ISRO to Launch US Satellite on December 24, Boosting Commercial Space Ties
ISRO to launch a US satellite on December 24, showcasing India's growing commercial space capabilities.
Photo by SpaceX
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch a U.S. satellite on December 24, marking another milestone in India's growing commercial space capabilities. The mission, facilitated by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO's commercial arm, will use a PSLV rocket to deploy the satellite.
This launch underscores India's increasing role in the global space market and its strong partnership with the United States in space exploration and commercial ventures. Such collaborations are vital for advancing space technology and fostering international relations.
Key Facts
ISRO to launch U.S. satellite
Scheduled on December 24
Launch vehicle: PSLV
Commercial arm: NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)
UPSC Exam Angles
Role and evolution of ISRO's commercial arms (Antrix, NSIL)
India's space sector reforms and private sector participation (IN-SPACe)
Capabilities of ISRO's launch vehicles (PSLV, GSLV, LVM3/GSLV MkIII, SSLV)
India-US strategic partnership in critical technologies and space
Global commercial space market trends and India's position
Visual Insights
Milestones in India-US Space Cooperation & Commercial Ties
This timeline illustrates the key events and policy shifts that have strengthened India-US space cooperation, culminating in recent commercial launches by ISRO for US satellites.
India-US space cooperation has evolved from initial scientific and technological exchanges to a comprehensive strategic partnership encompassing joint missions, commercial ventures, and policy alignment (e.g., Artemis Accords). This trajectory highlights India's growing capabilities and its role as a reliable global space partner.
- 1960sEarly India-US space cooperation (e.g., SITE program for satellite communication)
- 2008Chandrayaan-1 mission with NASA's Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) instrument onboard
- 2014India's Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) success; NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission agreement signed
- 2015First commercial launch of US satellites by ISRO's commercial arm (Antrix Corporation)
- 2019NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) established as ISRO's new commercial arm
- 2020Major space sector reforms announced in India, opening doors for private participation
- 2022Launch of Vikram-S, India's first privately built rocket by Skyroot Aerospace
- June 2023India joins the US-led Artemis Accords for peaceful lunar exploration
- 2024NISAR satellite expected to launch, marking a significant joint scientific mission
- Dec 2025ISRO to launch US satellite via PSLV, boosting commercial space ties (Current News)
More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding India's space sector and its commercial entities: 1. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) is a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Department of Space, primarily mandated to transfer ISRO-developed technologies to Indian industries. 2. Antrix Corporation Limited, the older commercial arm of ISRO, is now focused on providing launch services for foreign satellites on a commercial basis. 3. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is known for its versatility and ability to launch multiple satellites into various orbits, including Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbits (SSPO). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement 1 is correct. NSIL is indeed a PSU under the Department of Space and its mandate includes transferring ISRO-developed technologies and promoting Indian space industry. Statement 2 is incorrect. While Antrix was the older commercial arm, NSIL was established to take over the demand-driven commercial activities, including launch services, satellite building, and technology transfer. Antrix's role has been redefined, but NSIL is now the primary entity for commercial launches. Statement 3 is correct. PSLV is a highly versatile launch vehicle, often referred to as ISRO's 'workhorse', capable of launching multiple satellites into various orbits, predominantly LEO and SSO.
2. In the context of India's growing commercial space capabilities and international collaborations, consider the following statements: 1. India's space cooperation with the United States includes joint missions like the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite. 2. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) acts as a single-window agency to promote, handhold, regulate, and authorize private sector activities in the Indian space sector. 3. Satellites launched into Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbits (SSPO) typically have a fixed local solar time of crossing the equator, making them suitable for remote sensing and Earth observation missions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is correct. The NISAR mission is a significant joint project between NASA and ISRO, aimed at studying Earth's land surface changes. Statement 2 is correct. IN-SPACe was established as part of India's space sector reforms to facilitate and regulate private sector participation, acting as a single-window interface. Statement 3 is correct. SSPO is a type of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) where a satellite passes over any given point of the Earth's surface at the same local solar time, which is ideal for applications requiring consistent lighting conditions, such as remote sensing, meteorology, and environmental monitoring.
3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding India's space launch vehicles?
- A.The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) is primarily designed to launch communication satellites into Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO).
- B.The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is a new launch vehicle developed by ISRO to cater to the launch of small satellites on demand.
- C.The LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3), formerly GSLV Mk-III, is ISRO's heaviest launch vehicle, capable of launching 4-tonne class satellites to GTO.
- D.PSLV is capable of launching satellites only into Low Earth Orbits (LEO) and cannot be used for interplanetary missions.
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement A is correct. GSLV is indeed designed for launching heavier communication satellites into GTO, from where they can be maneuvered into Geostationary Orbit (GEO). Statement B is correct. SSLV is a new, cost-effective, and quick-turnaround launch vehicle for small satellites. Statement C is correct. LVM3 is ISRO's most powerful operational rocket, used for missions like Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and OneWeb launches. Statement D is incorrect. While PSLV primarily launches into LEO and SSO, it has demonstrated capabilities for interplanetary missions, notably the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) and Chandrayaan-1, by using multiple burns and extended coast phases to achieve higher energy trajectories.