After Chandrayaan-3, ISRO sets sights beyond Earth on other planetary systems

• Image Credit: Google

• Oct 10, 2023 | Dhupali Das

ISRO has a number of goals to achieve in the next years before embarking on expeditions to other planetary systems...

Digital Desk: Riding high on the success of Chandrayaan-3, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is trying to widen India's space endeavors to encompass other planetary systems, even transcending the 'Earth system,' as stated by the space agency's Chairman S Somanath on Monday.

"At the Department of Space and ISRO, we are exploring space activities that can expand the realms of exploration following the triumphant mission of Chandrayaan-3," Somanath said on the first day of the Indian Space Conclave in New Delhi.

"We are actively contemplating missions aimed at comprehending the universe, securing other planetary systems for our Indian space pursuits, and venturing beyond the Earth system," he added.

This vision coincides with the evolving Indian Space Policy, which specifies ISRO's shift in primary focus from manufacturing operational space systems to pioneering research and development of new space technologies and applications.

The policy mandates ISRO to "conduct studies and missions related to in-situ resource utilization, celestial prospecting, and other aspects of extraterrestrial habitability."

ISRO has a number of goals to achieve in the next years before embarking on expeditions to other planetary systems. The Gaganyaan mission, planned to be India's first manned space journey, is one such milestone.

In this context, Somanath said, "We are also advancing programs for human spaceflight, which are poised to mature in the coming years. We are considering how, in conjunction with human spaceflight, we may build a long-term vision for space activities such as exploration, scientific pursuits, understanding the universe, and supporting commerce, even though such endeavors may span long timeframes."

Moreover, ISRO's chairman called for increased private sector participation in the space industry, stressing the impending release of space-related foreign direct investment (FDI) regulations.

"We are keen to attract more foreign investment into the space domain, and for that purpose, we will soon unveil the FDI regulatory guidelines," Somanath said.