ISRO, the Indian Space Research Organisation, continues to make remarkable strides, leaving the world in awe of India's space ambitions. With recent achievements that challenge the space shuttle market, India's space program is set to disrupt the industry and compete with renowned players like Space X.

On April 2nd, in the state of Karnataka, an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter embarked on an unprecedented mission. Carrying India's first Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV), the helicopter ascended to a record-breaking altitude of 4.5 kilometers. By 7:40 AM, ISRO and other Indian tech agencies achieved a monumental milestone as the RLV performed a precise, high-speed unmanned landing, surpassing all expectations. This accomplishment paves the way for sustainable and cost-effective space exploration, positioning India as a formidable competitor to Space X.

Reflecting back to 2014, when the New York Times published a regrettable racist cartoon, mocking India's Mars orbit mission, 'Mangalyaan.' At that time, the belief prevailed that the space club belonged exclusively to an elite group, and India had yet to prove its worth. Fast forward to the present, and the Western press has been proven wrong once again, witnessing the astounding progress made by India's space program.

The tireless efforts of ISRO and other Indian agencies have propelled India's space missions to new heights. The country has enhanced its rocket's payload capacity and showcased unparalleled technological expertise, attracting global attention and prompting space players worldwide to seek India's collaboration.

The journey of India's space program began in the humble fishing hamlet of Thumba in Kerala during the 1960s. Since then, India's progress in space launches, technology development, and commercial satellite launch facilities has been nothing short of extraordinary. The Indian Space Program has meticulously developed comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures, ensuring seamless operations from launch to landing.

ISRO, the leading force in the Indian space industry, has successfully launched satellites not only for India but also for other countries. Recently, ISRO's Launch Vehicle Mark III effectively deployed 36 satellites for OneWeb, a UK-based company with Indian ownership, completing the first-generation Low Earth Orbit constellation. S. Somanath, Chief of the Indian Space Research Organisation, expressed enthusiasm for future endeavors, stating that preparations for the launch campaign of PSLV-C55 were already underway.

In another groundbreaking achievement, ISRO's Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) successfully completed a landing, bringing India closer to its dream of having its own space plane and sustainable space exploration capabilities. The technique employed for the launch was a first-of-its-kind, as a winged body was transported by a helicopter to an altitude of 4.5 km and autonomously landed on a runway. ISRO's innovative and cost-effective technologies have earned the organization a place in the elite space club, with India emerging as a leader in third-party launch services.

Through ISRO, India has generated substantial revenue, totaling USD 279 million, by launching satellites for 34 countries. The country's space industry has played a pivotal role in developing various application areas, including weather forecasting, navigation, oceanographic studies, disaster management, and agriculture. Experts predict that India's recent advancements will soon prove to be a game-changer.

The Indian government's decision to open the space economy to private participation has ushered in an era of growth, innovation, and increased investment in the sector. With this reform, Non-Government Entities (NGEs) have been empowered to independently engage in space activities. ISRO's infrastructure and facilities are now accessible to private companies, stimulating the emergence of new talent and fostering innovation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during discussions with ISRO officials, emphasized the four pillars of India's reform approach. These pillars include providing the private sector with the freedom to innovate, enabling its role as an enabler, preparing youth for the future, and leveraging space as a resource for progress.

Aligned with India's self-reliance initiative, the country is gearing up to launch its first-ever Aatmanirbhar human flight, "Gaganyaan." The project's objective is to send a three-person crew into orbit for 5 to 7 days and ensure their safe return to Earth. The government has allocated $137 billion to the Department of Space for the smooth execution of all space missions from 2022 to 2023.

According to a report by the Indian Space Association (ISA) and Ernst & Young (EY), the satellite manufacturing sector is expected to grow from $2.1 billion in 2020 to $3.2 billion in 2025, while launch services will grow from $567.4 million in 2020 to $1 billion in 2025.

India's space projects have garnered international collaborations, including partnerships with the United Nations, BRICS nations, Israel, NASA, and the European Space Agency. The groundbreaking technological advancements achieved by India's space sector have set the stage for its future success, with government initiatives and reforms poised to be transformative.

India has already made history by becoming the first country to successfully enter the orbit of Mars in its maiden attempt. The Mangalyaan mission, India's most economical Mars mission to date, achieved this feat at a budget of only $75 million, representing a mere 11% of NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Mission (MAVEN).

With an indomitable spirit and limitless determination, India is steadily advancing towards its lunar exploration mission, leaving experts confident that success is on the horizon. The nation's space sector continues to captivate with its audacity and ambition, inspiring awe and admiration worldwide.