Indian Space Capabilities

[Hindustani78]

PSLV C-37 team member gets Nari Shakti Puraskar

Subha Warrier will receive the award on International Women’s Day

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/powered-by-a-space-feat/article17419118.ece

Recently, India’s PSLV C-37 placed a record 104 satellites from six countries in their orbits, as the world watched in wonderment. Plaudits poured in.

Now, for her crucial contribution to the mission, a member of the team, Subha Warrier, has been chosen for the Nari Shakti Puraskar, instituted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It will be handed over to her on March 8, International Women’s Day.

Ms. Warrier, Sci/Engineer SG, Avionics Entity of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, had conceptualised, configured and realised a full-fledged video system deployed in the PSLV C-37 mission to confirm collision-free separation of all the satellites in the mission.

“I am pleasantly surprised. I have enjoyed every moment of the academic career spanning 25 years at the VSSC and this award, while totally unexpected, is gratifying,” Ms. Warrier said.

The award, which acknowledges the contributions of women for the nation, carries a cash prize of ₹1 lakh and a citation.

Real-time images

“Video system activity was very important and relevant for this mission as we needed to provide proof of performance and it was essential to have images of critical separating stages and the satellites. During the launch time, we could show the images real time on ground at Sriharikota and it was an exciting experience,” Ms. Warrier told The Hindu.

The images were important for creating public awareness of the ISRO mission and for expanding the avenues of the operational vehicle.

It was a stressful time and impossible schedules had to be met but the all the blood, sweat and tears eventually paid off, she added. The real challenge was customising the camera and processing electronics so that not only did these fit within the constraints of the rocket, it had to meet performance targets too on-board the vehicle.

For the team

“It was a major and complex system with interfaces to other complex systems and it worked without a hitch on board. I had a huge team working with me on various aspects and this award is a representation of the hard work that each of them have put in,” Ms. Warrier said.

Though she had won performance excellence award from the Indian Space Research Organisation for her work with Chandrayaan 1 and Space Capsule Recovery Experiment 1, this is the first time that a recognition at the national level is coming her way.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities...en-an-issue/article17424189.ece?homepage=true

U.N. Vasantha Kumari, Subhalakshmi Krishnamoorthy and T.S. Shoba diligently keep a low profile. Just as many others in their charmed sphere.

They are the silent but significant forces behind the satellites that are built and placed in space by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Some of these engineers and scientists joined the space agency as freshers more than a quarter century back. Their stories are nearly the same - gruelling hours, late shifts often until the wee hours, balancing official work with a baby and family. It certainly was not something that anyone anticipated in a ‘government job’.

Vasantha, Group Director - Spacecraft Checkout Group, says, “At ISRO, gender has never been an issue. It is only your merit, skill and talent that count here. Leaders like U.R.Rao have set very high professional benchmarks for us" that goes beyond a scientist's gender.

Indeed. Some 10 spacecraft are in the making in Bengaluru and none of them can be rolled out for launch without the green flag from Vasantha.

During her career, Vasantha often had to escort INSAT communication satellites abroad for at least a month until they were launched. Before one such trip, she had a gut-wrenching moment when her daughter suddenly said she wished to be a satellite so that her mother would always be with her.

Subhalakshmi says, “I have worked on more than 35 satellite projects; as project manager for three. In most professions, people get jaded over the years but my job is challenging and exciting." She was part of the 2014 Mars Orbiter Mission and is the principal investigator for a science instrument that will be put on Aditya, ISRO’s forthcoming mission to the Sun.

Shoba joined VSSC's propulsion programme, but later entered ISRO's marketing arm, Antrix Corporation, over two decades ago and is now its Executive Director. She says, “Men or women, we face the same challenges and there are no concessions or distinction for being women.”

ISRO’s current scientific and technical pool of 12,300 employees has a relatively low number of 1,262 women.

Geeta Varadan, who worked in critical ISRO projects and retired a few years ago as the director of National Remote Sensing Centre, remains the lone woman to head an ISRO centre.

This is bound to change, says Subhalakshmi. "The number of technically qualified women entering ISRO is increasing compared to the time when I joined."

 

[Hindustani78]

Department of Space
15-March, 2017 16:11 IST
Strength of Scientists and Engineers in ISRO

At present, a total of 7062 Scientists/ Engineers are in position in ISRO. The demand for space based services in the country is increasing resulting in increased launch frequency and applications of space technology in emerging areas. To meet the work load arising due to these demands, a proposal for suitably augmenting the manpower, mostly in scientist/engineer category, has been prepared.

The proposal has been reviewed and recommended by the Space Commission and the same is submitted to the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, for their recommendations, before placing the same for the approval of the Union Cabinet.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.



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Department of Space
15-March, 2017 16:10 IST
Launch of Satellites

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched 104 satellites, in a single launch, onboard India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle ‘PSLV-C37 on February 15, 2017 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota. These satellites include - (i) India’s Cartosat-2 Series Satellite (weighing 714 kg) as primary payload, (ii) two Indian Nano-Satellites viz., INS-1A & 1B (together weighing 18.1 kg) and (iii) 101 foreign nano-satellites (together weighing 645.9 kg) from six countries as co-passengers.

Out of the 104 satellites launched in this mission, 101 nano satellites were from foreign countries viz. Israel (1), Kazakhstan (1), The Netherlands (1), Switzerland (1), UAE (1) and USA (96). These nano satellites from foreign countries were launched under a commercial arrangement between Antrix Corporation Limited (Antrix), the commercial arm of ISRO and the foreign customer.

Antrix has earned a revenue of about half of the cost of launch vehicle in terms of foreign exchange.

After Chandrayaan-1 and India’s first interplanetary mission ‘Mars Orbiter Mission’, the feasibility of future inter-planetary missions to Mars and Venus are under discussion and presently a study team is exploring various options and opportunities for such missions. The study team’s recommendations will be reviewed by Advisory Committee for Space Sciences (ADCOS) for further considerations.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.



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[BoB's]

ISRO today commissioned two major facilities-- a Hypersonic Wind Tunnel and Shock Tunnel-- at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre here as part of its continuous and concerted efforts to minimise cost of access to space.

Shock tunnel

Hypersonic wind tunnel

 

[Hindustani78]

http://indianexpress.com/article/india/isro-commissions-two-major-facilities-at-vssc/

By: PTI | Thiruvananthapuram | Published:March 20, 2017 9:01 pm
ISRO on Monday commissioned two major facilities– a Hypersonic Wind Tunnel and Shock Tunnel– at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre at Thiruvananthapuram as part of its continuous and concerted efforts to minimise cost of access to space. ISRO Chairman Kiran Kumar said commissioning of such facilities would provide adequate data for design and development of current and future space transportation systems in the country.

He said commissioning of the facility symbolises the country’s capability in establishing such world class facilities wherein technology from outside is restricted or not available.

The one meter Hypersonic Wind Tunnel and one meter Shock Tunnel have been established with a wide spectrum of simulation capabilities in terms of Mach number, Reynolds number and re-entry velocities, an official release said

These facilities, indigenously designed, developed and ‘Made in India’ with the support of Indian industries, are the third largest in terms of size and simulation capability in the world, it said.

A few critical technologies, which are under embargo, have been jointly developed by ISRO and industries for realisation of these facilities.

VSSC Director Sivan in his presidential address said though excellent modeling capabilities exists with the advent of powerful computers, there was no other replacement for wind tunnel testing for aerodynamic characterisation.

The new facility would help aerodynamic characterisation of advanced space transportation systems, he said.

The facilities were dedicated in the memory of Satish Dhawan, a pioneer in the field and named as the Satish Dhawan Wind tunnel Complex.

ISRO is planning future missions such as Reusable Launch Vehicles, Two Stage to Orbit, Air Breathing propulsion systems and Human Space Flight Programme, the release added.

 

[Hindustani78]

Department of Space
22-March, 2017 15:46 IST
Forecast of Natural Disasters by ISRO


ISRO is working on systems to forecast the natural disasters that could be used as input by States/ disaster management agencies.


ISRO is carrying out studies to facilitate best use of the satellite derived information to develop methodologies for forecasting the natural disasters. Some of such methodologies developed include:


i. Cyclone formation, track and Intensity: ISRO has developed methodologies for forecasting the cyclone formation, it’s track and intensity using satellite based observation. The methodology developed has been transferred to India meteorological Department (IMD) who is mandated for cyclone forecast.



ii. Flood Early Warning System: The North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) of ISRO has developed the Flood Early Warning System (FLEWS) as a Research & Development (R&D) project in Assam State in association with Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA). The FLEWS model is being used in all 25 flood prone districts of Assam. Another model for forecasting floods in Godavari floodplains in Andhra Pradesh is developed by National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) of ISRO. The methodology is being used by Central Water Commission (CWC). ISRO is developing similar systems for Krishna, Brahmani-Baitarani, Ghagra, Gandak, and Kosi rivers.


iii. Heavy Rainfall/ cloud burst alerts: Space Applications Centre (SAC) of ISRO has developed a model, for heavy rainfall / cloud burst alerts, which is being experimentally carried out for Indian region. The information is made available on ISRO’s MOSDAC (Meteorological & Oceanographic Satellite Data Archival Centre) website.


iv. Rainfall triggered landslide alerts for the Uttarakhand Region: An experimental early warning system for rainfall triggered landslides is developed for use along the pilgrimage route corridors leading to Gangotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath as well as along the Pithoragarh-Malpa route in Uttarakhand. The forewarning is generated based on the statistical relation between the terrain (geological, morphological) and temporal (primarily long term rainfall events) factors.


v. Extreme weather events: ISRO has developed experimental methodologies for early warning extreme weather events such as heat wave using numerical weather predictions. The information derived is being made available on the MOSDAC website.


ISRO has realised two satellite missions, Viz., MeghaTropiques (launched in Oct 2011) and SARAL (launched in Feb 2013), in collaboration with French National Space Agency (CNES). Presently, ISRO is working with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), USA towards joint realisation of a satellite mission, namely, ‘NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR), to be launched by 2020-21 timeframe. The fund allocation for MeghaTropiques is Rs. 81.6 Crores, SARAL is Rs. 73.75 Crores and for NISAR is Rs. 513 Crores.


This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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(Release ID :159702)

 

[Hindustani78]

Department of Space

23-March, 2017 16:16 IST
Capability of ISRO to Launch Satellites

India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) has the capability of launching 1700 kg to Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit (600 km) and has proven its versatility in launching multi-satellite/multi-orbit missions as well as lunar (Chandrayaan-1) and interplanetary missions (Mars Orbiter Mission). As on date, PSLV has completed 38 consecutive successful missions, during which it has launched 46 Indian satellites (weighing ~ 43.2 tonnes) and 180 foreign satellites (weighing ~ 6.3 tonnes). It has already established itself as a preferred launch vehicle, in its class, in the global market for launch services, especially for smaller satellites. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), with indigenous cryogenic upper stage, has the capability to launch satellites up to 2.2 tonnes to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). GSLV has demonstrated its reliability through three consecutive successful missions in the past three years.

The maximum GTO capability of other space launch agencies to launch satellites are: European Space Agency (ESA): 10.5 tonnes, USA: 13.8 tonnes, Russia: 6.5 tonnes, China: 14 tonnes and Japan: 8 tonnes.

In order to enhance the capability, ISRO has developed the next generation launch vehicle i.e. GSLV MkIII with indigenous high thrust cryogenic stage, to launch 4 tonne class of communication satellites to GTO and its first developmental flight is scheduled to take place in the second quarter of 2017. The development of Semicryogenic engine has also been undertaken to further enhance the GTO payload capability of GSLV MkIII to 6 tonnes.


ISRO has proved the level of efficiency in the area of space science through – (i) planning, development & execution of Lunar mission ‘Chandrayaan-1’ and High resolution imaging & Systematic topographic mapping of the Moon; (ii) successful insertion of Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) around the planet Mars in very first attempt, achieving all planned objectives and continuing the operations of MOM beyond its designed mission life of 6 months; (iii) placing India’s first observatory in space ‘Astrosat’, which enables simultaneous multi-wavelength observations (Ultraviolet to X-Ray) to study Stars and Galaxies; (iv) indigenous development & validation of several new technologies viz. autonomy, deep space communication, scientific instruments in space science missions.


Future missions in space science includes (i) second mission to Moon ‘Chandrayaan-2’, consisting of an indigenous Orbiter, Lander & Rover and (ii) mission for solar studies ‘Aditya-L1’ to study the solar corona in different wavebands.


The capability to set up a space station needs capability of lifting heavy payloads into space. While there is no specific plan for space station, ISRO is working towards this capability through launch vehicles using cryogenic and semi-cryogenic engines.


This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.


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[Hindustani78]

Department of Atomic Energy
29-March, 2017 16:31 IST
Balloon Flights for Scientific Expedition

Scientific Ballooning was started in India during the 1950’s by Dr. Homi J. Bhabha under the aegis of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), an autonomous body under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and was established in the outskirts of Hyderabad in the 1970’s. Since then, more than 490 balloon flights of various sizes have been conducted from this center till date. This is one of the unique facilities in the world where stratospheric zero pressure balloons are designed, fabricated with indigenous material, launched and the instruments recovered. The balloons designed and fabricated in this facility have also been exported to foreign scientific institutions and many foreign scientific missions have also been flown from the Hyderabad balloon facility.

Balloons supplied by this facility are used to measure vertical wind profiles at SDSC-SHAR before launch of satellites by ISRO and also for qualifying many instruments in near space environments before being incorporated in satellites. This facility is also involved in experimental strategic programs of the armed forces. Experiments carried out on the earth’s atmosphere have also helped in rain prediction as well as pollution monitoring and control. Any scientific institution which desires to conduct scientific balloon flights can approach Balloon Facility, Hyderabad and send the proposal for conducting the scientific experiment. TIFR ensures that all the concerned agencies are kept informed about the flights, their expected trajectory and their likely recovery area.

At the time of the balloon flights, all Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) in the corridor allotted for balloon flights are kept informed by TIFR well in advance of the trajectory of the balloon flight. During the balloon flight, the ATCs are kept informed of the actual position of the balloon on minute by minute basis. The police stations in the vicinity of the expected landing of the instruments are also informed. Pamphlets regarding the instruments are attached to the instruments in various local languages and the persons to contact in case these instruments are sighted by any person, are prominently displayed. Also, an advance party of TIFR technicians is always following the balloon trajectory in a vehicle so as to reach the landed instrument in the shortest possible time. Care is taken to try and release the payload in sparsely inhabited areas of the corridor and only in broad daylight so that the instrument descending on a brightly colored parachute is easily visible to any person on the ground.

In addition, for every flight window season, the Balloon Facility communicates with the Chief Secretary of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Police Wireless of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra for awareness of balloon drift and instrument recovery. In the case of balloon flights conducted for Government funded and private institutions, the cost is recovered from the institution concerned. With regard to in-house experiments and research and with regard to improving balloon design and efficiency and for procuring equipment for safely conducting balloon flights, funding from the Government (DAE) in terms of Plan Funds is about Rupees One crore per year.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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The development of plastic ballooll technology was initiated in 1956 at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Bombay and it evolved during late fifties/early sixties to the level of regular design/manufacture and launch of large single cell polyethylene balloons carrying sophisticated experiments to high stratospheric altitudes (32-39 kIn) with several hours of float at the ceiling altitude. In the period 1959-69 balloon flights were carried out in a campaign mode from the campus grounds of the Osmania University, Hyderabad.

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Department of Space
29-March, 2017 17:11 IST
Lithium Battery Technique

ISRO has developed lithium ion battery for satellite and launch vehicle applications. Four types of batteries have been developed – 1.5Ah, 5Ah, 50Ah and 100Ah. Out of these, 1.5Ah & 50Ah have been used for space applications and 5Ah & 100Ah batteries are qualified and is ready for induction in space applications.

ISRO has supplied 50 Ah lithium-ion cells to Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). Lithium-ion battery developed by ISRO was successfully demonstrated in a prototype two-wheeler at the Symposium on International Automotive Technologies (SIAT 2017) on 19th January, 2017. The prototype uses a 48V, 50Ah lithium-ion battery, which can attain speeds of 40-50 kmph and can run up to 98 km once charged for 2 hrs.

Technology is ready for transfer to Indian industries for undertaking the production of Li-ion batteries. BHEL has expressed interest in the transfer of technology.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.


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Department of Space
29-March, 2017 17:10 IST
High Resolution Satellites

ISRO has launched two high resolution earth observation satellites ‘Cartosat-2 Series satellite’ onboard Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle ‘PSLV-C34’ on June 20, 2016 and onboard ‘PSLV-C37’ on February 15, 2017 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota. These Cartosat-2 series satellites are placed in a sun synchronous orbit with a designed mission life of 5 years. The main objective of these satellites is to provide high resolution images of earth’s surface at sub-meter resolution (Black & White image) and at 2 meter resolution (4-band coloured image). The images obtained from these satellites are useful in variety of applications requiring high resolution images, which include cartography, infrastructure planning, urban & rural development, utility management, natural resources inventory & management, disaster management.

Cartosat-2 series satellite does not transmit continuous and uninterrupted live pictures. However, the capability exists to provide 1 minute video of specific area of interest.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.


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Department of Space
29-March, 2017 17:09 IST
ISRO-NASA Collaboration

ISRO and Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)/ NASA are jointly working on the development of Dual Frequency (L & S band) Synthetic Aperture Radar Imaging Satellite named as NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR). The L-band SAR is being developed by JPL/NASA, while ISRO is developing S-band SAR. The L & S band microwave data obtained from this satellite will be useful for variety of application, which include natural resources mapping & monitoring; estimating agricultural biomass over full duration of crop cycle; assessing soil moisture; monitoring of floods and oil slicks; coastal erosion, coastline changes & variation of winds in coastal waters; assessment of mangroves; surface deformation studies, ice sheet collapses & dynamics etc.

The data obtained from NISAR mission is not meant for building climate resilience. However, the data acquired from this mission will be useful in developing certain applications, which include - (i) identifying crevasses in the glaciers hidden by fresh snow, where human movement takes place, (ii) identifying the snowpack parameters as an input in Avalanche forecasts, (iii) studying Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) hazards, (iv) identifying inundated area due to floods/ cyclones. These applications could help in taking measures to minimize loss of human lives.

As per the information received, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) under Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has been working with National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop high resolution seasonal and long-term climate forecasts. During 2010 to 2015, IITM and NOAA together developed high resolution Models for seasonal climate predictions of Indian Summer Monsoon and long term climate forecasts under a Memorandum of Understanding. Extension of this MoU till 2020 to further pursue such studies is under consideration.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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[Hindustani78]

Department of Space
30-March, 2017 16:36 IST
Objectives and targets of satellites launched by PSLV

Three Indian satellites were launched onboard PSLV-C37 on February 15, 2017. These satellites are: (i) Cartosat-2 Series satellite (weighing 714 kg) and (ii) two Indian Nano-satellites viz., INS-1A & 1B (together weighing 18.1 kg).

The objective of Indian Cartosat-2 series satellite is to provide high resolution images of earth’s surface at sub-meter resolution (Black & White image) and at 2 meter resolution (4-band colored image). The images obtained from this satellite are useful in variety of applications requiring high resolution images, which include cartography, infrastructure planning, urban & rural development, utility management, natural resources inventory & management, disaster management. The objective of Indian nano-satellites INS-1A & 1B is to demonstrate new technologies and miniaturization of spacecraft.

Total 101 nano satellites from six foreign countries were launched in this mission. These satellites are: BGUSat (Israel), Al-Farabi-1 (Kazakhstan), PEASSS (The Netherlands), DIDO-2 (Switzerland), Nayif-1 (UAE), 8 Lemur satellites (USA) and 88 Dove satellites (USA). These nano satellites from foreign countries were launched under a commercial arrangement between Antrix Corporation Limited (Antrix), the commercial arm of ISRO and the foreign customer.

Antrix has earned a revenue of about half of the cost of launch vehicle in terms of foreign exchange.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...ro-capacity/article17740909.ece?homepage=true

First of them to be launched in April
An unprecedented row of five national communication spacecraft is slated to be put in space this year with hopes of vastly cutting the gap in satellite capacity for different users.

The first of them, GSAT-9 or the South Asia Satellite, will kick off the serial launches in the first half of April from the Sriharikota space port. (Officials said they had not yet set a date for it.)

‘Perceptible change’
A.S. Kiran Kumar, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation, recently told The Hindu: “This year we are launching with five more communication satellites. With all of them coming up, there will definitely be a drastic, perceptible change in satellite capacity. In a matter of one year, the scene should be much better than what it is.”

Mr. Kumar also said the ISRO has been taking conscious action to improve its overall communication transponders capacity; this space infrastructure supports broadcasters, telephone, Internet service and other businesses.

New satellites that are constantly put up for approval could ease up the scene in the next two to three years, he said.

For several years now, the space agency has been beset with a capacity deficit, caused by launch failures in which satellites were destroyed; and a galloping demand from public and private sector users.

The agency says its communication fleet of 14 provides 200-odd transponder equivalents. Another 95-odd transponders have been hired on foreign satellites to support Indian direct-to-home broadcasters and the agency aims to bring them back to its satellites.

Referring to last year's success and regularisation of the GSLV Mark-II rocket programme — that can put up to 2,000-kg satellites to space — Mr. Kumar said:

“We have overcome some of the issues of launch vehicles, now we need to produce and make more use of them, and put more satellites into orbit.”

GSAT-9 will ride on one such indigenous GSLV.

Historic and a rarity
Five communication spacecraft spread over less than a year is historic and a rarity for ISRO; all these years, it has launched one or two communication satellites a year.

GSAT-18 was the lone communication satellite sent up in late 2016.

Tentatively, ISRO has lined up the Internet user-friendly GSAT-19 for launch around May; GSAT-17 around June; GSAT-6A, which like GSAT-6, is for the Defence forces, in September; and its largest 5,000-plus GSAT-11 around December. GSAT-17 and GSAT-11 will be launched on the European Ariane launcher.

After INSAT-4CR was moved to a new orbital slot a few months ago, its efficiency has been improved and a little extra capacity created for select use, he said.

 

[Hindustani78]

M. Annadurai, Director of ISRO Satellite Centre in Bengaluru, says, “Basically there is a gap between what we are capable of doing now versus what we are supposed to make. There is a gap between the requirement and our capability. That gap we want to fill up with support from the industry.”

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...manufacture/article17762097.ece?homepage=true



For making a full multi-crore, heavy duty satellite — unable to keep pace with the bird’s fabrication.
In a highly secure, clean room of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) here, teams from the private sector are working shoulder-to-shoulder with government engineers to create a new bird that will soar in the sky very soon.

The Indian space establishment has crossed a new threshold, engaging for the first time a private sector industry to make a full multi-crore, heavy duty and full navigation satellite.

Having been unable to keep pace with satellite fabrication, the ISRO has now roped in the private industry to bridge the gap.

Two for the Navy
A consortium led by Alpha Design Technologies, Bengaluru is tasked to make two full satellites for India’s navigation system.

After almost 150 missions and three decades of space faring, the ISRO is on a mission like never before.

Towards that end, a high-tech defence equipment supplier from Bengaluru, Alpha Design Technologies has been chosen as the first private industry tasked with making not one but two full satellites for the ISRO.

A team of 70 engineers is working hard to make a flight-ready satellite in the next six months.

Colonel H.S. Shankar, the man who helped India get its first bulk supply of electronic voting machines (EVMs), is leading the consortium and he is keeping a hawk’s eye on the fabrication process.

Challenging task
Col. Shankar, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Alpha Design Technologies, says, “It is a challenging task for any Indian company to undertake assembly, integration and testing of a satellite and that too for the first time in India.”

With seven satellites already in orbit, the NAVIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) or the Swadeshi GPS system is today fully functional but to be on the safe side the ISRO needed two spare satellites on the ground for a quick launch in case something went wrong.

It signed up with the Rs. 400-crore company to give India its first large private satellite.

The ISRO also wants to seed an ecosystem where the private sector takes a lead in the future.

Quantum jump: Annadurai
M. Annadurai, Director of ISRO Satellite Centre in Bengaluru, said, “Basically there is a gap between what we are capable of doing now versus what we are supposed to make. There is a gap between the requirement and our capability. That gap we want to fill up with support from the industry.”

“...16 to 17 satellites we have to make every year. So it is a really-really quantum jump and to fill that gap..., we thought the industry could come in,” he added.

Satellite fabrication requires high precision as these birds cost hundreds of crores of rupees and after the launch they remain functional for up to 10 years with no scope for repair.

It’s tough up there
The space environment is very punishing and the untested fail miserably and space faring remains a high risk activity.

Mr. Annadurai thinks the ISRO is not taking any risk by relying on the private sector, adding, “I do not think it is a risk. It is basically an incremental improvement over what we have already done. When you look at NAVIC satellite system, except for the first satellite, on all the other remaining satellites more than 95 per cent of the systems that were flown basically came from industry.”

“Similar thing is being done for this mission. For the first standby Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) satellite, we will be handholding the private team. Some 70 young engineers are there and they will be watching what we are doing and then at the end of the first satellite fabrication, the private team will come out with a document of what they have understood and how they will make the second satellite, this document will be audited by the ISRO’s quality assurance team,” he said.

And once the ISRO teams clears it and are convinced that the private team is really trained and they are equipped with the necessary skill sets, only then will they do the second satellite fabrication on their own.

More birds to soar soon
“Hopefully, together we will be able to succeed because anyhow they are learning under our watch. So once they start to do one or two satellites like that, they will be able to take on making subsequent satellites totally on their own,” he said.

India recently launched 104 satellites on a single mission, creating such a global sensation that an intelligence officer from the U.S. expressed his “shock” at India’s singular achievement and this paved the way for India’s foray into the multi-billion dollar launch industry.

By supporting the private industry to learn the processes of making satellites, India hopes to create a robust space industry in the private sector. In the past, the ISRO has designed and made a satellite for the Europeans and this new and bold move could in times pave the way for India being a global hub for the space sector.

Towards that end, a high-tech space park is almost ready at one of ISRO’s newer satellite facilities in Bengaluru, and here the private sector could make the best of the best satellites.

Mr. Annadurai has said once ready, this space park will be unique since from the smallest components to the flight-ready satellites — all will be made under one roof.

No other facility like this exists anywhere in the world, he insists.

Reliable space power
India is regarded as a low cost and reliable space power.

Today for the first time a satellite is being fabricated in the private industry — a giant leap for the ISRO and a giant leap for the Indian space industry.

So in the corner of an airtight room of India’s satellite fabrication unit where even the smallest speck of dust is not allowed to enter, a giant breathe of ‘private’ fresh air has been ushered in.

 

[Hindustani78]

Department of Space
05-April, 2017 16:07 IST
Satellite for Disaster Management

At present, India has 13 earth observation, 3 meteorological, 13 communication and 7 navigational satellites in operation.


The data from earth observation and meteorological satellites in conjunction with ground based information, and services derived from communication & navigation satellites are being used towards Disaster Management Support. The data obtained from meteorological satellites is used for cyclone track, intensity & landfall predictions and forecasting of extreme weather events. The data from earth observation satellites is used for monitoring disaster events and assessing the damages. The communication satellites help to establish emergency communication in remote and inaccessible areas and navigation satellites are used for providing location based services. The fishing sector is being supported through advisories on Potential Fishing Zones and the ocean state forecast generated using satellite data helps the shipping sector.


ISRO has planned future satellite missions in earth observation, communication and navigation to ensure continuity of data and services for operational applications as well as to address emerging needs of disaster management.


The funds allocated towards satellite missions during the last three years, year-wise are as under:


Year
Allocation (RE)
(Rs. in Crores)

2014-2015
614.71

2015-2016
720.53

2016-2017
657.24


The capabilities of earth observation, meteorological, communication and navigational satellites are used to harness the benefits of space technology for developmental activities in various sectors, including strategic sector. Currently, ISRO is working towards the development of 23 satellites, approved by the government.


This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.


****

Ministry of Agriculture
05-April, 2017 16:46 IST
Geotagging of assets created under RKVY

1. What is geo tagging?



· Geotagging- It is the process of adding geographical identification like latitude and longitude to various media such as a photo or video. Geotagging can help users find a wide variety of location-specific information from a device. It provides users the location of the content of a given picture.



· Geomapping-a visual representation of the geographical location of geotagged assets layered on top of map or satellite imagery


2. Why is Geotagging important?



· Several assets are created in the states under various schemes of the Ministry of Agriculture. Under RKVY also, states have been utilising substantial amount of funds for creation of infrastructure/assets in agriculture and allied sectors such as soil testing labs, pesticide testing labs, bio fertiliser setting units, custom hiring centres, vaccine production units , veterinary diagnosis labs , dispensaries , milk collection centres , fish production units, godowns, cold storage, shade nets, pandals for vegetable cultivation etc. Monitoring of such wide spread activities is of paramount importance to states and Government of India to understand flow of funds, inventorising the assets, bringing in transparency, planning of assets for future, and finally informing the farmers about the facilities available.

· PM on several occasions emphasised on use of technology for reporting of assets created through geo-tagging (example: drought review meeting held on 14/ 05/2016).Finance Minister also highlighted monitoring of MGNREGA assets through Geotagging in his budget speech.

· Geotagging for monitoring of assets is already started in Ministry of Rural Development for MGNREGA and Department of Land Resources for monitoring of watershed activities in the states. Postal department has also geotagged the post offices using NRSC Bhuvan Platform.



3. Who does it?



· National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) , ISRO at Hyderabad : This centre of ISRO has a software platform, Bhuvan that allows users to explore a 2D/3D representation of the surface of the Earth. It also acts as a platform for hosting government data. Bhuvan Application Services that are diversified and relevant for many ministries were released.



· NRSC is involved in mapping of resources (Postal, GAIL, Forest etc) as well as monitoring of assets created under various schemes of Ministry of water Resources, Ministry of rural development etc.


· The assets created under RKVY could be monitored by Geotagging them using BHUVAN, a geoplatforn of National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) of ISRO, Hyderabad. In future, the location of the infrastructure created and distances from each other could also be utilised for arriving at distribution of assets and optimum number of that particular asset required in a district or state. The process involves development of a mobile app for mapping the assets through photographs and Geo-tagging (providing geo co-ordinates) before hosting on to DAC –RKVY platform that would be specially created for RKVY monitoring.



Proposal for geotagging of infrastructure /assets created under RKVY:


· Therefore, it is proposed to prepare inventory of the assets created in the last one decade (2007-2017) under RKVY through Geotagging technique. National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), wing of Indian Space Research Organisation is providing technical support to RKVY division and has come up with a detailed procedure for the same. The institute is involved in preparation of the required app, imparting training to the states etc..The trained officers at the field level will take the photographs (with details of latitude, longitude, year of creation etc.) of the assets and upload on to the Bhuvan-RKVY platform of NRSC.


· So far NRSC has developed RKVY app, training manual, imparted training to 17 states regarding use of the app. The organisation will provide technical backstopping till the Geotagging exercise is completed. Pilot work has been initiated in 4 sattes of Orissa, Maharashtra, Bihar and Karnataka.


· A formal MoU is proposed to be signed between DAC&FW and NRSC regarding use of BHUVAN for launching BHUVAN-RKVY platform. It is proposed to sign the MoU on 6th April .Minsters of Agriculture, Department of Science, Secretary (DAC&FW), Director ISRO, Director NRSA and other senior officers from both the sides are expected to be present during the ceremony.

 

[anant_s]

Isro will allow companies to obtain lithium-ion battery tech

HIGHLIGHTS

• Lithium-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery in which lithium ions move from negative electrode to positive electrode during discharge and back when charging
• The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre under Isro has developed indigenous technology to manufacture such high-power batteries for automobiles and e-vehicles

NEW DELHI: The government has asked Indian Space Research Organisation(Isro) to allow manufacturers interested in producing indigenous lithium-ion batteries, including those from private sector, to obtain the technology for its mass production.Isro will now come up with a framework to make this process smooth.

The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre under Isro has developed indigenous technology to manufacture such high-power batteries for automobiles and e-vehicles and their feasibility tests in vehicles have been successful.

Over half a dozen major automobile companies, battery manufacturers and public sector undertakings have already approached Isro. Mahindra Renault, Hyundai, Nissan, Tata Motors, High Energy Batteries, BHEL and Indian Oil have shown interest in producing the indigenous lithium-ion batteries.

Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari had sought Isro's help to develop indigenous technology for lithium-ion batteries so that their prices are within the reach of Indian customers.

Isro had earlier developed similar batteries for satellite and the launch vehicle applications.

The government has set an ambitious target for pushing more use of electric vehicles to reduce air pollution, which has become one of the biggest health concerns. Batteries are the key component of any electric vehicle. At present, all lithium-ion batteries are imported and it's very expensive.

Such batteries have high-power, but these weigh less and their volume is much less as well in comparison to conventional batteries.Sources said Isro and BHEL are likely to finalise an MoU soon for manufacturing such batteries.
"The cabinet secretary has asked Isro to create a framework for enabling even interested private players to obtain the technology for mass production.
Only one agency producing them will not be enough. The cost will come down only when we will have huge production to meet the demand," an official said, who was present in the meeting. Gadkari chaired this meeting.
Government documents show the cost of lithium-ion batteries is high because of small volume of procurement. Bulk procurement and mass production can reduce the cost by 80%, which is key to push demand.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-will-allow-companies-to-obtain-lithium-ion-battery-tech/articleshow/58088413.cms

 

[Shockwave]

Isro will allow companies to obtain lithium-ion battery tech
View attachment 389768


NEW DELHI: The government has asked Indian Space Research Organisation(Isro) to allow manufacturers interested in producing indigenous lithium-ion batteries, including those from private sector, to obtain the technology for its mass production.Isro will now come up with a framework to make this process smooth.

The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre under Isro has developed indigenous technology to manufacture such high-power batteries for automobiles and e-vehicles and their feasibility tests in vehicles have been successful.

Over half a dozen major automobile companies, battery manufacturers and public sector undertakings have already approached Isro. Mahindra Renault, Hyundai, Nissan, Tata Motors, High Energy Batteries, BHEL and Indian Oil have shown interest in producing the indigenous lithium-ion batteries.

Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari had sought Isro's help to develop indigenous technology for lithium-ion batteries so that their prices are within the reach of Indian customers.

Isro had earlier developed similar batteries for satellite and the launch vehicle applications.

The government has set an ambitious target for pushing more use of electric vehicles to reduce air pollution, which has become one of the biggest health concerns. Batteries are the key component of any electric vehicle. At present, all lithium-ion batteries are imported and it's very expensive.

Such batteries have high-power, but these weigh less and their volume is much less as well in comparison to conventional batteries.Sources said Isro and BHEL are likely to finalise an MoU soon for manufacturing such batteries.
"The cabinet secretary has asked Isro to create a framework for enabling even interested private players to obtain the technology for mass production.
Only one agency producing them will not be enough. The cost will come down only when we will have huge production to meet the demand," an official said, who was present in the meeting. Gadkari chaired this meeting.
Government documents show the cost of lithium-ion batteries is high because of small volume of procurement. Bulk procurement and mass production can reduce the cost by 80%, which is key to push demand.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-will-allow-companies-to-obtain-lithium-ion-battery-tech/articleshow/58088413.cms

But whats the big deal about Li ion batteries, they are commonly used in mobile phones. The real deal is the Hydrogen fuel cell.

 

[cirr]

Isro will allow companies to obtain lithium-ion battery tech
View attachment 389768

The government has set an ambitious target for pushing more use of electric vehicles to reduce air pollution, which has become one of the biggest health concerns. Batteries are the key component of any electric vehicle. At present, all lithium-ion batteries are imported and it's very expensive.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-will-allow-companies-to-obtain-lithium-ion-battery-tech/articleshow/58088413.cms

All imported from China.

I give India 5 years to produce indigenous li-ion batteries in commerical quantities.

And that with Chinese cathodes, anodes, electrolytes, seperators and other essential materials.