| NASA’s VIPER mission NASA’s cancellation of the VIPER mission in July 2023, aimed at mapping water-ice deposits at the Moon’s south pole, stemmed from delays and cost overruns. Nations are racing to establish technological supremacy and potential resource utilization on the Moon, making it a focal point of strategic importance. China’s ambitious plans include establishing a moon base by 2035 as part of its International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project, which will involve multiple phases and collaborations with other countries. This shift in focus could significantly alter the dynamics of space exploration and international cooperation in the coming years. |
India’s space program, led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has made significant strides in space exploration. However, to fully capitalize on emerging opportunities and strengthen its global standing, India’s space program needs to address challenges like –
- Mission Execution Cadence: ISRO operates on a ‘one major mission at a time’ cadence, focusing its resources on a single flagship mission before moving to the next. This limits organisational ability to multi-task.
- Resource Constraints: The limited budget and resources allocated to ISRO restrict its capacity to respond swiftly to new opportunities or challenges in the dynamic field of space exploration.
- Technology gaps: India imports some of the high technologies needed for advanced space missions.
- Cyber-attacks: India’s efforts to protect against cyber-attacks are limited to a few agencies, and the efficacy of their capabilities is unknown.
| Moon Missions VIPER Mission: NASA’s Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover was a mission aimed at mapping water-ice in the Moon’s south pole region. It was cancelled due to delays and increased costs. Chang’e 6: It was the sixth robotic lunar exploration mission by the China National Space Administration and the second CNSA lunar sample-return mission. Lunar Trailblazer: It is a planned small lunar orbiter, part of NASA’s SIMPLEx program, that will detect and map water on the lunar surface to determine how its form, abundance, and location relate to geology. |
Measures needed to improve India’s Space program –
- Enhancing Capabilities: To keep pace with other leading space agencies and capitalize on opportunities, ISRO requires increased funding and resources.
- Increasing private sector involvement: Like privatizing launch vehicles and transferring the development of rockets to private industry.
- Strategic Investments: Investing in ISRO’s capabilities will not only bolster India’s position in space exploration but gives significant technological benefits.
- Implementing the Indian Space Policy – 2023: This policy aims to enhance space capabilities and foster a commercial presence in space.
Strengthening India’s space capabilities will have far-reaching implications for its scientific community, economy, and geopolitical standing.
Dig Deeper: Read about Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) project and Chandrayaan-4
