Science and Technology

 

Science and Technology, Important Development for Competitive Exams. 

India Successfully Tests Advanced Agni Missile with MIRV Technology

India successfully tested an Advanced Agni missile equipped with Multiple Independently Targeted Re-Entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology on 8 May 2026 from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. The missile carried multiple payloads aimed at different targets across the Indian Ocean Region. Tracking systems on ground stations and ships monitored the entire flight, and all mission objectives were successfully achieved.

The test demonstrated India’s capability to strike multiple strategic targets using a single missile. Developed by DRDO with support from Indian industries, the missile strengthens India’s defence preparedness and strategic deterrence capability. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Army, and the defence industry for the successful trial.

MIRV (Multiple Independently Targeted Re-Entry Vehicle) technology allows one missile to carry several warheads that can hit different targets independently. Agni-5, with a range of 5,000+ km, is now MIRV-capable.

Mission Drishti: GalaxEye Launches World’s First OptoSAR Satellite

Indian space start-up GalaxEye has successfully launched Mission Drishti on 3 May 2026, placing the world’s first OptoSAR satellite into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This 190 kg satellite is India’s largest privately built Earth observation spacecraft, combining optical and radar sensors to deliver all-weather, day-and-night imagery.

🚀 Mission Drishti: Key Facts

  • Launched on: 3 May 2026, 12:30 PM IST
  • Launch Vehicle: SpaceX Falcon 9, from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California
  • Developer: Bengaluru-based start-up GalaxEye Space Solutions, founded by IIT Madras alumni in 2021
  • Satellite Mass: ~190 kg (India’s largest privately built EO satellite)
  • Orbit: Sun-synchronous LEO at ~500 km altitude
  • Technology: Proprietary OptoSAR (Optical + Synthetic Aperture Radar) fusion
  • Resolution: 1.2–3.6 metres (combined SAR + optical)
  • Processing: Onboard AI with NVIDIA Jetson Orin chip for real-time analysis
  • Special Feature: Deployable 3.5 m radar antenna + electric propulsion system

🌐 What is OptoSAR Technology?

  • Optical Imaging: Provides clear, photo-like images but fails in cloudy or dark conditions.
  • SAR Imaging: Works day/night and through clouds, but produces coarse, harder-to-interpret data.
  • OptoSAR Fusion: Drishti combines both sensors on a single platform, capturing data simultaneously and fusing it in real time.
  • Advantage: Delivers three times more information than traditional satellites, ensuring sharper, analysis-ready datasets.

Artemis II Mission 2026: NASA’s Historic Crewed Lunar Flyby

Artemis II is a historic NASA mission (April 1–10, 2026) in which four astronauts successfully traveled around the Moon and are now returning to Earth.

  • It is the first crewed lunar mission since Apollo 17.
  • The spacecraft reached a record distance of 252,756 miles from Earth, surpassing Apollo 13.
  • Astronauts performed a lunar flyby, observed the Moon’s far side, and tested critical systems.
  • The mission validates the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System (SLS) for future deep-space missions.
  • Splashdown is planned for April 10, 2026 in the Pacific Ocean.

👉 Overall, Artemis II is a major step toward future Moon landings (Artemis III) and eventual human missions to Mars.

Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam Achieves Criticality

India has achieved a major milestone in its nuclear energy programme as the indigenously developed Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam attained criticality, meaning it has started a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction.

  • The 500 MW reactor is operated by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).
  • It is a crucial part of India’s three-stage nuclear programme, advancing the second stage and paving the way for thorium utilization in the third stage.
  • The PFBR can produce more fuel than it consumes, showcasing advanced nuclear technology.
  • It is called a breeder reactor because it produces more fissile fuel (Plutonium-239) than it consumes by converting Uranium-238.
  • Once fully operational, India will become the second country after Russia to have a commercial fast breeder reactor.
  • The project is fully indigenous, involving over 200 Indian industries, supporting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

BHASHINI Platform Integrates Advanced AI Models to Boost India’s Multilingual AI Capabilities

BHASHINI (BHASHa INterface for India) has enabled the availability of advanced AI models, including the open-sourced Sarvam models, on its platform to strengthen India’s capacity to build population-scale artificial intelligence systems.

Operated by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, BHASHINI’s National Hub for Language Technologies runs on India’s first vendor- and cloud-agnostic AI Sovereign Cloud, ensuring data sovereignty, scalability, and system resilience.

The platform manages over 350 optimized AI models, supports more than 500 government websites, and processes over 15 million AI inferences daily. It offers more than 20 Natural Language Processing (NLP) services—such as automatic language detection, speaker diarization, and keyword spotting—across 36 text languages and 23 voice languages, including several tribal dialects and international languages.

BHASHINI aims to enable multilingual digital services and AI-driven communication, helping bridge language barriers and improve access to government services across India.

DRDO and Indian Navy Successfully Test Indigenous Air Droppable Container ADC-150 from P-8I Aircraft

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy conducted four successful in-flight release trials of the indigenous Air Droppable Container ADC-150 from the Boeing P-8I Poseidon aircraft off the coast of Goa between 21 February and 1 March 2026.

The ADC-150 is designed to deliver payloads of up to 150 kg, enabling rapid supply of critical stores, equipment, and medical aid to naval ships deployed far from the coast. The successful trials demonstrated the system’s capability under various extreme release conditions.

With the completion of all developmental flight trials, the ADC-150 system is expected to be inducted into the Indian Navy soon, strengthening its operational logistics and emergency response capability in the open seas.

DRDO Successfully Tests Gaganyaan Drogue Parachute

India’s human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan, achieved a significant milestone with the successful qualification-level load test of its drogue parachute system. The test was conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh on 18 February 2026.

Key Highlights

  • The drogue parachute is a critical component of the crew module’s deceleration system, designed to stabilize and slow down the spacecraft before the deployment of the main parachutes.
  • The qualification-level load test validated the parachute’s strength, reliability, and performance under extreme aerodynamic conditions.
  • The Ministry of Defence emphasized that the RTRS facility is a specialized dynamic test center extensively used for high-speed aerodynamic and ballistic evaluations.
  • The successful trial demonstrates India’s growing expertise in designing and manufacturing high-strength ribbon parachutes, a technology crucial for astronaut safety during re-entry and landing.
  • The test was jointly overseen by teams from DRDO and ISRO, marking another step forward in ensuring the safety and success of India’s first human spaceflight mission.

AI Impact Summit 2026: Key Highlights, Objectives and Global Significance

The AI Impact Summit 2026 is a landmark global event being hosted in New Delhi, India, from February 16–20, 2026, at the Bharat Mandapam. It marks a strategic shift from “action” to “impact,” focusing on how artificial intelligence can drive inclusive development, sustainability, and equitable progress worldwide.

🔑 Core Objectives

  • Inclusive Human Development – Ensuring AI benefits reach diverse communities across the globe.
  • Environmental Sustainability – Leveraging AI for climate solutions and ecological protection.
  • Equitable Progress – Bridging the global AI divide through multilateral cooperation.
  • Policy & Governance – Establishing frameworks for responsible AI deployment.

🌍 Global Participation

  • Attended by Heads of State, Ministers, CEOs, and international organizations.
  • Key figures include Sundar Pichai (Google) and Bill Gates, alongside other global tech leaders.
  • Delegations from 13 countries (including UK, France, Germany, Japan, Australia, Russia, Italy).

📅 Structure of the Summit

  • Day 1 (Feb 16): Inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • Feb 17–20: Open sessions, panels, and the AI Impact Expo showcasing innovations.
  • Over 700 sessions covering AI in healthcare, education, governance, ethics, and industry.

India Climbs Four Places to 45th in Network Readiness Index 2025

India has made notable progress in the Network Readiness Index 2025 (NRI 2025), climbing four places to rank 45th among 127 economies, according to a report released on February 4 by the Portulans Institute, a Washington DC–based non-profit research organization.

The index evaluates countries across **four pillars—Technology, People, Governance, and Impact—**using 53 indicators to measure how effectively economies leverage information and communication technologies (ICT). Along with the ranking improvement, India’s overall score increased from 53.63 in 2024 to 54.43 in 2025, reflecting steady digital progress.

India achieved top global rankings in several key areas, including annual investment in telecommunication services, AI scientific publications, ICT services exports, and e-commerce legislation. The country also ranked second in FTTH/building internet subscriptions, domestic mobile broadband traffic, and international internet bandwidth, and third in domestic market scale and income inequality.

Overall, the NRI 2025 highlights India’s growing strength in leveraging digital technologies to support economic growth, innovation, and social development.

DRDO Successfully Demonstrates SFDR Missile Propulsion Technology at Chandipur

On 3 February 2026, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully demonstrated the Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, off the Odisha coast. The test marks a major milestone in India’s missile development programme and places India among a select group of countries with this advanced propulsion capability.

SFDR technology is crucial for next-generation long-range air-to-air missiles, as it significantly enhances range, speed, and manoeuvrability, giving the Indian armed forces a strong tactical edge. During the flight test, all key subsystems—including the nozzle-less booster, ramjet motor, and fuel flow controller—performed as expected. After initial boost to the required Mach number, the ramjet system operated smoothly.

The system’s performance was validated using flight data from multiple tracking instruments deployed along the Bay of Bengal coast. Senior scientists from DRDL, HEMRL, RCI and ITR monitored the test. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V. Kamat congratulated the DRDO teams and industry partners on the successful demonstration.

ASC ARJUN: First Humanoid Robot Deployed by Indian Railways at Visakhapatnam

Indian Railways has deployed its first humanoid robot, ASC ARJUN, at Visakhapatnam Railway Station to strengthen passenger safety, security, and service delivery. The robot will function alongside Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel, especially during periods of heavy passenger movement, reflecting Indian Railways’ commitment to adopting emerging technologies for improved operational efficiency and public convenience.

The robot was unveiled by Inspector General (RPF) Alok Bohra and Divisional Railway Manager Lalit Bohra, in the presence of senior RPF officials. Developed entirely in Visakhapatnam using indigenous technology, ASC ARJUN is the outcome of over a year of work by a dedicated technical team, highlighting Indian Railways’ growing capability to integrate advanced systems into routine operations.

ASC ARJUN is equipped with a Face Recognition System (FRS) for intrusion detection, AI-based crowd monitoring, and real-time alert generation for RPF control rooms. It can make automated public announcements in English, Hindi, and Telugu, enhancing passenger assistance and safety awareness.

With semi-autonomous navigation and obstacle-avoidance, the robot can patrol platforms round the clock, supporting surveillance and optimizing manpower deployment. Additional features include fire and smoke detection systems for emergency response, as well as interactive functions such as greeting passengers with a Namaste, saluting RPF personnel, and providing information through a user interface.

The Ministry of Railways stated that ASC ARJUN’s deployment is part of a broader strategy to leverage technology-driven and indigenously developed innovations to create a safer, more secure, and passenger-friendly railway environment.

PSLV-C62 Mission Launched: Reports Anomaly During Third Stage

The PSLV-C62 mission, the 64th flight of India’s PSLV launch vehicle, lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota on 12 January 2026, carrying the Earth Observation Satellite EOS-N1 (Anvesha) along with 14 commercial payloads. The mission was executed by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and marked the ninth dedicated commercial launch, with strategic support from DRDO, which developed the EOS-N1 for high-precision imaging. The rocket also carried satellites from both domestic and international customers, including seven from Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space, making it a milestone for India’s private space sector.

However, the mission experienced an anomaly near the end of the third (PS3) stage, where the vehicle reported higher roll disturbances and a flight path deviation. ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan confirmed that the PSLV’s performance up to the PS3 stage was nominal and that data is currently being analysed to assess the impact of the anomaly.

ISRO Successfully Launches AST SpaceMobile BlueBird Block-2 Satellite Using LVM3

India successfully carried out another significant space mission as ISRO, through its commercial arm NewSpace India Limited, launched the United States’ AST SpaceMobile BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite on 24 December 2025 at 8:55 AM from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

The satellite was placed into Low Earth Orbit by ISRO’s heavy-lift launch vehicle LVM3, marking its sixth operational flight and reinforcing ISRO’s reliable launch capabilities. The mission was particularly notable as BlueBird Block-2 is the largest commercial communication satellite deployed in Low Earth Orbit and also the heaviest payload launched by LVM3 from Indian soil.

Owned by AST SpaceMobile (USA), BlueBird Block-2 is part of a global LEO constellation designed to enable direct-to-mobile connectivity, supporting 4G and 5G calls, messaging, video, and data services worldwide.

DRDO Successfully Conducts High-Speed Rocket-Sledge Test of Fighter Escape System

The DRDO successfully conducted a high-speed rocket-sledge test of a fighter aircraft escape system on 2 December 2025, marking a major milestone in India’s indigenous defence capability.
The test, conducted at the Rail Track Rocket Sledge (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh, involved collaboration with ADA, HAL, and was witnessed by officials from the Indian Air Force and the Institute of Aerospace Medicine.

The dynamic test used a dual-sledge system to propel the LCA aircraft forebody at controlled high velocity, simulating real ejection conditions. An instrumented Anthropomorphic Test Dummy was used to measure loads and accelerations experienced by pilots during ejection.
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh congratulated all agencies, calling it a significant step toward self-reliance in defence technology.

DoT Issues New SIM-Binding Rules to Prevent Misuse of Messaging Apps

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued new security guidelines for major app-based communication platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, Signal, ShareChat, Josh, Arattai, and JioChat.

These directions aim to stop the misuse of telecom identifiers and strengthen security in India’s digital communication ecosystem.

Under the new rules:

  • Apps must remain continuously linked to the active SIM card in the user’s device.
    ➤ This will prevent users from operating these apps after the SIM is removed, deactivated, or used abroad.
  • Web versions of these services must automatically log out periodically, requiring QR code verification for re-login.
  • Platforms using Indian mobile numbers for user identification must comply with the rules within 90 days and submit a compliance report within 120 days.

The Ministry stated that these measures are necessary to prevent cybercrimes such as anonymous scams, digital arrest frauds, and fake government calls, which are often conducted from overseas using Indian numbers.

With cyber-fraud losses exceeding ₹22,800 crore last year, the government said these mandatory SIM-binding rules will ensure traceability, enhance security, and protect public trust under the Telecom Cyber Security Rules.

DAE Launches India’s First Nitric-Oxide Wound Dressing and New Rare-Earth Reference Material

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) announced two major scientific breakthroughs with important applications in healthcare and rare-earth research.

India’s first nitric-oxide-releasing wound dressing, “ColoNoX,” was launched for treating diabetic foot ulcers (DFU).

  • Developed by BARC in collaboration with Cologenesis Pvt. Ltd.
  • Successfully completed Phase II and III clinical trials.
  • Received DCGI approval for commercial production.
  • DAE Secretary Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty said the innovation will offer affordable and effective treatment for diabetic patients.

DAE also released a new Certified Reference Material (CRM) named Ferrocarbonatite (FC) – BARC B140, developed for rare earth element (REE) exploration and processing.

  • Created jointly by BARC’s NCCCM and the Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD), Hyderabad.
  • Provides certified values for 13 rare-earth elements and 6 major elements.
  • It is India’s first CRM of this type and only the fourth in the world.

ISRO Launches India’s Heaviest Communication Satellite GSAT-7R (CMS-03)

On 2 November 2025, ISRO successfully launched the GSAT-7R (CMS-03), India’s heaviest communication satellite (4,410 kg), using the LVM3-M5 (Baahubali) rocket from Sriharikota.

The indigenously built satellite will boost the Indian Navy’s communication and maritime surveillance over the Indian Ocean Region. It is designed to operate for 15 years.

ISRO Chief V. Narayanan called it a “shiny example of Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” praising teams for executing ISRO’s heaviest-ever payload launch. The LVM3 achieved its 8th consecutive success and will be used for the upcoming Gaganyatri-2 mission.

Aadhaar Vision 2032 Framework Launched by UIDAI

On 31 October 2025, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) launched the ‘Aadhaar Vision 2032’ framework — a strategic roadmap to make Aadhaar future-ready through advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Quantum Computing, and Advanced Encryption.

The initiative aims to reinforce Aadhaar’s security, scalability, inclusiveness, and compliance with data protection and privacy standards, ensuring its continued role as a cornerstone of India’s digital governance and economy.

A High-Level Expert Committee, chaired by Neelkanth Mishra (Chairperson, UIDAI), has been formed to draft the vision document. Members include experts from academia, industry, and administration such as Vivek Raghavan (Sarvam AI), Dheeraj Pandey (Nutanix), Sasikumar Ganesan (MOSIP), Rahul Matthan (Trilegal), Navin Budhiraja (Vianai Systems), Anil Jain (Michigan State University), and others.

The Aadhaar Vision 2032 document will outline a next-generation architecture aligned with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act and global cybersecurity standards, focusing on AI-driven authentication, Blockchain-based trust, Quantum security preparedness, and advanced data encryption.

Gaganyaan G1 Mission; Launch Planned for December 2025

On 23 October 2025, ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan announced that 90% of work on the Gaganyaan uncrewed test flight mission (G1) has been completed, with the launch scheduled for the first week of December 2025. He confirmed that all key tests — including those on the crew module, escape system, parachute, and communication subsystems — have been successfully conducted. The Vyomamitra humanoid will fly aboard this uncrewed mission to low Earth orbit.

The final crewed Gaganyaan mission is targeted for 2027, during which three Indian astronauts will travel to space and return safely.

Dr. Narayanan also provided updates on other ISRO projects:

  • The NISAR Earth Observation Satellite will have its payloads operational within 10–15 days.
  • The first base module of the Bharatiya Antriksh Station will be launched by 2028, with the space station expected by 2035.
  • The NAVIC navigation satellite constellation (seven satellites) will be fully operational by 2027.
  • The Mars Lander Mission configuration is under development and awaiting approval.
  • ISRO is advancing technology for next-generation multi-stage rockets capable of lifting 75,000–80,000 kg, designed for human and deep space missions.

Google to Build Largest AI and Data Infrastructure Hub Outside the U.S. in Visakhapatnam

In October 2025, Google announced a $15 billion investment to build its largest AI and data infrastructure hub outside the U.S. in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, in partnership with Adani Group and Bharti Airtel.

The 1-gigawatt data center campus, powered by renewable energy and supported by subsea cable and fiber networks, will enhance AI, cloud, and digital infrastructure in India.

Unveiled at the Bharat AI Shakti event in New Delhi, the project is expected to create over 1 lakh jobs, boost AI adoption, and strengthen Indo-U.S. tech collaboration. Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu called it a milestone toward making Visakhapatnam an “AI City.”

UAE Unveils Sovereign Mobility Cloud & Dubai Autonomous Zone

Event: Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport 24–25 Sept 2025.

Sovereign Mobility Cloud:

  • Launched by the UAE, enabled by Core42’s Sovereign Public Cloud and powered by Microsoft Azure.
  • Provides secure digital infrastructure for autonomous mobility.
  • Ensures data sovereignty (all data hosted in UAE under national rules).
  • Supports HD mapping, telematics, fleet ops, traffic management, digital twins.
  • Backed by Space42 for pilot deployment & commercial rollout.
  • Builds on success of TXAI driverless service (600,000 km, 20,000 passenger trips).

Dubai Autonomous Zone (DAZ):

15-km dedicated corridor for driverless vehicles & marine transport.

  • Operational: Early 2026.
  • Coverage: Al Jaddaf Metro – Dubai Creek Harbour – Dubai Festival City.
  • Autonomous transport options: Driverless Metro, RoboTaxis, RoboBuses, shuttles, delivery bots, road sweepers, autonomous abras.
  • RoboTaxi trials by end of 2025, goal: 1,000 vehicles by 2028.
  • Collaboration: Uber + RTA + WeRide for autonomous cars.
  • Safety focus: 50+ vehicles testing in Jumeirah for real-world data.
  • Benefits: shorter travel, cost reduction, app-based booking (2026), accessibility for elderly/disabled, lower emissions.

India Unveils First Indigenous Semiconductor Chip “Vikram-3201”

On the sidelines of Semicon India 2025 in New Delhi, On 2 September 2025, India unveiled its first fully Made-in-India semiconductor chip, named Vikram-3201, developed by ISRO’s Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL).

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw presented the chip to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a giant step in India’s semiconductor self-reliance journey under the India Semiconductor Mission (2021).

Tata Electronics & Merck Sign MoU to Strengthen India’s Semiconductor Manufacturing

On 2 September 2025, Tata Electronics Pvt. Ltd. and Merck signed an MoU to advance India’s semiconductor and electronics manufacturing. The collaboration focuses on semiconductor materials, fab infrastructure, and specialty chemical and gas distribution for Tata Electronics’ upcoming ₹91,000 crore (USD 11 billion) fabrication plant in Dholera, Gujarat.

Merck will provide high-purity materials, advanced gas/chemical systems, turnkey fab services, and AI-powered Material Intelligence™ solutions. The partnership also emphasizes safety, best practices, supply chain localization, warehousing, talent development, and industry standards.

ISRO Successfully Conducts First Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) for Gaganyaan Mission

ISRO Successfully Conducts First Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) for Gaganyaan Mission on 24 Aug 2025, at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota.

  • Agencies Involved: ISRO, Indian Air Force, DRDO, Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard.
  • Objective: End-to-end demonstration of parachute-based deceleration system for Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.

James Webb Telescope Discovers Uranus’ 29th Moon, S/2025 U1

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) discovered a new moon of Uranus, named S/2025 U1.

  • The discovery was made by a team led by the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) on On 2 February 2025.
  • This raises the total number of Uranian moons to 29.
  • The moon is estimated to be just 10 km in diameter.
  • It orbits Uranus at a distance of 56,000 km.
  • Lead scientist Maryame El Moutamid called it a “small but significant discovery.”

ISRO to Conduct Gaganyaan’s First Test Flight in December 2025

On 21 August 2025, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman V. Narayanan announced that India’s maiden manned space mission – Gaganyaan will have its first test flight in December 2025.

  • Progress: Around 7,700 tests (80%) completed; remaining 2,300 tests to finish by March 2026.
  • Other Achievements (2025): 196 milestones, including GLEX-2025, a high-thrust electric propulsion system, and plans to launch a 6,500 kg US communication satellite from India.
  • Aditya L1 Mission: Delivered 13 terabits of scientific data this year.
  • Axiom-4 Mission: ISRO corrected a LOX leakage in Falcon-9’s first stage, ensuring a safe launch.

India to Establish Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035; Crewed Moon Mission by 2040

On 16 August 2025, Science & Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced India’s plan to set up an operational Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and send an Indian crewed mission to the Moon by 2040.

The announcement was made during a special Lok Sabha discussion on India’s first astronaut aboard the ISS. The Minister lauded IAF Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla for his historic mission to the International Space Station.

Starlink Approved to Launch Satellite Internet in India

On 31 July 2025, the Indian government granted Elon Musk’s Starlink a Unified License to offer satellite-based internet services in India. The service will deliver high-speed (50–250 Mbps), low-latency internet via LEO satellites, especially targeting rural and remote areas.

  • License announced by Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
  • Starlink kit cost: ₹33,000; Monthly fee: ₹3,000.
  • Will partner with Airtel and Reliance Jio for nationwide rollout.
  • Competes with OneWeb and Jio SES.
  • Launch expected by late 2025 or early 2026, supporting India’s Digital growth and 5G/6G leadership.

India Launches NISAR Satellite with NASA

On 30 July 2025, India and NASA jointly launched the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, a $1.5 billion Earth observation mission, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre using GSLV-F16.

  • NISAR is the first radar satellite to use dual-frequency (L-band & S-band) for tracking minute surface changes.
  • Placed in a 747 km Sun-synchronous orbit, it will map the globe every 12 days.
  • It helps monitor climate change, disasters, glacier retreat, and more.
  • The mission marks a milestone in U.S.-India space cooperation.
  • Data will be freely available worldwide; expected mission life is 5 years.
  • It supports India’s rising space ambitions, including Gaganyaan and a space station by 2035.

ISRO to Launch NASA-ISRO NISAR Earth Observation Satellite

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite today, 30 July 2025, at 5:40 PM from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, using the GSLV-F16 rocket.

  • Countdown began at 2:10 PM on 29 July 2025.
  • NISAR is an advanced Earth observation satellite capable of capturing minute surface changes smaller than a centimetre.
  • It can map the Earth day and night, in all weather conditions, and will scan the entire globe every 12 days.
  • The mission places the satellite into a Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit.
  • The GSLV rocket is used due to the satellite’s heavier payload, replacing the more commonly used PSLV.
  • NISAR is a joint mission between ISRO and NASA, marking their first hardware collaboration, with both agencies contributing distinct radar systems.
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