Indian Space Program: News & Discussion

sanman · Post by **sanman** » 03 Nov 2023 21:34

SSridhar wrote: ↑03 Nov 2023 20:53
Gaganyaan mission: After success of crew module abort test, ISRO eyes uprighting system in 2024 - Johnson T.A. - New Indian Express
A very extensive narrative. I have excerpted only what was said about the flotation system.

Good that they're addressing it. We shouldn't pooh-pooh/downplay serious problems just for appearances' sake.

rahulm · Post by **rahulm** » 04 Nov 2023 03:18

SSridhar wrote: ↑03 Nov 2023 20:53
SSridhar wrote: ↑24 Oct 2023 11:58
The floatation system should correct such a position.
Gaganyaan mission: After success of crew module abort test, ISRO eyes uprighting system in 2024 - Johnson T.A. - New Indian Express
A very extensive narrative. I have excerpted only what was said about the flotation system.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will be experimenting with a crew module uprighting system that will ensure that a crew module making a splashdown in the sea after a space mission stays upright and does not get inverted in the water.

“If the crew module is trying to topple, the balloon system will bring it back to the upright position. In this particular crew module, we have not put that and that is why it has gone down to the inverted position after splashdown. We wanted to see if it could remain stable and we found that when there is a lateral wind and disturbance due to sea waves it goes to an unstable point and that is why it was near an upside-down position,” he said.
, Sivakumar said.
.

SSridhar, Thx for this. So upright mode will be tested next. Nice.

drnayar · Post by **drnayar** » 05 Nov 2023 16:34

This could be relevant as ISRO is on track to build similar tech

https://www.universetoday.com/164072/th ... -the-test/

sanman · Post by **sanman** » 06 Nov 2023 11:21

Nice shot of TV-D1 posted on Twitter/X:

https://twitter.com/ISROSpaceflight/sta ... 1549297116

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 06 Nov 2023 23:57

up...

bala · Post by **bala** » 08 Nov 2023 01:05

In this captivating lecture, titled "From India to Infinity: ISRO's Space Voyage," Dr. Somanath, Chairman ISRO, takes you on a journey through India's remarkable achievements in space exploration, sharing insights into the incredible missions, cutting-edge technology, and the vision that propels India toward the infinite possibilities of space.

bala · Post by **bala** » 11 Nov 2023 02:56

There are many interviews of Dr. Nambi Narayanan of Rocketry movie fame and Vikas engine involvement for ISRO. This is perhaps a bit more on his engineering days at ISRO. Several anecdotes are revealed here in this YT:

Dr. Nambi Narayanan talks about creating a test facility for rocket testing in Mahendragiri, TN. His initial thought for such infra was limited to testing 1 rocket engine and later he revised it to 4 rockets (which is the preferred clustering for many rockets). This would cost a little more. See the YT for how this turned out.

Another is about an experiment with Dr. APJ Kalam in 1967 for rocket splash down in the Arabian sea. FYI recently Gaganyaan did this experiment in the Bay of Bengal with a parachute splashdown of the human capsule.

Dr. Nambi Narayanan has ideas for the future of ISRO and perhaps an Asian Space Agency which involve many nations like singapore, malayasia, vietnam, japan, UAE, etc.!

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 25 Nov 2023 12:27

Aditya L1 spacecraft is nearing its final phase, says ISRO chief - ET

Aditya L1 spacecraft, India's first space-based mission to study the Sun, is nearing its final phase, and maneuvers to enter the L1 point are expected to be completed by January 7, 2024, according to ISRO Chairman S Somanath.

"Aditya is on the way. I think it has reached almost its final phase," the ISRO chief told PTI on the sidelines of an event organised at VSSC to commemorate the 60th year of the First Sounding Rocket Launch. He said that the last preparations for the spacecraft's entry into the L1 point are currently underway incrementally.

"Possibly by January 7th, the final maneuvers will be done for entering into the L1 point," Somanath added.

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 28 Nov 2023 17:30

New milestone! IIT-M incubated space-tech startup Agnikul to flight test world’s 1st single-piece 3D-printed engine

Chennai-based startup Agnikul, known for its expertise in developing satellite launch vehicles, has announced plans to launch its first flight by the end of this year. What sets this mission apart is that it will feature the world's first 3D-printed engine, according to an ET report. The launch will serve as a technology demonstration, mimicking Agnikul's orbital launch, which is scheduled to be the first commercial launch in 2024, albeit on a smaller scale.

CEO Srinath Ravichandran confirmed that the company is targeting a year-end launch and that one final test is pending at the campus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras. Once the necessary reviews with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are completed, the launch vehicle, already stationed at the launch pad, will be ready for takeoff. Ravichandran emphasized the importance of getting it right the first time, given the complexity of the launch vehicle.

If successful, Agnikul will become India's second private company to develop a small satellite launch vehicle, following the footsteps of Skyroot Aerospace, which launched the Vikram S in November 2022. Agnikul is a startup incubated on the IIT-Madras campus.

Agnikul's rocket, named Agnibaan, differs from the Vikram S in a significant way. While the Vikram S is a sounding rocket launched from guide rails, Agnibaan will lift off vertically and follow a predetermined trajectory while executing precise maneuvers during flight, explained Ravichandran.

Sounding rockets are typically used for upper atmospheric research and space exploration. On the other hand, Agnibaan SOrTeD (SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator) is a single-stage launch vehicle that offers high customizability. It can carry payloads of up to 300 kg to orbits around 700 km high, allowing for plug-and-play configurations tailored to the specific satellite being launched.

Ravichandran highlighted the propellant system and resizing capabilities as key differentiators for Agnikul's offering. The company's launch vehicles can be customized to accommodate different payload and satellite sizes, rather than following a fixed capacity approach. This flexibility is made possible by the use of liquid propellants, which can be reused and offer enhanced safety compared to solid propellants.

Agnikul's Agnilet engine is a groundbreaking achievement in itself. It is the world's first single-piece 3D-printed engine, entirely designed and manufactured in India. The engine underwent successful test-firing in 2021, marking a significant milestone for 3D printing technology in the country, which is primarily associated with medical applications such as hip implants.

The integration process of the launch vehicle with Agnikul's private launchpad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota was completed on August 15.

The company aims to cater to customers involved in the development of small satellites intended for low Earth orbit. The payload primarily consists of communication and imaging satellites.

Agnikul's 3D printing Rocket Factory boasts a state-of-the-art metal 3D printer from EOS, with dimensions of 400mm x 400mm x 400mm. Alongside other advanced machinery, this facility enables end-to-end manufacturing of rocket engines under one roof.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 30 Nov 2023 22:42

Tata betting big on high-resolution imagery satellites for military
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ne ... 576175.cms
29 Nov 2023

Najunamar · Post by **Najunamar** » 01 Dec 2023 02:41

Top French honors for Dr. Lalithambika of ISRO
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ind ... 637123.cms

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 02 Dec 2023 14:34

Aditya-L1 unveils insights into solar wind dynamics - ToI

India's Aditya-L1 satellite has marked a significant milestone as the Aditya Solar wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX) payload initiated its operations, shedding light on the mysteries of solar wind, Isro said on Saturday.

ASPEX, equipped with cutting-edge instruments including the Solar wind Ion Spectrometer (SWIS) and STEPS (SupraThermal and Energetic Particle Spectrometer), is operating seamlessly.

"The SWIS instrument, activated on November 2, has demonstrated optimal performance in measuring solar wind ions, notably protons and alpha particles. With two sensor units providing a remarkable 360° field of view each, SWIS operates in perpendicular planes, offering detailed insights into solar wind behaviour," Isro said.

It added that a sample energy histogram from November 2023 showcases variations in proton (H+) and alpha particle (He2+) counts, providing a comprehensive snapshot with nominal integration time.

The directional capabilities of SWIS enable precise measurements, contributing significantly to unraveling longstanding questions about solar wind properties and their impact on Earth.

The observed change in the proton and alpha particle number ratio by SWIS holds promise in indirectly predicting the arrival of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) at the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point L1. The enhanced alpha-to-proton ratio serves as a sensitive marker for the passage of interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) at the L1, playing a crucial role in advancing space weather studies," Isro said.

As the international scientific community eagerly anticipates further exploration of the collected data, ASPEX stands poised to unveil a wealth of knowledge about the enigmatic solar wind and its implications for our planet.

Researchers are optimistic that these findings will contribute significantly to our understanding of solar phenomena and enhance space weather forecasting capabilities.

sanman · Post by **sanman** » 03 Dec 2023 12:43

India aiming to build Space Station by 2035: ISRO Chief S Somanath

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-tQJea6WyI

sanman · Post by **sanman** » 03 Dec 2023 13:05

Announcements on India's future space plans

https://youtu.be/PEeu-Jo7Ado?si=aUHu2AZyFSpLLIKA&t=457

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 03 Dec 2023 13:19

Astronauts for Gaganyaan mission ready and waiting for flight to happen in 2025: ISRO chief - ET

Gandhinagar: Indian Space Research Organisation chairman S Somanath said here on Saturday that the astronauts selected for India's first human space flight programme Gaganyaan are ready and waiting for the flight to happen for the 2025 mission.

The Gaganyaan programme aims to send four astronauts into space for a three-day mission in 2025 and bring them back safely to Earth.

ISRO, whose Chandrayaan-3 made a historic landing near Moon's south pole in August, is working day and night to develop technology to make it happen, Somanath said.

“For the first mission we have selected four of them, and it is our endeavour to send them at least by 2025 to space and bring them back safely. Bringing them back safely is a very important element of this mission,” Somanath said while addressing graduating students at the 11th convocation of Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU).

“A lot of technology needs to be developed in the coming days to make it possible. And at ISRO we are working day and night to make that happen,” he said.

Several technologies for the same have been developed afresh, perfected and made successful in the last few years, he said.

“In the coming days we will see multiple missions without man, and then ultimately the launch of an Indian into space. The astronauts are already ready. They are waiting for the flight to happen. This is one of the important missions that we are looking at,” he said.

ISRO is also looking at making a space station, which is vital for scientific and technological progress and for industries to work in various domains, he said.

“The energy created out of Chandrayaan-3 landing enables us to dream big today. None of our dreams can be small. With every incremental success that we make, our dreams grow bigger and bigger, and it has to be achieved. And it can only be done by young people who are coming into this sector,” he said.

India in August joined an elite club of countries to achieve a soft landing on the Moon, after the US, the former Soviet Union and China.

Somanath said that India today has become a world leader in space technology, and even when investment remains modest, the country has been able to create capacity and capability in the sector to build its own spacecraft, have its own launchers, and achieve whatever it wants to do with that type of budget.

In addition to ISRO, he said, India now has industries building and launching satellites and spacecraft. There are companies manufacturing parts and systems for aerospace and Boeing, offering great opportunities for the future generation, he said.

“Future generations of students graduating now have a great opportunity that none of us had in the past – an ability to envision, create new ideas in the space sector,” he said.

Somanath said that in 2023, ISRO overcame three past setbacks with the success of Chandrayaan-3, GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) and the small satellite launch vehicle.

Talking about Chandrayaan-3, Somanath said that India now has the confidence to do “high technology” projects of this class.

“It not only resonated with society all across the country, but it resonated equally well outside the country. We became the first nation to land on the south pole of the Moon, and we became the fourth nation to land on the Moon,” he said.

To achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of having its own space station by 2035 for India to land on Moon by 2040, “you need to do many many things, like going to moon again, going to other planetary bodies like Venus, Mars, and continuous exploration in a manner that is Indian”, he said.

The ISRO chief said that an emerging nation like India is going to drive on technology, and the country's future is based on excellence in science and technology.

“We would like to become a powerful nation ... by involving everybody, to become toppers in at least some domains compared to others. The economy created on sound principles of technology has the ability to make us a world leader,” he said.

Najunamar · Post by **Najunamar** » 05 Dec 2023 00:16

ISRO brought back CY3 propulsion module
https://m.timesofindia.com/home/science ... 735162.cms

Najunamar · Post by **Najunamar** » 05 Dec 2023 03:19

Would the future PMs be integrated with the lander module to bring back samples? As reported, we have demonstrated the ability to send into orbit around moon, land on lunar regolith, hop to a different location on the moon and also bring back to earth orbit safely. Now to do all these together is the next challenge…

arvin · Post by **arvin** » 05 Dec 2023 05:54

Excellent job ISRO for bringing back the PM.
India becomes 4th country to demonstrate breaking free from lunar gravity to re enter earth orbit.

My post on 22nd Aug 2023 in CY 3 thread.
viewtopic.php?p=2598146#p2598146

I think the PM alone can be bought back.
The Propulsion module (PM) in orbit around moon at 100 km is having velocity of 1.6 km/ sec.(Assumption).
To escape lunar gravity PM would need velocity of 2.38 km/ sec.
It has currently excess of 150 kg of feul as per reports which is more than 10% of the feul loaded during launch that is 1696 kg.
With that kind of feul and no overhead of lander, I think PM engines can easily break free from lunar gravity.
I think we should seriously consider this option of bringing back PM, post SHAPE experiments are over.
We can test lunar sample return trajectory with this mission itself.

suryag · Post by **suryag** » 05 Dec 2023 07:45

I believe if the Vikram had woken up am sure it would have been commanded to liftoff and mate with PM and PM+vikram trip would have been planned back. Vikram ji didnt wakeup

but PM ji came back

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 05 Dec 2023 08:40

suryag wrote: ↑05 Dec 2023 07:45 I believe if the Vikram had woken up am sure it would have been commanded to liftoff and mate with PM and PM+vikram trip would have been planned back. Vikram ji didnt wakeup but PM ji came back

Saar, there is always a next time.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 05 Dec 2023 19:53

https://x.com/Varun55484761/status/1731 ... 54077?s=20 ---> Indian startup Space Zone successfully tested India's 1st hybrid rocket technology demonstrator on 19th Feb 23. The hybrid rocket, with a length of 3 meters, featured a green propulsion system that signifies a remarkable step forward in sustainable aerospace technology. 1/2

https://x.com/Varun55484761/status/1731 ... 33160?s=20 ---> The company has set its sights on another ambitious mission scheduled on 24th Aug 24. It will be the world's 1st mobile launch of a hybrid rocket using a truck as the launch pad. Use of a truck as a launch pad introduces flexibility & mobility. 2/2

srin · Post by **srin** » 05 Dec 2023 20:43

What is a hybrid rocket and what are the green propellants used? I don't see any info about this on their website either..

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 06 Dec 2023 07:11

Isro gears up to bring Lunar samples on Chandrayaan-4; Key docking experiment in 2024 - Chethan Kumar, ToI
Re-orbiting the Lander, RPO (Rendezvous & Proximity Operations which also has significant military requirement), Docking, Trans Earth Injection, Atmospheric re-entry & Recovery, Safe-handling of samples will all need to be developed.

Chandrayaan-3 propulsion module’s (PM) return to an Earth orbit, weeks after lander Vikram performed the lunar hop on August 23, has provided Isro with a shot in the arm to expedite India’s next big lunar mission that aims to bring back samples from Moon — Chandrayaan-4.

In an interaction with TOI, Isro chairman S Somanathlaid out plans for the complex mission.

While Isro has shown it can reignite engines on the lunar surface (needed for spacecraft to ascend and reach a lunar orbit before returning) and bring a spacecraft back to Earth orbit (the PM experiment), it would need to demonstrat.e docking of systems before attempting sample return.

For this, Isro has in the pipeline Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX). “Sample return mission is much more complex as it’ll have many more manouvres: Collect samples and place them in a canister, return of that unit to the unit that will take off from Moon and reach Moon’s orbit where it needs to dock with a spacecraft that will return to Earth’s orbit. After this, the unit needs to separate and dock to a spacecraft in Earth’s orbit which will eventually make a re-entry,” Somanath told TOI

Therefore, SPADEX will be a crucial experiment not just for lunar sample return mission but will also give Isro data on space rendezvous technology — where two spacecraft can find each other and remain in the same orbit — advancements in which are critical for a space station and sending humans there and eventually to Moon. The PMO had recently made public a roadmap for Isro, which includes a space station by 2035 and humans on Moon by 2040.

“We are aiming for SPADEX by the end of 2024. The satellite is getting ready,” Somanath said. As part of the experiment, the satellite will launch with two components. It’ll separate into two pieces and then get docked into a single piece. This single unit will then function as a full-fledged satellite.

CH4 Progress & LUPEX

On the progress of Chandrayaan-4 so far, Somanath said: “We’ve identified a team and I’ve reviewed the initial project and overall architecture. Now system-by-system review, technology review and departmental review etc has to be done. It is a long process but the work is on.”

India is also working with Japan on the Lunar Polar Exploration (Lupex) mission, whose main objective is to confirm the presence of water in the polar regions of the moon. As reported by TOI earlier, Isro is yet to submit the final project report for clearance as some issues pertaining to the weight of the lander and rover are being looked into by both sides.

Will Chandrayaan-4 pip Lupex? “I cannot predict as of today. Both are under approval process. Lupex is an international engagement and we need readiness from the other side also while Chandrayaan-4 is our own. I cannot predict which one will be first,” Somanath said.

44-day Return Of PM

Somanath said these future missions have received a shot in the arm from the return of the PM — a 44-day-long journey that saw a series of complex manoeuvres being performed using the 100kg fuel that was left.

The first manoeuvre to raise apolune altitude to 5,112km from 150km was done on October 9. Then, the second manoeuvre plan was revised to target an Earth orbit of 1.8 lakhs x 3.8 lakhs km. The Trans-Earth Injection (TEI) was performed on October 13, 2023. This was followed by four Moon fly-bys before departing Moon’s sphere of influence on November 10 before it reached the intended Earth orbit on November 22.

Currently, PM is around Earth and Somanath said Isro would use the payload — SHAPE (Spectro-polarimetry of HAbitable Planet Earth) — to continue studying habitable planet-like features of Earth every time the planet is visible to the PM..

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 06 Dec 2023 07:20

srin wrote: ↑05 Dec 2023 20:43 What is a hybrid rocket and what are the green propellants used? I don't see any info about this on their website either..

Liquid Nitrous Oxide variants perhaps as a monoprpellant rather than the dangerous Hydrazine? This is the path several green propellant attempts are taking. And, Hybrid may be because it has another stage with the usual propellants.

csaurabh · Post by **csaurabh** » 06 Dec 2023 10:24

srin wrote: ↑05 Dec 2023 20:43 What is a hybrid rocket and what are the green propellants used? I don't see any info about this on their website either..

Hybrid rocket means that it is a hybrid of liquid rocket and solid rocket. Typically it means using a solid fuel and liquid oxidiser.
Virgin Galactic uses hybrid rocket in its space planes. Otherwise it's fairly uncommon.

Green propellant usually means using propellants that are less chemically toxic/dangerous to handle. This means avoiding hypergolics such as hydrazine and N2O4 . Cryogenics are avoided too. In this case 'green' usually means 'safety' rather than CO2 emissions.

Typical green propellants are hydrogen peroxide, Nitrous oxide, alcohols, amines, etc.

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 08 Dec 2023 10:50

India sets sights on a moon base by 2047

India is setting long-term goals that could see the country establish its own moon base before 2050.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman S. Somanath set out a provisional, integrated roadmap for exploring the moon in a Nov. 28 talk at a symposium organized by the Indian Society of Geomatics and the Indian Society of Remote Sensing. The plan would build on India's recent lunar achievements and progress in human spaceflight ambitions.

India became the fifth country to make a successful robotic moon landing this year with its Chandrayaan-3 mission. Following this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in October that India should aim for "new and ambitious goals," including putting astronauts on the moon by 2040.

S. Somanath’s roadmap builds around this new goal and sets out a near-term phase of technology buildup, focusing on the Gaganyaan human spaceflight plan, developing new launch vehicles and increasing robotic landing capabilities.Indian Moon base in the 2040s? ISRO chairman S. Somanath gave a lecture at ISG-ISRS 2023, outlining an integrated lunar exploration roadmap with the long term plan of a lunar base around 2047. Reiterates plan announced last month for a crewed lunar landing by 2040. Ambitious. pic.twitter.com/GS4HU8BOizNovember 30, 2023

Outlined missions include the joint Indian-Japanese LUPEX rover and the Chandrayaan-4 lunar sample-return effort. Such work is envisioned to build up to a crewed docking with the NASA-led Gateway space station in lunar orbit, a crewed lunar landing, and, ultimately, a lunar base and a sustainable moon economy, based on minerals and tourism. A Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) would be developed to facilitate some of these missions. That new rocket will be partially reusable.

The plans are tentative but reveal the thinking of ISRO and are indicative of its long-term ambitions. More concretely, the agency is currently preparing test missions as a step to a crewed orbital mission with its Gaganyaan spacecraft.

Prem Kumar · Post by **Prem Kumar** » 08 Dec 2023 11:50

arvin wrote: ↑05 Dec 2023 05:54 Excellent job ISRO for bringing back the PM.
India becomes 4th country to demonstrate breaking free from lunar gravity to re enter earth orbit.

My post on 22nd Aug 2023 in CY 3 thread.
viewtopic.php?p=2598146#p2598146

I think the PM alone can be bought back.
The Propulsion module (PM) in orbit around moon at 100 km is having velocity of 1.6 km/ sec.(Assumption).
To escape lunar gravity PM would need velocity of 2.38 km/ sec.
It has currently excess of 150 kg of feul as per reports which is more than 10% of the feul loaded during launch that is 1696 kg.
With that kind of feul and no overhead of lander, I think PM engines can easily break free from lunar gravity.
I think we should seriously consider this option of bringing back PM, post SHAPE experiments are over.
We can test lunar sample return trajectory with this mission itself.

Good prediction Arvin!!

sanman · Post by **sanman** » 09 Dec 2023 23:51

Could significant solar event cause problems for our satellites?

sanman · Post by **sanman** » 10 Dec 2023 01:30

Also - is Aditya-L1 capturing any of this?

Are Aidtya-L1 or any other satellites in any particular danger from this event?

look at the video @0:30 and it looks scary

Prem Kumar · Post by **Prem Kumar** » 13 Dec 2023 17:18

https://swarajyamag.com/news-brief/indi ... g-to-share

Countries like the US, Russia etc won't even share basic, life-saving technology like Environment Control & Life Support systems for the Gaganyaan mission. All this talk about NASA & ISRO are strategic partners are just hogwash

When we become a bigger & better space power than these fellows, we should treat them with the same contempt

neerajb · Post by **neerajb** » 14 Dec 2023 08:24

Aditya-L1's SUIT captures full-disk images of the Sun in near ultraviolet wavelengths

https://www.isro.gov.in/Aditya_L1_SUIT.html

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 18 Dec 2023 04:17

VIDEO: https://x.com/GemsOfINDOLOGY/status/173 ... 46443?s=20 ----> Japan revolutionizes rocket fuel with "Cow Dung" - an unconventional, clean-burning solution! Harnessing the power of methane-rich cow dung, scientists combat pollution, reduce emissions, and address energy needs in remote areas. This groundbreaking cross-industry collaboration embodies progress and sustainability, igniting inspiration for future science and engineering breakthroughs.

sanman · Post by **sanman** » 18 Dec 2023 17:16

Prem Kumar wrote: ↑13 Dec 2023 17:18 https://swarajyamag.com/news-brief/indi ... g-to-share

Countries like the US, Russia etc won't even share basic, life-saving technology like Environment Control & Life Support systems for the Gaganyaan mission. All this talk about NASA & ISRO are strategic partners are just hogwash

When we become a bigger & better space power than these fellows, we should treat them with the same contempt

Yet I also find it bizarre that we can't develop such technology ourselves. This shouldn't be some super-difficult thing to do.

I don't know why we have to boast and brag that we are a space power, when we have to buy anything and everything from abroad.
We can do this stuff more cheaply.

csaurabh · Post by **csaurabh** » 19 Dec 2023 11:57

sanman wrote: ↑18 Dec 2023 17:16
Yet I also find it bizarre that we can't develop such technology ourselves. This shouldn't be some super-difficult thing to do.

I don't know why we have to boast and brag that we are a space power, when we have to buy anything and everything from abroad.
We can do this stuff more cheaply.

Unfortunately it is our default habit to always look for buying everything from abroad.

It is also a fact that for very small orders (which is most things in the space industry), it isn't economical to develop the technology rather than buying.

srin · Post by **srin** » 19 Dec 2023 13:58

Doing something in-house will require extensive design and testing, and passing stringent qualification tests. All this will take time, essentially pushing Gaganyaan back by a few years.
Also, there is a ton of knowledge gained by both Russia and US in the area of manned space missions - all that will now have to be realized by us.

sanman · Post by **sanman** » 24 Dec 2023 21:34

Indian Space Station by 2028

drnayar · Post by **drnayar** » 24 Dec 2023 21:39

srin wrote: ↑19 Dec 2023 13:58 Doing something in-house will require extensive design and testing, and passing stringent qualification tests. All this will take time, essentially pushing Gaganyaan back by a few years.
Also, there is a ton of knowledge gained by both Russia and US in the area of manned space missions - all that will now have to be realized by us.

it is not necessarily a bad thing .. India needs not only the how but the foundation technologies and resources [ human and capital] to go further..after that its only time , given that India will not lack money or political will down the line

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 28 Dec 2023 20:56

India planning to launch 50 satellites for intelligence gathering in five years: ISRO chief

India is aiming to launch 50 satellites in the next five years for geo-intelligence gathering which will include the creation of a layer of satellites in different orbits with a capacity to track the movement of troops and image thousands of kilometers of area, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman S Somanath said here on Thursday.

Speaking at 'Techfest', an annual science and technology event organised by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, he said it is important to improve the ability of satellites to detect changes, to bring in more of AI-related and data-driven approach to analyse data, reduce data downloads and get only the necessary information. Spacecrafts are capable of observing a country's borders and neighbouring regions, he noted.

"All of it can be seen from satellites. This capability gives us enormous potential. We have been launching satellites to handle this, but there is a different way of thinking now and we need to look at it in a much more critical manner because the power of (any) nation is the ability to understand what is happening around it," Somanath said.

"We have already configured 50 satellites to be realised in the next five years and this is going to be launched for India for supporting this particular geo-intelligence over the next five years plus (period)," the ISRO chief added. If India can launch satellites at this scale, threats to the country can be better mitigated, Somanath said.

"We have found out a way by which a layer of satellites can be launched starting from GEO (geostationary equatorial orbit) to LEO (lower earth orbit) and also very low earth orbit where we need very critical assessment of some situation," he said. This is a new domain which is coming up not only in optical, but also in SAR(synthetic aperture radar), thermal and various other technologies , Somanath pointed out.

"We will have communication between satellites, so that if some satellite detects something, which is at GEO at 36,000 kms, it can have a large view. If you find some activity happening, you can task another satellite in the lower orbit (to check) much more carefully and then give more information," he said.

"We are also looking at imaging, not a very small area (but) thousands of kilometers of area and we would like to cover entire borders in everyday cycles. This is a tremendous capability that we are building if we are able to launch these satellites in the next five years," he said.

sanman · Post by **sanman** » 30 Dec 2023 06:21

Excellent presentation from ISRO Chief S Somanath the other day -- I recommend watching the whole thing, to see all of ISRO's big plans:

I personally find S Somanath to be one of our best ISRO chairmen yet, and I think his will be a landmark tenure as chairman.

I find him to be a very sober, forthright, plain-talking, capable person. He also understands all the science and technology aspects, from the big picture right down to the nuts and bolts. This is exactly the kind of leader ISRO needs.

Anyway, this presentation was given by him at IIT Bombay's Techfest event just the other day, so it represents the latest and greatest information about ISRO plans and roadmap for the future.

sanman · Post by **sanman** » 30 Dec 2023 09:01

The first interesting slide I noticed from this presentation was the one on Imaging and Geospatial Intelligence:

ISRO seems to have plans to field a very advanced satellite network that could revolutionize India's situational awareness and intelligence gathering.