Shenzhou I: China’s first
unmanned spacecraftPolar Satellite Launch
Vehicle (PSLV) first
operational launchDong Neng-3
exoatmospheric
vehicle testManned Lunar Mission
and Mission to MarsChang’e 4: Mission to
far side of MoonShenzhou 11: Manned
Mission to Tiangong-2Polar Satellite Launch
Vehicle (PSLV) first
operational launchFirst Mars Orbiter:
Mangalyaan104 satellites launched
from single rocket,
breaking record held by
Russia of 37 in 2014Second Mars MissionFirst Mission to VenusSecond Moon Orbiter:
Chandrayaan-2the Space race
19992003ASAT Test200720152036201820161997First Moon Orbiter:
Chandrayaan-12008201320172020–2120212018CHINAVERSUSINDIALike China, India has woken up to the benefits
of space exploration and development, tapping into
the lucrative commercial space market. In 2008, India
launched its Moon orbiter, Chandrayaan, which
detected water on the Moon’s surface. In February
this year, ISRO launched 104 satellites on a single
rocket, breaking the 2014 Russian record of 37 satellites.
Of the 104 satellites, three were Indian-owned, 96
were from US-based companies, and the rest were
from companies in Israel, Kazakhstan, Switzerland,
the Netherlands, and the UAE. ISRO Professor
Dr Sivathanu Pillai said that by 2030, India may be
able to meet its energy requirements with Helium-3
mined from the Moon. India also plans to encourage
privatisation of its space activities. ISRO Chairman,
AS Kiran Kumar recently announced that by 2020,
India will privatise its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
(PSLV) in order to improve capacity and increase rate
of launches from 12 to 18 in a single year.In 2008, India launched its Moon
orbiter, Chandrayaan, which detected
water on the Moon’s surfaceIMAGE © SHUTTERSTOCK