Indian Space Program: News & Discussion

[sanman]

Japan's SLIM lander has managed to survive the cold lunar night, even though our lander could not

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac8PKjYWKv4

I'd really like to know what they did better, to make this possible

[juvva]

Japan's SLIM lander has managed to survive the cold lunar night, even though our lander could not

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac8PKjYWKv4

I'd really like to know what they did better, to make this possible

landed at a latitude north of cy3 landing site, night temperature a little more moderate I think.

[sanman]

landed at a latitude north of cy3 landing site, night temperature a little more moderate I think.

I'd read previous articles about SLIM a couple of years back, saying it was being built with high-quality components that might be able to withstand the lunar night. Given the superior state of Japanese technology, I think that's the most likely explanation.

Let's see if they can last through another lunar night. I don't know what instrumentation or experiments they have onboard, but they'll have achieved a useful mission life that much outlasted ours.

[rajkumar]

An Intimate Dialogue With ISRO Chief

[bala]

I am having issue with above link, but this link works

Tarmak interview of Dr. S. Somanath. Tis is a wonderful discussion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFxXKnDPR9U

[sanman]

I am having issue with above link, but this link works

Tarmak interview of Dr. S. Somanath. Tis is a wonderful discussion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFxXKnDPR9U

Google summary

The video features a conversation between Dr. S. Somanath, the former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and an interviewer, discussing various aspects of the Indian space program.

Key points from the video:

Early life and inspiration: Dr. Somanath talks about his early life and what inspired him to pursue a career in aerospace engineering. He mentions his fascination with rockets and satellites and his determination to contribute to India's space program.
ISRO's journey and achievements: Dr. Somanath highlights some of the key milestones and achievements of ISRO over the years. He talks about the development of launch vehicles like the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), as well as the Mangalyaan mission to Mars and the Gaganyaan mission, India's first human spaceflight program.
Challenges and future goals: Dr. Somanath discusses the various challenges faced by ISRO, including limited resources, technological advancements, and global competition. He also outlines ISRO's future goals, such as developing reusable launch vehicles, establishing a human space station, and exploring the moon and beyond.
Importance of collaboration and international cooperation: Dr. Somanath emphasizes the importance of collaboration and international cooperation in space exploration. He believes that sharing knowledge and resources can benefit all nations and contribute to the advancement of space science and technology.
Advice for aspiring scientists and engineers: Dr. Somanath offers advice for aspiring scientists and engineers, encouraging them to follow their passion, work hard, and be persistent in achieving their goals.
Overall, the video provides valuable insights into the life and career of Dr. S. Somanath, as well as the history, achievements, and future aspirations of the Indian Space Research Organisation.

[sanman]

LEX-02 (Landing EXperiment 2) for the Reusable Launch Vehicle test program will take place on March 16:

https://twitter.com/ISROSpaceflight/sta ... 2636273072

[sanman]

Here's an interesting image from one of the fake-ISRO-imitator accounts

[sanman]

More Astronaut candidates to be selected from IAF in 6 months

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/hom ... 503855.cms

[sanman]

Sun, Moon & Beyond: ISRO Chief Spells Out Details On India’s Current & Future Plans

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5DLYbWAIDw

[sanman]

I find it really stupid that some ISRO babus are trying to dub the NGLV as 'Soorya', when we have an ICBM project named 'Surya'

This makes for a ridiculously confusing overlap of names for vehicles meant for entirely different purposes

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/arti ... 472896.cms

[SSridhar]

Isro completes 2nd key landing experiment of reusable launch vehicle - ToI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) early Friday achieved a significant milestone in the development of reusable launch vehicle (RLV) technology with the successful completion of the second landing experiment, the RLV-LEX-02.

TOI first reported that this test would happen in its Mar 16 edition.

Conducted at 7.10am at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga's Challakere, some 200km from Bengaluru, the second experiment in the series demonstrated the autonomous landing capability of the RLV from "off-nominal initial conditions".

"Building upon the success of the RLV-LEX-01 mission last year, the RLV-LEX-02 experiment involved more challenging maneuvers and dispersions, requiring the vehicle to correct both cross-range and downrange deviations before landing autonomously on the runway," Isro said.

The winged vehicle, now being called Pushpak, was lifted by an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter and released from an altitude of 4.5 km, 4 km away from the runway.

After release, Pushpak autonomously approached the runway, making necessary cross-range corrections. It then landed precisely on the runway, coming to a halt with the aid of its brake parachute, landing gear brakes, and nose wheel steering system.

"This mission successfully simulated the approach and high-speed landing conditions of an RLV returning from space. With the RLV-LEX-02, Isro has re-validated its indigenously developed technologies in areas such as navigation, control systems, landing gear, and deceleration systems, which are essential for performing a high-speed autonomous landing of a space-returning vehicle," Isro said.

Significantly, the winged body and all flight systems used in the RLV-LEX-01 mission were reused in the RLV-LEX-02 mission after necessary certifications and clearances, demonstrating the reuse capability of flight hardware and systems.

The mission was accomplished by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), the Liquid Propulsion System Centre (LPSC), and the ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU), with collaboration from various agencies, including the Indian Air Force, ADE, ADRDE, and CEMILAC.

Isro chairman S Somanath congratulated the team for the flawless execution while VSSC director S Unnikrishnan Nair, highlighted that through this repeated success, Isro could master the terminal phase maneuvering, landing, and energy management in a fully autonomous mode, which is a critical step towards the future development of an RLV.

[sanman]

ISRO RLV LEX-02 - “Pushpak” Landing Experiment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5QYxK2fiNo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cg6QqOdbaik

[sanman]

Great interview with a designer of NASA's Mars Ingenuity Helicopter:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4XpLZqc6ao

Very surprising to learn that this marvel was built using off-the-shelf components.

There's been speculation that ISRO might try to send a tiny helicopter as part of a surface mission on its next flight to Mars.

I think that one key hurdle would be communications.

[JTull]

More Astronaut candidates to be selected from IAF in 6 months

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/hom ... 503855.cms

I have a question around the number of test pilots that are qualified every year. I somehow have an impression that it isn't more than a handful.

If so, then manned space mission is likely sucking up talent from future programs such as LCA Mk2, TEDBF, AMCA, MRH, and others.

[sanman]

More Astronaut candidates to be selected from IAF in 6 months

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/hom ... 503855.cms

I have a question around the number of test pilots that are qualified every year. I somehow have an impression that it isn't more than a handful.

If so, then manned space mission is likely sucking up talent from future programs such as LCA Mk2, TEDBF, AMCA, MRH, and others.

I read ISRO first got 14 candidates from IAF, then narrowed them down to 10 candidates, then finally down to the final 4.

[AkshaySG]

More Astronaut candidates to be selected from IAF in 6 months

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/hom ... 503855.cms

I have a question around the number of test pilots that are qualified every year. I somehow have an impression that it isn't more than a handful.

If so, then manned space mission is likely sucking up talent from future programs such as LCA Mk2, TEDBF, AMCA, MRH, and others.

I doubt it, Even in the best rate of progress for Gaganyaan and future missions we won't need more than 10-15+ astronauts for the next decade and that's something which we can easily manage with the current rate and as these programs get more popularity that will hopefully increase induction in IAF/IN/IA flying wings too

Once a program is mature you can switch from test pilots to just normal pilots and then to even non military trained folks

[hnair]

I find it really stupid that some ISRO babus are trying to dub the NGLV as 'Soorya', when we have an ICBM project named 'Surya'

This makes for a ridiculously confusing overlap of names for vehicles meant for entirely different purposes

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/arti ... 472896.cms

Can you post even a single official source (other than Washington DC NonProliferation-ayatollahs of the 90s) that claims India has an ICBM project called “Surya”?

Consider this an informal warning over calling names of folks who can’t respond to your slurs and for posting non-ISRO related post on Mars copter above.

[KL Dubey]

I find it really stupid that some ISRO babus are trying to dub the NGLV as 'Soorya', when we have an ICBM project named 'Surya'

Is there any missile project actually called Surya ? All I find is a few speculations about this name, and none specifically linked to any direct DRDO source. ICBMs seem to be coming out as Agni variants. Agni-5 is an ICBM already with MIRV.

According to the very nice article (written by the poster "SSridhar" or his namesake), Agni-5 has all the needed scope for a natural development path towards Agni-6, which is the next one coming with a fully global range. Even the recently honey-trapped DRDO guy talked about Agni-6 and nothing about any "Surya" missile.

Perhaps the stupidity is not on ISRO's or DRDO's part.....

[Ashokk]

PSLV accomplishes zero orbital debris mission

Another milestone was achieved by ISRO on March 21, 2024, when the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) met its fiery end through a re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere. The PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission has practically left zero debris in orbit.

The PSLV-C58 Mission was accomplished on January 1, 2024. After completing the primary mission of injecting all satellites into their desired orbits, the terminal stage of PSLV was transformed into a 3-axis stabilized platform, the POEM-3. The stage was de-orbited from 650 km to 350 km, which facilitated its early re-entry, and was passivated to remove residual propellants to minimize any accidental break-up risks.

POEM-3 was configured with a total of 9 different experimental payloads to carry out technology demonstrations and scientific experiments on the newly developed indigenous systems. Out of these, 6 payloads were delivered by NGEs through IN-SPACe. The mission objectives of these payloads were met in a month.

The orbital altitude of the upper stage continued to decay under the influence of natural forces, primarily atmospheric drag with the module (NORAD ID 58695) expected to have impacted the North Pacific Ocean (Lat 6.4 N & Long 158.7 W) on March 21, 2024, at 14:04 UTC (19:34 Hrs. IST).

[VinodTK]

From SWARAJYA

Long-Endurance Drones In Making: NewSpace's Solar-Powered High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite Flies Over 21 Hours

NewSpace Research and Technologies Pvt Ltd (NRT), a company based in Bengaluru, revealed on Saturday (23 December) that its solar-powered High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS), a long-endurance drone, successfully completed its first flight which lasted more than 21 hours. This significant advancement supports India's objective to possess its own long-endurance drones that can operate in the stratosphere.
The Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative of the Defence Ministry is leading the project. As part of this, NRT has entered into an agreement for an initial proof-of-concept demonstrator, aiming for a solar-powered flight that lasts more than 48 hours.
The startup's CEO and ex-Air Force pilot, Sameer Joshi, revealed on X, that the company's prototype successfully completed its flight in a trial conducted on the Winter Solstice, 22 December.
The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), which is powered by solar energy, faces its greatest endurance challenge on the Winter Solstice, the year's shortest day. Its subsequent flight is scheduled for 21 June, also known as the Summer Solstice, when the Sun will shine at its peak brightness.
The Indian Air Force has incorporated HAPS into a 'Make I project' by the Government of India, which is valued at Rs 1,000 crore. This indicates that the government will provide 70 percent of the project's funding.
Defence sources, expressing their enthusiasm to ThePrint about the NRT achievement, described it as the future of air warfare. They explained that the flight encompassed both daytime and nighttime flying, with the UAV harnessing solar energy for daytime travel and relying on its solar-charged battery for nocturnal flight.
While they declined to disclose the specific altitude at which the UAV operated, they revealed plans to eventually have it fly in the stratosphere, approximately 65,000 feet above regular air traffic.
To give you an idea, most commercial planes usually cruise at altitudes ranging from 31,000 to 38,000 feet, which is approximately 5.9 to 7.2 miles high.
Given that the HAPS is solar-powered, it has the capability to remain airborne for several months.
The HAPS UAV represents a fresh category of solar-powered platforms that are being developed globally to carry out continuous surveillance, communications, and specific scientific missions.
The project has secured the support of both the IAF and the Navy, who are interested in procuring this capability not only for immediate needs but also for future requirements.
The National Aerospace Laboratories in India, which operates under the government's Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, is also engaged in a similar project. However, the specifics of its progress remain undisclosed.

[Ashokk]

ISRO Facilitates Indian Start-up's Rocket Motor Test

SDSC-SHAR/ISRO, Sriharikota facilitated the static test of the S2 motor of Kalam-250 Rocket designed and developed by an Indian Space start-up M/s Skyroot Aerospace, Hyderabad at SDSC’s propulsion testbed. The test was enabled by IN-SPACe. Leveraging expertise and infrastructure, SDSC SHAR offered a comprehensive technical assessment and feasibility study, selecting the 6A-High Capacity test bed for the test execution. VSSC/ISRO provided its in-house developed head-mounted safe arm (HMSA) for the test, essential for ensuring the safe operation of the rocket stage.

Upon receipt of the test article, rigorous evaluations were conducted, including Nondestructive Testing (NDT) to ensure motor integrity. Meticulous integration activities followed the motor alignment, in-situ thrust calibration, and Flex Nozzle Control (FNC) Actuation trials on the test bed. An extensive array of instrumentation systems, comprising approximately 196 measurements across various parameters such as thrust, pressure, strain, temperature, heat flux, acoustics, vibration, displacement, and pyrotechnics, were executed.

SDSC-SHAR support included post-fire quenching systems, high-speed photography, and video capture, ensuring a comprehensive test environment. On March 27, 2024, after rigorous technical reviews and clearances, the test was successfully conducted. All testbed systems, including instrumentation, performed within normal parameters, affirming the safety and efficacy of the test.

In adherence to the provisions of the MOU and Joint Project Implementation Plan (JPIP), digital data, including high-speed camera images, were furnished to M/s. Skyroot Aerospace to enable upcoming orbital space launch. This support underscores ISRO's commitment to fostering technological advancements and facilitating innovative endeavors by non-governmental entities in the aerospace domain.

[Pratyush]

https://theprint.in/india/indias-space- ... n/2030072/

India’s space startup Agnikul delays maiden rocket launch again

Published on 06 April, 2024 09:45 am

[sanman]

India's space prowess and possibilities - ISRO Chief Dr S Somanath

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftV8bF_6_EQ


Europe's ESA & ISRO to boost collaboration in space programmes: S Somanath

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWvYbB66jbM

[SSridhar]

LMW does it! Hands over key spacecraft component to ISRO - New Indian Express

COIMBATORE : Lakshmi Machine Works Advanced Technology Centre (LMW ATC) delivered India’s first private industry-issued composite Ogive Payload Fairing (OPLF) for the GSLV MK-III project to the ISRO on Tuesday.

Fairing is an external metal or plastic structure. Payload fairing is the equipment used to protect the spacecraft against the impact of dynamic pressure and aerodynamic heating during launch.

The hand-over ceremony took place at ISRO’s headquarters. It was attended by its ISRO chairman Dr Somanath and LMW chairman & managing director Sanjay Jayavarthanavelu. Dr S Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), and many other leading ISRO scientists and expert crew of LMW ATC participated virtually from their respective stations. LMW has also played an important role in SSLV D1 and D2, GSLV F12 & F14 and LVM3 One Web Mission 2 as well. Tamil Nadu industries minister TRB Rajaa appreciated the team and Coimbatore’s growth and contribution to the country’s defence and aerospace sector. Rajaa took to his social media platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) to laud the efforts by the LMW ATC and Coimbatore’s role in the industry.

“This milestone not only showcases the innovative prowess of LMW ATC but also underscores Coimbatore’s growing influence in the Aerospace and Defence sector. This is yet another example of Coimbatore’s sterling contribution to Tamil Nadu and India. The Government of Tamil Nadu and the Tamil Nadu Industries Department is steadfast in its commitment to fostering an ecosystem that nurtures innovation and creates high-value jobs. The successful collaboration between LMW ATC and ISRO is a testament to our state’s capabilities in contributing significantly to critical national projects and the global Space Industry,” he wrote on X.

[SSridhar]

Tata's military-grade satellite successfully placed into orbit - Manu Pubby - Economic Times

India's first military grade geospatial satellite manufactured in the private sector has been successfully launched and placed in orbit, with full functionality expected to be achieved within a few months.

Built by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) at its Vemagal facility in Karnataka, the TSAT-1A was onboard the Bandwagon-1 mission launched by SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket in Florida.

The sub-metre resolution imaging satellite has given a signal that it is in the right orbit and tests will be run on it for the next few weeks before it is fully functional, TASL officials said.

The satellite will provide military grade imagery with high resolution of less than one metre per pixel that will be downloaded and processed at a ground centre in India that is being built by TASL.

While India has a few military spy satellites built by ISRO, this if the first such initiative in the private sector.

"This is a first step," Sukaran Singh, chief executive officer and managing director of TASL, said.

The company plans to put up a constellation of such satellites in the future and its manufacturing facility is geared to produce up to 25 low earth orbit (LEO) satellites annually. The satellites are being manufactured in collaboration with Satellogic Inc, a leader in sub-metre resolution earth observation satellites.

[Prem Kumar]

Basically screwdriver-giri (should we call it screwIndia-giri ?), where TASL assembled a Satellogic satellite.

1) Bullshit PR. Its factually wrong that this is India's first sub-meter resolution satellite. ISRO achieved that milestone long back and we have many satellites in orbit with sub-meter accuracy

2) Once again, license manufacturing by private sector is being passed off as IDDM and some sort of unique feat. Happily lapped up by the media and soon-to-follow kudos from Rajnath Singh

TASL has zero experience in launching even a cubesat

What a circus-show our Atmanirbhar is turning into!

[drnayar]

Tata's military-grade satellite successfully placed into orbit - Manu Pubby - Economic Times

India's first military grade geospatial satellite manufactured in the private sector has been successfully launched and placed in orbit, with full functionality expected to be achieved within a few months.

Built by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) at its Vemagal facility in Karnataka, the TSAT-1A was onboard the Bandwagon-1 mission launched by SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket in Florida.

The sub-metre resolution imaging satellite has given a signal that it is in the right orbit and tests will be run on it for the next few weeks before it is fully functional, TASL officials said.

The satellite will provide military grade imagery with high resolution of less than one metre per pixel that will be downloaded and processed at a ground centre in India that is being built by TASL.

While India has a few military spy satellites built by ISRO, this if the first such initiative in the private sector.

"This is a first step," Sukaran Singh, chief executive officer and managing director of TASL, said.

The company plans to put up a constellation of such satellites in the future and its manufacturing facility is geared to produce up to 25 low earth orbit (LEO) satellites annually. The satellites are being manufactured in collaboration with Satellogic Inc, a leader in sub-metre resolution earth observation satellites.

also why Space X for launch and not ISRO ?!!

[Tanaji]

Probably because Tata has bid for a contract where they have quoted a price for the sat in orbit.

It is not possible to beat SpaceX on price currently. Despite what the article says, this is not a sensitive payload - its a run of the mill imaging satellite with decent and not best in class resolution to warrant an Isro launch on security grounds alone.

Despite Isro’s achievements its an inescapable fact that it does not have the cadence to be relied on. To put things in perspective, in 2023 SpaceX put 90% of all launched mass in the world into orbit, followed by Chinese at 6%. Rest of world was the remaining. Its hard to compete with these numbers…

[Ashokk]

ISRO Develops Lightweight Carbon-Carbon Nozzle for Rocket Engines, Enhancing Payload Capacity

ISRO has achieved a breakthrough in rocket engine technology with the development of a lightweight Carbon-Carbon (C-C) nozzle for rocket engines. This innovationaccomplished by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) promises to enhance the vital parameters of rocket engines, including thrust levels, specific impulse, and thrust-to-weight ratios, thereby boosting the payload capacity of launch vehicles.

VSSC, continuingits pioneering work in space research, has leveraged advanced materials like Carbon-Carbon (C-C) Composites to create a nozzle divergent that offers exceptional properties. By utilizing processes such as carbonization of green composites, Chemical Vapor Infiltration, and High-Temperature Treatment, it has produced a nozzle with low density, high specific strength, and excellent stiffness, capable of retaining mechanical properties even at elevated temperatures.

A key feature of the C-C nozzle is its special anti-oxidation coating of Silicon Carbide, which extends its operational limits in oxidizing environments. This innovation not only reduces thermally induced stresses but also enhances corrosion resistance, allowing for extended operational temperature limits in hostile environments.

The potential impact of this development is significant, particularly for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)'s workhorse launcher, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The PS4, the fourth stage of the PSLV, currently employs twin engines with nozzles made from Columbium alloy. However, by replacing these metallic divergent nozzles with C-C counterparts, a mass reduction of approximately 67% can be achieved. This substitution is projected to increase the payload capability of the PSLV by 15 kg, a notable enhancement for space missions.

The successful testing of the C-C nozzle divergent marked a major milestone for ISRO. On March 19, 2024, a 60-second hot test was conducted at the High-Altitude Test (HAT) facility in ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri, confirming the system's performance and hardware integrity. Subsequent tests, including a 200-second hot test on April 2, 2024, further validated the nozzle's capabilities, with temperatures reaching 1216K, matching predictions.

The collaborative effort involved the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) at Valiamala which designed and configured the testand IPRC, Mahendragiri which conducted the instrumentation and execution of the tests at their HAT facility.

[SSridhar]

India aims to achieve debris-free space missions by 2030 - The Hindu

India has made a declaration to achieve debris-free space missions by 2030.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S. Somanath made the declaration on April 16, at the 42nd Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) annual meet.

“This initiative aims to achieve debris-free space missions by all Indian space actors, governmental and non-governmental, by 2030. India encourages all state space actors to follow this initiative for long-term sustainability of outer space.

“It is one of the intent or initiative of India to ensure that debris-free space missions are conducted so as to ensure the sustainability of space. I would like to make this initiative a declaration today, this can be discussed and debated in the coming days,” Mr. Somanath said.

ISRO has a very clearly laid out plan as far as space exploration and space utilisation is concerned.

“Currently, we have 54 spacecraft in orbit. Plus, there are non-functional objects. But, we have been taking very careful action wherever possible to dispose of or remove the space objects once its active role is over to de-orbit, and bring it to a safe location. We want to make sure that for all the spacecraft we are likely to launch in the future, we will be taking action to make sure that we de-orbit and bring it to a safe location,” Mr Somanath added.

With India planning to set up its own space station ‘Bharatiya Antariksha Station’ by 2035, ISRO would like to look at the agreements of all the space stations and space actors, including private ones.

“We would like to look at the agreements on all the space stations and all space actors, including private space actors, to comply with the guidelines of how to make sure that the space is sustainable and make sure we don’t propagate activities so as to create more debris so that human beings continue exploration of space in the coming days,” Mr. Somanath said.