B&C
Space Science
India Space Missions 2022: The year that went by was a truly momentous one for space exploration. Not only did we witness NASA complete the Artemis 1 mission to put humanity back on the Moon, but we were also treated to unprecedented views into the universe by the James Webb Space Telescope. 2022 also saw India bolster its credentials as a spacefaring superpower.
The Indian Space Research Organisation marked its first entry into commercial satellite launches using its Launch Vehicle Mark III (LVM3) rocket, earlier known as the GSLV-MK3. It also completed the maiden flight of its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), but it was a bittersweet experience, as the rocket injected three satellites into the wrong orbit due to a sensor failure, meaning the mission was only a partial success.
Private space technology companies in India also had a great year. -based Skyroot Aerospace’s Prarambh mission saw India’s maiden launch of a privately-built satellite vehicle. -based Agnikul Cosmos successfully completed the test-firing of its Agnikul launch vehicle, the world’s first single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine.