Slow recovery: On the ISRO’s GSLV-F18 mission

ISRO needs more human and material resources (संसाधन, साधन) to fulfil its mandate (आधिकारिक आदेश, निर्देश)

With the successful launch of the GSLV-F18 mission (अभियान) and the NVS-03 satellite’s healthy status, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) (भारतीय अंतरिक्ष अनुसंधान संगठन) is on course to heave a sigh of relief (राहत की साँस लेना, चैन की साँस लेना). Its last 18 months have been constrained (सीमित करना, बाधित करना) by the consequences (परिणाम, नतीजा) of two launch (the act of setting a spacecraft or a vessel in motion; blast-off, lift-off) failures involving PSLV (the third-generation launch vehicle developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), designed primarily to place satellites into Polar and Sun-Synchronous Orbits, with the capability to launch spacecraft into other orbits, including Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO)) rockets, which share some of their design aspects with GSLV (a three-stage launch vehicle developed by ISRO, comprising solid, liquid and cryogenic propulsion stages, primarily designed to place communication satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO)), to the extent that (to a particular degree or stage, often with the result that something else happens; in so far as, up to the point where, so much so that, implying that) the F18 mission was only the second successful launch of 2026. If the NVS-03 satellite (उपग्रह) is successfully manoeuvred (carefully guide or manipulate someone or something in order to achieve an end; steer, guide, direct, navigate) into its final intended (planned or meant; planned, meant, proposed, designed) orbital slot (a specific position or location in space assigned to a satellite; position, allocation, location, spot) and commissioned (bring something newly produced into working condition; activate, start, inaugurate, initiate), ISRO will also have pulled off a rescue mission (बचाव अभियान) for the ‘Navigation with Indian Constellation (India’s independent regional satellite navigation system, developed and operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), formerly known as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), to provide accurate Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) services across India and the region extending approximately 1,500 km beyond the Indian mainland)’ (NavIC) programme, which has been at least one functional satellite short for (lacking or missing a sufficient amount of something required; deficient in, lacking, in need of, wanting) the last six months and thus (इस प्रकार, इसलिए) unable to meet (पूरा करना, संतुष्ट करना) its primary purpose (उद्देश्य, प्रयोजन) of providing standalone (independent, separate, self-contained, unattached) positioning services (स्थिति निर्धारण सेवा) over the Indian subcontinent (भारतीय उपमहाद्वीप). The three second-generation NVS satellites (a satellite belonging to ISRO’s second-generation Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) series, designed to augment the existing satellite constellation, ensure continuity of navigation services and enhance system capabilities through additional features, including the L1 navigation signal) thus far (अब तक, अभी तक) are distinguished (differentiate, set apart, characterize, separate) by having at least one indigenously (domestically, locally, natively, internally) made atomic clock (an extremely accurate timekeeping device that measures time using the highly stable frequency of electromagnetic radiation associated with energy transitions in atoms; atomic timekeeper) onboard, in line with (in alignment or accordance with; in accordance with, in agreement with, consistent with, conforming to) the recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC) on Science and Technology and India’s investments in quantum timekeeping (the measurement and maintenance of time using the highly precise and predictable properties or energy transitions of quantum systems, such as atoms; quantum clock technology, quantum-based time measurement, atomic timekeeping, precision timekeeping), and away from (diverging from, departing from, deviating from, steering clear of) the imported clocks onboard (available or situated on a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle; aboard, inside, loaded, internally) the first-generation IRNSS satellites (a satellite belonging to the original seven-satellite constellation (IRNSS-1A to IRNSS-1G) developed by ISRO to establish India’s independent regional satellite navigation system, now known as NavIC).

The PSC had also flagged (draw attention to; highlight, point out, indicate, underscore) procurement (the action of obtaining or purchasing something; purchasing, acquisition, obtaining, getting) bottlenecks (a point of congestion or blockage; snag, obstacle, hurdle, hindrance) across ISRO’s programmes, including difficulties with obtaining specialised components and ensuring vendor readiness (the state of being fully prepared for something; preparedness, preparation, willingness, promptness) on the timelines (schedule, deadline, timeframe, timetable) that NavIC needs. The ISRO Space Applications Centre’s ‘request for proposals (a document that solicits proposals from potential suppliers; tender, bid invitation, call for bids, solicitation)’ in 2025 also specified a large lead time (preparation time, development time, turnaround time, waiting period) of nearly (very close to, almost; almost, practically, roughly, approximately) two years between a contract’s start and the first two flight models (a fully functional version of a spacecraft or component that is actually sent into space; actual spacecraft, flight unit, space-bound model, operational model). The Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (A strategic government initiative designed to promote and incentivize the domestic manufacturing of electronic components and semiconductors in India) and the programme to modernise (adapt something to modern needs or habits, typically by installing modern equipment; update, upgrade, revamp, overhaul) the Semiconductor Laboratory (An autonomous research and development institution under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, focused on semiconductor technology) can be tweaked (adjust, modify, alter, refine) to serve (fulfill a purpose, role, or function; fulfill, perform, do, answer) these needs, with the Electronics Ministry (The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), an executive agency of the Government of India responsible for IT policy, electronics manufacturing, and internet governance) also setting aside dedicated funds (money specifically allocated or set aside for a particular purpose, activity or project; earmarked fund, designated fund, allocated fund, ring-fenced fund) for developing specialised components and their qualification tests in a five- to seven-year programme. In tandem (alongside each other, together; together, simultaneously, jointly, concurrently), the government must allocate (distribute resources or duties for a particular purpose; allot, assign, distribute, apportion) around ₹17,000 crore in the 2027-28 Union Budget for the Department of Space (a department of the Government of India, established in 1972 and functioning under the charge of the Prime Minister, responsible for administering the national space programme and promoting the development and application of space science and technology, primarily through the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)), against ₹13,705.6 crore in 2026-27, with the hike (a sharp increase, rise, surge, escalation) focusing on manufacturing launch vehicles, replacing satellites, and recruitment (hiring, employment, enlistment, enrollment). Besides (in addition to or as well; furthermore, moreover, additionally, in addition), NavIC also requires a dedicated operator, so that ISRO can be left to focus on (pay particular attention to; concentrate on, zero in on, target, spotlight) its core (central, primary, principal, essential) mandate, and India needs a national space law (a comprehensive body of domestic legislation governing a country’s space activities, including the authorisation, regulation and supervision of government and private space operators, their obligations and liability for damage arising from space activities; space legislation, space regulatory framework, domestic space-law framework, national space regulatory regime) addressing (think about and begin to deal with an issue or problem; tackle, deal with, attend to, handle) private participation (the involvement of non-governmental or commercial entities in sectors traditionally managed by the state; private involvement, commercial participation, non-state engagement, private sector involvement) in this enterprise (undertaking, project, venture, endeavor), and liability (the state of being legally responsible for something; accountability, responsibility, legal responsibility, obligation). Two successful orbital missions (a spaceflight in which a spacecraft is placed on a trajectory that takes it at least one orbit around a celestial body; spaceflight, orbital flight, space mission, space expedition) in five-sixths of a year is unbecoming (not flattering or not fitting or appropriate; inappropriate, unbefitting, unsuitable, improper) of a national space programme (A state-sponsored framework and comprehensive initiative designed to advance a country’s space exploration, satellite development, and space technology capabilities) with imminent (about to happen; impending, approaching, near, forthcoming) plans of human spaceflight (space travel with a crew or passengers aboard the spacecraft; manned spaceflight, crewed spaceflight, manned mission, human space mission), a space station (a large artificial satellite used as a long-term base for manned operations in space; orbital station, research station, space base, space outpost), and reusable launch vehicle (a launch vehicle that is designed to return to Earth substantially intact and may be launched again; reusable rocket, returning launch vehicle, sustainable launch vehicle) capabilities. Without significant measures (action, step, procedure, initiative), ISRO will lurch (stagger from one crisis to another; stagger, stumble, sway, reel) from one mission to the next as and when (at the time that something happens; whenever, at the time, once, provided that) its inadequate (lacking the quality or quantity required; insufficient, deficient, poor, scarce) workforce is able to make do with (manage with the limited or inadequate means available; manage with, get by on, scrape by with, cope with) its inadequate allocation (an amount or portion of a resource assigned to a particular recipient; allotment, quota, share, grant).

Courtesy: The Hindu

Important Word List With Meaning

1.Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) (noun)

Hindi Meaning - भारतीय अंतरिक्ष अनुसंधान संगठन
English Meaning - the national space agency of India, established in 1969 and headquartered in Bengaluru, functioning under the Department of Space; it evolved from the country’s earlier space programme initiated through the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962 and is mandated to develop and apply space science and technology for national development.

2.resource (noun)

Hindi Meaning - संसाधन, साधन
English Meaning - materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively; asset, fund, capital, reserve.

3.mandate (noun)

Hindi Meaning - आधिकारिक आदेश, निर्देश
English Meaning - an official order to do something; instruction, directive, decree, command.

4.mission (noun)

Hindi Meaning - अभियान
English Meaning - (space) expedition, assignment, undertaking, venture, operation.

5.heave a sigh of relief (phrase)

Hindi Meaning - राहत की साँस लेना, चैन की साँस लेना
English Meaning - to suddenly feel very happy because something unpleasant has not happened or has ended; breathe easily, feel relieved, relax, be reassured.

6.constrain (verb)

Hindi Meaning - सीमित करना, बाधित करना
English Meaning - severely restrict the scope, extent, or activity of; restrict, limit, curb, check.

7.consequence (noun)

Hindi Meaning - परिणाम, नतीजा
English Meaning - result, outcome, effect, repercussion.

8.rescue mission (noun)

Hindi Meaning - बचाव अभियान
English Meaning - an operation to save someone or something from danger or failure; salvage operation, recovery operation, saving act, relief effort.

9.satellite (noun)

Hindi Meaning - उपग्रह
English Meaning - an artificial body placed in orbit round the earth or moon or another planet in order to collect information or for communication; spacecraft, orbiter, space probe.

10.thus (adverb)

Hindi Meaning - इस प्रकार, इसलिए
English Meaning - as a result or consequence of this; therefore, consequently, hence, accordingly.

11.meet (verb)

Hindi Meaning - पूरा करना, संतुष्ट करना
English Meaning - fulfill or satisfy a need, requirement, or condition; fulfill, satisfy, answer, comply with.

12.purpose (noun)

Hindi Meaning - उद्देश्य, प्रयोजन
English Meaning - reason, motivation, intention, objective.

13.positioning service (noun)

Hindi Meaning - स्थिति निर्धारण सेवा
English Meaning - a system or service that provides accurate geographical location information; geolocation, tracking service, location finding, spatial tracking.

14.Indian subcontinent (noun)

Hindi Meaning - भारतीय उपमहाद्वीप
English Meaning - A distinct landmass and physiographical region in South Asia, primarily situated on the Indian Plate, encompassing countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.

15.thus far (phrase)

Hindi Meaning - अब तक, अभी तक
English Meaning - up to this point; so far, up to now, hitherto, until now.

16.fulfil (verb)

English Meaning - achieve or realize something desired, promised, or predicted; achieve, attain, accomplish, satisfy.

17.to the extent that (phrase)

English Meaning - to a particular degree or stage, often with the result that something else happens; in so far as, up to the point where, so much so that, implying that.

18.intended (adjective)

English Meaning - planned or meant; planned, meant, proposed, designed.

19.commission (verb)

English Meaning - bring something newly produced into working condition; activate, start, inaugurate, initiate.

20.standalone (adjective)

English Meaning - independent, separate, self-contained, unattached.

21.launch (noun)

English Meaning - the act of setting a spacecraft or a vessel in motion; blast-off, lift-off

22.GSLV-F18/NVS-03 Mission (proper noun)

English Meaning - the 20th flight of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), conducted by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 30 October 2026, which successfully placed the NVS-03 navigation satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

23.NVS-03 satellite (proper noun)

English Meaning - the third satellite in India’s second-generation Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) series, developed to strengthen the regional satellite navigation system and ensure continuity of navigation services. It carries an indigenously developed atomic clock alongside procured atomic clocks and incorporates the L1 navigation signal in addition to the existing L5 and S-band signals.

24.on course to (phrase)

English Meaning - likely to achieve something; on track, heading for, proceeding toward, bound for.

25.Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) (proper noun)

English Meaning - the third-generation launch vehicle developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), designed primarily to place satellites into Polar and Sun-Synchronous Orbits, with the capability to launch spacecraft into other orbits, including Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

26.Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) (proper noun)

English Meaning - a small satellite launch vehicle developed by ISRO to provide low-cost, on-demand launch services for small satellites weighing up to 500 kg into Low Earth Orbit (LEO), featuring three solid propulsion stages and a liquid-propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM).

27.Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) (proper noun)

English Meaning - a three-stage launch vehicle developed by ISRO, comprising solid, liquid and cryogenic propulsion stages, primarily designed to place communication satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

28.manoeuvre (verb)

English Meaning - carefully guide or manipulate someone or something in order to achieve an end; steer, guide, direct, navigate.

29.orbital slot (noun)

English Meaning - a specific position or location in space assigned to a satellite; position, allocation, location, spot.

30.pull off (phrasal verb)

English Meaning - succeed in achieving or winning something difficult; achieve, accomplish, succeed in, manage.

31.Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) (proper noun)

English Meaning - India’s independent regional satellite navigation system, developed and operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), formerly known as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), to provide accurate Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) services across India and the region extending approximately 1,500 km beyond the Indian mainland.

32.short for (phrase)

English Meaning - lacking or missing a sufficient amount of something required; deficient in, lacking, in need of, wanting.

33.second-generation NVS satellite (noun)

English Meaning - a satellite belonging to ISRO’s second-generation Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) series, designed to augment the existing satellite constellation, ensure continuity of navigation services and enhance system capabilities through additional features, including the L1 navigation signal.

34.distinguish (verb)

English Meaning - differentiate, set apart, characterize, separate.

35.indigenously (adverb)

English Meaning - domestically, locally, natively, internally.

36.atomic clock (noun)

English Meaning - an extremely accurate timekeeping device that measures time using the highly stable frequency of electromagnetic radiation associated with energy transitions in atoms; atomic timekeeper.

37.onboard (adverb)

English Meaning - available or situated on a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle; aboard, inside, loaded, internally.

38.in line with (phrase)

English Meaning - in alignment or accordance with; in accordance with, in agreement with, consistent with, conforming to.

39.Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change (proper noun)

English Meaning - a parliamentary committee comprising members of both Houses of Parliament, mandated to examine the Demands for Grants, referred Bills, annual reports and long-term policy documents of the Ministries and Departments under its jurisdiction, including the Department of Space.

40.quantum timekeeping (noun)

English Meaning - the measurement and maintenance of time using the highly precise and predictable properties or energy transitions of quantum systems, such as atoms; quantum clock technology, quantum-based time measurement, atomic timekeeping, precision timekeeping.

41.away from (phrase)

English Meaning - diverging from, departing from, deviating from, steering clear of.

42.first-generation IRNSS satellite (noun)

English Meaning - a satellite belonging to the original seven-satellite constellation (IRNSS-1A to IRNSS-1G) developed by ISRO to establish India’s independent regional satellite navigation system, now known as NavIC.

43.flag (verb)

English Meaning - draw attention to; highlight, point out, indicate, underscore.

44.procurement (noun)

English Meaning - the action of obtaining or purchasing something; purchasing, acquisition, obtaining, getting.

45.bottleneck (noun)

English Meaning - a point of congestion or blockage; snag, obstacle, hurdle, hindrance.

46.readiness (noun)

English Meaning - the state of being fully prepared for something; preparedness, preparation, willingness, promptness.

47.timeline (noun)

English Meaning - schedule, deadline, timeframe, timetable.

48.Space Applications Centre (SAC) (proper noun)

English Meaning - a major research and development centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, specialising in the development of space-borne and airborne instruments and payloads and their applications in communication, navigation, remote sensing and societal development.

49.request for proposal (RFP) (noun)

English Meaning - a document that solicits proposals from potential suppliers; tender, bid invitation, call for bids, solicitation.

50.lead time (noun)

English Meaning - preparation time, development time, turnaround time, waiting period.

51.nearly (adverb)

English Meaning - very close to, almost; almost, practically, roughly, approximately.

52.flight model (noun)

English Meaning - a fully functional version of a spacecraft or component that is actually sent into space; actual spacecraft, flight unit, space-bound model, operational model.

53.Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (noun)

English Meaning - A strategic government initiative designed to promote and incentivize the domestic manufacturing of electronic components and semiconductors in India.

54.modernise (verb)

English Meaning - adapt something to modern needs or habits, typically by installing modern equipment; update, upgrade, revamp, overhaul.

55.Semiconductor Laboratory (noun)

English Meaning - An autonomous research and development institution under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, focused on semiconductor technology.

56.tweak (verb)

English Meaning - adjust, modify, alter, refine.

57.serve (verb)

English Meaning - fulfill a purpose, role, or function; fulfill, perform, do, answer.

58.Electronics Ministry (noun)

English Meaning - The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), an executive agency of the Government of India responsible for IT policy, electronics manufacturing, and internet governance.

59.set aside (phrasal verb)

English Meaning - reserve for a special purpose; reserve, allocate, earmark, keep.

60.dedicated fund (noun)

English Meaning - money specifically allocated or set aside for a particular purpose, activity or project; earmarked fund, designated fund, allocated fund, ring-fenced fund.

61.in tandem (phrase)

English Meaning - alongside each other, together; together, simultaneously, jointly, concurrently.

62.allocate (verb)

English Meaning - distribute resources or duties for a particular purpose; allot, assign, distribute, apportion.

63.Department of Space (proper noun)

English Meaning - a department of the Government of India, established in 1972 and functioning under the charge of the Prime Minister, responsible for administering the national space programme and promoting the development and application of space science and technology, primarily through the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

64.hike (noun)

English Meaning - a sharp increase, rise, surge, escalation.

65.focus on (phrasal verb)

English Meaning - pay particular attention to; concentrate on, zero in on, target, spotlight.

66.recruitment (noun)

English Meaning - hiring, employment, enlistment, enrollment.

67.besides (adverb)

English Meaning - in addition to or as well; furthermore, moreover, additionally, in addition.

68.core (adjective)

English Meaning - central, primary, principal, essential.

69.national space law (noun)

English Meaning - a comprehensive body of domestic legislation governing a country’s space activities, including the authorisation, regulation and supervision of government and private space operators, their obligations and liability for damage arising from space activities; space legislation, space regulatory framework, domestic space-law framework, national space regulatory regime.

70.address (verb)

English Meaning - think about and begin to deal with an issue or problem; tackle, deal with, attend to, handle.

71.private participation (noun)

English Meaning - the involvement of non-governmental or commercial entities in sectors traditionally managed by the state; private involvement, commercial participation, non-state engagement, private sector involvement.

72.enterprise (noun)

English Meaning - undertaking, project, venture, endeavor.

73.liability (noun)

English Meaning - the state of being legally responsible for something; accountability, responsibility, legal responsibility, obligation.

74.orbital mission (noun)

English Meaning - a spaceflight in which a spacecraft is placed on a trajectory that takes it at least one orbit around a celestial body; spaceflight, orbital flight, space mission, space expedition.

75.unbecoming (adjective)

English Meaning - not flattering or not fitting or appropriate; inappropriate, unbefitting, unsuitable, improper.

76.national space programme (noun)

English Meaning - A state-sponsored framework and comprehensive initiative designed to advance a country’s space exploration, satellite development, and space technology capabilities.

77.imminent (adjective)

English Meaning - about to happen; impending, approaching, near, forthcoming.

78.human spaceflight (noun)

English Meaning - space travel with a crew or passengers aboard the spacecraft; manned spaceflight, crewed spaceflight, manned mission, human space mission.

79.space station (noun)

English Meaning - a large artificial satellite used as a long-term base for manned operations in space; orbital station, research station, space base, space outpost.

80.reusable launch vehicle (noun)

English Meaning - a launch vehicle that is designed to return to Earth substantially intact and may be launched again; reusable rocket, returning launch vehicle, sustainable launch vehicle.

81.measure (noun)

English Meaning - action, step, procedure, initiative.

82.lurch (verb)

English Meaning - stagger from one crisis to another; stagger, stumble, sway, reel.

83.as and when (phrase)

English Meaning - at the time that something happens; whenever, at the time, once, provided that.

84.inadequate (adjective)

English Meaning - lacking the quality or quantity required; insufficient, deficient, poor, scarce.

85.make do with (phrase)

English Meaning - manage with the limited or inadequate means available; manage with, get by on, scrape by with, cope with.

86.allocation (noun)

English Meaning - an amount or portion of a resource assigned to a particular recipient; allotment, quota, share, grant.