Latest news with #LVM3
India Today
2 days ago
- Science
- India Today
Beyond sare jahan se achha: Shubhanshu Shukla ushers in India's new space age
Even in hindsight, it feels surreal. On Wednesday, an Indian was strapped into spacecraft atop a rocket and launched into space, with nine powerful rocket engines at the other end spitting fire, lifting him and his crewmates through the dense atmosphere of Earth on their journey to the International Space Station—orbiting our world at a distance of just over 400 Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the designated pilot of the mission, became only the second Indian to have ever been to space— over 40 years after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma breached Earth's gravity in 1984 aboard a Soyuz astronaut Shukla is also the first Indian to have docked with the International Space Station. The historic, technological, and operational significance of this mission cannot be understated. The Government of India and the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) have shown immense foresight in bringing this to reality through a strategic collaboration with NASA and the American private space-tech company Axiom Space. This partnership is symbolic of modern space exploration, where international cooperation and public-private partnerships are increasingly the for India's Human SpaceflightIndia has a long-term goal of achieving indigenous human spaceflight capabilities, as well as establishing an Indian space station in Earth's orbit. Isro is reconfiguring its most powerful launch vehicle, the LVM3, to meet the stringent human-rating requirements essential for the Gaganyaan Gaganyaan, the roadmap extends to the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), an Indian orbital outpost that will serve as a hub for research, technological development, and sustained human presence in crewed space missions are extraordinarily complex. They are not just technologically demanding, but operationally as well – from mission planning and astronaut training to life support systems management, and emergency response protocols; it demands extreme precision and redundancy. India needs to gather as much operational experience as it can before the planned Gaganyaan like Group Captain Shukla's are invaluable stepping stones on this journey. Collaborations with other national space agencies and private partners are critical during this Ax-4 crewmates made it safely aboard the @Space_Station today! It was a pleasure and an honor to monitor their approach and work the hatch opening.I also got a couple good photos as they caught up and approached from below the station!Welcome Peggy, Shux, Suave, and Nichole 'Vapor' Ayers (@Astro_Ayers) June 26, 2025For instance, after the careful selection of the four astronaut-designates – decorated Indian Air Force officers Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Ajit Krishnan, Angad Prathap, and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla – India leveraged its strong diplomatic ties with Russia to provide them with extensive training at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training included operating in zero-gravity conditions and survival training. They also underwent simulations in a centrifuge to expose them to the intense G-forces experienced during launch and re-entry, while hyperbaric chamber sessions prepared them for potential hypoxia (oxygen deprivation) and rapid pressure Captain Shukla and backup Group Captain Nair later flew to NASA's Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas, to undergo mission-specific training. This included familiarisation sessions with the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and various onboard systems of the International Space Station, as well as daily operational and communication are invaluable experiences the astronauts will bring to the table as India configures its crew module and prepares for the Gaganyaan Mission. The exposure and learnings from the US, home to the world's largest space-tech industry, will also inform India's own growing private space-tech cross-continental training regimen and mission expertise, spanning from Russia to the United States, is also a testament to India's unique international standing and approach to global this mission aboard a SpaceX rocket was realised through a partnership with Axiom Space, an organisation helmed by an Indian-origin CEO (Tejpaul Bhatia), adds another distinctly Indian connection to this Spark of Inspiration for Future GenerationsRakesh Sharma's historic flight in the 80s and his famous words, 'Sare Jahan Se Achha,' when asked by the then Prime Minister how India looked from space, are etched in the collective memory of the nation. It's a moment that has inspired many to become rocket scientists – including Captain Shukla's mission bridges the long intervening gap of over four decades, and represents India's strategic intent to become a self-reliant and leading player in near- and deep-space Shukla first Indian in International Space StationMoment of triumph for Group Captain 'Shux'#ISS #ShubhanshuShukla #ITVideo #Ax4 #Super6 | @Akshita_N @imsktripathi IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) June 26, 2025Even as it gathers immense data and learnings for Isro to iterate and improve its Gaganyaan Mission, having a man in space — one of our own — will spark a flame of renewed inspiration and ambition within India's an Indian astronaut amongst the stars once more will vividly demonstrate that audacious goals are achievable. India has lingered long enough on the shores of the cosmic ocean. We are now ready to set sail for the stars!(This is an authored article by Pawan Kumar Chandana. He is the Co-founder and CEO of Skyroot Aerospace)- EndsTune InMust Watch
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Science
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Science and Technology MCQs on radiation leak threat, LVM3, GSaaS and more (Week 116)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Science and Technology to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at QUESTION 1 With reference to the LVM3, consider the following statements: 1. It is a single-stage vehicle with one solid strap-on motor and one liquid core stage. 2. It is a heavy lift launch vehicle of ISRO which can only lift upto 500 kg spacecraft, with a launching capability to GTO (Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit) cost-effectively. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — ISRO's recent call to private enterprises to build India's heaviest rocket is a long-awaited move towards increasing private sector participation in the country's space effort. It would also help India get a foothold in the international space sector, which is quickly expanding due to rising demand for satellite launches. — LVM3 has three stages: two solid strap-on motors (S200), one liquid core stage (L110), and a high-thrust cryogenic upper stage (C25). Hence, statement 1 is not correct. — The S200 solid motor is one of the world's largest solid boosters, containing 204 tonnes of solid propellant. The liquid L110 stage employs a dual liquid engine configuration with 115 tonnes of liquid propellant, and the C25 Cryogenic upper stage employs the wholly indigenous high thrust cryogenic engine (CE20) with a fuel loading of 28 tonnes. — LVM3 is ISRO's latest heavy-lift launch vehicle, designed to send 4000 kg spacecraft to GTO (Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit) in a cost-effective manner. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. (Other Source: QUESTION 2 Consider the following statements about neutron stars: 1. They are superdense astrophysical objects formed at the beginning of a massive star's life in a supernova explosion. 2. They constantly gain energy by emitting gravitational waves until they eventually collide and merge. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — Neutron stars are superdense astrophysical objects formed at the end of a massive star's life in a supernova explosion. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. — Sometimes, neutron stars orbit each other in binary systems. — These systems constantly lose energy by emitting gravitational waves until they eventually collide and merge. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. — Researchers may now examine the physical characteristics of the universe's most severe states because of these mergers. For instance, heavy metals like gold are formed under the circumstances of these high-energy collisions. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. QUESTION 3 Consider the following statements: 1. It rotates backwards, from east to west. 2. It is the largest of Pluto's five moons. 3. The moon's orbit around Pluto takes around 6.4 Earth days. 4. The same surfaces of this moon and Pluto always face each other, a phenomenon called mutual tidal locking. The above mentioned statements refer to: (a) Herse (b) Nix (c) Charon (d) Hydra Explanation — Charon is the largest of Pluto's five moons. Charon is the largest known satellite in terms of its parent planet, measuring half the size of Pluto. — Charon and Pluto's surfaces are always facing one other, which is known as mutual tidal locking. — Charon orbits Pluto every 6.4 Earth days. Charon is so large in comparison to Pluto that the two are sometimes considered a double dwarf planet system. — Charon does not rise or set, but instead hovers over the same point on Pluto's surface, with the same side always facing Pluto. It rotates backwards, from east to west. — Charon was found in June 1978 by James Christy and Robert Harrington at the United States Naval Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, roughly six miles from the Lowell Observatory, which discovered Pluto. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. (Other Source: QUESTION 4 Which of the following is/ are considered a ground station as a service (GSaaS)? 1. Satellite control 2. Telemetry and tracking 3. Space data reception 4. Space situational awareness Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Explanation — According to a consultation document published by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), the national agency responsible for regulating and marketing the private space industry, it is exploring opportunities for private operators to enter ground segments. — Ground stations are essentially ground-based antennas that help in communicating with the satellites. — According to the document, the ground station as a service (GSaaS) sector, which provides pay-per-use services such as satellite control, telemetry and tracking, space data reception, and space situational awareness, is expected to rise 30% by 2033, from $0.14 billion to $2.5 billion. — This is consistent with the government's objective of increasing India's participation in the global commercial space market from 2% to 8% by 2033. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. QUESTION 5 The Vera C Rubin Observatory was recently in the news. It is located in: (a) India (b) Russia (c) Chile (d) Canada Explanation — The Vera C Rubin Observatory in Chile has unveiled its first spectacular photographs, demonstrating the strength of its 3,200-megapixel digital camera, which is the largest ever created. The photos, captured during testing in April after the telescope's construction was completed, hint at a new era of sky surveys. — One spectacular image depicts the Trifid and Lagoon Nebulae in a star-forming area of the Milky Way. The image, made up of 678 monochrome exposures taken with four different filters, exhibits rich, vibrant detail after just over seven hours of observation. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. QUESTION 6 Which of the following is not a NASA Mission? (a) Europa Clipper (b) JUICE Mission (c) Lucy Mission (d) Artemis II Explanation According to 'ESA's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, Juice, will make detailed observations of the giant gas planet and its three large ocean-bearing moons – Ganymede, Callisto and Europa – with a suite of remote sensing, geophysical and in situ instruments. The mission will characterise these moons as both planetary objects and possible habitats, explore Jupiter's complex environment in depth, and study the wider Jupiter system as an archetype for gas giants across the Universe.' Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. QUESTION 7 Consider the following statements regarding nuclear devices and chain reactions: 1. The release of energy in a nuclear device results from the completion of a chain reaction in fissile material. 2. A chain reaction in fissile material can be initiated accidentally under high stress, such as during a missile or bomb strike. 3. The initiation of a nuclear chain reaction requires very precise conditions and processes. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation How nuclear weapons are different from other bombs —A nuclear bomb is very different from the traditional explosives and chemicals used in warfare. Traditional bombs use a variety of chemicals that are generally designed to explode on impact, like when they are dropped. These chemical explosives can go off in other circumstances as well, like when they are exposed to heat or friction. These are explosive in themselves, and can get triggered and cause damage even when they are not used in the way they are designed to. Specifically, stored chemical explosives can lead to blasts when these are struck by other weapons. —Nuclear weapons, or nuclear material, do not behave like that. A nuclear bomb causes damage not by exploding the way traditional bombs do, but by releasing very high amounts of energy in a very short span of time. This large amount of energy sets off a series of processes that cause widespread damage. —Nuclear weapons are designed to detonate mid-air, not on impact like traditional explosives. They release a massive amount of energy in a few milliseconds, which heats up the surrounding air to millions of degrees Celsius, leading to the formation of what are known as blast waves, an expanding bubble of extremely hot air. Most of the damage is caused by these blast waves. —A nuclear explosion also releases electromagnetic radiations of different kinds, and these also cause a lot of destruction. —The release of energy from a nuclear device is the result of completion of the chain reaction in the fissile material. The initiation of the chain reaction requires a very precise set of processes to be followed and very precise conditions. These precise conditions cannot be met accidentally, or when the fissile material is under some kind of stress, like when it is struck by a missile or a bomb. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. The theme for National Science Day 2025 was: (a) Living in Space (b) Global Science for Global Wellbeing (c) Indigenous Technologies for VIKSIT BHARAT (d) Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for VIKSIT BHARAT Explanation — The theme for this year's National Science Day was 'Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for VIKSIT BHARAT.' Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 116) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 115) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. Manas Srivastava is currently working as Senior Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and leads a unique initiative of IE - UPSC Essentials. He majorly writes on UPSC, other competitive exams and education-related projects. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than four years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called 'Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik' and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called 'You Ask We Answer'.His talks on 'How to read a newspaper' focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also the editor of UPSC Essentials' monthly magazine for the aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University's Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women's Studies by the Women's Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on 'Psychological stress among students' at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
03-06-2025
- Science
- Business Standard
Isro successfully conducts third hot test of semicryogenic engine
According to Isro, the test, conducted on May 28, was aimed at validating the engine's ignition and start-up sequence while optimising the process for integrated engine performance Press Trust of India Bengaluru The Indian Space Research Organisation on Monday achieved a significant milestone with the successful completion of the third hot test of the Power Head Test Article (PHTA) at the Isro Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The test is part of a crucial series of evaluations to validate the performance of India's upcoming semicryogenic engine, Isro said. This marks the third in a series of hot tests undertaken by Isro for the PHTA. According to Isro, the test, conducted on May 28, was aimed at validating the engine's ignition and start-up sequence while optimising the process for integrated engine performance. During the three-second trial, the engine was ignited successfully and operated up to 60 per cent of its rated power level, exhibiting stable and controlled performance throughout. Isro began this series of performance evaluations in March 2025, focusing on critical components such as low- and high-pressure turbo-pumps, the pre-burner, start-up system, and various control mechanisms. The first test, conducted on March 28, 2025, confirmed smooth ignition and bootstrap operation during a 2.5-second run. The second test, carried out on April 24, focused on the start transient build-up and validated the ignition sequence over a 3.5-second duration. The Semi-Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (SC120), powered by the 2000 kN-class SE2000 engine, is being developed to replace the current liquid core stage (L110) of the LVM3 launch vehicle towards enhancing its payload capability, Isro said.
India Today
02-06-2025
- Science
- India Today
Isro conducts key engine tests to boost capability of heavy-lift LVM-3
Isro has successfully conducted a series of critical tests for its next-generation 2,000 kN Semicryogenic Engine (SE2000), marking significant progress in enhancing the payload capacity of its flagship LVM3 heavy-lift tests occurred on May 28, 2025, with a third hot test of the Engine Power Head Test Article (PHTA) at Mahendragiri's Isro Propulsion Complex, validating ignition sequences and stable operation at 60% PHTA – containing all engine systems except the thrust chamber – underwent three phased 28: Initial 2.5-second test confirmed ignition and bootstrap operationsApril 24: 3.5-second test validated start-up transient build-upMay 28: Final 3-second test optimized start sequencing for full-engine integration[user inputThe SE-2000 engine uses liquid oxygen and kerosene in an oxidizer-rich staged combustion cycle, generating 180 bar chamber pressure and 335-second specific impulse. This non-toxic propellant combination improves performance over the current L110 stage's hydrazine-based new SC120 stage powered by SE2000 will replace LVM3's existing L110 core, increasing:Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) capacity from 4 to 5 tonnesLow Earth Orbit (LEO) capacity from 8 to 10 tonnesTesting occurs at the Semicryogenic Integrated Engine Test Facility (SIET), inaugurated in 2024 with real-time data acquisition systems. Isro collaborated with Indian industries for component manufacturing and space-grade kerosene these tests completing subsystem validations, Isro plans integrated engine-level trials upgraded LVM3 configuration is expected to enter service by 2027, strengthening India's position in the global heavy-lift launch market while supporting future lunar and crewed Watch
The Print
20-05-2025
- Science
- The Print
India's semi-cryogenic engine revolution—SCE-200 is already in the global big league
During my recent visit to the Indian Space Research Organisation's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), Thiruvananthapuram, I spoke with ISRO scientists and founders of space startups across Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Everyone was talking about semi-cryogenic propulsion. It's the tech that could change everything. For decades, India's rockets have relied on cryogenic engines—high-tech machines that burn ultra-cold liquid hydrogen and oxygen. But now, a quiet revolution is happening in Indian space labs, and it's pointing in a different direction: semi-cryogenic engines. Fire, thunder, smoke, and a trembling sound fill the air as a rocket takes flight. Beneath that drama, however, is a quiet science. Every movement is controlled by calculations, chemistry that is timed to the millisecond, and thermodynamics that transforms fuel into force. Also Read: Why launch of India's 1st semi-cryogenic rocket Agnibaan by Chennai startup is a 'major milestone' What are semi-cryogenic engines? Rockets are all about power, and the type of fuel they burn plays a big role in how far they go. Traditional launchers often use solid or fully cryogenic engines. These engines, like GSLV Mk III (now known as LVM3), Chandrayaan-3's, burn liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. They're powerful but complex, and because hydrogen must be stored at −253°C, they require expensive insulation and precisely controlled systems. Semi-cryogenic engines offer several advantages on that front. They also use supercooled liquid oxygen, but pair it with a refined form of kerosene called RP-1. This combination ticks off several boxes: high thrust, lower cost, easier handling, and potential for reusability. While semi-cryogenic engines aren't new, powering rockets like SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Russia's Soyuz, India's homegrown version marks its own revolution. ISRO's pivot to semi-cryo In March this year, ISRO announced a 'major breakthrough' in the design and development of a semi-cryogenic engine at its Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC). The engine, SCE-200, delivers 2,000 kN (200 tonnes) of thrust and is currently undergoing full-duration hot tests at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, following earlier collaborative trials in Russia. Why the move? Because the advantages are too big to ignore. To begin with, semi-cryogenic engines provide greater thrust at liftoff, making them perfect for heavy payloads. The fuel is cheaper and easier to store than hydrogen, and their design is less complex, potentially improving reliability. They also support reusability, a key goal for future missions. India isn't just building a new engine. It's building a new future—the SCE-200 is comparable to the best semi-cryogenic engines in the world. Once certified, the SCE-200 will replace older stages on the LVM3 and eventually power India's reusable launch vehicles and cargo missions to space stations or even the Moon. ISRO's current heavy-lift vehicle, LVM3, is capable—but it's due for an upgrade. The upcoming HLVM3 (Human-rated LVM3), which will carry Indian astronauts under the Gaganyaan mission, is expected to swap out its older liquid stages for a new semi-cryogenic core. This single move will increase lift capacity, improve safety margins, and enable longer-term goals like space station deployment, lunar bases, and Mars missions. A new public-private engine room One of the most exciting things happening in Indian aerospace is how the government and startups are finally building together, better late than never. Post-2020 reforms and the creation of IN-SPACe—an agency to promote private sector participation in space—opened up ISRO's infrastructure to private companies. The result has been a propulsion renaissance of sorts. Among the startups in this space, Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace is developing semi-cryopowered variants of its Vikram rocket series, with an eye on modular, scalable launches. Chennai's Agnikul Cosmos is pushing the boundaries with 3D-printed, single-piece semi-cryogenic engines like Agnilet, dramatically cutting down manufacturing time and cost. And Bengaluru-based Bellatrix Aerospace is working on semi-cryogenic and green in-space propulsion systems, key to future satellite servicing and orbital transport. Together, these fast, inventive, and globally ambitious startups are building India's new propulsion economy. Also Read: Why ISRO's new testing facility for home-grown cryogenic engines is key to India's astronaut dream India's moment in the global launch economy From 2020 to 2023, the global space economy grew from $447 billion to over $570 billion, with the satellite launch market alone projected to reach $30 billion by 2030. India currently holds less than 2 per cent of global commercial launch revenue—but that figure is poised to change. India is concentrating on improving the performance and cost-effectiveness of its launch vehicles with the forming of semi-cryogenic engines like the SCE-200. Compared to existing cryogenic upper stages, semi-cryogenic propulsion, which uses liquid oxygen and refined kerosene (RP-1 or comparable), provide better specific impulse and higher thrust-to-weight ratios. The cost per kilogramme to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for ISRO's most potent operational launcher, the LVM3, is currently between $3,000 and $5,000. However, with effective mass production and reusable Merlin 1D semi-cryogenic engines, SpaceX's Falcon 9 has lowered this cost to about $1,500 to $2,200 per kg. By switching to semi-cryogenic propulsion, ISRO may be able to cut launch costs by 30–40 per cent, to about $1,800–$3,200 per kilogramme, especially when combined with reusability features. This will increase India's competitiveness against industry titans like SpaceX, Arianespace, and China's CASC and bring its launch capabilities considerably closer to the international commercial norm. Additionally, the thrust class of the SCE-200 (200 tonnes) puts it in line with the most recent booster engine development, enabling India to increase payload capacity for both orbital and interplanetary missions while reducing per-mission costs through economies of scale. Moreover, ISRO's PSLV and LVM3 missions already boast a launch success rate of over 95 per cent, and India has launched more than 430 foreign satellites to date. With semi-cryo integration and reusability, these numbers could scale drastically—positioning India as a low-cost, high-reliability launch hub for small satellite constellations, lunar payloads, and interplanetary missions. This propulsion shift aligns with India's ambition to claim a $50 billion (10 per cent) share in the global space market by 2030, as projected by the Indian Space Association (ISpA). Semi-cryogenic technology is the engine behind that vision. Semi-cryogenic propulsion isn't just an incremental upgrade—it's a transformative leap. These engines offer 30–40 per cent more thrust than conventional liquid engines, use RP-1 which is 10x denser than hydrogen (allowing compact design), and can cut launch costs by up to 20 per cent. India's entry into this league with indigenous development marks a critical inflection point. As a physicist, I see this as both a thermodynamic and economic optimisation—essential for scalable, reusable, and interplanetary missions. India is not catching up; it is leapfrogging into the propulsion technologies of tomorrow. Nishant Sahdev is a theoretical physicist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States. He posts on X @NishantSahdev. Views are personal. (Edited by Asavari Singh)
