Context

In July, NASA canceled its Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) mission to the moon due to significant delays and rising costs. By that point, engineers had fully assembled and tested the rover, yet NASA remained firm in its decision, disappointing many scientists, in this mission India was a key participant.

Overview

• VIPER was intended to map water-ice distribution at the moon's south pole over three months, launched by a SpaceX Falcon Heavy and deployed via Astrobotic’s ‘Griffin’ lander, all under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program.
• The cancellation drew the attention of the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, as well as the international community, which views VIPER's absence as an opportunity for China's advancing lunar program.
• The renewed interest in lunar exploration presents significant commercial and geopolitical advantages. VIPER was expected to play a crucial role in the U.S.-led ‘lunar axis’ defined by the Artemis Accords, which includes India as a key participant.

Cancelation of VIPER mission a lesson to India Moon missions

The VIPER incident serves as a reminder to the Indian government that, despite increasing funding, the space program requires more resources to fully realize its potential. For example…

·       Chandrayaan-4, a sample-return mission.

• on September 18, the Union Cabinet approved the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) proposal for the second phase of its lunar program with Chandrayaan-4, a sample-return mission. Following the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on August 23, 2023, there were claims that India had joined an elite group of nations achieving autonomous lunar soft-landing. Yet, these statements overlook significant operational gaps between India's space agency and others.
  • A notable difference is ISRO’s inability to conduct multiple flagship missions simultaneously, adhering instead to a ‘one major mission at a time’ approach.
  • This strategy maximizes resource efficiency but limits ISRO's ability to quickly seize new opportunities. Had it been more agile, ISRO could have sought Cabinet approval for the proposed ‘Lunar Polar Explorer’ mission in collaboration with Japan, which aims to conduct key tasks similar to those of VIPER, particularly in prospecting for large water-ice deposits.

India's space program needs additional resources

•  Expanding Ambitions: As India seeks to strengthen its role in space exploration through ambitious projects such as crewed spaceflights, lunar missions, and interplanetary exploration, increased funding is essential for developing the necessary technology and infrastructure.
•  Technological Advancements: More resources would allow for investments in cutting-edge technologies, enabling ISRO to compete on a global scale and ensure that its missions are equipped with advanced capabilities for data collection, satellite communication, and Earth observation.
• Multiple Concurrent Missions: To maximize impact and seize new opportunities, ISRO requires the capacity to undertake multiple flagship missions at once, rather than sticking to a ‘one major mission at a time’ approach.
• Collaboration Opportunities: Increased funding could enhance international partnerships, allowing ISRO to collaborate with other space agencies and benefit from shared expertise and resources.
• Addressing Operational Gaps: More resources would help ISRO close the operational gaps that exist with leading space agencies, improving its ability to carry out complex missions, such as sample-return missions or deep-space exploration.
• Research and Development: Additional funding is vital for strengthening research and development efforts, which are key to fostering innovation and increasing mission success rates.
• Capacity Building: With more resources, ISRO could develop training programs and human resources, cultivating a skilled workforce capable of meeting the challenges posed by advanced space missions.

Government’s efforts for the additional resource to ISRO

• Increased Funding and Resources
  • Budget Allocations: The government has consistently raised budget allocations for ISRO, underscoring its dedication to space research and technology. For the fiscal year 2024-25, the Department of Space has been allocated ₹13,042.75 crore, marking an increase of ₹498.84 crore from the previous year's budget of ₹12,543.91 crore. This funding aims to support various missions, including ambitious projects like Gaganyaan, which seeks to send the first Indian into space and establish a dedicated space station by 2035.
  • News pace India Limited (NSIL): To promote the commercialization of space technologies developed by ISRO, NSIL has been established. This initiative is designed to encourage greater participation from private industries in space activities, leveraging public resources for commercial benefits and technological advancements in the sector.
• Policy Frameworks
  • Indian Space Policy 2023: This policy aims to create a more favorable environment for private sector engagement in space activities. It introduces the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), which streamlines approvals for private ventures while allowing ISRO to focus on advanced research and development efforts.
  • Transitioning ISRO's Role: The policy outlines a strategic shift for ISRO, moving away from manufacturing operational systems to prioritizing research and development. This transition is intended to enhance ISRO's capabilities in cutting-edge technologies while enabling private companies to handle manufacturing tasks.
• Collaborative Initiatives
  • RESPOND Program: This initiative fosters collaboration between ISRO and academic institutions, promoting research in space technology. The program aims to strengthen the academic foundation and cultivate skilled human resources that can contribute to ISRO's objectives.
  • Ø  International Cooperation: ISRO is actively engaging in partnerships with other space-faring nations for joint missions and technology exchanges. These collaborations not only bolster India's technological capabilities but also position it as a key player in global space governance.
• ·       Future Directions
  • Ø  Focus on R&D: The government emphasizes the critical role of research and development in maintaining India's competitive edge in space technology. Initiatives under the new policy are expected to prioritize R&D projects that align with national interests while fostering innovation within the private sector.
  • Ø  Infrastructure Development: Plans are underway to establish specialized facilities that will support both governmental and non-governmental entities in conducting space-related activities. This infrastructure aims to create a collaborative ecosystem that enhances India's overall capabilities in space exploration.

 Conclusion

NASA's cancellation of the VIPER mission underscores the need for India to enhance its space program. While India has made strides with initiatives like Chandrayaan-4, it must address operational gaps and expand funding to support multiple concurrent missions. Increased resources will facilitate technological advancements, foster international collaborations, and strengthen research and development efforts essential for ambitious lunar and interplanetary exploration.

Source: The Hindu