Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

All threads that are locked or marked for deletion will be moved to this forum. The topics will be cleared from this archive on the 1st and 16th of each month.
Locked
Vips
BRF Oldie
Posts: 4699
Joined: 14 Apr 2017 18:23

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by Vips »

ISRO to launch geo imaging satellite on March 5.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday said that GSLV-F10 will launch geo imaging satellite, GISAT-1, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on March 5.

The launch is scheduled to take place at 5.43 pm.

"Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F10) will launch geo imaging satellite (GISAT-1) from the second launch pad of the SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota. The launch is tentatively scheduled at 1743 Hrs IST on March 05, 2020, subject to weather conditions," ISRO said.

Weighing about 2,275 kg, GISAT-1 is a state-of-the-art agile Earth observation satellite that will be placed in a 'geosynchronous transfer orbit' by GSLV-F10. Subsequently, the satellite will reach the final geostationary orbit using its onboard propulsion system.

A four metre-diameter ogive shaped payload fairing is being flown for the first time in this GSLV flight. This is the fourteenth flight of the GSLV, the space organisation said.

Operating from geostationary orbit, GISAT-1 will facilitate near real-time observation of the Indian subcontinent, under cloud-free conditions, at frequent intervals, it added.
Vips
BRF Oldie
Posts: 4699
Joined: 14 Apr 2017 18:23

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by Vips »

ISRO's first geo imaging satellite can scan India every 30 minutes.
The aim of the GISAT 1 is to help monitor natural hazards using the 4-meter wide payload’s five multispectral cameras.The cameras are capable of scanning the entire country every 30 minutes at a spatial resolution of 50 meters.However, if a specific area has been selected, the satellite can generate a field image every five minutes.

The main camera — 700mm Ritchey-Chretien telescope — is based on the design of the Cartosat 2 satellite.The remaining four cameras capture high-resolution multi-spectral and hyper-spectral images.However, unlike previous observation satellites, the cameras aren’t equipped to peer through the cloud cover.This means that they need a cloud-free sky in order to operate efficiently.

According to ISRO, the GISAT 1’s cameras are going to, "tap new functionalities hitherto not covered by existing LEO and GEO missions like fast revisit capabilities, real-time monitoring, high resolutionmultispectral and hyperspectral imaging all on a single, agile, jitter-free platform"

The GISAT 1 weighs around 2227 kilos and will be placed in geostationary orbit by the GSLV F-10 at an altitude of 35,768 Kilometers.

After the successful launch of GISAT 1, ISRO plans to launchits twin satellite — the GISAT 2, which have the same specifications — in the near future.
Aarvee
BRFite
Posts: 171
Joined: 14 Oct 2016 07:43

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by Aarvee »

Any launches in April/May? Visiting India and would love to take my son to witness.
Kakarat
BRF Oldie
Posts: 2225
Joined: 26 Jan 2005 13:59

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by Kakarat »

Aarvee wrote:Any launches in April/May? Visiting India and would love to take my son to witness.
There are multiple launches expected in that time frame. You need to have a Indian passport or a local ID, entry only for 'Indian nationals' is the first in T&C
Aarvee
BRFite
Posts: 171
Joined: 14 Oct 2016 07:43

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by Aarvee »

Kakarat wrote:
Aarvee wrote:Any launches in April/May? Visiting India and would love to take my son to witness.
There are multiple launches expected in that time frame. You need to have a Indian passport or a local ID, entry only for 'Indian nationals' is the first in T&C
Thank you Kakarat. I do satisfy both the conditions :) Will look into the dates etc.
Kakarat
BRF Oldie
Posts: 2225
Joined: 26 Jan 2005 13:59

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by Kakarat »

Aarvee wrote:
Kakarat wrote:
There are multiple launches expected in that time frame. You need to have a Indian passport or a local ID, entry only for 'Indian nationals' is the first in T&C
Thank you Kakarat. I do satisfy both the conditions :) Will look into the dates etc.
Exact dates will be known only ~10 days before launch, couple of launches are expected in that month
Ashokk
BRFite
Posts: 1119
Joined: 11 Aug 2016 06:14

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by Ashokk »

World’s first phone with Isro’s NavIC, suspense continues
Just days after Xiaomi India MD and global VP Manu Kumar Jain announced that Xiaomi will be the first smartphone brand in India to offer support for India-made GPS alternative Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), Realme’s India head Madhav Sheth too made a similar claim. In a post on micro-blogging website Twitter, Sheth said that the company’s recently-launched phone Realme X50 Pro comes with NavIC support.
The sudden announcement surprised everyone as Realme X50 Pro runs on Snapdragon 865 SoC which, as per Qualcomm’s website, does not support NavIC.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, like the older flagship Snapdragon 855, supports satellite systems like Beidou, Galileo, GLONASS, Dual frequency GNSS, GNSS, GPS, QZSS and SBAS. The list does not include NavIC.

Yes, our ultimate flagship, #realmeX50Pro features #NavIC & even our upcoming phone will feature it as well. So Wor… https://t.co/Nn0QHAarzd
— Madhav 5G (@MadhavSheth1) 1582790118000

Having said that if Realme India head is so confidently stating that the X50 Pro smartphone has support for NavIC does it mean that Qualcomm can offer NavIC integration later to its chipsets as a firmware update?
Also, if a firmware update is all that is needed then will NavIC support come to Snapdragon 855 or 855+ as well?

By this logic, every Snapdragon chipset may be eligible to receive NavIC support. Or is there a need for additional hardware components? A lot of questions have come up from a single tweet by Sheth.

Qualcomm in an official statement has confirmed that Snapdragon 865 will get support for NavIC via an update. “Snapdragon 865 is NavIC capable with the final software update coming to our OEMs around April 2020,” it said. But the chipmaker has made no comments as to whether this software update will be offered to other Snapdragon chipsets or not.
Ashokk
BRFite
Posts: 1119
Joined: 11 Aug 2016 06:14

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by Ashokk »

HAL hands over 50th set of L-40 stage of GSLV
BENGALURU: Defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Friday said it has handed over the 50th L-40 stage of Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV-MKII) to the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro).
“This L-40 stage is meant for GSLV MKII- F12 Flight planned by ISRO in August 2020.The Aerospace Division of HAL has so far integrated and supplied L-40 stages for 12 flights of GSLV MKII including the GSLV MKII -F10 flight planned in the first week of March-2020,” HAL said.
Apart from the Integrated L-40 stages, HAL is manufacturing the riveted structures, propellant tanks, feedlines of PSLV, GSLV MKII and GSLV MKIII launch vehicles and structures of various satellites for ISRO.
Varoon Shekhar
BRF Oldie
Posts: 2178
Joined: 03 Jan 2010 23:26

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by Varoon Shekhar »

JTull
BRF Oldie
Posts: 3118
Joined: 18 Jul 2001 11:31

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by JTull »

https://www.isro.gov.in/gslv-f10-gisat-1/launch-kit

F10 mission has a new 4m diameter Ogive Payload Fairing for 2268kg payload.

Previous missions has a 3.4m dia fairing. F11 mission had a 2250kg payload but used 0.5t extra propellant mass in CUS15.

This time the target velocity will be achieved about 30s sooner, at lower altitude.

Learnings from Mk3's 5m OPLF have now been back ported.
Vips
BRF Oldie
Posts: 4699
Joined: 14 Apr 2017 18:23

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by Vips »

SAIL supplies special grade steel for Gaganyaan: Bhilai plant CEO.

State-owned SAIL has supplied special grade steel plates produced at its Bhilai unit for the country's first human space mission programme Gaganyaan, a company official has said.

In addition, SAIL's Rourkela Steel Plant has also supplied MDN 250 (maraging steel) grade special steel for the ambitious project.

Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) has contributed to the Gaganyaan space mission and has successfully produced plates to be used in the satellite launch vehicle (SLV) that would launch the mission, SAIL's Bhilai Steel Plant (SAIL-BSP) CEO Anirban Dasgupta told PTI. A consignment of 40 tonne of MDN 250 grade slabs rolled into plates at BSP's plate mill was flagged off by Dasgupta in first week of February.

The ambitious Gaganyaan mission was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech in 2018."Stringent technological norms were formulated and followed by entire collective of plate mill and other concerned departments of SAIL along with several other associated departments. The slabs (were) supplied by Misra Dhatu Nigam Ltd (MIDHANI)," he said.

Dasgupta further said that "these forged slabs of special steel of very high strength and high temperature resistance consisting of high percentage of expensive alloying elements were rolled into thinner plates of 9.3 mm thickness."

Earlier, the company had supplied special steel from its Salem Steel Plant (SSP) for ISRO's Chnadrayaan 1 and Chandrayaan 2 and Mangalyaan mission.
Indranil
Forum Moderator
Posts: 8428
Joined: 02 Apr 2010 01:21

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by Indranil »

JTull wrote:https://www.isro.gov.in/gslv-f10-gisat-1/launch-kit

F10 mission has a new 4m diameter Ogive Payload Fairing for 2268kg payload.

Previous missions has a 3.4m dia fairing. F11 mission had a 2250kg payload but used 0.5t extra propellant mass in CUS15.

This time the target velocity will be achieved about 30s sooner, at lower altitude.

Learnings from Mk3's 5m OPLF have now been back ported.
It is difficult to say if it was back ported. They have been studying the benefits for a while. On the composite side, they had ascertained that the benefits were not significant. That's way they continued with the metallic shroud. The ogival part is indeed backported and it gives the rocket such a great look IMHO.

I am waiting for the day when this 4m shroud sits right on top of 4m cryogenic stage, which sits on top of a 4mtr (or larger dia) SC core stage. That day will be a very very happy day for me. ISRO would have taken the big next step of liquid core stages!
ranjan.rao
BRFite
Posts: 520
Joined: 15 Aug 2016 01:21

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by ranjan.rao »

The launch of GISAT-1 onboard GSLV-F10, planned for March 05, 2020, is postponed due to technical reasons. Revised launch date will be informed in due course.

https://www.isro.gov.in/launcher/gslv-f10-gisat-1
Vips
BRF Oldie
Posts: 4699
Joined: 14 Apr 2017 18:23

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by Vips »

Hope the "technical reasons" are sorted and new dates are announced for a launch soon otherwise this will have a cascading effect for the other planned launches. Last time we had that it set back the other programs by a year and the SSLV which was to be launched last July is still in the planned launch stage.
Neilz
BRFite
Posts: 119
Joined: 02 Dec 2008 21:09

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by Neilz »

If true (could be true as it is from Anatha Krishnan M), its one more reson ISRO must try best to avoid US hardware.
As per this exclusive report in Malayalam daily http://kalakaumudi.com, India's space agency had to call off the recent launch of #GSAT1 just 10-minutes before the scheduled lift-off owing to the interference of US which objected to some sensors on board.
#1
https://twitter.com/writetake/status/12 ... 1384678403
#2
https://twitter.com/writetake/status/12 ... 6610277378
#3
https://twitter.com/writetake/status/12 ... 7203215365
kit
BRF Oldie
Posts: 6278
Joined: 13 Jul 2006 18:16

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by kit »

Neilz wrote:If true (could be true as it is from Anatha Krishnan M), its one more reson ISRO must try best to avoid US hardware.
As per this exclusive report in Malayalam daily http://kalakaumudi.com, India's space agency had to call off the recent launch of #GSAT1 just 10-minutes before the scheduled lift-off owing to the interference of US which objected to some sensors on board.
#1
https://twitter.com/writetake/status/12 ... 1384678403
#2
https://twitter.com/writetake/status/12 ... 6610277378
#3
https://twitter.com/writetake/status/12 ... 7203215365
Quite interesting take !!.. is this true ?
Varoon Shekhar
BRF Oldie
Posts: 2178
Joined: 03 Jan 2010 23:26

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by Varoon Shekhar »

For that theory to be legit, the pressure would have been exerted on March 4th-5th, when the launch was first scheduled, and then stopped at the last minute seemingly.
Srutayus
BRFite
Posts: 178
Joined: 29 Aug 2016 05:53

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by Srutayus »

The sourcing of the story is from a Malayalam daily whose credibility is suspect to say the least. Even beyond the prima facie of a vernacular magazine coming out with a sensational story with suspect sources, I remember well the days when highly sensational manufactured stories were made up by the likes of this magazine about Mr. Nambinarayanan who was a colleague and friend of my fathers, and whose anguish I saw with my own eyes.
Besides of course, the timeline and the story itself make little sense. The US waiting all the way till the payload is on the launchpad and somehow getting the Indian PMO to stop it.

Apply Occam's razor.
Varoon Shekhar
BRF Oldie
Posts: 2178
Joined: 03 Jan 2010 23:26

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by Varoon Shekhar »

Info from another forum. Very impressive, is it Indian made? That is not clear.

ACS space simulator delivered to ISAC in Bangalore, named HVT400MC. One of the largest such equipment in Asia, and among the most technologically advanced in the world.
jpremnath
BRFite
Posts: 258
Joined: 18 Dec 2016 21:06

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by jpremnath »

It seems to be supplied by an Italian company.
Gerard
Forum Moderator
Posts: 8012
Joined: 15 Nov 1999 12:31

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by Gerard »

Testing for Aeronautics and Aerospace > ISRO (India) space simulator
ACS space simulator delivered to the ISRO Satellite Centre in Bangalore, named HVT400MC, is one of the two largest space simulators existing in Asia and the most technologically advanced in the world.
The simulator consists in a stainless steel structure that encases the area in which the tests are conducted, a cylindrically shaped chamber 7 m in diameter and 11 m long.The system is fitted with 4 cryogenic pumps that generate the high vacuum required with a pumping capacity of 60.000 L/sec each.
Varoon Shekhar
BRF Oldie
Posts: 2178
Joined: 03 Jan 2010 23:26

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by Varoon Shekhar »

There's still the possibility it is made in India by the Indian subsidiary of the Italian company (attindia). Hoping!
Vips
BRF Oldie
Posts: 4699
Joined: 14 Apr 2017 18:23

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by Vips »

Indian astronauts finish 1/4th of Russia training; Clear key testtest last week; Next test in isolation.

The four Indian astronaut-elects training in Russia to be prepared for India’s first human spaceflight mission (Gaganyaan) are healthy and fit, Russian agencies training them told TOI.

Dmitry Loskutov, director general, Glavkosmos, which has an agreement with Isro for astronaut training, told TOI: “The four astronaut-elects are in good health. The highly professional medical experts of GCTC are constantly observing them.”

He added that beginning from March 26, Glavkosmos, a subsidiary of Russian space agency Roscosmos, has set up a Pandemic Response Group to prevent the risk of Covid-19 spread. This group’s tasks include monitoring the health status of employees and developing measures to limit the negative effect of the spread of coronavirus on the company's business activities.

On the training of the astronaut-elects, Loskutov said: “All Indian astronaut-elects continue working according to their training plan…The schedule of their training is met so far and they’ve completed approximately one fourth of the training programme.”

Last week, he said, the Indian astronauts successfully passed the exam on the knowledge of the onboard systems of Russian manned spacecraft. And, in a week, they are to take the exam in manned spacecraft flight theory.

The Russian authorities had introduced a lockdown for citizens from March 28 until the end of April to reduce the risks of the coronavirus spread over the country, and Glavkosmos said all precautions are being taken in line with these instructions.

On what the astronauts will do next, he said: “...Lockdown has strongly been recommended for the astronaut-elects, as well as for the GCTC personnel. It means the astronaut-elects are preparing for the exam independently.”

“The decision to resume the full-scale training will be taken after a thorough observation of the epidemic situation in the country, but the classes will not be resumed before April 30,” he added.
Vips
BRF Oldie
Posts: 4699
Joined: 14 Apr 2017 18:23

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by Vips »

Cant help but comment on the difference in Space suit of the traditional variety which is bulky and bulbous as seen below

Image

Now compare that to the one that was worn by the US astronauts who flew on Space X. The later was thin and looked like a rain coat and the head gear almost resembled a fancy helmet worn by bikers!!! Why this huge difference?


Image
Shameek
BRFite
Posts: 911
Joined: 02 Jan 2009 20:44
Location: Ionosphere

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by Shameek »

^^ Those are the Russian Sokol type suits that even US astronauts used on their trips to the ISS on Soyuz. The SpaceX suits were specially designed to 'look good' by Hollywood/Marvel types. They were tried out on mannequins on earlier flights. The helmets for example are 3d printed to fit each person and incorporate the comm. gear etc. So new technology starting to be utilized.
khan
BRFite
Posts: 830
Joined: 12 Feb 2003 12:31
Location: Tx

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by khan »

Are the space X suits capable of Extra vehicular activity - space walking?
chetonzz
BRFite
Posts: 138
Joined: 18 Mar 2019 11:11

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by chetonzz »

Vips wrote:Cant help but comment on the difference in Space suit of the traditional variety which is bulky and bulbous as seen below

Image

Now compare that to the one that was worn by the US astronauts who flew on Space X. The later was thin and looked like a rain coat and the head gear almost resembled a fancy helmet worn by bikers!!! Why this huge difference?


Image
Sir, first image is EVA suit meant to be like that and the flag is added via editing...while the second space x suit is used while launch only as protection from accidental depressurization
chetonzz
BRFite
Posts: 138
Joined: 18 Mar 2019 11:11

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by chetonzz »

khan wrote:Are the space X suits capable of Extra vehicular activity - space walking?
No, eva requires in built life support thus tends to look bulkier
Vips
BRF Oldie
Posts: 4699
Joined: 14 Apr 2017 18:23

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by Vips »

Thanks Gurus.
disha
BR Mainsite Crew
Posts: 8243
Joined: 03 Dec 2006 04:17
Location: gaganaviharin

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by disha »

What is happening to ISRO's launches? GSLV-F10/GSAT-1 was scrubbed in March.
Varoon Shekhar
BRF Oldie
Posts: 2178
Joined: 03 Jan 2010 23:26

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by Varoon Shekhar »

disha wrote:What is happening to ISRO's launches? GSLV-F10/GSAT-1 was scrubbed in March.
Yah, and also the much awaited SSLV's first flight, and the RLV test.
kit
BRF Oldie
Posts: 6278
Joined: 13 Jul 2006 18:16

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by kit »

Varoon Shekhar wrote:
disha wrote:What is happening to ISRO's launches? GSLV-F10/GSAT-1 was scrubbed in March.
Yah, and also the much awaited SSLV's first flight, and the RLV test.

Does the Gaganyan program involve EVA ?
chetonzz
BRFite
Posts: 138
Joined: 18 Mar 2019 11:11

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by chetonzz »

kit wrote:
Varoon Shekhar wrote:
Yah, and also the much awaited SSLV's first flight, and the RLV test.

Does the Gaganyan program involve EVA ?
Not confirmed yet, primary objective is to be able to launch humans in orbit and bring the capsule safely back...

If it gets successful and program continues then EVA is possible in later launches.

But to be able to build a space station, in space docking and EVA is absolutely necessary
chetonzz
BRFite
Posts: 138
Joined: 18 Mar 2019 11:11

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by chetonzz »

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ind ... newsletter

The first unmanned flight as part of the preparations for the Gaganyaan project, will now happen in 2021 with ISRO revisiting its plans due to Covid-19. The mission — which was likely to carry the womanoid prototype ‘Vyomitra’ — was originally scheduled for later this year. The pandemic is also going to delay Chandrayaan-3.

A senior scientist said: “As per the plans being given to us, the Gaganyaan unmanned flight is not on this year’s schedule which focusses on other satellite launches.” And with the flight pushed to next year, the overall timeline for Gaganyaan — which plans to send humans to space by 2022 — will also be affected.

ISRO chairman K Sivan told TOI: “With the present conditions, the unmanned flight may not be possible this year. We are planning about five to six missions, including the GISAT-1, whose launch was postponed earlier this year.”

According to the national space agency’s preparation plans for Gaganyaan, the manned flight is to be preceded by two unmanned ones that will test all systems before sending humans onboard. And the postponement of the first unmanned flight would now mean that ISRO will have to launch two unmanned missions next year if it has to keep the date set by PM Narendra Modi.

“Our plan is to take the humanoid in the unmanned flights. Whether we will launch two unmanned missions next year will depend on the emerging situations ... if Covid effects continue further, we may have to revisit some of our plans further,” Sivan said.

He added that even Chandrayaan-3, originally planned for end-2020 or January 2021, will be postponed. The plans clearly show that Chandrayaan-3 is slated for next year, and various teams have been working on it, another scientist said. “The configuration will be the same as Chandrayaan-2. We are working out details of various systems,”added Sivan.
Varoon Shekhar
BRF Oldie
Posts: 2178
Joined: 03 Jan 2010 23:26

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by Varoon Shekhar »

^
Okay, understandable. But it would be nice to know the status of the other planned major launches, including GSLV-GISAT, SSLV D-1 and several PSLV missions.
Vips
BRF Oldie
Posts: 4699
Joined: 14 Apr 2017 18:23

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by Vips »

Amid Covid, India-Japan Moon mission takes shape, Isro to lead lander tech.

Even as both the countries continue to battle Covid-19 pandemic, Japan, which will be launching a joint lunar mission with India — Lunar Polar Exploration (LPE) — that hopes to put a lander and rover on Moon’s surface has, for the first time, spelled out details of the project that will see Isro lead the lander development.

As per details shared by Japanese space agency JAXA, the mission will be launched after 2023 — Isro currently has its human spaceflight programme (Gaganyaan) scheduled for 2022 — and will involve a lander and a rover. JAXA diagrams show that the Japanese would be building the overall landing module and the rover, while Isro would develop the lander system.

The mission will be launched from Japan, and the designated launch vehicle is the H3 rocket, manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

The first thinking of this mission was made public in 2017, during a multi-space agencies’ meeting in Bengaluru and it was then also part of the inter-governmental discussions during PM Modi’s visit to Japan in 2018. TOI had reported in September 2019, that the project had since moved forward and both agencies were keen on landing on Moon together.

Now, a pre-project team established earlier this year is working on developing a comprehensive management plan for the collaborative mission; investigate the spacecraft system requirements and the various interface specifications in collaboration with Isro

“...Analysis of observational data suggests the existence of water in the polar regions of Moon. JAXA is working with Isro to plan an international collaborative mission to obtain data on the quantity and forms of water resources present, in order to determine the feasibility of utilizing such resources for sustainable space exploration activities in the future,” JAXA said.

The mission’s aim is to obtain actual data regarding the quantity of water from in-situ observations of areas where water is anticipated to exist, based on the available past observational data. It also seeks to understand the distribution, conditions, form and other parameters of the lunar water resources in the polar regions.

“Through this mission, we also seek to improve the technology needed to explore the surface of low-gravity celestial bodies in order to support future lunar activities. These advancements include technology for mobility, lunar night survival and mining excavation,” JAXA added.

While recent observational data suggests that it is highly likely that water does not sublimate at ‘permanently shadowed regions’ (PSRs) — an example of a PSR would be an area that is lower than the surrounding ground, such as the inside of a crater — and remains near the lunar surface, the details about the water quantity, distribution and its form are still a mystery.

The investigation area and observation points (waypoints) with unique environmental and geological conditions will be selected prior to landing. The lander will land at a location near the investigation area that has long sunlit hours, and deploy the rover.

During operation, the rover will observe up to 2m underground, allowing the detection of possible water resources in the area. The rover will simultaneously observe the Moon surface.

Rover will be equipped to conduct observations of the chemical elements present in areas where water may possibly be distributed. If hydrogen is detected, the rover will mine the surface to collect samples. Samples will then be heated to vaporize the volatile substances in order to determine the chemical composition, analyze the quantity of water and conduct isotopic analysis,” JAXA added
A Nandy
BR Mainsite Crew
Posts: 502
Joined: 06 Sep 2009 23:39

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by A Nandy »

Space sector reforms:

https://www.narendramodi.in/historic-re ... tor-550298
The Public Sector Enterprise ‘New Space India Limited (NSIL)’ will endeavour to re-orient space activities from a ‘supply driven’ model to a ‘demand driven’ model, thereby ensuring optimum utilization of our space assets.

These reforms will allow ISRO to focus more on research and development activities, new technologies, exploration missions and human spaceflight programme. Some of the planetary exploration missions will also be opened up to private sector through an ‘announcement of opportunity’ mechanism.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ind ... 555621.cms
Varoon Shekhar
BRF Oldie
Posts: 2178
Joined: 03 Jan 2010 23:26

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by Varoon Shekhar »

Messages on the NASA forum seem to indicate that the GSLV-GISAT-1 launch is going to take place sometime soon, based on a report that the ISRO chairman is going to advise the public how to watch the launch live. (?)
A Nandy
BR Mainsite Crew
Posts: 502
Joined: 06 Sep 2009 23:39

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by A Nandy »

https://swarajyamag.com/insta/many-star ... ef-k-sivan
Interacting with reporters here via video conference, Sivan said the process of acquiring land is in progress in Kulasekarapattinam for building a second rocket launch centre and only after the land is handed over, then work would progress further.

The land requirement for the project will be about 2,300 acres, a state government official had told IANS earlier.

Major space faring nations have multiple rocket launch sites.

India presently has one rocket port at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh with two launch pads.

On the rationale for opening up the space sector for private sector, Sivan said the global space sector market size is about $350 billion and India's share is less than three per cent and the share will not improve if the ISRO remains the sole player.
Aditya_V
BRF Oldie
Posts: 14332
Joined: 05 Apr 2006 16:25

Re: Indian Space Program: News & Discussion - Sept 2016

Post by Aditya_V »

A Nandy wrote:https://swarajyamag.com/insta/many-star ... ef-k-sivan
Interacting with reporters here via video conference, Sivan said the process of acquiring land is in progress in Kulasekarapattinam for building a second rocket launch centre and only after the land is handed over, then work would progress further.

The land requirement for the project will be about 2,300 acres, a state government official had told IANS earlier.

Major space faring nations have multiple rocket launch sites.

India presently has one rocket port at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh with two launch pads.

On the rationale for opening up the space sector for private sector, Sivan said the global space sector market size is about $350 billion and India's share is less than three per cent and the share will not improve if the ISRO remains the sole player.
Given the Huge Foreign Funded NGO activities in that area, this must be announced only before it is completed and not when Land acquisition has not yet been done.
Locked