The Decision for Indian Human Spaceflight Programme—Political Perspectives,National Relevance,and Technological Challenges

Abstract

Abstract

In recent times, debate is intense for an Indian Human Spaceflight (IHSF) Programme. An assessment of the challenges in the development of a human spaceflight (HSF) transport system has been studied by India centering on development of indigenous launch capability for a two-member crew to low earth orbit and return safely to predetermined destination on earth. However, India is yet to take a decision for a HSF program. At National Institute for Advanced Studies (NIAS), we have looked into the decision process that could lead to the crucial decision. We feel that establishing a political perspective for commitment, building a national consensus, and also addressing the technological challenges are important steps. Our article addresses these in a holistic manner: a critical factor of engagements at political level to obtain commitment for long-term implications, of almost 20–30 years, needs to be initiated. The democratic multiparty framework of India which has to deal with aspirations of Indian society will also have to decide on the long-term development of IHSF Programme. It will be a critical exercise to build the political perspectives. Consider the financial implications of a long-term HSF program development, not just the one time investments are required for demonstrating national capability but also for continued HSF pursuit with national gain. The assessment of returns and benefits has to be clearly articulated. Key technological challenges include crew module design, environmental control and life support system, mission management with human in-loop, crew escape system, launch facilities, astronaut training, etc. We also feel that strategic options are important in terms of indigenous technology development cycles, technology acquisition, collaborative synergies at international level, or even alignment/competing with growing global private initiatives in HSF program. The article outlines the above and identifies some key parameters that would determine decision and goals for India to pursue HSF, including attraction for long-term commitments and deepening investments at the cost of competing priorities, articulation of economic outcomes, apportionment of benefits across diverse political interests and time frames, various risk dimensions and ascertainment of public perceptions, impact on social objectives, international cooperation and positioning, and achieving high technological excellence in multiple sectors. The article finally would outline the path that still needs to be pursued for the national decision.