General Studies paper -3 Context: Information Technology (IT) major Infosys is eyeing opportunities in India’s space tech sector and has put forward its name as a contender to build and launch satellites. About India’s space sector has traditionally been dominated by ISRO, but recent policy changes are opening the sector to private enterprises and startups. The Indian space economy is projected to grow at a 48% CAGR over the next five years, reaching $50 billion. The privatization of the Indian space sector aims to boost innovation, attract private investment, reduce dependence on imports, and strengthen India’s position as a global....Read More

General Studies Paper -3 Context: A 500-kg metal object, believed to be space debris, crashed in Kenya, highlighting concerns about accountability and regulatory gaps in space governance. About Space Debris It includes non-functional satellites, abandoned rocket stages, and smaller fragments from previous space missions. The UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN-COPUOS) defines space debris as all man-made objects, including fragments and elements thereof, in Earth orbit or re-entering the atmosphere, that are non-functional. According to NASA, millions of pieces of debris orbit the Earth, ranging from tiny paint flecks to large satellite remnants. Factors Causing Space....Read More

General Studies Paper -3 Context: Aditya-L1 has made a significant discovery by capturing the first-ever image of a solar flare ‘kernel’ in the lower solar atmosphere (photosphere and chromosphere). Aditya-L1 It was launched in September 2023, by ISRO’s PSLV C-57 rocket. It was placed in a halo orbit around the Earth-Sun Lagrange Point (L1) in January It is India’s first dedicated space-based solar mission. It stays approximately 1.5 million km away from Earth, directed towards the Sun, which is about 1% of the Earth-Sun distance. It would study the outer atmosphere of the Sun. It will neither land on the....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context: As per the union minister of state for Science & Technology India’s space economy is set to grow fivefold to $44 billion in the next decade, with private investments already crossing ₹1,000 crore. India’s share in Space Industry India’s space economy stands at $8 billion contributing 2-3% of the global space economy and this is expected to rise to 8% by 2030 and further to 15% by the year 2047. With over 400 private space companies, India ranks fifth globally in no. of space companies. Private players in Space Industry The number of space startups in....Read More

General Studies Paper -3 Context: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the establishment of the Third Launch Pad (TLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. About launchpad It refers to a platform or area used to launch rockets or other vehicles into space. Currently, India relies on two launch pads: First Launch Pad (FLP) and Second Launch Pad (SLP). FLP has been operational for 30 years, supporting PSLV and SSLV. SLP, operational for 20 years, primarily supports GSLV and LVM3, and is preparing for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. Third Launch Pad (TLP) TLP will be....Read More

General Studies Paper -3 Context: The PSLV-C59 carried the Proba-3 spacecraft into a highly elliptical orbit as a dedicated commercial mission by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). The PSLV-C59/Proba-3 mission is a testament to India’s growing prowess in space technology and its increasing prominence in the global space arena. About Proba-3 Mission (Project for Onboard Autonomy) Objective: Observe the Sun’s corona using precision formation flying—a world first. Spacecraft: The mission uses two spacecraft: Coronagraph: Studies the Sun’s corona. Occulter: Blocks the Sun to create artificial eclipses for better observation. Benefits for India Global Market Presence: India holds 2-3% of the global....Read More