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<p>At 14.38 hrs on Tuesday, 3rd December, the Indian Space agency ISRO commenced the 25-hour countdown for the PSLV-C59/Proba-3 mission. The countdown is a process when the health checks of various systems and technical parameters of the rocket are conducted, liquid fuels are filled. At 16:08 hrs on Wednesday, the 320-tonne PSLV-XL rocket is to liftoff from the first launchpad at the Indian Spaceport, Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 44-metre tall PSLV rocket will be carrying the twin (Occulter and Coronagraph) spacecraft of the European Space Agency (ESA), which weigh a total of 550 kg. The mission is known as Proba-3. Proba is a series of missions where the ESA demonstrates new technologies in space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The mission's name, 'Proba' is derived from the Latin word, which means "to try or try it"... Proba is an abbreviated version of&nbsp; ‘PRoject for OnBoard Autonomy’.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Around 18 minutes and 40 seconds after liftoff, the twin satellites will be injected into a 600 km&nbsp;x 60,000 km&nbsp;orbit. This is known as a highly-elliptical orbit, which means that the satellites' distance from Earth keeps varying drastically. A large number of satellites are injected into circular orbits, which puts them at a constant distance from the Earth. However, in elliptical orbits, satellites have an apogee (farthest point from Earth) and perigee (closest point from Earth), and their distance from the Earth keeps constantly changing.</p>

<h2><strong>What makes Proba-3 unique?</strong></h2>

<p>Proba-3 is the world’s first precision formation flying mission. It consists of two small satellites launched together that will separate apart to fly in tandem to prepare for future multi-satellite missions flying as one virtual structure. Simply put, Proba-3 satellites will fly at a proximity (approximate distance of 150 metres) to one another. This is similar to how fighter pilots fly their planes in a close formation.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">25:30hrs countdown to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ESA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ESA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Proba3?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Proba3</a> mission commenced at 2:38pm IST, today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSLV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSLV</a> will liftoff at 4:08pm tomo, Dec 4th<br />
<br />
After a span of 23yrs(Proba-1 in 2001), an <a href="https://twitter.com/ESA_Tech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ESA_Tech</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/esa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@esa</a> satellite is again flying with 🇮🇳🚀<br />
<br />
Explainer video by ISRO &amp; ESA👇👇<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tech</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/science?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#science</a> <a href="https://t.co/qzu5BaL4FD">pic.twitter.com/qzu5BaL4FD</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1863890200914727201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>As a world first, its two satellites—the Coronagraph spacecraft and the Occulter spacecraft—will maintain formation to a few millimetres and arcsecond precision at distances of 144 m or more for six hours at a time. In effect, the pair will be forming a virtual giant satellite. This will be achieved autonomously, without relying on guidance from the ground.</p>

<h2><strong>What will Proba-3 study?</strong></h2>

<p>The solar corona (the outermost part of the sun's atmosphere) has many mysteries associated with it. The solar corona is a million degrees warmer than the surface of the sun, and it is the origin of coronal mass ejections(highly charged particles) which can affect the functioning of satellites, or communication and power networks back on earth. There is immense scientific interest in better understanding the solar corona and related phenomena.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Coronagraph is a device that can artificially block out the bright light of the sun, thereby enhancing the visibility of the faint corona. A solar eclipse, when the moon blocks out the sun, is a great natural opportunity to study the solar corona. But eclipses are rare and occur only for a few minutes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two Proba-3 satellites will be precisely aligned so that the Occulter spacecraft casts a shadow across the Coronagraph spacecraft, thereby enabling the visibility of the faint solar corona. If the two are not perfectly aligned, then the bright disc of the sun will not be hidden from the instrument, and the corona will be obscured by its bright light.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why is Proba-3 being launched from India?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>India's PSLV-XL launcher was chosen to ferry Proba-3 satellites to space, as the European Space Agency (ESA) does not possess a medium-lift rocket that can launch the 550 kg Proba-3 satellites into the desired orbit. The mass of the satellites is above the capability of ESA's Vega-C small rocket, while the large Ariane-6 rocket would be too costly for a mission of this kind. PSLV offers the perfect balance in terms of lift capability and cost. ESA will be paying around € 30 million (approximately Rs 271 crore) to avail the launch services from ISRO's commercial arm, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).</p>


At 14.38 hrs on Tuesday, 3rd December, the Indian Space agency ISRO commenced the 25-hour countdown for the PSLV-C59/Proba-3 mission. The countdown is a process when the health checks of various systems and technical parameters of the rocket are conducted, liquid fuels are filled.

At 14.38 hrs on Tuesday, 3rd December, the Indian Space agency ISRO commenced the 25-hour countdown for the PSLV-C59/Proba-3 mission. The countdown is a process when the health checks of various systems and technical parameters of the rocket are conducted, liquid fuels are filled. At 16:08 hrs on Wednesday, the 320-tonne PSLV-XL rocket is to liftoff from the first launchpad at the Indian Spaceport, Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The 44-metre tall PSLV rocket will be carrying the twin (Occulter and Coronagraph) spacecraft of the European Space Agency (ESA), which weigh a total of 550 kg. The mission is known as Proba-3. Proba is a series of missions where the ESA demonstrates new technologies in space. The mission's name, 'Proba' is derived from the Latin word, which means "to try or try it"... Proba is an abbreviated version of ‘PRoject for OnBoard Autonomy’. Around 18 minutes and 40 seconds after liftoff, the twin satellites will be injected into a 600 km x 60,000 km orbit. This is known as a highly-elliptical orbit, which means that the satellites' distance from Earth keeps varying drastically. A large number of satellites are injected into circular orbits, which puts them at a constant distance from the Earth. However, in elliptical orbits, satellites have an apogee (farthest point from Earth) and perigee (closest point from Earth), and their distance from the Earth keeps constantly changing. What makes Proba-3 unique? Proba-3 is the world’s first precision formation flying mission. It consists of two small satellites launched together that will separate apart to fly in tandem to prepare for future multi-satellite missions flying as one virtual structure. Simply put, Proba-3 satellites will fly at a proximity (approximate distance of 150 metres) to one another. This is similar to how fighter pilots fly their planes in a close formation. 25:30hrs countdown to #ISRO #ESA #Proba3 mission commenced at 2:38pm IST, today. #PSLV will liftoff at 4:08pm tomo, Dec 4th After a span of 23yrs(Proba-1 in 2001), an @ESA_Tech @esa satellite is again flying with 🇮🇳🚀 Explainer video by ISRO & ESA👇👇#space #tech #science pic.twitter.com/qzu5BaL4FD — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) December 3, 2024 × As a world first, its two satellites—the Coronagraph spacecraft and the Occulter spacecraft—will maintain formation to a few millimetres and arcsecond precision at distances of 144 m or more for six hours at a time. In effect, the pair will be forming a virtual giant satellite. This will be achieved autonomously, without relying on guidance from the ground. What will Proba-3 study? The solar corona (the outermost part of the sun's atmosphere) has many mysteries associated with it. The solar corona is a million degrees warmer than the surface of the sun, and it is the origin of coronal mass ejections(highly charged particles) which can affect the functioning of satellites, or communication and power networks back on earth. There is immense scientific interest in better understanding the solar corona and related phenomena. A Coronagraph is a device that can artificially block out the bright light of the sun, thereby enhancing the visibility of the faint corona. A solar eclipse, when the moon blocks out the sun, is a great natural opportunity to study the solar corona. But eclipses are rare and occur only for a few minutes. The two Proba-3 satellites will be precisely aligned so that the Occulter spacecraft casts a shadow across the Coronagraph spacecraft, thereby enabling the visibility of the faint solar corona. If the two are not perfectly aligned, then the bright disc of the sun will not be hidden from the instrument, and the corona will be obscured by its bright light. Why is Proba-3 being launched from India? India's PSLV-XL launcher was chosen to ferry Proba-3 satellites to space, as the European Space Agency (ESA) does not possess a medium-lift rocket that can launch the 550 kg Proba-3 satellites into the desired orbit. The mass of the satellites is above the capability of ESA's Vega-C small rocket, while the large Ariane-6 rocket would be too costly for a mission of this kind. PSLV offers the perfect balance in terms of lift capability and cost. ESA will be paying around € 30 million (approximately Rs 271 crore) to avail the launch services from ISRO's commercial arm, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).

ISRO to launch Europe's Proba-3 satellites - 25.30 hours countdown starts

<p>The Indian Space agency has taken possession of two 400kg satellites that are part of a crucial upcoming mission known as SPADEX – Space Docking Experiment. As part of this mission, these two satellites will be hurled into slightly different orbits by a single rocket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Eventually, the satellites that are travelling at around 28,000 kmph will precisely align themselves in a manner where they can perform a 'space handshake' and dock (mechanically attach themselves) to form a single orbiting entity. This experiment gains significance as docking is a major enabler of future missions such as Chandrayaan-4 and Bharatiya Antariksha Space Station (the proposed Indian Space Station).</p>

<p>Ananth Technologies Private Limited (ATL), completed the integration of two 400kg satellites for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and handed them over at ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru, the facility meant for designing and developing satellites.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ISRO always builds their satellites at the URSC, but this is the first time that ISRO is getting their satellites completely assembled, integrated and tested by the Indian private industry at a private facility. This shift is enabled by the space sector reforms that grant greater opportunities to the Indian private sector.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Breaking News! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> gets the 2x400kg satellites for the high-profile SPADEX mission, which will perform docking (a precise handshake between two satellites in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a>) the crucial <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tech</a> for Chadrayaan-4, Space Stn<br />
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Pvt firm Ananth Technologies did the AIT &amp; delivered to URSC <a href="https://t.co/tnoEVgHCyn">pic.twitter.com/tnoEVgHCyn</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1847174856732975585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"We have been manufacturing electronic subsystems for ISRO since 2000 and have been an integral part of every Indian space mission over the last two decades," said Dr&nbsp;Subba Rao Pavuluri, chairman&nbsp;of ATL. The assembly, integration and testing of the satellites were done at our Bengaluru facility in a record three months, the ISRO scientist-turned-entrepreneur told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p>SPADEX is a mission that is meant to demonstrate autonomous rendezvous and docking, the ability of two spacecraft to function as one unit, manoeuvre itself etc. Docking is a fundamental requirement for building and maintaining a space station.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Every time astronauts are launched to the space station, their capsule has to precisely dock with the space station, following which the crew and cargo can enter the space station.&nbsp;</p>

<p>SPADEX is crucial to India's&nbsp;ambitions as the country&nbsp;looks to assemble an Indian space station from 2028 onwards.&nbsp;</p>

<p>By scaling up the technologies demonstrated in SPADEX, it will be possible to robotically assemble the modules (large components) of the space station. India's Chandrayaan-4 mission to return Lunar samples will also involve autonomous docking while circling the moon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Given that the satellites have been delivered to the URSC, they would soon be trucked to the Indian Spaceport at Sriharikota, from where they could be further tested, fuelled, and launched in the coming months.&nbsp;</p>


The Indian Space agency has taken possession of two 400kg satellites that are part of a crucial upcoming mission known as SPADEX – Space Docking Experiment. As part of this mission, these two satellites will be hurled into slightly different orbits by a single rocket.

The Indian Space agency has taken possession of two 400kg satellites that are part of a crucial upcoming mission known as SPADEX – Space Docking Experiment. As part of this mission, these two satellites will be hurled into slightly different orbits by a single rocket. Eventually, the satellites that are travelling at around 28,000 kmph will precisely align themselves in a manner where they can perform a 'space handshake' and dock (mechanically attach themselves) to form a single orbiting entity. This experiment gains significance as docking is a major enabler of future missions such as Chandrayaan-4 and Bharatiya Antariksha Space Station (the proposed Indian Space Station). Ananth Technologies Private Limited (ATL), completed the integration of two 400kg satellites for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and handed them over at ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru, the facility meant for designing and developing satellites. ISRO always builds their satellites at the URSC, but this is the first time that ISRO is getting their satellites completely assembled, integrated and tested by the Indian private industry at a private facility. This shift is enabled by the space sector reforms that grant greater opportunities to the Indian private sector. Breaking News! #ISRO gets the 2x400kg satellites for the high-profile SPADEX mission, which will perform docking (a precise handshake between two satellites in #space) the crucial #tech for Chadrayaan-4, Space Stn Pvt firm Ananth Technologies did the AIT & delivered to URSC pic.twitter.com/tnoEVgHCyn — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 18, 2024 × "We have been manufacturing electronic subsystems for ISRO since 2000 and have been an integral part of every Indian space mission over the last two decades," said Dr Subba Rao Pavuluri, chairman of ATL. The assembly, integration and testing of the satellites were done at our Bengaluru facility in a record three months, the ISRO scientist-turned-entrepreneur told WION. SPADEX is a mission that is meant to demonstrate autonomous rendezvous and docking, the ability of two spacecraft to function as one unit, manoeuvre itself etc. Docking is a fundamental requirement for building and maintaining a space station. Every time astronauts are launched to the space station, their capsule has to precisely dock with the space station, following which the crew and cargo can enter the space station. SPADEX is crucial to India's ambitions as the country looks to assemble an Indian space station from 2028 onwards. By scaling up the technologies demonstrated in SPADEX, it will be possible to robotically assemble the modules (large components) of the space station. India's Chandrayaan-4 mission to return Lunar samples will also involve autonomous docking while circling the moon. Given that the satellites have been delivered to the URSC, they would soon be trucked to the Indian Spaceport at Sriharikota, from where they could be further tested, fuelled, and launched in the coming months.

ISRO gears up for 'Space handshake' SPADEX; private firm delivers two satellites

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<p>The Union&nbsp;Cabinet led by Indian&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally approved a host of high-profile, expensive space missions and long-term projects of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).&nbsp;</p>

<p>These projects include a 'Chandrayaan-4' that will land on and return samples from the moon, expansion of India's ongoing Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight programme (homegrown astronaut missions), an Indian space station that will enable long-term astronaut presence in Earth orbit, a Venus orbiter mission, heavy-lift and re-usable rockets for future missions. All of these are steps that will eventually lead to the Indian government's vision of landing Indian astronauts on the moon, by the year 2040.</p>

<p>For several years, ISRO has been working on concepts and proposals for the above projects. However, the formal nod granted by the Indian government on Wednesday (Sep 18)&nbsp;helps put these grand plans into action, in the coming years and decades.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Special budget and timeline for India's Space missions</strong></h2>

<p>Over the last 25 years, India has repeatedly executed end-to-end space missions. This includes the design, development and launch of rockets and satellites, the ability to track and control these space vehicles and perform a host of functions.</p>

<p>India has successfully accomplished&nbsp;missions to study the Moon, Mars, and Sun, launching space probes. In addition to this, ISRO's rockets perform commercial missions to ferry customer satellites and earn revenue for the Indian government. ISRO also performs a host of missions to cater to the needs of India's defence forces, weather agencies, commercial users, Earth-imaging, strategic uses etc. However, all of these are being done with an annual budget that has hovered around $ 1.5 billion (Rs.12,500 crore). With grand ambitions, now the Indian government has also announced a commensurate hike in the budgetary allocations for these newly approved projects.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Chandrayaan-4&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Following the successful lunar landing of Chandrayaan-3 in August 2023, ISRO is embarking on more challenging robotic lunar exploration missions. With the knowledge and experience gained from multiple robotic missions, ISRO can gradually gear up for human-led missions to the moon, given that India wants to land its astronauts on the moon by the year 2040 and return safely.</p>

<p>ISRO is expected to carry out the Chandrayaan-4 mission within 36 months, which is by September 2027. For this mission, the Indian government has allocated approximately $250mn or Rs&nbsp;2104 crore. The cost covers the development of two launches of India's largest rocket LVM3, external deep space network support (antennae), and special tests for design validation, finally leading to the mission of landing on the Moon's surface and safe return to Earth along with the collected lunar sample.</p>

<h2><strong>Bharatiya Anthariksh Station (BAS) or Indian Space Station</strong></h2>

<p>In less than a year, India will launch a humanoid robot to space on an Indian rocket and Indian capsule. The capsule will circle the Earth and return for a splashdown landing in the Indian Ocean. After successfully performing such robotic missions, India will launch astronauts to space and return them for a similar splashdown landing. There will be a total of four such missions. Titled Gaganyaan, this will be India's maiden homegrown astronaut mission. Further to this, India hopes to establish a long-term presence in space, which would mean setting up a lab that circles the Earth.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjbuIjj6cyIAxVPKkQIHVHUAPgQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-plans-full-e-visa-service-for-indians-space-mou-with-isro-in-work-757213" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-plans-full-e-visa-service-for-indians-space-mou-with-isro-in-work-757213&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjbuIjj6cyIAxVPKkQIHVHUAPgQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Philippines plans full e-Visa service for Indians, space MoU with ISRO</a></strong></p>

<p>By 2028, India plans to launch the first unit of the country's independent space station. As part of testing and preparing technologies for the space station, India will perform four missions. Gradually, as the space station is expanded and readied, it will begin to host Indian astronauts from 2035. Thus far, only China operates its independent space station. The International Space Station is a multilateral effort involving the United States, Europe, Japan, Canada, and Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ongoing Gaganyaan effort has received additional funding of approx $1.4 billion&nbsp;or Rs.11,170 crore.&nbsp;This takes the total funding for the Gaganyaan Programme to approx $2.4 billion or Rs. 20,193 crore.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Mission to Orbit and Study Venus&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Venus is the closest planet to Earth and is believed to have formed in conditions similar to Earth. India's ‘Venus Orbiter Mission’ is meant to circle the planet to observe and understand the Venusian surface and subsurface, atmospheric processes and the influence of the Sun on Venusian atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjbuIjj6cyIAxVPKkQIHVHUAPgQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-delayed-chandrayaan-3s-launch-by-four-seconds-to-avoid-massive-collision-in-space-716278" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-delayed-chandrayaan-3s-launch-by-four-seconds-to-avoid-massive-collision-in-space-716278&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjbuIjj6cyIAxVPKkQIHVHUAPgQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">ISRO delayed Chandrayaan-3’s launch by four seconds to avoid massive collision in space</a></strong></p>

<p>The total fund approved for the Venus Orbiter Mission” (VOM), is approx $150 million&nbsp;or Rs 1,236 crore. Out of this, Rs 824 crore&nbsp;will be spent on the spacecraft. The above mission cost includes the development of the spacecraft including its specific payloads and technology elements, global ground station support cost for tracking and navigation, and the rocket launch cost. This mission is expected to be completed by 2028.</p>

<h2><strong>Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV):&nbsp;</strong><strong>India's Future Rocket&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>At present,&nbsp;India's largest rocket LVM3 can only carry 10 tons to orbits near the Earth, when it comes to travelling farther from the Earth, this lifting capacity falls down to 4 tons. This is highly inadequate considering India's big ambitions. Therefore, the Indian Government has approved the NGLV, a rocket that will have 3 times the present payload capability of LVM3, while costing just 1.5 times as much. This low cost will be achieved by using reusable technologies, efficient fuels etc.</p>

<p>Capable of carrying 30 tons to orbits near the Earth, the NGLV is expected to be developed by 2032. By then, ISRO is to complete three developmental flights of the rocket and showcase its capabilities. ISRO has been allocated approx $1bn or Rs.8240cr for the development, three developmental launches, facility establishment, and other activities related to the new rocket.</p>


The Union Cabinet led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally approved a host of high-profile, expensive space missions and long-term projects of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

The Union Cabinet led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally approved a host of high-profile, expensive space missions and long-term projects of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). These projects include a 'Chandrayaan-4' that will land on and return samples from the moon, expansion of India's ongoing Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight programme (homegrown astronaut missions), an Indian space station that will enable long-term astronaut presence in Earth orbit, a Venus orbiter mission, heavy-lift and re-usable rockets for future missions. All of these are steps that will eventually lead to the Indian government's vision of landing Indian astronauts on the moon, by the year 2040. For several years, ISRO has been working on concepts and proposals for the above projects. However, the formal nod granted by the Indian government on Wednesday (Sep 18) helps put these grand plans into action, in the coming years and decades. Special budget and timeline for India's Space missions Over the last 25 years, India has repeatedly executed end-to-end space missions. This includes the design, development and launch of rockets and satellites, the ability to track and control these space vehicles and perform a host of functions. India has successfully accomplished missions to study the Moon, Mars, and Sun, launching space probes. In addition to this, ISRO's rockets perform commercial missions to ferry customer satellites and earn revenue for the Indian government. ISRO also performs a host of missions to cater to the needs of India's defence forces, weather agencies, commercial users, Earth-imaging, strategic uses etc. However, all of these are being done with an annual budget that has hovered around $ 1.5 billion (Rs.12,500 crore). With grand ambitions, now the Indian government has also announced a commensurate hike in the budgetary allocations for these newly approved projects. Chandrayaan-4 Following the successful lunar landing of Chandrayaan-3 in August 2023, ISRO is embarking on more challenging robotic lunar exploration missions. With the knowledge and experience gained from multiple robotic missions, ISRO can gradually gear up for human-led missions to the moon, given that India wants to land its astronauts on the moon by the year 2040 and return safely. ISRO is expected to carry out the Chandrayaan-4 mission within 36 months, which is by September 2027. For this mission, the Indian government has allocated approximately $250mn or Rs 2104 crore. The cost covers the development of two launches of India's largest rocket LVM3, external deep space network support (antennae), and special tests for design validation, finally leading to the mission of landing on the Moon's surface and safe return to Earth along with the collected lunar sample. Bharatiya Anthariksh Station (BAS) or Indian Space Station In less than a year, India will launch a humanoid robot to space on an Indian rocket and Indian capsule. The capsule will circle the Earth and return for a splashdown landing in the Indian Ocean. After successfully performing such robotic missions, India will launch astronauts to space and return them for a similar splashdown landing. There will be a total of four such missions. Titled Gaganyaan, this will be India's maiden homegrown astronaut mission. Further to this, India hopes to establish a long-term presence in space, which would mean setting up a lab that circles the Earth. Also read: Philippines plans full e-Visa service for Indians, space MoU with ISRO By 2028, India plans to launch the first unit of the country's independent space station. As part of testing and preparing technologies for the space station, India will perform four missions. Gradually, as the space station is expanded and readied, it will begin to host Indian astronauts from 2035. Thus far, only China operates its independent space station. The International Space Station is a multilateral effort involving the United States, Europe, Japan, Canada, and Russia. The ongoing Gaganyaan effort has received additional funding of approx $1.4 billion or Rs.11,170 crore. This takes the total funding for the Gaganyaan Programme to approx $2.4 billion or Rs. 20,193 crore. Mission to Orbit and Study Venus Venus is the closest planet to Earth and is believed to have formed in conditions similar to Earth. India's ‘Venus Orbiter Mission’ is meant to circle the planet to observe and understand the Venusian surface and subsurface, atmospheric processes and the influence of the Sun on Venusian atmosphere. Also read: ISRO delayed Chandrayaan-3’s launch by four seconds to avoid massive collision in space The total fund approved for the Venus Orbiter Mission” (VOM), is approx $150 million or Rs 1,236 crore. Out of this, Rs 824 crore will be spent on the spacecraft. The above mission cost includes the development of the spacecraft including its specific payloads and technology elements, global ground station support cost for tracking and navigation, and the rocket launch cost. This mission is expected to be completed by 2028. Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV): India's Future Rocket At present, India's largest rocket LVM3 can only carry 10 tons to orbits near the Earth, when it comes to travelling farther from the Earth, this lifting capacity falls down to 4 tons. This is highly inadequate considering India's big ambitions. Therefore, the Indian Government has approved the NGLV, a rocket that will have 3 times the present payload capability of LVM3, while costing just 1.5 times as much. This low cost will be achieved by using reusable technologies, efficient fuels etc. Capable of carrying 30 tons to orbits near the Earth, the NGLV is expected to be developed by 2032. By then, ISRO is to complete three developmental flights of the rocket and showcase its capabilities. ISRO has been allocated approx $1bn or Rs.8240cr for the development, three developmental launches, facility establishment, and other activities related to the new rocket.

Space station, Venus orbiter, mega rocket: Indian government grants approvals, funds

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<p>India's space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), on Friday (Aug 16) launched the Earth Observation Satellite-8 (EOS-8) using its recently built small satellite launch vehicle SSLV-D3. The satellite was launched from the&nbsp;Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh's Harikota at 9.17 am IST.</p>

<p>This is the third and final developmental flight of the SSLV-D3/EOS-08 mission.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-final-development-flight-small-rocket-sslv-now-aims-for-big-market-750569">After final development flight, small rocket SSLV now aims for big market</a></strong></p>

<p>The SSLV rocket, which measures about 34 metres in height, was planned to be launched on India's Independence Day on August 15 (Thursday)&nbsp;at 9.17 am and was later rescheduled to Friday from the first launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The mission's objectives</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, ISRO said that the&nbsp;primary objectives of the mission&nbsp;include designing and developing a microsatellite, creating payload instruments compatible with the microsatellite bus, and incorporating new technologies required for future operational satellites.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Indian space agency, ISRO, launches the third and final developmental flight of SSLV-D3/EOS-08 mission, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh<br />
<br />
Video: <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a><br />
<br />
READ MORE: <a href="https://t.co/YSydHXmu6c">https://t.co/YSydHXmu6c</a> <a href="https://t.co/0YyxRz8nAc">pic.twitter.com/0YyxRz8nAc</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1824293881392898463?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>With this mission, ISRO&nbsp;completes the developmental flight of the smallest rocket which can carry satellites weighing up to 500 kilograms&nbsp;and can place them into Low Earth Orbit (of up to 500 kilometres&nbsp;above Earth).</p>

<p>A report by the news agency PTI on Thursday said that the mission would give a boost to NewSpace India Ltd, the commercial arm of ISRO to take up commercial launches using such Small Satellite Launch Vehicles with the industry.</p>

<p><em><strong>Built on the Microsat/IMS-1 bus, the Earth Observation Satellite carries three payloads: Electro Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR), Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry payload (GNSS-R), and SiC UV Dosimeter&nbsp;payload.</strong></em></p>

<p>The spacecraft has a mission life of one year.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The role of the three payloads</strong></h2>

<p>The&nbsp;EOIR is designed to capture images in the Mid-Wave IR (MIR) and Long-Wave IR (LWIR) bands, both during the day and night, for applications such as satellite-based surveillance, disaster monitoring, environmental monitoring, fire detection, volcanic activity observation, and industrial and power plant disaster monitoring.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;GNSS-R payload demonstrates the capability of using GNSS-R-based remote sensing for applications such as ocean surface wind analysis, soil moisture assessment, cryosphere studies over the Himalayan region, flood detection, and inland waterbody detection.</p>

<p>The third payload- SiC UV&nbsp;monitors UV irradiance at the viewport of the Crew Module in the Gaganyaan Mission and serves as a high-dose alarm sensor for gamma radiation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), on Friday (Aug 16) launched the Earth Observation Satellite-8 (EOS-8) using its recently built small satellite launch vehicle SSLV-D3.

India's space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), on Friday (Aug 16) launched the Earth Observation Satellite-8 (EOS-8) using its recently built small satellite launch vehicle SSLV-D3. The satellite was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh's Harikota at 9.17 am IST. This is the third and final developmental flight of the SSLV-D3/EOS-08 mission. Also read | After final development flight, small rocket SSLV now aims for big market The SSLV rocket, which measures about 34 metres in height, was planned to be launched on India's Independence Day on August 15 (Thursday) at 9.17 am and was later rescheduled to Friday from the first launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The mission's objectives Earlier, ISRO said that the primary objectives of the mission include designing and developing a microsatellite, creating payload instruments compatible with the microsatellite bus, and incorporating new technologies required for future operational satellites. Indian space agency, ISRO, launches the third and final developmental flight of SSLV-D3/EOS-08 mission, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh Video: @isro READ MORE: https://t.co/YSydHXmu6c pic.twitter.com/0YyxRz8nAc — WION (@WIONews) August 16, 2024 × With this mission, ISRO completes the developmental flight of the smallest rocket which can carry satellites weighing up to 500 kilograms and can place them into Low Earth Orbit (of up to 500 kilometres above Earth). A report by the news agency PTI on Thursday said that the mission would give a boost to NewSpace India Ltd, the commercial arm of ISRO to take up commercial launches using such Small Satellite Launch Vehicles with the industry. Built on the Microsat/IMS-1 bus, the Earth Observation Satellite carries three payloads: Electro Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR), Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry payload (GNSS-R), and SiC UV Dosimeter payload. The spacecraft has a mission life of one year. The role of the three payloads The EOIR is designed to capture images in the Mid-Wave IR (MIR) and Long-Wave IR (LWIR) bands, both during the day and night, for applications such as satellite-based surveillance, disaster monitoring, environmental monitoring, fire detection, volcanic activity observation, and industrial and power plant disaster monitoring. The GNSS-R payload demonstrates the capability of using GNSS-R-based remote sensing for applications such as ocean surface wind analysis, soil moisture assessment, cryosphere studies over the Himalayan region, flood detection, and inland waterbody detection. The third payload- SiC UV monitors UV irradiance at the viewport of the Crew Module in the Gaganyaan Mission and serves as a high-dose alarm sensor for gamma radiation. (With inputs from agencies)

India's space agency ISRO launches EOS-08 satellite with SSLV-D3

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<p>At the end of a six-and-a-half hour countdown, at 9.17 am IST, India's Small Satellite Launch Vehicle(SSLV) rocket zoomed towards the skies in Sriharikota, for the third time in three years. Barely 14 minutes after launch, the 120-ton rocket placed its primary payload, a 175kg 'EOS-08' earth-imaging satellite in an orbit that's 475kms above the earth, following which a privately-built secondary payload was ejected into orbit. This successful mission marked the third demonstration flight of India's newest and smallest rocket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The initial two or three flights of a rocket are known as developmental flights. These launches are meant to test and prove the crucial systems and technologies aboard the rocket. Once the developmental flights are accomplished, the rocket can be built and launched more often and can be deployed to undertake commercial missions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-space-agency-isro-launches-eos-08-satellite-with-sslv-d3-750558">India's space agency ISRO launches EOS-08 satellite with SSLV-D3</a></strong></p>

<p>SSLV had its maiden developmental flight in August 2022 and encountered a software-driven failure in its final minutes as it flew towards its designated orbit. SSLV tasted success in its second developmental flight that took place in February 2023. Friday's launch is the third and final in this&nbsp;series.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking after the successful launch mission, ISRO Chief Dr S.Somanath said that the EOS_08 satellite and the co-passenger were placed in a precise orbit with no deviations. He added that the SSLV development process is complete and the following step would be to Transfer the SSLV technology to the Indian industry and commence the serial production of the rocket. In due course, ISRO hopes to perform multiple launches with SSLV and turn it into a reliable workhorse rocket. From three developmental flights in three years, SSLV will now move to the operational phase, said SS Vinod, the Mission Director of SSLV-D3/EOS-08.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>SSLV - Small rocket aiming for a Big market</strong></h2>

<p>With the rapid advances in micro-electronics and computing technologies, satellites are getting smaller and lighter, while having increased capabilities. Be it academia, startups or national space agencies, small satellites have become easy to build and deploy in large numbers. From earth-imaging to beaming internet from space, small satellites are able to cater to a wide range of lucrative industries. It is amid the growing global demand for launching small satellites that ISRO has built the SSLV.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Indian space agency, ISRO, launches the third and final developmental flight of SSLV-D3/EOS-08 mission, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh<br />
<br />
Video: <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a><br />
<br />
READ MORE: <a href="https://t.co/YSydHXmu6c">https://t.co/YSydHXmu6c</a> <a href="https://t.co/0YyxRz8nAc">pic.twitter.com/0YyxRz8nAc</a></p>
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<p>ISRO says&nbsp;the SSLV can be assembled in less than a week and can be rapidly deployed for launch. Compare this with the heavier PSLV and GSLV rockets that take around 40 days to assemble and launch. Being a modern-day rocket, SSLV uses industry-friendly manufacturing processes. This would help Indian industries that&nbsp;would eventually be building SSLVs in large numbers for commercial launches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India knows well that it cannot (in the near future) compete in the global heavy-lift league of rocketry that is being dominated by SpaceX. Instead, ISRO is focussing on the lucrative small satellite launch market, by fielding the SSLV. Solid-fuelled rockets like the SSLV can also be manufactured and stored for long periods as they come with pre-filled fuel. Once the need arises, the rocket can be rapidly assembled and launched. This also makes it a strategic use asset, as such rockets can be used to place satellites in orbit, at short notice and amid&nbsp;crisis.</p>


At the end of a six-and-a-half hour countdown, at 9.17 am IST, India's Small Satellite Launch Vehicle(SSLV) rocket zoomed towards the skies in Sriharikota, for the third time in three years.

At the end of a six-and-a-half hour countdown, at 9.17 am IST, India's Small Satellite Launch Vehicle(SSLV) rocket zoomed towards the skies in Sriharikota, for the third time in three years. Barely 14 minutes after launch, the 120-ton rocket placed its primary payload, a 175kg 'EOS-08' earth-imaging satellite in an orbit that's 475kms above the earth, following which a privately-built secondary payload was ejected into orbit. This successful mission marked the third demonstration flight of India's newest and smallest rocket. The initial two or three flights of a rocket are known as developmental flights. These launches are meant to test and prove the crucial systems and technologies aboard the rocket. Once the developmental flights are accomplished, the rocket can be built and launched more often and can be deployed to undertake commercial missions. Also read | India's space agency ISRO launches EOS-08 satellite with SSLV-D3 SSLV had its maiden developmental flight in August 2022 and encountered a software-driven failure in its final minutes as it flew towards its designated orbit. SSLV tasted success in its second developmental flight that took place in February 2023. Friday's launch is the third and final in this series. Speaking after the successful launch mission, ISRO Chief Dr S.Somanath said that the EOS_08 satellite and the co-passenger were placed in a precise orbit with no deviations. He added that the SSLV development process is complete and the following step would be to Transfer the SSLV technology to the Indian industry and commence the serial production of the rocket. In due course, ISRO hopes to perform multiple launches with SSLV and turn it into a reliable workhorse rocket. From three developmental flights in three years, SSLV will now move to the operational phase, said SS Vinod, the Mission Director of SSLV-D3/EOS-08. SSLV - Small rocket aiming for a Big market With the rapid advances in micro-electronics and computing technologies, satellites are getting smaller and lighter, while having increased capabilities. Be it academia, startups or national space agencies, small satellites have become easy to build and deploy in large numbers. From earth-imaging to beaming internet from space, small satellites are able to cater to a wide range of lucrative industries. It is amid the growing global demand for launching small satellites that ISRO has built the SSLV. Indian space agency, ISRO, launches the third and final developmental flight of SSLV-D3/EOS-08 mission, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh Video: @isro READ MORE: https://t.co/YSydHXmu6c pic.twitter.com/0YyxRz8nAc — WION (@WIONews) August 16, 2024 × ISRO says the SSLV can be assembled in less than a week and can be rapidly deployed for launch. Compare this with the heavier PSLV and GSLV rockets that take around 40 days to assemble and launch. Being a modern-day rocket, SSLV uses industry-friendly manufacturing processes. This would help Indian industries that would eventually be building SSLVs in large numbers for commercial launches. India knows well that it cannot (in the near future) compete in the global heavy-lift league of rocketry that is being dominated by SpaceX. Instead, ISRO is focussing on the lucrative small satellite launch market, by fielding the SSLV. Solid-fuelled rockets like the SSLV can also be manufactured and stored for long periods as they come with pre-filled fuel. Once the need arises, the rocket can be rapidly assembled and launched. This also makes it a strategic use asset, as such rockets can be used to place satellites in orbit, at short notice and amid crisis.

After final development flight, small rocket SSLV now aims for big market

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<p>"When I stand here, I look at a young village boy. After having been a state topper in the science stream, I had no courage to write the IIT entrance examination...but I kept a dream to once graduate from such an institution. I had the fortune of completing my Masters degree from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore and now my PhD comes from IIT-Madras," said Indian&nbsp;space agency (ISRO)&nbsp;chief Dr S&nbsp;Somanath while reminiscing&nbsp;his humble journey, as he earned his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from IIT-Madras on Friday (Jul 19).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his stellar career that has spanned four decades, Dr Somanath has been conferred with multiple honorary doctorates, but the PhD from IIT-Madras is special, as this is a result of his determination to earn a doctorate in a subject close to his heart.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"I was a village boy... I was a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kerala</a> state topper in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/science?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#science</a> stream... But I did not have the courage to write <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IIT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IIT</a> entrance.. But I dreamt of graduating from such an institution" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> Chief Dr. SOMANATH, after earning his PhD in Mechanical <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Engineering?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Engineering</a> from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IITMadras?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IITMadras</a> <a href="https://t.co/IL7xyMPGq2">pic.twitter.com/IL7xyMPGq2</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1814281253622886501?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> Chief S. Somanath receives his PhD in Mechanical <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/engineering?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#engineering</a> from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IITMadras?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IITMadras</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chennai</a><br />
Aged 60+, ~40yr career, he is already is a recipient of multiple honorary doctorates and now he's earned a very special one...<br />
Congrats Dr. S. SOMANATH...<br />
What an inspiration! ❤️🚀🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/78gR0L0pyp">pic.twitter.com/78gR0L0pyp</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1814267039651094536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I joined here (IIT-M) as a student when I was doing the GSLV Mk3 rocket design and development. I got immersed in that. So, I couldn't further this task of completing my PhD. It's a good fortune that after assuming the office of chairman of ISRO, I could complete it and get graduated. It is really a great honour. I thank the Department of Space and ISRO, who sponsored me to study while working for the organization," Dr Somanath&nbsp;said in a short address after receiving his PhD at the 61st Convocation of IIT-M.</p>

<p>According to IIT-M, 2,636 students graduated on this occasion.</p>

<p>The ISRO chief thanked his mentors and research guides - Prof Shankar Krishnapillai, Prof Narayanan, and his close friend and colleague Dr Unnikrishnan Nair, who heads ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.</p>

<p>Notably, Dr Nair had also completed his PhD from IIT-Madras, and so did Dr Veeramuthuvel, project director of Chandrayaan-3.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/less-than-1-iitans-in-isro-iitans-dont-want-to-join-isro-chief-645276"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Less than 1% IITians in ISRO, they don't want to join: ISRO Chief Somanath</strong></a></p>

<p>While top officials of ISRO have completed their PhDs from IITs, it must also be remembered that IITians don't prefer to join the Indian space agency. Perceptions of low pay in the government-run ISRO, the style of functioning of government organisations, preference for corporate jobs, high-paying domains, and the lure of foreign employment are a few reasons that are said to deter IITians from pursuing careers at ISRO.</p>

<p>"Our (country's) best talents are supposed to be engineers from IITs. But, they are not joining ISRO. If we go and try to recruit from IIT, no one joins," Dr Somanath said in a television interview last year. He also mentioned that the Indian space agency was not getting the best of talent and that IITians comprise less than one&nbsp;per cent of those working at ISRO.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following the successful lunar soft-landing of India's Chandrayaan-3, parliamentarian from Thiruvananthapuram Dr&nbsp;Shashi Tharoor had said in the Lok Sabha: "If IITians went to Silicon Valley, CETans (alumni of College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram) took us to the moon."</p>

<p>He was referring to the alumni of unsung engineering colleges from various parts of India, and how such people from humble backgrounds worked on the Chandrayaan-3 mission and continue to work for several government-run science and technology organisations in India.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"I joined <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IITMadras?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IITMadras</a> as a student when I was designing &amp; developing India's largest rocket GSLV-Mk3..<br />
I was immersed in my work and couldn't proceed with PhD.. It's an honour that I've completed PhD while being <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> Chief..<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> Govt sponsored my PhD" Dr. SOMANATH <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chennai</a> <a href="https://t.co/KLMUgV5ACu">pic.twitter.com/KLMUgV5ACu</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1814284193129484428?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p>Referring to the exceptional cases of IITians joining ISRO, Dr Somanath said in a TV interview, "Few passionate IITians who think space is important, such people join."</p>

<p>Sharing an example of an ISRO team that went to recruit talent from an IIT, Dr Somanath mentioned that 60 per cent of students left the hall after seeing the highest pay that they could earn at the Indian government-run space agency.</p>

<p>"The career ambitions of those joining IITs are different."</p>

<p>While he said that ISRO was not attracting the best talent, the Indian space agency chief admitted that the organisation has adequate talent to carry out the work they are performing. He also referred to the diversity and vast availability of scientific talent in India, given the massive human resource pool.</p>


"When I stand here, I look at a young village boy. After having been a state topper in the science stream, I had no courage to write the IIT entrance examination.

"When I stand here, I look at a young village boy. After having been a state topper in the science stream, I had no courage to write the IIT entrance examination...but I kept a dream to once graduate from such an institution. I had the fortune of completing my Masters degree from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore and now my PhD comes from IIT-Madras," said Indian space agency (ISRO) chief Dr S Somanath while reminiscing his humble journey, as he earned his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from IIT-Madras on Friday (Jul 19). In his stellar career that has spanned four decades, Dr Somanath has been conferred with multiple honorary doctorates, but the PhD from IIT-Madras is special, as this is a result of his determination to earn a doctorate in a subject close to his heart. "I was a village boy... I was a #kerala state topper in the #science stream... But I did not have the courage to write #IIT entrance.. But I dreamt of graduating from such an institution" #isro Chief Dr. SOMANATH, after earning his PhD in Mechanical #Engineering from #IITMadras pic.twitter.com/IL7xyMPGq2 — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) July 19, 2024 × #ISRO Chief S. Somanath receives his PhD in Mechanical #engineering from #IITMadras #chennai Aged 60+, ~40yr career, he is already is a recipient of multiple honorary doctorates and now he's earned a very special one... Congrats Dr. S. SOMANATH... What an inspiration! ❤️🚀🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/78gR0L0pyp — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) July 19, 2024 × "I joined here (IIT-M) as a student when I was doing the GSLV Mk3 rocket design and development. I got immersed in that. So, I couldn't further this task of completing my PhD. It's a good fortune that after assuming the office of chairman of ISRO, I could complete it and get graduated. It is really a great honour. I thank the Department of Space and ISRO, who sponsored me to study while working for the organization," Dr Somanath said in a short address after receiving his PhD at the 61st Convocation of IIT-M. According to IIT-M, 2,636 students graduated on this occasion. The ISRO chief thanked his mentors and research guides - Prof Shankar Krishnapillai, Prof Narayanan, and his close friend and colleague Dr Unnikrishnan Nair, who heads ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. Notably, Dr Nair had also completed his PhD from IIT-Madras, and so did Dr Veeramuthuvel, project director of Chandrayaan-3. Also read | Less than 1% IITians in ISRO, they don't want to join: ISRO Chief Somanath While top officials of ISRO have completed their PhDs from IITs, it must also be remembered that IITians don't prefer to join the Indian space agency. Perceptions of low pay in the government-run ISRO, the style of functioning of government organisations, preference for corporate jobs, high-paying domains, and the lure of foreign employment are a few reasons that are said to deter IITians from pursuing careers at ISRO. "Our (country's) best talents are supposed to be engineers from IITs. But, they are not joining ISRO. If we go and try to recruit from IIT, no one joins," Dr Somanath said in a television interview last year. He also mentioned that the Indian space agency was not getting the best of talent and that IITians comprise less than one per cent of those working at ISRO. Following the successful lunar soft-landing of India's Chandrayaan-3, parliamentarian from Thiruvananthapuram Dr Shashi Tharoor had said in the Lok Sabha: "If IITians went to Silicon Valley, CETans (alumni of College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram) took us to the moon." He was referring to the alumni of unsung engineering colleges from various parts of India, and how such people from humble backgrounds worked on the Chandrayaan-3 mission and continue to work for several government-run science and technology organisations in India. "I joined #IITMadras as a student when I was designing & developing India's largest rocket GSLV-Mk3.. I was immersed in my work and couldn't proceed with PhD.. It's an honour that I've completed PhD while being #isro Chief..#Indian Govt sponsored my PhD" Dr. SOMANATH #chennai pic.twitter.com/KLMUgV5ACu — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) July 19, 2024 × Referring to the exceptional cases of IITians joining ISRO, Dr Somanath said in a TV interview, "Few passionate IITians who think space is important, such people join." Sharing an example of an ISRO team that went to recruit talent from an IIT, Dr Somanath mentioned that 60 per cent of students left the hall after seeing the highest pay that they could earn at the Indian government-run space agency. "The career ambitions of those joining IITs are different." While he said that ISRO was not attracting the best talent, the Indian space agency chief admitted that the organisation has adequate talent to carry out the work they are performing. He also referred to the diversity and vast availability of scientific talent in India, given the massive human resource pool.

Village boy to ISRO chief to IIT PhD: The inspirational journey of Dr S Somanath

In a span of 15 months, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has completed all three autonomous landing tests of its spaceplane 'Pushpak' at the Aeronautical Test Range, Chitradurga, Karnataka.

Big landmark for India's space capabilities, Pushpak's landing sets stage for orbital test

ISRO achieves final landing tests; Pushpak, India's unmanned space plane, makes key breakthrough

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidmlIjIfFwXIr7" />The Indian space agency ISRO will soon be able to triple the number of launches of its largest rocket LVM3 - going from a maximum of two LVM3 launches a year, to six launches a year. This is significant, given that ISRO performs just about 10 launches in a calendar year, using its entire existing fleet of four rockets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The possible increase in launch capability is a result of the Government-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) scaling up its manufacturing facilities that cater large components for the three-stage, 640-tonne rocket, which India uses to launch 4-tonne class communication satellites and commercial missions involving dozens of small satellites that are part of large constellations.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Space</a> agency <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> can soon go from 2 launches/yr of largest 🚀 LVM3 to 6 🚀/yr, thanks to capacity scale up at Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd<br />
Propellant tank Production, CNC machining facilities inaugurated today in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengaluru?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bengaluru</a> by IDRO Chief &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/HALHQBLR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HALHQBLR</a> offcls<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tech</a><br />
Thread: <a href="https://t.co/ABUVZz2Tmc">pic.twitter.com/ABUVZz2Tmc</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1798316298499444816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Wednesday, in Bengaluru, in the presence of top officials from HAL and the space agency, ISRO Chief Dr S. Somanath inaugurated the HAL Aerospace Division facilities that make the fuel tanks and precision components for the LVM3 rocket. HAL will play a larger role in ISRO's future missions and must focus on emerging technologies, designing challenges, and taking up end-to-end tasks to ease pressure on ISRO, he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>CB Ananthakrishnan, the Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, said that the ongoing collaboration between ISRO and HAL will accelerate India's human spaceflight missions and the development of Next-Generation launch vehicles. "The day is not far off when Space becomes an important vertical of HAL," he added. HAL is predominantly a maker of aircraft and helicopters that are operated by the Indian Armed Forces. HAL is responsible for delivering both Indian-origin military aviation platforms and licence-built foreign ones.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Of the newly inaugurated facilities, the Propellant Tank Production Facility would specialize in the manufacturing of fuel and oxidizer tanks for the LVM3 launch vehicle. These tanks measure 4 metres in diameter&nbsp;and 15 metres in length.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiY1vPMgMWGAxWhSWwGHQyjBkkQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-begins-countdown-for-launch-of-pslv-c58-to-study-black-holes-neutron-stars-675176" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-begins-countdown-for-launch-of-pslv-c58-to-study-black-holes-neutron-stars-675176&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiY1vPMgMWGAxWhSWwGHQyjBkkQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">ISRO begins countdown for launch of PSLV-C58XPoSat, to study black holes, neutron stars</a></strong></p>

<p>The Computer Numerical Control (CNC) facility houses machines that can handle high-precision fabrication of 4.5-metre rings and fuel tank domes for the LVM3 rocket. It is common for ISRO to source thousands of pieces of rocket hardware from the Indian industry, be it private ones or&nbsp;government-run ones. ISRO has been following this approach to ensure that they can source components faster from the industry and thereby carry out more launches per year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiY1vPMgMWGAxWhSWwGHQyjBkkQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-delayed-chandrayaan-3s-launch-by-four-seconds-to-avoid-massive-collision-in-space-716278" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-delayed-chandrayaan-3s-launch-by-four-seconds-to-avoid-massive-collision-in-space-716278&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiY1vPMgMWGAxWhSWwGHQyjBkkQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">ISRO delayed Chandrayaan-3's launch by four seconds to avoid massive collision in space</a></strong></p>

<p>Taking this further, ISRO is also completely outsourcing the building of rockets to the Indian industry. As part of this, a consortium of L&amp;T and HAL would be entirely building five PSLV rockets and offering them to ISRO in a ready-to-launch condition. In the long run, ISRO hopes to outsource routine activities (building of an existing fleet of rockets) to the industry and use its resources to focus on the core Research and Development work. This approach also offers opportunities for industry and helps establish a space ecosystem in the country and expands the space economy.&nbsp;</p>


The Indian space agency ISRO will soon be able to triple the number of launches of its largest rocket LVM3 - going from a maximum of two LVM3 launches a year, to six launches a year.

The Indian space agency ISRO will soon be able to triple the number of launches of its largest rocket LVM3 - going from a maximum of two LVM3 launches a year, to six launches a year. This is significant, given that ISRO performs just about 10 launches in a calendar year, using its entire existing fleet of four rockets. The possible increase in launch capability is a result of the Government-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) scaling up its manufacturing facilities that cater large components for the three-stage, 640-tonne rocket, which India uses to launch 4-tonne class communication satellites and commercial missions involving dozens of small satellites that are part of large constellations. 🇮🇳 #Space agency #isro can soon go from 2 launches/yr of largest 🚀 LVM3 to 6 🚀/yr, thanks to capacity scale up at Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd Propellant tank Production, CNC machining facilities inaugurated today in #Bengaluru by IDRO Chief & @HALHQBLR offcls#tech Thread: pic.twitter.com/ABUVZz2Tmc — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) June 5, 2024 × On Wednesday, in Bengaluru, in the presence of top officials from HAL and the space agency, ISRO Chief Dr S. Somanath inaugurated the HAL Aerospace Division facilities that make the fuel tanks and precision components for the LVM3 rocket. HAL will play a larger role in ISRO's future missions and must focus on emerging technologies, designing challenges, and taking up end-to-end tasks to ease pressure on ISRO, he said. CB Ananthakrishnan, the Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, said that the ongoing collaboration between ISRO and HAL will accelerate India's human spaceflight missions and the development of Next-Generation launch vehicles. "The day is not far off when Space becomes an important vertical of HAL," he added. HAL is predominantly a maker of aircraft and helicopters that are operated by the Indian Armed Forces. HAL is responsible for delivering both Indian-origin military aviation platforms and licence-built foreign ones. Of the newly inaugurated facilities, the Propellant Tank Production Facility would specialize in the manufacturing of fuel and oxidizer tanks for the LVM3 launch vehicle. These tanks measure 4 metres in diameter and 15 metres in length. Also read: ISRO begins countdown for launch of PSLV-C58XPoSat, to study black holes, neutron stars The Computer Numerical Control (CNC) facility houses machines that can handle high-precision fabrication of 4.5-metre rings and fuel tank domes for the LVM3 rocket. It is common for ISRO to source thousands of pieces of rocket hardware from the Indian industry, be it private ones or government-run ones. ISRO has been following this approach to ensure that they can source components faster from the industry and thereby carry out more launches per year. Also read: ISRO delayed Chandrayaan-3's launch by four seconds to avoid massive collision in space Taking this further, ISRO is also completely outsourcing the building of rockets to the Indian industry. As part of this, a consortium of L&T and HAL would be entirely building five PSLV rockets and offering them to ISRO in a ready-to-launch condition. In the long run, ISRO hopes to outsource routine activities (building of an existing fleet of rockets) to the industry and use its resources to focus on the core Research and Development work. This approach also offers opportunities for industry and helps establish a space ecosystem in the country and expands the space economy.

ISRO gears up for 6 launches per year of its largest rocket LVM3

<p>Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Tuesday (February 13) announced that the X-ray Polarimeter (POLIX) onboard its XPoSat satellite has begun making observations and collecting data. The XPoSat was launched on January 1, 2024. The satellite is India first dedicated piece of space tech aimed at observing X-ray emissions from celestial bodies like black holes, pulsars, neutron stars and more.</p>

<p>ISRO said that POLIX has made observations that have enabled creation of pulse profile of a pulsar.</p>

<p>A pulsar is highly magnetised neutron star which spins around itself at a very high rate. As it spins, it emits beams of electromagnetic radiation.</p>

<p>XPoSat observed the Crab pulsar, located near the centre of Crab Nebula. The observations were made between January 15-18, 2024.</p>

<h2><strong>What did XPoSat observe?</strong></h2>

<p>It is known that the Crab pulsar rotates around its axis 30 times per second. As it spins, it emits X-rays in frequencies.</p>

<p>POLIX observed the emission of these X-rays and created data that was used to make a pulse profile of the Crab pulsar.</p>

<p>"The plot illustrates the time window of X-rays scattered by the Beryllium scatterer inside POLIX, originally emitted from the Crab pulsar. This plot represents the first of its kind in this energy range," said ISRO.</p>

<h2><strong>Why is XPoSat observation important?</strong></h2>

<p>ISRO has said that the very first observations made by POLIX onboard XPoSat are important as they showcase the mission's functionality and readiness for investigating pulsars, black holes and other cosmic sources of X-rays.</p>

<p>"POLIX is poised to offer unique insights and contribute to understanding the physical processes associated with Astronomical X-ray sources," says ISRO.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/for-first-time-scientists-found-traces-of-water-on-the-surface-of-an-asteroid-690198">For the first time, scientists found traces of water on the surface of an asteroid</a></strong></p>

<p>POLIX was designed and developed at Raman Research Institute in Bengaluru with support from the Indian industry.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/alien-life-existed-near-ancient-mile-deep-lake-active-volcanoes-on-mars-scientists-suggest-so-689875">Alien life existed near ancient mile-deep lake, active volcanoes on Mars? Scientists suggest so</a></strong></p>

<p>We will hear more from ISRO soon as XSPECT, the other instrument onboard XPoSat is gearing up and is ready for observations.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Tuesday (February 13) announced that the X-ray Polarimeter (POLIX) onboard its XPoSat satellite has begun making observations and collecting data.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Tuesday (February 13) announced that the X-ray Polarimeter (POLIX) onboard its XPoSat satellite has begun making observations and collecting data. The XPoSat was launched on January 1, 2024. The satellite is India first dedicated piece of space tech aimed at observing X-ray emissions from celestial bodies like black holes, pulsars, neutron stars and more. ISRO said that POLIX has made observations that have enabled creation of pulse profile of a pulsar. A pulsar is highly magnetised neutron star which spins around itself at a very high rate. As it spins, it emits beams of electromagnetic radiation. XPoSat observed the Crab pulsar, located near the centre of Crab Nebula. The observations were made between January 15-18, 2024. What did XPoSat observe? It is known that the Crab pulsar rotates around its axis 30 times per second. As it spins, it emits X-rays in frequencies. POLIX observed the emission of these X-rays and created data that was used to make a pulse profile of the Crab pulsar. "The plot illustrates the time window of X-rays scattered by the Beryllium scatterer inside POLIX, originally emitted from the Crab pulsar. This plot represents the first of its kind in this energy range," said ISRO. Why is XPoSat observation important? ISRO has said that the very first observations made by POLIX onboard XPoSat are important as they showcase the mission's functionality and readiness for investigating pulsars, black holes and other cosmic sources of X-rays. "POLIX is poised to offer unique insights and contribute to understanding the physical processes associated with Astronomical X-ray sources," says ISRO. Also Read | For the first time, scientists found traces of water on the surface of an asteroid POLIX was designed and developed at Raman Research Institute in Bengaluru with support from the Indian industry. Also Read | Alien life existed near ancient mile-deep lake, active volcanoes on Mars? Scientists suggest so We will hear more from ISRO soon as XSPECT, the other instrument onboard XPoSat is gearing up and is ready for observations. (With inputs from agencies)

XPoSat begins space observations, ISRO releases data from first find

After the stunning success of Chandrayaan-3 India is planning to build a space station in the next 20 to 25 years. The chief of India's space agency ISRO, S. Somanath made the announcement. He said India is planning to build a space station by 2050 along with crewed missions.

Gravitas: Battle for supremacy in space

<p>Nine years after its wildly successful Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), aka Mangalyaan, India is preparing to send another spacecraft to the red planet.</p>

<p>This was reported by Hindustan Times (HT) citing officials from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).</p>

<h2><strong>MOM-2</strong></h2>

<p>The Mars Orbiter Mission-2 or MOM-2 would reportedly carry four payloads. As per documents assessed by the news outlet, these payloads would contain scientific instruments that will study aspects of the barren planet, including interplanetary dust, the Martian atmosphere and the environment.</p>

<p>According to the mission document, payloads will include: a Mars Orbit Dust Experiment (MODEX), a Radio Occultation (RO) experiment, an Energetic Ion Spectrometer (EIS) and a Langmuir Probe and Electric Field Experiment (LPEX).</p>

<p>Speaking on condition of anonymity, an ISRO official told HT that "all of these payloads are in different stages of development."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/how-pslv-rocket-tech-led-to-missile-tech-former-isro-chairman-madhavan-nair-recalls-640555">How PSLV rocket research led to missile development: Former ISRO chairman Madhavan Nair recalls</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Functions of individual payloads</strong></h2>

<p>Of the payloads, MODEX will help understand the origin, abundance, distribution, and flux at high altitudes on Mars.</p>

<p>"There are no measurements of Interplanetary Dust Particles (IDPs) at Mars. The instrument can detect particles of size from a few hundred nm to few µm, travelling at hypervelocity (&gt; 1 km/s). The outcomes can help explain the dust flux at Mars, whether there is any ring (as hypothesized) around Mars and also confirm whether the dust is interplanetary or coming from Phobos or Deimos (the two moons of Mars). The study of dust can help explain the RO experiment results," said the mission document.</p>

<p>Radio Occultation instrument will measure neutral and electron density profiles, reports HT. It will help understand the behaviour of the planet's atmosphere.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-moonshot-plans-involve-making-human-settlements-by-2040-641690">NASA's moonshot plans involve making human settlements by 2040</a></strong></p>

<p>Energetic Ion Spectrometer (EIS) will help the space agency characterise solar energy and supra-thermal solar wind particles in the Martian environment. This particular instrument will also aid in our understanding of the red planet's loss of its atmosphere&nbsp;aeons ago.</p>

<p>Finally, the Langmuir Probe and Electric Field Experiment (LPEX) will enable the measurement of electron number density, electron temperature and electric field waves — which will give a better picture of the plasma environment on Mars.</p>

<p>The previous Mangalyaan mission was India's first interplanetary mission, which made the nation only the fourth country to achieve Mars orbit, after Russia's ROSCOSMOS, the US's NASA and the European Space Agency.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Nine years after its wildly successful Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), aka Mangalyaan, India is preparing to send another spacecraft to the red planet. This was reported by Hindustan Times (HT) citing officials from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Nine years after its wildly successful Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), aka Mangalyaan, India is preparing to send another spacecraft to the red planet. This was reported by Hindustan Times (HT) citing officials from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). MOM-2 The Mars Orbiter Mission-2 or MOM-2 would reportedly carry four payloads. As per documents assessed by the news outlet, these payloads would contain scientific instruments that will study aspects of the barren planet, including interplanetary dust, the Martian atmosphere and the environment. According to the mission document, payloads will include: a Mars Orbit Dust Experiment (MODEX), a Radio Occultation (RO) experiment, an Energetic Ion Spectrometer (EIS) and a Langmuir Probe and Electric Field Experiment (LPEX). Speaking on condition of anonymity, an ISRO official told HT that "all of these payloads are in different stages of development." Also read | How PSLV rocket research led to missile development: Former ISRO chairman Madhavan Nair recalls Functions of individual payloads Of the payloads, MODEX will help understand the origin, abundance, distribution, and flux at high altitudes on Mars. "There are no measurements of Interplanetary Dust Particles (IDPs) at Mars. The instrument can detect particles of size from a few hundred nm to few µm, travelling at hypervelocity (> 1 km/s). The outcomes can help explain the dust flux at Mars, whether there is any ring (as hypothesized) around Mars and also confirm whether the dust is interplanetary or coming from Phobos or Deimos (the two moons of Mars). The study of dust can help explain the RO experiment results," said the mission document. Radio Occultation instrument will measure neutral and electron density profiles, reports HT. It will help understand the behaviour of the planet's atmosphere. Also read | NASA's moonshot plans involve making human settlements by 2040 Energetic Ion Spectrometer (EIS) will help the space agency characterise solar energy and supra-thermal solar wind particles in the Martian environment. This particular instrument will also aid in our understanding of the red planet's loss of its atmosphere aeons ago. Finally, the Langmuir Probe and Electric Field Experiment (LPEX) will enable the measurement of electron number density, electron temperature and electric field waves — which will give a better picture of the plasma environment on Mars. The previous Mangalyaan mission was India's first interplanetary mission, which made the nation only the fourth country to achieve Mars orbit, after Russia's ROSCOSMOS, the US's NASA and the European Space Agency. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India once again sets sights on Mars, readies to launch Mangalyaan-2

<p>It’s bedtime for India’s rover ‘Pragyan’ after having explored the lunar surface for a good 10 days and completing all of its assignments.</p>

<p>“Hoping for a successful awakening for another set of assignments! Else, it will forever stay there as India's lunar ambassador,” India’s space agency ISRO said in a post on X. The Chandrayaan-3 rover is now safely parked on the lunar surface and set into sleep mode as harsh lunar night arrives on the horizon.</p>

<p>“Chandrayaan-3 Mission: The Rover completed its assignments. It is now safely parked and set into Sleep mode. APXS and LIBS payloads are turned off. Data from these payloads is transmitted to the Earth via the Lander,” the space agency posted on X.</p>

<h2><strong>The next focus</strong></h2>

<p>ISRO’s next focus is to revive the mission once the next lunar day begins on September 22. Its battery is fully charged and its solar panels are aligned in a way to help it receive solar light.</p>

<p>“Currently, the battery is fully charged .The solar panel is oriented to receive the light at the next sunrise expected on September 22, 2023. The receiver is kept on. Hoping for a successful awakening for another set of assignments! Else, it will forever stay there as India’s lunar ambassador,” the ISRO posted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-what-will-isro-study-in-aditya-l1-mission-as-it-aims-for-the-sun-630471"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Explained | What will ISRO study in Aditya-L1 mission as it aims for the Sun</strong></a></p>

<p>ISRO earlier said that the Pragyan rover traversed over 100 metres after rolling out of the Vikram lander around 10 days ago.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why revival is so difficult?</strong></h2>

<p>Once the Sun sets, the temperature at the lunar surface can plunge as below as minus 200 degree&nbsp;Celsius.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The temperature there goes down to -200 minus degrees. In such an environment, there is no guarantee that the battery, electronics will survive, but we did some tests and we get the feeling that they will survive even in such harsh conditions,” S Somnath, ISRO chairman, said.</p>

<h2><strong>What are the assignments done so far?</strong></h2>

<p>So far, Pragyan has confirmed the presence of sulphur on the Moon's south pole. It has also detected other elements such as aluminum, silicon, oxygen, and manganese, which can really help research efforts on our home planet.</p>

<p>Additionally, the lander also recorded a “natural event” on the Moon on August 26, details of which will be released by the ISRO upon investigation.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Aditya-L1: Days after Lunar landing, ISRO to take first step to the sun</strong></p>

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<p>In another statement posted on X, ISRO said, “In-situ Scientific Experiments Instrument for the Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) payload on Chandrayaan 3 Lander -- the first Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology-based instrument on the moon -- has recorded the movements of Rover and other payloads.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Additionally, it has recorded an event, appearing to be a natural one, on August 26, 2023. The source of this event is under investigation,” the statement added.</p>

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It’s bedtime for India’s rover ‘Pragyan’ after having explored the lunar surface for a good 10 days and completing all of its assignments. “Hoping for a successful awakening for another set of assignments!

It’s bedtime for India’s rover ‘Pragyan’ after having explored the lunar surface for a good 10 days and completing all of its assignments. “Hoping for a successful awakening for another set of assignments! Else, it will forever stay there as India's lunar ambassador,” India’s space agency ISRO said in a post on X. The Chandrayaan-3 rover is now safely parked on the lunar surface and set into sleep mode as harsh lunar night arrives on the horizon. “Chandrayaan-3 Mission: The Rover completed its assignments. It is now safely parked and set into Sleep mode. APXS and LIBS payloads are turned off. Data from these payloads is transmitted to the Earth via the Lander,” the space agency posted on X. The next focus ISRO’s next focus is to revive the mission once the next lunar day begins on September 22. Its battery is fully charged and its solar panels are aligned in a way to help it receive solar light. “Currently, the battery is fully charged .The solar panel is oriented to receive the light at the next sunrise expected on September 22, 2023. The receiver is kept on. Hoping for a successful awakening for another set of assignments! Else, it will forever stay there as India’s lunar ambassador,” the ISRO posted. Also read: Explained | What will ISRO study in Aditya-L1 mission as it aims for the Sun ISRO earlier said that the Pragyan rover traversed over 100 metres after rolling out of the Vikram lander around 10 days ago. Why revival is so difficult? Once the Sun sets, the temperature at the lunar surface can plunge as below as minus 200 degree Celsius. “The temperature there goes down to -200 minus degrees. In such an environment, there is no guarantee that the battery, electronics will survive, but we did some tests and we get the feeling that they will survive even in such harsh conditions,” S Somnath, ISRO chairman, said. What are the assignments done so far? So far, Pragyan has confirmed the presence of sulphur on the Moon's south pole. It has also detected other elements such as aluminum, silicon, oxygen, and manganese, which can really help research efforts on our home planet. Additionally, the lander also recorded a “natural event” on the Moon on August 26, details of which will be released by the ISRO upon investigation.” Watch: Aditya-L1: Days after Lunar landing, ISRO to take first step to the sun × In another statement posted on X, ISRO said, “In-situ Scientific Experiments Instrument for the Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) payload on Chandrayaan 3 Lander -- the first Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology-based instrument on the moon -- has recorded the movements of Rover and other payloads.” “Additionally, it has recorded an event, appearing to be a natural one, on August 26, 2023. The source of this event is under investigation,” the statement added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Bedtime for Pragyan rover as Sun sets on Moon, here are its remarkable findings

<p>The moon is in the news these days. Just last week, on August 23rd (Wednesday), India made history by becoming the first nation to successfully land a spacecraft on the South Pole of the moon.</p>

<p>Just two days after India achieved the historic milestone with the landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar surface, an entrepreneur, and educator from Jammu and Kashmir made a unique purchase: land on the Moon.</p>

<h2><strong>The man who owns a piece of Moon</strong></h2>

<p>Rupesh Masson is a 49-year-old businessman from Jammu and Kashmir. Masson as per the Mint, also serves as the regional director of UCMAS for Jammu and Kashmir and Leh.</p>

<p>Talking to Hindustan Times (HT), Masson shared the details of his lunar property. He revealed that he has purchased land on "Luna Earths Moon, Tract 55-Parcel 10772 known as Lacus Felicitatis (Lake of Happiness)."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-3-pragyan-completes-7-days-on-moon-isro-chief-says-everything-is-working-fine-630988">Chandrayaan-3: ‘Pragyan’ completes 7 days on moon, ISRO chief says ‘everything is working fine’</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Why buy land on the Moon?</strong></h2>

<p>Masson told HT that the idea behind buying a plot on the Moon was linked to humanity's inherent curiosity about what lies out there.</p>

<p>"Ideas of occupying space on the moon are a reflection of our quest to see what lies beyond, which is itself a reflection of our quest for deeper meaning within ourselves," he said.</p>

<p>This lunar property was purchased from The Lunar Registry in New York City and was officially certified on August 25, according to Masson.</p>

<p>He said that the Moon represents a symbol of hope for the future and could also serve as a psychological escape hatch for humans facing the challenges of climate change.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isros-latest-video-shows-chandrayaan-3-rover-pragyan-frolicking-in-the-yards-of-chandamama-watch-630900">Chandrayaan-3 rover Pragyan 'frolicking in the yards of Chandamama'. Watch!</a></strong></p>

<p>Masson believes that owning land on the Moon can provide a sense of preparedness for an uncertain future.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also noted that approximately 675 celebrities and three former US presidents also own extraterrestrial land on the Moon and other planets.</p>

<h2><strong>Can I buy land on the Moon?</strong></h2>

<p>Yes, anyone can buy land on the moon. To do that, you can, like Masson, opt to buy plots from organisations like the Lunar Registry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Currently, the price of a plot at Lacus Felicitatis — where Masson purchased land — is $29.07 per acre (₹2,405 per acre), as listed on the Lunar Registry website.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are other locations, like the Sea of Rains and the Bay of Rainbows on the Moon, where land is available for purchase.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, you will have to get in the queue. The success of India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission appears to have contributed to increased interest in purchasing lunar land.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Lunar Registry has reported a surge in orders following Chandrayaan-3's successful landing. Due to high demand, the company is facing delays in processing and fulfilling land ownership documents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Due to extremely high order volume following the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3, we are currently experiencing lengthy processing and fulfilment delays," said the company on its website.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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The moon is in the news these days. Just last week, on August 23rd (Wednesday), India made history by becoming the first nation to successfully land a spacecraft on the South Pole of the moon.

The moon is in the news these days. Just last week, on August 23rd (Wednesday), India made history by becoming the first nation to successfully land a spacecraft on the South Pole of the moon. Just two days after India achieved the historic milestone with the landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar surface, an entrepreneur, and educator from Jammu and Kashmir made a unique purchase: land on the Moon. The man who owns a piece of Moon Rupesh Masson is a 49-year-old businessman from Jammu and Kashmir. Masson as per the Mint, also serves as the regional director of UCMAS for Jammu and Kashmir and Leh. Talking to Hindustan Times (HT), Masson shared the details of his lunar property. He revealed that he has purchased land on "Luna Earths Moon, Tract 55-Parcel 10772 known as Lacus Felicitatis (Lake of Happiness)." Also read | Chandrayaan-3: ‘Pragyan’ completes 7 days on moon, ISRO chief says ‘everything is working fine’ Why buy land on the Moon? Masson told HT that the idea behind buying a plot on the Moon was linked to humanity's inherent curiosity about what lies out there. "Ideas of occupying space on the moon are a reflection of our quest to see what lies beyond, which is itself a reflection of our quest for deeper meaning within ourselves," he said. This lunar property was purchased from The Lunar Registry in New York City and was officially certified on August 25, according to Masson. He said that the Moon represents a symbol of hope for the future and could also serve as a psychological escape hatch for humans facing the challenges of climate change. Also read | Chandrayaan-3 rover Pragyan 'frolicking in the yards of Chandamama'. Watch! Masson believes that owning land on the Moon can provide a sense of preparedness for an uncertain future. He also noted that approximately 675 celebrities and three former US presidents also own extraterrestrial land on the Moon and other planets. Can I buy land on the Moon? Yes, anyone can buy land on the moon. To do that, you can, like Masson, opt to buy plots from organisations like the Lunar Registry. Currently, the price of a plot at Lacus Felicitatis — where Masson purchased land — is $29.07 per acre (₹2,405 per acre), as listed on the Lunar Registry website. There are other locations, like the Sea of Rains and the Bay of Rainbows on the Moon, where land is available for purchase. However, you will have to get in the queue. The success of India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission appears to have contributed to increased interest in purchasing lunar land. The Lunar Registry has reported a surge in orders following Chandrayaan-3's successful landing. Due to high demand, the company is facing delays in processing and fulfilling land ownership documents. "Due to extremely high order volume following the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3, we are currently experiencing lengthy processing and fulfilment delays," said the company on its website. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian man buys land on Moon. Here's how you can also own a piece of the celestial body

<p>The Indian space agency on Thursday (August 31st) released a new video of Chandrayaan-3's rover 'Pragyan' being rotated on the lunar surface.</p>

<p>Pragyan was rotated remotely from the command centre in India's Bengaluru. This was done in search of a route that avoids craters and rocks on the moon's surface.</p>

<h2><strong>Chandamama</strong></h2>

<p>Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said: "The rover was rotated in search of a safe route. The rotation was captured by a Lander Imager Camera."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/smile-please-chandrayaan-3s-pragyan-rover-shares-first-image-of-vikram-lander-after-successful-landing-630496">Smile, please! Chandrayaan-3's Pragyan Rover shares first image of Vikram Lander on lunar surface</a></strong></p>

<p>Comparing the sight with that of a frolicking child, the Indian space agency said:&nbsp;"It feels as though a child is playfully frolicking in the yards of Chandamama, while the mother watches affectionately.&nbsp;Isn't it?"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chandrayaan-3 Mission:<br />
The rover was rotated in search of a safe route. The rotation was captured by a Lander Imager Camera.<br />
<br />
It feels as though a child is playfully frolicking in the yards of Chandamama, while the mother watches affectionately.<br />
Isn't it?🙂 <a href="https://t.co/w5FwFZzDMp">pic.twitter.com/w5FwFZzDMp</a></p>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1697156752641536030?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The latest update on India's moon mission comes just a day after ISRO announced that&nbsp;the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer of&nbsp;Pragyan&nbsp;— which means "wisdom" in Sanskrit — has discovered the presence of minor elements, including Sulphur, apart from the expected elements such as Aluminum, Silicon, Calcium, Iron.</p>

<h2><strong>Chandrayaan-3 mission</strong></h2>

<p>Chandrayaan-3 mission has made the India&nbsp;the first nation to land a spacecraft on the unexplored South Pole of the moon and just the fourth nation to land on Earth's lunar satellite. The Wednesday (August 23)&nbsp;landing came just days after Russia's Luna-25 failed in a similar mission.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-completes-launch-rehearsal-of-saturdays-sun-mission-aditya-l1-630519">ISRO completes rehearsal of Sun mission Aditya-L1’s Saturday launch</a></strong></p>

<p>The soft, textbook landing of the lander, following an unsuccessful attempt in 2019 — that failed during final descent, was met with immense joy and celebration in the world's most populous nation. India's media widely acclaimed this historic achievement as India's greatest scientific accomplishment.</p>

<p>The rover and Vikram, the lander that transported Pragyan to the Moon, are rushing to complete their experiments before the upcoming lunar night, which spans 14 Earth days and is expected to commence next week.&nbsp;Over the period of its two-week lifespan, rover Pragyan will amble around the relatively unmapped South Pole and transmit images and scientific data to Earth.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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The Indian space agency on Thursday (August 31st) released a new video of Chandrayaan-3's rover 'Pragyan' being rotated on the lunar surface. Pragyan was rotated remotely from the command centre in India's Bengaluru.

The Indian space agency on Thursday (August 31st) released a new video of Chandrayaan-3's rover 'Pragyan' being rotated on the lunar surface. Pragyan was rotated remotely from the command centre in India's Bengaluru. This was done in search of a route that avoids craters and rocks on the moon's surface. Chandamama Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said: "The rover was rotated in search of a safe route. The rotation was captured by a Lander Imager Camera." Also read | Smile, please! Chandrayaan-3's Pragyan Rover shares first image of Vikram Lander on lunar surface Comparing the sight with that of a frolicking child, the Indian space agency said: "It feels as though a child is playfully frolicking in the yards of Chandamama, while the mother watches affectionately. Isn't it?" Chandrayaan-3 Mission: The rover was rotated in search of a safe route. The rotation was captured by a Lander Imager Camera. It feels as though a child is playfully frolicking in the yards of Chandamama, while the mother watches affectionately. Isn't it?🙂 pic.twitter.com/w5FwFZzDMp — ISRO (@isro) August 31, 2023 × The latest update on India's moon mission comes just a day after ISRO announced that the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer of Pragyan — which means "wisdom" in Sanskrit — has discovered the presence of minor elements, including Sulphur, apart from the expected elements such as Aluminum, Silicon, Calcium, Iron. Chandrayaan-3 mission Chandrayaan-3 mission has made the India the first nation to land a spacecraft on the unexplored South Pole of the moon and just the fourth nation to land on Earth's lunar satellite. The Wednesday (August 23) landing came just days after Russia's Luna-25 failed in a similar mission. Also read | ISRO completes rehearsal of Sun mission Aditya-L1’s Saturday launch The soft, textbook landing of the lander, following an unsuccessful attempt in 2019 — that failed during final descent, was met with immense joy and celebration in the world's most populous nation. India's media widely acclaimed this historic achievement as India's greatest scientific accomplishment. The rover and Vikram, the lander that transported Pragyan to the Moon, are rushing to complete their experiments before the upcoming lunar night, which spans 14 Earth days and is expected to commence next week. Over the period of its two-week lifespan, rover Pragyan will amble around the relatively unmapped South Pole and transmit images and scientific data to Earth. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chandrayaan-3 rover Pragyan 'frolicking in the yards of Chandamama'. Watch!

<p>As the Pragyan rover, which is part of India's ambitious lunar mission Chandrayaan-3, concludes its first week on the moon's surface, S Somanath, the head of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), informed reporters that all systems on the spacecraft were working well.</p>

<p>Speaking to the press, the ISRO&nbsp;chairperson said: "Everything is working fine... All the data is coming through very well. Everything is working well. We are hopeful that by the end of 14 days, our mission will be successfully completed."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isros-latest-video-shows-chandrayaan-3-rover-pragyan-frolicking-in-the-yards-of-chandamama-watch-630900">Chandrayaan-3 rover Pragyan 'frolicking in the yards of Chandamama'. Watch!</a></strong></p>

<p>Here's what he said. Listen in!</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | "Everything is working fine, and we are hopeful that by the end of 14 days, our mission will be successfully completed," says ISRO chairman S Somanath on Chandrayaan-3.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chandrayaan3Success?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chandrayaan3Success</a> <a href="https://t.co/zAsGzHI9TQ">pic.twitter.com/zAsGzHI9TQ</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1697270346569650635?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>This statement comes as the ISRO shared its latest update on Chandrayaan-3.</p>

<p>Taking to X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday (August 31st) the space agency revealed that the spacecraft has recorded what seems to be "natural" seismic activity.</p>

<h2><strong>Seismic activity on Moon</strong></h2>

<p>As per ISRO, the "seemingly natural" event was recorded on August 26, 2023 by the Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) payload on Chandrayaan-3's Vikram Lander. On its website, the Indian Space Agency said that "the source of this event is currently under investigation."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/smile-please-chandrayaan-3s-pragyan-rover-shares-first-image-of-vikram-lander-after-successful-landing-630496">Smile, please! Chandrayaan-3's Pragyan Rover shares first image of Vikram Lander on lunar surface</a></strong></p>

<p>On social media platform X, formerly Twitter, ISRO said, "Chandrayaan-3 Mission: In-situ Scientific Experiments - Instrument for the Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) payload on Chandrayaan-3 Lander - the first Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology-based instrument on the moon - has recorded the movements of Rover and other payloads."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chandrayaan-3 Mission:<br />
In-situ Scientific Experiments<br />
<br />
Instrument for the Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) payload on Chandrayaan 3 Lander<br />
-- the first Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology-based instrument on the moon --<br />
has recorded the movements of Rover and other… <a href="https://t.co/Sjd5K14hPl">pic.twitter.com/Sjd5K14hPl</a></p>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1697233941634396420?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Additionally, it has recorded an event, appearing to be a natural one, on August 26, 2023. The source of this event is under investigation," added the Indian space agency.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA)?</strong></h2>

<p>The Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) is one of the payloads onboard the Chandrayaan-3 lander called Vikram.</p>

<p>As per ISRO, "ILSA comprises a cluster of six high-sensitivity accelerometers, which are indigenously fabricated using the Silicon Micromachining process. The core sensing element consists of a spring-mass system with comb-structured electrodes. External vibrations lead to a deflection of the spring, resulting in a change in capacitance which is converted into voltage."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-completes-launch-rehearsal-of-saturdays-sun-mission-aditya-l1-630519">ISRO completes rehearsal of Sun mission Aditya-L1’s Saturday launch</a></strong></p>

<p>"ILSA's primary objective is to measure ground vibrations generated by natural quakes, impacts, and artificial events," it adds.</p>

<p>With Chandrayaan-3 mission, India has become the first nation to land a spacecraft on the unexplored South Pole of the moon and just the fourth nation to land on Earth's lunar satellite. The Wednesday (August 23)&nbsp;landing came just days after Russia's Luna-25 failed in a similar mission.</p>

<p>The rover and Vikram, the lander that transported Pragyan to the Moon, are rushing to complete their experiments before the upcoming lunar night, which spans 14 Earth days and is expected to begin next week. Over the period of its two-week lifespan, rover Pragyan will amble around the relatively unmapped South Pole and transmit images and scientific data to Earth.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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As the Pragyan rover, which is part of India's ambitious lunar mission Chandrayaan-3, concludes its first week on the moon's surface, S Somanath, the head of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), informed reporters that all systems on the spacecraft were working well.

As the Pragyan rover, which is part of India's ambitious lunar mission Chandrayaan-3, concludes its first week on the moon's surface, S Somanath, the head of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), informed reporters that all systems on the spacecraft were working well. Speaking to the press, the ISRO chairperson said: "Everything is working fine... All the data is coming through very well. Everything is working well. We are hopeful that by the end of 14 days, our mission will be successfully completed." Also read | Chandrayaan-3 rover Pragyan 'frolicking in the yards of Chandamama'. Watch! Here's what he said. Listen in! VIDEO | "Everything is working fine, and we are hopeful that by the end of 14 days, our mission will be successfully completed," says ISRO chairman S Somanath on Chandrayaan-3.#Chandrayaan3Success pic.twitter.com/zAsGzHI9TQ — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 31, 2023 × This statement comes as the ISRO shared its latest update on Chandrayaan-3. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday (August 31st) the space agency revealed that the spacecraft has recorded what seems to be "natural" seismic activity. Seismic activity on Moon As per ISRO, the "seemingly natural" event was recorded on August 26, 2023 by the Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) payload on Chandrayaan-3's Vikram Lander. On its website, the Indian Space Agency said that "the source of this event is currently under investigation." Also read | Smile, please! Chandrayaan-3's Pragyan Rover shares first image of Vikram Lander on lunar surface On social media platform X, formerly Twitter, ISRO said, "Chandrayaan-3 Mission: In-situ Scientific Experiments - Instrument for the Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) payload on Chandrayaan-3 Lander - the first Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology-based instrument on the moon - has recorded the movements of Rover and other payloads." Chandrayaan-3 Mission: In-situ Scientific Experiments Instrument for the Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) payload on Chandrayaan 3 Lander -- the first Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology-based instrument on the moon -- has recorded the movements of Rover and other… pic.twitter.com/Sjd5K14hPl — ISRO (@isro) August 31, 2023 × "Additionally, it has recorded an event, appearing to be a natural one, on August 26, 2023. The source of this event is under investigation," added the Indian space agency. What is the Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA)? The Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) is one of the payloads onboard the Chandrayaan-3 lander called Vikram. As per ISRO, "ILSA comprises a cluster of six high-sensitivity accelerometers, which are indigenously fabricated using the Silicon Micromachining process. The core sensing element consists of a spring-mass system with comb-structured electrodes. External vibrations lead to a deflection of the spring, resulting in a change in capacitance which is converted into voltage." Also read | ISRO completes rehearsal of Sun mission Aditya-L1’s Saturday launch "ILSA's primary objective is to measure ground vibrations generated by natural quakes, impacts, and artificial events," it adds. With Chandrayaan-3 mission, India has become the first nation to land a spacecraft on the unexplored South Pole of the moon and just the fourth nation to land on Earth's lunar satellite. The Wednesday (August 23) landing came just days after Russia's Luna-25 failed in a similar mission. The rover and Vikram, the lander that transported Pragyan to the Moon, are rushing to complete their experiments before the upcoming lunar night, which spans 14 Earth days and is expected to begin next week. Over the period of its two-week lifespan, rover Pragyan will amble around the relatively unmapped South Pole and transmit images and scientific data to Earth. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chandrayaan-3: ‘Pragyan’ completes 7 days on moon, ISRO chief says ‘everything is working fine’

<p>With an Indian-built satellite GSAT-24 having formally commenced its operations, from around 36,500 km&nbsp;above the earth's surface, subscribers of India's Tata Play DTH Service would have the option to view 300 more television channels.</p>

<p>Prior to the operationalisation of GSAT-24, Tata Play&nbsp;(formerly Tata Sky) was able to broadcast only 600 channels, and that number would now increase to 900 channels.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chairman and Managing Director, NSIL, D. Radhakrishnan said, “GSAT-24 has been the first Demand Driven communication satellite mission undertaken by NSIL post space sector reforms. The GSAT-24 satellite is ready to usher in a new era of satellite television for India".</p>

<p>Built by ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru, the GSAT-24 satellite is the first demand-driven mission of NewSpace India Limited(NSIL), which is ISRO's commercial arm.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/if-everything-fails-isro-chiefs-big-comment-on-chandrayaan-3-landing-on-august-23-623626"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;`If everything fails...`: ISRO chief`s BIG comment on Chandrayaan-3 landing on August 23</strong></a></p>

<p>GSAT-24 is a 24-Ku band communication satellite, meant to cater to the requirement of Tata Play’s DTH application needs. NSIL, incorporated in March 2019, is a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Indian Government's Department of Space (DOS). The entire satellite capacity on-board GSAT-24 is leased to its committed customer Tata Play.</p>

<p>ISRO Chairman, Dr. S. Somanath said, “GSAT-24, a 4-tonne class communication satellite built by ISRO for providing DTH services, is fully operational at its maximum satellite capacity, following exhaustive in-orbit testing. This momentous achievement signifies a revolution in India’s telecommunications space, driven by cutting-edge indigenous technology. It serves as a tribute to our nation’s aerospace prowess and heralds India’s successful entry into the Demand Driven Mission segment.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Chandrayaan-3 now within moon's gravitational orbit&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>According to Tata Play, the increased bandwidth, after the inclusion of GSAT-24, will enable the DTH service to provide its users with an even sharper picture and sound quality, and an ability to carry 50 per cent more channels while becoming the largest satellite bandwidth provider among all DTH platforms.</p>

<p>Tata Play’s MD &amp; CEO Shri Harit Nagpal said, “Viewing experience has been Tata Play’s key priority. This collaboration with NSIL will provide our DTH subscribers with an even better video and audio quality and many more channels and services. It also strengthens our commitment to Linear TV in a country where approximately 140million homes are yet to buy their first TV”.</p>

<p>The GSAT-24 satellite was launched into orbit using a European Ariane-V rocket from their European Space Agency's Kourou Spaceport in French Guiana. The satellite was launched into orbit successfully on June 22nd, 2022.</p>

<p>After getting placed in orbit last mid-2022, various processes and technical assessments including on-orbit testing were carried out prior to operationalizing the satellite for broadcast operations. Meanwhile, the ground stations of Tata Play, that are meant to communicate with the satellite also were set up.&nbsp;</p>

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With an Indian-built satellite GSAT-24 having formally commenced its operations, from around 36,500 km above the earth's surface, subscribers of India's Tata Play DTH Service would have the option to view 300 more television channels.

With an Indian-built satellite GSAT-24 having formally commenced its operations, from around 36,500 km above the earth's surface, subscribers of India's Tata Play DTH Service would have the option to view 300 more television channels. Prior to the operationalisation of GSAT-24, Tata Play (formerly Tata Sky) was able to broadcast only 600 channels, and that number would now increase to 900 channels. Chairman and Managing Director, NSIL, D. Radhakrishnan said, “GSAT-24 has been the first Demand Driven communication satellite mission undertaken by NSIL post space sector reforms. The GSAT-24 satellite is ready to usher in a new era of satellite television for India". Built by ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru, the GSAT-24 satellite is the first demand-driven mission of NewSpace India Limited(NSIL), which is ISRO's commercial arm. Also read: `If everything fails...`: ISRO chief`s BIG comment on Chandrayaan-3 landing on August 23 GSAT-24 is a 24-Ku band communication satellite, meant to cater to the requirement of Tata Play’s DTH application needs. NSIL, incorporated in March 2019, is a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Indian Government's Department of Space (DOS). The entire satellite capacity on-board GSAT-24 is leased to its committed customer Tata Play. ISRO Chairman, Dr. S. Somanath said, “GSAT-24, a 4-tonne class communication satellite built by ISRO for providing DTH services, is fully operational at its maximum satellite capacity, following exhaustive in-orbit testing. This momentous achievement signifies a revolution in India’s telecommunications space, driven by cutting-edge indigenous technology. It serves as a tribute to our nation’s aerospace prowess and heralds India’s successful entry into the Demand Driven Mission segment.” Also read: Chandrayaan-3 now within moon's gravitational orbit × According to Tata Play, the increased bandwidth, after the inclusion of GSAT-24, will enable the DTH service to provide its users with an even sharper picture and sound quality, and an ability to carry 50 per cent more channels while becoming the largest satellite bandwidth provider among all DTH platforms. Tata Play’s MD & CEO Shri Harit Nagpal said, “Viewing experience has been Tata Play’s key priority. This collaboration with NSIL will provide our DTH subscribers with an even better video and audio quality and many more channels and services. It also strengthens our commitment to Linear TV in a country where approximately 140million homes are yet to buy their first TV”. The GSAT-24 satellite was launched into orbit using a European Ariane-V rocket from their European Space Agency's Kourou Spaceport in French Guiana. The satellite was launched into orbit successfully on June 22nd, 2022. After getting placed in orbit last mid-2022, various processes and technical assessments including on-orbit testing were carried out prior to operationalizing the satellite for broadcast operations. Meanwhile, the ground stations of Tata Play, that are meant to communicate with the satellite also were set up. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

ISRO-built satellite to bring 300 more channels on Tata Play; include Andamans, Northeast in coverage

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to return to the Moon with Chandrayaan-3. The launch from SDSC is slated for July 14th at 2:35 PM. The lunar spacecraft's payload fairing has been mounted on the LVM-3 as well as the satellite launch vehicle that will deliver it to the moon's orbit.

Unpacking India's ambitious Lunar Mission

<p><strong>Chandrayaan-3 launch: </strong>India is all set to launch its third moon mission, Chandrayaan-3 on July 14. The lunar mission by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aims to put a lander and a rover on the moon’s South Pole. The Chandryaan-3 will be launched by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/india-news/business-economy/lvm3-all-about-chandrayaan3-launch-vehicle-1688631723114">Launch Vehicle Mark III (LVM3),</a> also known as Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III.</p>

<p>The primary aim of the third moon mission, worth Rs 615 crore ($82 million), is to achieve a successful soft landing of the lander on the moon, followed by the deployment of a rover to carry out a range of experiments.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Chandrayaan-3: Launch date and time</strong></h2>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/india-news/business-economy/chandrayaan3-what-you-should-know-about-indias-moon-mission-1688377995659">ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3</a> is scheduled to launch on Friday, July 14 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The launch will take place at 2:35 pm IST. After a successful launch, the lander of Chandrayaan-3 is expected to embark on a journey lasting slightly over a month. It is then expected to soft-land on the lunar surface on August 23-24.</p>

<h2><strong>Chandrayaan-3: Where and how to watch the launch live?</strong></h2>

<p>Anyone interested in watching the launch live from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre’s Launch View Gallery can do so by registering on the link provided by ISRO's official Twitter account.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Interested candidates can stream the launch online in real-time on the ISRO official YouTube channel or Doordarshan.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">LVM3-M4/Chandrayaan-3 Mission:<br />
Vehicle electrical tests completed.<br />
<br />
Citizens are invited to witness the launch from the Launch View Gallery at SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota, by registering at <a href="https://t.co/J9jd8ylRcC">https://t.co/J9jd8ylRcC</a></p>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1677203551557238786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Chandrayaan-3: Will India achieve a successful soft landing on moon this time?</strong></h2>

<p>Chandrayaan-3 is the third instalment of the Chandrayaan series and India's second attempt to achieve a soft landing on the Moon's surface. Only three countries have successfully landed spacecraft on the airless lunar surface.</p>

<p>Ahead of the Chandrayaan-3 launch, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S Somanath on Monday said that they “will be able to do a soft landing on the Moon” during the mission.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In order to achieve this feat, many changes and new additions are made to the third instalment of the Chandrayaan series. It consists of an indigenous Lander module (LM), a Propulsion module (PM), and a rover with the objective of developing and demonstrating new technologies required for interplanetary missions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/countdown-begins-isro-to-launch-chandrayaan-3-on-july-14-all-details-here-612770">Countdown begins: ISRO to launch Chandrayaan-3 on July 14 | All details here</a></p>

<p>The Lander will have the capability to soft land at a specified lunar site and deploy the rover which will carry out in-situ chemical analysis of the lunar surface during the course of its mobility.</p>

<p>The propulsion module will carry the lander from launch vehicle injection to the final lunar 100 km circular polar orbit and separate the two.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Chandrayaan-3 launch: India is all set to launch its third moon mission, Chandrayaan-3 on July 14. The lunar mission by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aims to put a lander and a rover on the moon’s South Pole.

Chandrayaan-3 launch: India is all set to launch its third moon mission, Chandrayaan-3 on July 14. The lunar mission by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aims to put a lander and a rover on the moon’s South Pole. The Chandryaan-3 will be launched by Launch Vehicle Mark III (LVM3), also known as Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III. The primary aim of the third moon mission, worth Rs 615 crore ($82 million), is to achieve a successful soft landing of the lander on the moon, followed by the deployment of a rover to carry out a range of experiments. Chandrayaan-3: Launch date and time ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 is scheduled to launch on Friday, July 14 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The launch will take place at 2:35 pm IST. After a successful launch, the lander of Chandrayaan-3 is expected to embark on a journey lasting slightly over a month. It is then expected to soft-land on the lunar surface on August 23-24. Chandrayaan-3: Where and how to watch the launch live? Anyone interested in watching the launch live from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre’s Launch View Gallery can do so by registering on the link provided by ISRO's official Twitter account. Interested candidates can stream the launch online in real-time on the ISRO official YouTube channel or Doordarshan. LVM3-M4/Chandrayaan-3 Mission: Vehicle electrical tests completed. Citizens are invited to witness the launch from the Launch View Gallery at SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota, by registering at https://t.co/J9jd8ylRcC — ISRO (@isro) July 7, 2023 × Chandrayaan-3: Will India achieve a successful soft landing on moon this time? Chandrayaan-3 is the third instalment of the Chandrayaan series and India's second attempt to achieve a soft landing on the Moon's surface. Only three countries have successfully landed spacecraft on the airless lunar surface. Ahead of the Chandrayaan-3 launch, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S Somanath on Monday said that they “will be able to do a soft landing on the Moon” during the mission. In order to achieve this feat, many changes and new additions are made to the third instalment of the Chandrayaan series. It consists of an indigenous Lander module (LM), a Propulsion module (PM), and a rover with the objective of developing and demonstrating new technologies required for interplanetary missions. Also Read | Countdown begins: ISRO to launch Chandrayaan-3 on July 14 | All details here The Lander will have the capability to soft land at a specified lunar site and deploy the rover which will carry out in-situ chemical analysis of the lunar surface during the course of its mobility. The propulsion module will carry the lander from launch vehicle injection to the final lunar 100 km circular polar orbit and separate the two. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chandrayaan-3: India's third moon mission to launch on July 14. Here's how to watch the historic launch live

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its next generation of navigation satellites on Monday. With this India has demonstrated the ability to evolve as it alerts from previous rocket failures in August 2021.

ISRO Chief Dr. S Somnath speaks to WION, says 'India has means to make indigenous systems global'

Future scientists and researchers of the Indian Space Organisation ISRO are trained at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram.

IIST: WION reports from Indian institute of space science and technology

The Indian Space Agency, ISRO, has announced a successful runway landing of a space plane 'RLV-TD'. This takes India further into endeavours to build a reusable space vehicle. Watch the video to know more about the space plane and its landing.

India: ISRO collaborates with DRDO, Indian Air Force; space plane 'RLV-TD' makes successful landing

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch three satellites into space. The mission is a second attempt to launch a new mini vehicle SSLV and the launch is scheduled just few moments from now.

India: SSLV-D2 becomes ISRO's first launch mission of 2023

India: ISRO's first launch of 2023, adds fourth rocket to its arsenal

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<p>The Indian space industry witnessed significant growth in recent times. And the year 2022 was indeed a success story as the industry achieved remarkable milestones under the guidance of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).&nbsp;</p>

<p>When it comes to the space industry, India will remember 2022 as a year that had a high percentage of successful launches. Besides that, India also saw the biggest commercial launch, leasing launch vehicles to private corporations, and launching rocket and satellite payloads for Indian corporate entities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several factors have played their parts when it comes to the Indian space industry and its substantial growth. But there's no denying the fact that privatisation of the Indian space sector opened new doors with many opportunities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/100-indian-space-sector-start-ups-have-raised-nearly-250mn-in-funding-industry-body-543833">100+ Indian space-sector start-ups have raised nearly $250mn in funding: Industry body</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>As part of changes to boost commercial participation in the space sector, the government launched a new organisation, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), in June 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Through IN-SPACe, an organisation inside the Department of Space, the Indian government allowed private actors to participate in space exploration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government established NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) to increase the participation of Indian Industries in undertaking high-tech space-related operations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (Retd)</strong>, who is the&nbsp;<strong>director general of the Indian Space Association (ISpA)</strong>, said that as we look back at the year 2022, the "industry witnessed some major milestones in the growth journey of the private sector with NSIL authorising the space conglomerate formed by Larsen &amp; Toubro (L&amp;T) and HAL an Rs 860-crore contract for the commercial development of next 5 Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLVs) and the pact of OneWeb with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) to launch LEO satellites from India and signing the first license contract with DoT for satellite broadband followed by the successful launch of 36 LEO satellites from Sriharikota".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He thanked the government for the steps taken to better the industry, and said that "the growth achieved by India's private space industry is the result of the landmark decision taken by our Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi in 2020 to open our space industry to private sector".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/uaes-maiden-lunar-rover-rashid-has-an-indian-connect-544626">UAE's maiden lunar rover 'Rashid' has an Indian connect</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The global space industry is estimated to be worth $440 billion and is expected to reach over $1 trillion by 2040, according to Morgan Stanley. Such growth will present massive opportunities for organisations across the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the Indian government statistics, India's share in the global space industry is less than three per cent. But according to a joint report by Ernst &amp; Young (EY) and ISpA, the Indian space economy is expected to reach $12.8466 billion by 2025.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (Retd)&nbsp;</strong>pointed out all the noteworthy achievements that happened in 2022:&nbsp;</p>

<p>-The launch of the first Private Launch Vehicle from Skyroot this year has made significant strides in the growth of the private space industry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>-Rising Indian space startups like Pixxel launched the third hyperspectral satellite ‘Anand’ for Earth observation applications following the launch of ‘Shakuntala’ earlier this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>-Dhruva Space, a space firm aimed at developing full-stack space engineering solutions, successfully validated its Satellite Orbital Deployer during the PSLV C53 mission and subsequently launched two nanosatellites for amateur communications in PSLV C54 using the P-dot satellite platform.&nbsp;</p>

<p>-Digantara, an aerospace company based out in Bengaluru, Karnataka, built the world’s first commercial space weather sensor</p>

<p>-Agnikul Cosmos under the aegis of IN-SPACe established India’s first private space vehicle launchpad at Sriharikota.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that these "strides by the startups and young entrepreneurs will encourage technology development in space for defence applications through 75 Defence Space Challenges", also known as Mission DefSpace which was launched by PM Modi during DefEXPO 2022.&nbsp;</p>

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The Indian space industry witnessed significant growth in recent times. And the year 2022 was indeed a success story as the industry achieved remarkable milestones under the guidance of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

The Indian space industry witnessed significant growth in recent times. And the year 2022 was indeed a success story as the industry achieved remarkable milestones under the guidance of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). When it comes to the space industry, India will remember 2022 as a year that had a high percentage of successful launches. Besides that, India also saw the biggest commercial launch, leasing launch vehicles to private corporations, and launching rocket and satellite payloads for Indian corporate entities. Several factors have played their parts when it comes to the Indian space industry and its substantial growth. But there's no denying the fact that privatisation of the Indian space sector opened new doors with many opportunities. ALSO READ | 100+ Indian space-sector start-ups have raised nearly $250mn in funding: Industry body As part of changes to boost commercial participation in the space sector, the government launched a new organisation, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), in June 2020. Through IN-SPACe, an organisation inside the Department of Space, the Indian government allowed private actors to participate in space exploration. The government established NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) to increase the participation of Indian Industries in undertaking high-tech space-related operations. Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (Retd), who is the director general of the Indian Space Association (ISpA), said that as we look back at the year 2022, the "industry witnessed some major milestones in the growth journey of the private sector with NSIL authorising the space conglomerate formed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and HAL an Rs 860-crore contract for the commercial development of next 5 Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLVs) and the pact of OneWeb with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) to launch LEO satellites from India and signing the first license contract with DoT for satellite broadband followed by the successful launch of 36 LEO satellites from Sriharikota". He thanked the government for the steps taken to better the industry, and said that "the growth achieved by India's private space industry is the result of the landmark decision taken by our Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi in 2020 to open our space industry to private sector". ALSO READ | UAE's maiden lunar rover 'Rashid' has an Indian connect The global space industry is estimated to be worth $440 billion and is expected to reach over $1 trillion by 2040, according to Morgan Stanley. Such growth will present massive opportunities for organisations across the world. According to the Indian government statistics, India's share in the global space industry is less than three per cent. But according to a joint report by Ernst & Young (EY) and ISpA, the Indian space economy is expected to reach $12.8466 billion by 2025. Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (Retd) pointed out all the noteworthy achievements that happened in 2022: -The launch of the first Private Launch Vehicle from Skyroot this year has made significant strides in the growth of the private space industry. -Rising Indian space startups like Pixxel launched the third hyperspectral satellite ‘Anand’ for Earth observation applications following the launch of ‘Shakuntala’ earlier this year. -Dhruva Space, a space firm aimed at developing full-stack space engineering solutions, successfully validated its Satellite Orbital Deployer during the PSLV C53 mission and subsequently launched two nanosatellites for amateur communications in PSLV C54 using the P-dot satellite platform. -Digantara, an aerospace company based out in Bengaluru, Karnataka, built the world’s first commercial space weather sensor -Agnikul Cosmos under the aegis of IN-SPACe established India’s first private space vehicle launchpad at Sriharikota. He said that these "strides by the startups and young entrepreneurs will encourage technology development in space for defence applications through 75 Defence Space Challenges", also known as Mission DefSpace which was launched by PM Modi during DefEXPO 2022. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

New era of space exploration: Indian space industry witnessed major milestones in 2022

The 56th launch of India's PSLV or the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle rocket is said to take place in a short while from now. The launch is significant as it will showcase India's gestures towards space diplomacy. It will also provide an opportunity to Indian startups to have their satellites placed into the orbit.

India: ISRO to launch PSLV on its 56th mission; rocket to carry nine satellites

It was the day of many firsts for the Indian Space Research Organisation. The agency launched its heaviest rocket so far a total of 36 Broadband Communications satellites were on board. The rocket is a launch vehicle Mark III.

India: ISRO Rocket Launch | 36 satellites on board lifts off

<p>A Ukrainian Antonov-124 transporter plane, ferrying precious cargo that belonged to a British Internet service provider, flew all the way from Florida in the US to the Indian city of Chennai. As amazing as it sounds, these are among the final steps that are underway for the much-awaited, maiden commercial launch of India's heavy-lifter rocket, the GSLV Mk3.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While India's GSLV Mk3 has flown all four Indian national missions successfully to date, this will be the first time that the rocket will be performing the paid service of ferrying customer satellites into space.</p>

<p>The cargo offloaded by the heavy-lift transporter plane were the 36 satellites of British internet service provider 'OneWeb', which are to be launched from India's spaceport in Sriharikota. The launch, which is said to be scheduled for October will mark a major milestone for India's space agency - the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).</p>

<p>The GSLV Mk3 rocket is a three-stage heavy-lift launch vehicle developed by ISRO. The vehicle has two solid strap-on motors (burns solid fuel), a core-stage liquid booster (burns a combination of liquid fuels) and a cryogenic upper stage (burns liquid hydrogen with liquid oxygen).</p>

<p>It is designed to carry 4 ton class of satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) or about 10 tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which is about twice the capability of its predecessor, the GSLV Mk II.</p>

<p>Thus far, ISRO has purely relied on its PSLV rocket (that can carry up to 1.75 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit), to do commercial launches. The addition of the GSLV MK3 to this list would mean that India can make a greater impact in the international market and thereby earn revenue from launching heavier customer satellites.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Florida ➡️ Satish Dhawan Space Centre<br />
<br />
We are excited to confirm the arrival of 36 satellites at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in advance of a planned launch from Sriharikota, India 🛰️<br />
<br />
Thanks to our launch partners, <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/NSIL_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NSIL_India</a> as well as the team at <a href="https://twitter.com/OneWebSatellit1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OneWebSatellit1</a>. <a href="https://t.co/sNapT8aG9R">pic.twitter.com/sNapT8aG9R</a></p>
— OneWeb (@OneWeb) <a href="https://twitter.com/OneWeb/status/1572109306710970369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Making an announcement of the satellites having landed in India, OneWeb tweeted, "Florida ➡️ Satish Dhawan Space Centre. We are excited to confirm the arrival of 36 satellites at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in advance of a planned launch from Sriharikota, India 🛰️Thanks to our launch partners, @isro and @NSIL_India as well as the team at @OneWebSatellit1".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-gslv-mk3-rocket-to-launch-oneweb-satellites-in-oct22-and-jan23-isro-chairman-493475">India's GSLV Mk3 rocket to launch Oneweb satellites in Oct'22 and Jan'23: ISRO Chairman</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier this year, Chairman, ISRO, Dr S.Somanath mentioned two launches that the GSLV Mk3 would be performing for the UK-based OneWeb. While the first launch was said to be in October 2022, the second launch is likely to be in January 2023.&nbsp;</p>


A Ukrainian Antonov-124 transporter plane, ferrying precious cargo that belonged to a British Internet service provider, flew all the way from Florida in the US to the Indian city of Chennai.

A Ukrainian Antonov-124 transporter plane, ferrying precious cargo that belonged to a British Internet service provider, flew all the way from Florida in the US to the Indian city of Chennai. As amazing as it sounds, these are among the final steps that are underway for the much-awaited, maiden commercial launch of India's heavy-lifter rocket, the GSLV Mk3. While India's GSLV Mk3 has flown all four Indian national missions successfully to date, this will be the first time that the rocket will be performing the paid service of ferrying customer satellites into space. The cargo offloaded by the heavy-lift transporter plane were the 36 satellites of British internet service provider 'OneWeb', which are to be launched from India's spaceport in Sriharikota. The launch, which is said to be scheduled for October will mark a major milestone for India's space agency - the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The GSLV Mk3 rocket is a three-stage heavy-lift launch vehicle developed by ISRO. The vehicle has two solid strap-on motors (burns solid fuel), a core-stage liquid booster (burns a combination of liquid fuels) and a cryogenic upper stage (burns liquid hydrogen with liquid oxygen). It is designed to carry 4 ton class of satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) or about 10 tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which is about twice the capability of its predecessor, the GSLV Mk II. Thus far, ISRO has purely relied on its PSLV rocket (that can carry up to 1.75 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit), to do commercial launches. The addition of the GSLV MK3 to this list would mean that India can make a greater impact in the international market and thereby earn revenue from launching heavier customer satellites. Florida ➡️ Satish Dhawan Space Centre We are excited to confirm the arrival of 36 satellites at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in advance of a planned launch from Sriharikota, India 🛰️ Thanks to our launch partners, @isro and @NSIL_India as well as the team at @OneWebSatellit1. pic.twitter.com/sNapT8aG9R — OneWeb (@OneWeb) September 20, 2022 × Making an announcement of the satellites having landed in India, OneWeb tweeted, "Florida ➡️ Satish Dhawan Space Centre. We are excited to confirm the arrival of 36 satellites at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in advance of a planned launch from Sriharikota, India 🛰️Thanks to our launch partners, @isro and @NSIL_India as well as the team at @OneWebSatellit1". Also read | India's GSLV Mk3 rocket to launch Oneweb satellites in Oct'22 and Jan'23: ISRO Chairman Earlier this year, Chairman, ISRO, Dr S.Somanath mentioned two launches that the GSLV Mk3 would be performing for the UK-based OneWeb. While the first launch was said to be in October 2022, the second launch is likely to be in January 2023.

As ISRO launch vehicle GSLV Mk3 gets ready for maiden commercial flight; 'OneWeb' passengers arrive

<p>India's new-age rocket, the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) would have its maiden flight by July end, said ISRO Chairman, Dr S. Somanath. He was speaking following the successful launch of the PSLV-C53 mission that ISRO had performed to orbit three customer satellites from Singapore. Having completed two launch missions in 2022, Somanath added that ISRO is looking forward to performing three more launch missions by the end of the year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>SSLV is a rocket that is designed to orbit satellites weighing less than 500kg in Low Earth Orbit. Dr Somanath had earlier told WION that SSLV was being conceptualised as a rocket that can be handed over to the Indian industry for the entire manufacturing process and it can be put together for launch in a week's time. He had added that SSLV uses less-exotic materials in its manufacturing process to ensure that it is kept simple and easy to adopt by industry.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;All the times humanity tried to communicate with aliens</strong></p>

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<p>On the 'POEM' (PSLV Orbital Experiment Module) that is being carried out by the fourth stage of the PSLV C-53 rocket, he said that it was akin to recycling space debris and putting it to productive uses. "This time, the stage won't be uncontrolled (it will be stabilised) and we have used on-board computers and sensors to handle it," he said, referring to how the stage carries science experiments from Indian start-ups.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-venus-mission-plan-ready-chairman-urges-academia-scientists-to-work-on-specific-outcomes-476570">'Focus on how it will benefit India and the world' ISRO Chairman tells scientists, on upcoming Venus Mission</a></strong></p>

<p>Sharing updates on the upcoming high-profile national missions, he said that the Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight mission would happen only around 2024 and elaborated that two Crew Escape system tests would be carried out this year, using a new vehicle known as 'Test Vehicle' or TV.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Unmanned mission we could have by mid-2023 and then we will have two more escape tests and then another unmanned mission, followed by a manned mission," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-takes-control-of-its-foreign-launched-gsat-24-satellite-finds-it-healthy-491118">ISRO takes control of its foreign-launched 'GSAT-24' satellite, finds it healthy</a></strong></p>

<p>In terms of Aditya-L1, the science mission to study the Sun, he said that its critical payload- a Coronagraph to study the sun's corona effect was being tested and calibrated at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and could possibly be launched by year-end. With regards third Lunar mission Chandrayaan-3, the Chairman said that testing of its lander propulsion systems and ruggedization of the Lunar lander's legs were in progress.<br />
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India's new-age rocket, the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) would have its maiden flight by July end, said ISRO Chairman, Dr S. Somanath. He was speaking following the successful launch of the PSLV-C53 mission that ISRO had performed to orbit three customer satellites from Singapore.

India's new-age rocket, the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) would have its maiden flight by July end, said ISRO Chairman, Dr S. Somanath. He was speaking following the successful launch of the PSLV-C53 mission that ISRO had performed to orbit three customer satellites from Singapore. Having completed two launch missions in 2022, Somanath added that ISRO is looking forward to performing three more launch missions by the end of the year. SSLV is a rocket that is designed to orbit satellites weighing less than 500kg in Low Earth Orbit. Dr Somanath had earlier told WION that SSLV was being conceptualised as a rocket that can be handed over to the Indian industry for the entire manufacturing process and it can be put together for launch in a week's time. He had added that SSLV uses less-exotic materials in its manufacturing process to ensure that it is kept simple and easy to adopt by industry. Watch | All the times humanity tried to communicate with aliens On the 'POEM' (PSLV Orbital Experiment Module) that is being carried out by the fourth stage of the PSLV C-53 rocket, he said that it was akin to recycling space debris and putting it to productive uses. "This time, the stage won't be uncontrolled (it will be stabilised) and we have used on-board computers and sensors to handle it," he said, referring to how the stage carries science experiments from Indian start-ups. Also read | 'Focus on how it will benefit India and the world' ISRO Chairman tells scientists, on upcoming Venus Mission Sharing updates on the upcoming high-profile national missions, he said that the Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight mission would happen only around 2024 and elaborated that two Crew Escape system tests would be carried out this year, using a new vehicle known as 'Test Vehicle' or TV. "Unmanned mission we could have by mid-2023 and then we will have two more escape tests and then another unmanned mission, followed by a manned mission," he said. Also read | ISRO takes control of its foreign-launched 'GSAT-24' satellite, finds it healthy In terms of Aditya-L1, the science mission to study the Sun, he said that its critical payload- a Coronagraph to study the sun's corona effect was being tested and calibrated at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and could possibly be launched by year-end. With regards third Lunar mission Chandrayaan-3, the Chairman said that testing of its lander propulsion systems and ruggedization of the Lunar lander's legs were in progress.

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