<h4>India Joins SKAO: A Landmark Decision</h4><p>India is set to become a <strong>full member</strong> of the <strong>Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO)</strong>, marking a significant step in global radio astronomy. This decision involves a substantial financial commitment and signifies India's growing role in international scientific collaborations.</p><div class='exam-tip-box'><p><strong>UPSC Relevance:</strong> This topic is crucial for <strong>GS Paper 3: Science and Technology</strong>, particularly under 'Space' and 'Developments in Science and Technology'. It also touches upon international relations in science.</p></div><h4>Understanding the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO)</h4><p>The <strong>SKAO</strong> is an <strong>intergovernmental organization</strong> dedicated to building and operating state-of-the-art <strong>radio telescopes</strong>. It represents the world's largest scientific endeavor in this field.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Global Headquarters:</strong> The <strong>SKAO</strong>'s global headquarters is located at the <strong>Jodrell Bank Observatory</strong> in the <strong>United Kingdom</strong>.</p></div><p>The project does not feature a single telescope but rather an <strong>array of thousands of antennas</strong>. These antennas are strategically placed in remote, <strong>radio-quiet locations</strong> across <strong>South Africa</strong> and <strong>Australia</strong>, designed to function cohesively as one massive observational unit.</p><p>The primary goal of <strong>SKAO</strong> is to observe and study various <strong>celestial phenomena</strong>, providing unprecedented insights into the universe.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p><strong>Key Objective:</strong> A significant objective of the <strong>SKAO</strong> project also includes the study of <strong>gravitational waves</strong>, which are ripples in spacetime.</p></div><p>Several countries are actively involved in the construction and operation of the <strong>SKA</strong>. These include the <strong>UK, Australia, South Africa, Canada, China, France, India, Italy,</strong> and <strong>Germany</strong>, showcasing a truly global scientific partnership.</p><h4>India's Commitment and Ratification Process</h4><p>To formally become a member of <strong>SKAO</strong>, countries are required to both <strong>sign and ratify</strong> the <strong>SKAO convention</strong>. India's journey towards full membership has begun with the <strong>Government of India's approval</strong>.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Financial Sanction:</strong> The Indian government has sanctioned <strong>Rs 1,250 crore</strong> for joining the project, which is the initial step towards the formal ratification process.</p></div><h4>NewSpace India Limited (NSIL): India's Commercial Space Arm</h4><p>While the source content initially describes <strong>NSIL</strong>, its relevance here is in enabling India's broader participation and commercial exploitation of space technologies, which indirectly supports such large-scale scientific endeavors.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Primary Mandate:</strong> <strong>NSIL</strong>'s main responsibility is to empower <strong>Indian industries</strong> to engage in <strong>high-technology space-related activities</strong>. It also handles the production and commercialization of products and services from India's space program.</p></div><p>The <strong>major business areas</strong> of <strong>NSIL</strong> are diverse and comprehensive, covering various aspects of the space sector:</p><ul><li><strong>Production of Launch Vehicles:</strong> This includes manufacturing the <strong>Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)</strong> and <strong>Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)</strong> through industrial partners.</li><li><strong>Space-based Services:</strong> Production and marketing of services such as <strong>launch services</strong>, <strong>transponder leasing</strong>, <strong>remote sensing</strong>, and <strong>mission support services</strong>.</li><li><strong>Satellite Building:</strong> Constructing both <strong>communication</strong> and <strong>Earth observation satellites</strong> tailored to user requirements.</li><li><strong>Technology Transfer:</strong> Facilitating the transfer of technologies developed by <strong>ISRO centers/units</strong> and other constituent institutions of the <strong>Department of Space</strong>.</li><li><strong>Marketing Spin-off Technologies:</strong> Commercializing products and services that emerge as spin-offs from <strong>ISRO's activities</strong>.</li><li><strong>Consultancy Services:</strong> Providing expert advice and guidance in the space domain.</li></ul><p><strong>NSIL</strong> has demonstrated its capabilities through successful missions. In <strong>June 2022</strong>, it completed its first <strong>demand-driven satellite mission</strong>, the <strong>GSAT-24</strong>, which was entirely secured by <strong>Tata Play</strong>, a satellite television service.</p><p>Currently, <strong>NSIL</strong> actively manages and operates a fleet of <strong>11 communication satellites</strong> in orbit, showcasing its operational expertise and commercial viability.</p>