will be on a dispenser system made by the Swiss based Beyond Gravity, formerly RUAG Space. The Beyond Gravity had earlier provided the satellite dispensers for launching 428 OneWeb satellites to Arianespace. "The dispenser with 36 satellites was supplied by the vendor. It was used in all their earlier launches," the official told IANS. For Beyond Gravity, this is the first time their dispenser is fitted in an Indian rocket. Starting in 1999, ISRO has put into orbit 345 foreign satellites till date. The successful launch of 36 OneWeb satellites will take the tally to 381. Another set of 36 satellites from OneWeb is planned to be put into orbit in January 2023. This launch brings OneWeb's constellation to 462 satellites, more than 70 per cent of the satellites required for OneWeb to reach global coverage. According to ISRO, the OneWeb Constellation operates in a LEO Polar Orbit. The satellites are arranged in 12 rings (Orbital planes) with 49 satellites in each plane. The orbital planes are inclined to be near polar (87.9 Degree) and at 1,200 km above the Earth. Each satellite completes a full trip around the earth every 109 minutes. The earth is rotating underneath satellites, so they will always be flying over new locations on the ground. The constellation will have 648 satellites. NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO, has signed two contracts with Network Access Associated Ltd (OneWeb) for launching the latter's broadband communication satellites in low earth orbit. The board of OneWeb had voted to suspend satellite launches from the Baikonur rocket port in Russia. Meanwhile, the Sunday rocket mission has several firsts for the Indian space sector. It is the first commercial launch of GSLV MkIII and for the first time an Indian rocket will be ferrying a payload of about six tonnes. Similarly, the OneWeb is using an Indian rocket to put its satellites into orbit for the first time. Also, it is the first commercial launch of GSLV MkIII contracted by NSIL, and for the first time a renamed GSLV MkIII is being used for launching satellites in LEO. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/online-sales-expected-to-boom-as-more-customers-shop-online-post-pandemic/articleshow/95014390.cms">Online sales expected to boom as more customers shop online post pandemic</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/diwali-is-becoming-a-global-celebration-and-cementing-indian-identity-globally/articleshow/95014696.cms">Diwali is becoming a global celebration and cementing Indian identity globally</a>

Countdown begins for ISRO's historic rocket launch

An Integrated <keyword id="15096121" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Cryogenic-Engine-Manufacturing-Facility" source="Orion">Cryogenic Engine Manufacturing Facility</keyword> (ICMF) set up by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (<keyword id="68124" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="hal" source="Orion">HAL</keyword>) that would cater to the entire rocket engine production under one roof for Indian Space Research Organisation (<keyword id="6358064" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ISRO" source="Orion">ISRO</keyword>) was inaugurated by <keyword id="14514529" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="President-Droupadi-Murmu" source="Orion">President Droupadi Murmu</keyword> in Bengaluru on Tuesday. The state-of-the-art ICMF, set up over an area of 4,500 square metres houses over 70 hi-tech equipment and testing facilities for manufacturing cryogenic (CE20) and semi-cryogenic (SE2000) engines of Indian rockets. In 2013, an MOU was signed with ISRO for establishing the facility for manufacturing cryogenic engine modules at HAL, Aerospace Division, and it was subsequently amended in 2016 for setting up of ICMF with an investment of Rs 208 crore. Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, <keyword id="14657097" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ISRO-Chairman-S-Somanath" source="Orion">ISRO Chairman S Somanath</keyword>, HAL Chairman and Managing Director C B Ananthakrishnan, among others were present at the event. The commissioning of all the critical equipment for the manufacturing and assembly requirement has been completed, Bengaluru-headquartered HAL has said, adding that the pre-production activities which involve preparation of the process and quality plans, and drawings, have also commenced. HAL will start realising the modules by March 2023, it said. HAL Aerospace Division manufactures liquid propellant tanks and launch vehicle structures of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV MK-II), GSLV Mk-III and also stage integration for GSLV MK-II. "The facility (ICMF) will cater to the entire Rocket Engine Manufacturing under one roof for ISRO. It will boost self-reliance in manufacturing of Hi-thrust Rocket engines," the HAL said. Cryogenic engines are the most widely used engines world over in launch vehicles, the statement said. Due to the complex nature of the cryogenic engine, till date only a few countries -- the USA, France, Japan, China and Russia -- have mastered the cryogenic technology. On January 5, 2014 India successfully flew GSLV-D5 with a cryogenic engine and became the sixth country in developing cryogenic engines (made by ISRO through private industries) and became the sixth country in developing cryogenic engines. Space exploration in the future is mostly dependent upon cryogenic technology. On that occasion, the President also laid the foundation stone for the Zonal Institute of Virology (South Zone) virtually. Union Minister of State for Health Bharati Pravin Pawar, Karnataka Health Minister K Sudhakar were also present on the occasion. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/indian-markets-take-a-breather-after-huge-sell-off-on-monday/articleshow/94468819.cms">Indian markets take a breather after huge sell-off on Monday</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/heres-why-heart-problems-are-rising-among-young-indians/articleshow/94470756.cms">Here’s why heart problems are rising among young Indians</a>

HAL's rocket engine manufacturing facility inaugurated in Karnataka

<keyword id="7537495" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="skyroot-aerospace" source="Orion">Skyroot Aerospace</keyword>, which successfully launched the country's first private rocket Vikram-S recently, plans to launch Vikram-1, a much bigger rocket to place satellites into orbit, within a year. The Hyderabad-based space startup also aims to slash the costs of space travel in the future. "..now that we have done the first private rocket launch, Vikram-S, our next plan is to launch Vikram-1 which is a much bigger rocket putting satellites into orbit. That we want to do within a year from now," Pawan Chandana, co-founder of <keyword id="9750118" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="skyroot" source="Orion">Skyroot</keyword>, told PTI here Monday evening. Skyroot also wants to become one of the first few companies in the world that can place satellites into orbit. He said the firm has raised about USD 68 million, which is the largest in the aerospace startup ecosystem in India. "Of course, it took close to four years to raise this kind of capital. Now, we are good for the first few launches to orbit and then, of course, it has been very challenging because first time somebody went to the market and raised such large capital," Chandana said. Skyroot would keep on raising more capital in its journey forward and would like to generate a good amount of revenue as it starts launching next year, he said. Noting that space travel is expensive now, he said his firm aims to slash costs, make it affordable and increase reliability. "Today, the biggest problem is that space travel is very costly. Because, rockets, the only way to go to space are very unreliable. Sometimes, they don't work and are also very expensive. They fall into the sea and then you are building something, throwing it away. It's very costly," he said. The Blue Origin of <keyword id="18635" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="amazon" source="Orion">Amazon</keyword> founder <keyword id="191583" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="jeff-bezos" source="Orion">Jeff Bezos</keyword> started offering services such as space travel and it may take up to 10 years to become a reality from an Indian perspective, he added. India on November 18 successfully launched its first privately made rocket, developed by four-year-old Skyroot, marking the entry of the private sector into the country's space ecosystem, which is currently dominated by the state-run behemoth ISRO. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/people-ready-to-pay-15-20-premium-for-health-and-wellness-amenities-in-housing-properties-dhaval-ajmera/articleshow/95832362.cms">People ready to pay 15-20% premium for health and wellness amenities in housing properties: Dhaval Ajmera</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/google-microsoft-backed-verse-innovation-sacks-150-employees/articleshow/95849920.cms">Google, Microsoft backed VerSe Innovation sacks 150 employees, cuts pay for employees earning ₹10 lakh or more</a>

Skyroot Aerospace plans to launch another rocket Vikram-1, in one year

<ul><li><keyword id="7832818" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="new-space-india-limited">New Space India Limited</keyword> (NSIL), India's commercial space company, just bagged its first customer — Spaceflight, a space rideshare company based in the US. </li><li>Spaceflight has bought a slot on board the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) new Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). </li><li>But the SSLV has not been unveiled yet and will only embark on its maiden voyage, for the Indian government, later this year. </li></ul>The Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) new commercial arm, New Space India Limited (<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/union-budget-2019-isros-new-commerical-arm-is-new-space-india-limited/articleshow/70086097.cms">NSIL</a>), just landed its first customer. <a href="https://spaceflight.com/spaceflight-inc-purchases-and-fully-manifests-first-ever-commercial-sslv-mission-from-newspace-india-limited-nsil-the-commercial-arm-of-isro-india/">Spaceflight</a>, an American space rideshare company, just bought a payload slot on the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). <div type="ExtQuote" text="SSLV is perfectly suited for launching multiple microsatellites at a time and it supports multiple orbital drop-offs. It is designed for the launch-on-demand concept with very quick turnaround capability in between launches." auname="Curt Blake, CEO and President of Spaceflight"></div>

 Even though the SSLV is based on the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket designs, the actual launch vehicle hasn't been unveiled by <a href="https://www.isro.gov.in/update/01-jan-2019/message-chairmans-desk">ISRO</a> yet. SSLV's maiden voyage As compared the PSLV rocket, which can carry 1,100 - 1,600 kilograms, the SSLV can only accommodate 500 kilograms. And, the launch vehicle's first mission into space won't be a commercial launch with Spaceflight's payload on board. ISRO Chairman K. Sivan, told <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/isros-mini-launcher-sslv-is-unborn-but-has-2-flights-booked/article28859854.ece">The Hindu</a> that first ISRO will first launch a single defence Earth observation spacecraft in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) using the SSLV rocket by the end of the year with the commercial launch scheduled to take place in 2020. The hype around the SSLV rocket is based on the fact that it should only take ISRO around three days to put a launch together as compared to the months of preparation for other launches. NSIL's first customer NSIL might be a new company but Spaceflight is no stranger to using ISRO launch vehicles to get satellites into space. As a 'ridesharing' space company, Spaceflight normally doesn't put its own payloads on board the rockets but arranges for their clients to get their instruments on board. In April 2018, for example, Spaceflight set up 21 small international satellites to launch aboard ISRO's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/here-is-a-list-of-isros-biggest-launches-over-the-last-2-years-that-showcase-indias-space-prowess/articleshow/52401289.cms">PSLV C45</a> rocket. It also arranged for BlackSky Global, its subsidiary, to launch the <a href="http://www.spaceflight.com/spaceflight-industries-celebrates-successful-launch-blacksky-pathfinder-satellite-aboard-indias-pslv/">BlackSky Pathfinder-1</a> aboard another PSLV C35 rocket in 2016. Over the years, Spaceflight has completed a total of nine missions with ISRO and send more than 100 spacecrafts into orbit aboard its launch vehicles. Spaceflight has not disclosed the payload for the SSLV but did state that it's a 'US-based satellite constellation customer.' See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/union-budget-2019-isros-new-commerical-arm-is-new-space-india-limited/articleshow/70086097.cms" style="">India forms a new space company to sell ISRO’s space technology products</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/isro-to-set-up-own-space-debris-agency-because-norad-data-inaccurate/articleshow/70550082.cms" style="">India doesn't trust US with measuring space debris — and so it will set up its own agency</a>

ISRO’s new company just made its first sale to an American firm to come aboard a rocket that doesn’t exist yet

The much expected launch of <keyword id="11841922" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="indias-first-geo-imaging-satellite">Indias first Geo-Imaging Satellite</keyword> (GISAT-1) renamed as EOS-03 failed on Thursday. About seven minutes into its launch at 5.43 a.m. the Indian rocket Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F10) encountered problems in its cryogenic engine-the third and last engine. The rocket could not send details to the <keyword id="116095" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Space-Research-Organisation">Indian Space Research Organisation</keyword>'s (<keyword id="6358064" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro">ISRO</keyword>) ground centre at the spaceport in Sriharikota. Announcing the mission failure <keyword id="7183136" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="k-sivan">K.Sivan</keyword>, Chairman, ISRO said: "<keyword id="6416567" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="technical">Technical</keyword> anomaly was observed in the cryogenic stage and the mission could not be accomplished." Indias first Geo-Imaging Satellite-1 (GISAT-1) renamed as Earth Observation Satellite-03 (EOS-03) seems to have been jinxed from the start. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-F10 (GSLV-F10) rocket that flew on Thursday morning from here carrying the GISAT-1 failed on its mission. Originally the GISAT-1/EOS-03 was slated for launch on March 5, 2020, but hours before the launch, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced postponement of the mission owing to some technical glitch. Soon after, the Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown delayed the mission. The rocket had to be dismantled and cleaned up. The satellite in also underwent a name change from GISAT-1 to EOS-03. Subsequently, the GISAT-1/EOS-03 launch was slated for March 2021 but due to problems in the satellite's battery side, the flight got delayed again. With the replacement of the battery, the satellite and the rocket were being readied for their flight at Sriharikota when the second wave of Covid-19 swept in, affecting many at the rocket launch centre. The Indian space agency had earlier said the 2,268 kg GISAT-1/EOS-03 would provide a real time image of a large area of region of interest at frequent intervals. It will also enable quick monitoring of natural disasters, episodic events, and any short-term events. The satellite had a payload imaging sensors of six band multi-spectral visible and near infra-red with 42 metres resolution, 158 bands hyper-spectral visible and near infra-red with 318 metres resolution, and 256 bands hyper-spectral short wave infra-red with 191 metres resolution. A four-metre diameter Ogive shaped payload fairing (heat shield) made with composite will be used in the rocket for the first time, ISRO said. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/samsung-unveils-new-foldable-phones-galaxy-watch-4-series-and-galaxy-buds-2-wireless-earbuds/articleshow/85243394.cms">Samsung unveils new foldable phones, Galaxy Watch 4 series and Galaxy Buds 2 wireless earbuds</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/ten-most-awaited-ipos-in-the-coming-months-in-india/slidelist/85241641.cms">Paytm, PolicyBazaar, MobiKwik, Nykaa and more -- Ten most awaited IPOs in the coming months</a>

India's 'fat boy' rocket launch fails, taking the country's first geo-imaging satellite down with it

<ul class="summary-list"><li>India has long been one of the world's biggest arms buyers, relying on others to equip its forces.</li><li>But New Delhi is investing heavily in domestic production to arm itself and export to the world.</li></ul>India has long been the world's largest arms importer, relying on other countries to supply it with <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-china-buying-new-light-tanks-for-himalayan-mountain-warfare-2023-6">tanks</a>, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/first-jet-landing-on-vikrant-reflect-indian-aircraft-carrier-ambitions-2023-2">warships</a>, and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/indian-air-force-modernization-not-only-because-of-china-2021-9">fighter jets</a>. But it has been investing heavily in its domestic arms industry with the goal of equipping its own forces and increasing its arms sales around the world.New Delhi has made headway toward that goal with its "Make in India, Make for the World" initiative, launched in 2020, and by forging closer defense relationships with other countries.India's need to wean itself off its heavy dependency on arms imports became more apparent after Russia attacked Ukraine in 2022. New Delhi still has close ties with Moscow but the war has made the Russians less dependable suppliers.Recent arms sales and exercises illustrate how India seeks to turn that domestic arms production into foreign sales and perhaps even take some of that market away from its biggest supplier.<h2>Shopping around</h2><div type="image" title="India army soldier Pinaka rocket launcher parade" height="1333" width="2000" msid="104092852" hostid="261" sizebytes="141000"></div>In September 2022, India agreed to sell its powerful Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers to Armenia — the first foreign export of the Pinaka — along with anti-tank missiles and assorted ammunition in a $260 million deal.That sale came two and a half years after Armenia bought four of India's Swathi counter-battery radars, which track incoming artillery and rockets and plot return fire, for $40 million, choosing the Indian option over equivalent Polish and Russian systems in what was considered <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-pips-russia-and-poland-for-40m-armenia-defence-deal/articleshow/74432148.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a big achievement</a> for the then-nascent Make in India program.New Delhi's aspirations for <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/centres-new-plan-to-boost-exports-of-made-in-india-weapons-to-africa-middle-east/articleshow/100054640.cms?from=mdr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a foothold in the African and Middle East arms markets</a> would undoubtedly get a boost from a sizable arms deals with Egypt. Over the past decade, Egypt has spent large sums on high-end weapons systems, primarily from France and Russia. Between 2015 and 2019, <a href="https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/egypt-and-allure-military-power" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Egypt was the world's third-largest arms importer</a>.India has been improving its ties with Egypt, as seen in their expanded military exchanges.<div type="image" title="India Narendra Modi Egypt Abdel Fattah al-Sisi Cairo" height="1479" width="1977" msid="104092853" hostid="261" sizebytes="91154"></div>India's air force and navy participated in Egypt's Bright Star-23, a multilateral military exercise, in September. It was the first time India had joined, and during the drills, an Indian air force Il-78 tanker <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/exercise-bright-star-23-indian-air-force-refuels-egyptian-rafale-fighters/articleshow/103603060.cms?from=mdr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">refueled</a> Egyptian MiG-29M and Rafale fighters — Russian- and French-made jets, respectively.That refueling underscored the degree of interoperability the militaries have developed and illustrated the countries' rapidly growing defense ties — ties that may translate into arms sales, particularly of India's domestically developed weapons.In January, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi visited New Delhi and met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The leaders <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-01-25/india-hosts-egypt-s-sisi-as-it-looks-to-increase-defense-sales" target="_blank" rel="noopener">discussed</a> "defense platforms" and "equipment-related linkages" and <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-egypt-will-seek-deepen-military-co-operation-foreign-secretary-2023-01-25/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">deepening cooperation</a> between their militaries and defense industries.In June, Modi visited Egypt, the first visit to Cairo by an Indian leader <a href="https://www.newarab.com/analysis/why-india-and-egypt-are-forging-new-strategic-relationship" target="_blank" rel="noopener">since 1997</a>, where the two leaders decided to boost cooperation in several fields, <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/modi-meets-egypt-s-sisi-to-deepen-bilateral-ties-101687718543603.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">including security and technology</a>. During Modi's visit, a former Indian Air Force chief <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-egypt-can-cooperate-in-field-of-military-rd-manufacturing-former-iaf-chief-on-pm-modis-state-visit/articleshow/101245090.cms?from=mdr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told Indian media</a> that the countries were eager to cooperate on military research, development, and manufacturing.<div type="image" title="Egypt air force fighter jet India tanker refueling" height="1000" width="1500" msid="104092854" hostid="261" sizebytes="39568"></div>"There is a very significant possibility of exporting weapon systems, sensors and platforms and also supporting Egypt" in its efforts to "building up their own industrial complex," the former air force chief was quoted as saying, noting their "commonalities of equipment, and thinking."There have been reports that India is interested in <a href="https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2023/02/14/hal-pushing-for-lca-tejas-deal-with-malaysia-argentina-and-egypt-show-interest.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">selling Egypt about 20</a> its Tejas light multi-role combat jets and in setting up production lines for that aircraft and for Indian-made helicopters in Egypt.In February, the chairman of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, which makes the Tejas, <a href="https://www.egyptdefenceexpo.com/news/hal-egypt-tejas-aircraft-contract-works" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> the company was in talks to supply 35 Tejas Mk-1As to Egypt alongside a complete technology transfer that would enable Cairo to build the aircraft locally. (Egypt and India collaborated on development of the Helwan HA-300 light supersonic interceptor in the 1960s, but that project was ultimately canceled.)India has also shown interest in exporting its domestically developed Akash medium-range air-defense system and the BrahMos cruise missile to a number of countries, <a href="https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2021/02/egypt-india-russia-made-brahmos-missile-system-weapons.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">including Egypt</a>. Brahmos is a joint Indian-Russian venture and officials are now <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/india-russia-joint-venture-hopes-5-bln-supersonic-missile-exports-by-2025-2022-10-18/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">angling for billions</a> in foreign sales of it.<h2>Cashing in on the value market</h2><div type="image" title="India Narendra Modi helicopter factory" height="1157" width="2000" msid="104092855" hostid="261" sizebytes="138288"></div>While some of these deals could undoubtedly boost India's defense exports, it is still early days. After all, Indian defense exports in recent years were negligible compared to heavyweights like the US and France, and New Delhi remains heavily reliant on imports.In the coming years, India could carve out a sizable place for itself in the <a href="https://warontherocks.com/2022/05/helping-india-replace-russia-in-the-value-arms-market/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">growing market for "value arms,"</a> which caters to countries looking for a better deal on older or slightly less capable hardware.With a bigger share of that market, India could replace Russia and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-arms-sales-may-get-boost-from-russia-war-ukraine-2023-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compete with China</a> for exports, profits from which would also help Indian firms develop indigenously made equipment to fulfill domestic requirements.While selling arms to Armenia may eventually be seen as the start of the Make in India initiative's ambitious effort to take New Delhi from the being the world's largest arms importer to a significant exporter, making that transformation is much easier said than done.Securing even bigger deals with Egypt and other countries, and sweetening the pot with technology transfers and other incentives, might get that effort farther off the ground, helping India stand out in a crowded marketplace.Paul Iddon is a freelance journalist and columnist who writes about Middle East developments, military affairs, politics, and history. His articles have appeared in a variety of publications focused on the region.

India is a growing defense powerhouse, and now it's looking to cash in on it

<ul class="summary-list"><li>India launched a satellite to investigate black holes, following the US in 2021.</li><li>The launch is part of India's broader space goals, including sending three astronauts into orbit.</li></ul>India launched its first satellite to study black holes on Monday as part of an ambitious space exploration project.The X-ray Polarimeter Satellite will make India the second country to investigate black holes and other celestial objects using an astronomical space observatory. NASA launched a similar mission in 2021 and has since made <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/james-webb-space-telescope-spots-most-distant-supermassive-black-hole-2023-7">unprecedented discoveries.</a>Black holes are an enormous amount of matter packed into a very small area, formed from the remnants of a large star that collapses in a supernova explosion. Their gravitational pull is so strong that light can't pass through, making them very difficult to detect.Monday's launch by the Indian Space Research Organisation is part of the country's broader space goals, including sending three astronauts into low-Earth orbit and bringing them back after three days. If successful, India would be the fourth country to send humans into space — currently, only Russia, the US, and China launch manned missions.The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-67837066">BBC reported that</a> ISRO chairperson S. Somanath said 2024 was "the year for Gaganyaan readiness," referring to the manned launch project's name.In August, India became the first country to land a spacecraft on the Moon's south pole, and in September it launched a rocket to study the Sun.India <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-plans-send-humans-to-moon-celebrates-lunar-probe-success-2023-8">also wants to send an astronaut to the Moon</a> by 2040.

India launches a satellite to study black holes as it preps to become the fourth country to send humans into space      

The static test of first stage solid motor (SS1) of <keyword id="6358064" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro">ISRO</keyword>'s <keyword id="6117656" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Small-Satellite-Launch-Vehicle">Small Satellite Launch Vehicle</keyword> (<keyword id="6864059" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="SSLV">SSLV</keyword>) -- a new-generation compact rocket -- was not successful, according to sources in ISRO. "Oscillation was noticed after 60 seconds into the test and nozzle was blown out near the bucket flange where it's attached with the motor at around 95 seconds", sources in the Bengaluru-headquartered <keyword id="498463" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Space-Agency">space agency</keyword> said. It was supposed to be tested for a total duration of about 110 seconds, officials said. The <keyword id="116095" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Space-Research-Organisation">Indian Space Research Organisation</keyword> had targeted to launch the first development flight of SSLV (D1) in April and may now in all probability have to revise this schedule. "SSLV First stage is a new solid motor...new design. New motor has to be static tested on the ground to prove its performance. If it is successful, one more of the same configuration is tested again for acceptance. If both are successful, no more ground test is required and third motor of the same configuration will be accepted for flight", an ISRO official said. SS2 and SS3 motors, igniters and SS2 flex nozzle assembly, liquid propulsion-based VTM (Velocity Trimming Module) thrusters, propellant tanks and propulsion components had already been realised by ISRO and made ready for the maiden orbital test flight. "We have to identify the root cause of the failure and modify the design", the official said on the unsuccessful testing at Sriharikota spaceport in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh, about 100 kms north of Chennai, last week. Asked how long it may take for ISRO to complete the two static tests, the official said: "Maybe six months". SSLV is two metres in diameter and 34 meters in length with a lift-off weight of about 120 tons. ISRO has over the years realised five generations of launch vehicles -- SLV-3, ASLV, <keyword id="6395832" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="PSLV">PSLV</keyword>, GSLV and GSLV-MkIII. The space agency had earlier said the SSLV is going to be a new member of the launch vehicle family. It is intended to cater to emerging global small satellite launch service market. "We are flying an earth observation satellite (EOS-02) on board the the first development flight of SSLV", ISRO Chairman and Secretary in the <keyword id="245720" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Department-of-Space">Department of Space</keyword>, K Sivan said last month. SSLV has been designed to meet "launch on demand" requirements in a cost-effective manner for small satellites in a dedicated and ride share mode. It is a three-stage all solid vehicle with a capability to launch up to 500 kg satellite mass into 500 km low earth orbit (LEO) and 300 kg to Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO). By comparison, PSLV -- the workhorse of ISRO -- can take up to 1,750 kg payload into SSO of 600 km altitude. With lower per kg launch cost, the mini launcher will have multiple satellite mounting options for nano, micro and small satellites. Sivan had earlier termed the SSLV an innovative vehicle, which can be assembled in just 72 hours. "Instead of 60 days (for building a PSLV), it (SSLV) will be assembled in three days; instead of 600 people (needed to build a PSLV), it (SSLV) will be done by six people", he had said. Chairman and Managing Director of ISRO's commercial arm, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), G Narayanan, recently said: "the world over there is a big boom for small launch vehicles and that's why we are focusing on that". The US-based satellite ride share and mission management provider, <keyword id="696288" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="spaceflight">Spaceflight</keyword> Inc., has already purchased the first commercial launch of the SSLV (SSLV-D2) from NSIL for launch from the <keyword id="6356967" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="satish-dhawan-space-centre">Satish Dhawan Space Centre</keyword> in Sriharikota. Spaceflight had said at the time that it has already sold out the entire manifest (launch) for this secured SSLV-D2 launch, with spacecraft from an undisclosed U.S.-based satellite constellation customer. This undisclosed customer is reportedly Seattle-based BlackSky Global, which will launch four earth observation satellites on board SSLV-D2 in the ride share mission arranged Spaceflight. "Were taking advantage of the growth in the small satellite market to deliver more launch options with the mini-launcher", a senior NSIL official said. "The SSLV is the much-needed solution to fill the gap in the portfolio of small launch vehicles," Curt Blake, CEO and President of Spaceflight, had said. "SSLV is designed for the launch-on-demand concept with very quick turn-around capability in between launches. SSLV is perfectly suited for launching multiple micro satellites at a time and supports multiple orbital drop-offs", Blake had said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/oneplus-9-pro-oneplus-9-and-oneplus-watch-to-launch-in-india-today-how-to-watch-live-stream-price-features-and-more/articleshow/81644503.cms">OnePlus 9 Pro, OnePlus 9 and OnePlus Watch to launch in India today – How to watch live stream, price, features and more</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/how-to-check-allotment-status-of-suryoday-small-finance-bank-ipo-online/articleshow/81647204.cms">Suryoday Small Finance Bank IPO allotment live – how to check allotment, listing date and more</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/supreme-court-orders-to-pause-all-cases-against-netflix-amazon-prime-and-others-in-high-courts-across-india/articleshow/81647182.cms">Supreme Court orders to pause all cases against Netflix, Amazon Prime and others in High Courts across India</a>

Static test of first stage solid motor of India's mini rocket SSLV unsuccessful, says sources in ISRO

<ul class="summary-list"><li>India's moon rover and lander was set to wake up after a nearly month-long nap.</li><li>Despite high hopes, the lander and rover didn't respond to a wake-up message.</li></ul>Despite high hopes, two historic robots remain fast asleep near the moon's south pole, according to the <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1705209835783078092" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Space Research Organization</a>.India's Chandrayaan-3 moon lander and its <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-moon-rover-to-collect-first-samples-lunar-south-pole-2023-8">adorable sidekick lunar rover</a> were set to wake up around September 22. The ISRO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/watch-india-attempt-first-ever-moon-landing-2023-8">landed them on the moon</a> in a historic first in August.Both ISRO's Vikram lander and Pragyan rover <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-india-moon-landing-cost-cheap-compared-to-nasa-russia-2023-8">run on solar power</a>. Therefore, they need sunlight to charge their batteries and operate their scientific instruments.They went to sleep in early September when night set in and their batteries drained. The next sunrise took place on September 22. ISRO hoped the solar panels would recharge and reawaken the spacecraft. However, they haven't responded to mission control's message. In late August, mission operations director M. Srikanth told <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/active-healthy-lander-rover-spur-hopes-of-rebirth/articleshow/103150618.cms?from=mdr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Times of India</a> the team was confident the lander and rover would return to life after sunrise. "If that happens, that will be a bonus and in case that cannot be achieved, the mission is still complete," he said.Despite Srikanth's optimism, it was always a long shot that the two robots would withstand the moon's elements. Nighttime temperatures on the moon can dip to as low as -334 degrees Fahrenheit, <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/feature/moons-south-pole-is-full-of-mystery-science-intrigue" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to NASA</a>. The lander and rover weren't built to withstand such cold, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/22/science/india-moon-landing-chandrayaan-3.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The New York Times</a> reports. <h2>Chandrayaan-3 mission complete</h2><div type="image" title="image of the lander on the moon" height="594" width="793" msid="103822049" hostid="261"></div>Mission control will continue to send messages to the spacecraft. Even if ISRO's lunar lander and rover don't wake up, the robots have already done what they were designed to do — explore the lunar south pole region for the first 14 days after touchdown. Within just those two weeks, the two robots made some <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-vikram-lunar-lander-moon-discoveries-2023-9">important scientific discoveries</a>. For example, the moon rover confirmed the presence of sulfur in the lunar south pole region.Moreover, preliminary analyses suggested the presence of aluminum, calcium, iron, chromium, titanium, and a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/indias-moon-lander-detects-signs-of-possible-moonquake-2023-9">possible moonquake</a>.India is the fourth country — after the US, Russia, and China — to land on the moon, and the first to ever <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-moon-landings-on-lunar-south-pole-crashed-2023-8">land near the lunar south pole</a>. The lunar south pole region is of particular interest because it <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nasa-scientists-discover-moons-hidden-water-stores-2020-10">contains water ice</a>. Water ice, or H2O, could eventually be mined and broken down into oxygen for breathing as well as hydrogen and oxygen for rocket fuel. India's lunar lander and rover were the first to study the south pole region up-close and sample it directly. Scientists and companies who want to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nasa-helping-private-companies-build-business-moon-make-lunar-billions-2023-6">build a base on the moon</a> have watched the mission with great interest.

You Searched For "made in india rocket" and got 11 results

From Elon Musk's giant Starship rocket to India's spectacular moon landing, 2023 was an epic year in space

Marianne Guenot

A dead Russian spacecraft almost collided with a NASA satellite. The crash could have sent 7,500 bits of debris rocketing around Earth.

Morgan McFall-Johnsen,Ellyn L…

Countdown begins for ISRO's historic rocket launch

IANS

HAL's rocket engine manufacturing facility inaugurated in Karnataka

PTI

Skyroot Aerospace plans to launch another rocket Vikram-1, in one year

PTI

ISRO’s new company just made its first sale to an American firm to come aboard a rocket that doesn’t exist yet

Prabhjote Gill

India's 'fat boy' rocket launch fails, taking the country's first geo-imaging satellite down with it

IANS

India is a growing defense powerhouse, and now it's looking to cash in on it

Paul Iddon

India launches a satellite to study black holes as it preps to become the fourth country to send humans into space

Catherine Boudreau

Static test of first stage solid motor of India's mini rocket SSLV unsuccessful, says sources in ISRO

PTI

India's moon lander and rover didn't wake up despite high hopes

Sonam Sheth

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