ISRO's 2024 Space Missions Overview
PSLV-C59 Mission
The PSLV-C59 mission launched the European Space Agency’s Proba-3 spacecraft into a highly elliptical orbit. The mission demonstrated the ability of ISRO's PSLV to launch a spacecraft into complex orbits. The launch took place from Satish Dhawan Space Center on December 5, 2024.
Gaganyaan Mission Preparations
ISRO has begun assembling the human-rated LVM-3 (HLVM-3) for its first uncrewed mission, marking a significant milestone for the Gaganyaan mission, India's human spaceflight initiative. This follows earlier successful tests of reentry characteristics using the Crew-module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment (CARE).
PSLV-C60 Mission
- The PSLV-C60 mission is set to launch on December 30, 2024, carrying satellites SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target).
- These satellites will demonstrate in-orbit docking, leading to ISRO's Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX).
- The mission will also carry 20-plus payloads from various ISRO centers, academia, and Indian private companies.
PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM-4)
POEM-4 will carry 24 payloads, including the 'Walking Robotic Arm' and the Debris Capture Robotic Manipulator, to demonstrate advanced technologies in space.
Biological and Communication Experiments
- The Amity Plant Experimental Module in Space (APEMS) will study plant growth in microgravity.
- RVSat-1 will measure the growth of the gut bacterium Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron in space.
- Communication payloads like BGS ARPIT and Swetchasat will test amateur radio and UHF communication capabilities.
Propulsion and Imaging Payloads
- RUDRA 1.0 and VYOM 2U will test new propulsion systems.
- SAR Imaging Demonstration Payloads GLX-SQ and Varuna will explore synthetic aperture radar capabilities.
Upcoming in 2025
The year 2025 is expected to be pivotal, featuring the first uncrewed HLVM-3 missions, a potential Indian astronaut on the ISS, and the NASA-ISRO SAR mission.
