Why in news
On November 21, 2023, India marked 61 years since the launch of its space program.
The first launch on this date in 1963 involved a Nike-Apache sounding rocket from Thumba, Kerala, helping India master solid propellant technology.
Launch of GSAT-N2 Satellite
NewSpace India, Ltd. launched the 4,700-kg GSAT-N2/GSAT-20 satellite onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Florida.
The satellite will enhance broadband services, particularly in underserved regions, and support initiatives like Smart Cities Mission.
Upcoming ISRO Launch
PSLV-C59 mission will launch the Proba-3 mission from Europe, aimed at studying the Sun, on December 4, 2023.
India’s astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is in training for a 2025 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
Private Sector Contributions
Pixxel (Indian-American) will launch six hyperspectral satellites to monitor crop diseases, deforestation, and water stress.
GalaxEye Space and PierSight Space will launch technology demonstrations and experiments via the PSLV's Orbital Experimental Module (POEM).
HEX20 will launch its ‘Nila’ cubesat on a SpaceX Transporter mission in 2025.
AAKA Space Studio launched India’s first Space Analog Mission in Ladakh to simulate moon and Mars environments.
Space Science Achievements
India became a full member of the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), contributing to a global radio telescope effort.
Aditya-L1 spacecraft's Visible Emission Line Coronagraph published findings on solar activity impacting satellites and communications.
Departments of Space and Biotechnology signed an agreement for biological experiments on India’s future space station.
Rural Mapping with Satellites
SatSure is working with the government on mapping rural properties using drones and satellite data to classify features like roads and water bodies.
COMMENTS