Hindu/Sanatan scholars made significant contributions to rocket science, aeronautics, and space exploration centuries before modern advancements. Their discoveries influenced ancient rocketry, aviation concepts, and astronomical calculations, which later contributed to modern aerospace science.
- Maharishi Bharadwaja’s Vaimanika Shastra (4th-5th Century BCE)
📜 Vaimanika Shastra, written by Maharishi Bharadwaja, is an ancient Sanskrit text describing aircraft (Vimanas).
Explains aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and aviation technology.
Mentions four types of flying machines, including those capable of interplanetary travel.
Discusses stealth technology, invisibility, and anti-gravity principles.
🔎 Impact:
Though debated, the text shows early Indian knowledge of aeronautics.
Inspired modern aerospace engineering research.
- Ancient Rockets in Warfare – Mysorean Rockets (18th Century CE)
📜 Tipu Sultan and his father, Hyder Ali, developed the Mysorean Rockets, based on earlier Indian metal cylinder rockets.
First iron-cased rockets used in battle, increasing range and impact.
Used against the British in the Anglo-Mysore Wars.
Influenced the development of modern rocket artillery.
🔎 Impact:
Inspired William Congreve (British engineer) to develop the Congreve Rockets, leading to modern military rocketry.
NASA and ISRO recognize the role of Mysorean Rockets in rocket development.
- Astronomical Calculations for Space Science (500 BCE – 1200 CE)
📜 Hindu astronomers made pioneering discoveries in celestial mechanics and planetary motion, which influenced modern space science.
🔹 Aryabhata (499 CE) – Earth’s Rotation and Orbits
Stated that Earth rotates on its axis, causing day and night.
Calculated planetary positions with high accuracy.
Proposed that the Moon reflects sunlight, not emits its own light.
🔹 Brahmagupta (598-668 CE) – Gravity and Planetary Motion
Described gravity as a force of attraction, 1000 years before Newton.
Explained celestial body movements using algebraic equations.
🔹 Bhaskara II (1114 CE) – Satellite Motion
Proposed a theory of perpetual motion, which relates to satellite movement in space.
Calculated instantaneous velocity, crucial for modern rocket trajectories.
🔎 Impact:
Aryabhata’s and Bhaskara’s calculations helped modern space agencies (ISRO, NASA, ESA) develop accurate satellite orbits.
Their theories formed the foundation for modern orbital mechanics.
- Surya Siddhanta (5th Century CE) – First Space Science Book
📜 Surya Siddhanta is one of the earliest texts describing:
Distance between planets and the Sun (accurate to modern calculations).
Sidereal year calculation (365.2564 days, very close to today’s value).
Eclipse prediction and planetary orbits.
🔎 Impact:
Basis for Indian calendars and space observatories.
Used by NASA and ISRO for celestial calculations.
- Modern Aerospace Developments – India’s ISRO & NASA Influence
🔹 ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) uses Sanskrit-based algorithms and ancient Hindu astronomy for accurate planetary missions.
🔹 NASA recognizes Hindu astronomical contributions in planetary calculations.
🔹 India’s Chandrayaan-3 and Mangalyaan missions follow ancient orbital principles from Hindu texts.
Conclusion
Hindu/Sanatan discoveries in rocketry, aviation, and space science influenced modern rocket technology, aeronautics, and space exploration.
