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General Studies Paper – III: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management
Context
For the past four decades, space exploration was primarily under the monopoly of government institutions (such as NASA, ISRO). During this period, 'Expendable Launch Vehicles' were used, which were destroyed after a single use. Due to this, the cost of missions remained extremely high. However, the new millennium has witnessed a 'Commercial Revolution,' where the private sector (SpaceX, Blue Origin) is not only investing but also leading innovation. The global space industry is projected to cross the value of $1 trillion by 2030.
Reusable Rocket:
A reusable rocket is a launch vehicle that is safely returned to Earth after a mission and is launched again after refurbishment.
- Massive Reduction in Cost: Compared to traditional rockets, it has reduced the cost of sending per kilogram of payload into space by 5 to 20 times.
- Launch Cadence: The recovery of the main parts of the rocket (such as boosters) has increased the frequency of launches.
- Key Examples: SpaceX's 'Falcon 9' and the under-construction 'Starship'. As of January 2026, a record has been set by using a single Falcon 9 booster more than 30 times.
Methodology and Sustainability of Reusability
This technology is primarily based on 'Retro-propulsion' and 'Autonomous Landing'.
- Methodology: After separating, the first stage of the rocket re-ignites its engines to reduce speed and perform a vertical landing at a designated location.
- Resource Saving: It saves the metals and complex manufacturing processes required to build a new rocket.
- Waste Management: It ensures 'Sustainable Space Access' by reducing debris falling into oceans and low Earth orbit.
Changing Landscape: Government vs. Private Entities
The space sector has now evolved from 'National Prestige' into a 'Global Business'.
- Government Role: Governments are now playing the role of 'Regulators' and 'Customers' instead of 'Operators'.
- Private Role: Private companies are leaders in cost efficiency through 3D printing and 'Vertical Integration'.
Status of India: Recent Achievements and Upcoming Missions
ISRO has also emerged as a major player in the global race for reusability:
- RLV-LEX3 (June 2024): ISRO successfully conducted the third autonomous landing experiment of the 'Reusable Launch Vehicle'.
- TSTO (Two-Stage-To-Orbit): India is developing a two-stage launch vehicle aimed at being fully reusable.
- ADMIRE: ISRO is working on a test vehicle capable of vertical landing (on the lines of SpaceX).
- IN-SPACe: This organization, created to promote the private sector, is establishing India in the global commercial market.
Human Mission vs. Satellite Mission: Cost Analysis
Feature | Satellite Mission | Human Mission |
Cost | Relatively Low | 3-5 times higher |
Complexity | Medium (Hardware only) | Extreme (Life support, safety) |
Return | Not required | Mandatory |
Reusability | Optional | Mandatory (for economic viability) |
Impact on the Future
- Space Tourism: Space travel will become accessible to common citizens due to reduced costs.
- Global Connectivity: Networks of thousands of small satellites (such as Starlink) will provide cheap internet to the entire world.
- Deep Space Exploration: Permanent settlements on the Moon and Mars missions are economically impossible without reusability.
Way Forward
- Policy Incentives: Providing financial and technical assistance to startups under the Space Policy 2023.
- International Standards: Need for global rules for the management of space debris and the operation of reusable rockets.
- Infrastructure: India needs to develop its launch centers to be compatible with the recovery of reusable boosters.
Conclusion
Reusability is not just a technical achievement but the 'Democratization' of space exploration. It turns space from an 'Expenditure' into an 'Investment'. Just as 'Natural Justice' is paramount in the Indian judiciary, 'Reusability' is the only path to 'Natural Sustainability' for the future of space.