India’s New Era of Space Technology: ₹8,240 Crore NGLV Approval and Historic SpaDeX Docking Milestone
Distilled Policy Brief
- The Union Cabinet approved the development of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle in September 2024 with an outlay of ₹8,240 crore, offering a 30-tonne Low Earth Orbit capacity to triple the payload limits of LVM3 alongside a reusable variant.
- Through the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), India became the fourth country globally to accomplish autonomous spacecraft docking in orbit, aiding future initiatives like the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
Focus on the payload capacities of ISRO's launch fleet (PSLV, GSLV, LVM3, SSLV, NGLV), SpaDeX autonomous docking milestone, and NGLV's ₹8,240 crore outlay.
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Analyze how next-generation launch systems and autonomous docking capabilities enhance India's technological self-reliance, deep-space exploration, and commercial space economy.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
With reference to India's space technology developments and history, consider the following statements: 1. Through the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), India became the fourth country globally to achieve autonomous spacecraft docking in orbit. 2. The Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) is planned to offer a 30-tonne Low Earth Orbit capacity, tripling the payload limit of LVM3. 3. The Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) was established in 1962 and was later replaced by ISRO in 1969. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- [A] 1 and 2 only
- [B] 2 and 3 only
- [C] 1 and 3 only
- [D] 1, 2 and 3
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
All three statements are correct. Statement 1 is correct as SpaDeX made India the fourth country globally to demonstrate autonomous orbital spacecraft docking. Statement 2 is correct as the Union Cabinet approved the development of NGLV with a 30-tonne Low Earth Orbit (LEO) capacity, tripling LVM3's capacity. Statement 3 is correct as organized space activities began with INCOSPAR in 1962 under Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, which was replaced by ISRO on August 15, 1969.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.