By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
India’s space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has gained worldwide recognition for achieving groundbreaking space missions at remarkably low costs. India’s cost-effective approach has enabled significant milestones, including successful lunar and Martian missions. But what makes ISRO’s missions so affordable compared to agencies like NASA or Russia’s Roscosmos?
A key factor in India’s low-cost success lies in the development of indigenous technology. In the 1970s, global sanctions restricted India’s access to technology, pushing ISRO to innovate internally. Instead of relying on costly imported materials, ISRO manufactured essential equipment domestically, leading to substantial cost savings. This approach fostered a culture of innovation, and today, ISRO’s engineers continue to prioritize self-reliance, making missions more affordable.
ISRO’s space program operates with a limited budget by global standards. For example, India’s Mars orbiter mission, Mangalyaan, cost a mere $74 million, less than the budget for the 2013 Hollywood sci-fi film Gravity. ISRO’s budget-conscious approach includes employing lean project teams who work long hours without overtime pay, driven by a passion for space exploration. This dedication and efficiency enable ISRO to accomplish high-quality missions without the high personnel costs seen in other space agencies.
To manage costs effectively, ISRO follows unique mission planning strategies, such as relying on Earth’s gravity to propel spacecraft toward their destination. For instance, when launching Chandrayaan-3, the spacecraft orbited Earth multiple times to build momentum before heading toward the Moon. This technique allowed ISRO to use smaller, less costly rockets for the mission, saving millions of dollars. While this method increases travel time, the savings have proved significant and enabled ISRO to launch multiple missions without extensive resources.
India’s pragmatic approach to space exploration often means adjusting project requirements to stay within budget. For example, the Chandrayaan-1 mission faced weight constraints but instead of opting for a more powerful rocket, ISRO engineers reduced the number of thrusters and pressure tanks to meet the weight limit. This flexibility in scope helped ISRO avoid additional costs while still achieving mission objectives.
Despite limited funding, the Indian government’s strong support has been crucial for ISRO’s growth. The space program is seen as a matter of national pride and has continually inspired Indian scientists to innovate within budget constraints. Recent plans for India’s first space station, a Venus orbiter, and a new generation of reusable rockets underscore the government’s commitment to advancing India’s space capabilities.
While ISRO’s low-cost strategy has been a major success, costs may rise as India prepares for more complex missions, such as a crewed Moon landing by 2040. ISRO is also opening up to private partnerships, which could drive costs higher as private-sector involvement typically entails profit-driven pricing structures. Additionally, the development of more powerful rockets is underway, signaling India’s ambitions for faster and heavier payload launches.
India’s space missions serve as a global model for cost-effective innovation. With a combination of indigenous technology, lean budgeting, and efficient mission planning, ISRO has consistently delivered high-quality outcomes without exceeding budget limits. As India scales up its ambitions, the coming years will reveal how ISRO balances its frugal roots with the demands of an expanding space program.
