Indian Space Capabilities

[Shiroyama]

We have 4 CARTOSAT now.

 

[Hindustani78]

Department of Space
17-January, 2018 17:52 IST
Modi Govt brought Space technology to every Indian household: Dr Jitendra Singh

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 delivered the Keynote address at the International Space Conference of “Geospatial World Forum” in Hyderabad today. Addressing the conference he complemented Team ISRO for having placed India as a front-line leader in the community of world nations while in the last three years, the use of diverse applications of space technology to carry forward the Modi Government's infrastructural and transformational programmes has brought space technology to the doorstep of every Indian household.

The minister said that it is primarily the personal indulgence, intervention and patronage provided by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi which has made space technology an essential part of Modi’s “Transforming India” mission, which will finally culminate in the building of “New India”. It was at the behest of Prime Minister that perhaps, the first-of-its-kind, extended brain-storming interaction was held between space scientists and the representatives of different Ministries and Departments in Government of India, in order to understand the areas where space technology could be put into use.

In the last 3 years, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the Team ISRO and the Department of Space have finalised effective MoUs with a host of Ministries, including Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Urban Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare etc. Space Technology today is playing a crucial role in carrying forward a number of flagship programmes of the Modi Government, including Smart City programme, Urban and Housing schemes, guarding of unmanned railway crossings, Geo-tagging of MNREGA, procurement of Utilization Certificates of roads and other projects, agricultural soil testing, he added.

The new year began with the January 12th launching of 28 foreign satellites which, Dr Jitendra Singh said, has vindicated the dream of our founding father Vikram Sarabhai and evidently proved that even those nations of the world which began their space programme several years before us have reposed their faith and trust in us to launch their satellites. The last year set some world records like launching of 104 satellites in a single go, launching of South Asia satellite and completion of 3 years of Mangalyaan in the orbit, he added.

Referring to the Geospatial World Forum meet, currently being held, Dr Jitendra Singh said, this event highlights India’s intent of expanding its space programmes for wider application and with wider participation of other partners as well. The presence of representatives and CEOs of some of the leading industrial houses of the world, he said, signifies the keen desire of the world industrial players to collaborate with India to benefit as well as to supplement the applications of space technology for the common goal of the future growth of a global world.

***

The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh addressing the International Space Conference of “Geospatial World Forum”, in Hyderabad on January 17, 2018.

The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh addressing the International Space Conference of “Geospatial World Forum”, in Hyderabad on January 17, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Posted at: Jan 17, 2018, 5:41 PM;
last updated: Jan 17, 2018, 5:41 PM (IST)
ISRO releases first image by recently-launched Cartosat-2 series satellite

The first day image captured by recently-launched weather observation Cartosat-2 series satellite shows a part of Indore city in Madhya Pradesh with the Holkar Cricket Stadium in the centre. — ISRO via PTI

http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/na...nched-cartosat-2-series-satellite/529969.html

Chennai, January 17

The ISRO had then said the satellite would be brought to its final operational configuration in the next few days following which it will begin to provide high-resolution scene specific spot imageries using its panchromatic (black and white) and multi spectral (colour) cameras. Cartosat-2 is an advanced remote sensing satellite similar in configuration to earlier six spacecraft in the series and intended to augment data services to the users.e first day image captured by India's recently launched weather observation Cartosat-2 series satellite shows a part of Indore city in Madhya Pradesh with the Holkar Cricket Stadium in the centre.

The image was acquired on January 15, three days after the launch of the satellite, and released yesterday on the website of the Bengaluru-headquartered Indian Space Research Organisation. Cartosat-2 Series satellite was successfully launched onboard PSLV-C40 rocket on January 12 by ISRO from its spaceport at Sriharikota, 110 km from here.

ISRO had then said the satellite would be brought to its final operational configuration in the next few days following which it will begin to provide high-resolution scene specific spot imageries using its panchromatic (black and white) and multi spectral (colour) cameras. Cartosat-2 is an advanced remote sensing satellite similar in configuration to earlier six spacecraft in the series and intended to augment data services to the users.

The images sent by the satellite will be useful for cartographic, urban and rural applications, coastal land use and regulation besides Geographical Information System applications, among others. Thirty other satellites, including 28 from foreign countries, were also successfully launched by PSLV C-40. — PTI

 

[Hindustani78]

Department of Space
18-January, 2018 19:32 IST
New Chairman ISRO calls on Dr Jitendra Singh, discusses future Space missions

The new Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and eminent Space scientist, Dr K Sivan made a formal courtesy call to 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 here today. Dr Jitendra Singh discussed with him some of the immediate upcoming future Space missions as well as the important focus areas for future .

Dr Jitendra Singh complimented the new Chairman for taking over the charge of ISRO at a time when the Team ISRO, through its commendable work, has placed India as a frontline nation in the community of world nations. With a series of achievements registered in last few years, it is time to consolidate the gains of recent achievements and to share them for the benefit of the people of the region and the entire world community in general added the Minister.

Dr Jitendra Singh also said that one of the major achievements during the Modi Government was that the Space technology had been made applicable to a wide range of infrastructural development and flagship programmes including roads, railways, agriculture health care etc. One of the latest applications, he said, would be the development of Lithium batteries for use of Electric vehicles. These batteries will not only be cost - effective but will also offer the option of Electric vehicle transport with no risk of environmental pollution or noise pollution.

*****

The New Chairman ISRO, Dr. K. Sivan calling on the Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in New Delhi on January 18, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/na...-launched-by-foreign-space-agency/532000.html

The GSAT-11 communication satellite will be launched

“We are working on a dual concept: Increasing the carrying capacity of our heaviest rocket—the 640-tonne Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-Mk III (GSLV Mk III) to six tonnes—while producing high throughput and lower weight communication satellites,” according to K. Sivan, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

He said nearly 60 per cent of the satellite weight consists of onboard chemical fuel and by opting for electric power for manoeuvring in space the mass of the satellite will be reduced.

The Indian space agency had tried electric propulsion in its GSAT-9 satellite.


At present, the GSLV-Mk III rocket has a carrying capacity of four tonnes. The Indian space agency is working on increasing GSLV-Mk III’s carrying capacity to six tonnes.

“Now most of the satellites will be contained to four-six tonnes,” Sivan said.


According to Sivan, the capacity enhancement is not restricted to GSLV-Mk III alone but also to other rockets as it would bring down the overall launch cost.

But that doesn’t mean ISRO would freeze development of higher payload rockets.


“We have the capability to design and build over six-tonne payload rockets. We will start designing for bigger rockets,” Sivan remarked.

“Our major objectives are to increase the production of rockets so as to increase the number of satellite launches; enhance our rocket’s capability; look at reduction of rocket production cost; develop and realise the small rocket with a carrying capacity of 500 kg and also realise reusable launch vehicle/rocket,” Sivan remarked.


According to him, to increase the production of rockets, the space agency is looking at transferring the technology for making Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket to industries.

“We are working out the methodologies like joint venture for that purpose,” Sivan said.

That apart, ISRO is also open for transferring the technologies developed by it to the private sector for commercialisation and wider use.

“For instance, we will be transferring the technology for making lithium ion battery that could be used to power automobiles,” Sivan added.

Sivan said ISRO is also focusing on developing a reusable launch vehicle that involves a lot of new technologies and the Scramjet engine which in turn would reduce costs.

According to him, the first half of 2018 will be busy with the launch of Chandrayaan-II (moon mission), GSAT-6A and a navigation satellite as the replacement for the first of the seven navigation satellites.

On January 12, ISRO launched its remote sensing satellite Cartosat.

Sixty-year-old Sivan, the new head of the Indian space agency, is not shy of saying that he wore trousers and chappals for the first time when he stepped into the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT) here for a degree in aeronautical engineering.


“I studied in Tamil medium in a government-owned school. I wore only dhoti and shirt without any footwear till I finished my graduation at the ST Hindu College in Nagercoil. Only after joining MIT did I start wearing trousers and chappals,” Sivan told IANS.

Son of a farmer, Sivan used to help his father in farming and also in his vegetables/fruits trading activity during his school days. Today, as the head of one of the world’s premier space agencies, Sivan’s task is cut out.

Sivan’s elder son has completed electronics and communication engineering and the younger son is pursuing a graduate degree in animation while his wife is a homemaker.

Queried about his management style Sivan said: “I delegate work and expect deliverables as promised. Space system is unforgiving. If there is a problem, it will fail.” — IANS

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/sc...-spacecraft/article22545162.ece?homepage=true
Satish Tailor’s thermal spray coating useful for gas turbine engine
A new thermal spray coating technology used for gas turbine engine in spacecraft developed by a Rajasthan-based researcher.

Dr. Satish Tailor after it was published in the journal Ceramics International and Thermal Spray Bulletin, said S.C. Modi, the chairman of a Jodhpur-based Metallizing Equipment Company (MEC).

While working at MEC as a chief scientist, Research and Development, Dr. Satish Tailor developed the controlled segmented Yttria-Stabilised Zirconia (YSZ)-Plasma sprayed coating technology, which according to him could reduce the thermal spray coating cost by almost 50%.

“In simple language, vertical cracks (segmentation) in the coating are beneficial for gas turbine engine application used in spacecraft,” Dr. Tailor said.

“At present, researchers are developing such cracks through very expensive processes (in several crore) and cracks are generated during the coating deposition process, and crack generation is not controllable,” he said.

Dr. Satish Tailor said he had shared his research papers with the NASA scientist who had written him an email regarding this. Scientists working at the country’s leading research organisations — the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) — are equally impressed with
the new technology.

Dr. R.M. Mohanty, the chief scientist at the CSIR headquarters in New Delhi, said that the outcome of the reported R&D presented an inexpensive solution for superior survival of current YSZ thermal barrier coatings produced by atmospheric plasma sprayed (APS) technique, and had a potential of wider industrial/strategic acceptability.

DRDO scientist Dr. R.K. Satpathy said if it could be industrially adopted to make a strain-tolerant coating then it would definitely be more economical.

**********

http://www.newsnation.in/science-ne...hnology-grabs-nasa-s-eyes-article-191092.html

Dr. Tailor said, “In simple language, vertical cracks (segmentation) in the coating are beneficial for gas turbine engine application used in spacecraft. At present, researchers are developing such cracks through very expensive processes (in several crores) and cracks are generated during the coating deposition process, and crack generation is not controllable.”

Dr. Tailor said his research papers had been shared with NASA scientist who had written an email to him regarding this.

Scientists at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CISR) are equally impressed with the new technology. Dr. RM Mohanty, chief scientist at the CSIR, said, “Indeed the outcome of the reported R&D presents an inexpensive solution for the superior survival of current YSZ thermal barrier coatings produced by atmospheric plasma sprayed (APS) technique, and has a potential of wider industrial/strategic acceptability.”

Mohanty said, “The new technology has an advantage over current, costly techniques such as SPS or EB- PVD deposited coatings which came into picture gradually, as the reported advantage in the research was not possible with conventional APS techniques.”

He added, “The innovators should patent the process/equipment or both internationally for bringing benefits to the APS based business.”

Another scientist, Dr. RK Sampathy, of the DRDO, said, “The generation of vertical cracks holds great promise, if the research process can be industrially adopted in making a strain-tolerant coating then it will definitely be more economical compared to its expensive counter-parts techniques.”

Dr. Tailor is the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Materials Science and Surface Engineering and chief editor of the Journal of Thermal Spray and Engineering. He is also a visiting young scientist at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST)in Russia.

Dr. Tailor has his Ph.D. in metallurgical engineering with specialization in plasma spray coatings from the Malaviya Institute of Technology (MNIT), Jaipur. He has published over 25 national and international research papers on thermal spray technology in reputed journals.

NASA shows interest in Indian researcher's spray coating technology (Representative Image, Source: NASA)

 

[Hindustani78]

SPACE

In the case of Satellite Launching, as on March 2017, PSLV successfully launched 254 satellites. Foreign exchange earnings of India from export of satellite launch services increased noticeably in 2015-16 and 2016-17 to Rs 394 crore and Rs 275 crore from Rs. 149 crore in 2014-15.

India’s share in global satellite launch services revenue has also increased to 1.1 per cent in 2015-16 from 0.3 per cent in 2014-15. Antrix foresees greater utilization of PSLV, GSLV and GSLV-Mk-III launch services by the international community for launching their Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.

 

[Hindustani78]

K. Sivan, ISRO Chairman
BENGALURU , January 30, 2018 22:35 IST
Updated: January 30, 2018 22:38 IST

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...on-launches/article22597896.ece?homepage=true

Space agency plans to lower the costs of satellites by using miniaturised avionics and advanced electronics, says K. Sivan

The Department of Space (DoS) is anticipating an increase in financial outlay in next month’s Budget, even as its new Secretary K. Sivan said the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was working to reduce the cost of its satellite and launch vehicle missions.

Speaking to The Hindu, Dr. Sivan, who formally took charge on January 22 as DoS Secretary and ISRO Chairman, said the space body was trying to lower the cost of satellites by using miniaturised avionics, advanced electronics and the recently tested EPS — electric propulsion system — among others.

Launch vehicles

On the launch vehicles or rockets that put these satellites into space, the use of low-cost, space-grade materials and components can reduce the weight of the rocket and allow it to carry heavier payloads.

With an allocation of ₹9,093 crore last year, Dr. Sivan said, “We definitely would like a larger allocation. More satellites are required, and more launch vehicles to launch them. We also need new facilities to make them. We have to bring the manufacture of launch vehicles to industry and this needs extra money. All this is projected [in the requirement made to the government.]”

However, he stressed that, “We never had any problem with the budget. The problem is in executing [spending] it. In fact we should aim for reducing the total mission cost.”

A medium-sized two-tonne [2,000-kg] communication satellite costs roughly ₹200 crore as also the rocket that puts it in a geostationary orbit in space.

“We are targeting a substantial lowering of cost and attacking it on all sides with available technology. It is difficult to name the percentage of reduction right now,” Dr. Sivan said.

Enhanced GSLV
Among the innovations and value additions being developed is the augmentation of the GSLV Mark II launch vehicle. Dr. Sivan said its lifting capability would soon be enhanced from 2.2 tonnes to 3.3 tonnes. The capability then would go up by 1.5 times and would reflect in its per-kilo cost, which could make it quite competitive to future commercial users in the launchers market.

The first launch of the enhanced GSLV, after necessary tests and confirmations, will be the 3.2-tonne Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft, scheduled to be launched in April. It carries the first Indian moon lander and rover.

To reduce the size of the satellite without affecting its efficiency, ISRO has begun experimenting with EPS in place of chemical propulsion. The system was first used in GSAT-9 (South Asia Satellite) in May last year to manage satellite functions in orbit and ISRO officials had then said it reduced fuel cargo to 25%.

Dr. Sivan said the EPS is a promising technology. By bringing this in, a four-tonne satellite can do the job of a six-tonne spacecraft; it will also cost less to launch it. However, its full use in orbit correction is yet to be explored as the satellite will then take six to 12 months to reach its orbit.

He said smaller, cheaper satellites could also be made using miniaturised and low-cost components.

 

[bloo]

Production of NavIC Messaging Receiver Introduction

NavIC Satellite Constellation have a wide coverage area up to 1500 km around the Indian main
land. They are mainly designed for Regional Navigation Services. In addition to their primary
functionality, they allow broadcasting of additional short messages. These messages can be
related to alerts, forecast and directives on the occurrence of natural disasters like Floods,
Earthquake, Tsunami, Cyclones, Landslides etc. and dangers for the safety of life in areas with
poor or no communication infrastructure. The NavIC Messaging Receiver is conceptualized and
developed at Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO, Ahmedabad for reception and display of
these messages. The receiver transmits raw data over Bluetooth link. An application running on
a smart device like mobile phone or tablet having Bluetooth connectivity can decode and display
the messages for users. This receiver is designed as battery operated low power device. This note
describes hardware architecture and requirement for product.
1. Objective
SAC has developed working prototype hardware. Product can also be used by fishermen/ marine
applications in deep sea. IP67 packaging is to be designed by vendor along with battery charging
option. Vendor participation is invited for production of same hardware in large numbers.
2. Design
NavIC Messaging receiver has been designed to provide positioning along with messaging. NavIC
module can be procured from ANTRIX Corporation Limited, Bengaluru, a commercial arm of ISRO.
In addition to the NavIC chipset, it uses ATMega328P microcontroller and HC-05 Bluetooth(BT)
module. The controller provides configuration for chipset and BT module. Microcontroller acts as
an interface between chipset and BT. The TPS73633DBVT LDO converts 5V to 3.3V. It is designed
to draw power from battery or power bank. The power consumption of the receiver is around
100 mA @ 5V. The receiver can work for about 4 days using a 10000mAh power bank. The block
diagram of NavIC messaging and positioning receiver is as shown in Figure-1. Currently all the
data from NavIC receiver is passed over BT to mobile which is consuming more power in both
receiver and mobile. The blocks in dotted section are getting implemented as future
enhancement. The idea is to save power in both mobile and device. This will be achieved by
filtering out the messages in microcontroller and pass only needed messages to the mobile
application. Figure 2 shows actual photograph of NavIC messaging receiver. The current size of
PCB is 41mm x 46mm. The size of PCB with enhance feature is 70mm x 50mm.

Above figure shows set up of receiver which has external antenna and it is drawing power from
power bank. The Receiver has been developed, tested, demonstrated and delivered to many
users. An Android application is also developed to display the messages on Mobile phone / tablet.
Messages broadcasted by INCOIS can be received using this application.
3. Vendor Responsibility
Interested vendor has to fabricate the receiver PCB and design packaging including all the three
components. The package has to be IP 67 compliant. The option of using power bank or some
rechargeable battery is left to vendor.
4. Mode of Technology Transfer
SAC-ISRO has developed hardware and firmware for intended application.
SAC / ISRO will provide technical details to Indian industry on a request basis
against Non-disclosure agreement as per ISRO guidelines for this technology.

 

[Hindustani78]

Gas generated at unit can be transported in a specially made balloon

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kvasu-goes-places-with-biogas/article22671823.ece

The school of bio-energy and farm waste management of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU) has developed a biogas plant which, it claims, is more efficient in converting kitchen waste into biogas.

The restricted flow anaerobic baffled reactor biogas plant is modelled on cow’s digestive system.

“The plant has a digester with a capacity of 3,000 litres, a balloon gas holder, moisture remover, and carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide removers,” John Abraham, Assistant Professor at the school, said.

“The first chamber of the digester unit will be filled with stomach content (rumen) of cattle collected from abattoirs and the second chamber will be filled with cow dung for producing microbes. Later, kitchen waste can be fed into the digester as feedstock for the microbes and it starts to produce biogas anaerobically,” Dr. Abraham, who mentored the project, said.

He said a major advantage of the unit was that biogas generated at the unit could be transported in a specially made balloon.

Vertical baffles

Moreover, commercial type of burner could be used with it by the help of a biogas compressor.

The digester has vertical baffles which restrict the flow of kitchen waste, which aids multiplication of microbes. “In traditional biogas plants, the hydraulic retention time or the time for completing digestion of the feeding material is high. But the retention time in the new plant is low as it has two chambers,” Dr. Abraham said. Around 100 litres of kitchen waste could be fed daily into the plant that produces 2 cubic metres of biogas a day. The project was completed in six months expending ₹1.50 lakh.

 

[Hindustani78]

Department of Space
07-February, 2018 16:19 IST
ISRO sets up 473 Village Resource Centres for rural development through satellite technology

To demonstrate the potential of satellite technology for development of rural areas, ISRO established Village Resource Centres (VRCs) on a pilot scale, in association with selected NGOs, Trusts and State Government Departments.

VRCs have provided various space technology enabled services such as tele-healthcare, tele-education, natural resources information, advisories related to agriculture, career guidance to rural students, skill development and vocational training etc.

About Rs 18 crores was spent for establishing 473 VRCs.

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

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Department of Space
07-February, 2018 16:18 IST
Social upgradation in rural areas

Indian Space Programme plays a key role in enabling social upgradation of rural areas through space based inputs towards development of wastelands, identification of degraded lands for suitable reclamation measures, assessment of fodder crops for dairy industry, monitoring developmental activities under rural employment guarantee scheme & integrated watershed development programme, space based inputs for ground water, targeting surface waterbodies for tribal districts and monitoring irrigation infrastructure.

The efforts made by Indian Space Research Organisation benefitting rural and backward areas so far include:

1. 1. Mapping of wastelands (1986-2000, 2005-06, 2008-09 & 2015-16) for enabling prioritisation of watersheds, identification of areas for renewable energy projects and industrial corridor development.
   2. Mapping of land degradation (2005-06 & 2015-16), help in prioritisation of development in the rural areas.
   3. Prepared and deployed National level groundwater prospects maps, including locations for planning recharge structures, as a support for drinking water requirements for Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation.
   4. Geospatially enabled monitoring of developmental activities under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), for Ministry of Rural Development.
   5. Generation of sustainable land and water resources development plans in 180 districts for soil and water conservation and satellite data based monitoring and evaluation of about 86,000 microwatersheds, under Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) for Ministry of Rural Development.
   6. Mapping and monitoring of village water bodies for suitability to adopt aquaculture development in the tribal districts as a possible alternative livelihood support.
   7. Assessment of fodder crops in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Haryana for enabling sustainability of dairy industry, relevant in rural and backward areas.

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



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[Hindustani78]

Department of Space
08-February, 2018 16:23 IST
Upgrading of Aerospace Technology

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra in a written reply to a question on the reasons for the failure of PSLV C-39 mission on the 31st August, 2017 said that the 41st flight of PSLV (PSLV-C39) that took place on August 31, 2017 with Indian Regional Navigational Satellite (IRNSS-1H weighing 1425 kg) could not reach the designated orbit, due to non-separation of Payload Fairing (also known as heat shield) during the 2nd stage of the flight. The root cause of the failure was understood after analysing the various flight and ground test data in more detail. For the Payload Fairing separation to happen successfully, the horizontal and vertical jettisoning system needs to function. Based on the flight data, it was observed that the command for horizontal and vertical jettisoning system was successfully issued. Though the horizontal jettisoning system functioned normally, there was malfunctioning of the vertical jettisoning system, due to which the Payload Fairing did not separate. The cause for the malfunctioning was the non-initiation of detonation in the vertical jettisoning system.

In a reply to a question on what steps would the Department proposes to constantly upgrade the aerospace technology the Minister replied that Department constantly undertakes various Research & Development activities, technology developments and experimental missions towards technological upgradation and achieve significant improvement in the performance of the launch vehicles, satellites and ground systems. The recent experimental missions that were successfully accomplished were the Reusable Launch Vehicle – Technology Demonstrator in May 2016 and the first experimental flight of a sub-scale Scramjet engine in August 2016, towards reducing the cost of access to space. The Department has also undertaken technology development and upgradation in the propulsion systems to increase the payload capability of the space transportation systems such as the development of a Semicryogenic engine, high thrust liquid engines and Cryogenic stages with increased propellant loading. The Department has also undertaken the development of high thrust electric propulsion systems towards an all-electric communication satellites to replace the relatively heavier Chemical propulsion system.

On a question on budgetary allocation Minister said that the budget allocation of Department of Space during the FY 2017-18 is 9093.71 Crore. 20% of the total allocation for Department of Space are deployed for R&D activities.

As per the report “The Space Economy at a Glance 2014” published by OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation & Development), India stands at sixth position among the space faring nations, in terms of space budget as percentage of GDP.

He also said that the products developed by the Department undergo rigorous design reviews, qualification tests and acceptance tests before they are inducted into the systems. ISRO has a well-defined Quality Assurance mechanism that certifies the products before they are inducted into the various systems for its space missions. The procedures for quality assurance and quality control are well documented and disseminated to the in-house and external work centres in order to ensure the product reliability.



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[Hindustani78]

https://www.hindustantimes.com/indi...-south-pole/story-1LGmBEi7QKLLMuFFto55pK.html
Chandrayaan-2, the lunar mission under which the ISRO will for the first time attempt to land a rover on the moon’s south pole, will be launched in April, Jitendra Singh, in-charge of the department of space said on Friday.

The rover of India’s second lunar mission, costing nearly Rs 800 crore, will be made to land near the yet-unexplored south pole, Isro’s newly-appointed chairman K Sivan said.

“India is going to launch Chandrayaan-2 in April. It is under Chandrayaan-1 mission that the ISRO spotted water on the moon. Chandrayaan-2 is a further extension of the project and it is as good as landing a man on the moon,” Singh told reporters here.

Chandrayaan-2 will be ISRO’s first inter-planetary mission to land a rover on any celestial body.

Sivan noted that the window to launch the mission is between April and November this year.

“The targeted date is April. In case we miss the April date, we will launch it in November,” Sivan added.

Citing the reason behind landing the rover near the south pole, Sivan said it is a “very tricky area” with rocks formed a million years ago.

“It has very old rocks. This could possibly help us understand the origin of universe,” he said.

Another reason, he cited, behind landing the rover near the south pole was that the area has not been explored by other missions. “Most of the lunar missions in the past have explored the area around the equator of the moon,” Sivan added.

 

[Hindustani78]

Department of Space
16-February, 2018 18:26 IST
ISRO planning to launch Chandrayaan-2 mission around April this year: Dr Jitendra Singh

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to launch Chandrayan-2 Mission around April this year. Chandrayaan-2 is the country's second mission to the moon, he added. He was addressing a press conference on the achievements of Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, here today. Chandraayan-2 is a challenging mission as for the first time we will carry an orbiter, a lander and a rover to the moon. He said that it is a matter of pride that ISRO is launching Chandrayaan-2, which will place India at a new height in space technology.

Speaking on achievements of Department of Space, the Minister said that ISRO has achieved many milestones in the recent years which include launch of 104 satellites in single mission in February last year and the launch of South Asia Satellite which will boost ties with neighbours. He said that India is a frontline nation in the field of space technology and the scientists need to be complimented for it. The space technology is being utilised by various ministries and departments e.g. in Smart City Mission, preparation of utilisation certificates in Ministry of DoNER etc.

Regarding Department of Atomic Energy, Dr Jitendra Singh said that India is using the technology for peaceful purposes and its applications have been diversified in various fields including electricity generation, agriculture and health sectors. He said that very soon it will be the source of meeting energy needs of the country in a cost-effective manner. He also said that Bhabha Kavach, a light weight bullet-proof jacket has been developed for security forces. He said that Dr B. Borooah Cancer Institute in Guwahati is now an affiliate of the Tata Memorial Centre for Cancer, Mumbai. A tripartite MoU to this effect was signed on behalf of the North-Eastern Council (NEC), Department of Atomic Energy and Government of Assam.

The Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman Space Commission Dr. Sivan K said that the total cost of the Chandrayaan 2 mission will be about Rs 800 crore. He added if the mission’s launch could not take place in April due to unsuitable weather, the window for launch is open till October this year. He also presented the achievements of Department of Space in the last four years. He said that ISRO has successfully accomplished 48 missions, including 21 Launch Vehicle missions, 24 Satellite missions and 3 Technology Demonstrators. ISRO Chairman also said that South Asia Satellite is a Common Network for Disaster Management Support, Meteorological Data sharing, connectivity of academic, scientific and research institutions, etc. He also spoke on the upcoming missions of ISRO.

Click here for detailed presentation on Department of Space

The Chairman & Managing Director, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL), Shri S K Sharma also gave a detailed presentation on various achievements of Department of Atomic Energy in the last four years. He said that there has been an increase of 50% in the capacity addition from 4780 MW in 2014 to 6780 MW with the completion of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP1&2). He said that 9 reactors are under construction which will further augment capacity by 6700 MWe. On completion of projects under construction & sanctioned, capacity will reach 22480 MW by 2031 – about 5 times the capacity of 4780 MW in 2014, he added. He said that there has been record generation of 14252 crore Units of commercial electricity generation (14709 crore units including infirm power) during 2014-15 to 2017-18 (upto Jan 2018). He also elaborated on contribution of atomic energy in the field of agriculture, waste management, health care technologies, development of radiopharmaceuticals and technology for bio-pesticide.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being received by the Governor of Karnataka, Shri Vajubhai Vala and the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Siddaramaiah, on his arrival, at Misuru, Karnataka on February 18, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being received by the Union Ministers, on his arrival, at Misuru, Karnataka on February 18, 2018.