India’s 2024 Space and Nuclear Milestones Drive Global Power Status: Expert
In 2024, India achieved major milestones in space missions, satellite technology, and nuclear integration, strengthening its position as a global leader and advancing its ambition to become a great power.
SputnikIndia’s 2024 achievements, from solar exploration missions to the development of nuclear-powered propulsion systems for deep-space exploration, showcase the nation’s growing space capabilities and strategic intent.
The integration of space and nuclear technologies is central to India’s vision of becoming a great power in the 21st century.
Further, Sputnik India observes India's key achievements of the outgoing year in space technology, which were significantly strengthened by the integration of nuclear energy.
Aditya-L1 Mission: A Leap in Solar Exploration
India’s first solar observatory, the
Aditya-L1 mission, successfully launched in 2024, offers critical insights into the Sun’s corona and its impact on space weather.
"Aditya-L1 represents a significant leap in understanding solar dynamics, reinforcing India’s commitment to scientific research while expanding our capabilities in space exploration," professor Mayank Vahia, retired Tata Institute of Fundamental Research astrophysicist told Sputnik India.
"The insights will be essential for predicting solar events that can affect satellite operations and communication systems on Earth,” he added.
Satellite Launch Successes
India launched several satellites in 2024, including the European Space Agency's (ESA) Proba-3 abroad the ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-XL) rocket, a communication satellite GSAT-N2, experimental earth-observation satellite EOS-08, Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle -
GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS missions, designed for enhanced meteorological observations and monitoring of land and ocean surfaces for weather forecasting and disaster warning, and XPosat, India’s first dedicated polarimetry mission to study various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions.
Each of the missions is important as they will contribute to enhancing India’s communication, earth observation and scientific research capabilities, Rajiv Nayan, Secretary-General of the Indian Association of International Studies, told Sputnik India.
The development and successful launch of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) have also opened doors for cost-effective and flexible satellite launches, he added.
"This vehicle is designed to cater to the growing demand for launching small satellites, making it easier and more cost-effective for various stakeholders, including startups and research institutions, to access space," Nayan said.
Reusable Launch Vehicles and Private Sector Involvement
The Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) programme achieved multiple successes in 2024, including the third consecutive successful landing experiment.
The advance, along with growing
private sector participation in satellite construction and launch services, is reducing launch costs and accelerating innovationm accoeding to Vahia.
India's ability to commercialise its space capabilities has been a game-changer, he said.
"ISRO has successfully launched missions for numerous countries, establishing itself as a reliable and cost-effective launch partner on the global stage," Vahia emphasised. "This not only generates revenue for India but also strengthens international collaborations and enhances our reputation as a leader in space technology."
The list of countries that have benefited from India's launch services is extensive, showcasing growing influence in the global space market, the professor added.
Nuclear Fuel Complex and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
India’s integration of nuclear technology into space missions has been transformative.
Institutions like the Nuclear Fuel Complex, Department of Atomic Energy (NFC) and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) have been at the forefront of developing advanced materials and systems for space missions, Kavya Wadhwa, a nuclear energy advocate and energy policy analyst, told Sputnik India.
"These include Monel 400 Alloy Tubes designed for cryogenic and space applications to enhance spacecraft performance in extreme environments and Titanium Half Alloy Seamless Tubes specifically developed for the Gaganyaan manned mission to enable the safe transport of astronauts," Wadhwa explained. "These innovations underscore India’s ability to develop advanced materials essential for the safety, durability and efficiency of space missions."
Nuclear-Powered Propulsion for Long-Duration Missions
One of the most promising advancements has been the collaboration between
ISRO and BARC to explore nuclear-powered propulsion systems for future space missions.
"The development of 100-watt Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) is set to power long-duration missions to deep-space environments like
the Moon and Mars, where solar energy is insufficient," Wadhwa said. "This innovation positions India as a leader in advanced space propulsion technologies."
Strategic Partnerships with Russia
India’s nuclear space ambitions have been further solidified through strategic partnerships with Russia.
"During the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, plans for a half-megawatt lunar nuclear power plant were discussed, highlighting the potential for collaboration in nuclear space technology," Wadhwa asserted. "Such initiatives are vital for India’s future lunar and deep space exploration missions, including the ambitious goal of a manned lunar mission by 2040."
The advancements ensure that India remains at the cutting edge of both space exploration and nuclear technology, solidifying its ability to shape global space policy and collaborate with other space powers.
Other Key Developments in 2024
On February 27, PM Modi revealed the names of India’s first four astronauts for the Gaganyaan mission: Group Captains Prashant Nair, Ajith Krishnan, Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Subhranshu Shukla. They are currently undergoing training for the mission, expected by end-2026.
On September 18, the Union Cabinet approved the Venus Orbit Mission (VOM), which will explore Venus' surface, atmosphere, and solar interactions, and Chandrayaan-4, aimed to collect lunar samples for analysis.
Meanwhile, ISRO plans to end the year with the SpaDeX mission to demonstrate in-space docking (at an altitude of 470 km) using two satellites – Chaser and Target onboard the Polar Satellite Launch vehicle (PSLV) C60 rocket. The mission, a key step for future lunar missions and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) for launch on December 30, 2024 from Sriharikota.
Additionally, the PS4-Orbital Experiment Module (POEM) will carry 24 R&D payloads, focusing on biological experiments, robotics, AI, and more, marking a significant leap in science and innovation.