Space

5 published UPSC current-affairs articles

Science & Technology

Science & TechnologyGS-3

VCSS: Satellite-Based Safety Net for India’s Marine Fishing Fleet

The Department of Fisheries has approved the national rollout of the Vessel Communication and Support System (VCSS) under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The ₹364 crore project aims to equip one lakh marine fishing vessels with indigenous satellite based transponders. Covers mechanised and motorised fishing vessels across all 13 coastal States/UTs.

10 Aug 2026Read analysis →

Science & Technology

Science & TechnologyGS-3

PowerBank-50: India’s First Flight-Proven Indigenous Satellite Battery

Hyderabad based space tech startup TakeMe2Space’s PowerBank 50 has become the first indigenously developed, commercially available satellite battery in India to achieve “flight heritage” after successfully operating aboard Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram 1 mission. The mission was launched on 18 July 2026. A space grade battery pack designed to provide electrical power to satellite payloads.

10 Aug 2026Read analysis →

Science & Technology

Science & TechnologyGS-3

India's First Privately Built 800 kN Full-Flow Staged Combustion Rocket Engine Unveiled

In August 2026, private space technology startup Astrobase Space Technologies unveiled 'EVEREST' in Bengaluru, Karnataka. EVEREST is India's first privately built 800 kN Full Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) LOX Methane rocket engine. Designed to power reusable launch vehicles, this landmark development establishes India as only the fourth nation globally to possess this advanced propulsion technology, highlighting the rapid technological maturation of India's private aerospace sector.

9 Aug 2026Read analysis →

Science & Technology

Science & TechnologyGS-3

Emerging Challenges Faced by the ISRO

Syllabus: GS3/Science and Technology An analysis of the ISRO headcount from data in annual reports over the last three decades shows that ISRO’s current sanctioned strength vis a vis available employees is at 72% which is the lowest in recent times. The developments have revolved around unprecedented failures, slowdown of projects with top billing, fears of attrition and the emergence of nascent competition in the form of homegrown startups.

5 Aug 2026Read analysis →

Science & Technology

Science & TechnologyGS-3

Research and Development Statistics 2025-26: DST

According to the latest data disclosed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), India ’s spending on research and development (R&D) surged to 0.83% of GDP in 2021 22, , marking the first time since 2009 10 that the country crossed the 0.8% threshold. What is Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD)? It is the sum of all resources dedicated to research and development during a given period.

5 Aug 2026Read analysis →

Explore related categories

🏛️ Polity 💰 Economy 🌍 International 🔬 Science & Tech 🌱 Environment