The Chennai head-quartered space start-up Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited incubated at IIT-Madras in the year 2022 has launched its first rocket Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD) from the Dhanush Launch pad in Satish Dhawan Space Centre, at Sriharikota on 30 May 2024. Startups in emerging space technologies are transforming the landscape of the Indian space industry. Driven by advancements in various fields and increasing private sector involvement, space exploration has become more feasible and is opening up new possibilities for commercial and scientific endeavours. The ongoing advancements are making space more accessible and affordable.

Introduction

The field of space technologies is rapidly contributing to our understanding of space, enabling exploration and commercial activities fostering international collaboration in space endeavours. In this article, we will try to identify and understand the emerging technologies that can aid a wide range of innovations and tools used for space technologies. We have very limited literature and data available in the public domain.

Reusable Systems and Launchers

Reusable rockets and launchers are transforming the space economy by significantly reducing costs and enhancing launch capabilities. These vehicles are designed to be recovered and flown multiple times, allowing for more efficient use of resources and increased access to space.  Companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are leading the charge, with plans for even more advanced reusable systems, for instance, SpaceX is developing the fully reusable Starship, which aims to facilitate missions to Mars and beyond.

Deep Space Internet Connectivity

Recent advancements in deep space broadband internet focus on enhancing communication capabilities between Earth and spacecraft operating at distant regions of the solar system. Interplanetary internet with laser career can enhance speed and bandwidth. Laser-based TeraByte InfraRed Delivery (TBIRD) system of NASA recently achieved data transmission rates of 200 gigabits per second. SpaceX of Elon Musk has opened many possibilities in space connectivity. The development of deep space broadband internet services through innovative protocols and laser communication technologies is paving the way for a more connected and efficient approach to space exploration by allowing for faster data transmission.

Space Tourism

Space tourism has emerged as an exciting and rapidly growing sector within the aviation industry, allowing individuals to experience space travel for recreational purposes. This industry encompasses various types of space travel, including suborbital, orbital, and even lunar missions in future. Global space tourism market was valued at approximately $695.1 million in 2022, with projections to reach around $8.67 billion by 2030, reflecting an annual growth rate of 40.2%. Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic achieved the first successful suborbital flight with passengers in July 2021 whereas Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin Launched his first crewed flight shortly after Branson, marking a significant milestone for commercial space travel. Elon Musk is focused on orbital tourism, including missions that involve longer stays in space and trips around the Moon.

Miniaturization of Satellites

The miniaturization of satellites is a transformational trend in the aerospace industry, significantly reshaping the landscape of space technology. This process involves reducing the size and weight of satellite systems while enhancing their functionality, cost-effectiveness and affordability. These satellites typically weigh less than 500 kg (1100 lb) and can range in size from a shoebox to a refrigerator. This size reduction allows for lowering development/launch costs, rapid deployment and the ability to operate in large constellations enhancing capabilities in global communication and earth observation. Recent advancements in microelectronics, materials science, and battery technology have been pivotal in driving satellite miniaturization. Many academic institutions around the world are now involved in manufacturing cube satellites for testing and learning.

Propulsion Systems

Efficient propulsion systems for satellites are crucial for enhancing their performance by reducing operational costs and enabling deep-space missions. Various propulsion technologies are being developed and refined to meet the diverse needs of modern space missions. Conventional chemical propulsion can be either monopropellant or bipropellant. New age Ion Thrusters, Hall-Effect Thrusters, Cold Gas propulsion, Solar Sail propulsion and Electromagnetic propulsion are a few. Modern hybrid propulsion systems are designed to optimise the limited spacecraft resources. Innovations in control electronics and modular architectures enhance the adaptability and performance of propulsion units

• Smart Propulsions

Smart and intelligent satellite propulsion systems are increasingly leveraging advanced technologies to enhance efficiency, reduce costs and improve mission capabilities. Electric propulsion (EP) is at the forefront of these innovations, offering significant advantages over traditional chemical propulsion methods. Smart propulsion provides higher efficiency, long-duration operations with lighter fuel complying with greener norms. Ion thrusters and pulsed plasma thrusters or even nuclear energy come under this category. Smart satellite propulsion can use hybrid fuel energy sources on board.

• Solar Sails

Solar sails represent an innovative method of spacecraft propulsion that utilizes the momentum of photons emitted by the Sun. This technology allows spacecraft to harness sunlight for propulsion, offering several advantages over traditional chemical rocket systems. Solar sails operate on the principle of radiation pressure. When photons from sunlight strike a reflective surface, they impart momentum to the sail, pushing it forward. This process is akin to how a sailboat moves through the water when wind fills its sails. The force exerted by sunlight is minimal, but in the vacuum of space, where there is no air resistance, even a small continuous push can lead to significant acceleration over time.  Long operational time and low cost of integration make this a very attractive option in space exploration to conventional propulsion systems.

• Ion thrusters

An ion thruster ionizes a neutral gas to create a cloud of positive ions, which are then accelerated using electricity to generate thrust. Ion thrusters have become an increasingly popular choice for satellite propulsion due to their high efficiency and low thrust capabilities. These electric propulsion systems utilize electric or magnetic fields to accelerate ionized propellant, typically xenon gas, to generate thrust. Key advantages of ion thrusters include fuel efficiency, manoeuvrability and long operations.

• Nuclear Propulsion

Many aircraft carriers and submarines use uranium as fuel in nuclear reactors for long-term propulsion. It offers several advantages over conventional chemical propulsion systems, particularly for deep-space missions, where traditional fuel sources may be insufficient. It has high energy density, long endurance and can offer long transit time. NASA’s Prometheus Project aimed to create a nuclear propulsion system for deep space missions, while recent initiatives like the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO) are exploring practical applications of nuclear thermal propulsion for future lunar and Mars missions. We can have different variants of nuclear reactor-based propulsion which includes nuclear thermal, nuclear electric or even nuclear pulse propulsion.

AI and Robotics

Satellites are the first autonomous craft created by mankind. AI has enhanced the capabilities of autonomy in all unmanned missions across space. AI is revolutionizing the satellite manufacturing industry in operations, data processing, networking and navigation. They can transform the satellite industry by enabling more efficient, autonomous and adaptable space operations. Integrating AI analytics platforms directly on satellites enables real-time decision-making, sensor interaction and more adaptable operations. Robotics help coordinate movements while docking/ undocking satellites in space as well as help rovers to navigate and operate post-landing on other planets. Origami and Kirigami concepts can leverage robotic constructions to be more ergonomic and robust.

Additive Manufacturing

3 D Manufacturing can do complex geometries, rapid production, weight reduction and much-needed cost reduction. Both Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Direct Energy Deposition (DED) techniques can be used for printing rocket and satellite parts. Agnikul Cosmos, the Chennai-based space tech startup launched the world’s first 3D-printed rockets called Agnibaan that can carry up to 100 kg of payload to low Earth orbits up to 700 km. The vehicle has the capability for a plug-and-play engine configuration that is configurable to precisely match the mission’s needs.

Space-Based Telescopes and Observatories

Space observatories are instruments located beyond Earth’s atmosphere that allow astronomers to observe astronomical objects without the interference caused by the atmosphere. These telescopes have revolutionized our understanding of the universe by providing clearer and more detailed observations across various wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum. High initial costs and maintenance are challenges for setting up these telescopes. Upcoming projects include the Habitable Worlds Observatory and other missions focusing on exoplanet research and cosmic phenomena. Hubble Space Telescope (HST), James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), Chandra X-ray Observatory, Spitzer Space Telescope and Kepler Space Telescope are currently up and running in space now.

Space Traffic Management Systems

Space Traffic Management (STM) is an emerging field focused on ensuring the safe and sustainable use of outer space as the number of satellites and space activities is increasing. With the growing congestion in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), effective management systems are becoming essential to prevent collisions and mitigate the risks associated with space debris. A full-fledged traffic management system can facilitate situational awareness, and collision avoidance, enforce the existing regulatory framework and avoid debris collisions. The system can also facilitate the tracking of satellites and the data-sharing among satellites. NASA has developed a decentralized architecture for STM that enhances coordination among space operators. This system aims to improve safety and efficiency in increasingly crowded orbital environments by providing standardized roles and open-access interfaces for participants. United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) is now focused on establishing a global governance framework for STM.

In-orbit Servicing and Refuelling

In-orbit satellite servicing and refuelling is an emerging field that aims to extend the lifespan and capabilities of satellites deployed in space. This involves sending robotic or crewed spacecraft to refuel, repair, upgrade or even assemble satellites while they are still in orbit. We can upgrade, repair, refurbish, extend life or even build large infrastructure/ space stations by achieving these capabilities. Orbital Express was a 2007 DARPA mission that demonstrated autonomous docking and refuelling between two spacecraft. Northrop Grumman’s Mission Extension Vehicle has been contracted to service the Intelsat 901 satellite, extending its life by 5 years. ESA is working with the European industry on plans for Europe’s first in-orbit servicing missions by the year 2028.

Planet and Space Simulators

Space and planet gravity simulators are infrastructure designed to replicate the gravitational environments of various celestial bodies, providing valuable insights for research, training and mission planning in space exploration and planet habitability. Advancements may include more sophisticated software simulations that incorporate real-time data from space missions as well as improved physical simulators that could mimic the effects of lower gravity on various systems. NASA’s ARGOS simulates reduced gravity environments, allowing astronauts and equipment to experience conditions similar to those on the Moon or Mars. It uses overhead cranes and sensors to adjust the weight of the subject in real-time, enabling training for tasks in microgravity or lower-gravity environments. The gravity simulation software used in Test Tube Games Gravity Simulator (TTGGS) is a sandbox-style simulation that allows users to place planets, stars and asteroids in a virtual environment, observing the gravitational interactions and trajectories that emerge from their initial conditions. Such simulators can help in methodologies in setting up dwelling units as well as food security for sustenance for future planetary settlements.

Conclusion

The innovations in the space sector are expected to continue, leading to new opportunities and applications that could redefine our understanding and utilisation of space in the coming years. It can lead to numerous innovations that have significantly impacted our lives. Not having a dedicated aerospace UG program in our universities can hinder developments and innovations in the aerospace sector in our country. The availability of a curriculum and suitable faculty remains challenging for academia in promoting space technology at the college level. Despite the challenges, it is heartening to realise that we currently have more than 200 startups in the space sector in India. Many angel investors are more than willing to support space startups despite the long incubation time.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the views of the Government of India and Defence Research and Studies