Economic and Performance Analysis of Indian Space Transportation Systems

Abstract

Indian Space Program (ISP) is one of the largest civilian space programs in the world. ISP is rapidly evolving from a primarily Earth Observation (EO) orientation to a full-fledged space exploitation that includes deep space exploration missions and observatories, satellite navigational (PNT) system, oceanic and climate studies mission and a human spaceflight program. From the beginning, ISP has been envisaged as a self-reliant and largely indigenous space program catering to the socio-economic benefits of the citizens. The space transportation systems (STS) development, starting with the first successful launcher, SLV-3 that placed a 35 kg Rohini satellite on July 18, 1980, is a critical component of the ISP accounting for about 40% of the entire space budget. At present, India has two operational small/ medium satellite launch systems, PSLV and GSLV for polar and geostationary orbits respectively. An up-rated PSLV-XL successfully launched India‟s first deep space mission, Chandrayaan-1 Orbiter, to the lunar polar orbit on October 22, 2008. Two heavy lift launchers, GSLV MK II and GSLV MK III are in development for achieving complete self-reliance in launch vehicles with indigenous cryogenic, liquid and solid motor engines. An ambitious Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) program utilizing scramjet and advanced materials is also under development. The recently initiated Indian Human Spaceflight (HSF) program will rely on indigenous STS with a first HSF mission to low Earth orbit planned for 2016.